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Rep DeSaulnier in hearing

The DeSaulnier Digest: Fighting Back Against Republican Attacks on Reproductive Freedom and Protecting Americans from Gun Violence

June 27, 2022
DeSaulnier Digest

Last Friday marked a dark day in our nation's history as unelected, Trump-appointed Supreme Court justices stripped away the fundamental right for women to make their own reproductive health decisions. This ruling overturns nearly 50 years of precedent and runs counter to what over 60% of Americans of both political parties favor.

The Supreme Court's action is an assault on the freedom of all women and an attack on equality. If you live in California, however, please know that abortion is still legal and accessible. We must now do all we can to support women in other states with draconian abortion bans by making California a safe-haven by supporting our local clinics, health providers, abortion funds, and nonprofits. We are all in this together. In Congress, I will never give up the fight to enshrine a woman's right to choose into law and protect this fundamental freedom.

If our office can be of assistance to you or your family during this unprecedent and difficult time, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Mark DeSaulnier
Member of Congress

UPCOMING TOWN HALL

Don't forget to RSVP for Wednesday's town hall at 7:00 p.m. PT on Contra Costa County's Progress in Reducing Crime and the Work Ahead to End Gun Violence Across the Country.

Click here or on the image below before 5:00 p.m. PT on Wednesday to RSVP.

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Congressman DeSaulnier Votes to Reduce Gun Violence
It has been decades since we have made meaningful changes to law to help reduce gun violence in this country, and it is long past time for action. Every day more than 110 Americans are killed with a gun, and gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children and teens in this country. Although it is not perfect and does not go as far as Congressman DeSaulnier would like, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (S. 2938) is a crucial step in the right direction. The bill helps states implement crisis intervention orders, protects survivors of domestic violence by closing the "boyfriend loophole," creates stronger penalties for people who illegally purchase guns for dangerous criminals, and enhances background checks for gun buyers between 18 and 21 years old. Importantly, the bill also makes investments in child and family mental health services, including in schools.

Congressman DeSaulnier was proud to vote in support of this legislation, which passed by a vote of 234-to-193 and was signed into law by President Biden. Congressman DeSaulnier is committed to continuing his work to press for stronger protections across the nation.

Click here or on the image below to watch the Congressman speak about the importance of this bill.

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Mark Helps Ensure Students Don't Go Hungry
While the country is on the road to recovery, 90% of our schools are still facing challenges as they return to normal operations. The Keep Kids Fed Act (S. 2089) will provide important funding and flexibility for communities to provide children healthy meals this summer and support to schools and daycares to respond to supply chain challenges and high food costs for the coming school year. Congressman DeSaulnier voted in support of this bill, which passed by a vote of 376-to-42 and President Biden signed it into law.

House Passes Mental Health Legislation with DeSaulnier's Support
With nearly 50 million Americans experiencing mental illness, we are in the middle of a crisis. In order to improve mental health outcomes for all Americans, Congressman DeSaulnier voted for the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act (H.R. 7666). This legislation would promote care coordination for those with mental illness, provide funding for state programs that care for those with severe mental illness, reauthorize important federal mental health programs, and promote research on the effects of smartphone use and social media on children. This bill passed the House with Congressman DeSaulnier's support by a vote of 402-to-20.

Congressman DeSaulnier Introduces Bill to Help Curb the Youth Vaping Epidemic
A 2021 nationwide survey found that 11.3% of high school students were e-cigarette users. Despite high rates of youth e-cigarette use, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has moved slowly in taking enforcement action against e-cigarette products that pose a high risk of youth initiation. In order to address high levels of youth e-cigarette use and to help prevent more children from getting hooked, Congressman DeSaulnier introduced the Preventing Vape Use Act (H.R. 8202) last week. The Congressman's bill would prevent the sale of any e-cigarettes that have not been properly reviewed by the FDA. While last week's FDA decision to ban e-cigarettes made by JUUL was a great first step, more needs to be done in order to protect the health of children and prevent lifelong addiction to nicotine products.

DeSaulnier Votes to Support Good Policymaking for LGBTQ+ Americans
While there has been a greater awareness about LGBTQ+ issues in recent years, the federal government needs comprehensive data in order to advance policies that better serve LGBTQ+ Americans. Last week, the House passed the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act (H.R. 4176) to direct federal agency surveys to include voluntary data collection on sexual orientation, gender identity, and variations in sex characteristics. Congressman DeSaulnier voted for this bill, which passed the House by a vote of 220-to-201.

POST OF THE WEEK

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BY THE NUMBERS 

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