Statements and posts
83 press releases and posts, newest first.
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DHS has failed to follow congressional direction to restore funding to help states with cyber threats, misinformation for 2026 midterms WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and…
“Following the removal of hundreds of CISA personnel and attempts by the Trump Administration to slash the agency’s budget, CISA is only just now beginning to take steps to reestablish working relationships with election officials and rehire critical staff ahead of the 2026 midterms.”
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Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) announcement that it is providing nearly $150 million in federal funds for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan…
“Our local public transit systems are the backbone of economy, connecting people to jobs, schools, essential services, and opportunities in their communities.”
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Padilla Statement on Six Costly Months of Trump’s War with Iran
Most tragically, 18 service members have died for Donald Trump’s shortsightedness.
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U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both-D-Calif) joined Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and 13 other Senate colleagues in calling on the Trump Administration to abandon its reckless plan to outfit U.S. Immigration and…
“If ICE proceeds with purchasing $20 million worth of electric-shock gloves, Congress needs a clear understanding of the device’s safety and authorized uses.”
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Padilla, Schiff, Colleagues Statement Opposing Israeli Government’s E1 Settlement Tenders
For decades, Republican and Democratic administrations have recognized that development in E1 would seriously jeopardize the prospects for a Palestinian state.
“The United States must remain committed to a two-state solution that delivers lasting peace and security for both the Jewish, democratic State of Israel and for a future Palestinian state. Construction in E1 would take us further away from that goal.”
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Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, formally demanded an investigation into Immigration and Customs…
“The reporting of this operation is alarming. ICE officers attempted to enter private property unlawfully, with one officer allegedly threatening to return in the early morning hours of the following day and break windows to enter the law firm’s premises.”
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U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and seven Democratic colleagues, pushed back against a recent opinion from the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal…
“Extending this constitutional protection to private individuals — who hold no official government position, take no oath to support the Constitution, and are exempt from federal ethics and record-keeping laws — fundamentally distorts the intent of the executive privilege.”
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Padilla, Booker, Blumenthal Demand DHS, ICE Halt the Purchase of Electric Shock Gloves
Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, called on the Department of…
“The manufacturer’s user manual warns that these electric shock weapons can cause sudden death or serious injury, along with physiological changes that increase the risk of elevated blood pressure, changes in blood chemistry, increased respiration and heart rates, changes in heart rhythm, and elevated adrenaline. The…”
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Prediction market paid influencers have posted misinformation about elections under the label “paid partnership,” including in SAVE Act posts WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate…
“We are seriously alarmed that your marketing strategy includes paying numerous social media influencers willing to espouse unreliable information on elections.”
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Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), joined Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and 41 other Democratic Senators in urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take…
“We urge your government to ensure that Americans in the Israeli-controlled parts of the West Bank are able to enjoy the security and protection of property to which they are entitled. We also hope to see the conditions improved so that Israelis and Palestinians may one day live in peace with each other without the fear…”
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Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19), led 29 colleagues in condemning the Trump Administration’s recent decision to…
“Both California and NOAA should share a strong interest in ensuring federal projects in America’s coastal areas have minimal impacts on the environment and fisheries, promote responsible economic development, and guarantee national security.”
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Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto…
“Attempts by the Administration to expedite the deportation of these children by limiting their access to immigration counsel deserves urgent oversight.”
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Padilla Cosponsors Bicameral Bill Protecting Domestic Violence Survivors from Gun Violence
U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and U.S. Representative Jim Himes (D-Conn.-04) in introducing the Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor…
“Denying a domestic abuser access to a gun is one of the most obvious, common-sense steps we can take to protect survivors.”
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Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with oversight over federal elections, and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), sent a letter to California Secretary of State Shirley Weber expressing deep concern…
“Peters, the former County Clerk for Mesa, Colorado, was convicted on seven separate criminal charges, including four felonies, for participating in a scheme to chase election conspiracy theories related to the 2020 election.”
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Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.-25) pushed back against a new proposal to deauthorize environmental infrastructure projects for the New River and Imperial…
“There remains an urgent public purpose for the New River and Imperial County authorizations, given that an estimated 60 million gallons of water flow through the New River into the United States at Calexico each day, and recent border monitoring has documented pollutants and water quality indicators including fecal…”
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U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and U.S. Representatives Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26) and Brad Sherman (D-Calif.-32) urged the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to quickly release more than $4 million in…
“The issuance of this grant is essential to strengthen critical infrastructure and ensure the community remains resilient in the face of increasing risk of natural disasters”
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U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) joined U.S. Representatives Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), and Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51) in a letter to the Department of Defense…
“We write to request that the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (OIG) undertake an independent review of the processes, rationale, and decisions surrounding the extended deployment of the San Diego-homeported USS Abraham Lincoln and Carrier Strike Group 3 (CSG-3) and the lessons being applied as the USS…”
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Padilla, Schiff Announce Over $150 Million to Upgrade Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner Route
Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) announced that Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner route will receive over $150 million in federal grant funding from the Federal Railroad Administrations (FRA) Federal-State…
“I’m proud to announce more than $150 million in federal funding for Amtrak — an investment in the reliable, affordable rail service Californians count on.”
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Padilla, California Leaders Sound Alarm as Trump Administration Cuts Billions in Federal Funding
As the Trump Administration moves to slash federal funding and rewrite longstanding grant programs, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) convened California leaders to sound the alarm about the consequences for communities across the state.
“The Trump Administration is ripping away billions of dollars that California communities rely on to keep people safe, housed, fed and healthy.”
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Despite claims that President Trump’s “Anti-Weaponization Fund” is “dead,” the DOJ continues to funnel taxpayer money from DOJ’s Judgment Fund to political allies WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both…
“The strong public and political backlash to the illegal Anti-Weaponization Fund was animated by a repulsion to the concept that the President’s political allies – including January 6 insurrectionists who beat U.S. Capitol and D.C. police officers – would benefit financially from their crimes. Yet, the Department is…”
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Padilla, Schiff Announce Nearly $109 Million to Modernize California Airports
Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) announced that 51 airports across California will receive nearly $109 million in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants to modernize infrastructure, improve safety, and…
“California’s airports are critical to the millions of travelers, workers, and goods that keep our economy moving.”
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Padilla, Hirono, Democratic Colleagues Sound Alarm on New Barriers to Naturalization
Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, joined Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), and nine Democratic colleagues in pressing the Trump Administration on their recent…
“USCIS’s actions have repeatedly increased the burden of and difficulty in obtaining U.S. citizenship.”
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U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) led 11 of their Senate colleagues in urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)…
“The right to vote is guaranteed by the Constitution to all adult Americans, including nursing home residents…In order to protect nursing home residents’ voting rights, we request that you immediately rescind the July 2026 memo and reinstate the 2020 and 2024 guidance.”
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U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) joined Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and 39 Democratic colleagues in demanding the Trump Administration stop delaying the advancement of public transportation projects funded…
“We have watched for months as the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) have stonewalled the progress of worthy transit projects while President Trump and Department of Transportation Secretary Duffy are proclaiming a commitment to a ‘golden age of transportation,’”
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U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and 14 of their Democratic colleagues demanded answers from the Trump Administration on its intent to award a no-bid contract to a Trump-aligned law firm with no apparent…
“Given the political connections between the firm’s senior leadership and the Trump Administration, we have concerns about why you sidestepped the competitive bidding process to select this firm to provide legal services for children who are in ORR care and custody, and demand transparency into whether all federal…”
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Senate investigation revealed ICE has attempted to deport 282 veterans and their relatives; DoD coordination with ICE could be violating law that prevents the use of military for civilian law enforcement WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex…
“Family readiness directly impacts mission readiness. Behind every military spouse or parent in detention is a servicemember who could deploy at any moment. Without a strong homefront, we cannot have a ready force. Our government must honor its commitments to those who serve.”
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Padilla Leads Senate Colleagues in Demanding State Department Process Student Visas Without Delays
Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, led 29 Senate colleagues in expressing concern about the unavailability of student and exchange visitor visa appointments in time…
“We urge the State Department to ensure timely processing of F, M, and J student and exchange visitor nonimmigrant visas, consistent with the approach taken by administrations of both parties in the past, and to implement other measures to avoid diminishing U.S. competitiveness.”
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U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Angus King (I-Maine) introduced legislation to reward developers who buck Trump Administration demands to abandon their offshore wind leases with access to an expedited route to more development,…
“The Trump Administration is doing everything it can to kill California’s offshore wind future, handing energy companies billions of taxpayer dollars to walk away from projects that would have powered millions of homes.”
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Padilla, Sanders Introduce Bill to Guarantee Paid Vacation for U.S. Workers
U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) reintroduced the Guaranteed Paid Vacation Act — legislation that would guarantee at least two weeks of paid vacation to every full-time worker in America.
“Paid vacation and time-off shouldn’t only be for high-income earners. It’s past time we ensure that all workers have time to recharge.”
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WATCH: Once Again, Padilla Leads Democrats in Successfully Killing Trump’s Anti-Voter SAVE Act
As families across the country face skyrocketing costs, Trump and Senate Republicans again prioritize his voter suppression bill WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and…
“Here we are, after months and months of debating this bill. We should be debating how to bring costs down for working families across the country. I’d love to hear from my colleagues how we’re going to get out of this war in Iran. Instead, here’s this measure again, which is not a simple voter ID bill.”
Mentions S. 5271 · voted Nay Aug 8, 2026, roll 890
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Padilla Statement Opposing Todd Blanche’s Nomination to be U.S. Attorney General
As Acting Attorney General, Blanche has shown he is more loyal to Trump than he is to the American people or the Constitution.
“I strongly oppose Todd Blanche to be our next Attorney General. His confirmation will be a setback for the independence of the Department of Justice, but I will continue to stand up for everyone’s Constitutional rights, demand accountability from the Trump Administration, and fight to uphold the rule of law.”
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Senate Passes Padilla Bill to Extend Tax Relief for Wildfire Victims
Legislation to Remove Taxes on Los Angeles Wildfire Settlements to Become Law WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Senate unanimously passed the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act, which included a version of U.S. Senators Alex…
“After a fire takes your home, the last thing families and communities should have to think about is a tax bill on the very settlement meant to help them rebuild. In 2024, we passed the original Protect Innocent Victims of Taxation After Fire Act that fixed our outdated tax code to remove this unfair financial burden,…”
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Padilla Statement on Russia Sanctions Bill Giving Trump Broader Tariff Authorities
From securing billions in funding to deliver military, economic, and humanitarian aid to advocating for Temporary Protected Status for Ukrainians living in the United States, and passing rigorous sanctions on Russia, I remain fully…
“However, Congress should not use a Russia sanctions bill to hand Trump new tariff authorities that he will wield recklessly, especially while Americans continue to struggle with the fallout of his failed economic policies. While I will continue to proudly stand by Ukraine and will work to impose strong, targeted…”
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Padilla Introduces COWS Act to Reduce Greenhouse Emissions, Support Sustainable Waste Practices
U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, reintroduced the Converting Our Waste Sustainably Act (COWS Act) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air and water quality, and…
“As California continues to provide food for families across the country, it’s critical we equip our producers with resources and tools to ensure sustainable and cost-effective practices.”
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Padilla, Cornyn Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Desalination and Safe Drinking Water
U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize desalination projects and research.
“Access to safe and clean drinking water is a human right, and investments in desalination programs will help us provide drinking water to millions of Americans in need.”
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Senate Committee Advances Bipartisan Padilla Bill to Support Tribal Land Management
The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs advanced U.S. Senator Alex Padilla’s (D-Calif.) bicameral and bipartisan bill to promote Tribal management of over 500 acres of land in California by transferring federal land to the Pit River Tribe.
“For generations, senseless conflict and bureaucratic barriers have kept California Tribes from managing their ancestral lands.”
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Padilla Introduces Bills to Strengthen Support and Protections for Farm and Food System Workers
Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) introduced a trio of bills to improve support, coordination, and labor protections for farm and food system workers.
“Farm and food system workers are essential to feeding our country and bolstering California and the nation’s economy, but for far too long, they have been unjustly excluded from protections extended to other workers, have inadequate representation, and not nearly enough resources.”
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U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, joined U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) in introducing three bills to make electric vehicles (EVs) and other clean…
“At a time when Trump’s unauthorized war with Iran is driving up the costs of oil and gas, Californians and consumers across the country are in need of relief.”
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WATCH: Padilla Condemns Trump Administration’s Cruel Mass Deportation Agenda
Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, called out the Trump Administration’s continued abuses of power through the carrying out of their violent mass deportation agenda…
“First of all, Joan Sebastián Guerrero’s daughter should still have her father. Second, and this is publicly reported, the man who took his life should never have been given a badge and a gun.”
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With midterm elections now 89 days away, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee with oversight over federal elections, today led 27 of his Senate colleagues in demanding the…
“We are writing to remind you that any efforts directing states to conduct mass voter purges, including by using the deeply flawed Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to purge voter rolls, would violate the 90 day ‘quiet period’ mandated by the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA).”