Alex Padilla

Mr. PADILLA

Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, I rise to introduce the Wildland Firefighter Fair Pay Act to permanently increase the pay caps of some of the United States' most hard-working employees, who risk their lives to keep our communities safe and manage the land from severe wildfire. In every State, we rely on Federal firefighters who spend weeks to months away from their families in dangerous conditions. As fire season turns into a year-round issue, firefighters must be compensated for their overtime work that grows each year. The Wildland Firefighter Fair Pay Act would increase the overtime pay caps Federal wildland firefighters and adjust for the new proposed pay scale. This overtime pay cap increase boost the Federal Agencies' ability to recruit Federal wildland firefighters and avoid firefighters walking off the line midincident or leaving for other opportunities. As it stands, current United States Code limits wildland firefighters' premium pay and hurts Federal Agencies' ability to recruit and retain firefighters. Building off the bipartisan infrastructure law, a bipartisan group of Senators and the White House are working to ensure that our wildland firefighters are compensated appropriately for their intense line of work. The ``Wlldfand Firefighter Fair Pay Act'' complements these efforts by ensuring that any pay bump would not be limited by a pay cap. I would like to thank Senators Steve Daines, Martin Heinrich, Ben Ray Lujan, Catherine Cortez Masto, Jacky Rosen, and Jon Tester for joining me in introducing this bill, as well as Representative Zoe Lofgren for championing this bill in the House. Lastly, we owe these efforts to California's Late Senator Dianne Feinstein, who had written the original bill. We must continue Senator Feinstein's legacy of supporting our firefighters and investing in wildfire mitigation efforts across the country by permanently increasing the premium pay cap. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this necessary legislation to improve pay for Federal firefighters.

Mr. PADILLA

Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, I rise to speak in support of the Equal COLA Act, which I reintroduced today. The Federal Government's workforce is central to protecting our national security and delivering critical services to hundreds of millions of Americans. As such, it is essential that the Federal Government attract and retain an effective workforce and, once their service is complete, ensure retirees receive the dignified retirement that they deserve. Unfortunately, in 1986, Congress created a two-tiered system that now prevents nearly 800,000 retired Federal employees from receiving a full cost-of-living adjustment when consumer prices increase more than 2 percent from year to year. In January, some Federal retirees will receive a 3.2-percent COLA. However, other Federal retirees will receive only a 2.2-percent increase due to this policy, which fails to protect retired employees living on a fixed income. That is why I am proud to reintroduce this legislation to fix this unfair system and ensure that all retired Federal employees receive full retirement benefits that keep up with the cost of living. I hope my colleagues will join me in support of this bill to ensure that retired Federal employees no longer pay the price of a misguided law and that their benefits fully keep pace with the cost of living.

Mr. PADILLA

Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, I rise to speak in support of the Equal COLA Act, which I reintroduced today. The Federal Government's workforce is central to protecting our national security and delivering critical services to hundreds of millions of Americans. As such, it is essential that the Federal Government attract and retain an effective workforce and, once their service is complete, ensure retirees receive the dignified retirement that they deserve. Unfortunately, in 1986, Congress created a two-tiered system that now prevents nearly 800,000 retired Federal employees from receiving a full cost-of-living adjustment when consumer prices increase more than 2 percent from year to year. In January, some Federal retirees will receive a 3.2-percent COLA. However, other Federal retirees will receive only a 2.2-percent increase due to this policy, which fails to protect retired employees living on a fixed income. That is why I am proud to reintroduce this legislation to fix this unfair system and ensure that all retired Federal employees receive full retirement benefits that keep up with the cost of living. I hope my colleagues will join me in support of this bill to ensure that retired Federal employees no longer pay the price of a misguided law and that their benefits fully keep pace with the cost of living.

Mr. PADILLA

Mr. PADILLA. Mr. President, I rise today on behalf of my former colleague, the late Senator Dianne Feinstein, to recognize the dedicated service of her long-time State director, Peter Muller. Born and raised in San Jose, Peter is a native Californian and has spent his career serving the people of the Golden State. After graduating from St. Mary's College of California, he earned his master's in political science and government from American University. Peter began his career in Congress in 1992 as a legislative assistant for then-Congressman Norman Mineta, where he served until Congressman Mineta's retirement in 1995. Peter then served as legislative director to Congresswoman Karen McCarthy before joining Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher's office in 1997, first as legislative director and then as her chief of staff. Peter spent 9 years with Congresswoman Tauscher and distinguished himself through his work with the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and his efforts leading the development of the New Democrat Coalition. After three stints away from Capitol Hill working for California- based Genentech, Intel, and Metrolink and a move to Los Angeles, Peter joined Senator Feinstein's staff in 2016 as her deputy State director. He subsequently served as her State director until her passing last month. Every member of this Chamber knows the importance of their State director. They serve as our eyes and ears in our State, and they often act as our proxy when a cross-country flight isn't manageable. They lead our State teams with incredible patience and care, ensuring our offices run efficiently and our constituents receive the services they need. And they do it all for the good of the people we were elected to serve. Peter was by Senator Feinstein's side for good times and bad, through a reelection campaign and Supreme Court confirmations, impeachments and insurrection, and the COVID-19 pandemic. I know that Senator Feinstein valued his counsel on many contentious issues, and he was often the first person she turned to when considering the impact of an issue on her beloved California. He was essential to her lasting efforts to protect California's public lands and water resources, improve our immigration system, secure funding for the West Los Angeles VA campus, and many of her other priorities throughout the State. And so, on behalf of my former colleague and her team and as a fellow former State staffer for Senator Feinstein, I thank Peter for his years of dedicated service. The people of California are forever indebted to him for the impacts he has made, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. PADILLA

Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, I rise to speak in support of the University Centers for Growth, Development, and Prosperity Act, which I reintroduced today. The U.S. Economic Development Administration created the University Center Program to allow institutions of higher education and consortia to establish and maintain university centers, with the understanding that our higher education institutions play a critical role in our Nation's economic growth. University centers are Federal partnerships that leverage the assets of higher learning institutions to strengthen regional economic growth by promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation. They encourage economic development in economically distressed regions, which helps spur job growth, high-skilled regional talent pools, and business expansion. Despite EDA's important work, many communities across the country have yet to benefit from the Agency's programs, including smaller communities, communities of color, and rural areas experiencing higher rates of poverty. Despite being one of EDA's most successful economic development initiatives, the current University Center Program is not officially authorized by Congress and is currently administered under EDA's Technical Assistance Program. That is why I am proud to reintroduce legislation that would codify and expand the University Center Program, leverage more resources for minority-serving institutions, and support a greater diversity of innovation and entrepreneurship in their communities. California has several thriving institutions, including Cal State Chico, Cal State Bakersfield, and University of Southern California, that will be able to scale their impact as a result of these new resources. By prioritizing the establishment of new university centers at colleges and universities that serve significant populations of underserved students, we can further strengthen regional economies and help close the racial wealth gap. Specifically, the bill establishes an EDA University Center Program to help universities collaborate with economic development districts, trade adjustment assistance centers, and other economic development technical assistance and service providers to develop and implement comprehensive economic development strategies and other economic development planning at the local, regional, and State levels, with a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. It also prioritizes the participation of minority-serving institutions as part of the University Center Program. Minority-serving institutions provide incredible opportunities for so many low-income and first-generation students. I am proud that my State of California is home to 174 Hispanic-serving institutions and 51 emerging Hispanic- serving institutions, the highest amount in the country. As a Senator representing one of the most diverse States in the country, I am eager to work with my colleagues to ensure that we improve the equity of EDA programming and help increase the participation of minority-serving institutions. As the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works continues to draft an EDA reauthorization bill, I urge them to include this legislation to expand and improve the University Center Program. I want to thank Congressman Pete Aguilar for introducing this bill with me, and I hope my colleagues will join me in support of this program that benefits almost every State.

Mr. PADILLA

Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, I rise to speak in support of the University Centers for Growth, Development, and Prosperity Act, which I reintroduced today. The U.S. Economic Development Administration created the University Center Program to allow institutions of higher education and consortia to establish and maintain university centers, with the understanding that our higher education institutions play a critical role in our Nation's economic growth. University centers are Federal partnerships that leverage the assets of higher learning institutions to strengthen regional economic growth by promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation. They encourage economic development in economically distressed regions, which helps spur job growth, high-skilled regional talent pools, and business expansion. Despite EDA's important work, many communities across the country have yet to benefit from the Agency's programs, including smaller communities, communities of color, and rural areas experiencing higher rates of poverty. Despite being one of EDA's most successful economic development initiatives, the current University Center Program is not officially authorized by Congress and is currently administered under EDA's Technical Assistance Program. That is why I am proud to reintroduce legislation that would codify and expand the University Center Program, leverage more resources for minority-serving institutions, and support a greater diversity of innovation and entrepreneurship in their communities. California has several thriving institutions, including Cal State Chico, Cal State Bakersfield, and University of Southern California, that will be able to scale their impact as a result of these new resources. By prioritizing the establishment of new university centers at colleges and universities that serve significant populations of underserved students, we can further strengthen regional economies and help close the racial wealth gap. Specifically, the bill establishes an EDA University Center Program to help universities collaborate with economic development districts, trade adjustment assistance centers, and other economic development technical assistance and service providers to develop and implement comprehensive economic development strategies and other economic development planning at the local, regional, and State levels, with a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. It also prioritizes the participation of minority-serving institutions as part of the University Center Program. Minority-serving institutions provide incredible opportunities for so many low-income and first-generation students. I am proud that my State of California is home to 174 Hispanic-serving institutions and 51 emerging Hispanic- serving institutions, the highest amount in the country. As a Senator representing one of the most diverse States in the country, I am eager to work with my colleagues to ensure that we improve the equity of EDA programming and help increase the participation of minority-serving institutions. As the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works continues to draft an EDA reauthorization bill, I urge them to include this legislation to expand and improve the University Center Program. I want to thank Congressman Pete Aguilar for introducing this bill with me, and I hope my colleagues will join me in support of this program that benefits almost every State.

Mr. PADILLA

Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, I rise to speak in support of the Homelessness and Behavioral Health Care Coordination Act of 2023, Which I introduced today. On any given night in the United States, more than 582,000 people are experiencing homelessness. An estimated 20 percent of those experiencing homelessness also have a behavioral health condition, including substance use disorders. While we know that the primary driver of homelessness is the lack of affordable housing units, we know that these behavioral and substance use disorders and conditions can further exacerbate homelessness. In order to ensure that those experiencing these conditions can obtain and retain housing, we need to ensure that both housing and social service providers have the resources to work together to increase access to supportive services. That is why I am proud to introduce this bill that would establish a grant program through the Department of Health and Human Services that would award 5-year grants of up to $500,000 to eligible entities to improve their capacity to coordinate culturally competent, trauma-informed behavioral health and homelessness services. The bill would also create a Federal interagency working group, with representatives from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, the Department of Agriculture, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to advise on how to carry out the program. The working group would also develop materials to facilitate understanding between Agencies offering health services and homelessness services. I want to thank Representative Madeleine Dean for introducing this bill with me, and I hope our colleagues will join us in taking this key step to addressing the homelessness and behavioral health crises.

Mr. PADILLA

Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, I rise to speak in support of the Homelessness and Behavioral Health Care Coordination Act of 2023, Which I introduced today. On any given night in the United States, more than 582,000 people are experiencing homelessness. An estimated 20 percent of those experiencing homelessness also have a behavioral health condition, including substance use disorders. While we know that the primary driver of homelessness is the lack of affordable housing units, we know that these behavioral and substance use disorders and conditions can further exacerbate homelessness. In order to ensure that those experiencing these conditions can obtain and retain housing, we need to ensure that both housing and social service providers have the resources to work together to increase access to supportive services. That is why I am proud to introduce this bill that would establish a grant program through the Department of Health and Human Services that would award 5-year grants of up to $500,000 to eligible entities to improve their capacity to coordinate culturally competent, trauma-informed behavioral health and homelessness services. The bill would also create a Federal interagency working group, with representatives from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, the Department of Agriculture, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to advise on how to carry out the program. The working group would also develop materials to facilitate understanding between Agencies offering health services and homelessness services. I want to thank Representative Madeleine Dean for introducing this bill with me, and I hope our colleagues will join us in taking this key step to addressing the homelessness and behavioral health crises.

Mr. PADILLA

Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, I rise to introduce the Shasta Trinity Marina Fees Act to make permanent the existing authority for the U.S. Forest Service to collect and retain marina fees within the Shasta- Trinity National Forest. The ability to collect these fees has proved critical to the success of the Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area, and the funds are used to enhance recreation, support public safety and service announcements, improve lake access, and provide greater marina infrastructure for boaters. In 2008, Congress gave the Forest Service the ability to collect and retain marina fees in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in order to fund the Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area; however, that authority expired in 2019, and Congress has granted the Forest Service 1-year reauthorizations since then. This bipartisan bill would make this authority permanent, providing certainty to the Forest Service and guaranteeing the ability to maintain recreation infrastructure. Trinity County is one of the poorest counties in the State of California, with declining revenue sources to fund public services and a strained economy. The Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area is the largest driver of tourism activity to the area, and visitors come to the region to enjoy the Shasta and Trinity Lakes. The ability to collect marina fees has allowed the Forest Service to support 15 permanent and 9 seasonal employees who provide vital support for recreation and has also paid for cleaning and maintenance of infrastructure, fire prevention patrols, and accessible facilities to provide greater access for people with disabilities. We must provide certainty to ensure that this critical investment in Shasta-Trinity National Forest won't be threatened congressional inaction, government shutdowns, or gamesmanship. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation to provide permanent, crucial investments for one of California's meccas for outdoor recreation.

Mr. PADILLA

Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, I rise to introduce the Shasta Trinity Marina Fees Act to make permanent the existing authority for the U.S. Forest Service to collect and retain marina fees within the Shasta- Trinity National Forest. The ability to collect these fees has proved critical to the success of the Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area, and the funds are used to enhance recreation, support public safety and service announcements, improve lake access, and provide greater marina infrastructure for boaters. In 2008, Congress gave the Forest Service the ability to collect and retain marina fees in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in order to fund the Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area; however, that authority expired in 2019, and Congress has granted the Forest Service 1-year reauthorizations since then. This bipartisan bill would make this authority permanent, providing certainty to the Forest Service and guaranteeing the ability to maintain recreation infrastructure. Trinity County is one of the poorest counties in the State of California, with declining revenue sources to fund public services and a strained economy. The Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area is the largest driver of tourism activity to the area, and visitors come to the region to enjoy the Shasta and Trinity Lakes. The ability to collect marina fees has allowed the Forest Service to support 15 permanent and 9 seasonal employees who provide vital support for recreation and has also paid for cleaning and maintenance of infrastructure, fire prevention patrols, and accessible facilities to provide greater access for people with disabilities. We must provide certainty to ensure that this critical investment in Shasta-Trinity National Forest won't be threatened congressional inaction, government shutdowns, or gamesmanship. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation to provide permanent, crucial investments for one of California's meccas for outdoor recreation.

Mr. PADILLA. Madam 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. Forest Service in the Sierra Nevadas. This bill would transfer 160 acres of Stanislaus National Forest land to the National Park Service to be managed as part of Yosemite National Park Service to be managed as part of the Yosemite National Park and transfer 170 acres of National Park land to the Forest Service to manage as part of Stanislaus National Forest. The land in the exchange is known as Ackerson Meadow. Ackerson Meadow is one of the largest midelevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada. It is an ecologically and regionally critical wildlife corridor, and the scenic meadow is an important habitat for the State endangered great grey owl and little willow flycatcher, as well as a suite of additional at-risk wildlife species. In 2016, a coalition of conservation groups donated Ackerson Meadow to Yosemite National Park; however, it is almost completely surrounded by Stanislaus National Forest and only partially contiguous to the rest of Yosemite National Park. The current configuration of land management presents logistical challenges to both NPS and Forest Service; therefore, both Agencies, as well as local stakeholders, support this land exchange. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this straightforward legislation to better manage the land in and around Ackerson Meadow.

Mr. PADILLA

Mr. PADILLA. Madam 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. Forest Service in the Sierra Nevadas. This bill would transfer 160 acres of Stanislaus National Forest land to the National Park Service to be managed as part of Yosemite National Park Service to be managed as part of the Yosemite National Park and transfer 170 acres of National Park land to the Forest Service to manage as part of Stanislaus National Forest. The land in the exchange is known as Ackerson Meadow. Ackerson Meadow is one of the largest midelevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada. It is an ecologically and regionally critical wildlife corridor, and the scenic meadow is an important habitat for the State endangered great grey owl and little willow flycatcher, as well as a suite of additional at-risk wildlife species. In 2016, a coalition of conservation groups donated Ackerson Meadow to Yosemite National Park; however, it is almost completely surrounded by Stanislaus National Forest and only partially contiguous to the rest of Yosemite National Park. The current configuration of land management presents logistical challenges to both NPS and Forest Service; therefore, both Agencies, as well as local stakeholders, support this land exchange. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this straightforward legislation to better manage the land in and around Ackerson Meadow.

Mr. PADILLA

Mr. PADILLA. Mr. President, before I begin, I also want to acknowledge others who are here in the Chamber to be part of this tribute, part of this moment--the first of many over the coming days and weeks, no doubt. Senator Schumer acknowledged Speaker Pelosi, Speaker Emerita Pelosi, and Katherine in the Gallery here. We do have a good amount of the California congressional delegation here as well paying their respects--the dean, Representative Lofgren, and so many friends from the north to the south to the east and the west of the Golden State. Up in the Gallery also is Team Feinstein, so many of the staff members who make sure the office is always performing at peak capacity, just the way Dianne insisted. I know that personally, and I will tell you why in a minute. But I think I speak on behalf of all of us when I say that it is with profound sadness that we bid farewell to my dear friend, colleague, and outright champion for the State of California, Senator Dianne Feinstein. As we have been hearing today, she was a towering figure. Let me be clear. She was a towering figure not just in modern California history but in the history of our State and our Nation. Yes, she broke barriers throughout her career. You heard about that from Leader Schumer, how many firsts. Her leadership, though, as the city of San Francisco's first female mayor in the aftermath of the tragic assassination of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk showcases her unique ability to lead with grace and strength in the face of adversity. And it wouldn't be her last time. Following her election to the Senate more than three decades ago, Dianne's commitment to bipartisan collaboration made her a deeply respected figure on both sides of the aisle. So my heart is full to hear the words of Senator Collins and Senator Murkowski and others. She understood the importance of working together to find common ground and to get things done for California, for the country, and most importantly, for the American people. Her ability to bridge divides and find that consensus, especially on the thorniest of issues, was a testament to her dedication to the principles of our democracy and the many attributes you are hearing about her today. That is the one I have admired most and have worked my damnedest to try to emulate throughout my career and especially here in the Senate. Now, long before being able to serve together here in the Senate, Dianne gave me one of my first jobs in politics in her Los Angeles office at a time early in my career when I was looking to make a difference for my community and for our State. It is in part thanks to her groundbreaking career that a Latino son of immigrants could one day not just work for her but work alongside her to keep up the fight for the American dream. As we mourn Senator Feinstein's passing, we must also celebrate her incredible legacy, her contributions to our Nation--from gun safety and environmental conservation to national security and healthcare reform and so much more--just as a reminder not just of the power of her example but the power of public service. For Californians, so much of our public lands have been preserved thanks to her singular drive and leadership--from the redwoods of the Headwaters and the San Francisco Bay to Lake Tahoe, to the Southern California desert. We can go on and on, but it is clearly--clearly--a tremendous impact she has had. She leaves behind a legacy of service, of leadership, and a deep love of our country and our democratic ideals. Senators have mentioned her grace, how she worked, how she carried herself--an example for us to follow. I would be remiss if I didn't say there was an exception to that, and that is if you were one of her staff members who came into a meeting with her unprepared. You did not want to not have the answer to her question. She was classy, absolutely. We won't get into the debate about the dress code. As Senator Murray said, she was absolutely generous. Now, I did not receive a seersucker suit. I was not here at the time. But for the decades of the relationship that we had, every time I came to Washington, I made it a point to reach out--at a minimum, a call; a lot of times, a quick meeting in her office--and I always came away with something. More often than not, it was a book. She has quite a library, her collection. Once upon a time, it was a Senate tie. There was always something. I, too, Senator Collins, have a watercolor. It is hanging at home in Los Angeles--my wife's favorite--so I don't have it here to display. What I do have, though, is a photo, as she said, from ``back in the day'' that she sent me just a year ago--periodically going through her files, her archives--a picture from the San Francisco AIDS walk in 1987 but personalized--no autopen here; a personal note from Senator Feinstein. The last story I will share, which I do think is unique. Another example of her generosity is the day I was sworn in to the Senate in 2021 under the most trying of circumstances: COVID prevaccine; 2 weeks after January 6; 40,000 National Guard women and men on the perimeter of a fenced-off Capitol Complex. She honored me by escorting me down the center aisle to the rostrum and stood behind me as I was sworn in. Big day for me. Tough day not having Angela and my boys by my side. As soon as the votes were over, the session was over, she grabbed me by the hand and said: Come with me. I am not sorry to say I had interviews lined up. We marched right past reporters to her hideaway. She immediately wanted to continue the dialogue of, How can I help you? How can I help you? I mustered up a little bit of courage and said: Dianne, I love you, but I want to call my wife. I have just been sworn in to the Senate. So I called my wife. Angela answers. We immediately started FaceTiming each other. We were by the window so we could make sure the signal doesn't drop. And my boys were there. Dianne says: Give me the phone. I have just been sworn in to the U.S. Senate, and I am watching Senator Feinstein FaceTime with my kids. ``So proud of your dad. When are you coming to Washington? I will buy you lunch.'' That was Dianne Feinstein. May she rest in peace, and may her legacy continue to inspire us all. I yield the floor.

Mr. PADILLA

Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, there are moments in history that shock our national conscience, news so heartbreaking that we will always remember exactly where we were when we heard the news. One of those moments is the day the El Monte Thai garment workers were found enslaved in California. As recently as August 2, 1995, there was 72 Thai women and men who were discovered held against their will in the city of El Monte, CA, just outside the city of Los Angeles. There, in a series of apartments- turned-sweatshops, packed in between sewing machines, forced to work 16 hours a day, 7 days a week, and hidden behind barbed wire fences and armed guards, some of them believed help would never come. They were lured by recruiters with the promise of their own American dream. Seventy-two Thai women and men arrived into the United States only to find a nightmare. When they were liberated by Federal agents on that day, that nightmare wasn't over. Instead, they were placed into holding cells, where they feared they would actually be deported after the horrific experience. It wasn't until a 26-year-old staff attorney for the Asian Pacific American Legal Center by the name of Julie Su, among others, took on their case for backpay and for dignity in this country that they had once only dreamt about. When the 72 Thai nationals were finally, truly freed, they actually owed nothing to this country. Yet they stood up and they fought to protect others from going through the hell they had endured. Their advocacy led to meaningful protections in America, including the landmark Federal Victims of Trafficking and Violence Prevention Act, which created a new class of visas for victims of crimes like forced labor and trafficking and strengthened the penalties for trafficking crimes. Just last week, now-Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su--yes, the same Julie Su--had the opportunity to induct the El Monte Thai garment workers into the Department of Labor's Hall of Honor, honoring the courage they have shown and the progress they have made to protect other workers. I also had the privilege of getting to meet them in Washington last week, and I was proud to join Senators Duckworth and Feinstein in introducing a resolution to honor them by the U.S. Senate. But, as each and every one of them has shown us, the best way to respond to the atrocities they went through, the best way to honor them is through our action--by keeping up the fight to end human trafficking, by working to end wage theft that exploits far too many workers in the garment industry and passing the FABRIC Act, and by, in my opinion, finally confirming a champion for workers and worker rights like Julie Su to be Secretary of Labor. I yield the floor.

Mr. PADILLA

Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, it has been 2 months since I first came to the floor to call for the confirmation of Tara McGrath, President Biden's nominee to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California. On that day in July, my Republican colleague from Ohio chose, as he does today, to put political gamesmanship over the safety of the American people and to hold her nomination hostage to leverage completely unrelated issues. Two months later, clearly, nothing has changed. And as a result, since early August, the Southern District of California has gone without a confirmed U.S. attorney. That is despite the fact that a highly qualified candidate was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee after a confirmation hearing, after the proper vetting and review, and is awaiting a full vote on the Senate floor. Yet, because my Republican colleague has chosen to politicize our Justice Department and the confirmation process and hinder the work of multiple law enforcement offices as they await confirmation of their leadership, law enforcement is now forced to work harder than necessary to keep our communities safe. That includes the Senator's own home State of Ohio where the Northern District is currently without a Senate-confirmed U.S. attorney for the longest stretch in that office's history. Now, in my own State, the Southern District of California has become tangled in this political mess. Make no mistake, these delays damage the effectiveness of U.S. Attorney Offices across the country. Like the confirmation of hundreds of our military leaders, these crucial law enforcement nominations are being treated like pawns in their political game. If we truly care about public safety in our communities, if we truly care about enforcing the law, and if we truly care about cracking down on fentanyl and saving American lives--a claim I hear constantly from my colleagues--then confirm Tara McGrath in the Southern District and allow for the swift confirmation of a host of U.S. attorneys that are still being held up. The people of California and the people of the United States deserve better than this. So I call on my colleague to stop weaponizing the Senate's procedures, to confirm Ms. McGrath and all the qualified nominees before us, and take seriously the job that Americans have sent us here to do. I yield the floor.

Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, I recognize that my colleague from Ohio cannot or will not speak on behalf of other Republican Members, but I would respectfully ask if he would lift his hold on the nomination of Tara McGrath to be U.S. attorney for the Southern District of California. I yield to the Senator from Ohio to respond to my question.

Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, I also rise today just a week after the Senate confirmed Judge Rita Lin to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Today, I would like to take a moment to celebrate her confirmation and share with the people of California a bit more about the outstanding public servant and jurist they have gained on the Federal bench. Now Judge Lin earned her undergraduate degree from Harvard College and her law degree from Harvard Law School. After clerking on the First Circuit Court of Appeals for Judge Sandra Lynch, she started out her legal career as an associate and later became partner at the firm of Morrison Foerster in San Francisco. But in 2014, she left private practice to pursue a career in public service, joining the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California. Four years later, Governor Brown appointed Judge Lin to the San Francisco County Superior Court, where she presided over both felony and misdemeanor trials. At every step, Judge Lin's career has been guided by her dedication to public service, whether by maintaining an extensive pro bono practice in the early years of her career or by leaving behind the promise of a very lucrative career in private practice to serve in the Northern District U.S. Attorney's Office. Judge Lin has proven she has the heart and mind worthy of a Federal district judge. And as someone who has lived her entire life with a hearing disability, she also brings a unique perspective from a community not often represented in our Nation's Federal judiciary. The State of California is now lucky to have a Federal district court judge not only with the judicial qualifications of Judge Lin but with the voice, the personal experience, and the passion for public service she brings each and every day. So I want to thank my colleagues for confirming her nomination, and I want to congratulate Judge Lin once again on her confirmation. Unanimous Consent Requests--Executive Calendar Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nomination: Calendar No. 266, Tara K. McGrath, to be the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California; that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate, that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action, and the Senate resume legislative session.

Mr. PADILLA. I respectfully ask if my colleague from Ohio will lift his hold on the nomination of Tara McGrath to be U.S. attorney for the Southern District of California; yes or no?

Mr. PADILLA

Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, I rise to introduce the Health Equity and Middle Eastern and North African Community Inclusion Act of 2023. This bill would ensure that Middle Eastern and North African communities in the United States receive the Federal recognition they need to receive targeted public health resources. Too often, Federal data collection overlooks people in MENA communities. This is true even at the Office of Minority Health, which is tasked with the important work of improving health outcomes for racial and ethnic minority populations. The office's definition of ``racial and ethnic minorities'' does not currently include a Middle Eastern or North African category, meaning that people in this community are often misidentified as White. As a result, the unique health concerns that Middle Easterners and North Africans face remain underreported and unaddressed. This bureaucratic oversight has a tangible impact on individuals' abilities to live full and healthy lives. The Health Equity and Middle Eastern and North African Community Inclusion Act of 2023 would add a Middle Eastern and North African category to the definition of ``racial and ethnic minorities'' used by the Office of Minority Health. Additionally, it would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to use this data to conduct a comprehensive study of the unique patterns and health outcomes in MENA populations. I want to thank Representative Tlaib for joining me in introducing this bill. I look forward to working with my colleagues to take this important step to reduce health disparities.

Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, I rise to speak in support of the Opportunity to Address College Hunger Act, which I introduced today. According to a 2018 GAO study, roughly 2 million at-risk college students who were potentially eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, benefits did not report receiving them. Millions of eligible college students across the Nation face steep barriers to accessing these critical benefits due to a complex application process and a lack of information-sharing from their own colleges and universities. In California alone, 127,000 college students received CalFresh before the pandemic, despite upwards of 690,000 students being potentially eligible. Through my conversations with California college students, many have said that they wished their campuses told them they were eligible for SNAP and how to access benefits. That is why I am introducing this bill--to increase awareness of SNAP for potentially eligible college students and to continue the fight to tackle student hunger. If enacted, this bill would require colleges and universities to notify students participating in State or federally financed work-study programs of their potential eligibility for SNAP benefits. Institutions would also need to provide students with details about how they can obtain more information about SNAP, confirm their eligibility for the program, and access benefits. This notification would be developed by the U.S. Department of Education, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and would be specific to the student's State of residence and provide contact information for the local office where the student can apply for SNAP. The notification would also include an official document confirming that the student participates in a work-study program and meets one of the SNAP eligibility requirements for college students. This documentation would help students overcome a common paperwork hurdle they face when applying for SNAP benefits. Finally, this bill would require the Department of Education and USDA to provide guidance to States and institutions on how to better engage with potentially eligible students. While I support eliminating the restrictive work requirements that limit access to critical nutrition benefits for millions of low-income college students, this bill works to tackle barriers students face with the eligibility requirements currently in place. I want to thank Representative Suzanne Bonamici for introducing this bill in the House and for her continued work to combat student hunger. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation to help improve student food security, health, and learning.

Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, I rise to introduce the Supporting Farm Workers' Mental Health Act of 2023. This bill would ensure that the Farm and Ranch Assistance Network serves the behavioral health needs of farm workers. The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network is a transformative program that addresses the mental health needs of farmers, ranchers, and those engaged in agricultural occupations. While grants can be used to serve farmworkers, farmworkers are not explicitly identified as population of interest, despite their unique health needs. Farmworkers face significant barriers to care, including a shortage of culturally competent providers and low health literacy in addition to the challenges associated with accessing healthcare in rural areas. Nineteen percent of farmworkers reported symptoms of anxiety, and 14 percent reported feeling depressed, according to a recent University of California, Merced study. The Supporting Farm Workers' Mental Health Act of 2023 would amend the Farm and Ranch Stress Act of 2023 would amend the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network to explicitly include farmworkers as an eligible population and ensure peer-to-peer mental health services are an allowable grant activity. Both changes will update the program to reflect our agricultural workforce's behavioral health needs. Farmworkers feed our Nation. It is our responsibility to ensure they have access to behavioral health care they need. I look forward to working with my colleagues to enact this important initiative as quickly as possible.

Mr. PADILLA

Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, I rise to introduce the Health Equity and Middle Eastern and North African Community Inclusion Act of 2023. This bill would ensure that Middle Eastern and North African communities in the United States receive the Federal recognition they need to receive targeted public health resources. Too often, Federal data collection overlooks people in MENA communities. This is true even at the Office of Minority Health, which is tasked with the important work of improving health outcomes for racial and ethnic minority populations. The office's definition of ``racial and ethnic minorities'' does not currently include a Middle Eastern or North African category, meaning that people in this community are often misidentified as White. As a result, the unique health concerns that Middle Easterners and North Africans face remain underreported and unaddressed. This bureaucratic oversight has a tangible impact on individuals' abilities to live full and healthy lives. The Health Equity and Middle Eastern and North African Community Inclusion Act of 2023 would add a Middle Eastern and North African category to the definition of ``racial and ethnic minorities'' used by the Office of Minority Health. Additionally, it would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to use this data to conduct a comprehensive study of the unique patterns and health outcomes in MENA populations. I want to thank Representative Tlaib for joining me in introducing this bill. I look forward to working with my colleagues to take this important step to reduce health disparities.

Mr. PADILLA

Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, I rise to introduce the Supporting Farm Workers' Mental Health Act of 2023. This bill would ensure that the Farm and Ranch Assistance Network serves the behavioral health needs of farm workers. The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network is a transformative program that addresses the mental health needs of farmers, ranchers, and those engaged in agricultural occupations. While grants can be used to serve farmworkers, farmworkers are not explicitly identified as population of interest, despite their unique health needs. Farmworkers face significant barriers to care, including a shortage of culturally competent providers and low health literacy in addition to the challenges associated with accessing healthcare in rural areas. Nineteen percent of farmworkers reported symptoms of anxiety, and 14 percent reported feeling depressed, according to a recent University of California, Merced study. The Supporting Farm Workers' Mental Health Act of 2023 would amend the Farm and Ranch Stress Act of 2023 would amend the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network to explicitly include farmworkers as an eligible population and ensure peer-to-peer mental health services are an allowable grant activity. Both changes will update the program to reflect our agricultural workforce's behavioral health needs. Farmworkers feed our Nation. It is our responsibility to ensure they have access to behavioral health care they need. I look forward to working with my colleagues to enact this important initiative as quickly as possible.

Mr. PADILLA

Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, I rise to speak in support of the Opportunity to Address College Hunger Act, which I introduced today. According to a 2018 GAO study, roughly 2 million at-risk college students who were potentially eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, benefits did not report receiving them. Millions of eligible college students across the Nation face steep barriers to accessing these critical benefits due to a complex application process and a lack of information-sharing from their own colleges and universities. In California alone, 127,000 college students received CalFresh before the pandemic, despite upwards of 690,000 students being potentially eligible. Through my conversations with California college students, many have said that they wished their campuses told them they were eligible for SNAP and how to access benefits. That is why I am introducing this bill--to increase awareness of SNAP for potentially eligible college students and to continue the fight to tackle student hunger. If enacted, this bill would require colleges and universities to notify students participating in State or federally financed work-study programs of their potential eligibility for SNAP benefits. Institutions would also need to provide students with details about how they can obtain more information about SNAP, confirm their eligibility for the program, and access benefits. This notification would be developed by the U.S. Department of Education, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and would be specific to the student's State of residence and provide contact information for the local office where the student can apply for SNAP. The notification would also include an official document confirming that the student participates in a work-study program and meets one of the SNAP eligibility requirements for college students. This documentation would help students overcome a common paperwork hurdle they face when applying for SNAP benefits. Finally, this bill would require the Department of Education and USDA to provide guidance to States and institutions on how to better engage with potentially eligible students. While I support eliminating the restrictive work requirements that limit access to critical nutrition benefits for millions of low-income college students, this bill works to tackle barriers students face with the eligibility requirements currently in place. I want to thank Representative Suzanne Bonamici for introducing this bill in the House and for her continued work to combat student hunger. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation to help improve student food security, health, and learning.

Mr. PADILLA

Mr. PADILLA. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 2023 Little League World Series Champions, Southern California's own El Segundo 12U All Stars. Every year, communities from around the world gather their best youth baseball players to assemble an All-Star team with dreams of one day making it to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. But after local, State, and regional tournaments, only 20 teams earn such an honor, 10 from the United States and another 10 from around the world. In the end, only one team takes home the World Series title--and it is no easy road. For the El Segundo 12U All Stars in Williamsport, after an opening game win thanks to back-to-back homeruns and a high-powered offense, the team from Southern California hit a significant hurdle in just their second game. They lost 3-1 to a Southwest Region team and were quickly sent down to the elimination bracket, facing long odds and a rocky road back to the finals, when even one loss would send them home. But rather than shrink from the challenge, El Segundo trusted their pitching and defense, their great power hitting, and their fearless competitiveness to rattle off four straight wins to make it all the way to the Little League World Series Championship. Their impressive streak included returning the favor and defeating the team from the Southwest Region in the U.S. Championship 6-1. Finally, on the biggest stage, facing Curacao in the Little League World Series Championship, El Segundo got off to an early start, jumping to a 5-1 lead in the fourth inning. But the winds quickly shifted after a Curacao grand slam tied the game heading into the sixth and final inning. Yet again, El Segundo refused to back down. Manager Danny Boehle turned to No. 14 Brody Brooks to shutdown a hot Curacao offense and give El Segundo a shot in the bottom of the sixth, which he provided with a standout scoreless inning. Then, in the bottom of the sixth, as countless Little League baseball fans will now remember for eternity, No. 19 Louis Lappe stepped up to the plate--and the rest is history. A shot to deep left field sent the crowd to their feet, Lappe around the bases, and a city all the way across the country into pandemonium. Lappe's walk-off homerun meant California, once again, was on top of the baseball world. For one summer in 2023, kids in Southern California weren't just imitating Mookie Betts' batting stance or dreaming of throwing across the diamond to Freddie Freeman at first base. They were dreaming of playing like Brooks and Lappe, Salazar and Green, Boehle and Keldorf, Lee and Baker, McRoberts and Parks, O'Connor and Kalish. My sincere congratulations to all the players, manager Danny Boehle, coaches Tim Abrams and Eddie Lee, and all the parents and family members who made this dream possible. Congratulations--you have made California proud.