Alex Padilla

Despite the slimmest of majorities in the House of Representatives, Republicans are effectively saying to President Biden, and to Senate Democrats and the America people that we must have to accept their random demands, or they'll force…

If we expand the numbers of people being able to lawfully come and make that process a little bit easier, clearer, that benefits everybody, and it takes at least some of the pressure off those who seek to migrate unlawfully.

This is a legal pathway enshrined in U.S. law.

It is lawful to seek asylum at our border, whether they arrive at a port of entry or not.

Individuals, with some exceptions, do have the right to seek asylum at our border.

I have fought to ensure that there is robust Federal funding for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) to support these local efforts.

That's why last session I co-led the legislation with Senator Brown to direct OSHA to more swiftly establish a national standard to protect workers.

I think we all agree that the future is not written, that we decide what will occur based on our actions.

If we expand the numbers of people being able to lawfully come and make that process a little bit easier, clearer, that benefits everybody, and it takes at least some of the pressure off those who seek to migrate unlawfully.

This is a legal pathway enshrined in U.S. law.

Individuals, with some exceptions, do have the right to seek asylum at our border.

It is one of the many things that is broken in our more comprehensive system.

It is lawful to seek asylum at our border, whether they arrive at a port of entry or not.

We can do none of this absent Federal support.

I have fought to ensure that there is robust Federal funding for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) to support these local efforts.

When a woman's health or life is in danger, that becomes part of the conversation.

As they're working to strip away basic rights, they're also failing to hold themselves accountable for some common-sense ethical standards.

This fight is actually larger than abortion care alone.

If we expand the numbers of people being able to lawfully come and make that process a little bit easier, clearer, that benefits everybody, and it takes at least some of the pressure off those who seek to migrate unlawfully.

It is lawful to seek asylum at our border, whether they arrive at a port of entry or not.

Individuals, with some exceptions, do have the right to seek asylum at our border.

I have fought to ensure that there is robust Federal funding for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) to support these local efforts.

This is a legal pathway enshrined in U.S. law.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I want to start just by thanking you for holding this important hearing and thanking all the witnesses for joining us today as we discuss the efforts we've undertaken to ensure a woman's right to abortion care.

I urge you to join me in supporting her nomination.