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Public disputes over whether people were penalized, or discouraged from speaking, because of what they said, published or protested, including claims that a government action was retaliation for speech.
Counts show individual statements. They do not assign an overall position.
2 statements on this page. Dates: January 14, 2026 to October 28, 2026
2 matching statements. Dates: January 14, 2026 to October 28, 2026
2 published statements. Dates: January 14, 2026 to October 28, 2026
1 published statement. Dates: January 14, 2026
1 statement on this page. Dates: January 14, 2026
Role at the time: U.S. senator from Illinois and Senate Democratic whip
Statement summary
Durbin calls Citizens United mindless and criticizes treating businesses as having the same constitutional rights as individuals.
“This decision that we face today— Citizens United—was mindless. To say that a business has the same rights as individuals under the Constitution is a mindless conclusion.”
The Congressional Record prints Durbin's January 14 floor remarks. His office published a release the following day. His description of the ruling and its effects is his assessment.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)The decision protecting corporate independent election spending is the action examined here. Durbin directly rejects its reasoning and criticizes its political effects; he is not merely proposing an unrelated ethics reform.
1 published statement. Dates: October 28, 2026
1 statement on this page. Dates: October 28, 2026
Role at the time: U.S. senator and lead cosponsor, in a statement quoted by Roll Call
Statement summary
Durbin welcomes legislative routes to enact STOP CSAM during the lame-duck session.
“During the lame duck, I welcome all avenues to push the STOP CSAM Act across the finish line.”
The report quotes Durbin's renewed support and describes competing concerns about platform liability and encryption.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Relative to the proposal under scrutiny, Durbin expressly advocates its passage.
