Durbin Honors Life And Legacy Of Colin Powell

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today paid tribute on the Senate floor to Secretary of State Colin Powell, who passed away at the age of 84 today. In his remarks, Durbin highlighted how Powell served his nation as a U.S. Army General, a National Security Advisor, the first Black Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the first Black Secretary of State. Durbin also spoke about Powell's upbringing as the son of Jamaican immigrants and his support for the Dream Act.

"But before he held any of those positions, and after he stepped away from them, Colin Powell was always a patriot and a public servant. He was the son of immigrants - Jamaican immigrants who raised their children to make the most of every opportunity that America offered and to show their gratitude to this nation by giving," Durbin reflected. "In 2010, Colin Powell spoke up publicly about a cause that is deeply personal to many people, including myself. He and other military leaders urged the Senate to pass the Dream Act, legislation that would give young immigrants who grew up in the United States a chance to earn their citizenship. Who better to speak to that issue than Colin Powell? The son of immigrants who served this nation with distinction in combat and in public service… Still, tens of thousands of immigrants are risking their lives today defending our nation in uniform. Among them may very well be another Colin Powell. It would be a fitting tribute to Secretary Powell for us to pass immigration reform now, this year."

Video of Durbin's floor speech is available here.

Audio of Durbin's floor speech is available here.

Footage of Durbin's floor speech is available herefor TV stations.

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