Durbin Delivers Opening Statement During Senate Judiciary Committee Nominations Hearing

WASHINGTON - During today's Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement slamming President Trump's $1.8 billion slush fund for January 6 cop-beaters, denouncing the nomination of Todd Blanche to be the Attorney General, and commenting on the longstanding blue slip practice.

Key Quotes:

"Late last week, the Republican majority jammed through nearly $70 billion to fund President Trump's mass deportation campaign without any reforms to prevent abuses by immigration agents."

"Senate Republicans failed to put in place any guardrails to prevent the President from reviving his MAGA $1.8 billion slush fund for January 6^th cop-beaters. Instead, they are asking us to trust Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, President Trump's former personal lawyer, when he says the fund is no longer viable. But just days ago, President Trump renewed his call for the slush fund."

"The nominees before us are being considered for lifetime appointments on the federal bench. Judges are the last line of defense for our Constitution, especially as this Administration has weaponized the Justice Department against the American people… Since Todd Blanche became Acting Attorney General, he has used the awesome power of the Justice Department to bring flimsy cases against Trump's perceived enemies. In less than a year, the Department has brought two vindictive and baseless indictments against former FBI Director James Comey."

"Not only is this Administration weaponizing federal law enforcement against the American people, it also refuses to respect the rule of law by following court orders when the judicial system holds it accountable. Just last week, Homeland Security Secretary Mullin refused to commit to following court orders, falsely claiming that 'we see courts over and over again that use their bench for their political opinion, not just the rule of law.'"

"The more liberties this Administration erodes, the more important it is for Americans to have trust in the judicial system. This is why we need a judiciary that is not only fair and impartial, but one that rules without fear or favor. We need judges who will truly be neutral arbiters."

"And that is why the Senate's constitutional duty of advice and consent is so critical. Blue slips are an important part of that process, providing home state senators with a voice in selecting district court nominees [for their state]. As Chair of this Committee for four years, I made sure to protect blue slips during the Biden Administration, and I am thankful that Chairman Grassley shares my view on preserving them."

Video of Durbin's opening statement is available here.

Audio of Durbin's opening statement is available here.

Footage of Durbin's opening statement is available here for TV Stations.

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