What Alex Padilla said, and what was done

“Madam President, colleagues, here we are after months and months and months of continuing to debate this bill, which still hasn't passed. We should be debating how to bring costs down for working families across the country.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Desalination Reauthorization Act. This bill would reauthorize BOR's programmatic approval to provide grants for desalination projects, which will otherwise expire this year.”

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Converting Our Waste Sustainably (COWS) Act. This legislation will help dairy and livestock producers reduce methane emissions, improve air and water quality, and implement more sustainable alternative manure management practices.”

“Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the Supporting Our Farm and Food System Workforce Act, which I introduced today. Farm and food system workers feed our Nation, We know this well in California--the agricultural heart of the Nation--where we have one of the largest populations of farmworkers and food system workers in the United States.”

“Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the Voice for Farm Workers Act, which I introduced today. Our Nation's farmworkers are the backbone of the U.S. food supply chain.”

“S. 5304. A bill to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide increased labor law protections for agricultural workers, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.”

“Mr. President, colleagues, this disaster bill, this disaster tax bill includes important bipartisan legislation that I introduced with Senators Lummis, Wyden, and Sheehy to extend a critical tax provision for disaster survivors that we enacted into law last Congress.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate Michael Witherell on a remarkable career spent in service of scientific achievement and discovery as he steps down after a decade of leadership as the eighth director of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.”

“Mr. President, colleagues, there is a lot going on in the country right now--actually, a lot going on around the world. And I rise today not to address specifically the cost-of-living challenges that so many working families are struggling with.”

“And for the protection of agents and civilians alike, law enforcement needs to have the body cameras and to have them turned on, which the FOCUS Act would require.”

“Madam President, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Larry Mazzola, Sr., a towering figure in California's labor movement, a proud San Franciscan, and a relentless advocate for working people who passed away in early May at the age of 82.”

“Reserving the right to object. Mr. President, it is a shame that Senate Republicans seem particularly focused on scoring political points instead of passing real policies that can actually make a difference because, yes, all Americans--Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike--are rightly concerned about insider trading by government officials.”

“Mr. President, reserving the right to object, before I offer a good-faith counterproposal to my colleague from Nebraska, let me just clarify one item that my colleague from Ohio was seeming to correct--or attempting to correct, I should say, a measure that I was referencing.”

“Mr. President, I am pleased to join my colleagues today in support of Senator Van Hollen's SECURE Act. Across the country right now, hundreds of thousands of Haitian men, women, and children are terrified.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor a remarkable California entrepreneur, trailblazer, and pioneering small business owner whose retirement marks the culmination of an extraordinary career but leaves behind an enduring legacy in the world of California craft brewing: Ms.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the life of Clint Reilly, a legendary San Franciscan who passed away on July 19 at the age of 79. Clint's influence on California politics and on the civic life of San Francisco helped shape our State for decades--and will continue to do so for generations to come.”

“Mr. President, I want to make a few things very clear, and I hope that we can actually come to a bipartisan agreement on the issue that the title of the bill says this bill is about because I agree, Democrats and Republicans and Independents alike across the country are concerned.”

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2026. This comprehensive piece of legislation would eliminate racial and ethnic health inequities and increase access to healthcare for vulnerable communities across the entire spectrum of care by taking a comprehensive approach to health equity.”

“Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of my legislation to require a study on how to improve the resiliency of manufactured homes in areas that are at high risk of natural hazards and weather extremes, which I introduced today.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce the FIRE SMART Act. This legislation would expand eligibility for Drinking Water State Revolving Funds to allow for funding of certain water infrastructure needed for fighting wildfires in rural communities at high risk of wildfire.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to recognize a jewel of American science and a California landmark: the Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton. June 7, 2026, marked the 150th anniversary of the Act of Congress that reserved land for the construction of this observatory that has been the site of countless scientific discoveries.”

“Mr. President, I am honored to join my colleagues here today, and I appreciate Senator Durbin's leadership in bringing us all together because today is truly an important day for hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children across America.”

“Colleagues, 14 years after the creation of DACA, it is past time that we finally do what is right by the hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients and Dreamers who have already proven their commitment to this country.”

“Mr. President, 1 year ago tomorrow, you may recall that I was in the Federal building in West Los Angeles, on business, awaiting a scheduled briefing, when I was physically forced out of a press conference.”

“Mr. President, yes, I rise in opposition to this Graham amendment. I will remind us, colleagues, that just over a month ago, a similar proposal was defeated on a bipartisan basis.”

“I will repeat for the umpteenth time: Every study, every audit, every report shows that there is no massive voter fraud across America. Current safeguards are working--and, yes, it is already unlawful for noncitizens to vote in the United States.”

“Judiciary title must be used to ensure that all officers and agents wear body-worn cameras while engaging in immigration enforcement activities. Body cameras are already required by State and local law enforcement across the country, and it has been for years in many jurisdictions.”

“Mr. President, like the reconciliation bill before us, the past few weeks have been really eye-opening for the American public to see in plain view the clear priorities of President Trump and his allies here in Congress.”

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce the bipartisan 9-8-8 Connect Act. This legislation would boost our continued efforts to improve access to and improve followup services through the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.”

“Mr. President, a couple of days ago, I had the pleasure--not just the honor but the pleasure--of welcoming a group of students from Southern California here to the Capitol.”

“Mr. President, before I offer remarks this evening on voting rights, I want to take a moment to acknowledge a horrible tragedy that struck my home State of California just yesterday.”

“Colleagues, we must remain united against hate in all its forms and reject those who spread Islamophobia and White supremacy of any type. And I want the Muslim community of San Diego, the community throughout California, throughout the country, who may be angry or anxious at this moment to know this: We stand with you.”

“Mr. President, colleagues, as you know, every year we recognize--let the Record reflect even the U.S. Senate can experience some technical difficulties. We are going to try this again.”

“But today, colleagues, I offer a modest step that we can take. Currently, the Federal law enforcement retirement age is 57, but the Capitol Police Board can increase that up to 60 for officers who may wish to continue their service, to extend their service.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a bill to amend the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians Water Rights Settlement Act to make technical corrections to incorporate additional land taken into trust and address water contaminants found since the agreement was ratified.”

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Water Rights Settlement Act. This legislation would finalize this multidecade effort by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians to ensure their sovereignty over their water rights.”

“Madam President, of all the serious issues facing this country, including but not limited to the affordability challenges that so many working families are struggling with, I can't believe we are back here debating a partisan attempt to rush through what I referred to as a solution in search of a problem.”

“Mr. President, my amendment would create a point of order against reconciliation bills that would provide funding for Federal Agencies that still have unobligated funds left over from previous reconciliation bills.”

“Mr. President, pursuant to section 904 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, I move to waive the point of order, and I ask for the yeas and nays.”

“Mr. President, if you look anywhere across the country right now, what you will see more than anything else is working families, countless Americans struggling just to get by; struggling with skyrocketing prices at the pump; struggling with rising costs of healthcare premiums; struggling to afford groceries, their prescriptions, to pay their rent or their mortgage.”

“Mr. President, as everybody knows, this last Sunday night, the world watched the people of Hungary achieve something very, very powerful. They voted an autocratic leader out of office.”

“Mr. President, I rise today in support of the Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn the Department of Labor's recent rule that cuts wages for farmworkers across this country.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the bipartisan Support Our Firefighters Act. This bill would ensure that our Federal wildland firefighters are given the rest, recuperation, and compensation they deserve after working around the clock when disaster strikes.”

“Mr. President, I rise in opposition to the amendment that we are going to be voting on shortly, but I want to begin by sharing that I am a little confused--not to the substance of the amendment--but to the process.”

“And before anyone suggests that this is a partisan issue--``Oh, Democrats are just opposed to it because it is a blue State versus red State thing.'' Not true.”

“Mr. President, I will try to truncate my remarks. I know we have a vote coming up at 2 o'clock. I will try to keep the floor running on time.”

“Mr. President, I have been saying all week, colleagues, that Democrats will be here on the floor fighting this Republican voter-suppression bill, this so-called SAVE America Act, tooth and nail for as long as it takes, and we are keeping that promise because Republicans are trying to pull off this bait and switch for the American people.”

“Mr. President, I, too, rise in opposition to S. 1383, the so-called SAVE America Act. I think a better name--more, actually, representative of the contents of the bill--would be the ``Save Republicans From the Consequences of Their Actions Act.'' I have some other choice names for it, too, but not exactly appropriate for the Senate floor, so we will stick to the SAVE Act just to be short.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to reintroduce the bipartisan and bicameral Save Our Sequoias Act, This bill would enhance interagency coordination, accelerate forest restoration efforts, and provide important resources to land managers to guard, sequoia trees from further destruction.”

“We have been having this debate over a series of motions here over the last hour-plus. First of all, a status quo position for CBP and ICE is not acceptable.”

“Mr. President, in the few minutes that we have left before the scheduled vote, I do want to make things abundantly clear to the American people who are watching at home.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Pechanga Band of Indians Land Transfer Act. This bill would transfer 860 acres of Federal land in Riverside County, CA, currently administered by the Bureau of Land Management and adjacent to Tribal land, to be held in trust for the Pechanga Band of Indians.”

“Mr. President, reserving the right to object, colleagues, I have been down here many, many times and have spoken up in committee many, many times as we try to create a better way of ensuring that we, indeed, have a fair and bipartisan and bicameral approach to consideration and passage of public lands bills.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the outstanding contributions of Dr. Peter B. Moyle, a distinguished professor emeritus at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Moyle has devoted his life to understanding and conserving the unique freshwater fishes of California and the Western United States.”

“Mr. President, reserving the right to object. I understand that this is a very important subject for my passionate colleague from South Carolina, but I also think there is a very fundamental misunderstanding, at a minimum, about what sanctuary policies are and what sanctuary policies are not.”

“Now, I know my colleagues disagree with sanctuary policies as they are--official, technical. He describes sanctuary policies as ``killing this country.'' I have heard that a few times.”

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Health Investment Zones Act of 2026. This legislation would designate health investment zones for 10 years in areas with large health disparities based on income, life expectancy, provider shortages, and align tax, grant, loan-repayment, and Medicare incentives to expand services where they are needed most.”

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Mental Health Career Promotion Act. This legislation would expand opportunities for students to learn about and pursue careers in mental health.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to join Senator Kelly and many of our colleagues who spoke just yesterday afternoon to highlight the enduring damage done to our democracy, nearly 16 years ago, when a single decision handed down by the Supreme Court of the United States gave corporations and billionaires in our country unlimited spending power to influence our elections.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the bipartisan Community Protection and Wildfire Resilience Act. This crucial piece of legislation would help local communities defend themselves from the growing and pressing danger of wildfires.”

“Mr. President, I want to thank Senators Merkley and Tillis for their bipartisan cooperation in honoring the law enforcement officers who responded on January 6, 5 years ago.”

“Mr. President, I rise today joined by Democratic Leader Schumer and so many of our colleagues in raising our voices on this fifth anniversary of a dark day in American history.”

“Five years after January 6, Trump continues to double down on the Big Lie conspiracy. He has already issued an Executive order that threatens to seize authority over State elections administration.”

“Mr. President, before starting the series of speeches that are scheduled for this afternoon, I have a resolution observing the fifth anniversary of the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S.”

“Reserving the right to object, as we know, the Commemorative Works Act restricts new museums and memorials from being built on the National Mall without an act of Congress.”

“But as I shared in committee yesterday morning, I also believe that the story of the American Latino and the fight for equality by American women should also be enshrined on the National Mall.”

“Reserving the right to object, I want to set the record straight. The museum efforts that I talked about have gone through all the proper steps. There have been committee hearings.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to reintroduce the Protecting Unique and Beautiful Landscapes by Investing in California, PUBLIC, Lands Act. This comprehensive bill would permanently protect over 900,000 acres of public lands and promote restoration on another 871,000 acres throughout northwest California, the central coast, and Los Angeles County.”

“Mr. President, at the beginning of every year, the White House, on behalf of the President of the United States, and the Department of Defense come to Congress with a request.”

“Mr. President, reserving the right to object, as the Senator from Alaska, the Senator from Utah, and others know, I have been down here many times as we tried to work through a better way of ensuring that we have a fair and bipartisan and bicameral approach to passing these public lands bills.”

“Mr. President, I rise to reintroduce the Accountability for Federal Law Enforcement Act, legislation that would ensure that individuals whose constitutional or civil rights are violated by Federal law enforcement officers have access to justice.”

“S. 3485. A bill to expand eligibility for and provide judicial review for the Elderly Home Detention Pilot Program, and to make other technical corrections; to the Committee on the Judiciary.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Office of Fusion Act. This bipartisan piece of legislation would establish an Office of Fusion at the Department of Energy to advance fusion energy, in partnership with the private sector, to accelerate research, development, demonstration, deployment, and market adoption of fusion technologies.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the life of Bob Foster, an enterprising business leader, clean energy visionary, and former mayor of the city of Long Beach, CA.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of Daniel ``Danny'' James Tucker, former longtime Chairman of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation in Southern California and a tireless champion for Tribal sovereignty, economic self-reliance, and cultural preservation of tribal communities.”

“Mr. President, we are here today just about a month after the longest shutdown in American history. You all remember the 43 days that we went without a fully functioning Federal Government.”

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce the bipartisan Protect Innocent Victims of Taxation After Fire Extension Act. This legislation would extend and make permanent the tax relief that Congress has provided for individuals and families that have received compensation for losses and damages suffered during a wildfire.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to recognize five pioneering Californians who this year were awarded Nobel Prizes for their groundbreaking advancements in medicine, physics, and chemistry. Just last month, the Nobel Foundation announced the annual recipients of their world-renowned awards, recognizing those who ``conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.'' In 2025, a record-breaking number of them came from one public university system: the University of California.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act. This legislation would direct the completion of a study to assess the feasibility of designating certain land along California's central coast as the Monterey Bay National Heritage Area.”

“Mr. President, let me begin by thanking my good friend the Senator from Connecticut Senator Blumenthal for his partnership not just on these issues but in a lot of matters before the judiciary, generally.”

“Think about what we have seen over just the last few months--troops deployed domestically into cities in response to pretend rebellions that exist only in Donald Trump's mind.”

“Mr. President, colleagues, what we have seen happening to the Federal judiciary over the last 9 months is beyond concerning; it is corrupting. We have seen nominees who are deeply partisan and deeply ideological.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the life of Kent Wong, a champion for working people, defender of immigrants, and tireless advocate for nonviolent protest and civic participation in America.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the distinguished career of Stacey Mortensen, a dedicated leader who has helped transform public transportation in California's Central Valley and strengthened rail systems all across our State.”

“And in 2024, Stacey supported the creation of the Rail Academy of Central California, a vital workforce development initiative designed to train the next generation of rail professionals.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to join my colleagues--the ranking member of the Homeland Security Committee, Senator Peters; along with Senators King, Gallego, and Slotkin--in support of the immediate passage of a clean and bipartisan reauthorization of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015, which has been introduced by Ranking Member Peters, along with Senator Rounds, this session.”

“Mr. President, reserving the right to object, I am very glad that we were able to find a bipartisan approach to the Commerce Committee bills that were passed just a few minutes ago, not just because I know it is important to my colleague from Alaska and to his constituents, but so that Native Alaskans know that this side of the aisle also supports them as well.”

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Ackerson Meadow Land Exchange Act. This legislation will facilitate a simple land exchange between the National Park Service and the U.S.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Pit River Land Transfer Act of 2025. This bill would transfer 584 acres of Federal land, administered by the Forest Service, to the Secretary of the Interior to be held in trust for the Pit River Tribe, California.”

“Mr. President, I thank the majority leader for his comments and commitments regarding improving Member security. I know that he, Leader Schumer, Chairman McConnell, and I all share the same goal.”

“And the majority leader's statements about the further progress we need to make soon were very important--because, on its own, today's action is not nearly enough. First, unlike the bipartisan House plan, there is no new funding provided by today's resolution.”

“Madam President and colleagues, I am here to share some good news. This past weekend, California State lawmakers passed a package of legislation to lower the cost of living for working families.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Land Exchange Act. This bill would transfer 1.475 acres of land from the Forest Service to the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation in fee in exchange for 1,460 acres of fee land the Tribe already owns.”

“Mr. President, last year, Senate Democrats presented to Senate Republicans a proposal meant to fix some of the partisan gridlock that slowed down the confirmation process for both parties over the years.”

“Mr. President, reserving the right to object. I have been listening to my colleague from Texas. The part that he said a couple of times over the last several minutes was that he was looking for some sort of explanation as to why Democrats are doing what we are doing.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce Shingle Springs Band Miwok Indians Land Transfer Act of 2025. This bill would place approximately 80 acres of land currently managed by the Bureau of Land Management into trust for the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians and place into trust 185 acres of fee land already owned by the Tribe.”

“Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the Transportation Emergency Relief Extension Act, which I introduced today. When disasters strike, entire communities are left to pick up the pieces.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the bipartisan Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act, which would give States the option to designate accredited nonprofit land trusts to hold conservation easements purchased with Federal funding from the U.S.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the 100th birthday of Corporal Frank S. Wright, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in the Second World War with the 4th Marine Raider Battalion, one of WWII's most elite fighting units.”

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce the bipartisan NCUA Central Liquidity Facility Enhancements Act. In December 2022, the temporary statutory enhancements that assisted the agent membership of corporate credit unions expired, leaving 3,322 smaller credit unions without access to the National Credit Union Administration's, NCUA, Central Liquidity Facility, CLF.”

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929 Act. This legislation would permit individuals who have lived in the United States continuously for at least 7 years to file for lawful permanent residence here.”

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Mental Health for Latinos Act to boost our continued efforts to reduce stigma and promote mental wellness, while meeting the diverse needs of Latino communities across the country.”

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Equal Health Care for All Act, which appropriately frames healthcare discrimination as a civil rights issue. Inequitable access to quality, affordable healthcare is the result of centuries of structural and systemic racism, all of which continues to result in poorer health outcomes in communities of color.”

“S. 2356. A bill to expand psychological mental and behavioral health services to Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP beneficiaries by permitting reimbursement of psychological services provided by certain supervised psychology trainees, and facilitating the reimbursement of those services; to the Committee on Finance.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate Arturo Vargas on a remarkable career spent in service to others as he steps down after more than 30 years as CEO of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials--NALEO--and the NALEO Educational Fund.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the life of Dr. Jaime Regalado--a beloved father, grandfather, U.S. Navy veteran, and former executive director of the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs at California State University, Los Angeles--Cal State LA.”

“Mr. President, 2 weeks ago, I informed Senate leadership of my intent to object to the Senate proceeding to Trump's nominee to serve as Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau.”

“Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the Asuncion Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act of 2025, which I introduced today. I firmly believe that all workers, including our most vulnerable workers, such as Nation's farmworkers, construction workers, and day laborers, deserve to have their health and safety protected at work.”

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce the America's Olympic and Paralympic Games Commemorative Coins Act. After a 26-year absence, the Olympics are making a big return to American soil with Los Angeles, CA and Salt Lake City, UT, set to host the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, respectively.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Clean Shipping Act of 2025. This bill aims to reduce harmful emissions from oceangoing vessels and improve air quality for the nearly 40 percent of Americans that live within 3 miles of a port.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Border Water Quality Restoration and Protection Act of 2025. This bill aims to reduce pollution along the U.S.-Mexico border and improve water quality throughout the Tijuana River and New River watersheds.”

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Visible Identification Standards for Immigration-Based Law Enforcement (VISIBLE) Act of 2025, which I am proud to lead alongside Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey.”

“Colleagues on the other side of the aisle, I know that you take great pleasure in criticizing the Federal deficit under Democratic administrations. But the numbers don't lie.”

“Mr. President, I too rise in opposition to the reconciliation bill before us, but before I get to my objections over the substance of this historic attack on working and middle-class families, I want to speak for a minute as the ranking member of the Rules Committee, and I need to address how Republicans are abusing the process to get here.”

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Clean Hands Firearm Procurement Act. This legislation addresses a critical need to ensure that Federal resources do not inadvertently support gun dealers whose business practices may contribute to the proliferation of firearms used in criminal activities.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Stopping the Fraudulent Sale of Firearms Act, a vital piece of legislation designed to close dangerous loopholes in online firearm sales.”

“Mr. President, colleagues, time and time again, we have seen one of the most frequently called plays out of the Trump playbook. When everything else is going wrong, shift the narrative, scapegoat immigrants, blame immigrants for whatever your failure is at the moment.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to reiterate my objection to Donald Trump's EPA nominations and Republicans' unprecedented attacks not only on California's climate leadership but on the rules and procedures of this body.”

“Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the POST GRAD Act of 2025, which I introduced today. For too long, the cost of higher education has remained a barrier for students pursuing advanced degrees that are necessary in our economy, including psychology, social work, and teaching, where shortages of qualified professionals that meet the needs of their communities persist.”

“Furthermore, the majority of those who take out graduate Federal student loans are disproportionately women, people of color, and people from low- to middle-income backgrounds. This bill presents an opportunity to lower the cost of graduate school and reduce barriers to access that support a 21st-century workforce.”

“Mr. President, on May 19, 2025, I provided a statement for the Record of my intent to object to the Senate proceeding to any of the four nominations currently pending on the Senate's Executive Calendar for the U.S.”

“But I know that even after all this progress, the detractors will fall back on the same tired playbook of excuses. We know that the big oil industry sees California's clean cars and clean truck sales as existential threats.”

“Mr. President, I, first of all, thank my colleague from the State of Rhode Island and echo his sentiment and his message that Senate Republicans have crossed the line this evening.”

“Mr. President, colleagues, today, on the Senate floor, we are expecting to see some outrageous attacks on my home State of California and important provisions of the historic Clean Air Act.”

“Mr. President, I rise today with my colleagues to make very, very clear--not just to our Republican colleagues but to history--exactly what is at stake. Let there be no doubt.”

“Mr. President, is it correct that the then-Senate Parliamentarian, in 2008, in coordination with bipartisan Senate leadership and committee staff, developed a Senate procedure for determining what qualifies for expedited consideration under the Congressional Review Act when an Agency fails to submit an action to Congress and that a precedent under that procedure was first established in 2012?”

“And is it correct that that procedure, which uses a GAO determination as to the nature of the Agency action, whether or not it is a rule, has been implemented numerous times by Senators on both sides of the aisle, including one occasion where a GAO letter gave rise to a joint resolution of disapproval which became law?”

“Mr. President, I wonder if any other Member of this Chamber grew up like I did where on a pretty regular basis, we would be sent home from grade school because of the intensity and dangers of smog that settled over the San Fernando Valley, the city of Los Angeles.”

“Madam President, I want to begin by saying happy anniversary. Happy anniversary. Thirty-two years ago today, President Clinton signed the National Voter Registration Act into law. The so-called Motor Voter Act--that is what it became known as--made commonsense and unprecedented strides to registering more eligible Americans to vote.”

“Angeles County, which qualified me to register voters in my own community. Nearly two decades later, I was sworn in as California's 30th secretary of state, becoming the chief elections officer to the most populous and most diverse State in the Nation.”

“Madam President, I think I tried to make the point clear. While I respect where my colleague from the State of Utah is coming from, I just fundamentally disagree.”

“Madam President, reserving the right to object, I reserve the right to object not for the first time on this proposed SAVE Act, not even for the second time on this proposed SAVE Act.”

“Mr. President, I must object to the Senate proceeding to any of the four nominations pending on the Senate's Executive Calendar for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).”

“Only now, in 2025, the EPA clumsily attempted--multiple times--to submit three of California's waivers to Congress. One might ask why they only submitted three of the six waivers issued under the prior administration if the Agency's viewpoint is suddenly that the California waivers are rules.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Joshua Tree National Park Expansion Act, which would do two things: expand the boundary of Joshua Tree National Park by 20,000 acres and rename the Cottonwood Visitor Center at Joshua Tree in honor of the late Senator Dianne Feinstein.”

“Mr. President, I first want to begin by thanking my colleagues Senator Kaine and Senator Van Hollen--I believe Senator Schumer will be joining us--for this important issue. I want to thank them for their efforts to provide some needed moral clarity at this critical time.”

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce the bipartisan Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act. This legislation would improve patient care and increase nurse retention by setting mandatory minimum registered nurse-to-patient staffing ratios.”

“Mr. President, colleagues, when Donald Trump returned to the White House a few months ago, there were a whole lot of people throughout California and beyond that knew that California had a target on its back.”

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce the bipartisan RESEARCHER Act. This legislation would require Federal research Agencies to enact policies to address the financial insecurity of graduate and postdoctoral researchers, while collecting data to better understand the financial challenges that these researchers experience.”

“Mr. President, as the American people can clearly see, President Trump's new tariffs have become a massive tax hike on consumers--a tax on the food we eat, a tax on the clothes we wear, the cars we drive, every cup of coffee we have in the morning.”

“Mr. President, I rise today with a number of my colleagues. I will speak for the next, probably, hour-plus on the topic of election integrity and the seemingly constant attacks on our election integrity by Donald Trump and our Republican colleagues.”

“Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the Housing for All Act of 2025, which I introduced today. Our Nation's homelessness and affordable housing crises have reached a breaking point.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the West Coast Ocean Protection Act of 2025. This crucial piece of legislation would amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of 1978 to permanently prohibit offshore drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf off the coast of California, Oregon, and Washington.”

“Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the bipartisan Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act, which I introduced today. Let me begin by expressing my sincere appreciation for veterans and members of our Armed Forces who have answered the call of duty and sacrificed for our Nation.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation to authorize additional funding for the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act. This crucial piece of legislation would simply increase the authorization of funding for the San Joaquin River Restoration Program, SJRRP, which supports one of the most productive agricultural regions in the United States while also creating a healthy, living river for Chinook salmon.”

“Mr. President, I thank my colleague from the State of Colorado for yielding and staying for a few minutes because I know that he shares one of my key observations--I woke up this morning preparing for today's discussion, today's debate, and for today's series of votes--and that is the American people can be forgiven if they are tuning in today to this discussion and wondering, Haven't I seen this before?”

“Mr. President, colleagues, this amendment would simply reaffirm the importance of FEMA and express support for its continued role in providing nonpartisan, long-term disaster relief to all impacted communities.”

“Madam President, I have to agree. We have finally made it to Donald Trump's promise and self-proclaimed liberation day. But here is what I also observe: The stock market is down since the beginning of the year.”

“So I thank my colleague for his response, but I take issue with some items that I do believe need to be addressed and clarified. He makes the claim that the tax reforms from about a decade ago, I believe it was 2017 to be more precise, was good for the economy.”

“But I couldn't help but interject right at the moment where I did because, once again, your passion is coming through. First of all, I tremendously admire what you have been doing here on the floor of the Senate today, starting with last night.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to reintroduce the Cesar E. Chavez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park Act. This bill would establish the Cesar E. Chavez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park in California and Arizona to preserve the nationally significant sites associated with Cesar Chavez and the farm worker movement.”

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Scarper Ridge Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Act, a straightforward, uncontroversial bill to adjust the boundary of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.”

“However, the lands included in my bill--known as the Scarper Ridge property--require a minor legislative boundary adjustment in order for the National Park Service to use future Land and Water Conservation Fund dollars to purchase this property and include it within the park.”

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce the bipartisan Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act. This legislation would ensure all farmers can access critical U.S. Department of Agriculture disaster relief programs.”

“Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act, which I introduced today. America's truckdrivers are on the frontlines of keeping goods and our economy moving.”

“Our Nation has made historic investments in our port and supply chain infrastructure through the bipartisan infrastructure law, but we should also improve wages and working conditions for critical workers and ensure they are paid for all of the hours they work.”

“Mr. President, I, too, rise today to defend the principles at the core of our democratic Republic that we are a government of laws and institutions, not of individuals; that no billionaire has more rights than any worker, and that no President has more rights than any citizen of our country; that we are a government of three coequal branches, providing checks and balances on each other.”

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce the bipartisan Early Action and Responsiveness Lifts Youth Minds Act. This legislation would increase access to early intervention and prevention initiatives in children's mental health.”

“Our bipartisan bill would allow States to use up to 5 percent of their community mental health services block grant funding for prevention and early intervention activties. The community mental health services block grant, MHBG, administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, is currently limited to funding services for those with severe, diagnosed mental illnesses.”

“Mr. President, over the last few months, there has literally been more than 10,000 Californians who have made it a point to reach out to me by phone calls, by letters, by emails to say one thing loud and clear: Stand up for public education.”

“Mr. President, earlier this year, Robert Santos announced his resignation as the 26th Director of the U.S. Census Bureau, marking the end of his service as the first person of color and the first Latino in history to be confirmed by this body to head the Bureau.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Empowering and Enforcing Environmental Justice Act of 2025. This bill would establish in statute the Office of Environmental Justice within the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice.”

“Mr. President, I rise to reintroduce the Tule River Tribe Reserved Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025. This legislation would finalize this multidecade effort by the Tule River Tribe to provide clean drinking water to their people and uphold the Federal Government's trust and treaty responsibilities.”

“Mr. President, earlier this month, Joel Flatow celebrated his 30th anniversary working with the Recording Industry Association of America, RIAA. I rise today to recognize his three decades of dedication to the music industry, fighting to protect the rights of musicians across the country.”

“Mr. President, I too rise today to oppose the nomination of Kash Patel to serve as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Now, let me begin by saying to Americans watching at home who may not be completely up to speed as to what is going on, the importance of this specific nomination or wondering, Who is Kash Patel?”

“Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the Equal COLA Act, which I introduced today. The Federal Government's workforce is central to protecting our national security and delivering critical services to hundreds of millions of Americans.”

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce the bipartisan Wildfire Resilience Through Grazing Research Act. This legislation aims to advance research into the use of hooved animal grazing as a tool for wildfire prevention, mitigation, and recovery.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Age 21 Act, a vital piece of legislation aimed at reducing gun violence and enhancing the safety of all Americans.”

“Assault weapons--engineered for military purposes--are designed to inflict maximum damage in the shortest amount of time. Unsurprisingly, they are frequently chosen by those who perpetrate mass violence. Their deadly impact is tragically evident in many of our Nation's darkest moments.”

“Mr. President, I, too, rise to oppose the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services. I can only hope that I am half as eloquent and moving as Senator Hassan has been not just here on the floor today but in committee during the confirmation hearing.”

“Mr. President, I rise today in the strongest terms to oppose the nomination of Russell Vought to serve as Director of the Office of Management and Budget. I do so not just for his poor performance and lack of transparency before the Senate Budget Committee during his confirmation hearing but because of his truly dangerous and damaging vision for the future of our country.”

“And as astonished as I am, about what President Trump is trying to do, I am equally astonished at Senate Republicans who are standing by and watching it happen, letting it happen--letting it unfold as if you have no choice, as if you have no power.”

“Call me an optimist, but I believe my Republican colleagues when they say they came to Washington to help their constituents. Now, while I disagree with it, I understand that some of our colleagues are choosing to make political decisions with some of President Trump's nominees.”

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Access to Counsel Act. This legislation would ensure that all individuals with a legal right to be in the United States have access to legal counsel if they are held by Customs and Border Protection at ports of entry or at airports.”

“Mr. President, colleagues, I, too, rise today to oppose President Trump's nomination of Pamela Bondi to serve as Attorney General of the United States. And I don't do it lightly.”

“Mr. President, on rollcall vote 26, I voted nay. It was my intention to vote aye. I ask unanimous consent that I be permitted to change my vote since it will not affect the outcome.”

“Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the Muhammad Ali Congressional Gold Medal Act, which I introduced today. Muhammad Ali is often referred to as ``The Greatest,'' an appropriate title which he earned through his inspiring athletic achievements, dedication to ensuring that all Americans have equal rights, and advocacy for underserved communities around the world.”

“The Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting award for an American who devoted his life and career to uplifting underserved communities in the U.S. and abroad. I want to thank Representative Carson for introducing this bill in the House, and I hope that our colleagues on both sides of the aisle will join us in awarding a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal to Muhammad Ali. ______ By Mr.”

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce the bipartisan Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act. This bill would require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish a new program to improve prediction of these important storm systems.”

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Amendment Act of 2025, which would allow the Bureau of Reclamation's Lower Colorado River Multispecies Conservation Program (LCR MSCP) account to collect interest.”

“White House Press Secretary threatened that his Executive order blocking Federal funding that he issued day one in office is still in effect: ``Remains in full force'' and ``will be rigorously implemented.'' Let's be clear about what President Trump has tried.”

“Mr. President, colleagues, I rise today to address the nomination of Governor Kristi Noem to serve as the next Secretary of Homeland Security. I think we will all agree that there are very few jobs more important to the safety and security of American lives than that of Secretary of Homeland Security.”

“Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Camille Calimlim Touton as she concludes her distinguished public service as the 24th Commissioner of the United States Bureau of Reclamation.”

“Mr. President, as you and everybody here knows, a little bit over a week ago, fires broke out in Los Angeles County. And some of you have reached out in the time since to offer your support, to offer your assistance, and even offer condolences for those who have perished in this significant disaster.”