Fellow Illinoisan,

There is not much progress being made in Washington these days and contrary to what my Republican colleagues might tell you, it’s not impeachment and it’s not House Democrats who are holding things up. 

It’s Senator Mitch McConnell.

DURBIN ON THE REAL OBSTACLE TO PROGRESS IN WASHINGTON

During the 116th Congress, the House of Representatives has passed more than 150 pieces of legislation under the steady leadership of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Legislation to lower prescription drug prices, expand gun background checks, and fight climate change. 

• On February 27, the House passed the Bipartisan Background Checks Act. As of today, eight months and many mass shootings later, Senator McConnell has still not brought it up for a vote in the Senate.
  
  
• On April 4, the House passed the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. As we wait to vote on this bill in the Senate, survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence wait for critical updates to this landmark law.
  
  
• On May 2, the House passed the Climate Action Now Act to recommit the United States to the Paris Climate Agreement. The clock is ticking on saving our planet, but the Senate Majority Leader won’t bring this bill to the floor for a vote.
  
  
• On June 4, the House passed the American Dream and Promise Act to protect the hundreds of thousands of Dreamers living in the U.S. and provide them with a path to citizenship. We still have not voted on this bill in the Senate.
  
  
• On July 27, the House passed the Securing America’s Federal Elections Act, or SAFE Act, to push back against foreign interference in our elections and protect our democracy. This bill, like so many others, has not been brought up for a vote by Senator McConnell.

Unfortunately, so many important bills have languished on the desk of Senator McConnell, buried in his legislative graveyard. 

Regardless, Democrats will continue working for the American people. We will keep pushing Senator McConnell to do his job, end the legislative graveyard, and at the very least, take up votes on bills that have passed the House. 

Sincerely, 

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL)