Sen. Dick Durbin Shuts Out Constituents Over Israel Weapons Vote
CODEPINK News
Yesterday, a group of constituents in Chicago found themselves locked out of Senator Dick Durbin's office, unable to deliver a simple letter urging him to vote yes on Senator Bernie Sanders' Joint Resolution (JRD) to block the sale of more than $20 billion in offensive U.S. weaponry Israel. What should have been a routine exchange of a letter between elected officials and the people they represent instead turned into a frustrating ordeal that raised serious questions about Durbin's work for his constituents or AIPAC.
CODEPINK Chicago members showed up at Durbin's Chicago office hoping to deliver a letter on behalf of Illinois voters urging the senator to support a crucial vote. The letter called for withholding U.S. military aid to Israel—a demand supported by a majority of the people. They were told, however, that they would not be allowed to enter the office. The security guard reportedly dismissed their efforts with a flippant "good luck with that" when they mentioned they would try calling from the lobby.
The group repeatedly attempted to contact Durbin's office by phone, leaving multiple voicemails. Yet, despite their persistence, no one ever picked up. As they waited for a response, Medea Benjamin, co-founder of CODEPINK, took matters into her own hands and went to Durbin's Washington, D.C., office to inform his staff that his constituents in Chicago were waiting for a response.
Unlike most other Senate offices, where constituents can walk in and talk to staff, Durbin's office in Chicago operates on a much more restricted basis. Visitors are required to make an appointment, but as the activists quickly discovered, getting an appointment with Durbin's office isn't easy. Meanwhile, the D.C. staff claimed that the Chicago office "never answers the phone" and suggested emailing. Ultimately, the constituents had no option but to walk away empty-handed — unable to deliver their letter to the senator.
If that wasn't frustrating enough, a security guard then informed them that they weren't allowed to film in the public lobby, despite the large sign clearly indicating that filming was permitted in the area.
So, why is it so difficult to talk to Senator Durbin? After all, he is supposed to work for the people of Illinois. How can he truly represent the views of his constituents if he actively shuts them out and refuses to engage with them? More importantly, how is he supposed to make decisions on their behalf if he's not even willing to listen to their concerns?
Durbin's reluctance to engage with his constituents may have less to do with administrative oversight and more with his ties to powerful interest groups, such as AIPAC (the American Israel Public Affairs Committee). Durbin has received over $1.1 million in campaign contributions from pro-Israel donors, leading many to question whether his political priorities align with the people of Illinois — or with the interests of the Israeli government.
Durbin has long been a strong supporter of U.S. funding for Israel, co-sponsoring a resolution that reaffirms America's commitment to Israel as a democratic state. He has also supported military aid programs like the Iron Dome defense system. In recent months, Durbin has claimed to care about the "increased and prolonged suffering" of Palestinian civilians in Gaza but has yet to take more decisive action. In light of the increasing violence in Gaza, Durbin's constituents have to wonder whether his stance on Israel is actually evolving — or if he's still taking his marching orders from powerful lobby groups.
If he genuinely cares about the "increased and prolonged suffering" of Palestinians, then perhaps he should consider supporting a comprehensive arms embargo rather than continuing to enable U.S. military aid to Israel. If Durbin continues to refuse to listen to the people of Illinois, who have been demanding an end to the genocide for months, he risks alienating the very voters who sent him to Washington in the first place. The same type of alienation that contributed to Kamala Harris' shameful loss to Donald Trump in this year's presidential election.
This frustration expressed by constituents in Chicago is a symptom of a broader issue: the growing disconnect between elected officials and the people they represent. By shutting out his constituents, refusing to engage in meaningful dialogue, and sidelining their concerns, Durbin is sending a clear message that he is more focused on maintaining relationships with powerful lobbyists than listening to Illinois voters' voices.
Senator Durbin, it's time to listen to the people who put you in office. Vote yes on the JRD, withhold that $20 billion weapons package, and maybe, just maybe, try being a little more available to your constituents in the process.
Tell Your Senator To Stop the $20 Billion Arms Transfer to Israel!
