Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the Supporting Providers of English Language Learning, SPELL, Act, which I introduced today. English learners are one of the fastest growing student populations in the country. Across the United States, about 10 percent of all publc school students are English learners. In California alone, nearly 19 percent of all public school students identify as English learners. Yet we are facing a devastating shortage of teachers with the skills needed to support these students.
2026 MidtermsSafe SeatD+18$1.2M raised
Alex Padilla
Senator · California · Democrat
Alex Padilla
Senate Floor
Recent comments in the Senate
Mr. President, here we are, 34 days before election day--or as I like to suggest, 34 days before the final day to vote, because we are encouraging people to cast their ballot early, if they can, or vote by mail, if and where they can. But instead of talking about the issues that are most on the minds of American families, Republicans are here again trying to distract from those issues and to, frankly, create confusion amongst voters in order to protect the President and the party from their failed policies.
Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the Supporting Providers of English Language Learning, SPELL, Act, which I introduced today. English learners are one of the fastest growing student populations in the country. Across the United States, about 10 percent of all publc school students are English learners. In California alone, nearly 19 percent of all public school students identify as English learners. Yet we are facing a devastating shortage of teachers with the skills needed to support these students.
Biography
Alex Padilla, the son of Mexican immigrants and a former city engineer, brings a problem-solving approach to the U.S. Senate for California, where he was appointed in 2021. He champions immigration reform, voting rights, and climate action, reflecting both his personal story and the priorities of his diverse state. Padilla authored the FIRE Act to support wildfire response and serves on the Judiciary and Environment and Public Works Committees. Through pragmatic leadership, he advocates for policies that protect California’s communities and expand opportunity for all residents.
Education
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA1994
Professional History
U.S. Senator
2021–PresentSenator from California. 3 terms.
Secretary of State of California
2015–2021Served as California's 30th secretary of state after winning statewide elections in 2014 and 2018.
California State Senator
2006–2014Represented a Los Angeles–area district in the California State Senate, including service on multiple committees.
President, Los Angeles City Council
2001–2005Elected by his colleagues as the first Latino and youngest president of the Los Angeles City Council.
Member, Los Angeles City Council
1999–2006Represented a Los Angeles district on the City Council after being sworn in at age 26.
Software Engineer, Hughes Aircraft
1994–1995Worked as an engineer writing software for satellite systems after graduating from MIT.
Policy Focus
Public Lands and Natural Resources7%
Agriculture and Food4%
Immigration3%
Native Americans3%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Alex Padilla's record in Congress.
Voting Rights Advocacy
Introduced the Freedom to Vote Act to expand access to the ballot and protect election integrity nationwide.
Wildfire Response Funding
Secured federal funding for wildfire prevention and recovery efforts across California.
Water Infrastructure Investment
Helped pass legislation providing billions for California's drought resilience and water infrastructure upgrades.
Immigrant Relief Efforts
Championed expanded protections and resources for undocumented essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Committee Assignments
View details →- Senate Committee on Rules and AdministrationRanking Member
- Joint Committee on Printing
- Joint Committee of Congress on the Library
- Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
- Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
- Senate Committee on the Judiciary
- Senate Committee on the Budget
Sen. Alex Padilla FAQ
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