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Celebrating President Joe Biden's Remarkable Legacy

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) speaks on the Senate Floor
U.S. Senate
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U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) speaks on the Senate Floor

In a heartfelt speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) lauded President Joe Biden for his unwavering dedication and numerous accomplishments throughout his illustrious career. Durbin expressed deep gratitude for Biden's decades of service to the nation, calling him "one of the most successful modern presidents."

Durbin recounted Biden's influential roles, from his time as a U.S. Senator from Delaware and Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee to his tenure as Vice President under President Obama and finally as President of the United States. Highlighting Biden's personal and professional resilience, Durbin noted how Biden overcame immense personal tragedies, including the loss of his first wife and daughter in a car accident and the death of his son Beau to brain cancer.

Comparing Biden's decision not to seek a second term to George Washington's choice to decline a third term, Durbin emphasized the President's commitment to placing the country's interests above his own. "Although the two-term limit would not be enshrined in law until almost 200 years later, George Washington's actions set a valuable precedent," Durbin remarked. "President Joe Biden's decision to decline the Democratic Party's nomination was certainly in the spirit of that tradition."

Durbin praised Biden's leadership in navigating the nation through the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw millions of Americans vaccinated and the passage of the American Rescue Plan. This plan provided critical financial support to working families, addressed the public health crisis, and helped revive the economy. Under Biden's administration, nearly 16 million jobs were created, and the unemployment rate remained at or below four percent for 30 consecutive months, the longest stretch in half a century.

Additionally, Durbin highlighted the passage of significant legislation under Biden's leadership, including the bipartisan infrastructure law, which modernized the nation's aging infrastructure, expanded access to clean drinking water and high-speed internet, and prepared the country to tackle the climate crisis. The Inflation Reduction Act marked historic progress in clean energy, sustainability, and climate resilience, while the CHIPS & Science Act bolstered American competitiveness.

Durbin also noted the administration's success in enacting the most significant gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and forgiving nearly $170 billion in student loan debt for nearly five million Americans. Biden's efforts led to lower prescription drug prices, historic health insurance coverage gains, and a steadfast commitment to reproductive rights.

On the global stage, Biden helped restore faith in America as a world power, global leader, and responsive ally. The United States has been competing more aggressively with China, rebuilding and expanding NATO, and standing up for democracy against autocratic threats.

Durbin concluded his speech by recognizing Biden's legacy of putting the nation first. "A passionate policymaker, committed representative, and all-around good man, President Biden represents the best of us," Durbin said. "History will surely remember him as one of the most successful modern presidents. I am honored to call Joe Biden a colleague, a friend, and a fellow American."

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