Laphonza Butler

Ms. BUTLER

Ms. BUTLER. Mr. President, I rise to join in the honored tradition of the Senate to offer my final floor remarks before departing. Interestingly, I rise to let the pages know that, breaking traditional Senate practice, there are no written remarks for you to come pick up. I decided just this morning that I was going to write a different speech, that I was going to offer words of my own as I mark what is the end of a journey for me. As I end this journey as the junior Senator representing 40 million Californians, it is a day that I want to thank them and thank Governor Newsom for giving me the honor and privilege of serving our great State. It has been a remarkable honor, a completely unimagined adventure to follow in the footsteps of Dianne Feinstein, who so ably served in this Chamber for more than 30 years, and to be blessed to walk the same hallways as Senator Carol Moseley Braun and share the same office space as Vice President Kamala Harris. It truly has been an unbelievable privilege. Indeed, the footsteps that I have had the opportunity to follow in this walk of service have been filled with decency, honor, integrity, and courage. I can only hope that for the people of California, I was able to do half as well as those who came before me. As is true for all of us and for those who came before, this journey of public service is not one that we travel alone. Along with us, on the rough side of the mountain, is our staff, the staff who work so hard to help keep the pace, who help to plot the path and bring all of the supplies and make sure that no one is lost or left behind. I want to thank my capable, incredibly talented staff for making sure that we never lost sight of our North Star, the people of California. They have given not only their hard work and long hours but their brilliant minds and all of their hearts to make sure that the last 14 months have truly been impactful. For all of that, I will forever be grateful. I know that it is most often true that in the traversing of the roads of service, it is often our family and our friends who serve as the fuel that keeps us going day by day. That has been certainly true for me. My wife and daughter--Neneki and Nylah--have refilled my tank and refilled my cup at the moments that I thought that I was running low. So to them, I am grateful for never letting me run out. To my mother, who has watched more C-SPAN in the last 14 months than in all of her 71 years, my brothers, my sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends, just when the clouds get low and start to look a little heavy, it has been your cards, your texts, your letters, your visits to DC that truly have brought out the sunshine. So, to all of you, I am deeply grateful and cannot thank you enough. To my colleagues and fellow travelers, you have truly made this journey special. The old quote by Tim Cahill that says ``A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles'' is true for me. You have all given me so much to make this journey one to enjoy. It could not have been more true in my short time. I don't have the years or been able to plot the miles of any of my colleagues who have spoken up to this point as they prepare to leave, but I have had the opportunity to build what I believe will be lifelong friendships along this entire journey, and for that--on both sides of the aisle--I truly know that I am grateful. I want to give a special shout-out to my senior Senator Alex Padilla and his kind and generous comments from yesterday. He has been like a tour guide on this incredible ride, always carrying the compass, making sure I don't stray too far off the path but knowing full well that I am a traveler who is intent on walking her own way. Senator Padilla has supported me all along the journey, and I am grateful. I know that Senator-elect Schiff is here, and I appreciate him and his support throughout this transition and also a special call to Leader Chuck Schumer, who has given and, throughout these 14 months, offered his wisdom and his trust, his friendship. I am deeply, deeply grateful. Mr. President, what I know is that I stand on the floor of the Senate as a 14-month Senator, but my road to justice and the pursuit of justice has been much longer than 14 months. I know that I only stand here because of the men and women, the working families of SCIU and our labor movement, and I couldn't end this term without thanking them for sharing with me and inviting me into their stories of courage and hope for what is possible in our great country. I want them to know that I carry their stories with me and I carry their families with me, in my head and in my heart, here in the Senate and wherever it is that I go. Mr. President, in my final few minutes, I want to end my time in the Senate the way that I began it. On this floor, I gave my first speech talking with and about America's ``now generation'': our young leaders, future Members of Congress, carpenters, plumbers, firefighters, nurses, police officers. I talked with them about what I had heard from them, from so many of them, about what was important. So in my last remarks, I want to come back to them, talk with and about them, offer a few lessons from this experience here with all of you. All summer long, this ``now generation'' has been bopping to the masterful beats of California's own Kendrick Lamar. We all have been hearing from radio waves and all in our iPods the anthem that ``they not like us.'' As I celebrate what has become a global hit--I, too, have listened to it on repeat so often all throughout the summer--I want America's young leaders to know that the words of Kendrick are just that--words, lyrics in a historic rap battle, sources of great entertainment and joy. What they are not are words upon which we should build our communities or the future of our country because, indeed, ``they'' are exactly ``like us.'' You see, when I was 5, I went to Levi's Temple Head Start Center in Magnolia, MS. Of course, in Head Start, children get just that--a head start in learning the foundational lessons of preparing to be in a school environment. As I have been reflecting on this time and the lessons that this time has given me, I realized that in that old church building in Head Start, the experience there actually shaped who I have become. The seeds planted in Head Start are ones that have grown in me every day for the 40 years since I left. It was 1985, and my Head Start teacher was a woman by the name of Ms. Carrie Hilbert. I remember getting ready to graduate Head Start and trying on these royal-blue graduation gowns and graduation caps. For 2 weeks, Ms. Hilbert painstakingly prepared us for Head Start graduation. Our graduation song in 1985, she worked to make sure that we--little, squirmy 5- and 6-year-olds--were going to be able to sing this song and perform for our parents and our loved ones, and she did it masterfully. Mr. President, in 1985, the lyrics Ms. Hilbert taught me were the lyrics to ``We Are the World,'' written by the great Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson, and Quincy Jones, whom we lost just earlier this year. I remember having to practice that song day after day for probably about 2 weeks, not knowing then that all throughout that graduation rehearsal, seeds were being planted--seeds sang by Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richie: There comes a time when we must heed a certain call, when the world must come together as one. Seeds. Seeds from Tina Turner and Billy Joel: We're all a part of God's great big family, and the truth, you know love is all we need. Seeds sang and planted by the unlikely duo of Willie Nelson and Al Jarreau, who planted the seeds that ``as God has shown us by turning stone to bread, and so we all must lend a helping hand.'' One of the most powerful seeds that really stuck with me were those offered by Michael Jackson, Huey Lewis, and Cyndi Lauper: When you're down and out and there seems no hope at all, but if you just believe, there's no way we can fall. Let's realize . . . that a change can only come when we stand together as one. Young leaders, colleagues, Mr. President, I believe it was those 2 weeks of repetition and practice that planted the seeds of possibility and hope, seeds of determination and courage. It was learning the lyrics to that song at 5 years old that inspired a generation full of patriots who believed in the power of this country to do good in the world and for each other, because when we choose to do hard things together--the people of this Nation, all of its elected leaders, our community advocates; when we see each other's humanity; when we see our neighbors as essential to the future we want for our children; when we understand that our differences are our greatest assets, it is then-- then--when we truly are doing and being the best country in the world. So my final prayer as a Member of this august body is that we realize that, as policymakers, we are generations' Head Start teachers. Every single day, we can plant seeds that will grow in the hearts and minds of young leaders, and we get to decide the seeds we plant. Will we plant seeds that help them understand and imagine what is possible for an America filled with people of different walks, different faiths, different bank accounts, different languages? Will we plant seeds to help them realize and see what is possible not just for the United States but for the world? And, as was taught to me in that old church building, we will reap what we sow. Mr. President, I yield the floor. (Applause, Senators rising.)

Ms. BUTLER

Ms. BUTLER. Mr. President, I associate myself with the comments of the colleagues just before me. Senator Collins and Senator Britt talked about the importance of doing the work of the American people. In just a bit, the Senate is going to take some action to continue to do the work--some important work--of the American people, and that is ensuring that they have access to swift and fair justice. I want to appreciate Leader Schumer and Senator Durbin and all of my colleagues on the Senate Judiciary Committee for moving so expeditiously to ensure that we are not delaying justice for many Americans across the country. I rise today to proudly support the nomination of Michelle Williams Court to be the United States judge for the Central District of California. As her name is announced on the floor of the U.S. Senate, I want to recognize her loved ones whose unwavering love and support over the years has undoubtedly shaped Judge Court into the incredible jurist and person we know her to be today. Specifically, I want to acknowledge her husband Jamie and their two sons. I would also like to start today by highlighting the work we do in the Senate to fill these judicial vacancies and why it is so important. The Central District of California serves roughly 17 million people, making it the largest Federal district by population in the entire United States. The judges who serve these Californians are currently facing an unprecedented number of filings, making the need to fill the court's vacancies all that more urgent. It is commonly said that ``justice delayed is justice denied,'' and at this moment, the people of the Central District of California are indeed being denied justice as a direct result of these judicial vacancies. And as I noted, I want to appreciate and really call attention to the leadership of Chair Durbin and the members of the Judiciary Committee, moving really, really quickly along with and working in partnership with President Biden and the White House to get these nominations advanced, to ensure that the people across our country--in this instance, the people of California--have fair access to justice. I want to make sure that also in talking about the qualifications of Judge Court, that we are really talking about the importance of these seats in a way that is not just about access to the people but the quality of justice that they will have access to, ensuring that judges that are being nominated and put forth for consideration of confirmation are the most experienced, that they are the most qualified, that they are thoughtful and prepared to follow the rule of law. And that is really why I am so proud to stand in support of Judge Michelle Court for this nomination. Judge Court's dedication to public service and to the State of California runs deep. Born into a military family, Judge Court moved to California during high school and has called the State home ever since. She attended Pomona College, where she worked her way through school, sang in the glee club, and earned a bachelor of arts in sociology. After graduating at the height of the AIDS crisis, Judge Court dedicated 2 years of work to the AIDS Project, where she was working with that organization that provided lifesaving training to healthcare professionals in Los Angeles. Judge Court then pursued her legal education at Loyola Law School, where she further demonstrated her commitment to public service. As a student, she worked the National Health Law Program, researching healthcare services provided to incarcerated women. Following law school, Judge Court began her legal career gaining experience in public interest law, including first as a fellow at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Court served in various positions as the deputy director of litigation and then director of litigation and, finally, as vice president and general counsel at Bet Tzedek Legal Services. Bet Tzedek, which translates literally into the ``house of justice'' in Hebrew, is one of the premier legal services organizations in the United States that focuses on poverty law. For 10 years, Judge Court provided critical legal services to low- income, elderly, and disabled clients and worked in collaboration with the California Legislature on codifying related policy efforts. In 2012, Judge Court was sworn in as a judge on the civil division of the Superior Court of Los Angeles. During her time on the court, she presided over approximately 200 civil trials and ruled on 12,000 motions and requests. In 2023, she received a well-deserved promotion to supervising judge, where she was responsible for overseeing approximately 150 judges in 35 courthouses throughout Los Angeles County. Judge Court's robust career has left an impression both on her colleagues and on her community. Since her nomination, she has received letters of support from people and organizations representing a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including the National Association of Consumer Advocates, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and the Association of African American California Judicial Officers, Inc. And several in California's legal community have come forward voicing their strong support for Judge Court. California Women Judges said: Her calm demeanor, thorough preparation, and deep knowledge of whatever the subject is will serve her well in addressing any audience, answering questions, and keeping the discussions focused. Five current supervising L.A. County Superior Court judges say: She is currently serving as the Supervising Judge of the Civil Division of the largest unified trial court in the Nation. Judge Court was selected for this position, in part, due to her administrative skills, technical knowledge, and being a subject matter expert in civil law procedure. Her strong management skills are illustrated by her innovative approaches to lessening the civil case backlog during the pandemic. In addition to the important professional experience that Judge Court brings to the Central District, she also brings a unique lived experience. If confirmed to this position, she would be only the third Black woman actively serving as an article III judge in this court and only the fifth in the court's history. Her nomination is an important step towards building trust in our legal system by ensuring that our Federal courts reflect and represent the diversity of the people it serves. Judge Court's dozen years of experience in the superior court, including as supervising judge, demonstrate her ability to smoothly transition to the district court. Given her remarkable track record serving Californians from all walks of life, I have the utmost certainty in Judge Court's readiness for this role. She is prepared and has demonstrated. So I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting her nomination. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Ms. BUTLER

Ms. BUTLER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that I be permitted to speak for 5 minutes, and Senator Schmitt be permitted to speak for 5 minutes prior to the scheduled vote.

Ms. BUTLER

Ms. BUTLER. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask that it stand adjourned under the previous order following the remarks of Senator McConnell.

Ms. BUTLER

Ms. BUTLER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned under the provisions of S. Res. 813 until 3 p.m. on Monday, September 16; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that following the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Ritz nomination postcloture; further, that all time be considered expired at 5:30 p.m. on Monday and that if any nominations are confirmed during Monday's session, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.

Ms. BUTLER

Ms. BUTLER. Mr. President, I now ask for a second reading, and in order to place the bill on the calendar under the provisions of rule XIV, I object to my own request.

Ms. BUTLER. Mr. President, I understand that there is a bill at the desk, and I ask for its first reading.

Ms. BUTLER

Ms. BUTLER. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Ms. BUTLER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of S. 2120 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Ms. BUTLER

Ms. BUTLER. Madam President, I have six requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority Leaders. Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate:

Ms. BUTLER

Ms. BUTLER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to legislative session for a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Ms. BUTLER

Ms. BUTLER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 813, which is at the desk.

Ms. BUTLER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.

Ms. BUTLER

Ms. BUTLER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 814, which is at the desk.

Ms. BUTLER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.

Ms. BUTLER

Ms. BUTLER. Mr. President, I rise today to join my colleagues in strong support of the Reproductive Freedom for Women Act. I would like to start by thanking Leader Schumer for bringing this to the floor and Senator Murray for always showing up as a fierce champion for women's right to make their own reproductive health care decisions. This commonsense approach affirms the right to abortion access and emphasizes the need to restore and strengthen the protections formerly enshrined in Roe v. Wade. This should not be controversial--not when 28 million women in 21 States face ever-growing risks due to a lack of reproductive care options where they live; not when healthcare providers throughout our country have become the target of extremist legislators, who seek to punish those who deliver lifesaving care and treatments to their patients; not when our sons and daughters face a future where they are afforded fewer rights than their mothers and grandmothers. We are living in a moment where patients' power to govern their own bodies is being snatched out of their hands and seized by far-right leaders in State courts and legislatures who won't quit until they have established a national abortion ban. Ever since the Supreme Court issued it's devastating Dobbs decision, reversing nearly 50 years of settled law, these politicians have pulled every lever to put reproductive health care out of reach--on everything from IVF to contraception. But while these extremists have worked nonstop to restrict reproductive freedom, they have been challenged at nearly every turn. The Biden-Harris administration and leaders in this Chamber have used every tool possible to stand in strong opposition to those who seek to turn back the clock and drag our Nation backwards. Legislation like the Women's Health Protection Act, the Right to Contraception Act, the Freedom to Travel for Health Care Act, and numerous others take considerable steps to safeguard reproductive freedom across the board. I am proud to serve more than 40 million Californians in a State where reproductive rights and protections have been advanced and strengthened. While California has been a champion on this front, patients in neighboring States like Arizona have experienced extreme shifts in their reproductive rights following the Dobbs decision. Two weeks ago, I chaired a Judiciary Subcommittee field hearing in Phoenix, AZ, to examine the ever-changing landscape of abortion rights in our Nation. During this hearing, I heard from advocates, patients, and providers, who were all directly affected by the Dobbs decision. One witness included Dr. Misha Pangasa, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist who provides full spectrum reproductive health care in Phoenix. In her testimony, Dr. Pangasa spoke about the upheaval she has witnessed on the ground. Regarding her patients, she stated, ``They wonder whether tomorrow, next week, or next month they will still have options if faced with a pregnancy complication. They wonder if I will be able to care for them, or have to send them to another state if they find themselves in a situation in which abortion is right for them. ``They wonder whether I'll even be allowed to counsel them through all their options, or if I'll be threatened with a lawsuit or prison time for even bringing up the possibility of abortion, like providers in other states have been. I see and hear their fear about the future every day.'' Stories from people like Dr. Pangasa demonstrate the urgency for Congress to pass legislation to protect a woman's right to choose. Surveys show that 8 in 10 Americans believe the government shouldn't meddle in patients' reproductive health. The bill introduced by Leader Schumer and Senator Murray supports the American majority's position, so I urge my colleagues to join me in getting this across the finish line.

Ms. BUTLER

Ms. BUTLER. Is there a sufficient second? There appears to be a sufficient second. The clerk will call the roll.

Ms. BUTLER

Ms. BUTLER. Mr. President, reserving the right to object, I rise in opposition to the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. Despite what our Republican colleagues propose, the contents of this legislation would yield harmful impacts on patients and providers. This bill creates new and vague standards of care for physicians, providing reproductive healthcare that are not based in medicine, not based in science, and not based in fact. It goes to unnecessary lengths to penalize doctors and patients for so-called substandard care when current Federal law already ensures doctors the obligation to provide appropriate medical care to all their patients. This bill fails to consider a serious reality for expectant parents. Too often some parents learn late in their pregnancy that their baby wouldn't survive due to factors beyond their control. At that point, parents are often placed in a position to make one of the most difficult decisions of their lives, which is to end the pregnancy at the delivery of their baby. That is why my Democratic colleagues and I have taken to the Senate floor over the last few weeks to plead with our Republican colleagues about protecting a patient's right to choose what to do with their own bodies. But this bill is an attempt to once again drag our Nation backwards, and I refuse to sit idly by and watch it happen. For those reasons, I object.

Ms. BUTLER

Ms. BUTLER. Mr. President, I was unable to vote on June 13 due to testing positive for COVID-19. If I had been present, I would have voted on rollcall vote No. 197 in support of the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 4445, a bill to protect and expand nationwide access to fertility treatment, including in vitro fertilization.

Ms. BUTLER

Ms. BUTLER. Mr. President, I rise today to join my colleagues in support of the Right to IVF Act of 2024. I would like to start by thanking Senators Duckworth, Murray, Booker, and Leader Schumer for their work championing this legislation, which would help ensure IVF services are available and accessible to patients across the country. It should appall all of us that one of the most common forms of assisted reproductive technology is under attack, but it should not surprise us. Extreme MAGA Republicans across the Nation will stop at nothing to exert control over women's bodies. Just 3 months ago, my Republican colleagues in this Chamber had the opportunity to stand with women and families. Instead, they blocked a bill to expand IVF access and family-building services for veterans and servicemembers, which after serving our Nation, for many, is the only way to make their dream of having a family possible. And in February, the Alabama Supreme Court issued a ruling that ground IVF treatments to a halt and ushered in weeks of chaos and confusion for would-be parents. But it is not just Alabama; women and families across the Nation face fear and uncertainty as extreme Republicans in several other States seek to limit access to IVF altogether. Following the Alabama Supreme Court's ruling that embryos created through in vitro fertilization are considered children, so-called fetal personhood bills have been introduced in Kansas, Florida, Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Utah during the 2024 legislative session. We have seen example after example of MAGA Republicans' shameful crusade to rip reproductive health services out of the hands of people who need them. It is dumbfounding to see this level of blatant contradiction from Republicans who love to tout themselves as being the ``pro-life party'' on the campaign trail. But here, in the room where it happens, they are advocating for policies that would foreclose for so many families the opportunity to have children. Their actions speak much louder than their words. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, IVF has proven to be a necessary family-building tool. Yet the ``party of family values'' is intent on blocking this bill. Across the country, including in States represented by my Republican colleagues, there are stories of countless women and their significant others who have spent years waiting, saving, and praying for the day they could bring a child into the world. These are constituents--our collective constituents--who stand to benefit tremendously from legislation like the Right to IVF Act. This week, I heard from Karli from Santa Rosa, CA, who wrote to me about her experience receiving IVF care. She says, ``The biggest dream of my life was to be a Mama. When I married my husband, he had gotten a vasectomy 18 years earlier. He had surgery to reverse it, so we could try to have a baby naturally. We tried for years with no success. We looked into adoptions but had no idea the process could be so long, so expensive, and no guarantee we would be chosen as parents . . . ``After 3 years of fertility issues, we finally saw a reproductive specialist. We chose to use donated embryos, and after our 3rd transfer, we had a successful pregnancy and live birth. Our daughter is the biggest blessing of my life, brings joy, love and laughter to everyone she meets. ``Without the help of reproductive intervention, she would not have been born, and I would not have been able to be a Mama. I am beyond grateful, and the world is absolutely a better place with my angel in it. . . .'' I am proud to know that California is leading the charge to protect IVF access and reproductive freedom across the board. But there are thousands of Karli's in Missouri, in Alabama, in Georgia, and across the Nation who are not guaranteed those same rights. The Right to IVF Act is needed and necessary legislation. The American people are counting on us to safeguard the right to these vital services, and I urge my colleagues to join me in advancing this bill.

Ms. BUTLER

Ms. BUTLER. Mr. President, I rise today to join my colleagues in urging that the Supreme Court be held to a higher standard of transparency and accountability and that we immediately pass the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act. Let me begin by thanking my colleagues Senators Whitehouse and Durbin for their tireless work on this issue. They understand that Congress has a responsibility to hold those in places of power to account, and I am proud to join their effort. The American public's confidence in our democratic institutions has reached new lows. In February of this year, a poll by the Marquette School of Law found that 60 percent of respondents disapproved of the Supreme Court. And who could blame them? The egregious behavior we have seen from some Supreme Court Justices in the last few months is deeply concerning and has eroded trust in our institutions. The highest Court in the land is no place for anyone with personal bias and questionable ethics. Take for example, Justice Clarence Thomas, who failed to disclose significant gifts and financial transactions from wealthy conservative billionaires. Meanwhile, Justice Thomas's wife involved herself in efforts to overturn the 2020 Presidential election results. How should the American public expect Justice Thomas to ``faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon him?'' They can't. Or consider Justice Samuel Alito who similarly accepted undisclosed trips and gifts funded by conservative benefactors. And an inverted American flag--a symbol carried by January 6 insurrectionists--was seen at his home less than 2 weeks after the violent attack on the Capitol. How should the American public expect Justice Alito to ``faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon him?'' They can't. So it should come as no surprise to us that more than half of Americans disapprove of the Supreme Court. But maintaining the public's trust and confidence in the Court is essential to the credibility of the judicial branch. The Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act is our first step toward slowly, but surely, rebuilding that. In 2022, while speaking at the annual convention of the American Constitution Society, Justice Sonia Sotomayor said, ``We have to have continuing faith in the court system and our system of government,'' adding that she hoped ``to regain the public's confidence that we--as a court, as an institution--have not lost our way.'' It is our job as the U.S. Congress to ensure that our way truly is not lost. Establishing basic transparency of those who interpret the highest law of the land are not just matters of common sense, it is a moral imperative. It is a necessary function of Congress to keep those in power in check. If we fail to fulfill this responsibility, then we ultimately fail the millions of Americans we are sworn to serve. As we consider this legislation, let us remember that the judiciary is the bedrock of our democracy. Getting this bill across the finish line takes a needed step toward preserving the integrity of our highest Court and the democratic principles it upholds. I strongly urge my colleagues to help restore confidence in our Nation's institutions by supporting this critical legislation.

Ms. BUTLER

Ms. BUTLER. Madam President, I rise today to join my colleagues in calling for the passage of the Right to Contraception Act. I would like to start, of course, by thanking Senators Markey, Hirono, and Duckworth for their work in championing legislation that preserves women and families' right to plan a pregnancy on their own terms. Now, basic reproductive and sexual healthcare tools like contraception, like STI prevention, and like fertility treatment are under immediate threat, further reducing patients' options when and whether to start or grow their families. In Arizona, every Republican in both legislative Chambers blocked legislation to protect access to contraception. In Oklahoma, we have seen the Republican legislature there advance legislation that could create a database of women who obtained an abortion and could make IUDs and emergency contraception inaccessible. In Tennessee, House Republicans voted down a bill in committee that would have made clear that the State's abortion ban would not jeopardize access to contraceptive care or fertility treatment. In short, at every opportunity, extreme MAGA Republicans haven't stopped their unconscionable campaign to chip away at a woman's access to basic healthcare. According to 2022 data from the Kaiser Family Foundation, 90 percent of females aged 18 to 64 have used contraception at some point during their reproductive years--90 percent. If we were to let those extremists have their way, it would mean millions of women in our country being left without options and forced into unwanted pregnancy and other situations that we may not be prepared for. Now, my State, California, has been a leader on the frontlines of reproductive freedom. Five months after the Dobbs decision, California voters overwhelmingly chose to amend the State constitution and unequivocally protect the right to abortion and contraception. This week, I heard from Martin Orea and Emily Oh from Southern California, first-year students attending Santa Monica College and Irvine Valley College, respectively. Together, they serve as the Youth Health Equity and Safety Ambassadors for Essential Access Health, a nonprofit dedicated to championing quality sexual and reproductive healthcare for all. They wrote to me saying: Access to contraception is not just a health issue--it's a lifeline for our autonomy and future. Access to contraception is about giving us the power to shape our destinies. When we have the tools to manage our health, we can stay in school, build stable families, and contribute positively to our communities. The ability to get contraception enables us to lead healthier, more productive lives and achieve our dreams. It is about fostering personal responsibility, stability, and economic self-reliance. When I came to this Chamber, I made a promise. I made a promise to be urgent in my efforts to protect the rights of young people like Martin, Emily, and others in their generation who are tired of being ignored and dismissed. We cannot fail them or let them down in this moment. I close, urging my colleagues to join in and ensure that attacks on contraceptives do not go unchecked. We must support this legislation and safeguard contraceptive care for the millions of young girls, women, and patients across the country. I yield the floor.

Ms. BUTLER

Ms. BUTLER. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Ms. BUTLER

Ms. BUTLER. Madam President, in just a few moments, this Chamber is going to consider the confirmation of Judge Dena Coggins to be U.S. judge for the Eastern District of California, and I would proudly want to rise and speak in support of her confirmation. Before I begin, I do want to appreciate that Judge Coggins's family is watching proudly and eagerly the Senate floor today. Her mother, Cynthia Ambrose, Judge Coggins's son Elias and her daughter Elaya, who I met during their nominations hearing--I know they are excited about the opportunity today for their mother to continue her public service at the highest levels in one of the busiest districts in the State and in the country. And so I just want to take the time to thank Ms. Coggins's mother, Ms. Ambrose; Elias; and Elaya for supporting their mom, their daughter. She, indeed, is an incredible woman. If confirmed, Judge Coggins will join the Federal bench at a critical moment for California's Eastern District. The Eastern District of California is currently seeing an average of 803 filings for each judgeship on the court. That caseload level is the sixth highest in any Federal district in the country. And given her remarkable track record serving Californians from all walks of life, I have the utmost certainty and confidence in Judge Coggins's readiness for this role. Her work ethic, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law make her an exceptional nominee to meet this moment with the urgency that it demands, and I am confident that she will be successful. Born and raised in Sacramento, Judge Coggins has devoted her career to serving the community in which she was raised. She completed her undergraduate degree at California State University Sacramento, received her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento. Judge Coggins began her career in general litigation and family law, where she built a strong reputation as a skilled litigator with experience in both Federal and State court. From 2015 to 2017, and again from 2018 to 2021, Judge Coggins served as an administrative law judge at the State of California's Office of Administrative Hearings. In this capacity, Judge Coggins presided over more than 150 evidentiary hearings and trials. She also served as supervising attorney and hearing officer for the California Victim Compensation Board, where she oversaw legal proceedings and ensured that victims of violent crimes receive the compensation and the support that they needed. Since 2021, Judge Coggins has served in the Superior Court of California in Sacramento County. She has handled assignments in both the criminal division and the juvenile court. And since 2023, she has served as the presiding judge of the juvenile court, presiding over 100 juvenile dependency trials. I will also note that if Judge Coggins is confirmed, she would be filling the seat currently held by Chief Judge Kimberly J. Mueller, who was the first woman to ever serve on the district court of California and for whom Judge Coggins served as an extern early in her legal career. Judge Coggins is an experienced jurist who has seamlessly transitioned to and excelled in numerous roles on the State bench. The respect and reverence she has earned is validated by the overwhelming support she has received since her nomination, including a letter written by several of her colleagues at the State bench addressed to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Speaking of her service on the juvenile court as a juvenile court judge, they said: She is a humble and quiet leader, not seeking the spotlight or the fanfare, simply working day in and day out to improve the court. We know when she speaks, she has put considerable thought into her words and that her reasoning and judgment are sound. They go on to say: In the courtroom, she also demonstrates her steady and fair temperament. She is thorough and diligent. Judge Coggins is efficient with her time on the bench and has handled substantial caseloads. She analyzes issues in a careful and balanced manner and provides thoughtful, well-reasoned, and common-sense decisions. She is compassionate to all who appear before her and takes time to understand the impact each decision will have on them. Judge Coggins is exactly the kind of jurist that we need in the Eastern District and has exactly the kind of experience California's Federal bench needs. Her legal intellect, her composure, her record as an effective, efficient, thoughtful jurist makes her a strong nominee. And her appointment to the bench comes at a historic time. Just this morning, we marked the milestone of confirming President Biden's 200th appointment to the Federal judiciary, including 1 Supreme Court Justice, 42 Circuit Court judges, 155 District Court judges, and 2 judges to the U.S. Court of International Trade. President Biden has nominated and the Senate has confirmed 126 non- White Federal judges, more than any President in history. The majority of these judges are women--127 exceptionally qualified jurists. Notably, the professional diversity of these confirmations are so remarkable and unprecedented, including public defenders and other legal backgrounds whose perspectives and experiences have not been fully represented on our Federal bench. With this in mind, confirmation of Judge Coggins's nomination is a part of our broader work to strengthen our judicial system. So I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting her confirmation to the Eastern District of California. I yield the floor.

Ms. BUTLER

Ms. BUTLER. Mr. President, today, I rise on the heels of Mother's Day to bring attention to the healthcare crisis facing America's mothers-- most particularly Black mothers and the Black maternal health crisis. I begin by acknowledging the invaluable contribution mothers make each day, kissing scraped knees and chasing monsters out of the closet. Mothers are indeed our Nation's true superheroes. All across the country, mothers are the driving force for our economy. According to the Center for American Progress, mothers are to thank for most of the economic gains enjoyed by middle-class families over the past 50 years. Their data covering 1970 to 2013 show that women's increased labor force participation and increased earnings grew the U.S. economy by 13.5 percent, which translates to an additional $2 trillion in economic activity. According to the Department of Labor, 40.5 percent of working mothers are equal, primary, or sole income earners for their family--a fact that is especially true for Black mothers. In the United States, Black mothers are a critical part of our labor force, and 80 percent of them are the breadwinners for their families. But these same mothers face a healthcare system that is failing them. The United States has the highest rate of maternal mortality in the world amongst high-income nations. Thousands of women in America have lost their lives due to pregnancy-related causes in recent years and over the past decade. While the birthrate in this country has declined by roughly 20 percent, maternal mortality rates have steadily risen. This crisis is exacerbated in communities grappling with a lack of access to essential maternal healthcare. According to a report produced by the March of Dimes, one-third of the counties in the United States are considered maternity care deserts, meaning there are no hospitals providing obstetric care, no birth centers, and no obstetric providers. Imagine your loved one preparing to give birth and bring new life into your family having no choice but to drive hours away from home to seek care. We know from the data that this crisis has not been felt equally. Among Black and Native indigenous communities, maternal mortality rates are two to four times higher compared to those of White communities. The good news is that champions in this Chamber have spent years laying the groundwork in our path toward rectifying this crisis. In 2018, then-Senator, now-Vice President Kamala Harris introduced the initial Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act. The Momnibus, now led by the very own Senator Booker from New Jersey, is a comprehensive legislative package that would make historic investments to address every dimension of the Black maternal health crisis. I am proud to serve as a cosponsor of this much needed legislation. The good news is that, since leaving this Chamber, Vice President Harris has remained consistent and insistent in carrying these efforts forward into the Biden-Harris administration, spearheading the administration's blueprint to address the maternal health crisis. The blueprint has led to key actions involving innovative models to improve maternal healthcare for low-income women and a national strategy to address maternal mental health and substance use disorders. This blueprint, paired with the passage of thoughtful legislative proposals such as the Black Maternal Health Momnibus, is exactly what we need to combat this devastating crisis. As a Member of this Chamber, it is a privilege to truly be able to contribute to those legislative solutions and be a part of this fight. That is why I introduced the NIH IMPROVE Act, alongside Senator Katie Britt and Representatives Underwood and in the House, to help address some of these disparities. The NIH IMPROVE Act authorizes the funding necessary to sustain the critical activities of the National Institutes of Health's IMPROVE Initiative, which supports research on how to reduce preventable causes of maternal death and improve health for women before, during, and after pregnancy. The initiative aims to address the foremost causes of maternal mortality in the United States as well as significant pregnancy-associated and pregnancy-related health complications such as diabetes, obesity, mental health, and substance use disorders. This bill would provide the steady funding necessary, at least for the next 7 years, to ensure that NIH can continue to pursue this research into the root causes of our maternal mortality crisis. The bill will also help to build an evidence base to further improve maternal healthcare in underserved areas and target health disparities associated with maternal mortality and morbidity. Just one example of how the IMPROVE Initiative is already supporting critical maternal health research is the story of a young researcher named Denys Symonette Mitchell, a doctor of public health student at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Through the support of the IMPROVE Initiative, Denys and her colleagues are actively conducting pregnancy-related research to examine and eliminate maternal health disparities and ultimately reshape communities in need. Specifically, their research examines strategies to support healthy eating and increased physical activity among low- income postpartum women with a history of diabetes during pregnancy-- one of the many conditions associated with maternal mortality and morbidity. Denys has said that NIH-funded studies such as this have transformed her educational experience and catapulted her professional aims as a training research scientist. In addition to serving as a doctoral research assistant, Denys is also a Black mother. Denys is a manifestation, a real-life example that Black women, Black mothers, and all mothers are so much more than just a statistic; they are vigorously working toward solutions that we need to improve maternal health outcomes in this country. The urgent research efforts called for and outlined in the NIH IMPROVE Act and Initiative will not only help to address our Nation's maternal health crisis; they will also help to support the next generation of Black mothers, scientists, and leaders such as Denys. The lifesaving research supported through the NIH IMPROVE Act will bolster solutions that are designed to combat the crisis that all women are facing. Mr. President, I will close with this: In the majority opinion of the Dobbs decision that essentially ripped away the reproductive freedom of women that they had fought for for nearly 50 years, Justice Alito wrote: Women are not without electoral or political power. While I disagree with most of what Justice Alito wrote in this opinion, on this point, with him I do agree. The political and electoral power of women in this country demands the healthcare that we need, demands the healthcare that we deserve. Advancing the NIH IMPROVE Act will serve as a key step toward accomplishing that. While I serve in this Chamber, I will continue to push and to push us to deliver the investments required to address this crisis head-on. I am committed to seeing this through for my daughter if she decides to become a mother, for every woman who chooses to be a mother, and for the future of the Nation they will shape. Mr. President, I yield the floor.