The DeSaulnier Digest: Protecting Our Democracy and Combatting the Gun Violence Epidemic
Last Thursday, the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol unveiled its initial findings of their bipartisan investigation to the public. Ahead of the historic hearing, I joined ABC7's Kristen Sze to discuss my experience from inside the Capitol that day and how we can ensure such horrific events are never repeated. You can tune in by clicking here or on the image below and I hope you will continue to watch as the Committee lays out their findings. For the good of our democracy, we must ensure that the American people know the truth and that everyone involved in this attack on our democracy is held accountable.
Sincerely,
Mark DeSaulnier
Member of Congress
CONGRESSMAN DESAULNIER ANNOUNCES HOUSE PASSAGE OF BILL FOR ISABEL BUESO
Congressman DeSaulnier announced this week that the private bill he authored that would allow Isabel Bueso and her family to remain in the United States so Isabel can continue to receive treatment for her rare, life-threatening disease passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Isabel's story rose to national prominence when the Trump Administration cancelled deferred action, which led to people like her with rare, life-threatening diseases facing deportation. Congressman DeSaulnier has called on the U.S. Senate to pass this bill before the end of the year so that it can be signed into law.
IN THE NEWS
Congressman DeSaulnier's Efforts to Expand EV Infrastructure
As gas prices continue to rise and the threat of climate change persists, we have an opportunity to rethink our practices and shift away from our reliance on fossil fuels. Expanding our nation's EV infrastructure can help save Americans money at the pump and yield a cleaner environment. For more on the Congressman's work to expand our EV network, you can click here or on the image below.
CONGRESSIONAL UPDATE
CONGRESSMAN DESAULNIER TAKES ACTION AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE
DeSaulnier Votes on Package of Lifesaving Measures
The amount of gun violence in the United States is unconscionable, and we cannot wait any longer to pass commonsense reforms that we know will have a positive impact. The Protecting Our Kids Act (H.R. 7910) would tackle seven reforms, including measures to crack down on illegal gun trafficking, keep weapons of war out of the hands of teenagers, strengthen safe gun storage, restrict access to untraceable "ghost guns," and more. Congressman DeSaulnier was proud to vote in support of these measures, which passed in the House by a vote of 223-to-204. As the Senate continues its negotiations to try to find common ground, we cannot stand idly by.
DeSaulnier Supports Red Flag Law Legislation
A study by Everytown for Gun Safety found that most mass shooters exhibit warning signs before carrying out an attack. Some states have an important tool that could help, known as extreme risk or "red flag" laws, which help temporarily remove guns from individuals who are considered a harm to themselves or others. Congressman DeSaulnier voted in support of the Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act (H.R. 2377), which would allow family members and law enforcement officers to petition a federal court for an extreme risk protection order, empowering federal judges to prevent tragic shootings by temporarily removing firearms from potentially dangerous individuals. The bill passed by a vote of 224-to-204.
DeSaulnier Highlights Evidence-Based Solutions to Gun Violence
In California, you are about 25% less likely to die in a mass shooting than the national average. The gun death rate in California is 37% lower than the national average and for children, their gun death rate in California is 58% lower. Clearly, California is doing something right. At the Oversight Committee, Congressman DeSaulnier spoke about the need to look at the evidence, like California's lower death rates, and use that data to write federal policy to reduce gun violence across the country. Tune in by clicking here or on the image below.
CONGRESSMAN DESAULNIER ADVANCES WATER INFRASTRUCTURE BILL INCLUDING PROVISIONS HE AUTHORED TO BENEFIT CONTRA COSTA
The Water Resources Development Act sets important federal policy to protect and improve water infrastructure nationally. This past week, Congressman DeSaulnier supported a bill to renew the program, which makes critical investments in our nation's ports, harbors, and waterways and helps to protect our environment. Included in that bill were several provisions authored by the Congressman that would directly benefit Contra Costa, including environmentally-friendly infrastructure projects. The bill passed with Congressman DeSaulnier's support by a vote of 384-to-37.
COMMUNITY UPDATE
Congressman DeSaulnier Recognizes Betty Reid Soskin on House Floor
Congressman DeSaulnier was pleased to recognize national treasure and local hero, Betty Reid Soskin, on the House Floor. It was a great honor to share Betty's history as a file clerk for Boilermakers Union A-36, an all-black union auxiliary, and her work as the longest living National Park Ranger. In this role, Betty helped to preserve the Bay Area's wartime history by sharing her story with younger generations of park visitors. We are delighted to congratulate Betty on her recent retirement from the National Park Service and to acknowledge her contributions to our district and our nation. Click here or on the image below to tune in.
POST OF THE WEEK
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