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Richard J. Durbin

U.S. Senator for IL

DemocraticSenate

Positions last updated Oct 12, 2026

In Congress since
1983
Years served
44
Age
81
Current term ends
Jan 3, 2027

Source: Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress (via the public congress-legislators dataset). Photo: official congressional portrait.

Compare with another member

Where their record lies

Between the typical Democratic and typical Republican record

DurbinClose to the typical Democratic record. Richard J. Durbin's record sits -6% of the way from the typical Democratic record to the typical Republican record. 258 Democratic and 269 Republican members are shown; 13 of 530 sit in the middle.
Democratic258 members
Middle13 members
Republican269 members

Close to the typical Democratic record

Richard J. Durbin's record sits -6% of the way from the typical Democratic record to the typical Republican record.

Built from 6 topics that divide the parties. It describes a record of votes and statements, not a person. How this is calculated.

Their record by topic

Further from the center means more agreement with the quiz statement

Web chart of Richard J. Durbin’s positions on 8 topics; a larger shape means stronger agreement.Health careTaxes & spendingImmigrationClimate & energyGunsAbortionEducationForeign policy

Each point averages how Richard J. Durbin votes and what they say on that topic. A topic with no data is left out, not drawn as neutral. The sources are in the sections below.

Where they stand

Each topic is a statement from the quiz. "Agree" means their votes or words line up with it.

  • Health care

    “The federal government should guarantee health coverage for every American.”

    Votes: Strongly agree|Says: Strongly agree

  • Taxes & spending

    “Lowering taxes matters more than expanding government services.”

    Votes: Strongly disagree|Says: Strongly disagree

  • Immigration

    “Border security should be the top priority in immigration policy.”

    Votes: Strongly disagree|Says: Neutral or unsure

  • Climate & energy

    “The federal government should require cuts to carbon emissions, even if energy costs rise.”

    Votes: Agree|Says: Strongly agree

  • Guns

    “Federal law should require background checks on all gun sales, including private sales.”

    Votes: Neutral or unsure|Says: Strongly agree

  • Abortion

    “Abortion law should be decided by each state, not the federal government.”

    Votes: No data|Says: Neutral or unsure

  • Education

    “Public school funding should follow students to the school their family chooses, including private schools.”

    Votes: Disagree|Says: Disagree

  • Foreign policy

    “The U.S. should keep providing military aid to its allies abroad.”

    Votes: Strongly agree|Says: Strongly agree

Votes on key bills

The final vote on each bill Scope tracks (not every vote they have cast). Newest first.

Show 3 more votes

Source: House Clerk and Senate roll-call records via Congress.gov. For every vote they have cast, see GovTrack.

Words versus votes

Pro preview · free for now

No topic where votes and statements point in opposite directions (7 topics compared).

A difference is a prompt to look closer, not proof of anything. Votes come from a short list of tracked bills; statements come from speeches, press releases and bills they put their name on. See the evidence for each topic. On 2 more topics one side is neutral, so there is nothing to contrast.

Campaign money

$80,463 raised in the 2025-2026 cycle

For the 2025-2026 election cycle, through Jun 30, 2026. Who funds a campaign can shape who a member listens to, though it does not decide how they vote.

Raised
$80,463
Spent
$753,718
Cash on hand
$0

Where the money came from

  • Small donors (under $200 each)13%
  • Larger individual donors27%
  • Political action committees (PACs)9%
  • Other51%

Source: Federal Election Commission filings · see top donors on OpenSecrets.

What they work on

91 bills written, 306 signed onto. Top topic: Crime and Law Enforcement

In the current Congress they have written 91 bills and signed on to 306 more. A bill someone writes shows what they want to change.

Topics of the bills they wrote

  • Crime and Law Enforcement19
  • Health17
  • Education16
  • International Affairs13
  • Armed Forces and National Security5

Most recent bills they wrote

  • S. 4213: Data Center Water and Energy Transparency Act of 2026 (Sep 29, 2026)
  • S.J.Res. 213: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rul... (Sep 14, 2026)
  • S. 5060: Child Marriage Prevention Act of 2026 (Jul 21, 2026)
  • S. 4979: PROMISE Act of 2026 (Jul 14, 2026)
  • S.Res. 799: A resolution expressing the condolences of the Senate and honoring the memory of the victims on the fourth anniversar... (Jun 24, 2026)

Source: Sponsorship records from Congress.gov; each bill links to its page there.

Committees

3 committees: Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; Senate Committee on Appropriations...

Committees study and rewrite bills before the full chamber votes.

Source: Committee rosters from the congress-legislators dataset (built from the House and Senate committee pages, as of 2026-10-12). Each committee name links to its official page.

Career in Congress

1983 to present
  • 1983 to 1997U.S. House, IL, district 20Democrat
  • 1997 to presentU.S. Senate, ILDemocrat

Source: Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress

Contact and learn more

Office phone, website, message form and where to read more

Contact their office

Read more about them

Source: Contact details from the member's official pages, via the congress-legislators dataset. Outside sites are not run by Scope.

The evidence, topic by topic

Every position links to the votes, quotes and bills it was built from

Health care

How they vote

Strongly agree (+2)

Calculated from 3 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on billRoll call on billRoll call on An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of S. Con. Res. 14.

Votes behind Durbin, Richard J.'s position on Health care

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

Strongly agree (+2)

Based on 5 cosponsored bills, 7 floor speechs related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

“Their plan to slash health coverage for millions of Americans who rely on Medicaid.”

“There must be some real emergency reason to take health insurance coverage away from 16 million families.”

“takes health insurance away from 17 million people is just plain wrong.”

cosponsored bill: SJRES 84: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Servcosponsored bill: S 46: Health Care Affordability Act of 2025floor speech: WORKING FAMILIES TAX CUT ACTfloor speech: HEALTHCAREcosponsored bill: S 2032: Choose Medicare Actcosponsored bill: S 2073: State Public Option Actcosponsored bill: S 2556: Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act

Statements behind Durbin, Richard J.'s position on Health care

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Taxes & spending

How they vote

Strongly disagree (-2)

Calculated from 2 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.Roll call on bill

Votes behind Durbin, Richard J.'s position on Taxes & spending

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

Strongly disagree (-2)

Based on 2 cosponsored bills, 5 floor speechs related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

“have asked Republicans in Congress to provide a massive giveaway to the wealthiest Americans, and they want to use Medicaid cuts as the piggy bank”

“it strips our institutions of essential services that help the most vulnerable people of our country”

“Because they had an overriding determination to make sure that tax breaks were extended for the wealthiest people in America.”

floor speech: MEDICAIDfloor speech: TRUMP ADMINISTRATIONcosponsored bill: S 1372: Tax Cut for Workers Act of 2025cosponsored bill: S 343: Keep Our PACT Actfloor speech: BUDGET RECONCILIATIONfloor speech: Big Beautiful Bill Act (Executive Session)floor speech: MEDICAID

Statements behind Durbin, Richard J.'s position on Taxes & spending

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Immigration

How they vote

Strongly disagree (-2)

Calculated from 2 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on billRoll call on bill

Votes behind Durbin, Richard J.'s position on Immigration

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

Neutral or unsure (0)

Based on 1 cosponsored bill related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: S 398: NO BAN Act

Statements behind Durbin, Richard J.'s position on Immigration

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Climate & energy

How they vote

Agree (+1)

Calculated from 1 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of S. Con. Res. 14.

Votes behind Durbin, Richard J.'s position on Climate & energy

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

Strongly agree (+2)

Based on 1 cosponsored bill, 2 floor speechs related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

“A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a carbon fee to reduce greenhouse gas emissions”

“A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a carbon fee to reduce greenhouse gas emissions”

cosponsored bill: SRES 36: A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States, States, cities, Tribal nations, businesses, institutions of higher education, and other institutions floor speech: Introductory Statement on S. 2712floor speech: STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

Statements behind Durbin, Richard J.'s position on Climate & energy

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Guns

How they vote

Neutral or unsure (0)

Calculated from 1 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

Votes behind Durbin, Richard J.'s position on Guns

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

Strongly agree (+2)

Based on 6 cosponsored bills related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: S 3214: Background Check Expansion Actcosponsored bill: S 3458: Background Check Completion Act of 2025cosponsored bill: S 889: Extreme Risk Protection Order Expansion Act of 2025cosponsored bill: S 4776: Gun Records Restoration and Preservation Actcosponsored bill: S 2186: Preventing Pretrial Gun Purchases Act

Statements behind Durbin, Richard J.'s position on Guns

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Abortion

How they vote

No data

What they say

Neutral or unsure (0)

Based on 1 cosponsored bill related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: S 2150: Women’s Health Protection Act of 2025

Statements behind Durbin, Richard J.'s position on Abortion

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Education

How they vote

Disagree (-1)

Calculated from 2 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.Roll call on bill

Votes behind Durbin, Richard J.'s position on Education

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

Disagree (-1)

Based on 2 cosponsored bills related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: S 4297: Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Actcosponsored bill: SRES 133: A resolution expressing support for the local public K-12 schools of the United States and condemning any actions that would defund public education or weaken or dismantle

Statements behind Durbin, Richard J.'s position on Education

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Foreign policy

How they vote

Strongly agree (+2)

Calculated from 2 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on billRoll call on Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes.

Votes behind Durbin, Richard J.'s position on Foreign policy

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

Strongly agree (+2)

Based on 2 sponsored bills, 2 cosponsored bills, 5 floor speechs related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

“A bill to establish the Baltic Security Initiative for the purpose of strengthening the defensive capabilities of the Baltic countries”

“appropriating not less than $300,000,000 for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative”

“supporting and strengthening the security of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania (referred to in this section as the ``Baltic countries'') is in the national security interests of the United States”

floor speech: Introductory Statement on S. 1009sponsored bill: SRES 442: A resolution condemning Russian incursions into NATO territory and reaffirming Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty.floor speech: STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONSfloor speech: H.R. 1floor speech: NATO Summit (Executive Session)cosponsored bill: SRES 51: A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States Agency for International Development is essential for advancing the national security interests of thecosponsored bill: SRES 612: A resolution acknowledging the fourth anniversary of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, reaffirming support for the people of Ukraine, and emphasizing the importance of sponsored bill: S 1009: Baltic Security Initiative Actfloor speech: Introductory Statement on S. 4139

Statements behind Durbin, Richard J.'s position on Foreign policy

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Revision history

50 recorded changes
  • Foreign policy (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Education (vote): -1 to -1Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Guns (vote): 0 to 0Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Climate & energy (vote): 1 to 1Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Immigration (vote): -2 to -2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (vote): -2 to -2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Health care (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Education (vote): -1 to -1Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Immigration (vote): -2 to -2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Foreign policy (vote): 2 to 2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (vote): -2 to -2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Climate & energy (vote): 1 to 1Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Health care (vote): 1 to 2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Guns (vote): 0 to 0Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Foreign policy (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Education (vote): -1 to -1Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Guns (vote): 0 to 0Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Climate & energy (vote): 1 to 1Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Immigration (vote): -2 to -2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (vote): -2 to -2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Health care (vote): 1 to 1Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Foreign policy (vote): 2 to 2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Immigration (vote): -2 to -2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Education (vote): -1 to -1Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (vote): -2 to -2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Climate & energy (vote): 1 to 1Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Health care (vote): 1 to 1Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Guns (vote): 0 to 0Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Climate & energy (statement): 2 to 2Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Immigration (statement): 0 to 0Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Education (statement): -1 to -1Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Health care (statement): 2 to 2Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Guns (statement): 2 to 2Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (statement): -2 to -2Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Foreign policy (statement): 2 to 2Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Abortion (statement): 0 to 0Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Climate & energy (statement): 0 to 2Status changed: needs_review to needs_review · Oct 8, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (statement): 0 to -2Status changed: needs_review to needs_review · Oct 8, 2026
  • Climate & energy (statement): created at 0Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Immigration (statement): created at 0Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Abortion (statement): created at 0Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (statement): created at 0Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Foreign policy (statement): created at 2Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Guns (statement): created at 2Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Education (statement): created at -1Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Health care (statement): created at 2Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Foreign policy (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 8, 2026
  • Education (vote): -1 to -1Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 8, 2026
  • Guns (vote): 0 to 0Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 8, 2026
  • Climate & energy (vote): 1 to 1Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 8, 2026