Lindsey Graham - Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on the Judiciary | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Lindsey Graham - Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on the Judiciary | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, serving as the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement at a recent hearing held by the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution. The hearing, titled “The Censorship Industrial Complex,” addressed concerns about freedom of speech and attempts to revise historical events.
In his statement, Durbin criticized former President Trump and his supporters for allegedly attempting to alter public perception of the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. He noted that some witnesses in attendance had previously downplayed the event by referring to those involved as “grandmas” merely touring the Capitol.
Durbin emphasized: “The First Amendment protects the freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government. These five freedoms form part of the bedrock upon which our Constitution is based. But the First Amendment is under attack by President Trump and his MAGA allies.”
He expressed concern over actions taken against various groups: “In two short months, his targets have included the press… universities, students, and law firms.” According to Durbin, these actions create a chilling effect on free speech.
Durbin drew parallels between current events and historical instances of revisionism: “After World War II... Winston Churchill said... ‘I will write the history.’ We saw that happen then and we saw [it] in Soviet Union... I fear that is what is going on today when it comes to January 6.”
He highlighted violence faced by law enforcement during the Capitol riot: “What happened on January 6 [to] 140 of these men and women in uniform protecting this Capitol? They were beaten unmercifully by a mob.”
Addressing specific cases where individuals involved in January 6 were pardoned by Trump, Durbin provided examples such as Andrew Taake’s criminal background involving assault on officers. He also mentioned David Daniel’s charges related to child pornography after being pardoned.
Durbin concluded with strong words against revising history: “So we are going to rewrite history now? These were ‘grandmas’ on a tour of the Capitol on January 6? Like hell it was.”
Video footage and audio recordings of Durbin's statement are available for further review.
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