Durbin issues statement on White House briefing on border security

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today issued the following statement after attending the White House briefing on border security with President Donald Trump and Democratic and Republican congressional leaders:

"Let me be clear: Democrats support strong, effective border security. The type of border security that Democrats have long-supported – including increased funding for technology – is what experts have said is needed and actually works. What doesn’t work is an ineffective, expensive, and medieval wall. But here’s what we should all agree on: large portions of the government shouldn’t be shut down while there’s a debate on border security.

It's as easy as 2 - 3 - 4! That's right, Taco TWOsday - 3 for $4

Shop Local

Historic Route 66 Flea Market

Get This Deal →

"Today, we urged the President and Republican leaders to pass the six other appropriations bills, which would reopen most of the government, along with a short-term bill to keep the Department of Homeland Security funded and working while we continue to debate the path forward on border security. The President failed to give us even one reason why the eight Cabinet departments and dozens of smaller agencies in the six bills, which are separate and apart from border security, should remain closed."

More like this:

Duckworth, Durbin Say $70 Billion For ICE Could Instead Fund Healthcare, Lower Costs For Illinoisans

Jun 15, 2026

Durbin, Padilla Object To Trump Administration’s Refugee Program Solely For White Afrikaners, Condemn Illegal Consultation With Congress

Jun 9, 2026

Duckworth, Warren, Blumenthal Press Trump on Threats to Social Security’s Future

Jun 17, 2026

Durbin Slams Senate Republicans For Blocking Bill To Fund TSA, FEMA, And More While DHS Funding Negotiations Continue

Mar 11, 2026

Durbin Warns Against Warantless Surveillance, Urges FISA 702 Renewal With Reforms

Jun 17, 2026