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Congressional Daily Record
This section focuses on legislation moving through Congress. It mentions legislation such as Provide for the basic needs of students at institutions of higher education., committees such as Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, members such as Alejandro Padilla.
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September 24, 2026
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Download official Senate Record PDFReturn to issue contextBy Mr. PADILLA (for himself, Ms. Warren, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr.
Booker, Ms. Hirono, and Mr. Van Hollen):
S. 5559. A bill to provide for the basic needs of students at institutions of higher education; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Mr. PADILLA. Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the Basic Assistance for Students in College Act or the BASIC Act, which I introduced today.
attending college, including tuition and fees, housing, food, transportation, books, childcare, healthcare, supplies, and more.
college students experience food and housing insecurity. We also know that rates of basic needs insecurity are much higher for historically marginalized students, including Black, Latino, and indigenous students; parenting students; LGBTQIA+ students; first-generation students; Pell Grant recipients; former foster youth; and justice- involved students.
hungry or having a roof over their heads. Yet far too many do, and basic needs will be out of reach for millions more students due to the One Big Beautiful Act, which cut food assistance, healthcare coverage, and access to financial aid.
students from having to sacrifice their health and well-being in order to succeed in higher education.
That is why I am proud to introduce this bill to authorize $1 billion for a new grant program to help institutions of higher education meet students' basic needs. This funding represents an essential aspect of building more equitable paths to higher education, and it represents an investment in our students, our institutions, and our future. The legislation also helps coordinate assistance across Federal Agency lines.
introducing this bill with me, and I hope our colleagues will join us in support of this bill that ensures no student is forced to choose between their education and their basic needs.