[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S5004]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By 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.
  I know how important it is to help students cover the full cost of 
attending college, including tuition and fees, housing, food, 
transportation, books, childcare, healthcare, supplies, and more.
  According to the Hope Center for Student Basic Needs, three in five 
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.
  Our Nation's college students shouldn't have to worry about going 
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.
  The evidence is clear that addressing students' basic needs prevents 
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.
  I want to thank Senator Warren and Representative Torres for 
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.
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