Durbin Laments Decline of Lawmaking as Senate Career Nears End

Illinois Sen. Richard J. Durbin, the Senate’s No. 2 Democrat, is ending his career with concerns about the decline of legislating.

The Chestnut Post Staff · October 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM EDT

Durbin Laments Decline of Lawmaking as Senate Career Nears End

Sen. Richard J. Durbin of Illinois is approaching the end of his Senate career while lamenting the decline of legislating. He is the chamber’s second-ranking Democrat.

Durbin learned to bring his political fights to the Senate floor and win. But that record included a significant exception: one crucial fight in which he did not prevail.

Originally reported by The New York Times. Read the full story at The New York Times

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