SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke with Catholic Relief Service representatives from the Diocese of Belleville about the international response efforts to the COVID-19 pandemic. Durbin advocated for additional international assistance in the next COVID-19 relief package, including at least $4 billion for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Durbin also called for renewing the United States’ international leadership efforts in the global effort to develop therapeutics and vaccines to treat COVID-19 despite the Trump Administration’s decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization.

Article continues after sponsor message

“The public health pandemic has emphasized the importance of the United States’ involvement in global affairs and the international effort to develop a treatment and vaccine for COVID-19,” said Durbin. “I’m grateful for the Catholic Relief Services’ work here at home and abroad to offer communities health and educational assistance.”

Prefer RiverBender on Google
Copyright 2026 Riverbender.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

 

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

More like this:

Duckworth, Durbin, Senate Democrats Warn Ebola, Hantavirus Risks Worsened by Trump's Foreign Aid Cuts and WHO Withdrawal
3 days ago
Budzinski and Luján Introduce Legislation to Strengthen the Resilience of the U.S. Food Supply Chains
Mar 19, 2026
Duckworth, Durbin Say $70 Billion For ICE Could Instead Fund Healthcare, Lower Costs For Illinoisans
Yesterday
Durbin, Wicker Reintroduce Legislation To Promote Study Abroad
May 17, 2026
Illinois General Assembly Passes Eighth Consecutive Balanced Budget, Pritzker Says
Jun 1, 2026