ICYMI: Durbin Receives Lifetime Trumpeter Achievement Award From The National Consumers League

ICYMI: Durbin Receives Lifetime Trumpeter Achievement Award From The National Consumers League

WASHINGTON-Last week, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) received the Lifetime Trumpeter Achievement Award from the National Consumers League (NCL) for his work championing consumers' and workers' rights and advancing social justice. During his remarks, Durbin highlighted overcoming the Big Tobacco lobby and successfully banning smoking on commercial airline flights. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker presented Durbin with the award.

"Receiving the Lifetime Trumpeter Achievement Award from NCL was an honor of a lifetime," said Durbin. "When I reflect on my career in public service and protecting consumers, I think back to when I took on Big Tobacco. Everyone told me it was impossible. But we did it-we banned smoking on airplanes-and eventually momentum carried to raise alarms about secondhand smoke in restaurants, hospitals, you name it.

"What I was able to accomplish 35 years ago is a direct result of NCL's leadership to advocate on behalf of consumers. I also thank Governor Pritzker for presenting me with this prestigious award and for everything he is doing for Illinoisans."

This year marks 35 years since the extension of the smoking ban on domestic flights to include all flights shorter than six hours. Durbin continues to fight Big Tobacco through his efforts to protect young people from e-cigarettes and vaping and the introduction of the Children Don't Belong on Tobacco Farms Act, legislation that was endorsed by NCL.

A photo of from the NCL award dinner is available here.

NCL is one of the nation's pioneering consumer and worker advocacy organizations. The organization was chartered in 1899 by social reformer Jane Addams, who founded Hull House in Chicago 10 years earlier. For more than 125 years, it has advocated for consumers' rights in the marketplace and the workplace, including the right to be heard in government decision-making. NCL educates consumers and workers through a variety of programs and fights for their interests before the government and businesses.

-30-