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Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press

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Link to the original release on the member's official site
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has_text
1 if body text was successfully extracted
date_source
How the publication date was determined
bioguide_id
Bioguide ID of the member

187 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "CA" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending

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  • 2025 · 187 ✖

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  • CA · 187 ✖

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  • Democrat 187

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  • Senate · 187 ✖
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-ninth-circuit-court-order-returning-control-of-national-guard-to-california/ Padilla Statement on Ninth Circuit Court Order Returning Control of National Guard to California 2025-12-31 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued the following statement after the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals lifted its stay on a federal judge’s order barring the Trump Administration from deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles, ending the federalization of California’s National Guard and returning authority over them to the state: “Today’s order affirms what we’ve said from the beginning: the Trump Administration’s choice to federalize and deploy National Guard troops in Los Angeles was unlawful. This deployment is reckless, harmful, and an abuse of executive power that has put service members in an impossible position. “The fight is not over but I look forward to the remaining service members returning to their families, their jobs, and their primary critical missions as soon as possible.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-126-lawmakers-urge-dhs-to-withdraw-public-charge-proposal-that-would-harm-immigrants-citizen-children-and-public-health/ Padilla, 126 Lawmakers Urge DHS to Withdraw Public Charge Proposal That Would Harm Immigrants, Citizen Children, and Public Health 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, co-led 126 lawmakers, including 16 other Senators and 110 Representatives, in urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to withdraw its proposed public charge rule, warning it would harm U.S. citizen children, immigrant communities, and public health systems nationwide. The letter was co-led by Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), as well as Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.-13), Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Grace Meng (D-N.Y.-06), Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.-03), Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.-09), and CHC Vice Chair of Policy Robert Menendez (D-N.J.-08) in the House. “Public charge” is a ground of inadmissibility to the United States, under which an immigration officer determines whether an immigrant is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for future assistance. The Trump Administration’s proposal would rescind the clear 2022 public charge regulations and replace them with vague, undefined standards, leading to arbitrary decision-making, fear, and widespread confusion. Past public charge expansions have driven families, including those with U.S. citizen children, away from lawful access to health care, nutrition, and early childhood programs. “The proposed public charge rule will lead to mass uncertainty, disparate and arbitrary outcomes for individuals applying for permanent status or admission into our country, and undue harm to U.S. citizens,” wrote the lawmakers. “The chilling effects triggered by expansions of public charge interpretation are well-documented and severe. Research following [past public charge restrictions] showed that confusion about eligibility led large numbers of eligible immigrant families — including U.S. citizen children — to forego health insurance, nutrition supports, and early childhood programs vital… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-colleagues-demand-trump-administration-pause-discriminatory-national-park-entry-fees/ Padilla, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Pause Discriminatory National Park Entry Fees 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Senators express concerns over January 1 implementation — without proper notice — of $250 America the Beautiful non-resident annual passes and $100 non-resident fee for highly visited national parks, including Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) led four Senators in calling on Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to pause the implementation of the Administration’s expensive new national park entry fees and annual passes for non-residents, which are slated to take effect on January 1, 2026. The Senators emphasized that these new passes and fees were not properly noticed in accordance with the law, will slow park entry, and will further limit international visitation. In late November, Interior announced a new fee structure for access to public lands. Beginning next year, the annual pass will cost $80 for U.S. citizens and residents and $250 for non-residents, the first time the United States has required proof of residency to access public lands. Non-residents age 16 and up who don’t have an annual pass will be forced to pay a $100 per person fee to enter 11 of the country’s most visited national parks — including Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks — in addition to the standard entrance fee. “America’s national parks serve as destinations for visitors both domestically and internationally to experience our country’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and history,” wrote the Senators. “While we understand that entrance and recreation fees are vital to enhancing the visitor experience, we want to ensure all feel welcome to enjoy all national treasures. Since these new fees are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, we strongly believe these fees are being implemented too quickly, without public input, and will be a barrier for both residents and non-residents alike.” “We request that you stop implementation of the new non-resident passes and fees until the public has an opportunity to weigh in, impacts to visitat… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-urge-trump-administration-to-reverse-devastating-cuts-to-federal-weather-forecasting-and-snowpack-monitoring-services/ Padilla, Schiff Urge Trump Administration to Reverse Devastating Cuts to Federal Weather Forecasting and Snowpack Monitoring Services 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) pushed the Trump Administration to reverse its shortsighted staff cuts and harmful reductions to critical weather forecasting services and snowpack surveys at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). With an atmospheric river bearing down on California through Christmas, which has already caused severe flooding in Redding, the Senators raised the alarm that these dangerous cuts will restrict California’s preparation for dangerous storms and floods — threatening public safety, property, and agriculture — while damaging the state’s water supply. Due to the Trump Administration’s mass staff firings and other staff reductions, River Forecasting Centers have been forced to consolidate duties and shift roles away from consistent monitoring in specific local areas to more general ones. These unprecedented staffing cuts have also led to reduced overnight operations, less frequent collection of comprehensive data, and delays in severe weather warnings, while straining California’s state-federal partnerships that are necessary for forecasting, snowpack monitoring, and snow surveys. Padilla and Schiff warned that California National Weather Service (NWS) scientists are now simultaneously monitoring multiple flood-prone regions outside their normal coverage areas due to these cuts, which could limit critical written forecasts. “We are gravely concerned that diminished services within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture pose unnecessary risks to California lives and property and harm the state’s ability to prepare for dangerous storms and floods and to provide essential water,” wrote the California Senators. “We write to ask you to reconsider these reductions for the safety and well-being of Californians, and the many Americans that depend on timely weather and water services and forecasting.” The relentless rainfall f… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-cortez-masto-schatz-lead-21-senators-in-condemning-the-trump-administrations-unlawful-attacks-on-english-language-learners-education/ Padilla, Cortez Masto, Schatz Lead 21 Senators in Condemning the Trump Administration’s Unlawful Attacks on English Language Learners’ Education 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Senators on the transfer of the Office of English Language Acquisition away from the Education Department: “This will not improve student outcomes. It will only make it harder for states, school districts, and educators to meet the diverse needs of English learners.” WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) led 21 Senators in expressing their alarm at the Trump Administration’s attacks against English Language Learners (ELLs). In their letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Senators condemned the Administration’s unlawful transfer of the Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) from the Department of Education to the Department of Labor and demanded the Trump Administration restore longstanding guidance to support ELLs. The Department of Education Organization Act that established OELA makes clear that its director must report directly to the Secretary of Education. The lawmakers emphasized that OELA is charged with helping ELLs achieve English proficiency and academic success, and the Administration’s unlawful transfer of the Office to the Labor Department — which lacks the necessary expertise, staff, and capacity — would create extreme bureaucratic challenges. This move will severely harm states, school districts, and educators alike. The Senators also made clear that the rescission of longstanding ELL guidance creates confusion among education providers and leaves them vulnerable to litigation for non-compliance with federal laws. This critical guidance, established in 2015, previously outlined how educational institutions can comply with federal laws requiring that ELL students have equal access to schools’ programs and services. “We are outraged by the continued attacks the Trump Administration has undertaken on English learners, including the recent scattering of some of the Department of Education’s core responsibilities across several agencies that lack the expertise, s… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-trump-administrations-unconscionable-targeting-of-minority-serving-institutions/ Padilla Statement on Trump Administration’s Unconscionable Targeting of Minority-Serving Institutions 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), chair of the Senate Congressional Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Caucus, issued the following statement after the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel released an opinion attempting to dismantle Minority-Serving Institutions: “Today’s baseless opinion from the Justice Department is wrong, plain and simple. Donald Trump and his Administration are once again attacking the institutions that expand opportunity for millions of aspiring students of all backgrounds. The opinion ignores federal law, including Congress’ bipartisan support for our nation’s Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Minority-Serving Institutions, including more than 100 MSIs in California alone. “Every student deserves access to the American Dream. This unconscionable move by this Administration will harm millions of students who deserve better.” MSIs are Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions (ANNHs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institutions (NASNTIs), and/or Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). Historically, these programs have been authorized on a bipartisan basis in law. All MSIs, including HSIs, are accredited, degree-granting, public or private nonprofit institutions of higher education that serve millions of students across the country. More than 800 colleges and universities are MSIs in the U.S., and no court of law has yet issued an opinion finding these programs unconstitutional. As chair of the Senate HSI Caucus, Senator Padilla has led the fight opposing the Trump Administration’s attacks against MSIs. Senator Padilla has led multiple letters stronglyopposing the Education Department’s decision to rescind $350 million in funding from Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). In September, Padilla and U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro (D-Texas-20), co-chair of the House HSI Caucus, issued a statement slamming t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/energy-departments-watchdog-agrees-to-padilla-schiff-lofgren-request-for-independent-audit-of-canceled-grants-for-70-california-projects/ Energy Department’s Watchdog Agrees to Padilla-Schiff-Lofgren Request for Independent Audit of Canceled Grants for 70+ California Projects 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Padilla, Schiff, Lofgren and 26 members of the California congressional delegation asked the Department of Energy Inspector General to review the cancellation of $3.3 billion in federal funding for California projects, including the ARCHES Hydrogen Hub, earlier this year WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) and Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18) announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Inspector General (OIG) agreed to their request to launch an independent investigation into the unlawful termination of $7.6 billion in grants to California and other states targeted for their perceived lack of support for President Trump. Padilla, Schiff, and Lofgren led 26 members of the California Congressional delegation in a request for the audit in October, following Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought’s post announcing the cancellation of 79 grants for California, totaling $2.1 billion, as well as $1.2 billion in future funding that Padilla secured for the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) hydrogen hub as part of 321 terminated projects nationwide. The cancellation of these funds threatens hundreds of thousands of jobs across energy, construction, and manufacturing sectors and would cause higher energy costs for California residents. “The Trump Administration’s unlawful cuts of billions of dollars for California energy projects — including over $2 billion in Republican-represented districts — is making Donald Trump’s affordability crisis even worse,” said Senator Padilla. “After our calls for a watchdog investigation, I am glad to see the Energy Department’s inspector general taking action to bring transparency and accountability for the Administration’s vengeful hit list. From a backup power generator for a California children’s hospital to bipartisan funding for ARCHES Hydrogen Hub, the Administration must reverse these harmful cuts and work to prevent Americans’ energy costs from skyrocketing even further… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-introduces-bill-to-support-conservation-of-over-1-7-million-acres-of-california-public-lands/ Padilla Introduces Bill to Protect and Restore Over 1.7 Million Acres of California Public Lands 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced the reintroduction of his sweeping public lands package. The Protecting Unique and Beautiful Landscapes by Investing in California (PUBLIC) Lands Act would protect and restore over 1.7 million acres of California’s public lands throughout northwest California, the Central Coast, and Los Angeles County. The bill would permanently protect over 900,000 acres of California public lands, including over 550,000 acres of new wilderness and nearly 700 miles of new wild and scenic rivers. It would also promote restoration, fire resilience, and ecological health on another 871,000 acres of forests in areas of high fire risk in Humboldt and Trinity counties. This restoration area would improve water quality, preserve outdoor recreation opportunities, and reduce the threat of wildfires to neighboring communities. The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.). Representatives Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), and Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28) are leading companion legislation to the respective parts of the package. “Our public lands and natural spaces are some of California’s greatest gifts — from the Northern California Redwoods, to the Carrizo Plain, to the San Gabriel Mountains,” said Senator Padilla. “As the Trump Administration tries to sell off our state’s precious public lands and waters, we must protect and restore these areas to mitigate wildfire risk, reach California’s conservation goals, protect our natural resources, and ensure generations to come can enjoy access to the outdoors. I was thrilled to see President Biden heed our calls to permanently protect the entire San Gabriel Mountains last year, and I urge my colleagues to pass this package to protect access to green space for millions of Californians.” “California is home to many of our nation’s most iconic and scenic natural treasures which are enjoyed by millions each year,” said Senator Sch… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-condemns-trumps-destructive-misuse-of-the-military-opposes-defense-policy-bill/ WATCH: Padilla Condemns Trump’s Destructive Misuse of the Military, Opposes Defense Policy Bill 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) spoke on the Senate floor ahead of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2026 (NDAA) vote to call on his Senate colleagues to provide a check on President Trump’s reckless deployment of military force abroad and on U.S. soil. He encouraged Republicans in Congress to exercise their role as a co-equal branch of government to rein in Trump’s harmful foreign policy agenda instead of rubberstamping his conflicts in Latin America and across the globe. Padilla blasted Trump for destroying decades of bipartisan foreign policy, undermining longstanding alliances like NATO, and cozying up to dictators like Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un, and Vladimir Putin. He emphasized that Trump’s National Security Strategy abandons our alliances with democracies in the fight against authoritarianism, while supporting temporary, transactional alliances with countries willing to shower him with praise. As Putin continues his crusade to tear up Ukraine, Padilla warned that Trump’s acquiescence will put even more innocent civilians in harm’s way. Padilla slammed the unlawful bombing of alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean and Pacific, despite the fact that Congress has not declared war nor authorized the use of military force in Venezuela or anywhere else in Latin America. Congressional Republicans have failed — twice — to pass a War Powers Resolution and assert Congress’ Constitutional authority in response to the boat strikes in the Caribbean. He also criticized the Defense Department’s refusal to release videos of the unlawful “double tap” strike against survivors in the Caribbean. Additionally, Padilla warned his colleagues that President Trump has repeatedly diverted Department of Defense resources, including over $2 billion, to enact his cruel mass deportation campaign and unlawfully deploy National Guard troops to American cities. Last week, a federal judge barred the Trump Administration from continuing to deploy the National Guard to Los Angeles, ruling the deploy… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-blumenthal-introduce-bill-to-provide-victims-of-abuse-by-federal-law-enforcement-the-right-to-sue/ Padilla, Blumenthal Introduce Bill to Provide Victims of Abuse by Federal Law Enforcement the Right to Sue 2025-12-15 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Amid troubling pattern of violence by ICE and CBP officers, federal law provides no statutory right to sue federal law enforcement for violating constitutional rights WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the Trump Administration conducts widespread and indiscriminate immigration enforcement operations in cities across the country, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced the Accountability for Federal Law Enforcement Act to allow individuals — regardless of citizenship — the right to sue federal law enforcement officers and agencies in civil court for violations of their civil and constitutional rights. Under current law, individuals can sue state and local officers for constitutional violations, but there is no comparable statutory right to sue federal officers for doing the same. While the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents allowed some lawsuits against federal officers, courts have repeatedly narrowed that ruling, leaving many victims of federal misconduct without meaningful recourse. Federal agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have recently expanded their sweeping enforcement raids into cities like Charlotte, North Carolina and New Orleans, Louisiana, continuing a troubling pattern of violence and excessive force seen in Los Angeles, Chicago, Portland, and other American cities. These abuses show how easily federal officers can act with impunity when there are no effective avenues to hold them accountable, eroding public trust and weakening the basic principles of constitutional accountability. “For months, ICE and CBP officers have terrorized communities across the country, deploying violent and excessive tactics against immigrants, U.S. citizens, journalists, and bystanders alike with no accountability. These abuses of individuals’ constitutional rights without consequence shatter public trust and stoke fear among … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-cornyn-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-establish-a-federal-office-of-fusion/ Padilla, Cornyn Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Establish a Federal Office of Fusion 2025-12-15 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced bipartisan legislation to formally establish the Office of Fusion at the Department of Energy (DOE). House Fusion Energy Caucus co-chairs Representatives Don Beyer (D-Va.-08), Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.-23), and Lori Trahan (D-Mass.-03) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. With energy costs soaring across the nation, the office would advance fusion energy and accelerate research, development, demonstration, deployment, and market adoption of fusion technologies. In partnership with the private sector, this office would also advance near-term and long-term fusion energy science and technology to meet the growing energy, environmental, and economic demands of the United States. Last month, DOE released their reorganization plans which included an “Office of Fusion.” This bipartisan bill would complement these plans, codify the office, and urge DOE to move forward with their plans to ensure that the United States can continue leading the way on fusion energy and eventually reach commercialization. Fusion has been described as the “energy of the future” with the potential to harness the power of the sun to manufacture near limitless energy for American homes, technology, and the economy. It has the potential to be a nearly limitless and sustainable source electricity that can help meet the demand of tomorrow. “A clean energy future powered by fusion has the potential to bring nearly unlimited, dependable, and carbon-free electricity across our country, slashing energy costs for millions of Americans,” said Senator Padilla. “California’s Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is leading the industry with repeatable fusion ignition breakthroughs, and Republicans and Democrats agree that now is the time to support further progress to cement the United States’ energy dominance and establish fusion’s market viability. Establishing the Of… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-rosen-colleagues-push-to-overturn-trump-rule-ending-automatic-work-permit-renewal-for-approved-noncitizens/ Padilla, Rosen, Colleagues Push to Overturn Trump Rule Ending Automatic Work Permit Renewal for Approved Noncitizens 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Work permits allow noncitizens with legal status to work, but long USCIS processing times are placing U.S. employers and workers at risk WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, joined Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and nine Senate colleagues in introducing a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to reverse a recent Trump Administration rule that ends automatic extensions of work permits for noncitizens, making it so that previously-vetted and approved individuals with legal status cannot continue to work while they await approval of their work permit renewals. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) interim final rule, announced on October 30, ended the automatic extensions for 18 different categories of noncitizens, including those granted refugee status, asylum status, and temporary protected status, as well as spouses of H-1B nonimmigrants. Due to long USCIS processing wait times, people who submitted work permit renewal applications on time will be left without work authorization while they wait for their application to be processed — sometimes for many months at a time — risking workers’ ability to legally work, through no fault of their own. If implemented, the rule would impact 87 percent of all pending renewals of employment authorization documents. Prior to this new Trump rule, if a person living legally in the United States filed their work permit renewal request on time, they would automatically receive a work permit extension to ensure they don’t lose their authorization while USCIS processes their renewal. The Senators’ proposal would reinstate that commonsense policy. “Donald Trump and Stephen Miller’s campaign to marginalize noncitizens working here legally is disrupting our entire national economy and devastating employers who rely on their contributions,” said Senator Padilla. “The Administration’s self-defeating rule to deny automatic work permit extensions would force people who have already been … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-warren-garamendi-unveil-report-showing-trump-administration-siphoned-at-least-2-billion-from-military-budget-for-immigration-enforcement/ Padilla, Schiff, Warren, Garamendi Unveil Report Showing Trump Administration Siphoned At Least $2 Billion From Military Budget for Immigration Enforcement 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Pentagon’s requested budget for 2026 indicates the Defense Department plans to spend at least $5 billion more for southern border operations alone Cover Letter to the Pentagon (PDF) | Text of Report (PDF) WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) joined Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08) in releasing a new report detailing the Trump Administration’s diversion of funds and resources from the Department of Defense (DoD) to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to support immigration enforcement, and its impact on readiness and morale. Under the second Trump Administration, the U.S. military has become heavily involved in immigration enforcement. The lawmakers’ new report, the first detailed review of the Pentagon’s spending on immigration, found that DoD has committed at least $2 billion to support immigration enforcement through mobilizing and deploying troops to American cities and the Southern border, deporting and transporting immigrants on military aircrafts, detaining individuals on U.S. military installations, and more. The report comes after a federal judge’s ruling yesterday barred the Trump Administration from deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles, requiring the Administration to end the federalization of the remaining 100 troops in the area and returning authority over them to California. U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer wrote in his ruling that the “defendants’ argument for a president to hold unchecked power to control state troops would wholly upend the federalism that is at the heart of our system of government,” noting that the Administration’s position would give them a blank check “to create a perpetual police force comprised of state troops, so long as they were first federalized lawfully” that is unreviewable by courts. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Brian… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-trumps-executive-order-undermining-californias-ai-leadership/ Padilla Statement on Trump’s Executive Order Undermining California’s AI Leadership 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued the following statement after President Trump signed an executive order seeking to block or undo all state regulation of the artificial intelligence industry: “No place in America knows the promise of artificial intelligence technologies better than California. It’s why we are world leaders in A.I. innovation and industry and why we have been able to work collaboratively to adopt some of the strongest consumer protections in the country. But with today’s executive order, the Trump Administration is attacking state leadership and basic safeguards in one fell swoop. “To truly unleash innovation in artificial intelligence, the Trump Administration should instead be bolstering federal agencies, investing in research universities, and growing our talent pipeline — both American and foreign born. “The Trump Administration may refuse to protect consumers or invest in innovation, but make no mistake: California will continue to lead the A.I. revolution.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-california-health-care-leaders-blast-republicans-refusal-to-prevent-californians-health-care-costs-from-soaring/ WATCH: Padilla, California Health Care Leaders Blast Republicans’ Refusal to Prevent Californians’ Health Care Costs From Soaring 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — After Senate Republicans voted against Democrats’ plan to prevent millions of Americans’ health care costs from skyrocketing, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) hosted a virtual press conference to sound the alarm on the looming Republican health care crisis. Padilla was joined by California and national health care leaders to highlight the severe consequences of Republicans’ refusal to pass Democrats’ proposal of a three-year extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits before they expire at the end of the year, jeopardizing care for over 1.7 million Californians who rely on these essential subsidies. As the Trump Administration’s largest reduction to Medicaid in history and disastrous tariff wars are already raising costs for working families, Republicans’ failure to extend the ACA tax credits will nearly double Californians’ health care premiums on average, pricing 400,000 residents out of their insurance coverage completely next year. Across the country, nearly 22 million Americans rely on these tax credits, and 4 million Americans could lose their health care altogether from their expiration. Jessica Altman, Executive Director of Covered California; Jessica Wilson (Cruz), CEO of National Alliance on Mental Illness; Sandy Reding, a Registered Nurse, President of the California Nurses Association, and Vice President of National Nurses United; and Dr. Rachel Ruiz, Pediatric Gastroenterologist at Santa Clara Medical Center and Valley Physicians Group Chair joined Padilla in warning about the rising costs of Americans’ health care. “Today, Republicans voted to rip health insurance away from millions of Americans. Three weeks from now, lifesaving Affordable Care Act tax credits will expire, leading to skyrocketing health care costs for over 1.7 million Californians, all because Republicans refused to get serious about health care,” said Senator Padilla. “Democrats’ position hasn’t changed: we’re fighting to prevent premiums from doubling or even tripling starting in January. But w… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-calls-on-republicans-to-pass-democratic-proposal-to-keep-health-care-costs-from-skyrocketing-for-millions-of-americans/ WATCH: Padilla Calls on Republicans to Pass Democratic Proposal to Keep Health Care Costs From Skyrocketing for Millions of Americans 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor, blasting Congressional Republicans for creating a health care crisis in California and across the nation. With just three weeks until the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits expire at the end of the year — which will cause health care premiums to skyrocket for over 20 million Americans and 1.7 million Californians — he called on Republicans to pass Senate Democrats’ proposal to extend these credits for three years. Padilla emphasized that the Trump Administration already made the biggest cuts to Medicaid in history and is inflicting rising housing, energy, and grocery costs on millions of Californians and Americans across the country, all while President Trump calls affordability a “con job” and a Democratic “hoax.” After Republicans shut down the government for 43 days rather than extend lifesaving health care subsidies, Padilla warned that Americans may be forced to forgo health insurance. Four million Americans, including 400,000 Californians, may have to give up their health insurance entirely. As Padilla underscored, one month after the shutdown, Republicans still have not put forward a serious plan. Republicans’ last-minute plan allows the ACA tax credits to expire while increasing premiums and deductibles for tens of millions of Americans and forcing them to pay thousands in out-of-pocket expenses. The overwhelming majority of Americans support extending the ACA tax credits as costs of living balloon and President Trump’s approval rating on the economy craters. With the upcoming vote on a three-year extension of the tax credits, Padilla urged Republicans to protect Americans’ health care and address their affordability crisis. Key Excerpts “We’re here today just about a month after the longest shutdown in American history. You all remember the 43 days that we went without a fully functioning federal government. Let’s remember why that happened. Plain and simple, it was because our Republican colleag… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-urges-special-counsel-to-complete-hatch-act-investigation-into-trump-administrations-partisan-redistricting-push/ Padilla Urges Special Counsel to Complete Hatch Act Investigation Into Trump Administration’s Partisan Redistricting Push 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Padilla highlights new violations of federal records laws in Republican redistricting pushes, including in Indiana Indiana State Senator on White House redistricting push: “[T]he underling who reached out to me is trying to influence the election on my dime. … That’s a violation of the Hatch Act. He’s a federal employee. He works in the White House. But does anyone care about the rules anymore? Not that I can tell.” WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and California’s former Secretary of State, urged the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) to move forward with its investigation into Hatch Act violations committed by senior Trump Administration officials at the White House and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) who have repeatedly pressured states to redistrict for partisan gain. The follow-up letter to his July inquiry calling for a Hatch Act investigation provides new evidence of White House officials violating the Hatch Act by pressuring Republican-states’ legislators and governors’ offices to pass additional partisan gerrymandering for their own partisan benefit, including in Indiana and Texas. Padilla also highlighted evidence that White House officials are illegally using encrypted, private messaging services like Signal that automatically delete conversations in their partisan redistricting pressure campaign, violating federal records laws, and demanded that the OSC and the White House Counsel take immediate corrective action. It is illegal under the Hatch Act for executive branch officials to use their public office to advance partisan political activities, which could include a partisan mid-cycle redistricting effort to advantage a political party. In response to Padilla’s previous letter that outlined Hatch Act violations in Texas and other Republican-led states, the Hatch Act Unit at the OSC confirmed in July they would open a file to address this potential violation. However, despite mounting evidence of additional vi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-condemns-trump-dhs-unconstitutional-arrests-of-u-s-citizens/ WATCH: Padilla Condemns Trump DHS’ Unconstitutional Arrests of U.S. Citizens 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, joined a bicameral spotlight forum to denounce the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) unlawful arrests of U.S. citizens. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, convened the forum to receive testimony from five of these American citizens, including three Californians, whom DHS agents have violently arrested and detained. DHS continues to lie about its treatment of American citizens. In October, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem falsely claimed, “[t]here’s no American citizens that have been arrested or detained,” and the account @DHSgov posted just last week, “ICE does NOT arrest or deport U.S. citizens.” On the contrary, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in California and across the country have repeatedly arrested and detained American citizens, including veterans, at times using violent physical force. Padilla emphasized that the Trump Administration’s militarization of American cities, starting with Los Angeles, to conduct indiscriminate immigration enforcement was the test case for President Trump’s mass deportation campaign across the country. ICE and CBP agents have repeatedly violated due process rights and profiled individuals — including U.S. citizens — who they claim “look like” noncitizen enforcement targets. Padilla asked all five U.S. citizens at the spotlight forum what they would say if President Trump, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, or other Trump Administration officials were in front of them. He heard emotional pleas from California witnesses to stop scapegoating immigrants and racially profiling American citizens. The witnesses included: Javier Ramirez (California): Mr. Ramirez was violently assaulted … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-pushes-for-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-compensate-artists-for-radio-broadcasts/ WATCH: Padilla Pushes for Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Compensate Artists for Radio Broadcasts 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property hearing on his bipartisan American Music Fairness Act to ensure artists and music creators are paid for the use of their songs on AM/FM radio. The legislation, co-led by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), would bring corporate radio broadcasters in line with all other music streaming platforms, which already pay artists for their music. Padilla questioned witnesses including Kiss frontman Gene Simmons on the need to compensate artists for their individual creations as a crucial matter of fairness, especially with the costs of living rising across the country. He heard from Simmons about the importance of following the American tradition that if you work hard, you get paid for that work. Padilla also heard from Michael Huppe, President & CEO at SoundExchange, about the benefits that artists, record labels, studio producers, background musicians, background vocalists, and engineers would receive from these royalties. The United States is the only democratic country in the world in which artists are not compensated for the use of their music on AM/FM radio. By requiring broadcast radio corporations to pay performance royalties to creators for AM/FM radio plays, the American Music Fairness Act would close an antiquated loophole that has allowed corporate broadcasters to forgo compensating artists for the use of their music for decades. Padilla emphasized that the bill does not diminish his strong support for local radio, which plays an essential role from facilitating emergency responses to uplifting local culture and news. In recognition of the important role of locally owned radio stations in communities across the United States, the American Music Fairness Act also includes strong protections and exemptions for small, college, and non-commercial stations. Key Excerpts PADILLA: I think there’s a misperception in the general public that… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-lummis-wyden-sheehy-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-extend-tax-relief-for-wildfire-victims/ Padilla, Lummis, Wyden, Sheehy Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Extend Tax Relief for Wildfire Victims 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the Protect Innocent Victims of Taxation After Fire Extension Act to permanently ensure wildfire survivors are not taxed on compensation they receive for losses and damages suffered during a fire. This bipartisan legislation would extend and make permanent Padilla and Lummis’ bill signed into law last year, which excluded wildfire-related settlement payments from federal income tax calculations. This includes payments that cover living expenses, lost wages, or compensation for injury, death, or emotional distress. The bill was signed into law as part of the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act, which ensured taxes paid on payments made from the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) Fire Victim Trust for three major California fires in 2015, 2017, and 2018 were refunded and not taxed. However, this exclusion, which received unanimous support in the Senate, is set to expire at the end of the 2025 calendar year. Failure to extend this provision means any wildfire-related settlement payments beginning in 2026 will again be subject to federal income tax obligations. With utility-caused fires on the rise, more and more states have qualifying settlements or active litigation, including again in California with the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles County. This bill would allow wildfire survivors to put the full amount of their settlement money toward recovering from devastating losses. “When a fire survivor is wading through the ashes of their former home, and thinking about how to rebuild their life, the last thing they should have to worry about is how they’re going to afford to pay taxes on any settlement they receive,” said Senator Padilla. “Last year, we finally fixed our outdated tax code to make sure that individuals, families, and entire communities who have suffered from utility-caused wildfires aren’t taxed on the compensation they need to recover. But with this important provision… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-huffman-lead-california-lawmakers-in-condemning-trumps-plan-to-allow-oil-drilling-along-californias-pristine-coastline/ Padilla, Huffman Lead California Lawmakers in Condemning Trump’s Plan to Allow Oil Drilling Along California’s Pristine Coastline 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper 28 California lawmakers to President Trump, Secretary Burgum: “Further industrialization off our coast will inevitably pollute our beaches, spelling disaster for California’s economy and detrimentally impacting the rest of the country, which relies on California as an economic engine.” WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02) led 26 members of the California Democratic Congressional delegation in condemning the Trump Administration’s official draft 2027-2032 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program that includes six lease proposals off the coast of Northern, Central, and Southern California. The plan proposes opening vast swaths of previously protected federal waters — including the California coast — to new oil and gas drilling for the first time in over 40 years, disregarding bipartisan opposition. The Trump Administration’s overwhelmingly unpopular proposal directly targets areas former President Joe Biden withdrew from future leasing in January 2025, when he protected 625 million acres. In their letter to President Trump and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, the lawmakers stressed that this plan would undermine state laws that prohibit new offshore drilling along its 1,110-mile coastline and ban new leases for oil and gas infrastructure in state waters. “We stand united with the overwhelming majority of Californians who fundamentally oppose any proposal that would expand offshore drilling and risk our state’s invaluable, ecologically unique coast,” wrote the lawmakers. “This proposal, coupled with ongoing efforts to reduce federal staffing and funding for agencies that protect our environment, including for safety and oil spill response, is not only dangerous but outright reckless.” “As we have repeatedly seen in California and other parts of the country, offshore drilling is a ticking time bomb,” continued the lawmakers. “An… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-colleagues-call-on-mcmahon-to-reverse-illegal-moves-to-dismantle-the-department-of-education/ Padilla, Schiff, Colleagues Call on McMahon to Reverse Illegal Moves to Dismantle the Department of Education 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) joined 34 of their Senate colleagues in slamming the Department of Education’s recent announcement that it signed interagency agreements (IAAs) to illegally outsource core Department functions that students and their families rely on and calling on Secretary Linda McMahon to reverse these latest steps to dismantle the Department of Education. The Senators emphasized that the IAAs are unlawful and jeopardize funding and federal support for tens of millions of students and educators. They also outlined that appropriations law prohibits the transfer of funds to another agency unless expressly authorized in appropriations law (which was not the case for these IAAs). The first IAA signed earlier this year between the Education and Labor Departments that focused on career and technical education and adult education has faced major difficulties, such as funding delays, confusion, and increased bureaucratic delays. The lawmakers also detailed how the departmental responsibilities McMahon is now seeking to spin off to other agencies will risk support, funding, and oversight that U.S. laws provide to students and families across America. These agencies lack the expertise, capacity, and legal mandate to successfully administer key programs. “The actions you announced on November 18th to continue hollowing out the U.S. Department of Education are outrageous, illegal, and will jeopardize the funding and support that tens of millions of students, teachers, and families across the country rely on,” wrote the Senators. “Your brazen attempt to dismantle the Department by transferring to other federal agencies complex and foundational responsibilities that Congress specifically charged to the Department — including more than half of all federal funds for elementary and secondary education programs and billions in higher education funding — will undermine public education.” “Let’s be very clear: You are choosing to create even more bureaucracy that st… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-joins-durbin-to-introduce-the-dream-act-to-provide-permanent-protections-for-dreamers/ WATCH: Padilla Joins Durbin to Introduce the Dream Act to Provide Permanent Protections for Dreamers 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, joined U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) in introducing the Dream Act of 2025. The legislation would allow noncitizens without lawful status who were brought to the United States as children and meet certain education, military service, or work requirements to earn lawful permanent residence and a pathway to citizenship. Padilla, Durbin, and U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) hosted a press conference today alongside Dreamers, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, and immigration experts to call on Congress to pass a pathway to citizenship for the young people who contribute so much to our country and are facing the Trump Administration’s unprecedented attacks. These young people, known as Dreamers, have lived in America since they were children, built their lives here, and are American in every way except for their immigration status. However, under current law there is often no chance for them to ever become citizens and fulfill their potential. Today’s event was organized in collaboration with the Home Is Here coalition, including FWD.us, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), United We Dream, and partner organizations. “For decades, gridlock and partisan politics have forced Dreamers to live in limbo. And under the Trump Administration, they now have to fear being swept up in Trump’s cruel mass deportation campaign at any moment,” said Senator Padilla. “Dreamers are our friends, neighbors, and loved ones who are proud to call America the only home they’ve ever known and fuel our economy. Senator Durbin has fought tirelessly for nearly 25 years to pass the Dream Act, and I’m honored to join him in calling on Congress to finally provide a pathway to citizenship for the Dreamers who contribute so much to our country.” “I first introduced the… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-mullin-bill-strengthening-cybersecurity-for-the-988-suicide-crisis-lifeline-signed-into-law/ Padilla, Mullin Bill Strengthening Cybersecurity for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Signed Into Law 2025-12-02 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), co-founder of the Senate Mental Health Caucus, announced that his bipartisan legislation to strengthen the cybersecurity protocols for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline was signed into law. The 9-8-8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act became law as part of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act, which reauthorizes key public health programs focused on prevention, treatment, and recovery for patients with substance use disorder. The bill comes in response to previous outages that resulted in a day-long 988 Lifeline outage for those in crisis. Padilla led the bipartisan legislation alongside U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.). “People calling the 988 Lifeline shouldn’t be met with disruptions or service outages when struggling with life-threatening mental health issues,” said Senator Padilla. “With our bipartisan bill becoming law, we can better identify and prevent cyberattacks so people in crisis have access to the Lifeline whenever they need it. I will keep working across the aisle to tear down the stigma surrounding mental health and provide lifesaving support for people suffering in silence.” “I’m grateful to President Trump for his continued support in our critical efforts to strengthen cybersecurity measures for the 988 Lifeline. Suicide is a heartbreaking tragedy, and every life lost is one too many. This bill will keep the lifeline secure to ensure that those experiencing a mental health crisis have access to the resources and support they need when they need it most,” said Senator Mullin. “Though our bill crossed the finish line today, our fight against suicide and the mission to increase awareness, continues.” Since its launch in July of 2022, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has been contacted over 16.5 million times. The Lifeline’s services are critically important and must stay secure. The cyberattack on the 988 Lifeline in December of 2022 exposed vulnerabilities in the system where individuals who … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-davids-lead-88-lawmakers-in-urging-protection-of-electric-vehicle-investments-in-bipartisan-surface-transportation-negotiations/ Padilla, Davids Lead 88 Lawmakers in Urging Protection of Electric Vehicle Investments in Bipartisan Surface Transportation Negotiations 2025-11-21 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Representative Sharice Davids (D-Kan.-03) led 88 lawmakers in pushing Senate Environment and Public Works and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee leadership to protect electric vehicle (EV) investments while reauthorizing bipartisan surface transportation legislation. The lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to supporting a similar bipartisan surface transportation process to the historic passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, but they stressed that the reauthorization cannot truly be bipartisan if it furthers the Administration’s attacks on electric vehicles. Since taking office, the Trump Administration has sought to dismantle federal EV programs, including freezing the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program and rolling back other Congressionally authorized initiatives. The lawmakers emphasized that bipartisan programs like NEVI, the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) discretionary grant program, the Carbon Reduction Program, the Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities (RTEPF) program, and the Low or No Emission Grant Program (Low No) expand consumer choice, create American jobs, lower costs, and strengthen U.S. competitiveness. They warned that undermining EV programs puts significant economic and workforce gains at risk, while undermining long-term planning and ceding progress on EVs to China. “The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) represented a historic investment in strengthening and building out our national infrastructure. We have a unique opportunity to not only reauthorize this foundation but bolster many of the highly popular and effective transportation programs authorized by the IIJA,” wrote the lawmakers. “Attempts to eliminate investments in cleaner transportation run counter to the cooperative spirit this process depends on. While we understand that reforms may be necessary and that legislating inherently requires compromise, we urge you to ensure that this reauth… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ranking-members-padilla-durbin-raskin-jayapal-trump-admin-too-cowardly-to-defend-shocking-decision-to-abandon-refugees/ Ranking Members Padilla, Durbin, Raskin, Jayapal: Trump Admin Too Cowardly to Defend Shocking Decision to Abandon Refugees 2025-11-21 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, issued the following statement after Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. refused to meet their legal obligation to consult with Congress on the Administration’s refugee admissions plan — sending deputies to stage a charade consultation instead: “51 days after the legal deadline, the Trump Administration today came to Capitol Hill in response to our monthslong demands that they follow the law and consult with Congress on their refugee admissions plan. “It is outrageous that Secretaries Noem, Rubio, and Kennedy were too cowardly to come before us and explain their shocking decision to abandon nearly 130,000 vetted, approved refugees facing persecution and violence abroad. Instead, they sent their deputies, in brazen violation of the law which explicitly requires a consultation by ‘Cabinet-level representatives of the President.’ “The Trump Secretaries ignored their legal obligations to face us because their policy is indefensible. It is impossible to defend leaving desperate families — men, women, and children who were promised a lifeline — twisting in the winds of global violence. It is impossible to justify a policy that abandons America’s historic commitment to offering safe harbor to the persecuted. Trump’s team has slashed refugee admissions to the lowest level in our nation’s history and reserved the bulk of the few remaining slots for white South African Afrikaners. They didn’t show up because their betrayal is unspeakable. “The U.S. Refugee Resettlement program has always been a bipartisa… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-padilla-schiff-resolution-congratulating-los-angeles-dodgers-on-back-to-back-world-series-championships/ Senate Passes Padilla, Schiff Resolution Congratulating Los Angeles Dodgers on Back-to-Back World Series Championships 2025-11-21 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) announced that the Senate unanimously passed their resolution congratulating the Los Angeles Dodgers on their World Series victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, their second straight championship and third in the past six years. The resolution applauds the Dodgers’ historic championship run, becoming the first team in 25 years to earn back-to-back World Series titles. The resolution celebrates the dedication and teamwork of the entire Dodgers roster and staff who made their comeback Game 7 World Series victory possible. It specifically highlights the contributions of World Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) Yoshinobu Yamamoto, National League Championship Series MVP Shohei Ohtani, Game 7 heroes Will Smith and Miguel Rojas, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “In a season defined by grit, the Dodgers closed out a historic championship run with an instant Game 7 classic that will echo through baseball forever,” said Senator Padilla. “From global superstars like Shohei and Yamamoto to unsung heroes like Miggy Ro and Will Klein, every single player played a pivotal role in cementing a Dodgers dynasty to keep Los Angeles atop the baseball world. Congratulations to Dave Roberts and the entire Dodgers organization on earning their third title in six years and giving Angelenos a lifetime of memories to cherish.” “For the second year in a row, the Dodgers are World Champions, and in this year’s World Series, the Boys in the Blue fought hard and proved their championship mettle. Thank you to the players, coaches, and staff for a season we’ll never forget and for pouring your hearts and soul into the game. The Dodgers have once again given Angelenos countless memories to celebrate, and with this resolution, we honor their tremendous accomplishments,” said Senator Schiff. The Dodgers’ victory in Game 7 of the World Series marked the ninth World Series championship for the Dodgers franchise and their eighth title since moving from Brooklyn to … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-booker-call-on-dhs-to-provide-information-on-hiring-standards-and-training-protocols-for-newly-hired-ice-agents/ Padilla, Booker Call on DHS to Provide Information on Hiring Standards and Training Protocols for Newly Hired ICE Agents 2025-11-20 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, demanded answers from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) leadership on the hiring standards and training protocols for newly hired ICE agents. The Senators argued that by significantly lowering hiring and training standards for new federal agents, the Administration has already compromised the integrity, professionalism, or operational readiness of the federal immigration law enforcement workforce. In their letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott, the Senators pushed for answers on DHS’ changes to its hiring and training policies to rebuild the public’s trust and ensure integrity in law enforcement. “The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) bears full responsibility for ensuring that every individual placed in a position of federal authority has undergone thorough vetting, comprehensive training, and is subject to robust oversight. The authority to detain and use force, including, in extreme circumstances, deadly force, is not a game, and it is not a performance,” wrote the Senators. “Deploying personnel who lack the qualifications and training long required of federal officers all but guarantees breaches of constitutional, statutory, and regulatory obligations, threatens public safety and civil rights, endangers officers, risks repeating historical abuses of federal power, and undermines the legitimacy of law enforcement and democracy.” “In addition to lowering hiring standards, public reports of misconduct among current officers call into question the Department’s ability to adequately train thousands of new hires on an accelerated timeline. American citizens and noncitizens alike are already experiencing the consequences of DHS’s undermining of accountability and failure to ma… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-huffman-denounce-trump-administrations-plan-to-sell-off-californias-pristine-coastline/ Padilla, Huffman Denounce Trump Administration’s Plan to Sell Off California’s Pristine Coastline 2025-11-20 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Draft proposal seeks six California lease sales despite clear legal limits and decades of bipartisan coastal protections WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02) released the following statement condemning the Trump Administration’s draft 2027-2032 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program. The plan proposes opening vast swaths of previously protected federal waters — including the California coast — to new oil and gas drilling for the first time in over 40 years. “With this draft plan, Donald Trump and his Administration are trying to destroy one of the most valuable, most protected coastlines in the world and hand it over to the fossil fuel industry. “They didn’t listen to Californians. They didn’t listen to communities up and down the West Coast. Instead, Trump wants to take a wrecking ball to our communities while trampling over anyone who stands between him and what billionaires demand. “These lease areas are not only irreplaceable, but allowing drilling in these areas would undermine military readiness and pose risks to national security. But Trump doesn’t care. Californians remember every spill, every dead dolphin and sea otter, every fishing season wrecked by contamination. We built stronger, cleaner, more resilient coastal communities — and a burgeoning $1.7 trillion coastal economy — in spite of all that. And we’re not going to stand by and watch it get destroyed by Trump’s oil and gas pet projects. “This plan targets California and the whole West Coast because they think we will roll over. They are wrong. We’re going to fight this with everything we have.” The Trump Administration’s draft 2027 to 2032 Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing plan released on November 20 marks the most aggressive push in decades to open all of the California coast to oil and gas drilling. The proposal includes six lease sales off California between 20… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-joins-bill-to-repeal-senate-republicans-cash-grab-in-government-funding-bill/ Padilla Joins Bill to Repeal Senate Republicans’ Cash Grab in Government Funding Bill 2025-11-19 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, joined Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and 25 other Senate colleagues in introducing the Anti-Cash Grab Act, legislation that would repeal a provision — quietly added into the Senate government funding bill at the last minute by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) — that allows certain Senate Republicans to sue to collect taxpayer funds from the Department of Justice (DOJ). This secretive provision could enable some Senators to sue to collect $500,000 for each instance in which DOJ acquired their phone records during lawful investigations. These provisions will specifically benefit eight Republican Senators, each of whom could collect at least $1 million in taxpayer money. “As Americans across the country struggled to feed their families and saw their health care costs skyrocket, Senate Republicans were trying to line their pockets with taxpayer funds,” said Senator Padilla. “President Trump and his allies are turning the Justice Department into their personal ATM while turning a blind eye to working families. We cannot allow these Senate Republicans to carry out their cash grab behind closed doors.” “While Democrats were fighting to make health care more affordable and help working families put food on the table, Senate Republicans were focused on taxpayer-funded windfalls for themselves. Let’s be crystal clear: negotiating a $500,000 windfall for yourself while refusing to help everyday Americans is wrong and deserves to be called out,” said Senator Heinrich. “Our bill is about accountability, transparency, and fighting for working families. The Senate must take this bill up and pass it now.” “While we were fighting to lower health care costs and keep food on the table for hardworking Americans, Senate Republicans were slipping a taxpayer-funded payout for themsel… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-walks-out-of-sham-immigration-subcommittee-hearing-on-attacks-by-the-radical-left/ WATCH: Padilla Walks Out of Sham Immigration Subcommittee Hearing on Attacks by the “Radical Left” 2025-11-19 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, spoke at Senate Republicans’ subcommittee hearing titled, “ICE Under Fire: The Radical Left’s Crusade Against Immigration Enforcement.” Padilla emphasized that violence against law enforcement is never acceptable, but Republicans’ partisan hearing was an outrageous attempt to deflect from the Administration’s consistent excessive use of force and racial profiling during immigration enforcement actions across the country, while parroting the Administration’s unsubstantiated claims to justify President Trump’s mass deportation agenda. Without any government witnesses to testify or data to back up the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) claims of a large spike in assaults on its officers and agents, Padilla reiterated that the hearing was “not a serious attempt to protect law enforcement” or conduct oversight. Padilla has submitted requests to DHS for months to back up their statements of a “500%,” “1,000%,” and now “8,000%” increase in assaults and death threats against their agents and officers, but DHS has refused to provide the underlying data. At the same time, Padilla stressed that while DHS claims to be going after “the worst of the worst” violent criminals, over 70 percent of those currently detained in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody have no criminal record. Yet ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continue violently abusing their power against individuals, including American citizens and hardworking long-term immigrants, in cities throughout the nation. Video of Padilla’s remarks before walking out of the hearing can be seen here and can be downloaded here. Padilla’s full remarks, as delivered, are available below: Good afternoon, thank you Mr. Chairman. Let me first say that violence against law enforcement is never okay. I speak for all my Democratic colleagues on the committee and the Senate for that matter in saying so. Violence against law… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-merkley-schiff-wyden-demand-election-commissioner-correct-dangerous-voting-misinformation-or-resign/ Padilla, Merkley, Schiff, Wyden Demand Election Commissioner Correct Dangerous Voting Misinformation or Resign 2025-11-18 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Senators to EAC Commissioner McCormick: “If you do not disavow these comments immediately, we urge you to resign your position to protect the integrity of the Commission and its important nonpartisan work.” WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) demanded that Election Assistance Commission (EAC) Commissioner Christy McCormick either rescind her dangerous and false statements about noncitizen voting or resign immediately. During a recent panel at the pro-Trump America First Policy Institute, McCormick spread a conspiracy theory that Democrats “need open borders, they need illegal citizens to increase their votes […] And this is why they’re fighting so adamantly against us.” The EAC’s stated mission is to “help election officials improve the administration of elections and help Americans participate in the voting process.” However, President Trump has repeatedly tried to weaponize the agency through his illegal anti-voter executive order and other actions beyond Executive Branch authority, including his attempts to require burdensome documentary proof of citizenship, to unilaterally rewrite voting system standards, and to preclude states from counting mail-in ballots according to state law. The Senators condemned McCormick’s abuse of her role on the bipartisan EAC to promote harmful, baseless misinformation that threatens election officials and the security of American elections. “This is deeply dangerous to voters, our election system, and more broadly to our democracy,” wrote the Senators. “EAC Commissioners carry an extra level of responsibility when speaking about election administration, and if you stand by your public statements about widespread voter fraud without any evidence, we urge you to resign immediately.” “It is completely unacceptable for an individual who was confirmed by the United States Senate to serve on a bipartisan commission wi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-announce-nearly-300-million-for-low-emission-california-commuter-buses/ Padilla, Schiff Announce Nearly $300 Million for Low-Emission California Commuter Buses 2025-11-18 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) announced that the Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded over $297 million to 24 California projects to help transition to low-emission bus models across the state. The funding comes through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Low or No Emission (Low-No) grant program and Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities program. Padilla and Schiff supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s substantial increase in funding for these programs. The Low-No program helps transit agencies buy or lease U.S.-made low- or no-emission buses and make critical facility, station, and charging upgrades to facilitate this transition. The Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities program provides federal funding for transit agencies to buy and rehabilitate buses and vans and build and modernize bus facilities. California will receive $267.70 million from the Low-No program and $29.68 million from the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities program. “Growing up in Pacoima, I experienced firsthand the harmful health and environmental impacts communities along busy transit corridors face from poor air quality,” said Senator Padilla. “This nearly $300 million investment in our transition to low-emission buses will improve public health and promote a cleaner commute for millions of Californians. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, California commuters are benefiting from a more reliable, modernized, and sustainable transportation system.” “Putting new, clean air buses on California’s streets will improve commutes, cut pollution, and enhance the quality of life for communities from Alameda to Yuba and all across our state. Even years after its passage, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is continuing to deliver for California,” said Senator Schiff. Recipients of funding from the Low-No and Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities programs include: Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) — $63.95 million for the LAVTA BIG BUS Project San Fran… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-curtis-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-create-first-ever-respiratory-protection-requirements-for-federal-firefighters/ Padilla, Schiff, Curtis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Create First-Ever Respiratory Protection Requirements for Federal Firefighters 2025-11-17 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Federal firefighters were prohibited from wearing respiratory protections while fighting wildfires, this bill would create the first-of-its-kind standard to change that WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Wildfire Caucus, joined Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and John Curtis (R-Utah.) in introducing the Healthy Lungs for Heroes Act, bipartisan legislation to create the first-ever respiratory protection standards for wildland firefighters. For decades, federal firefighters were prohibited from wearing respiratory protection despite a growing body of evidence warning about long-term health risks of wildfire smoke. This bill would ensure the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) take long overdue steps to protect the health of these heroes. This legislation is also cosponsored by Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.). “Wildland firefighters deploy in the most extreme conditions to combat wildfires, preserve vital ecosystems, and save lives. These heroic men and women should not be forced to face long-term illness or premature death due to smoke exposure on the job. Our bill ensures that firefighters are given the critical protective equipment they need to stay healthy during the long, grueling hours on the front lines protecting us all,” said Senator Padilla. “Firefighters are heroes, and it’s critical that we do everything possible to ensure they’re protected from the health risks associated with wildfires. I am proud to introduce this long-overdue bipartisan bill with my Senate colleagues to minimize the toxic exposures that firefighters face when they’re bravely defending our communities and public lands. I’m going to push for Congress to pass this commonsense proposal,” said Senator Schiff. “Our wildland firefighters already face some of the most grueling, dangerous conditions imaginable. The least we can do is ensure access to materials that will protect them from the long-term health consequences of breathing toxic smoke. Thi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-republican-spending-proposal-that-fails-to-protect-americans-health-care/ Padilla Statement on Republican Spending Proposal That Fails to Protect Americans’ Health Care 2025-11-09 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued the following statement after Republicans proposed another continuing resolution that fails to address the health care crisis they created: “This does nothing to stop the Republican-made health care crisis. It does nothing to stop premiums from doubling for millions of Americans. “Democrats are fighting to make health care more affordable and hold this corrupt and lawless administration accountable. “We can’t end this fight now. I will be voting no.” Senator Padilla has consistently slammed President Trump and Senate Republicans for rejecting Democrats’ bill to avert a government shutdown and protect health care coverage for millions of Americans. In September, Senator Padilla joined California health care leaders in Los Angeles to call on congressional Republicans to work with Democrats to protect health care coverage for nearly 2 million California residents and avoid a Republican-caused government shutdown. In July, Padilla blasted Senate Republicans’ passage of their tax bill that will kick 15 million Americans off their health care, shutter rural hospital across the country, gut critical programs, and explode the debt by over $3.5 trillion. Californians and Americans across the country are facing the largest health insurance premium increases in 15 years and rising costs as a result of President Trump’s chaotic tariffs and catastrophic economic agenda, but Republicans are refusing to extend essential Affordable Care Act tax credits before they expire at the end of the year. These credits helped a record 24 million Americans enroll in Affordable Care Act exchanges this year. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-58-democrats-introduce-bicameral-bill-to-ensure-individuals-in-dhs-custody-can-speak-to-a-lawyer-contact-their-families/ Padilla, Schiff, 58 Democrats Introduce Bicameral Bill to Ensure Individuals in DHS Custody Can Speak to a Lawyer, Contact Their Families 2025-11-07 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) joined U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), U.S. Representative Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.-03), and 56 of their Senate and House colleagues in introducing the Restoring Access to Detainees Act, a bill to ensure the Department of Homeland Security allows detained noncitizens to contact legal counsel and their families. The bill comes after months of credible reporting that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have deprived detained individuals — including children and longtime legal residents — of the ability to access a lawyer, sometimes for months at a time. People have also been taken into custody and, in some cases, reportedly transferred to facilities in other countries, without being allowed to contact their families. “Every noncitizen should be able to call their family and access legal representation while in detention,” said Senator Padilla. “Yet under Donald Trump, ICE and CBP have repeatedly denied detained individuals due process or the ability to talk to a lawyer, even disappearing them to other countries without letting them alert their families. Our bill would restore commonsense, humane protections for noncitizens in detention that were established during the first Trump Administration to ensure the basic dignity of being able to contact legal counsel or their families.” “As the Trump administration continues to indiscriminately detain and deport noncitizens without due process, this bill is more important than ever. Families deserve to know where their loved ones are and detained immigrants should be able to access an attorney. I will keep pushing for Congress to pass this legislation,” said Senator Schiff. “For months now, Americans have watched the horrific videos of CBP and ICE agents violently snatching people off the street at schools, workplaces, and grocery stores. But what happens after people are taken i… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-durbin-slam-trump-administrations-unlawful-plan-to-seize-private-voter-data-to-purge-voter-rolls/ Padilla, Durbin Slam Trump Administration’s Unlawful Plan to Seize Private Voter Data to Purge Voter Rolls 2025-11-06 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, and Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, slammed the Department of Justice’s (the Department or DOJ) unlawful efforts to force states to surrender their voter registration lists to the Department to build an unauthorized national voter registry and pressure states to remove eligible voters from the rolls. The Senators condemned DOJ’s lawsuits against eight states, including California, for their refusal to surrender unrestricted access to their states’ sensitive voter information and registration lists. In their letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Senators warned that DOJ’s demands for private voter information lack basic transparency, create serious privacy and national security concerns, and exceed their legal authority over elections. They outlined how DOJ is using the data to help the Trump Administration build a national voter database, likely to compel states to purge voters using the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) recently overhauled and untested Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to sift through voter rolls. “We write to raise serious objections to the Department of Justice’s … ongoing efforts to force states to provide state voter rolls and private voter information to the Department,” wrote the Senators. “We strongly oppose DOJ’s efforts to pursue litigation against states that have refused to surrender unfettered access to their sensitive voter registration lists, which include personally identifiable information (PII). We are especially concerned that these actions pose serious risks to voter privacy and national security, and we stand with election officials who are ready to fight back against misuse of the data in calls for baseless purges or meritless challenges to election results.” “Put simply, it is neither the Department’s job nor its skillset to micromanage how election officia… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-the-retirement-of-speaker-emerita-nancy-pelosi/ Padilla Statement on the Retirement of Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi 2025-11-06 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued the following statement after Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.-11) announced she would retire at the end of her current term, ending nearly 40 years representing San Francisco in Congress and capping her career as one of the most powerful political figures in American history: “For nearly four decades, Nancy Pelosi has fought for fundamental rights and freedoms not just for her beloved city of San Francisco, but for all Americans. And as a torchbearer of Democratic and California values, Speaker Pelosi stood as our nation’s chief defender against Donald Trump’s attacks on our democracy. “She broke glass ceilings as the first woman to be Speaker of the House, worked relentlessly to pass the Affordable Care Act, and championed transformative legislation to invest in our nation’s infrastructure. And from her roots in San Francisco through her trailblazing tenure in Congress, Speaker Pelosi was a champion for LGBTQ+ rights, fighting to guarantee the right to marry who you love and helping lead San Francisco through the AIDS crisis that devastated the city. “Through our country’s greatest triumphs and biggest tests, Speaker Pelosi has always been a voice of the People and a champion for children. It has been an honor to serve alongside her. She always called on us to ‘organize, not agonize.’ Now it’s up to us to carry on her legacy.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-slams-9th-circuit-nominee-eric-tung-for-extreme-ideology-loyalty-to-trump/ WATCH: Padilla Slams 9th Circuit Nominee Eric Tung for Extreme Ideology, Loyalty to Trump 2025-11-05 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, strongly opposed Eric Tung’s nomination ahead of his confirmation to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, headquartered in San Francisco, denouncing his extreme conservative ideology and derogatory comments toward women and organized labor. Tung was confirmed to the lifetime position by a vote of 52-45. Padilla called out Tung’s nomination as part of a broader pattern in which President Trump prioritizes partisan loyalty and extreme conservative ideology over independence and judicial temperament. He emphasized that he and Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) had told the White House months earlier that they were willing to work together to identify less extreme Republican candidates — including those Trump had previously nominated for District Court seats — instead of Tung. Tung has made a series of reprehensible sexist and anti-labor comments, including criticizing the “dissolution of the family,” and saying he believes “in gender roles and that women are simply better than men at some things. When these radical feminists try to blur gender roles, they undermine institutions like marriage — institutions which hold society together.” Tung also played a leading role organizing anti-labor demonstrations where protesters pushed messages including “end mandatory maternity leave — it hurts women,” and “workers of the world, get back to work!” Talking to the Yale campus, Tung said that “unionized labor hurts consumers,” while proudly holding a sign that read “Union NO.” Padilla stressed that Tung’s extreme ideological record “calls into question his ability to apply the law fully and fairly.” As Trump prioritizes unwavering loyalty to the Oval Office over independence and fairness, Padilla strongly­­ urged his colleagues to vote against Tung’s confirmation. Key Excerpts: What we’ve seen happening to the federal judiciary over the last nine months is beyond concerning. It’s corrupting. We’ve seen nomi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-sounds-the-alarm-on-trump-administrations-threats-to-2026-election/ WATCH: Padilla Sounds the Alarm on Trump Administration’s Threats to 2026 Election 2025-11-05 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — A day after Democrats’ landslide state electoral victories across the country, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and California’s former Secretary of State, and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) held the Senate floor alongside their Senate colleagues, leading a warning to Americans about the Trump Administration’s ongoing efforts to rig election rules one year out from the 2026 midterms. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) also delivered remarks. As Trump’s tariff wars raise grocery and energy prices and as Republicans refuse to protect health care and SNAP benefits, Padilla emphasized that the President and his party would rather undermine future elections by laying the groundwork to purge state voter rolls and by instituting partisan mid-decade redistricting than change their harmful policies. Padilla highlighted California’s overwhelming passage of Proposition 50 in response to Texas’ partisan racial gerrymander, which Governor Abbott pushed through to create five additional Republican seats at President Trump’s direction. Padilla emphasized that he and Democrats across the country have offered Republicans an offramp from the redistricting arms race through his bicameral bill to prohibit states from mid-decade redistricting and require every state to adopt nonpartisan, independent redistricting commissions. Continuing his usual habit of false claims and election denial, President Trump baselessly claimed yesterday that the Proposition 50 vote was “rigged” and called on Republicans to eliminate the filibuster to ban mail-in voting and pass other “voter reform.” The White House is also drafting a new executive order to ban mail-in voting and further restrict access to the polls to complement Trump’s illegal anti-voter executive order, much of which has already been blocked by federal courts. Padilla blasted the Trump Department of Justice’s (DOJ) illegal… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-costa-lofgren-tran-california-democratic-delegation-criticize-education-departments-diversion-of-funding-for-minority-serving-institutions/ Padilla, Schiff, Costa, Lofgren, Tran, California Democratic Delegation Criticize Education Department’s Diversion of Funding for Minority-Serving Institutions 2025-11-03 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, chair of the Senate Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Caucus, and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (D-Calif.-21), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18), and Derek Tran (D-Calif.-45), led 34 members of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation in strongly opposing the Department of Education’s decision to rescind $350 million in funding from Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). The lawmakers voiced their disappointment and disagreement with the Department of Justice’s July 25th determination that Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) apply “racial quotas” in a manner that is “unconstitutional,” especially since no court has found the MSI program unconstitutional or instructed the Department of Education to reprogram this funding. The signatories also warned that the Department’s actions would disproportionately harm Californian students and weaken California’s — and America’s — long-term competitiveness. “To be clear, diverting resources away from these schools will disproportionately harm California students and students across the nation who depend on MSIs as the most accessible and affordable pathway to a degree,” wrote the lawmakers. “It would also weaken proven engines of upward mobility, deprive our workforce of diverse talent, and undercut the nation’s long-term competitiveness.” “Rather than reallocate scarce dollars from MSIs to HBCUs and TCCUs, we urge you to allocate funding as intended by Congress to support all MSIs, HBCUs, and TCCUs. … Equitable, sustained funding across the spectrum of MSIs, HBCUs, and TCCUs will ensure that more institutions can continue broadening opportunity, reducing inequities, and powering the American economy,” continued the lawmakers. “Our collective goal must be to invest in all students, no matter which institution they attend.” There are over 800 federally recognized MSIs, including Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Alaska Nati… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-durbin-raskin-jayapal-condemn-trump-administrations-unlawful-refugee-cap/ Padilla, Durbin, Raskin, Jayapal Condemn Trump Administration’s Unlawful Refugee Cap 2025-10-31 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, issued the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s decision to slash refugee admissions to 7,500 — almost entirely limited to white Afrikaners from South Africa — without the legally required consultation with Congress: “The Trump Administration just announced that it will gut the United States’ refugee admissions program — slashing the annual cap to a mere 7,500 refugees, an astonishing 94% cut over last year and the lowest level in our nation’s history. To add insult to injury, the Administration is skipping over the tens of thousands of refugees who have been waiting in line for years in dire circumstances to come to the United States and it is instead prioritizing a single privileged racial group — white South African Afrikaners — for these severely limited slots. “This bizarre presidential determination is not only morally indefensible, it is illegal and invalid. The Administration has brazenly ignored the statutory requirement to consult with the House and Senate Judiciary Committees before setting the annual refugee admissions ceiling. That process exists to ensure that decisions of such great consequence reflect our nation’s values, our humanitarian commitments, and the rule of law, not the racial preferences or political whims of any one president. “The reason for this evasion is evident: the Administration knows it cannot defend its egregious policy before Congress or the American people. While nearly 130,000 vetted, approved refugees — men, women, and children fleeing persecution and violence — wait in limbo after being promised a chance at safety, Donald Trump is lo… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-senate-judiciary-democrats-denounce-trumps-corrupt-attempted-money-grab-for-230-million-from-justice-department-for-previous-investigations/ Padilla, Senate Judiciary Democrats Denounce Trump’s Corrupt Attempted Money Grab for $230 Million From Justice Department for Previous Investigations 2025-10-31 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Senators highlight another attempt by Trump to weaponize his power for personal financial gain, as well as the inescapable conflicts of interest at DOJ in assessing these claims WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and all Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in condemning President Trump’s demands that the Department of Justice hand him $230 million of taxpayer dollars in alleged damages from previous investigations. In a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Senators blasted the claims as “yet another attempt by President Trump to weaponize his position of power for personal financial gain at the expense of American taxpayers.” They highlighted serious conflicts of interest at the Trump Justice Department, noting that several of the officials who would review his settlement claims previously served as his personal lawyers. “Setting aside the lack of merit in President Trump’s claims, there is an inescapable conflict of interest in Trump Administration officials assessing these claims while serving at the President’s pleasure. Moreover, the officials who have the authority to approve such a settlement pursuant to DOJ regulations — Deputy Attorney General (AG) Todd Blanche and Associate AG Stanley Woodward — have an even more acute conflict of interest because they defended President Trump and his co-defendant, respectively, in the classified documents case,” wrote the Senators. “The American people deserve to understand how political appointees of the President whose claims they are assessing, including an appointee who previously defended the President in one of the matters at issue, can ethically assess the merits of his claims,” continued the Senators. “… As the American people grapple with the impacts of the Republican government shutdown, President Trump’s attempt to exploit the Justice Department and profit from taxpayer dollars cannot be overlooked.” The Senators called out DOJ… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-slams-republicans-refusal-to-address-skyrocketing-health-care-premiums-ahead-of-open-enrollment/ Padilla Slams Republicans’ Refusal to Address Skyrocketing Health Care Premiums Ahead of Open Enrollment 2025-10-31 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ahead of Affordable Care Act open enrollment starting tomorrow, November 1, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued the following statement on the spike in health care premium costs Californians and Americans across the country will face because of President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ refusal to negotiate with Democrats to keep health care affordable: “Millions of Californians will see their health care costs double because Republicans in Congress put billionaire tax breaks ahead of making life more affordable for hardworking Americans. Trump’s tariff wars are hitting families with an extra $2,000 a year, but Republicans would rather shut down the government than protect families from losing their health care. And the nearly 2 million people who rely on Covered California are paying the price.” Senator Padilla has consistently slammed President Trump and Senate Republicans for rejecting Democrats’ bill to avert a government shutdown and also protect health care coverage for millions of Americans. Last month, Senator Padilla joined California health care leaders in Los Angeles to call on congressional Republicans to work with Democrats to protect health care coverage for nearly 2 million California residents and avoid a Republican-caused government shutdown. In July, Padilla blasted Senate Republicans’ passage of their tax bill that will kick 15 million Americans off their health care, shutter rural hospitals across the country, gut critical programs, and explode the debt by over $3.5 trillion. Californians and Americans across the country are facing the largest health insurance premium increases in 15 years and rising costs as a result of President Trump’s chaotic tariffs and catastrophic economic agenda, but Republicans are refusing to extend essential Affordable Care Act tax credits before they expire at the end of the year. These credits helped a record 24 million Americans enroll in Affordable Care Act exchanges this year. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-booker-huffman-pallone-demand-trump-reverse-plan-to-open-new-offshore-oil-and-gas-leases/ Padilla, Booker, Huffman, Pallone Demand Trump Reverse Plan to Open New Offshore Oil and Gas Leases 2025-10-30 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Lead sponsors of West Coast Ocean Protection Act and Clean Ocean and Safe Tourism (COAST) Anti-Drilling Act condemn efforts that would devastate coastal communities WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), along with House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02) and House Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-N.J.-06), led over 100 lawmakers in demanding President Trump and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum immediately cease any plans to open new offshore oil and gas leases in U.S. federal waters off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, in the Arctic Ocean and northern Bering Sea off of Alaska, and in the Eastern Gulf. The lawmakers warned that opening these untouched coastlines to new offshore drilling would devastate coastal economies, jeopardize our national security, ravage coastal ecosystems, and put millions of Americans’ health and safety at risk, hurting people across the political spectrum. By reversing long-standing legal protections for vulnerable coastal waters, new offshore leases would cause significant environmental damage to communities already reeling from natural disasters and recent oil spills. Oil spills not only cause irreparable environmental damage, but also suppress the value of coastal homes, harm tourism economies, and weaken coastal infrastructure. Already, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forced to respond to over 150 oil and chemical spills each year. One disastrous spill can cost taxpayers billions in lost revenue, cleanup costs, and ecosystem restoration. These threats of expanded oil drilling come as the Administration already dismantled NOAA’s oil spill prevention and response programs, as almost 30 percent of the team in charge of addressing oil spills has been laid off or took early retirement. The Emergency Response Division team and the oil spill program are slated to lose half their funding from the Administration’s proposed FY 2026 budget. “This… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-demand-trump-administration-cancel-partisan-deployment-of-election-monitors-to-california/ Padilla, Schiff Demand Trump Administration Cancel Partisan Deployment of Election Monitors to California 2025-10-30 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Senators: “This deployment is clearly linked to President Trump’s continued perpetuation of lies relating to alleged fraud in our elections and his opposition to California’s Proposition 50.” WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee and California’s former Secretary of State, and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) demanded the Trump Administration call off its blatantly partisan plan to deploy Department of Justice (DOJ) staff to monitor state elections in California. The Senators warned that these highly unusual, unwarranted deployments could intimidate voters and perpetuate President Trump’s repeated election disinformation and contempt for state and local election officials. Trump has already spewed conspiracy theories about the security of early and mail-in voting to lay the groundwork for disputing election results, including for California’s Proposition 50. Shortly after the announcement that DOJ election monitors would be deployed to California and New Jersey, Trump posted on Truth Social: “Watch how totally dishonest the California Prop Vote is!” California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the state will dispatch its own monitors to oversee DOJ’s election observers. Alarmingly, the Department’s claim that its initiative would “promot[e] transparency and an open flow of communication between poll observers and election monitors” suggests that DOJ may coordinate with Republican candidates and election denier groups to lay the foundation for continued baseless attacks on election administration and results. The Senators also urged DOJ to clarify whether it is sending career Department staff or political appointees, and which other poll observers it is prioritizing open communication with. “Since the President has been very clear about his motives and claims of power over the Department’s day-to-day law enforcement activities, this deployment runs the very real risk of intimidating voters and turning the Department into a tool of pa… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-colleagues-warn-trump-may-declare-election-related-national-emergency-after-white-house-hires-prominent-election-denier-to-reexamine-2020-election-results/ Padilla, Colleagues Warn Trump May Declare Election-Related National Emergency After White House Hires Prominent Election Denier to Reexamine 2020 Election Results 2025-10-29 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Senators: Kurt Olsen’s appointment seems “to be part of a scheme to convince the President to attempt a national emergency declaration to illegally claim unconstitutional federal powers over state and local election administration.” WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and California’s former Secretary of State, led eight colleagues in condemning the White House’s alarming hiring of former “Stop the Steal” and Trump campaign lawyer Kurt Olsen as a “special government employee” to “investigate” the 2020 election again, five years later. The Senators emphasized that the White House’s hiring of Olsen follows a clear pattern of hiring 2020 election deniers and Trump loyalists to do election work, raising fears that senior White House staff may enable President Trump to declare a national emergency to illegally interfere in state and local election administration. “The 2020 election was heavily litigated and closely examined, and there is no justification for White House staff in 2025 to waste taxpayer money on endlessly rehashing false 2020 election conspiracy theories,” wrote the Senators to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and White House Chief Counsel David Warrington. “Mr. Olsen is particularly ill-suited to lead such a probe, given that he advanced such conspiracy theories as he worked to prevent four battleground states from certifying the 2020 election.” “Let us be clear: any attempt to declare a national emergency to interfere in state and local election administration would be illegal and unconstitutional,” continued the Senators. “While we are confident any such scheme would fail quickly in the face of judicial scrutiny, it still poses unacceptable risks of undermining future elections in this country. Therefore, we demand you closely oversee Mr. Olsen and other appointees to ensure they do not engage in illegal or unethical conduct in pursuit of an unconstitutional national emergency regarding elections.”… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-senate-democrats-take-action-to-stop-trump-administration-from-illegally-withholding-funding-for-nutrition-assistance-programs/ Padilla, Schiff, Senate Democrats Take Action to Stop Trump Administration From Illegally Withholding Funding for Nutrition Assistance Programs 2025-10-29 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper President Trump: “We can do things during the shutdown that are irreversible and bad for them like cutting vast numbers of people out. Cutting things they like, cutting programs they like.” The Trump Administration is required by law to use billions in available funding to keep SNAP benefits flowing in November; USDA’s own guidance confirmed its authority to use available funds during a shutdown WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) joined Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and the Senate Democratic Caucus in introducing the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025, legislation that prevents the Trump Administration from illegally withholding available funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The Trump Administration is choosing to withhold billions at its disposal to pay for SNAP, causing the program to lapse for the first time in history, which will be devastating for the 5.5 million Californians who depend on SNAP benefits (called CalFresh in California) to help afford their groceries. Despite having billions of dollars ready and available for SNAP, the Trump Administration continues to play politics with the ability of Americans across the country to put food on the table. Not only does the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have the authority to release SNAP contingency funds, but the statute is clear: the Trump Administration is required by law to release these funds. The Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 directs USDA to immediately release billions of dollars in available funds to ensure SNAP and WIC benefits continue uninterrupted for the remainder of this fiscal year. The legislation also requires the federal government to reimburse states for covering SNAP benefits during a shutdown. California has provided $80 million in state funds to stabilize food bank food distribution and offset delays in federal CalFresh benefits. “Donald Trump is picking w… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-wyden-lead-colleagues-in-slamming-rfk-jr-for-purging-staff-on-frontlines-of-opioid-crisis/ Padilla, Wyden Lead Colleagues in Slamming RFK Jr. for Purging Staff on Frontlines of Opioid Crisis 2025-10-28 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Letter follows mass layoffs from Trump Administration during ongoing Republican government shutdown WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), co-founder of the bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus, and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) led 15 Democratic Senate colleagues in slamming Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for firing federal employees at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) working on the frontlines of America’s opioid crisis. HHS has now terminated more than 100 SAMHSA employees since the start of the Trump Administration, reducing their staff to less than 50 percent capacity. SAMHSA provides key addiction and mental health treatment services with a focus on rural and underserved areas and is responsible for programs like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The Trump Administration’s layoffs of vital SAMHSA staff earlier this month as part of another government-wide reduction in force will lead to more Americans falling into addiction because they will be unable to access the agency’s critical addiction prevention and treatment services. “Without cause, HHS terminated 125 employees, further decimating the agency that is a critical first responder on the frontlines of our nation’s ongoing substance use and mental health crises,” wrote the Senators. “… The firing of key staff at this agency threatens to undermine years of hard-won progress on the opioid crisis, and could not come at a worse time. Right now, communities across the country — in both red and blue states — continue to face record overdose deaths and escalating rates of mental health conditions and substance use disorder.” “Your decision sends the wrong message to public health professionals — and to the families counting on them. It contradicts the administration’s own stated goals to tackle the fentanyl crisis, expand mental health services, and end the opioid epidemic. Terminating staff risks derailing the progress made by a workforce whose experience is… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-colleagues-urge-trump-usda-to-immediately-release-november-snap-benefits/ Padilla, Schiff, Colleagues Urge Trump USDA to Immediately Release November SNAP Benefits 2025-10-23 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Trump Administration jeopardizing food assistance for 5.5 million Californians on CalFresh WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) joined Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), as well as 41 other colleagues, in calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to release the billions of dollars at its disposal to ensure Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continue in November. The letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins comes as the Trump Administration’s refusal to provide SNAP funding will force at least 25 states, including California, to delay essential food benefits at the start of next month. Approximately 40 million low-income Americans — including 5.5 million Californians — depend on SNAP benefits to help afford their groceries, which has only grown more important amid skyrocketing food prices under President Trump. In response to USDA’s withholding of SNAP funding, Governor Gavin Newsom announced yesterday that he will deploy the California National Guard to support food banks across the state, similar to the emergency role the Guard played to facilitate nutrition assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. California will also fast-track over $80 million in state support to protect these vital benefits. “We were deeply disturbed to hear that the USDA has instructed states to stop processing SNAP benefits for November and were surprised by your recent comments that the program will ‘run out of money in two weeks,’” wrote the Senators. “In fact, the USDA has several tools available which would enable SNAP benefits to be paid through or close to the end of November.” “In the event that more resources are needed than what is available in contingency funding, the USDA should explore all legal means to augment funds to pay the full amount of SNAP benefits in November. Americans are already struggling with the rising cost of groceries, and they cannot afford a sudden lapse in grocery assistance,” conti… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-lofgren-lead-california-democrats-in-blasting-trumps-unlawful-energy-projects-cuts-call-for-nearly-8-billion-to-be-reinstated/ Padilla, Schiff, Lofgren Lead California Democrats in Blasting Trump’s Unlawful Energy Projects Cuts, Call for Nearly $8 Billion to be Reinstated 2025-10-23 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper California Lawmakers: This Administration “is focused on vindictive, destructive actions that will keep us dependent on innovations and expertise from foreign competitors and further raise costs for American families.” WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18), Chair of the California Democratic Congressional delegation, led 27 Democratic California lawmakers in denouncing the Department of Energy’s (DOE) cuts of $7.6 billion in critical grants for energy projects across California and the country. DOE’s list of cuts includes 79 projects and over $3.3 billion in investment across California, with over $2 billion in projects eliminated from Republican-represented districts in California. The funding for these projects was approved and appropriated by Congress, and the cuts violate existing bipartisan law while threatening to further raise energy costs. In their letter to Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, the California lawmakers made clear that these vindictive cuts will weaken our electrical grids, harm American workers and manufacturing, and threaten communities who depend on these projects for reliable energy sources. They emphasized that these cuts fly in the face of the Administration’s stated priorities while abandoning their purported goal of securing “American energy dominance.” “We write to express our outrage at the unlawful cancellation of nearly $8 billion of crucial Department of Energy grants supporting projects which, if reinstated, would make our country’s electric grids, industrial processes, and workforce stronger, safer, and more resilient,” wrote the lawmakers. “Many of these projects had already begun implementation, and their cancellation abandons hardworking Americans for the sake of cheap, partisan retribution. The DOE’s $7.6 billion in cancellations do not bring our country any closer to American Energy Dominance. Instead, they threaten th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-urge-federal-trade-commission-to-address-ai-chatbots-risks-to-children-and-teens/ Padilla, Schiff Urge Federal Trade Commission to Address AI Chatbots Risks to Children and Teens 2025-10-22 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) are urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to address the full range of risks and potential harms that artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots pose to children and teenagers. The Senators’ efforts on children’s safety follow the tragic death earlier this year of Adam Raine, a 16-year-old from Rancho Santa Margarita, California, who took his own life after months of conversations with an AI chatbot in which he discussed his struggles with mental health and specific plans to commit suicide. The FTC recently announced that the Commission will begin reviewing certain risks associated with AI chatbots. To prevent future harms and ensure AI systems are designed with children and teenagers’ safety in mind, the Senators are urging the FTC to broaden its review to include whether AI companies have adequate tools to detect and respond to signs of crisis, ensure access to strong parental supervision tools, disclose limitations of their safeguards, address deceptive marketing and sexual exploitation risks for children, and enforce penalties for companies failing to protect minors. “AI-powered chatbots present an unprecedented and unique danger to minors engaged in longer and unsupervised interactions with these systems. This issue is both timely and urgent, as AI is rapidly shaping how Americans – including children – learn, communicate, and seek help. As the agency charged with protecting consumers from unfair and deceptive practices, the FTC has a critical role to play in ensuring that AI companies build safety features that work reliably for children,” wrote the Senators. “We request that you provide our offices with a briefing by October 31, 2025, on how the Commission will incorporate the unique risks to children in its upcoming review of AI chatbots. We also urge you to consider convening AI technologists, mental health experts, and child advocates to inform any study the FTC conducts into this issue,” continued the Senators. “We look fo… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-advances-fix-our-forests-act-marking-key-progress-to-combat-wildfires/ Senate Advances Fix Our Forests Act, Marking Key Progress to Combat Wildfires 2025-10-21 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper One of the most significant steps forward in federal wildfire policy in recent decades streamlines processes to protect communities while restoring forest health WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), John Curtis (R-Utah), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) applauded the advancement of the Senate version of the Fix Our Forests Act through the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, setting the pivotal fire and forestry legislation up for a vote by the full Senate. The bipartisan legislation would help combat catastrophic wildfires, restore forest ecosystems, and make federal forest management more efficient. The comprehensive Senate bill reflects months of bipartisan Senate negotiations to find consensus on how to holistically respond to the wildfire crisis, best improve forest management practices, accelerate efforts to protect communities, advance watershed restoration, and strengthen partnerships between federal agencies, states, Tribes, and private stakeholders. The Senate version of the bill would also bolster coordination efforts across federal agencies through a new Wildfire Intelligence Center, which would streamline the federal response and create a whole-of-government approach to combating wildfires. A one-pager on the Senate Fix Our Forests Act is available here. A list of provisions particularly impactful for California is available here. “The status quo around wildfires isn’t working and far too many Americans have paid the price,” said Senator Padilla. “The families I’ve met who have lost everything to the devastation in Los Angeles and in wildfire disasters across the country deserve action. That’s why we’re coming together to confront this crisis and rethink how we prevent and respond. Today’s advancement of our bipartisan bill is real progress toward protecting Americans and our environment through forward-thinking, practical wildfire solutions.” “In Utah and across the West, we face a growing crisis of overgrown, unhealthy fores… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-joins-bipartisan-push-warning-trump-administration-to-obey-law-on-back-pay-for-furloughed-federal-workers/ Padilla Joins Bipartisan Push Warning Trump Administration to Obey Law on Back Pay for Furloughed Federal Workers 2025-10-15 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.), U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-Va.-08) and Steny Hoyer (D-Md.-05), and 160 other lawmakers in a bipartisan push urging the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to follow the law that requires furloughed federal employees to receive back pay after a government shutdown. The lawmakers underscored that the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, which Trump signed into law during the last shutdown under his previous Administration, is clear that all federal employees are entitled to back pay after a government shutdown ends, regardless of whether they are excepted or furloughed. The Senators raised serious concerns with OMB’s recent update to its Frequently Asked Questions During a Lapse in Appropriations document and reports of a White House memo suggesting that federal workers furloughed during a government shutdown may be denied back pay. The new OMB guidance blatantly defies federal law and contradicts the Council of Economic Advisers and Office of Personnel Management, who have stated that furloughed workers should receive automatic back pay once the shutdown concludes. The Trump Administration’s illegal threat to withhold back pay for as many as 750,000 federal workers is a clear attempt to force Democrats to pass Republicans’ partisan appropriations bill. Protecting legally required back pay for furloughed civil servants is essential to avoid unnecessary chaos and stress. Before President Trump began his mass firings of the federal workforce, California had more than 150,000 federal civilian workers last year. “The law is clear: all impacted government employees, regardless of excepted or furloughed status, are entitled to back pay after a government shutdown ends, which is consistent with the guidance currently provided by federal agencies, including the Office of Personnel Management (OPM),” w… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-peters-file-amicus-brief-opposing-trump-administrations-illegal-ploy-to-purge-voter-rolls/ Padilla, Peters File Amicus Brief Opposing Trump Administration’s Illegal Ploy to Purge Voter Rolls 2025-10-15 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Senators argue that DHS’ creation of a massive voter information database without congressional notification violates Privacy Act WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, and Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, filed an amicus brief supporting a lawsuit opposing the Trump Administration’s illegal ongoing attempts to purge state voter rolls across the country by developing a massive interagency database of Americans’ sensitive personal data. Their amicus brief in League of Women Voters v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security endorses the plaintiffs’ motion for a stay and a preliminary injunction to stop the Administration’s widespread collection of Americans’ legally protected data. The Senators argue that the overhaul of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to sift through voter rolls with no direct notice to Congress violates the Privacy Act and lacks legal authority. The League of Women Voters, the Electronic Privacy Information Center, and other plaintiffs are represented by Democracy Forward Foundation, the Campaign Legal Center, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, and Fair Elections Center. DHS and the Social Security Administration (SSA) have dramatically expanded DHS’ SAVE program — originally meant to verify an individual’s immigration status for determining benefit eligibility — to examine the citizenship of voters on state voter rolls in response to false, unsubstantiated concerns of rampant noncitizen voting. Experts and officials have warned that the reconstructed SAVE program lacks essential safeguards and could lead to errors when applied to voter rolls, since it does not properly account for Americans born before 1978 or naturalized citizens. Nevertheless, the information of more than 33 million voters has already been run through this new system with littl… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-trump-unconstitutionally-deploys-military-into-american-cities-padilla-schiff-illinois-oregon-senators-oppose-ndaa/ As Trump Unconstitutionally Deploys Military Into American Cities, Padilla, Schiff, Illinois, Oregon Senators Oppose NDAA 2025-10-10 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Amid President Trump’s escalating deployments of troops to American cities, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) — the six U.S. Senators representing states that Donald Trump is targeting with troop deployments over state and local officials’ strong objections — issued the following statement on their vote against the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): “When our troops raised their right hands and took their oaths, they signed up to defend this country and our Constitution. They didn’t sign up to aid a wannabe dictator’s campaign to intimidate Americans in their own neighborhoods from exercising their rights to free speech and protest — the very rights our servicemembers swore to protect. “We cannot support authorizing this Administration to continue its egregious and unconstitutional abuse of our servicemembers, with Donald Trump treating them like political props by deploying them domestically without any legitimate reason or request from state and local officials. “The purpose of the NDAA is to make sure our military has the authorities and resources it needs to protect our national security — but right now, by pulling troops away from their core missions and forcing them into our own streets, Donald Trump is threatening the very rights we all hold dear as Americans.” Senator Padilla has been a leading voice in opposition to President Trump’s militarization of Los Angeles and other American cities. Earlier this week, the California, Illinois, and Oregon Senators condemned the President’s deployment of troops against their states. In June, Padilla led the entire Senate Democratic Caucus in demanding that President Trump immediately withdraw all military forces from Los Angeles and cease all threats to deploy the National Guard or active-duty service members to American cities. Last month, Padilla, Schiff, and 17 other Senate Democrats filed an am… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-join-35-senators-in-demanding-trump-administration-restore-8-billion-for-energy-projects-they-illegally-canceled/ Padilla, Schiff Join 35 Senators in Demanding Trump Administration Restore $8 Billion for Energy Projects They Illegally Canceled 2025-10-10 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Senators to Trump Administration officials: “your cancellations will mean thousands of lost jobs for Americans, many of whom had every reason to rely on the stability of their jobs before these cancellations and all of whom will face uncertain job markets in our increasingly slowing economy.” WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) joined Senate ENR Committee Ranking Member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and 33 other Senators in demanding that Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought restore funding for 223 energy projects in Democratic-led states that the Trump Administration unlawfully canceled. The funding for these projects was approved and appropriated by Congress, and the cuts break existing bipartisan agreements while threatening to further raise energy costs. These cuts targeting Democratic-leaning states like California were telegraphed earlier this year by reports of a DOE “hit list” of awards, contracts, and projects — many of which have already begun construction — that the Administration was considering canceling. The list contained California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) hydrogen hub and other California projects for which the Trump Administration is intending to withhold funding, including all $1.2 billion for ARCHES. “We write in strong opposition to the Trump administration unlawfully cancelling $8 billion in federal investments in 223 energy projects,” wrote the Senators. “For the 21 states with impacted projects, your cancellations will mean thousands of lost jobs for Americans, many of whom had every reason to rely on the stability of their jobs before these cancellations and all of whom will face uncertain job markets in our increasingly slowing economy.” “218 out of 223 projects that were terminated are in states with Democratic lead… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-joins-bill-to-protect-federal-workers-and-their-families-during-republican-shutdown/ Padilla Joins Bill to Protect Federal Workers and Their Families During Republican Shutdown 2025-10-09 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and 16 Senators in introducing the Federal Employee Civil Relief Act. The legislation would protect federal workers, federal contractor employees, and their families from foreclosures, evictions, and loan defaults during a government shutdown. President Trump and his Administration have continued to threaten the rights of federal workers after Senate Republicans refused to pass Democrats’ continuing resolution that would have protected health care coverage for millions of Americans while averting a government shutdown. “For nine months, Donald Trump has taken a sledgehammer to our federal workforce, intimidating and purging hardworking public servants as he consolidates power. Now, he’s threatening to use the Republican shutdown to inflict even more pain,” said Senator Padilla. “California has one of the largest federal workforces in the country, and we must ensure they can pay their bills and stay in their homes through any future shutdown.” “While the President and congressional Republicans continue to refuse to work with Democrats to stop health care costs from skyrocketing and reopen the government, people are suffering,” said Senator Schatz. “Right now, hundreds of thousands of federal workers, federal contractor employees, and their families don’t know whether they’ll be able to pay rent and make ends meet. Our bill will protect these workers and make sure they aren’t harmed during this shutdown.” “Republicans control the House, Senate, and Presidency — and they have led our country into a shutdown to avoid bipartisan negotiations or a discussion about the impending Republican-led healthcare crisis. Now, Republicans and the White House are even threatening to not provide legally mandated backpay to workers,” said Leader Schumer. “Unfortunately, there are real people — with real concerns about pay and livelihood — who are being used as political pawns in the Republicans’ attempt to cater to billionaires a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-beatty-announce-new-bill-to-stop-trump-administration-from-purging-voter-rolls/ WATCH: Padilla, Beatty Announce New Bill to Stop Trump Administration From Purging Voter Rolls 2025-10-09 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and California’s former Secretary of State, and Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio-03) hosted a virtual press call to announce new bicameral legislation aimed at preventing the Trump Administration’s ongoing efforts to purge state voter rolls and restrict the right to vote across the country. The Voter Purge Protection Act comes after the Department of Justice (DOJ) recently filed lawsuits against eight states, including California, for their refusal to hand over unfettered access to their state’s sensitive voter information and registration lists to the federal government. Democracy Forward and a coalition of public interest organizations recently sued the Trump Administration for its efforts to create massive government databases to purge voter rolls. The Voter Purge Protection Act would update the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) to prohibit the removal of individuals from the voter rolls due to changes in residence or not voting in previous elections, unless supported by objective and reliable evidence that the voter has died or moved out of the state, among other protections for registered voters and states administering elections. The NVRA requires states to conduct ineligible voter removal programs, but it bans states from removing voters without notice solely for their failure to vote. However, at least 19 states have removal processes that target inactive voters that could result in their removal for not voting in two consecutive general elections. As DOJ continues to challenge state and local voter registration practices in preparation for mass voter roll purges, Padilla and Beatty were joined by Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon and Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward, to discuss the impact of the Administration’s actions on voters. “It should concern every single American, regardless of party, that the President of the United States wants … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-illinois-oregon-senators-warn-against-trumps-illegal-deployments-of-national-guard-troops-to-their-states/ Padilla, Schiff, Illinois, Oregon Senators Warn Against Trump’s Illegal Deployments of National Guard Troops to Their States 2025-10-07 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) — the six Senators representing states that Donald Trump has sought to force unlawful National Guard deployments to over state and local officials’ objections — issued the following statement condemning the President’s threats against their states: “Donald Trump is stretching the limits of Presidential authority far past their breaking point and moving us closer to authoritarianism with each dangerous and unacceptable escalation of his campaign to force federal troops into American communities against the wishes of sovereign states in the Union he is supposed to represent. “Whether in Los Angeles, Chicago, or Portland, the Trump Administration continues fabricating claims of chaos and crime on American streets to justify his false assertions that there is a ‘need’ to deploy troops into our cities — all while literally defunding our police by cutting funding that helps local law enforcement make our cities safer. “None of our states asked for this. None of our states need this. And none of our National Guard Troops who are our friends and neighbors — signed up to intimidate their fellow Americans in their own communities or to be used as political pawns by a vindictive President. Donald Trump should immediately reverse course and end these un-American deployments.” Senator Padilla has been a leading voice in opposition to President Trump’s militarization of Los Angeles and other American cities. In June, Padilla led the entire Senate Democratic Caucus in demanding that President Trump immediately withdraw all military forces from Los Angeles and cease all threats to deploy the National Guard or active-duty service members to American cities. Last month, Padilla, Schiff, and 17 other Senate Democrats filed an amicus brief with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in the lawsuit brought against President Trump for his misuse of the U.… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-warns-of-politicization-of-doj-during-oversight-hearing-with-attorney-general-bondi/ WATCH: Padilla Warns of Politicization of DOJ During Oversight Hearing With Attorney General Bondi 2025-10-07 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Attorney General Bondi has repeatedly undermined DOJ’s independence, pressuring career prosecutors to manipulate politically sensitive cases, shuttering key offices, and dismantling essential programs. Padilla warned that Bondi’s actions have jeopardized public safety by diverting resources away from organized crime, counterterrorism, and civil rights cases to prioritize immigration enforcement. Padilla also denounced the creation of internal “working groups,” including a so-called “Weaponization Working Group,” tasked with revisiting investigations involving the President and his allies. During the hearing, Bondi repeatedly refused to answer Senator Padilla’s questions regarding the abrupt dismissal of the investigation into former acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Tom Homan and allegations that he accepted a $50,000 payment from undercover Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents posing as business executives looking to secure contracts with a future Trump Administration. Bondi also evaded questions about the firing of DOJ prosecutor Michele Beckwith, who was reportedly terminated six hours after reminding Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino that he was obligated to comply with a court order and the Constitution. Video of Padilla’s opening remarks and questions at today’s hearing is available here. Key Excerpts: The Department of Justice is supposed to be the nation’s guardian of fairness and the rule of law. The power of the Department of Justice is built on public trust and a belief that prosecutions are based on facts and law, not on politics or personal loyalty. And I call that out, Mr. Chairman, because when that breaks down, when the public trust breaks down, then justice itself is at risk. But under this Trump Administration and the leadership of Attorney General Bondi, I believe the independence of the Department of Justice has come under attack. The department has been reorganized, it’s been realigned, and repurposed in ways that we’ve never seen before. Important office… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-slam-unlawful-elimination-of-federal-funding-for-arches-hydrogen-hub-as-part-of-vindictive-7-5-billion-doe-funding-cuts/ Padilla, Schiff Slam Unlawful Elimination of Federal Funding for ARCHES Hydrogen Hub as Part of Vindictive $7.5 Billion DOE Funding Cuts 2025-10-03 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) blasted the Department of Energy’s (DOE) cancellation of all $1.2 billion Padilla secured in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) hydrogen hub. The elimination of all ARCHES federal funding comes as part of the Trump Administration’s cuts of over $7.5 billion in clean energy and climate project funding exclusively across states that President Trump did not win in the 2024 election. Budget Director Russell Vought announced the unlawful, blatantly partisan cuts on Wednesday, breaking existing bipartisan agreements and threatening to further raise energy costs. “The cancellation of ARCHES is vindictive, shortsighted, and proof that this Administration is not serious about American energy dominance,” wrote the Senators. “We strongly urge you to immediately restore the funding awarded to the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems Hub in California.” “The cancellation of this award threatens the future promise of hydrogen energy, leaving us behind the rest of the world,” continued the Senators. “The ARCHES hub is a key strategic investment into American energy dominance, energy technology prominence, manufacturing job growth, and lowering energy costs for American families.” ARCHES aims to establish a renewable, clean hydrogen market and ecosystem in California by 2030, creating over 200,000 jobs in the state and saving nearly $3 billion in health costs annually, while reducing harmful emissions that disproportionately impact underserved communities and accelerate the climate crisis. California published a roadmap to carbon neutrality by 2045, which included a projected 1,700-fold increase in the use of hydrogen across multiple industrial sectors. These cuts targeting Democratic-leaning states like California were telegraphed earlier this year by reports of a DOE “hit list” of awards, contracts, and projects — many of which have already begun constr… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-durbin-klobuchar-lead-colleagues-in-demanding-trump-administration-reject-cash-rewards-for-january-6-rioters/ Padilla, Durbin, Klobuchar Lead Colleagues in Demanding Trump Administration Reject Cash Rewards for January 6 Rioters 2025-09-30 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Senators follow up on previous letter amid reports that insurrectionists are now seeking financial compensation for legal consequences they suffered and requesting DOJ create a special panel to compensate them Senators to AG Pam Bondi: “Using taxpayer funds to refund January 6 insurrectionists would be an illegal and corrupt abuse of the justice system.” WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) led seven of their Senate colleagues in demanding that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) abandon any efforts to refund or financially reward convicted January 6 insurrectionists. The letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi comes amid reports that January 6 insurrectionists are now requesting compensation for the “harms” they suffered because they were prosecuted for their criminal actions. DOJ recently took a meeting with a lawyer for these insurrectionists in which the lawyer asked the Department to create a special panel, similar to that used to compensate September 11, 2001, victims, to issue cash rewards for these alleged damages. The Senators slammed this proposal as an “illegal and corrupt abuse of the justice system.” Padilla, Durbin, and Klobuchar previously led their colleagues in denouncing DOJ’s court arguments that the federal government should refund insurrectionists for the restitution payments they made for damage they caused to the Capitol building. Since then, restitution refund requests have almost all been denied, but last month, a judge ordered the government to refund the restitution a January 6 insurrectionist paid before they were pardoned and their case was vacated. “These criminals are apparently demanding taxpayer compensation, not only to refund court-ordered restitution to cover damages they caused to the Capitol building, but also to compensate them for having to face the legal consequ… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-trump-and-republican-shutdown/ Padilla Statement on Trump and Republican Shutdown 2025-09-30 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued the following statement after President Trump and Senate Republicans refused to pass Democrats’ continuing resolution that would have protected health care coverage for millions of Americans while averting a government shutdown: “Republicans have control of Congress and the White House. But rather than negotiate with Democrats, Republicans have sent the House of Representatives home, canceled planned White House meetings until the eleventh hour, told Democrats to ‘go f*** yourself,’ and posted a racist AI video of Democratic leaders trying to avoid a shutdown. “Health care costs are soaring for Americans across the country as a direct result of the Trump Administration’s policies. Republicans funneled trillions of dollars into tax breaks for billionaires, but now they claim they can’t find the money to make life a little more affordable for working families. Because of their cruelty, more than 20 million Americans — including 1.7 million Californians — could be priced out of their insurance plans ahead of open enrollment next month. “The way out of a shutdown is for the President and Republican leaders to finally negotiate with Democrats in good faith to immediately reopen the government and protect Americans’ health care.” Last week, Senator Padilla joined California health care leaders in Los Angeles to call on congressional Republicans to work with Democrats to protect health care coverage for nearly 1.7 million California residents and avoid a Republican-caused government shutdown. Californians and Americans across the country are facing the largest health insurance premium increases in 15 years and rising costs as a result of President Trump’s chaotic tariffs and catastrophic economic agenda, but Republicans are refusing to extend essential Affordable Care Act tax credits before they expire at the end of the year. These credits helped a record 24 million Americans enroll in Affordable Care Act exchanges this year. Senator Padilla has … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ranking-members-padilla-durbin-raskin-jayapal-statement-on-trump-administrations-failure-to-comply-with-law-requiring-congressional-consultation-on-refugee-admissions/ Ranking Members Padilla, Durbin, Raskin, Jayapal Statement on Trump Administration’s Failure to Comply with Law Requiring Congressional Consultation on Refugee Admissions 2025-09-30 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, issued the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s blatant violation of federal law in refusing to consult Congress on refugee admissions: “The Administration is required by law to formally consult with the House and Senate Judiciary Committees regarding the number and types of refugees they intend to admit in the coming year. The deadline for this consultation was today. In open defiance of the law, the Trump Administration has failed to schedule the legally required consultation. “Despite repeated outreach from Democratic and Republican Committee staff, the Trump Administration has completely discarded its legal obligation, leaving Congress in the dark and refugees in limbo. “The consequences are dire. The Administration has already frozen the U.S.’s Refugee Admissions Program, a program that for decades has been a beacon of hope to people fleeing persecution and violence. What began as a so-called ‘suspension’ has now stretched into an eight-month shutdown, betraying the nation’s promise as a refuge for the oppressed. “Nearly 130,000 people facing persecution abroad who have already passed the rigorous vetting requirements of our refugee program have been abandoned by this Administration, left to languish in refugee camps around the world after being given the promise of safety and a new life in America. Meanwhile, President Trump is carving out exceptions for white South African farmers, allowing Afrikaners to skip the line and rigorous vetting as countless others are shut out of the U.S. “We call on the Administration to immediately schedul… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-warns-trumps-national-guard-deployments-put-u-s-national-security-at-risk/ WATCH: Padilla Warns Trump’s National Guard Deployments Put U.S. National Security at Risk 2025-09-30 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) questioned Major General William L. Enyart, the former commander of Illinois’ National Guard, on President Trump’s escalating militarization of American cities, including his unlawful attempts to deploy National Guard troops to Democratic-led cities against local leadership’s objections. Padilla’s questioning at today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing comes after President Trump recently ordered the deployment of hundreds of National Guard troops to Chicago and Portland to facilitate immigration enforcement despite their governors’ explicit opposition and ongoing court challenges. Earlier this month, a federal judge ruled that President Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth violated federal law through their unprecedented deployment of active-duty U.S. Marines and California National Guard members to Los Angeles in response to largely peaceful demonstrations. Yet as Trump continues to unilaterally militarize cities like Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Portland, Padilla called Trump’s ongoing military deployments a “fundamental threat to democratic norms and the separation of powers between states and the federal government.” General Enyart emphasized that the vast majority of National Guard troops are not trained in civilian law enforcement, and that the military’s mission is to defend the nation from foreign threats, not to police American streets. As Trump also orders deployments to Republican-led states like Louisiana and Tennessee, Padilla and General Enyart warned of the consequences of diverting money, military resources, and troops away from defending America’s national security and responding to natural disasters. Key Excerpts PADILLA: General Enyart, as someone who commanded the Illinois National Guard, how do you view the danger of using Guard units or even active-duty service members in cities like Los Angeles and Portland and Washington D.C. for local law enforcement efforts? ENYART: Thank you, Senator. Well, as a commander of… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-joins-41-democratic-colleagues-in-urging-state-department-to-resume-medical-and-humanitarian-visas-for-civilians-in-gaza/ Padilla Joins 41 Democratic Colleagues in Urging State Department to Resume Medical and Humanitarian Visas for Civilians in Gaza 2025-09-29 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and 39 other Democrats in demanding Secretary of State Marco Rubio reverse the State Department’s blanket decision last month to suspend the issuance of temporary medical and humanitarian visas for civilians in Gaza in need of urgent medical care, including children with life-threatening injuries or conditions. The Senators also requested information on the Department’s recent decision to restrict nonimmigrant visas for people who hold Palestinian passports. “We write with grave concern regarding the State Department’s recent suspension of all visitor visas for eligible, vetted individuals from Gaza, including those in need of urgent medical care. We are also concerned by the unprecedented decision to abruptly refuse nonimmigrant visas to people with Palestinian passports. It is critical that the Department immediately reinstate temporary medical and humanitarian visas for Palestinian civilians in Gaza in order to save lives, resume nonimmigrant visas for eligible Palestinian passport holders, and double down on the work needed to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region,” wrote the Senators. “During the Biden and current Trump administrations, individuals from Gaza who met specific criteria set by the State Department have been granted temporary medical and humanitarian visas, allowing them to access life-saving medical treatment in the United States. These civilians include severely wounded children who are especially vulnerable and, through no fault of their own, have been caught in the crossfire and forced to endure horrible impacts from the war in Gaza. These children and their accompanying caretakers leaving Gaza to receive medical treatment are subject to strong vetting processes, including by the Israeli government, which look specifically at any potential security threats and known associations,” continued the Senators. Medical facilities in Gaza are growi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-announce-bipartisan-bills-to-support-over-2000-acres-of-tribal-land-management/ Padilla, Schiff Announce Bipartisan Bills to Support Over 2,000 Acres of Tribal Land Management 2025-09-29 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) announced a trio of bipartisan, bicameral bills to promote Tribal management of over 2,000 acres of land in California. The bills would transfer federal land to the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, the Pit River Tribe, and the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. “For too long, senseless conflict and bureaucratic barriers have kept California Tribes from managing their ancestral lands,” said Senator Padilla. “The federal government must right these historical wrongs and uphold its trust responsibility to help Tribes protect their traditions, communities, and local environment. I thank my Republican House colleagues and Senator Schiff for their partnership in this bipartisan effort to support the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, the Pit River Tribe, and the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians in their management of these sacred lands.” “I’m proud to join Senator Padilla’s efforts to help three of California’s tribes restore their ancestral homelands and improve the quality of life across their communities,” said Senator Schiff. “This package of bills would allow the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation to acquire cultural sites and better manage wildfires, the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians to build more housing and grow their community, and the Pit River Tribe to manage the Four Corners site as their ancestors did. These bills correct historic wrongs and promote Tribal sovereignty.” Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Land Exchange Act This bill would transfer 1,475 acres of land from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation in fee in exchange for 1,460 acres of fee land the Tribe already owns. Representative Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.-23) is leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “After eight years of dialogue with the U.S. Forest Service, the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation is pursuing a legislative path to expedite and secure the restoration of Yuhaaviatam ancestra… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-joins-senate-judiciary-democrats-in-demanding-answers-on-politicization-of-doj-as-trump-pursues-criminal-charges-against-his-enemies/ Padilla Joins Senate Judiciary Democrats in Demanding Answers on Politicization of DOJ as Trump Pursues Criminal Charges Against His Enemies 2025-09-26 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper “Our justice system operates on the principle that the President cannot demand the prosecution of an individual to settle personal scores, let alone when there is no credible evidence that a person engaged in any wrongdoing,” the lawmakers wrote following the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senate Judiciary Democrats in demanding answers from Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi about the continued weaponization of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in light of the forced resignation of Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Erik Seibert and the indictment of former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey. In the letter, the lawmakers demand information on investigations against the President’s perceived enemies and press AG Bondi to make several U.S. Attorneys and DOJ officials available for interviews by the Senate Judiciary Committee to understand the full scope of the President’s campaign to weaponize DOJ. Mr. Seibert’s forced resignation, prompted by his refusal to pursue criminal charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James, and the indictment of Director Comey are just the latest examples of President Trump abusing the powers of DOJ to attack his political enemies. “We write to express our alarm at the recent resignation of Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Erik Siebert after he refused to bring criminal charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James and former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey. Mr. Siebert’s decision to resign after reportedly facing immense pressure from the White House and Department of Justice (DOJ) leadership—followed by the indictment of Director Comey by unqualified loyalist Acting U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan—are the latest steps in President Trump’s efforts to reshape the… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-bipartisan-padilla-mullin-bill-strengthening-cybersecurity-for-the-988-suicide-crisis-lifeline/ Senate Passes Bipartisan Padilla, Mullin Bill Strengthening Cybersecurity for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 2025-09-26 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), co-founder of the bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus, and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) announced that the Senate unanimously passed their bipartisan legislation to strengthen the cybersecurity protocols for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in response to previous outages that resulted in a day-long outage for those in crisis. The 9-8-8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act passed as part of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act, which reauthorizes key public health programs focused on prevention, treatment, and recovery for patients with substance use disorder. “People struggling with their mental health shouldn’t be met with disruptions or service outages when they call the 988 Lifeline at the most critical times of need. We can’t let cybersecurity vulnerabilities get in the way of providing lifesaving support,” said Senator Padilla. “I am glad to see the Senate unanimously pass our bipartisan bill to better identify and prevent cyberattacks so people in crisis have access to the Lifeline whenever they need it.” “I am grateful to my colleagues for their support of this critical legislation. Increasing cybersecurity measures for the 988 Lifeline is imperative to suicide prevention,” said Senator Mullin. “Suicide is a heartbreaking tragedy, and every life lost is one too many. This bill will keep the lifeline secure to ensure that those experiencing a mental health crisis have access to the resources and support they need when they need it most.” Since its launch in July of 2022, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has received 10.8 million contacts, including 1.4 million within the Veterans Crisis Line. The Lifeline’s services are critically important and must stay secure. The cyberattack on the 988 Lifeline in December of 2022 exposed vulnerabilities in the system where individuals who tried to call the suicide prevention hotline were instead greeted with a recorded message informing them of the service outage. Specifically… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-condemns-trump-administrations-unconstitutional-attempt-to-purge-voter-rolls-in-california-five-other-states/ Padilla Condemns Trump Administration’s Unconstitutional Attempt to Purge Voter Rolls in California, Five Other States 2025-09-25 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and California’s former Secretary of State, issued the following statement condemning the Trump Administration’s Department of Justice (DOJ) decision to file new lawsuits against six states, including California, for their refusal to hand over their state’s voter information and registration lists to the federal government: “This baseless, partisan lawsuit is about one thing: restricting the right to vote in order to undermine our democracy. Whether it’s combing through personal voter information or threatening to prosecute hardworking election officials, Donald Trump and his Administration will stop at nothing to rig future elections in a desperate effort to cling to power. Now he’s weaponizing the Department of Justice in a clear attempt to purge eligible citizens from voter rolls in California and other states across the country. “No matter what Trump and MAGA Republicans claim, voter fraud is extremely rare. And the Constitution clearly gives states — not this Administration — the responsibility to administer elections. California maintains one of the most transparent election processes in the nation. We will fight back and defeat this blatantly partisan lawsuit.” Senator Padilla has led the charge in opposing the Trump Administration’s thinly veiled attempts to purge voter rolls and investigate unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud. On John Lewis National Day of Action in July, Senators Padilla, Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) led 13 Senators in raising the alarm on the DOJ Civil Rights Division’s policy shift to focus on unsubstantiated voter fraud investigations. Earlier that month, Padilla, Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) expressed serious concerns that recent changes to and the expanded use of the insufficiently tested Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) prog… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-california-health-care-leaders-call-on-republicans-to-extend-lifesaving-affordable-care-act-tax-credits-instead-of-shutting-down-the-government/ WATCH: Padilla, California Health Care Leaders Call on Republicans to Extend Lifesaving Affordable Care Act Tax Credits Instead of Shutting Down the Government 2025-09-25 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was joined by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez (D-Los Angeles), Covered California, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, and local health care providers in Los Angeles to call on Congressional Republicans to work with Democrats to protect health care coverage for nearly 1.7 million California residents and avoid a Republican-caused government shutdown. Californians and Americans across the country are facing the largest health insurance premium increases in 15 years and rising costs as a result of President Trump’s chaotic tariffs and catastrophic economic agenda, but Republicans are refusing to extend essential Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits before they expire at the end of the year. These credits helped a record 24 million Americans enroll in Affordable Care Act exchanges this year. Extending these premium tax credits by the September 30 government funding deadline is critical before open enrollment to purchase health insurance begins on November 1, but Republicans have made clear that they would rather shut the government down with their partisan, status-quo bill and conduct mass federal layoffs than passing Democrats’ proposal to actually address Americans’ health care needs. “Trump and Republicans in Congress would rather shut down the government than work with Democrats to make health care more affordable as millions of Americans struggle to pay the bills,” said Senator Padilla. “Republicans are refusing to extend lifesaving tax credits that millions of Americans rely on, jacking up premiums for 1.7 million Californians just trying to get by. If Republicans want to actually govern instead of shutting the government down, they need to earn Democrats’ votes by reversing their dangerous attacks on health care and supporting our plan to make these premium tax credits permanent.” “Families in my district are already stretched thin by the rising cost of rent, food, and child care — they cannot afford to also lose their health care,” said… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-sheehy-announce-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-forest-conservation-reduce-wildfire-risk/ Padilla, Sheehy Announce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Forest Conservation, Reduce Wildfire Risk 2025-09-24 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Wildfire Caucus, announced bipartisan legislation to help permanently conserve forestlands and mitigate increasing wildfire risks. Representatives John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08) and Ken Calvert (R-Calif.-41) are leading companion legislation in the House. The Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act would allow states to designate accredited nonprofit land trusts to manage conservation easements purchased with federal funding from the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program (FLP). This additional flexibility would allow private landowners who are interested in conservation but do not want to sell an easement on their property to federal or state governments, as is currently required, to conserve more land. Forest management and conservation are critical to minimizing wildfire risk by reducing hazardous fuels, building healthier and more resilient forests, and allowing for effective fire mitigation practices. By saving states money and time, this change would also expand the FLP’s impact and conservation footprint. “Californians know that the status quo isn’t working when it comes to wildfire and forest management. Addressing the wildfire crisis requires collaboration between federal and state governments, private landowners, and nonprofit land trusts to responsibly manage our forest lands,” said Senator Padilla. “It also means working across the aisle to build practical solutions to strengthen our forest resiliency. Our bipartisan bill would improve the conservation of private forests to mitigate wildfire risk while protecting important forest resources and habitat and expanding access to outdoor recreation.” “Restoring responsible, commonsense land management is key to protecting property, homes, and communities across the country against the threat of catastrophic wildfire. I’m proud to be part of this bipartisan effort to streamline coordination between federal, state, and local go… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-conducts-oversight-at-san-diego-immigration-court-amid-mass-judicial-firings/ WATCH: Padilla Conducts Oversight at San Diego Immigration Court Amid Mass Judicial Firings 2025-09-24 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper SAN DIEGO, CA — Following the Trump Administration’s latest purge of nearly 20 immigration judges, including in California, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, visited the San Diego immigration court today to conduct oversight over the Trump Administration’s mismanagement and dismantling of immigration courts to carry out its mass deportation agenda President Trump has now removed approximately 100 immigration judges this year alone, and the Pentagon is now funneling hundreds of military attorneys to temporarily serve as immigration judges — dropping the requirement that judges have immigration experience — exacerbating a historic 3.4 million case backlog. San Diego’s immigration courts have become extremely overwhelmed, struggling to balance an increasing caseload as President Trump slashes staff and pressures the Department of Justice to help meet deportation quotas. Trump’s firings and recent retirements have left the city’s main immigration court with only eight judges. As a result of the backlog, many San Diegans face postponed hearings, lengthy detention times, and delayed due process. The visit comes after a gunman opened fire this morning on an ICE detention facility in Dallas, killing one detainee and leaving two others in critical condition. “Today’s horrific shooting at a Dallas ICE facility is a stark reminder: there is no place for political violence in America. We can and should debate our differences and fight for what we believe in — but violence, whether it’s violence against law enforcement or violence against immigrants, is never the answer.” “I’m in San Diego today to conduct oversight of what is happening at our immigration courts because over the past few months, this Administration has made it harder for immigrants to have their day in court. They’ve fired a hundred immigration judges, fueling a case backlog in San Diego and across the country, and repeatedly ignored due process, indiscriminately deporting immigrants who… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-colleagues-demand-withdrawal-of-endangerment-finding-rollback-that-will-accelerate-the-climate-crisis/ Padilla, Colleagues Demand Withdrawal of Endangerment Finding Rollback That Will Accelerate the Climate Crisis 2025-09-23 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper “This proposed action represents an abdication of EPA’s duty, a violation of Supreme Court precedent and Congressional directive, and a blatant failure to protect the American people,” wrote all 47 Democratic Senators WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, joined EPW Ranking Member Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and the entire Democratic Caucus in demanding the Trump Administration withdraw its factually inaccurate and legally deficient proposed rollback of the endangerment finding. The rollback, if finalized, would constitute a formal denial by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health and welfare — a position that defies decades of scientific evidence, agency precedent, and Supreme Court rulings. The 47 Senators called the repeal of the climate and public health protection a “dereliction of duty” and a “blatant failure to protect the American people.” The endangerment finding is a 2009 scientific determination by EPA that greenhouse gases harm public health and welfare and is the legal basis for U.S. climate policy. It is grounded in extensive peer-reviewed science and confirmed by successive National Climate Assessments and reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Twice, EPA’s scientific finding has withstood challenge at the D.C. Circuit, and both times, the Supreme Court declined to revisit the decision. Repealing the endangerment finding would ignore overwhelming scientific evidence and set the stage for rolling back air quality standards for power plants, airplanes, and more, making it easier to pollute. “Scientists, financial experts, international governments, and the American public agree that climate change is a looming crisis. Greenhouse-gas driven climate change is driving extreme weather, flooding, erosion, sea-level rise, heat waves, drought, catastrophic wildfires, famine, smog pollu… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-joins-bill-to-expand-head-start-early-learning-program-for-working-class-families/ Padilla Joins Bill to Expand Head Start Early Learning Program for Working-Class Families 2025-09-22 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the Trump Administration continues to attack and undermine Head Start, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), in introducing the Head Start for America’s Children Act. This sweeping legislation would expand Head Start to ensure that more than 11 million young children from working-class families can access high-quality early education and comprehensive services, while also ensuring Head Start educators earn the wages they deserve. California’s Head Start program is the largest in the nation. In Fiscal Year 2023 alone, Head Start and Early Head Start programs served more than 94,000 children across the state. These programs offer critical support to children by integrating early education with health, nutrition, and family services, providing targeted support to those facing poverty, housing insecurity, and systemic inequities. “Investing in our children is one of the best ways we can uplift working-class families and give everyone a fair shot at the American Dream. Yet Donald Trump and RFK Jr. have decimated Head Start, eliminating essential support staff and withholding $1 billion from the program,” said Senator Padilla. “We should be empowering our next generation — not taking an axe to this vital program to fund tax cuts for billionaires. This sweeping legislation would support over 11 million young children while ensuring teachers can earn a living wage and parents can keep working and contributing to our economy.” “In the richest country in the history of the world, we have a moral responsibility to provide high-quality early childhood education and child care for our children. Instead, President Trump has illegally withheld funds from Head Start and slashed critical programs for children and families to pay for $1 trillion in tax breaks for the top 1% and over $900 billion in tax breaks for large corporations,” said Senator Sanders. “I have a different idea: … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-paul-ross-miller-meeks-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-bill-to-protect-documented-dreamers/ Padilla, Paul, Ross, Miller-Meeks Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Protect Documented Dreamers 2025-09-19 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, and Rand Paul (R-Ky.), along with U.S. Representatives Deborah Ross (D-N.C.-02) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa-01), reintroduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to provide a pathway to citizenship for long-term residents who were brought legally to the United States as children as dependents on their parents’ work visas. The America’s CHILDREN Act would allow 250,000+ Documented Dreamers living in the United States to stay and contribute to the country and protect them from deportation or other hardships they unfairly face as a direct result of our outdated immigration system. The U.S. visa system grants certain dependent children of visa holders legal status until they turn 21, but long green card backlogs have led to many such children aging out. These long-term residents are often left with no choice but to leave the United States if they cannot transition to a new status, leaving them in legal limbo and splitting families living here legally for years. This gap leaves young people, many of whom have only known the United States as home for most of their lives, vulnerable. The bill would establish age-out protections so that Documented Dreamers can keep their place in the green card line after their 21st birthday. Without this fix, the U.S. would risk losing talented young individuals — educated here and contributing to the American economy — to global competitors. “These Documented Dreamers are Americans in every way except one: their parent’s green card is tied up in red tape,” said Senator Padilla. “This long overdue change is about more than just immigration reform — it’s about righting a wrong that’s a byproduct of our outdated immigration system. Our bipartisan bill would prevent these hardworking young members of our communities and economy from ‘aging out’ of their parents’ visa status when they turn 21, and create additional green card opportunities for Documented Dreame… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/newsweek-trump-appointed-judge-says-admin-argument-crumbled-like-a-house-of-cards/ Newsweek: Trump-Appointed Judge Says Admin Argument ‘Crumbled Like a House of Cards’ 2025-09-18 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper By Gabe Whisnant A federal judge on Thursday blocked the Trump administration from immediately deporting Guatemalan migrant children who entered the United States alone, halting an aggressive effort to send them back to their home country. The ruling marks the latest chapter in a legal battle over one of the most contentious issues in President Donald Trump’s hard-line immigration agenda. Why It Matters The decision, handed down by U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Kelly, came in response to the administration’s attempt over Labor Day weekend to deport Guatemalan minors living in government-run shelters and foster care facilities. What To Know Trump officials argued that the plan was intended to reunite children with parents who supposedly wanted them returned home. But Judge Kelly sharply rejected that reasoning. “But that explanation crumbled like a house of cards about a week later,” wrote Kelly, who was appointed by President Trump during his first term. “There is no evidence before the Court that the parents of these children sought their return.” Before Thursday’s ruling, a temporary order had already been preventing the removal of Guatemalan children. That order, however, was set to expire Tuesday. Kelly, himself a Trump appointee, granted a preliminary injunction that extends the protection indefinitely, though the government retains the right to appeal. While the judge preserved safeguards for Guatemalan children, he declined to broaden the ruling to cover minors from other countries. He noted, however, that any attempt to remove those children in a similar manner “would likely be unlawful.” Other federal courts have weighed in on related cases. Judges in Arizona and Illinois have issued temporary restraining orders as well, though those rulings cover a narrower group of children. The broader Washington case, advocates argue, underscores the national significance of Kelly’s decision. The legal clash followed a late-night government operation on Aug. 30. Shelters housing migrant children were abru… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/spectrum-news-1-california-democrats-unveil-bill-seeking-to-end-nationwide-redistricting-battle-call-it-off-ramp-for-gop/ Spectrum News 1: Cal­i­fornia Democrats unveil bill seeking to end na­tionwide re­dis­tricting battle, call it ‘off-ramp’ for GOP 2025-09-18 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper By Maddie Gannon Democrats unveiled a bill Thursday that seeks to put a stop to what they branded as President Donald Trump’s nationwide “redistricting war” that has already brought a new Republican-favored House map in Texas, a move toward one in Missouri and a ballot initiative set to go before voters to boost Democratic districts in California. The legislation, called the Redistricting Reform Act, is being introduced by two California Democrats, Rep. Zoe Lofgren in the House and Sen. Alex Padilla in the upper chamber. It would require states to create independent redistricting commissions to draw Congressional district lines instead of allowing state lawmakers to do so themselves, as is the case in many states. It would also ban efforts to draw new House district maps in the middle of a decade as opposed to after the census every 10 years. Promoting the bill at a press conference at the Capitol, Lofgren noted she has introduced this act since 2005, but said this year it takes on new meaning amid the scramble that has set off around the country to draw new maps in favor of one side or the other ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. ”So what started in Texas has spread, predictably, to Missouri and Indiana, Florida and beyond,” Padilla said at the press conference. “It’s become a race to the bottom to impress Donald Trump who is personally issuing these marching orders from the White House – from the White House to legislators in statehouses across the country to rig the maps.” Texas became the first state to embark on the effort, with the state legislature passing and the state’s GOP Gov. Greg Abbott signing a new map last month that could give Republicans five more seats in the U.S. House by making some currently held by Democrats more red. California’s Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom immediately moved to hit back, quickly getting his state legislature to get an initiative on the ballot this November that asks voters to approve new district lines in the state that seeks to give Democrats five additional sea… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-colleagues-announce-bill-to-stand-up-to-trumps-attacks-on-free-speech-safeguard-against-politically-motivated-harassment-and-prosecutions/ WATCH: Padilla, Colleagues Announce Bill to Stand Up to Trump’s Attacks on Free Speech, Safeguard Against Politically Motivated Harassment and Prosecutions 2025-09-18 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — As President Trump and his Administration launch repeated attacks against Americans’ First Amendment rights, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) in announcing the No Political Enemies (NOPE) Act, upcoming legislation to protect individuals and organizations, including non-profits, faith groups, media outlets, and educational institutions, from politically motivated harassment and prosecution by the federal government. This bill would reaffirm the constitutionally protected right to free speech and establish clear, enforceable protections to deter abuse, empower individuals and organizations to defend themselves, and create meaningful accountability. The legislation would also prohibit the use of federal funds for any investigations or regulatory actions aimed at suppressing protected speech. The announcement follows threats from President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and White House Senior Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller who have vowed to use the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk as justification to weaponize the federal government against left-leaning individuals and organizations that don’t align with Trump’s political agenda. Padilla’s remarks came a day after ABC announced that it would stop airing Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show indefinitely following pressure from Trump’s hand-picked chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. Padilla criticized President Trump for suing the New York Times and Wall Street Journal over coverage he opposed, and for threatening a reporter who asked about Attorney General Bondi’s ridiculous pledge to prosecute people for “hate speech.” Senator Padilla’s full remarks, as delivered, are available below: Thank you, Senator Murphy and all my colleagues, for leaning in at this additional critical moment. This is the United States of America, where, since the b… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-lofgren-introduce-legislation-to-establish-independent-redistricting-commissions-end-mid-decade-redistricting-nationwide/ WATCH: Padilla, Lofgren Introduce Legislation to Establish Independent Redistricting Commissions, End Mid-Decade Redistricting Nationwide 2025-09-18 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and California’s former Secretary of State, and Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18) held a press conference introducing bicameral legislation to combat Republican efforts to rig the rules and implement partisan racial gerrymanders before the next census. The Redistricting Reform Act of 2025 is co-led by Senators Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Angus King (I-Maine), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.). As Republicans in state houses across the country heed President Trump’s orders to redraw congressional maps in their favor, the bill would prohibit states from mid-decade redistricting and would require every state to adopt nonpartisan, independent redistricting commissions (IRCs). For the past 15 years, California has had its own IRC, and the state continues to push for similar commissions nationwide while fighting back against Texas and other Republican-controlled states’ partisan mid-decade redistricting efforts. “MAGA Republicans are afraid to run on their unpopular record of cutting health care and escalating tariff wars raising prices for consumers, so they’re redrawing congressional maps to hand Donald Trump the congressional seats he says he’s ‘entitled’ to,” said Senator Padilla. “In response, California has no choice but to gear up for a fight. But there is a better way forward. By banning mid-decade gerrymanders and establishing fair criteria so districts are drawn to best represent communities, our bill presents a commonsense, nonpartisan solution to Donald Trump’s power grab.” “The redistricting fight playing out across the country is not healthy for our democracy,” said Senator Warnock. “We have to do everything we can to push back against the cynical attempt by the President and his allies to rig the maps, and hold them accountable for taking health care away from 15 million people. That is why passing legislation on the federal level, like the Redistricting Reform Act of 2025, i… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-durbin-call-for-oversight-hearings-after-whistleblower-report-alleges-trump-admin-lied-about-safety-of-unaccompanied-guatemalan-children-to-deport-them/ Padilla, Durbin Call for Oversight Hearings After Whistleblower Report Alleges Trump Admin Lied About Safety of Unaccompanied Guatemalan Children to Deport Them 2025-09-17 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Call comes ahead of a Subcommittee hearing on Biden’s management of unaccompanied children, despite the Trump Administration’s ongoing flagrant disregard for unaccompanied child safety WASHINGTON, D.C. — After a whistleblower disclosure alleged that the Trump Administration concealed information about the safety of dozens of unaccompanied Guatemalan children they tried to deport in the dead of night, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, and Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, are requesting an oversight hearing on the Office of Refugee Resettlement’s (ORR) mass child deportation efforts and apparent lies under oath. The urgent call for a hearing comes after the disclosure alleged that at least 30 of 327 unaccompanied Guatemalan children the Administration attempted to deport without due process “have indicators of being a victim of child abuse, including death threats, gang violence, human trafficking and/or have expressed fear of return to Guatemala.” The disclosure contradicts Acting ORR Director Angie Salazar’s sworn statement under penalty of perjury that these children had been screened for removal to ensure they would not face child abuse or human trafficking in Guatemala. ORR’s criteria for removal, according to Salazar, explicitly specify that children do not “have indications of child abuse/neglect perpetrated by a parent/legal guardian” or “indications of being a victim of trafficking.” The data on these children was present in ORR’s database at the time of Salazar’s statement. Over Labor Day weekend, the Trump Administration attempted to unlawfully remove dozens of unaccompanied Guatemalan children from the United States in the middle of the night. After a September 10 hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Timothy J. Kelly extended a temporary restraining order to block the Administration from removing the children until September 16. The injunction is in place until 11:59 p.m. o… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/washington-post-trumps-mass-deportations-bring-a-new-wave-of-family-separations/ Washington Post: Trump’s mass deportations bring a new wave of family separations 2025-09-17 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper By Maria Sacchetti Sulma Martinez had just left the dentist’s office with her 14-year-old twin daughters when an unmarked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement vehicle pulled up behind her and flashed its blue lights. The officers asked for her papers. Martinez, a 35-year-old originally from Honduras, had a work permit, a pending asylum claim and a pathway to a visa for crime victims. But none of that mattered, she said the officers told her. They gave her a choice: She could head to a hotel and be deported with her daughters, or she could contest her removal and try to stay in the United States. If she chose the latter, she’d be arrested and the twins would be sent to a shelter for child immigrants. “We were crying. We were scared,” Martinez said. “I didn’t want them to separate me from my girls.” As President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign ramps up, ICE has sharply increased the number of migrant children it is sending to federal shelters for unaccompanied minors. Officers have referred more than 400 children nationwide to shelters run by the Office of Refugee Resettlement since Trump took office, according to two people who have reviewed internal records. While some allegedly were removed from dangerous situations, many were separated from parents, relatives or government-vetted sponsors as part of immigration enforcement actions. ICE officials disputed that information and said its referrals are not that high. But the agency and ORR did not provide the data. The separations recall the “zero tolerance” policy Trump implemented along the southern border during his first term, which led to the forced separation of more than 4,000 newly arrived children from their parents without a plan to reunite them. A federal judge called the episode “one of the most shameful chapters” in U.S. history and approved a court settlement that barred such separations for several years. But that agreement does not apply to families apprehended beyond the border, in U.S. cities and towns where many of the children… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-denounces-trump-administrations-mistreatment-of-unaccompanied-children/ WATCH: Padilla Denounces Trump Administration’s Mistreatment of Unaccompanied Children 2025-09-17 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, criticized Senate Republicans’ hypocrisy in convening a hearing focused on the Biden Administration’s management of unaccompanied children as multiple recent reports emerge about the current Administration’s cruel mistreatment of unaccompanied children, ongoing family separations, and disregard for child safety and the rule of law. During his opening statement at the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing, Padilla called on his Republican colleagues to join him in pushing for oversight and accountability over this Administration’s flagrant violations of unaccompanied migrant children’s rights. Padilla slammed the Trump Administration for attempting to unlawfully deport dozens of unaccompanied Guatemalan children in the middle of night over Labor Day weekend despite their ongoing immigration proceedings and fear of returning to Guatemala. Despite the Trump Administration’s claims to the contrary, a whistleblower disclosure yesterday alleged that at least 30 unaccompanied Guatemalan children the Administration attempted to deport without due process were flagged in the Office of Refugee Resettlement’s (ORR) database as having indicators of trafficking or child abuse if they were to be removed to Guatemala. Ahead of the Subcommittee hearing, Padilla and Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) requested an oversight hearing on ORR’s mass child deportation efforts and apparent lies under oath. He also highlighted reporting from the Washington Post uncovering that the Trump Administration’s mass deportation agenda has reignited forced family separations, including a recent incident in which U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ripped a 35-year-old Honduran mother from her twin 14-year-old daughters despite her maintaining a work permit, a pathway to a visa, and a pending asylum claim. Key quotes from Senator Padilla’s opening remarks are below: “Too often, their stories of un… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/with-federal-workers-under-attack-padilla-warner-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-repeal-union-busting-executive-orders/ With Federal Workers Under Attack, Padilla, Warner, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Repeal Union-Busting Executive Orders 2025-09-17 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Two-thirds of federal workers lost their collective bargaining protections under Trump EO WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) introduced the Protect America’s Workforce Act, which would repeal two union-busting executive orders and restore collective bargaining rights and workplace protections for federal workers. This legislation comes in response to a pair of executive orders issued earlier this year by President Trump. These executive orders revoked collective bargaining rights for a majority of federal employees under a false national security pretext. While federal employee unions do not negotiate pay or benefits, collective bargaining agreements protect them from retaliation, discrimination, and illegal firings, while promoting resources for whistleblowers and veterans. California has among the highest number of federal employees in the nation, many of whom have lost their labor rights under the Trump Administration. “Donald Trump’s executive orders ripping away collective bargaining rights from over a million federal workers constitute one of the biggest union busts in American history,” said Senator Padilla. “Eliminating these basic labor protections is a thinly veiled retribution campaign under the guise of national security, but these orders make us all less safe by undermining the workforce Americans rely on for vaccine research, food inspections, natural disaster relief, and so much more. Our bill reverses these callous attacks to protect the fundamental workplace rights of federal employees in California and across the country so they can continue serving the American people.” “From the gutting of essential government agencies to the politization of nonpartisan government jobs, there’s never been a tougher time to be a federal worker,” said Senator Warner. “As the Trump administration continues to terrorize the… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/nyt-whistle-blower-account-contradicts-governments-claims-on-guatemalan-children/ NYT: Whistle-Blower Account Contradicts Government’s Claims on Guatemalan Children 2025-09-16 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper By Zach Montague More than two dozen children from Guatemala whom the Trump administration sought to deport earlier this month had been flagged as vulnerable to child abuse and human trafficking in a Health and Human Services Department database that tracks unaccompanied children, according to a whistle-blower complaint filed to Congress on Tuesday. The report, based on accounts of several unidentified federal employees familiar with the data, appeared to contradict a sworn statement made in a lawsuit over the children’s fate by Angie Salazar, a senior health official. She said the children had been properly screened and cleared for repatriation. It also came less than a week after the judge presiding over the case, Timothy J. Kelly, challenged lawyers from the Justice Department about the veracity of another of their central claims in the dispute: that the children’s parents had requested their return. Filed to Congress by the Government Accountability Project, a whistle-blower protection group, the report said at least 30 of the 327 children the government cleared for imminent removal had “indicators of being a victim of child abuse” in Guatemala, based on the government’s own findings. The children, who came to the United States as unaccompanied minors in recent years and have been living in shelters or foster care under government supervision, were hastily targeted by the Trump administration over the Labor Day weekend. Upon learning that the children were being loaded onto flights to be sent back, lawyers from the National Immigration Law Center sued to block the removals and a federal judge ordered the government to halt until the case could be argued. The Trump administration has said it was exercising an authority to reunify unaccompanied children with their parents abroad, claiming that it was acting at the behest of the children’s families and with the children’s well-being in mind. But the report on Tuesday was the second time that notion had been called into question. Ms. Salazar filed the decl… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-announce-another-168-million-to-strengthen-airport-infrastructure-across-california/ Padilla, Schiff Announce Another $168 Million to Strengthen Airport Infrastructure Across California 2025-09-16 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) announced that 46 California airports were awarded a combined $168.85 million in grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to bolster aviation infrastructure. The funding comes through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which invests in airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, noise cancellation, airport signage, airport lighting, and airport markings. Congress appropriates funding for the AIP annually. “From large international hubs to the hundreds of small regional or local airports, the Golden State’s airports play an essential role in helping millions of Californians and visitors alike get where they need to go,” said Senator Padilla. “This tranche of more than $168 million in federal aviation funding will modernize our airport infrastructure to create a safer, smoother passenger experience while creating good-paying jobs and investing in low-emission equipment.” “This federal funding will make a critical investment in California’s airports, improving their safety and modernizing their infrastructure, while creating more jobs in communities across the Golden State. I will keep working with Senator Alex Padilla and the entire California delegation to continue to strengthen our transportation system and boost our local economies,” said Senator Schiff. California airports selected to receive funding include: Monterey Regional Airport — $25.13 million: This project constructs a new 66,500 square foot terminal to accommodate the movement of passengers and baggage. This grant funds the sixth phase, which consists of construction of 16,625 square feet of the terminal building. Los Angeles International Airport — $22.77 million: This funding will be used to extend an existing taxiway by an additional 990 feet in length to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. A second project acquires and installs low-emission equipment, including 42 electric vehicle charging stations.… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-padilla-mcconnell-resolution-recognizing-national-voter-registration-day/ Senate Unanimously Passes Padilla, McConnell Resolution Recognizing National Voter Registration Day 2025-09-16 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration with oversight over elections and California’s former Secretary of State, announced that the Senate unanimously passed S. Res. 388, his bipartisan resolution with Rules Committee Chairman Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) recognizing National Voter Registration Day. The resolution encourages eligible Americans to register to vote, verify with the appropriate state or local election official that their personal information is current, and cast their ballot. “Amid relentless attacks from this Administration on our democracy and the right to vote, the best way American citizens can make their voices heard is by registering to vote online, by mail, or in person,” said Senator Padilla. “As California’s former Secretary of State, I oversaw record voter registration and participation, and I will keep working to help all citizens participate in our democracy. I encourage all eligible Americans to visit vote.gov to confirm you’re registered to vote with the correct information and learn how to cast your ballot.” National Voter Registration Day is a nonpartisan event celebrated by election officials across the country on a Tuesday in September. The day is endorsed by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), the National Association of State Election Directors (NASED), the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), and the National Association of Election Officials (Election Center). National Voter Registration Day began in 2012 with 2,000 civic organizations helping launch the civic holiday to encourage people to register to vote. Senator Padilla has led the charge opposing President Trump and Republicans’ reckless attempts to restrict the right to vote. In May, Padilla stopped Senator Mike Lee’s (R-Utah) attempt to pass the anti-voter SAVE Act through the Senate by unanimous consent. Earlier this year, he convened a Rules Committee Democrats spotlight forum focused on Congressional R… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-durbin-raskin-jayapal-demand-answers-on-trump-administrations-unlawful-attempt-to-deport-unaccompanied-guatemalan-children/ Padilla, Durbin, Raskin, Jayapal Demand Answers on Trump Administration’s Unlawful Attempt to Deport Unaccompanied Guatemalan Children 2025-09-15 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, demanded answers from the Trump Administration on their cruel efforts to unlawfully remove dozens of unaccompanied Guatemalan children from the United States in the middle of the night over Labor Day weekend. In their letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, the lawmakers demanded answers on the Administration’s compliance with due process and confidentiality obligations under asylum law, the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA), and other statutory protections afforded to unaccompanied children by law. They also asked for copies of the agreement the Administration said they made with the government of Guatemala regarding these removals and requested copies of training requirements for officials who interact with children. “We write in response to deeply disturbing allegations that the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) attempted to unlawfully remove unaccompanied children (UACs) from the United States in the dead of night, during a holiday weekend,” wrote the lawmakers. “We are concerned that you violated these children’s due process and procedural rights, and in doing so, abandoned your legal obligation to safeguard the best interests of the children in your care.” “UACs are among the most vulnerable children attempting to navigate our complex immigration system. They must trust in the government’s care, frequently having fled abuse, violence, a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-introduces-bill-to-strengthen-accountability-over-unlawful-national-guard-deployments/ Padilla Introduces Bill to Strengthen Accountability Over Unlawful National Guard Deployments 2025-09-15 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — As President Trump charges ahead with the unprecedented and illegal militarization of American cities, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) introduced legislation to enhance oversight and accountability of the President’s deployment of the National Guard. The Safeguarding the Use of the National Guard (SUN) Act would require the President to submit a comprehensive report to Congress within 15 days of deploying the National Guard, except in the case of a natural disaster. Representative Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.-16) is leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives. Senator Padilla also filed the bill as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2026. In June, President Trump manufactured a crisis and escalated tensions in Los Angeles by deploying 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 active-duty Marines without Governor Newsom’s request or consent. Earlier this month, a federal judge ruled that President Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth “willfully” violated federal law through their militarization of Los Angeles in response to overwhelmingly peaceful protests supporting immigrants’ rights. However, approximately 300 troops National Guard troops still remain in Los Angeles. Trump has also extended his militarization of Washington, D.C. and has threatened to soon deploy National Guard troops to Memphis. “First it was Los Angeles, now it’s our nation’s capital, and soon it will be any city that dares to speak out against Donald Trump,” said Senator Padilla. “We cannot allow Trump to keep abusing his power and ignoring local elected officials to intimidate our communities. Our commonsense measure would add an essential layer of scrutiny to hold the Administration accountable and reaffirm the National Guard’s proper role in national defense and emergency support.” “As mayor of San José, I never called in the National Guard to fight crime; our city achieved the lowest homicide rate of any major U.S. city by relying on our experts—our police—working with the co… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-warner-demand-urgent-briefing-on-foreign-election-threats-from-gabbard-after-intelligence-rollback/ Padilla, Warner Demand Urgent Briefing on Foreign Election Threats From Gabbard After Intelligence Rollback 2025-09-15 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, and Mark Warner (D-Va.), Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, wrote Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard regarding concerns that she may have directed the Intelligence Community (IC) to cease disclosing attempted foreign interference in U.S. elections and requested she provide an urgent briefing on foreign election threats. The Senators also demanded Gabbard clarify her comments made about alleged “evidence” of vulnerabilities to electronic voting systems and manipulation of election results, which has not been substantiated. As the country approaches the 2026 federal midterm elections, the Senators highlighted the importance of protecting the United States from foreign influence, including cyber threats. Padilla and Warner pushed Gabbard and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to coordinate an IC briefing on these threats by October 10th, and requested a plan for defensive cybersecurity measures ahead of the 2025 and 2026 election cycles. This year, Gabbard has made harmful and unsubstantiated statements about voting system vulnerabilities as the Trump Administration has dismantled election security efforts at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and curtailed the Congressionally authorized Foreign Malign Influence Center at ODNI. At a cabinet meeting in April, Gabbard claimed that she has “evidence” about voting manipulation in electronic voting machines, and on a right-wing podcast in July, she said that her office has evidence of voting machine vulnerabilities that it had not disclosed to the American public or Congress. “As your testimony before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence in March made clear, foreign adversaries continue to conduct influence activities to undermine public confidence in our election system and potentially even shape election outcom… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-blasts-trump-administration-for-rising-energy-costs-cuts-to-renewable-projects/ WATCH: Padilla Blasts Trump Administration for Rising Energy Costs, Cuts to Renewable Projects 2025-09-15 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, spoke on the Senate floor to outline the Trump Administration’s devastating cuts to clean energy projects across the country that are leading to significant energy cost increases for American families. He contrasted Trump’s shortsighted actions against renewable energy with California’s leadership in building a reliable grid and clean energy economy. Padilla emphasized that Trump has gone back on his promises to cut energy costs, as energy prices are now rising twice as fast as inflation. In the face of rising prices, California state lawmakers passed a legislative package this weekend to strengthen the state’s energy portfolio and lower the cost of living for working families. The package will help increase the supply of energy Californians rely on while facilitating coordination with counterparts in states like Oregon and Washington to create a regional electric grid across the Western United States. While Republicans claim that renewable energy isn’t affordable or dependable, Padilla stressed that solar and wind power are cheaper than both coal and natural gas, with solar power costing only half as much as coal. He highlighted that California’s historic economic growth across industries demonstrates the promise of a sustainable, clean energy future. In 2023, clean energy made up two thirds of California’s retail electricity. At the same time, the state’s grid has become more reliable as battery capacity in California has expanded by nearly 2,000% since 2019. “This Administration is shamelessly working to block one of our best defenses against rising energy bills: renewable energy. And I say so because renewable energy is absolutely affordable, renewable energy is abundant, and whether you want to admit it or not, renewable energy sources are our future.” “[California is] harnessing the power of solar and wind and hydroelectric power and nuclear, geothermal, even hydrogen power t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-merkley-wyden-bonamici-lead-bipartisan-group-demanding-administration-release-over-50-million-for-agricultural-farm-worker-students/ Padilla, Merkley, Wyden, Bonamici Lead Bipartisan Group Demanding Administration Release Over $50 Million for Agricultural Farm Worker Students 2025-09-12 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), along with U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.-01), led 26 lawmakers in a bipartisan letter demanding that Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought and Education Secretary Linda McMahon immediately release $52.1 million in previously mandated funds for the High School Equivalency Program (HEP) and the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), which support educational opportunities for students from agricultural farm worker families. Across the nation, HEP and CAMP programs serve more than 8,000 students whose families work to put food on America’s tables. California receives the largest allocation of HEP/CAMP funding. The refusal to release this funding that Congress has previously approved threatens to undermine these students’ success. “Continuing and potential new grantees, all of which are colleges and non-profit organizations, were slated to receive funding and begin providing support to students by July 1 but have yet to receive the funding that Congress provided earlier this year,” wrote the lawmakers. “We understand the Department of Education informed HEP and CAMP leaders in June that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) was reviewing these programs, but grantees have not received follow up information as to when the funds will be released, which has imposed challenges on individuals and families served by these programs and applicants and grantees (and their employees) impacted by the uncertainty and delay.” Specifically, HEP supports students from migrant and seasonal farm worker families in earning a high school equivalency diploma. The CAMP program provides tutoring, academic advising, counseling, stipends, housing assistance, and other services to first-year college students from migrant and seasonal farm worker families. In a 2024 report to Congress, HEP and CAMP showed that the percentage of HEP participants who received a High School Equivalency Diploma… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-castro-condemn-trump-administrations-ending-of-discretionary-grants-for-hispanic-serving-minority-serving-schools/ Padilla, Castro Condemn Trump Administration’s Ending of Discretionary Grants for Hispanic-Serving, Minority-Serving Schools 2025-09-11 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro (D-Texas-20), Democratic co-chairs of the Senate and House Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Caucuses, issued the following joint statement after the Trump Administration announced during HSI week that the U.S. Department of Education would end discretionary grants for HSIs and Minority-Serving Institutions. “The Administration’s reckless decision will devastate universities across the country in red and blue states as well as urban and rural areas that serve working-class students and students of color. Congress passed laws on a bipartisan basis to establish and support funding for our nation’s Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Minority-Serving Institutions that are economic mobility engines. This action not only jeopardizes the education of the millions of students who attend these institutions, but threatens the future of our workforce. “All students, no matter their background, deserve the right to a good college education. We call on the Trump Administration to immediately reverse course and make sure that all universities can meet the unique needs of their students.” HSIs are accredited, degree-granting, public or private nonprofit institutions of higher education with 25 percent or higher total undergraduate Hispanic or Latino full-time students. There are 615 HSIs in the United States that enroll 5.6 million Hispanic students, two-thirds of all Hispanic undergraduates, and 37 percent of total Pell recipients — empowering and improving communities. California is home to 171 HSIs and 43 Emerging HSIs. Over half of students enrolled at HSIs are students of other races/ethnicities. In addition to their substantial Latino student bodies, HSIs enrolled approximately 285,000 Black/African American students, 311,000 Asian/Pacific Islander students, and 15,000 American Indian/Alaskan Native students. Last month, Padilla and Castro condemned the Trump Administration’s letter declaring that they will no longe… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schumer-murray-reed-we-will-reject-republican-attempts-to-include-anti-voter-legislation-in-defense-funding-bills/ Padilla, Schumer, Murray, Reed: “We Will Reject” Republican Attempts to Include Anti-Voter Legislation in Defense, Funding Bills 2025-09-10 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Democratic Senators slam SAVE Act: “The burden of documentary proof required by this bill shows that its true impact is massive voter suppression.” WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, put Republican Senate leadership on notice that they “will use all procedural means to oppose” attempts to pass anti-voter legislation, including the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, in any must-pass bills moving through the Senate. As the Senate moves forward on considering defense authorization and government funding legislation this month, Trump allies, including Tea Party Patriots Action, are pressuring the Administration to use these bills to pass voter suppression legislation like the SAVE Act. The letter also comes after President Trump threatened to issue an unconstitutional executive order to ban all mail-in voting and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested that the White House is considering a legislative strategy to enact the ban. If passed, the SAVE Act would lead to the potential disenfranchisement of millions of eligible American citizens by creating overly burdensome documentation requirements, restricting access to the ballot box for new voters, married women, rural voters, servicemembers, communities of color, voters at new addresses, and the tens of millions of Americans who register to vote online or by mail. The Senators warned Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) that the SAVE Act would amount to “massive voter suppression,” emphasizing that 140 million Americans do not have a passport, over 21 million American citizens cannot easily access proof of citizenship documents, and tens of millions of married women have legal names that differ from their birth certificates. “The SAVE A… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-lead-17-senators-in-amicus-brief-fighting-trump-abuse-of-military-deployments/ Padilla, Schiff Lead 19 Senators in Amicus Brief Fighting Trump Abuse of Military Deployments 2025-09-09 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper Brief filed with circuit court hearing case against Trump’s use of military in Los Angeles warns of continued abuse of military in other U.S. cities WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and 18 other Senators filed an amicus brief with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in the lawsuit brought against President Trump for his misuse of the U.S. military earlier this year. The lawsuit came from the State of California after Trump deployed 4,000 members of the California National Guard and 700 active-duty U.S. Marines to Los Angeles without legal justification or approval from state or local officials. “Donald Trump’s militarized spectacle in Los Angeles was a blatantly unlawful attempt to distract from his failing political agenda and enact his cruel mass deportation campaign. Trump’s deployment of the military to ‘blue’ cities across America has never been about public safety — it’s about retribution and control,” said Senator Padilla. “This abuse of power is a threat to much more than just California or immigrant communities: if the Circuit Court allows the President to bypass the Governor of California to federalize the National Guard to suppress peaceful protests for immigrants’ rights, what’s to stop him from suppressing other rights across the country? Our arguments to the Court make clear that Trump’s unprecedented militarization of Los Angeles should not be used as a playbook for terrorizing other cities across America.” “Donald Trump made his true motives for the deployment of our military in Los Angeles plain – instead of improving safety, he is focused on spectacle; instead of protecting Americans, he is punishing cities and states he believes are against him. Trump’s abuse of power is clear, illegal, and unconstitutional – and our arguments to the Court explain why this case must be the line drawn in the sand to prevent further misuse of our servicemembers on the streets of American cities,” said … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-supreme-court-ruling-paving-the-way-for-racial-profiling-in-los-angeles-immigration-enforcement/ Padilla Statement on Supreme Court Ruling Paving the Way for Racial Profiling in Los Angeles Immigration Enforcement 2025-09-08 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, issued the following statement after the Supreme Court granted the government’s request to lift restrictions on discriminatory raids happening as part of the Trump Administration’s sweeping immigration enforcement actions across Los Angeles: “The Administration has said it themselves: they are detaining people simply based on whether they ‘look’ like an immigrant, on the language they speak, or where they work. Today’s radical Supreme Court decision tramples on our Constitution and enables racial profiling to continue without explanation. “Trump isn’t just targeting violent criminals; he’s sweeping up hardworking people — including U.S. citizens — indiscriminately. And he’s sowing fear and damaging our economy in the process. This is not the final say. There is still time for the Courts to stop this blatantly racist policy from threatening the basic freedoms of Americans and immigrants alike.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-supports-legislation-to-grant-d-c-officials-full-control-over-its-national-guard-police/ Padilla Supports Legislation to Grant D.C. Officials Full Control Over Its National Guard, Police 2025-09-08 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — After the Trump Administration deployed National Guard troops across Washington, D.C. and took control of the city’s police department, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.-AL) in introducing legislation to grant the District full authority over the D.C. National Guard and the Metropolitan Police Department. This need has only become more urgent as the Administration reportedly extended the Guard’s deployment through November 30 and as Congressional Republicans continue attacking the District’s right to self-governance. “Los Angeles was just Donald Trump’s test case for his unprecedented militarization of cities across the country,” said Senator Padilla. “Now, he’s taking his authoritarian playbook to our nation’s capital, escalating tensions and bypassing local leadership once again by bringing in the National Guard and federalizing D.C.’s police force. Trump is manufacturing a spectacle to distract from his own failed agenda and refusal to release the Epstein files. Washington, D.C. has long deserved full control over its own police force and National Guard, and Trump and Republicans’ continued attacks on the city make this legislation even more urgent.” “In a raw power grab, Donald Trump has overtaken D.C.’s police and brought in the National Guard to satisfy his desire to play dictator in our nation’s capital. As he looks to extend his authoritarian control over D.C., it is urgent that we act now to ensure the District’s leaders have the same authority over its National Guard and police force as other states and territories – while we continue to fight for D.C. statehood. If Trump and Republicans actually cared about the people of D.C. and their safety, they’d get out of the way of D.C.’s leaders and residents and allow them to manage the District and their own funds. Trump and Republicans’ continued withholding of over $1 billion of those funds is unacceptable,” said Senator Van Hollen. “D.C. r… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-the-passing-of-longtime-california-political-leader-john-burton/ Padilla Statement on the Passing of Longtime California Political Leader John Burton 2025-09-07 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued the following statement on the passing of John Burton, a longtime member of the U.S. House of Representatives and the California State Legislature, as well as the former Chair of the California Democratic Party: “The Golden State has lost one of its fiercest and most influential leaders. John Burton devoted his career to advancing justice, expanding opportunity, and standing up for working families. “From his decades of service and leadership in the State Legislature, and as Chair of the California Democratic Party, Burton shaped California’s progressive legacy for generations. He led the fight to expand access to health care, strengthened protections for workers, increased funding for education, and helped establish our state as a national example for civil rights and environmental protection, while fiercely advocating for these core California values on the federal stage in the U.S. House of Representatives. “John was a mentor to countless progressive leaders across California, including me. I’ll always be grateful for his counsel over our breakfasts at Delancey Street Restaurant in San Francisco, surrounded by residents working to rebuild their lives. “John was bluntly honest and never shied away from a fight if it meant protecting the vulnerable and giving a voice to the voiceless — a mission he carried on even after his political career by providing a pathway to a better life for thousands of foster youth and securing billions of dollars to invest in their success. “California is a better place because of John Burton. His impact on our politics and his dedication to progressive values will be felt for generations to come.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-merkley-cortez-masto-peters-urge-smithsonian-secretary-to-stand-strong-against-trumps-attacks-on-museums/ Padilla, Merkley, Cortez Masto, Peters Urge Smithsonian Secretary to Stand Strong Against Trump’s Attacks on Museums 2025-09-05 2025 2025-09 Democrat Senate CA Alex Padilla P000145 www.padilla.senate.gov padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) encouraged Secretary of the Smithsonian Lonnie G. Bunch III to stand firm against any attempts by President Trump and his Administration to bully the Institution into undermining its mission and values. The Senators emphasized that oversight of the Smithsonian Institution is the responsibility of Congress — not the executive branch — and urged Bunch to remain steadfast in the face of recent attacks from the White House on its independence and integrity. Senators Padilla and Merkley’s committees have jurisdiction over the Smithsonian operations and Senators Cortez Masto and Peters are both members of its Board of Regents. Last month, three White House officials sent a letter to Secretary Bunch requesting that the Smithsonian Institution provide various documents within 30, 75, and 120 days to facilitate a “comprehensive internal [White House] review of selected Smithsonian museums and exhibits” ahead of America’s 250th birthday. A week later, President Trump posted a message on Truth Social claiming that “The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL” and focuses too much on “how bad Slavery was,” while deploying his attorneys to investigate its museums. The Senators highlighted that Congress — not the President — created the Smithsonian Institution as “an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge,” including both positive and painful chapters in American history, and stressed that Trump cannot exert unilateral control over its museums’ operations or content. They also emphasized that the Institution is uniquely funded with a nearly even split of private donations and public funding, including federal dollars appropriated by Congress for its core operations. “Given its history and structure, over… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z

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Powered by Datasette · Queries took 741.462ms · Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press