WASHINGTON, DC – Liz Schrayer, President and CEO of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), released the following statement on Senator Dick Durbin’s announcement that he will not seek reelection next year:

For nearly three decades, Senator Dick Durbin has been a powerful champion for America’s leadership on the world stage — recognizing that what happens overseas matters directly to the security and well-being of American families. USGLC’s nationwide network of businesses, non-profits, farmers, faith leaders, and military voices is grateful for his game-changing impact.

Senator Durbin’s leadership has been unmatched when it comes to rallying bipartisan efforts in support of critical international assistance and diplomacy. Over the years, he has led, along with Senator Todd Young (R-IN) and others, an annual letter showcasing the breath of strong support for these programs. In addition, Senator Durbin has played the leadership role from advancing the Paul Simon Water for the World Act, which has transformed access to clean water and sanitation for more than 76 million people worldwide, to his role as a founding member of the Senate Global AIDS Caucus and leading supporter of PEPFAR, consistently seeking to strengthen U.S. global leadership.

USGLC has been proud to work closely with Senator Durbin and his staff throughout his career in Congress – including hosting him in his home state at a town hall meeting, where he voiced his commitment, “I have seen time and again how global development programs are making positive, life-affirming change for people in developing countries and for Americans here at home…Making investments in the International Affairs Budget today will pay back huge dividends for our security and prosperity.”

USGLC was deeply proud to honor Senator Durbin at our 2007 Tribute Celebration for a moving evening. On a personal note, I first met Senator Durbin in his hometown of Springfield, IL when I was a Senior in college, and I have been fortunate to call him a friend and mentor ever since.

On behalf of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, we extend our deepest thanks and best wishes to Senator Durbin and his family—and we look forward to working with him for the remainder of his time in the Senate, and both in and out of public life in the years to come.