Floor Statements

Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Cesar E. Chavez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park Act.

This legislation would establish the Cesar E. Chavez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park in California and Arizona to preserve the nationally significant sites associated with Cesar Chavez and the farm worker movement.

In 2008, with strong bipartisan support, Congress enacted legislation directing the National Park Service to conduct a special resource study of sites that are significant to the life of Cesar Chavez and the farm labor movement in the Western United States. The National Park Service evaluated over 100 sites that were significant to Cesar Chavez and the farm labor movement in thy stern United States and found that five sites were ``nationally significant.'' Importantly, the Park Service wrote that these nationally significant sites depict a distinct and important aspect of American history associated with civil rights and labor movements that are not adequately represented or protected elsewhere. While the Park Service provided five management alternatives to protect these special places, they ultimately recommended that Congress establish a national historic park that would include several nationally significant sites.

In 2012, President Obama established the Cesar E. Chavez National Monument. The property is in Keene, CA and is known as Nuestra Senora Reina de la Paz. In his Presidential Proclamation, President Obama said: ``This site marks the extraordinary achievements and contributions to the history of the United States made by Cesar Chavez and the farm worker movement that he led with great vision and fortitude. La Paz reflects his conviction that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.''

While this was a critical step forward, the National Monument leaves out many nationally significant sites and leaves many important stories untold. The creation of a national historical park, as originally recommended by the Park Service, would allow the National Park Service to tell the full story of Cesar Chavez and the farm labor movement for the benefit of all Americans.

This legislation would establish the Forty Acres in Delano, CA; the Cesar E. Chavez National Monument, which includes La Nuestra Senora Reina de la Paz, in Keene, CA; and the Santa Rita Center in Phoenix, AZ, as part of a new Cesar E. Chavez and Farmworker Movement National Historical Park. These sites contain nationally significant resources associated with Cesar Chavez and the farmworker movement and would be preserved and protected as part of the National Park System.

This legislation would also establish a new National Historic Trail that would commemorate the 1966 Delano to Sacramento March, a major milestone event in the farm labor movement. According to the Special Resource Study, ``More than one hundred men and women set out from Delano on March 17, 1966, and thousands of farm workers and their families joined in for short stretches along the way. By the time the marchers entered Sacramento on Easter Sunday, April 10, 1966, the farm worker movement had secured a contract and attracted new waves of support from across the country.''

We must honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Cesar Chavez, the inspirational civil rights advocate and leader of the farm labor movement whose impact reverberated in California and across the world. His list of accomplishments is long, from creating the Nation's first permanent agricultural labor union to helping secure passage of the first American law that recognized farm workers' rights to organize.

While widely respected as the most important Latino leader in the United States in the 20th century, Cesar Chavez was not just a leader for the Latino community. Following the principles of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr., Cesar Chavez led a nonviolent movement of protests and boycotts to secure a union, better pay, and better working conditions for farmworkers. He also played a leading role in the broader labor movement, the Chicano movement, and the environmental movement. For Chavez, it did not matter where you came from or what your job was: he believed in the fundamental right to dignity and respect.

But this park will not just focus on Chavez's legacy; it will also preserve the thousands of stories of people who played a role in the broader farm labor movement. According to the Special Resource Study, ``During the 1960s, the farm labor movement attracted support from a wide array of individuals, including members of other unions, religious leaders, civil rights activists, high school students and college students (including young Chicanos and Filipinos), environmentalists, and justice-minded consumers across the country and abroad.''

As the son of immigrants from Mexico and the first Latino to represent California in the U.S. Senate, I believe the movement Cesar Chavez created is just as important today as it ever has been. The National Park System--which preserves our natural, historical, and cultural heritage while offering

vital spaces for teaching, learning, and outdoor recreation--must paint the full mosaic of America. Through the sites preserved by this bill, we can ensure that the National Park System preserves the diverse history of our Nation that is too often overlooked. As a farm worker himself, Cesar Chavez maintained a strong connection to the natural environment. This bill uplifts his story and those of others whose contributions helped build the farmworker and civil rights movements that are pillars of American history.

I thank the bill's cosponsors in the Senate and House of Representatives, and I especially want to thank Congressman Ruiz for spearheading this effort with me to ensure that our national monuments and historical parks better reflect the diversity of America's heritage.

Today and every day, let's recommit to the work Cesar Chavez began. As he would say: La Lucha Sigue. We must not waver as we keep up the fight for justice and equality for all.

I look forward to working with my colleagues to enact the Cesar E. Chavez National Historical Park Act as quickly as possible.

Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Cesar E. Chavez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park Act.

This legislation would establish the Cesar E. Chavez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park in California and Arizona to preserve the nationally significant sites associated with Cesar Chavez and the farm worker movement.

In 2008, with strong bipartisan support, Congress enacted legislation directing the National Park Service to conduct a special resource study of sites that are significant to the life of Cesar Chavez and the farm labor movement in the Western United States. The National Park Service evaluated over 100 sites that were significant to Cesar Chavez and the farm labor movement in thy stern United States and found that five sites were ``nationally significant.'' Importantly, the Park Service wrote that these nationally significant sites depict a distinct and important aspect of American history associated with civil rights and labor movements that are not adequately represented or protected elsewhere. While the Park Service provided five management alternatives to protect these special places, they ultimately recommended that Congress establish a national historic park that would include several nationally significant sites.

In 2012, President Obama established the Cesar E. Chavez National Monument. The property is in Keene, CA and is known as Nuestra Senora Reina de la Paz. In his Presidential Proclamation, President Obama said: ``This site marks the extraordinary achievements and contributions to the history of the United States made by Cesar Chavez and the farm worker movement that he led with great vision and fortitude. La Paz reflects his conviction that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.''

While this was a critical step forward, the National Monument leaves out many nationally significant sites and leaves many important stories untold. The creation of a national historical park, as originally recommended by the Park Service, would allow the National Park Service to tell the full story of Cesar Chavez and the farm labor movement for the benefit of all Americans.

This legislation would establish the Forty Acres in Delano, CA; the Cesar E. Chavez National Monument, which includes La Nuestra Senora Reina de la Paz, in Keene, CA; and the Santa Rita Center in Phoenix, AZ, as part of a new Cesar E. Chavez and Farmworker Movement National Historical Park. These sites contain nationally significant resources associated with Cesar Chavez and the farmworker movement and would be preserved and protected as part of the National Park System.

This legislation would also establish a new National Historic Trail that would commemorate the 1966 Delano to Sacramento March, a major milestone event in the farm labor movement. According to the Special Resource Study, ``More than one hundred men and women set out from Delano on March 17, 1966, and thousands of farm workers and their families joined in for short stretches along the way. By the time the marchers entered Sacramento on Easter Sunday, April 10, 1966, the farm worker movement had secured a contract and attracted new waves of support from across the country.''

We must honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Cesar Chavez, the inspirational civil rights advocate and leader of the farm labor movement whose impact reverberated in California and across the world. His list of accomplishments is long, from creating the Nation's first permanent agricultural labor union to helping secure passage of the first American law that recognized farm workers' rights to organize.

While widely respected as the most important Latino leader in the United States in the 20th century, Cesar Chavez was not just a leader for the Latino community. Following the principles of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr., Cesar Chavez led a nonviolent movement of protests and boycotts to secure a union, better pay, and better working conditions for farmworkers. He also played a leading role in the broader labor movement, the Chicano movement, and the environmental movement. For Chavez, it did not matter where you came from or what your job was: he believed in the fundamental right to dignity and respect.

But this park will not just focus on Chavez's legacy; it will also preserve the thousands of stories of people who played a role in the broader farm labor movement. According to the Special Resource Study, ``During the 1960s, the farm labor movement attracted support from a wide array of individuals, including members of other unions, religious leaders, civil rights activists, high school students and college students (including young Chicanos and Filipinos), environmentalists, and justice-minded consumers across the country and abroad.''

As the son of immigrants from Mexico and the first Latino to represent California in the U.S. Senate, I believe the movement Cesar Chavez created is just as important today as it ever has been. The National Park System--which preserves our natural, historical, and cultural heritage while offering

vital spaces for teaching, learning, and outdoor recreation--must paint the full mosaic of America. Through the sites preserved by this bill, we can ensure that the National Park System preserves the diverse history of our Nation that is too often overlooked. As a farm worker himself, Cesar Chavez maintained a strong connection to the natural environment. This bill uplifts his story and those of others whose contributions helped build the farmworker and civil rights movements that are pillars of American history.

I thank the bill's cosponsors in the Senate and House of Representatives, and I especially want to thank Congressman Ruiz for spearheading this effort with me to ensure that our national monuments and historical parks better reflect the diversity of America's heritage.

Today and every day, let's recommit to the work Cesar Chavez began. As he would say: La Lucha Sigue. We must not waver as we keep up the fight for justice and equality for all.

I look forward to working with my colleagues to enact the Cesar E. Chavez National Historical Park Act as quickly as possible.

Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Fire Suppression Improvement Act and the Post Fire Flooding and Debris Flow Act.

Currently, the Fire Management Assistance Grant, FMAG, Program is available to State, local, and Tribal governments for the mitigation, management, and control of fires that threaten such destruction that they would constitute a major disaster.

However, under current law, FMAGs can only be used to reimburse expenses incurred after it is granted.

The Fire Suppression Improvement Act would explicitly allow for State or local governments to use FMAGs for the predeployment of assets and resources. These predeployed assets are critical to suppression of fires and are sometimes the only way to contain a fire before it gets out of hand and needs a major disaster declaration. This bill would simply allow for FMAGs to help State and local governments cover the cost of fighting incidents from the beginning of the high-risk event.

Additionally, this bill would make FMAGs consistent with other FEMA disaster assistance by stating that the Federal cost share of FMAGs shall be not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost of such assistance. This bill does not mandate any cost share increase but simply allows for flexibility. FMAGS are granted on an incident-by- incident basis, and as we have seen across the West, fires often occur in the same area consecutively in the same year.

Wildfires leave behind severe vegetation loss and soil exposure in the form of burn scars, which can cause destructive and large-scale flooding and debris flow when exposed to rainfall. Sudden and deadly postfire events of this type are well documented throughout the Western United States, particularly in Southern California. These events are one of the most dangerous postfire hazards and pose a serious threat to life and property and have the possibility to block drainage ways and damage public infrastructure.

The Post Fire Flooding and Debris Flow Act would explicitly include mitigating and preventing postwildfire flooding and debris flow as eligible under FEMA's HMGP. This inclusion would allow for State and local governments to act quickly when storms are incoming to protect property, public infrastructure, and lives.

This bill would also make HMGP consistent with other FEMA disaster assistance by stating that the Federal cost share of HMGP shall be not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost of such assistance. This bill does not mandate any increase but simply allows for flexibility and increased federal assistance where necessary.

As States and local governments continue to step up, respond, and work to recover from more frequent and more

dangerous fires, it is imperative that the Federal Government has the flexibility to adequately support them.

These two bills represent commonsense steps forward to meet the current crisis facing the Western United States and to better support initial suppression efforts and postfire risk reduction.

Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Fire Suppression Improvement Act and the Post Fire Flooding and Debris Flow Act.

Currently, the Fire Management Assistance Grant, FMAG, Program is available to State, local, and Tribal governments for the mitigation, management, and control of fires that threaten such destruction that they would constitute a major disaster.

However, under current law, FMAGs can only be used to reimburse expenses incurred after it is granted.

The Fire Suppression Improvement Act would explicitly allow for State or local governments to use FMAGs for the predeployment of assets and resources. These predeployed assets are critical to suppression of fires and are sometimes the only way to contain a fire before it gets out of hand and needs a major disaster declaration. This bill would simply allow for FMAGs to help State and local governments cover the cost of fighting incidents from the beginning of the high-risk event.

Additionally, this bill would make FMAGs consistent with other FEMA disaster assistance by stating that the Federal cost share of FMAGs shall be not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost of such assistance. This bill does not mandate any cost share increase but simply allows for flexibility. FMAGS are granted on an incident-by- incident basis, and as we have seen across the West, fires often occur in the same area consecutively in the same year.

Wildfires leave behind severe vegetation loss and soil exposure in the form of burn scars, which can cause destructive and large-scale flooding and debris flow when exposed to rainfall. Sudden and deadly postfire events of this type are well documented throughout the Western United States, particularly in Southern California. These events are one of the most dangerous postfire hazards and pose a serious threat to life and property and have the possibility to block drainage ways and damage public infrastructure.

The Post Fire Flooding and Debris Flow Act would explicitly include mitigating and preventing postwildfire flooding and debris flow as eligible under FEMA's HMGP. This inclusion would allow for State and local governments to act quickly when storms are incoming to protect property, public infrastructure, and lives.

This bill would also make HMGP consistent with other FEMA disaster assistance by stating that the Federal cost share of HMGP shall be not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost of such assistance. This bill does not mandate any increase but simply allows for flexibility and increased federal assistance where necessary.

As States and local governments continue to step up, respond, and work to recover from more frequent and more

dangerous fires, it is imperative that the Federal Government has the flexibility to adequately support them.

These two bills represent commonsense steps forward to meet the current crisis facing the Western United States and to better support initial suppression efforts and postfire risk reduction.

Mr. President, for many people--not just here in and around the Capitol but across the country--the past few weeks have been a wake-up call--a wake-up call to see the stakes of our fight for a fair judiciary.

From abortion rights to free speech to gun violence, Federal judges make countless decisions that impact our daily lives. We have been reminded of that in a very significant way. But our current Federal bench is not representative of the diversity of our country and our democracy. We have a lot of work to do to rebuild the judiciary in a way that deserves the faith of the American people, to build a judiciary that reflects and represents the diverse Nation that it serves.

I know we have talked about it before. We have been chipping away at it, not just through the Judiciary Committee but through a number of circuit court judges and district court judges across the country, including in California.

I am certainly proud of the significant step that we took recently with the confirmation of soon-to-be Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. But for all the progress we have made this last year, we still have a lot of work to do, especially at the lower court level, where almost all Federal cases are heard. Many are decided there, and that is it.

That is why I continue to work closely with the Biden administration to recommend and support talented nominees for California's district courts--nominees who will bring a wide range of professional and lived experiences to the Federal bench.

So, today, I rise to highlight three outstanding nominees to California's district courts.

First, the Senate will soon vote on the confirmation of Judge Trina Thompson to become a judge for the Northern District of California.

Judge Thompson has deep roots serving the community of Alameda County. After earning her undergraduate degree and her JD from UC Berkeley, she began her legal career with the Alameda County Public Defender's Office; and, eventually, she built a successful solo practice in criminal defense.

Over the next decade, she handled dozens of criminal trials, and she continued to work with the county public defender's office to take on pro bono clients in the community. A legal trailblazer, Judge Thompson became the first Black woman to win election to serve as a judge in Alameda County. She has continuously demonstrated her sense of fairness, her commitment to justice, and her dedication to the rule of law. I know that Judge Thompson will continue to pave the road for equal justice on the Northern District bench.

I urge my colleagues to support her nomination.

Second, the Senate will also soon vote on Judge Sunshine Sykes' confirmation to become a judge for the Central District of California.

A member of the Coyote Pass Clan of the Navajo Nation, Judge Sykes is devoted to pursuing justice, especially for those who have too often been left behind by the legal system.

Judge Sykes earned her undergraduate degree and her JD from Stanford University. After law school, she chose to begin her legal career working for the California Indian Legal Services. There, she built a tremendous reputation as a skillful adviser and advocate for Tribes on a wide range of legal matters, from addressing domestic violence to developing Tribal courts and preserving cultural resources. She also developed an important expertise in juvenile dependency cases under the Indian Child Welfare Act.

Recognizing Judge Sykes' outstanding work, then Governor Jerry Brown appointed her to the California Superior Court in 2013. Over the past 9 years, she has presided over nearly 100 cases.

She will bring an impressive legal record, work ethic, and an appropriate sense of empathy to her judgeship in the central district.

If confirmed, Judge Sykes will also be the first Native American to ever serve on a Federal court in California. I will remind us that California is home to more federally recognized Native American Tribes than any State in the Nation.

I look forward to her distinguished service in the central district.

Finally, I would like to speak for a moment, as well, about Judge Sherilyn

Peace Garnett, who was confirmed last month to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

Judge Garnett brings an outstanding record as a lawyer, as a jurist, and a public servant committed to equal justice.

Judge Garnett earned her undergraduate degree from UC Riverside and her JD from Harvard Law School. After starting her career in private practice, Judge Garnett became an assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California. She spent 13 years serving that office, earning numerous awards and rising to a number of leadership positions.

Recognizing her hard work and record of excellence as a litigator, Governor Brown appointed Judge Garnett to the Los Angeles Superior Court in 2014.

For 8 years, she served with distinction as a superior court judge and a justice pro tem on the California Court of Appeal. She now brings this experience to the Federal bench as a judge for the central district.

Voices like hers--and the voices like that of Judge Thompson and Judge Sykes--have been left out of the judiciary for far too long. All three of these nominations of outstanding women, women of color, represent important progress. So I celebrate each of these jurists, and I thank them for their willingness to serve.

With each of their confirmations, we take another important step closer to the fair judiciary that this Nation deserves, toward the justice system that our democracy deserves.

Mr. President, I am so proud of the progress we have made in California. I look forward to working with you and our colleagues and with the Biden administration to continue this important work.

With that, I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the Advanced Aviation Infrastructure Modernization Act, which I introduced today.

Next-generation propulsion aircraft, including electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, are poised to revolutionize how people and cargo move within and between cities, suburban, and rural areas. These advanced air mobility technologies also present the potential to transform how we link historically underserved communities and

deploy a new type of transportation that does not require physical roads or rails.

As localities, regions, and States consider how to integrate the advent of these technologies and the opportunities to relieve traffic congestion and improve mobility options, a modest Federal investment can help communities ensure that cutting-edge, clean, quiet aviation technologies can be best integrated into existing and future transportation networks.

That is why I am proud to introduce this bill to help States and localities keep pace with this growing sector. It would establish a pilot program to help State, local, and Tribal governments to prepare for anticipated advanced air mobility operations and ensure communities can take advantage of the potential benefits of the safe integration of these technologies in our Nation's airspace.

I want to thank Senator Moran for coleading this bill with me, and I hope our colleagues will join us in support of this bill that will help communities prepare for the development and deployment of advanced air mobility technologies and related infrastructure.

Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the University Centers for Growth, Development, and Prosperity Act, which I introduced today.

The U.S. Economic Development Administration created the University Center Program to allow institutions of higher education and consortia to establish and maintain university centers, with the understanding that our higher education institutions play a critical role in our Nation's economic growth.

University centers are Federal partnerships that leverage the assets of higher learning institutions to strengthen regional economic growth by promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation. They encourage economic development in economically distressed regions, which helps spur job growth, high-skilled regional talent pools, and business expansion.

Despite EDA's important work, many communities across the country have yet to benefit from the Agency's programs, including smaller communities, communities of color, and rural areas experiencing higher rates of poverty.

The current University Center Program is not specifically authorized by Congress and is instead part of EDA's Technical Assistance Program.

That is why I am proud to introduce legislation that would codify and expand the University Center Program, leverage more resources for minority-serving institutions, and support a greater diversity of innovation and entrepreneurship in their communities. California has thriving institutions, including Chico State and Fresno State, that will be able to scale their impact with new resources. By prioritizing the establishment of new university centers at colleges and universities that serve significant populations of underserved students, we can strengthen regional economies and help close the racial wealth gap.

Specifically, the bill establishes an EDA University Center Program to help universities collaborate with economic development districts, trade adjustment assistance centers, and other economic development technical assistance and service providers to develop and implement comprehensive economic development strategies and other economic development planning at the local, regional, and State levels, with a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development.

It also prioritizes the participation of minority-serving institutions as part of the University Center Program. Minority-serving institutions provide incredible opportunities for so many low-income and first-generation students. I am proud that my State of California is home to 174 Hispanic-serving institutions and 51 emerging Hispanic- serving institutions the highest amount in the country.

As a Senator representing one of the most diverse States in the country, I am proud to work with my colleagues to ensure that we work to improve the equity of EDA programming and help increase the participation of minority-serving institutions.

I want to thank Congressman Pete Aguilar for introducing this bill with me, and I hope our colleagues will join us in support of this effort.

Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the Advanced Aviation Infrastructure Modernization Act, which I introduced today.

Next-generation propulsion aircraft, including electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, are poised to revolutionize how people and cargo move within and between cities, suburban, and rural areas. These advanced air mobility technologies also present the potential to transform how we link historically underserved communities and

deploy a new type of transportation that does not require physical roads or rails.

As localities, regions, and States consider how to integrate the advent of these technologies and the opportunities to relieve traffic congestion and improve mobility options, a modest Federal investment can help communities ensure that cutting-edge, clean, quiet aviation technologies can be best integrated into existing and future transportation networks.

That is why I am proud to introduce this bill to help States and localities keep pace with this growing sector. It would establish a pilot program to help State, local, and Tribal governments to prepare for anticipated advanced air mobility operations and ensure communities can take advantage of the potential benefits of the safe integration of these technologies in our Nation's airspace.

I want to thank Senator Moran for coleading this bill with me, and I hope our colleagues will join us in support of this bill that will help communities prepare for the development and deployment of advanced air mobility technologies and related infrastructure.

Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the University Centers for Growth, Development, and Prosperity Act, which I introduced today.

The U.S. Economic Development Administration created the University Center Program to allow institutions of higher education and consortia to establish and maintain university centers, with the understanding that our higher education institutions play a critical role in our Nation's economic growth.

University centers are Federal partnerships that leverage the assets of higher learning institutions to strengthen regional economic growth by promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation. They encourage economic development in economically distressed regions, which helps spur job growth, high-skilled regional talent pools, and business expansion.

Despite EDA's important work, many communities across the country have yet to benefit from the Agency's programs, including smaller communities, communities of color, and rural areas experiencing higher rates of poverty.

The current University Center Program is not specifically authorized by Congress and is instead part of EDA's Technical Assistance Program.

That is why I am proud to introduce legislation that would codify and expand the University Center Program, leverage more resources for minority-serving institutions, and support a greater diversity of innovation and entrepreneurship in their communities. California has thriving institutions, including Chico State and Fresno State, that will be able to scale their impact with new resources. By prioritizing the establishment of new university centers at colleges and universities that serve significant populations of underserved students, we can strengthen regional economies and help close the racial wealth gap.

Specifically, the bill establishes an EDA University Center Program to help universities collaborate with economic development districts, trade adjustment assistance centers, and other economic development technical assistance and service providers to develop and implement comprehensive economic development strategies and other economic development planning at the local, regional, and State levels, with a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development.

It also prioritizes the participation of minority-serving institutions as part of the University Center Program. Minority-serving institutions provide incredible opportunities for so many low-income and first-generation students. I am proud that my State of California is home to 174 Hispanic-serving institutions and 51 emerging Hispanic- serving institutions the highest amount in the country.

As a Senator representing one of the most diverse States in the country, I am proud to work with my colleagues to ensure that we work to improve the equity of EDA programming and help increase the participation of minority-serving institutions.

I want to thank Congressman Pete Aguilar for introducing this bill with me, and I hope our colleagues will join us in support of this effort.

Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the Equal COLA Act, which I introduced today.

The Federal Government's workforce is central to protecting our national security and delivering critical services to hundreds of millions of Americans. As such, it is essential that the Federal Government attract and retain an effective workforce and, once their service is complete, ensure retirees receive the dignified retirement that they deserve.

Unfortunately, in 1986, Congress created a two-tiered system that now prevents nearly 800,000 retired Federal employees from receiving a full cost-of-living adjustment when consumer prices increase more than 2 percent from year to year.

In January, some Federal retirees received 5.9 percent COLA. However, other Federal retirees received only a 4.9 percent increase due to this policy, which fails to protect retired employees who are living on a fixed income.

That is why I am proud to introduce this legislation to fix this unfair system and ensure that all retired Federal employees receive full retirement benefits that keep up with the cost of living.

I hope my colleagues will join me in support of this bill to ensure that retired Federal employees no longer pay the price of a misguided law and that their benefits fully keep pace with the cost of living.

Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the Equal COLA Act, which I introduced today.

The Federal Government's workforce is central to protecting our national security and delivering critical services to hundreds of millions of Americans. As such, it is essential that the Federal Government attract and retain an effective workforce and, once their service is complete, ensure retirees receive the dignified retirement that they deserve.

Unfortunately, in 1986, Congress created a two-tiered system that now prevents nearly 800,000 retired Federal employees from receiving a full cost-of-living adjustment when consumer prices increase more than 2 percent from year to year.

In January, some Federal retirees received 5.9 percent COLA. However, other Federal retirees received only a 4.9 percent increase due to this policy, which fails to protect retired employees who are living on a fixed income.

That is why I am proud to introduce this legislation to fix this unfair system and ensure that all retired Federal employees receive full retirement benefits that keep up with the cost of living.

I hope my colleagues will join me in support of this bill to ensure that retired Federal employees no longer pay the price of a misguided law and that their benefits fully keep pace with the cost of living.

Madam President and colleagues, this past week, following the leaked Supreme Court opinion that threatens to overturn Roe v. Wade, thousands of Californians have reached out to my office in the form of phone calls, in the form of letters, and in the form of emails, all to voice their support for the right to choose.

It is abundantly clear that Congress must pass the Women's Health Protection Act and codify the right to an abortion into Federal law.

Countless Californians and other Americans have spoken up--many in public, many in private--to share their own abortion stories.

Think about the students who want to finish high school before starting a family. Think of survivors of sexual assault, whose abortion reaffirmed their right to choose for their own bodies. Think of parents who desperately wanted a child but, upon becoming pregnant, learned the devastating news about dangerous health risks associated with that pregnancy. Think of the women whose lives were saved by an abortion, because abortion is often critical medical care. And think about women who remember a time a half a century ago, before Roe v. Wade secured this right, a time when--don't get me wrong--abortion still happened, but they were unsafe secrets at the time, when women risked their lives for the choice that they needed.

I believe that the right to an abortion is a fundamental right, and I am proud to represent a State that fiercely defends abortion access. California is committed to safe, respectful abortion care for all who need it. That is why Californians have stepped up this year, with some even traveling to aid women who were threatened by SB 8, the Texas law that prohibits abortion at 6 weeks. This is the very law that Senator Cortez Masto just referenced a few minutes ago, and it is why so many Californians are speaking up now.

We know that your right to choose should not end at a State border, and it certainly shouldn't rely on your income or your transportation options or whether or not you can afford to take time off from work.

All across America, a strong majority support a woman's right to make her own healthcare decisions. We can't stand by and watch while rightwing politicians and judges seem to roll back the clock on women's rights. That is why I am voting for the Women's Health Protection Act and why I urge each and every one of you to do the same.

We must secure the right to abortion nationwide. We must protect the fundamental rights of women across the country--not just in a few States but across the country.

Congress can and must do this by passing the Women's Health Protection Act.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding rule XXII, at a time to be determined by the majority leader in consultation with the Republican leader, the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nominations en bloc: Calendar Nos. 807 and 809; that there be 2 hours for debate equally divided in the usual form on the nominations en bloc; that upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate vote without intervening action or debate on the nominations in the order listed; that, if confirmed, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that any related statements be printed in the Record; that the President be immediately notified

of the Senate's action and the Senate then resume legislative session.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it recess until 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 11; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date and the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the motion to discharge the Sweeney nomination, as provided under the previous order; further, that if any nominations are confirmed during Wednesday's session, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.

Madam President, for the information of Senators, there will be two rollcall votes at 11 a.m., up to three rollcall votes at 2:30 p.m., with additional rollcall votes in the evening.

Madam President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it stand in recess under the previous order.

Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the ``Encouraging Small Business Innovation Act,'' which I introduced today.

During National Small Business Week, we are celebrating the resiliency of our Nation's entrepreneurs who are leading our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

To promote a strong recovery for the 32.5 million small businesses across the country, Congress should bolster Federal programs that support these entrepreneurs and innovators.

For more than 40 years, the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs have spurred innovation, job creation, and economic growth.

These programs have generated breakthroughs in a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, defense, energy, healthcare, and transportation.

Today, the Small Business Administration and 11 participating Federal Agencies leverage the SBIR and STTR Programs to help small innovative firms explore their potential and increase the commercialization of innovations arising out of Federal research and development.

While these critical programs have invested more than $40 billion in small businesses, many firms, especially those that are minority- or women-owned, still face considerable barriers to participation.

As we look to spur innovation and drive small business growth, Congress should improve the diversity of these programs, enhance access to capital, and expand the eligible uses of funds to better support the needs of U.S. small businesses.

That is why I am proud to introduce this bill to increase the effectiveness of the SBIR and STTR Programs by improving diversity, enhancing access to capital, and expanding the eligible uses of funds.

This bill would direct participating Federal Agencies to use a portion of their SBIR allocation to conduct outreach and provide technical assistance to underserved populations and states.

It would also allow Small Business Investment Companies to participate as investors in SBIR and STTR projects and permanently add testing and evaluation activities permanently as an eligible expense, which can be resource-intensive for small firms, across all relevant agencies.

Additionally, this bill would require participating Federal Agencies to conduct a joint annual meeting to share best practices for improving data collection and streamlining processes across the programs.

I hope my colleagues will join me in support of this bill to improve the effectiveness of the SBIR and STTR Programs.