By Dave Dahl/Illinois Radio Network

WASHINGTON – Illinois’ senior U.S. Senator, Dick Durbin, looks with disdain upon the majority party in Congress, the Republicans, who have let a “freedom caucus” subgroup overthrow a speaker and eschew compromise.

“They can’t even agree on someone to run for the position of Speaker,” Durbin said. “The Tea Party has been destructive from the start, and it’s going to continue.”

Durbin said Illinois’ budget situation is dangerously out of whack.

“It isn’t just an embarrassment to our state, it literally endangers lives for us to be in the midst of this budget impasse,” Durbin said. “The governor has said it’s going to bet worse. I don’t know if that is a bargaining tactic, but sadly I believe he’s right.”

Durbin said he expects another attempt by the Tea Party to try to force a government shutdown in December. The last federal spending bill in September came hours before the deadline.

Durbin added his recent travels have reinforced his view of the refugee crisis.

“I went to Greece and to the island of Lesvos and, literally, went to one of the reception facilities and met with the refugees who are coming over from Syria and Afghanistan. They are families with small children. There are small children by themselves,” said Durbin. “We need to help them. This is the greatest humanitarian challenge of our time. We are a nation that’s received refugees for at least the past 50-60 years. This is what a caring and compassionate nation does.”