Democratic Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, who serves as the second highest ranking Democrat in the Senate and chairs the Judiciary Committee, emphasized the seriousness of the bipartisan bill aimed at addressing immigration reform. Responding to Republican Senator James Lankford's characterization of the bill as a political move, Senator Durbin disagreed, stating that the effort was indeed significant and deserving of respect.
Senator Durbin highlighted the necessity of bipartisan support for any legislative measure, particularly underscoring the importance of garnering 60 votes for immigration reform. He acknowledged Senator Lankford's dedication to the bipartisan bill and underscored the critical need for cooperation across party lines.
Regarding the bill's potential impact, Senator Durbin pointed out that the proposed legislation, supported by President Biden, would play a crucial role in combating the influx of fentanyl into the United States and managing border security. He emphasized that these priorities align with the interests of the American people, who are eager to see progress on these pressing issues.
Senator Durbin also criticized the stance of former President Donald Trump, accusing him of advocating for inaction and prolonging the immigration debate until November. He argued that such an approach contradicts the desires of the American public and impedes meaningful progress on critical matters.
