[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 100 (Monday, June 13, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S2912]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
By Mr. PADILLA (for himself and Mrs. Feinstein):
S. 4383. A bill to provide assistance for surface transportation
projects relating to international Olympic, Paralympic, and Special
Olympics events; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
Mr. PADILLA. Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the
Transportation Assistance for Olympic Cities Act and the LA28 Olympic
and Paralympic Games Commemorative Coin Act, which I introduced today.
While the eyes of the world will be on the Olympic and Paralympic
Games in Los Angeles in 2028, the work preparing our region for this
grand stage is already starting. That is why I am proud to introduce
these bills that will help carry out the Games and make investments in
the region and across our Nation.
The Transportation Assistance for Olympic Cities Act would ensure the
Federal Government provides critical assistance for surface
transportation projects and plans relating to international Olympic,
Paralympic, and Special Olympics events. The transportation plans made
in the coming years will not only make the Olympics and Paralympics run
smoothly but will also be an investment in infrastructure that will
benefit commuters and the region for years to come.
This bill would also allow the Department of Transportation to
prioritize Federal transportation grants for projects relating to an
Olympic, Paralympic, or Special Olympics International event and to
provide funding for temporary facilities, equipment, operations, and
maintenance that meet the extraordinary needs associated with hosting
such events.
The LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games Commemorative Coin Act would
direct the Treasury Department to mint coins in commemoration of the
ninth time that the United States will host the modern Olympics and the
third time that our Nation will host the Paralympics. This bill would
come at no cost to the Federal Government. Any surcharges from the sale
of the coins would support the hosting of the 2028 Games and aid in the
execution of legacy programs, including the promotion of youth sports
in the United States.
I want to thank Representative Brownley and Representative Sherman
for co-leading these bills with me, and I hope our colleagues will join
us in support of these bills that will help Los Angeles, California,
and our entire Nation prepare for the successful administration of the
2028 Olympics and Paralympics.
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