Floor Statements

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.

Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act.

This legislation would expand the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include approximately 3,925 acres of adjacent public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

In 2015, President Obama established the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, proclaiming that ``once covered by ocean waters, it is a landscape shaped by geologic forces of staggering power overlain with bountiful but fragile biodiversity. Anchored in the north by Snow Mountain's remote forests and in the south by scenic Berryessa Mountain, this area stretches through unbroken wildlands and important wildlife corridors, a mosaic of native grasslands, picturesque oak woodlands, rare wetlands, and wild chaparral . . . This dramatic and diverse landscape is a biological hotspot providing refuge for rare plant and animal species and showcasing the human history of north- central California.''

The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument is managed jointly by the Bureau of Land Management, BLM, and the U.S. Forest Service, USFS and provides for unparalleled outdoor recreational opportunities, is home to rich biodiversity, and contains lands that are culturally significant to over two dozen federally recognized tribes. This legislation would add over 3,900 acres of adjacent, BLM-administered land to the existing national monument.

This expansion would include portions of the land known previously as Walker Ridge in Lake County, CA. Importantly, the legislation renames ``Walker Ridge'' to ``Condor Ridge,'' which is translated from Molok Luyuk in the indigenous Patwin language. For thousands of years, these sacred lands have been central to Tribal origin stories, and Condor Ridge is an area that retains deep cultural significance to the Patwin people and over two dozen Native American tribes. The legislation also directs the BLM and USFS to complete the management plan for the national monument and to consult with federally recognized Tribes to do so.

I am proud that this legislation would better enable federally recognized Tribes to be involved in the day-to-day management of the national monument. This essential, landmark component of the legislation would enable Tribal communities to share their rich history and ecological knowledge to better conserve and care for these lands.

With the protections provided by this legislation, the abundant natural resources and the rich history on Molok Luyuk will be preserved for our children and future generations. By requiring the Federal Agencies to finally develop a management plan and by allowing for Tribal governments to be involved in the management of the monument, the bill would improve the health of these lands to benefit both people and biodiversity.

I thank Senator Feinstein for introducing this legislation with me, and I thank Congressmen Garamendi and Thompson for spearheading this effort in the House of Representatives. I would also like to thank the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation for their leadership and desire to cooperatively manage ``Molok Luyuk'' to ensure that all Californians and Americans have the opportunity to benefit from these sacred lands.

I look forward to working with my colleagues to enact the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act as quickly as possible.

Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act.

This legislation would expand the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include approximately 3,925 acres of adjacent public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

In 2015, President Obama established the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, proclaiming that ``once covered by ocean waters, it is a landscape shaped by geologic forces of staggering power overlain with bountiful but fragile biodiversity. Anchored in the north by Snow Mountain's remote forests and in the south by scenic Berryessa Mountain, this area stretches through unbroken wildlands and important wildlife corridors, a mosaic of native grasslands, picturesque oak woodlands, rare wetlands, and wild chaparral . . . This dramatic and diverse landscape is a biological hotspot providing refuge for rare plant and animal species and showcasing the human history of north- central California.''

The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument is managed jointly by the Bureau of Land Management, BLM, and the U.S. Forest Service, USFS and provides for unparalleled outdoor recreational opportunities, is home to rich biodiversity, and contains lands that are culturally significant to over two dozen federally recognized tribes. This legislation would add over 3,900 acres of adjacent, BLM-administered land to the existing national monument.

This expansion would include portions of the land known previously as Walker Ridge in Lake County, CA. Importantly, the legislation renames ``Walker Ridge'' to ``Condor Ridge,'' which is translated from Molok Luyuk in the indigenous Patwin language. For thousands of years, these sacred lands have been central to Tribal origin stories, and Condor Ridge is an area that retains deep cultural significance to the Patwin people and over two dozen Native American tribes. The legislation also directs the BLM and USFS to complete the management plan for the national monument and to consult with federally recognized Tribes to do so.

I am proud that this legislation would better enable federally recognized Tribes to be involved in the day-to-day management of the national monument. This essential, landmark component of the legislation would enable Tribal communities to share their rich history and ecological knowledge to better conserve and care for these lands.

With the protections provided by this legislation, the abundant natural resources and the rich history on Molok Luyuk will be preserved for our children and future generations. By requiring the Federal Agencies to finally develop a management plan and by allowing for Tribal governments to be involved in the management of the monument, the bill would improve the health of these lands to benefit both people and biodiversity.

I thank Senator Feinstein for introducing this legislation with me, and I thank Congressmen Garamendi and Thompson for spearheading this effort in the House of Representatives. I would also like to thank the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation for their leadership and desire to cooperatively manage ``Molok Luyuk'' to ensure that all Californians and Americans have the opportunity to benefit from these sacred lands.

I look forward to working with my colleagues to enact the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act as quickly as possible.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Madam President, I rise today to celebrate the confirmation of now Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson as a Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States of America.

It is an important moment for our country but also a special moment for me because Angela, my wife, and two of our sons are here visiting the Capitol this week. They witnessed history in the making when we voted to confirm, just a few minutes ago, Justice Jackson. Angela and I take great joy in knowing that not just our three sons but young people across the country will see Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson as an example of the great heights that they, too, can achieve.

For the very first time in our Nation's history, the Senate has confirmed a Black woman to the Supreme Court of the United States. For only the sixth time, we have confirmed a woman to the Supreme Court, and for the fourth time, we have confirmed a working mother. It is also the first time in 50 years that the Senate has confirmed a Justice with public defense experience.

This nomination represents progress, and I am heartened that it was a bipartisan majority of Senators who came together to make history today. I also know that this progress would not have been possible without someone who was brave enough to step ahead on her own; without someone willing to work twice as hard in order to be the first; without someone able to persevere no matter how challenging, how difficult, or how full of doubt her path ahead may sometimes be.

It shouldn't have been this hard. As you know, I am a member of the Judiciary Committee, so I can attest that, when then-Judge Jackson came before the committee with an outstanding judicial record, with bipartisan acclaim, and historic qualifications, she came prepared. She did answer a whole range of important questions, and she was forthcoming. She was clear and gracious.

Many Senators took the opportunity to engage deeply on issues that will shape the future of our Nation--issues like the role of technology and innovation, voting rights, Tribal sovereignty, and much, much more; but, sadly, as has been referenced, some of our colleagues chose to fill their time with hostility, bad faith, and misleading smears.

They chose to hold Judge Jackson to a different standard than other Supreme Court nominees whom they themselves had previously supported. In the same breath as they tried to praise Judge Jackson's character and qualifications, they denigrated her motives; they questioned her impartiality and made up excuse after excuse for why they couldn't support her nomination. It was painful to watch, not just for me but for people across the country.

Judge Jackson was in the spotlight for days, but she continually met disrespect with calm composure. It is an experience that is all too common for those with the audacity to break new ground. Judge Jackson was unfairly tested, but she persevered.

I believe that Judge Jackson deserved better than the treatment she received during the confirmation process. When you see Senators cast aside their good faith in questioning nominees, the threat to the integrity of our justice system is very real, and the cynicism it breeds for our institutions is real. These are the issues that this Senate and that each Senator must confront.

But, today, I want to--and I choose to--celebrate the historic achievement of this confirmation.

Over the last few weeks, I have received thousands of letters and emails and other messages, including on social media, from Californians who support Justice Jackson's confirmation. The messages have come from people of all backgrounds and from every corner of my home State. I have heard from Californians who admire the tenacity, the grace, and the integrity that Justice Jackson showed in committee. I have also gotten messages from so many Californians, young Californians, who see themselves in Justice Jackson's story and from Californians who say that the Court and our country will be better because of her service.

So, as we cast our historic votes, I celebrate the better America that we are building, wherein our courts better reflect and understand the diverse country that they serve. I celebrate the joy that Justice Jackson has brought to people across not just California but across the Nation. I celebrate the commitment to equal rights and equal justice that she will bring to the Supreme Court; and I celebrate the inspiration that she provides to young people, especially young people of color, who will write the next chapter of our American story.

When Judge Jackson introduced herself to the American people in the course of the confirmation hearing in the Judiciary Committee, she said that she stood on the shoulders of the civil rights icon and her personal hero, Judge Constance Baker Motley. For many in the next generation, their hero will be Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

I have shared with others and want to share again today that this confirmation represents one more step toward making our institutions and our courts more inclusive for all Americans.

So it is in that spirit that I ask unanimous consent to make a few additional remarks in Spanish.

(English translation of the statement made in Spanish is as follows:)

Today, we are celebrating a historic moment. We are

celebrating the progress that we made to ensure that the

Supreme Court better reflects our country.

Judge Jackson is more than qualified and is going to bring

important and necessary perspectives to the Supreme Court.

Unfortunately, she was attacked by Republicans during her

confirmation process; but to every attack, Judge Jackson

responded with grace and patience. She showed the country

that she will be an exceptional Supreme Court Justice, and

she will keep being an inspiration for the next generation.

Madam President, Judge--now Justice--Jackson has earned her place on the Supreme Court.

I will end by acknowledging that, while one person alone, sitting on a Court of nine equals, can't single-handedly create faith in the institution, I have every confidence that Justice Jackson will strengthen the Supreme Court and help our country progress forward.

I yield the floor.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the Hispanic Educational Resources and Empowerment Act of 2022, which I introduced today.

Hispanic-serving institutions provide incredible opportunities for millions of low-income and first-generation students. I am proud that my State of California is home to 174 HSls and 51 emerging HSls, the most in the country. That is why I launched the first-ever Senate HSI Caucus with my colleague, Senator Menendez--to spotlight and advocate for the 559 HSIs across our country. These critical institutions educate our future leaders and help to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

Over the last 2 years, the number of HSls in our country declined for the first time in two decades. A decrease in higher education enrollment among Latino students during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the decrease in the number of HSls, illustrating the need to invest in Latino youth. That is why I am introducing the HERE Act.

If enacted, this bill would support Latino students throughout secondary and postsecondary education. Specifically, the HERE Act would provide $150 million for grants to create partnerships between HSls and K-12 school districts that serve large populations of Latino students.

Schools could use this funding to provide academic support that better prepares students for postsecondary education. They could create new programs to foster a college-going culture by exposing students and their families to postsecondary opportunities. And they could better support students through the college application and transition process. Additionally, schools could use grants to address non-academic needs that serve as barriers to college enrollment and completion--such as childcare, food insecurity, financial hardship, and more.

Latinos are the largest, youngest, and second fastest growing minority population in the United States. While making up 18 percent of our country's population, Latinos comprise 26 percent of prekindergarten through grade 12 enrollment. Latino students are going to college more than ever before,

but they still face lower educational outcomes, including lower grades, lower scores on standardized tests, and higher dropout rates.

As a Senator representing one of the most diverse States in the country, I am proud to work with my leagues to ensure the American dream is a reality for every student.

I want to thank Congressman Joaquin Castro for introducing this bill with me, and I hope our colleagues will join us in support of this effort to empower Latino youth.

Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the Hispanic Educational Resources and Empowerment Act of 2022, which I introduced today.

Hispanic-serving institutions provide incredible opportunities for millions of low-income and first-generation students. I am proud that my State of California is home to 174 HSls and 51 emerging HSls, the most in the country. That is why I launched the first-ever Senate HSI Caucus with my colleague, Senator Menendez--to spotlight and advocate for the 559 HSIs across our country. These critical institutions educate our future leaders and help to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

Over the last 2 years, the number of HSls in our country declined for the first time in two decades. A decrease in higher education enrollment among Latino students during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the decrease in the number of HSls, illustrating the need to invest in Latino youth. That is why I am introducing the HERE Act.

If enacted, this bill would support Latino students throughout secondary and postsecondary education. Specifically, the HERE Act would provide $150 million for grants to create partnerships between HSls and K-12 school districts that serve large populations of Latino students.

Schools could use this funding to provide academic support that better prepares students for postsecondary education. They could create new programs to foster a college-going culture by exposing students and their families to postsecondary opportunities. And they could better support students through the college application and transition process. Additionally, schools could use grants to address non-academic needs that serve as barriers to college enrollment and completion--such as childcare, food insecurity, financial hardship, and more.

Latinos are the largest, youngest, and second fastest growing minority population in the United States. While making up 18 percent of our country's population, Latinos comprise 26 percent of prekindergarten through grade 12 enrollment. Latino students are going to college more than ever before,

but they still face lower educational outcomes, including lower grades, lower scores on standardized tests, and higher dropout rates.

As a Senator representing one of the most diverse States in the country, I am proud to work with my leagues to ensure the American dream is a reality for every student.

I want to thank Congressman Joaquin Castro for introducing this bill with me, and I hope our colleagues will join us in support of this effort to empower Latino youth.

Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Supportive Services Expansion Act and the Accelerating Small Business Growth Act, which I introduced today.

The unprecedented investment in American infrastructure over the next decade provides a major opportunity to strengthen our most underserved businesses and communities. Providing resources to help develop women- owned, minority-owned, and disadvantaged businesses will uplift our entire economy, and it is how we truly build back better.

Last year, President Biden set a goal of increasing the share of Federal contracts going to small, disadvantaged businesses by 50 percent by 2025, which would translate to an additional $100 billion for these businesses.

To help accomplish this ambitious goal, we should empower Federal, State, and local agencies to deliver resources to underserved businesses to help them become self-sufficient and grow.

Established in 1970, the Federal Highway Administration's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Supportive Services Program already provides training, assistance, and services to minority- and women- owned businesses to help them develop into self-sufficient organizations that viably compete for federally assisted highway project contracts. Unfortunately, Congress has not allowed this program to keep up with the needs of our underserved businesses.

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Supportive Services Expansion Act would increase this program's annual funding cap for the first time in nearly 50 years from $10 million to $25 million. Additionally, the bill would create similar programs at the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Transit Administration.

Local, regional, and State agencies have also been leaders in developing innovative programs to prioritize disadvantaged businesses, invest in efforts to create equitable competition, and promote diverse economic development initiatives.

The Accelerating Small Business Growth Act would create a new grant program to help transportation agencies across our Nation carry out these innovative programs to help underserved businesses grow and achieve proficiency to compete, on an equal basis, for contracts and subcontracts in federally funded transportation projects. Agencies that receive funding through this grant program would be required to submit reports to the Department of Transportation evaluating the effectiveness of their activities, which would help inform future Federal procurement policymaking.

I want to thank Representatives Pete Aguilar and Jimmy Gomez for co- leading these bills with me, and I hope colleagues will join us in support of this legislation to minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged businesses compete for contracts to develop and build Federal infrastructure projects funded by the bipartisan infrastructure law.

Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Supportive Services Expansion Act and the Accelerating Small Business Growth Act, which I introduced today.

The unprecedented investment in American infrastructure over the next decade provides a major opportunity to strengthen our most underserved businesses and communities. Providing resources to help develop women- owned, minority-owned, and disadvantaged businesses will uplift our entire economy, and it is how we truly build back better.

Last year, President Biden set a goal of increasing the share of Federal contracts going to small, disadvantaged businesses by 50 percent by 2025, which would translate to an additional $100 billion for these businesses.

To help accomplish this ambitious goal, we should empower Federal, State, and local agencies to deliver resources to underserved businesses to help them become self-sufficient and grow.

Established in 1970, the Federal Highway Administration's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Supportive Services Program already provides training, assistance, and services to minority- and women- owned businesses to help them develop into self-sufficient organizations that viably compete for federally assisted highway project contracts. Unfortunately, Congress has not allowed this program to keep up with the needs of our underserved businesses.

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Supportive Services Expansion Act would increase this program's annual funding cap for the first time in nearly 50 years from $10 million to $25 million. Additionally, the bill would create similar programs at the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Transit Administration.

Local, regional, and State agencies have also been leaders in developing innovative programs to prioritize disadvantaged businesses, invest in efforts to create equitable competition, and promote diverse economic development initiatives.

The Accelerating Small Business Growth Act would create a new grant program to help transportation agencies across our Nation carry out these innovative programs to help underserved businesses grow and achieve proficiency to compete, on an equal basis, for contracts and subcontracts in federally funded transportation projects. Agencies that receive funding through this grant program would be required to submit reports to the Department of Transportation evaluating the effectiveness of their activities, which would help inform future Federal procurement policymaking.

I want to thank Representatives Pete Aguilar and Jimmy Gomez for co- leading these bills with me, and I hope colleagues will join us in support of this legislation to minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged businesses compete for contracts to develop and build Federal infrastructure projects funded by the bipartisan infrastructure law.

Mr. President, I rise to speak on behalf of a few Federal judge nominees from the State of California.

In recognizing that, right now, many Americans are certainly following the news and the potential news of the Federal judiciary and are focusing on a nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court. As a member of the Judiciary Committee, I certainly look forward to hearing more from Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson next week as we conduct her confirmation hearing.

The choices for the Supreme Court are certainly critical for the future of our democracy, but the fact of the matter is--and the Presiding Officer knows I like numbers and knows I like data. So the important data point here is that it is only a tiny percentage of cases in our Federal court system that actually reach the U.S. Supreme Court. In fact, more than 90 percent of the Federal cases are decided at the district court level. That means the vast majority of people who interface with the Federal judiciary will only ever meet a district court judge, sitting on the other side of the bench, whether

they are witnesses to a crime, whether they are parties to a lawsuit or defendants in a criminal case.

That is one of the primary reasons I have worked so closely with the Biden administration in helping to identify and recommend and support talented nominees for California's district courts.

Today, I rise to highlight three nominees to serve as Federal judges whose confirmation processes we are beginning today.

Mr. President, Judge Ruth Montenegro is nominated to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.

She is a proud daughter of Mexican immigrants who came to this country with only elementary school educations--just like my parents. Judge Montenegro understood early on--because of her parents' experience and their journey--the value of getting a good education and of public service, starting at a very young age. She was born and raised in the Imperial Valley, where she returned after graduating from UCLA Law School.

Like so many of us, you are trying to fulfill your parents' dreams, so you go on to college and get a good education. You graduate and have options all over and choose to come home to make a difference.

Judge Montenegro built a career in representing public agencies. She could have made a lot of money in the private sector. She chose to represent public agencies, ranging from the Imperial Valley Housing Authority to the El Centro Elementary School District. She has served for nearly 10 years now as a State superior court and Federal magistrate judge.

Judge Montenegro's extensive judicial experience and lifelong dedication to her community, I have no doubt, will strengthen the Southern District's bench.

Mr. President, next, I would like to highlight Judge Fred Slaughter, who is nominated to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

Judge Slaughter received his undergraduate and his law degree from UCLA, going on to a distinguished career as a prosecutor. For more than a decade, he served as an assistant U.S. attorney in Arizona, Oregon, and California, where he oversaw and tried hundreds of cases, including cases involving human trafficking, bank robberies, and the prosecuting of members of White supremacist groups.

Judge Slaughter has spent the past 8 years serving in the Orange County Superior Court. There, he is known for his compassion and leadership in juvenile justice. Judge Slaughter's long career demonstrates his legal excellence as well as his commitment to providing justice for all.

Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the Housing Act for All Act of 2022, which I introduced today.

The homelessness and housing crises have worsened in recent years. As of January 2020, more than 580,000 individuals in the country, disproportionately people of color, were experiencing homelessness. Rates of unsheltered homelessness have increased over the last few years, and people experiencing unsheltered homelessness have a mortality rate four to nine times higher than that of the general public. A lack of affordable housing and housing assistance programs have contributed to homelessness. There is a shortage of 6.8 million affordable rental homes in the United States. Even before the pandemic, one in four renters spent half of their monthly income on rent, and nearly a million tenants were evicted each year. I believe every person has a right to housing.

That is why I am proud to introduce this bill, which represents a comprehensive approach to tackling housing and homelessness. If enacted, it would invest in and align Federal resources to support those experiencing housing instability. To address the homelessness and housing crises, we must invest in policies that support strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and ensure quality affordable homes for all.

Specifically, this bill will address the affordable housing shortage by investing in the housing trust fund, the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program, Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities Program, and the HOME Program. It establishes a Commission to focus on racial equity in housing and homelessness.

It will address homelessness by investing in housing choice vouchers project-based rental assistance, emergency solutions grants, and continuums of care. It will create grant programs to strengthen mobile crisis intervention teams; to support hotel and motel conversions to permanent supportive housing with services; to aid libraries in supporting persons experiencing homelessness; and to provide people living in vehicles with a safe place to park overnight and facilitate a transition to stable housing. And it commissions a report on the connection between evictions and emergency rental assistance during the pandemic, so we can make smarter policy moving forward.

When I have traveled around the State--from LA County to Inland Empire, to Fresno, to San Diego, to San Francisco--to get a sense of the needs for housing in different communities, some key elements stood out. On the production side, there is a need for more dedicated funding for affordable housing from the Federal Government. There is also missing middle housing for families, especially people of color. And there is not enough housing near transit. That is why my bill focuses on supporting inclusive, transit-oriented development. When I talked to researchers about keeping families housed, one main point they made is that we don't have enough data on renters and evictions, and that is why I wanted to include a section of the bill on data--so we can make evidence-based policies. Right now, the cost to build low-income housing in California is very high because of land and material costs as well as the fragmented way that funding gets doled out in California. That is why I included a section to provide technical assistance for localities navigating Federal and State housing funding sources.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for affordable, safe, and supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness. Because of the pandemic, many lost their housing, while others struggled to make rent for the first time. Some didn't know where to turn as shelters faced capacity limits and food banks saw overwhelming demand. These hardships were especially prevalent for those who had already been marginalized--including communities of color, low-income communities, and those with disabilities.

As we begin to recover from the pandemic, it is our job to rebuild a more inclusive and equitable world for all. A just recovery includes expanding affordable housing options to provide people with a sense of stability. It also means respecting the dignity and supporting the health of all community members. Affordable housing is essential infrastructure. Every person deserves dignity, security, and space of their own.

I want to thank Representatives Lieu and Carbajal for introducing this bill with me, and I hope our colleagues will join us in support of this solution to our housing and homelessness crises.

Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the Housing Act for All Act of 2022, which I introduced today.

The homelessness and housing crises have worsened in recent years. As of January 2020, more than 580,000 individuals in the country, disproportionately people of color, were experiencing homelessness. Rates of unsheltered homelessness have increased over the last few years, and people experiencing unsheltered homelessness have a mortality rate four to nine times higher than that of the general public. A lack of affordable housing and housing assistance programs have contributed to homelessness. There is a shortage of 6.8 million affordable rental homes in the United States. Even before the pandemic, one in four renters spent half of their monthly income on rent, and nearly a million tenants were evicted each year. I believe every person has a right to housing.

That is why I am proud to introduce this bill, which represents a comprehensive approach to tackling housing and homelessness. If enacted, it would invest in and align Federal resources to support those experiencing housing instability. To address the homelessness and housing crises, we must invest in policies that support strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and ensure quality affordable homes for all.

Specifically, this bill will address the affordable housing shortage by investing in the housing trust fund, the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program, Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities Program, and the HOME Program. It establishes a Commission to focus on racial equity in housing and homelessness.

It will address homelessness by investing in housing choice vouchers project-based rental assistance, emergency solutions grants, and continuums of care. It will create grant programs to strengthen mobile crisis intervention teams; to support hotel and motel conversions to permanent supportive housing with services; to aid libraries in supporting persons experiencing homelessness; and to provide people living in vehicles with a safe place to park overnight and facilitate a transition to stable housing. And it commissions a report on the connection between evictions and emergency rental assistance during the pandemic, so we can make smarter policy moving forward.

When I have traveled around the State--from LA County to Inland Empire, to Fresno, to San Diego, to San Francisco--to get a sense of the needs for housing in different communities, some key elements stood out. On the production side, there is a need for more dedicated funding for affordable housing from the Federal Government. There is also missing middle housing for families, especially people of color. And there is not enough housing near transit. That is why my bill focuses on supporting inclusive, transit-oriented development. When I talked to researchers about keeping families housed, one main point they made is that we don't have enough data on renters and evictions, and that is why I wanted to include a section of the bill on data--so we can make evidence-based policies. Right now, the cost to build low-income housing in California is very high because of land and material costs as well as the fragmented way that funding gets doled out in California. That is why I included a section to provide technical assistance for localities navigating Federal and State housing funding sources.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for affordable, safe, and supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness. Because of the pandemic, many lost their housing, while others struggled to make rent for the first time. Some didn't know where to turn as shelters faced capacity limits and food banks saw overwhelming demand. These hardships were especially prevalent for those who had already been marginalized--including communities of color, low-income communities, and those with disabilities.

As we begin to recover from the pandemic, it is our job to rebuild a more inclusive and equitable world for all. A just recovery includes expanding affordable housing options to provide people with a sense of stability. It also means respecting the dignity and supporting the health of all community members. Affordable housing is essential infrastructure. Every person deserves dignity, security, and space of their own.

I want to thank Representatives Lieu and Carbajal for introducing this bill with me, and I hope our colleagues will join us in support of this solution to our housing and homelessness crises.

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

As our Nation is making historic investments in our transportation infrastructure through the bipartisan intrastructure law, equity should be at the forefront of the Federal Government's plans to revitalize communities and ensure access, mobility, and opportunity for all.

One of President Biden's first actions in office was signing an Executive order on advancing racial equity and support for underserved communities through the Federal Government, which states, ``Our Nation deserves an ambitious whole-of-government equity agenda that matches the scale of the opportunities and challenges that we face.''

To accomplish this bold agenda, we need the interaction and involvement of diverse groups of stakeholders to ensure communities are heard and create effective policies.

Fortunately, we have a model for how we can bring such groups together to infuse equity into our transportation and infrastructure investments. In 2016, the U.S. Department of Transportation established the Advisory Committee on Transportation Equity to provide advice and recommendations on comprehensive, interdisciplinary issues related to transportation equity from a variety of stakeholders involved in transportation planning, design, research, policy, and advocacy.

That is why I am proud to introduce this bill with Senator Warnock to permanently reestablish the Advisory Committee on Transportation Equity within the U.S. Department of Transportation.

This bill would help recognize the role that transportation plays on related issues like public health, housing, accessibility, environmental justice, economic opportunity, and more.

I want to thank Senator Warnock for coleading this bill with me, and I hope our colleagues will join us in support of this bill to help redress inequities in transportation infrastructure and empower communities to build back better.