Throughout his years in Congress, Senator Durbin has worked hard to advocate the state's views on national issues while lobbying for federal support for local initiatives.
He led the fight in Congress for major consumer protection and public health advances, including the ban on smoking on airlines, the dramatic expansion of federal funding to fight the global AIDS pandemic, expanded food safety authority for the Food and Drug Administration, new powers for the Consumer Product Safety Commission to make toys and other products safer, and protection from the adverse effects of certain dietary supplements (including a ban on ephedra and mandatory reporting of any serious adverse events associated with supplements use).
He also strengthened Illinois' transportation infrastructure, which is a critical factor supporting economic development in Illinois, by:
* Securing federal funds for major highway, infrastructure, and transit improvements throughout the state, including a rebuilt Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago, new Mississippi River bridges being planned near St. Louis and the Quad Cities, and an expansion of Metra and CTA transit lines in the Chicago area.
* Promoting access to air travel throughout Illinois, including the modernization and expansion of O'Hare Airport, increases in airport improvement grants at many airports around the state, and introduction of new flights to O'Hare and other national hub airports for several downstate airports.
* Fighting to preserve and expand Amtrak's role in the state, including the largest Midwestern expansion of Amtrak service in almost 20 years.
He also worked to create a better health care system for our veterans when they return home, including expanded VA funding and a recently enacted program to identify and treat those who have suffered from traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.
About Dick Durbin: A National Leader
