EAST PEORIA, Ill. – Senator Dick Durbin says it may sound counter-intuitive, and something he might have argued against years ago.
Durbin is talking about a solution to the supply chain situation.
“Long-term, is to make sure as much as possible we have home-based supplies,” said Durbin (D-Springfield), following an event Tuesday at the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce. “We have suppliers who are in the United States that we can count on, who won’t be interrupted because of a war in Ukraine, or a Russian leader who has gone berserk in attacking Ukraine.”
Durbin met with local business leaders Tuesday, and heard a lot about ongoing supply chain concerns and a shortage of truck drivers.
“A gentleman who was here who is in the automotive business, talked about getting the necessary parts — making sure the cars are delivered on time and in a safe fashion,” said Durbin. “All of these things really depend on people who can drive, people who have CDL’s, truck licenses, that they can transport these things.”
Durbin says having home-based supplies will lead to a good industrial base, and, in turn, good-paying jobs.
As for the economy, he says right now the economy is just now beginning to recover, but inflation is holding the recovery back.
On the war in Ukraine, Durbin suggested even more aid than the $800 million just sent to Ukraine for humanitarian and military aid, should be going to them from the U.S.
Durbin spent Tuesday morning at Bradley University in Peoria, announcing $850,000 for the school’s nursing program, then the afternoon in East Peoria.
