![Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], D Senate member, Indiana AI legislation sponsor](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fballotpedia-api4%2Ffiles%2Fthumbs%2F200%2F300%2FRichard_Durbin.jpg&w=256&q=75)
Background
Sen. Richard J. Durbin is a Democrat representing Illinois in the U.S. Senate. He serves as Senate Minority Whip and is the Ranking Member on the Senate Judiciary Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Committee.
AI Position
NeutralSen. Durbin has sponsored the AI LEAD Act, which focuses on establishing leadership and direction for artificial intelligence development. The bill reflects a focus on governance and strategic positioning of AI policy rather than restrictive regulation or unfettered promotion.
AI Bills Sponsored
S 1837
DEFIANCE Act of 2025
Last action: Jan 13, 2026
S 2937
Senator Thom Tillis introduced the AI LEAD Act to regulate how federal agencies use AI systems. The bill requires agencies to tell Congress before buying or using AI, sets up testing requirements to catch problems before deployment, and creates new oversight rules with real penalties if agencies mess up their AI implementations.
Last action: Sep 29, 2025
S 579
Senator Dick Durbin's bill reauthorizes and expands the Department of Energy's quantum information science program, funneling federal dollars into quantum research, workforce development, and partnerships with universities and national labs. It's primarily a research funding bill, not a regulation, though it signals continued federal investment in quantum computing as a strategic priority alongside AI.
Last action: Feb 13, 2025
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