Alex Padilla

The burden of unsafe and unaffordable water disproportionately impacts lower income communities and communities of color.

Federal investment in water infrastructure has declined by 77 percent since its peak in the 1970s.

It is only right that we take a close look at the state of our country's water systems and the Federal investments needed.

When it comes to clean water, Americans too often face a heartbreaking choice.

In a country as wealthy as the United States, nobody should have to worry about whether aging, deteriorating pipes in rural communities will hold up.

In 2012, California became the first State in the Nation to recognize in statute a human right to water.

Let's get past the pretext. Let's get past the excuses. Let's get past the rhetoric.

There was no surge when Title 42 was lifted. There will be no surge if we pass the Farm Workforce Modernization Act.

Let's be real. Republicans said the same thing about the lifting of Title 42, and the surge did not happen.

We're talking about basic protections in conditions that are on a very regular basis.

That's why I've introduced the Fairness for Farmworkers Act, last Congress, that would have guaranteed overtime.

They are paying taxes. Taxes into programs that they are not eligible to benefit from.

Food security is national security.

In the end, we can't be truly an equal society, we can't truly call ourselves a compassionate country, and no one can truly pursue life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness unless every family has the dignity of safe drinking water and…

I believe we can and we must come together in a bipartisan fashion to make these meaningful investments.

I supported the creation of a water assistance pilot program for rural and low income communities in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

It is imperative that we work here in Congress to pass legislation that clarifies that entities such as water systems are not held liable for pollution to which they did not contribute.

Congress needs to step up.

As we speak, I believe the House of Representatives is taking up this debt limit deal.

During the COVID pandemic, Congress recognized the risk of impending water shut offs and growing debt nationwide.

Federal investment in water infrastructure has declined by 77 percent since its peak in the 1970s.

The burden of unsafe and unaffordable water disproportionately impacts lower income communities and communities of color.

Every single American deserves the peace of mind that their water is safe to drink.

So if that is limited on the Federal side, separate and apart from a dollar, a grant, or a favorable loan, this is hurting more than it is helping.

But my God, let's get past the pretext. Let's get past the excuses. Let's get past the rhetoric.