The DeSaulnier Digest: Congressman DeSaulnier Helps Secure over $166 Million to Modernize Region’s Transportation Systems
This past week, I was thrilled to announce that the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) will receive over $166 million in funding from the Department of Transportation (DOT) that I advocated for to improve safety, reduce congestion, and reduce air pollution along the I-680 corridor through Contra Costa County. This funding was made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which I voted for and is making a difference in communities across the country.
As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and longtime champion for policies that would reduce commute times, cut harmful pollution, and improve our quality of life, I was proud to advocate for this funding and am delighted it has been granted and will begin making a difference in the lives of Bay Area and California residents. I am thankful to CCTA and DOT for their partnership in working to improve transportation across our region. More information about this funding can be found in theletters I sent to DOT in support of this grant.
Sincerely,
Mark DeSaulnier
Member of Congress
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Mark Votes to Avert Government Shutdown
Last week, the House of Representatives considered a bill (H.R. 9747) to extend government funding through mid-December, ahead of the September 30th funding deadline. Although this funding bill simply extends government funding at its current level excluding important priorities like disaster relief and supplemental funding for veterans' health care, Congressman DeSaulnier supported House passage of this bill to ensure that essential government services remain operational. After passing the House by a vote of 341-to-82, H.R. 9747 passed the U.S. Senate and was signed into law by President Biden.
IN THE NEWS
Congressman DeSaulnier Continues Efforts to Eliminate Abuse in Prisons
Last week, the Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled "Sexual Assault in U.S. Prisons Two Decades After the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)." This hearing comes after Congressman DeSaulnier sent a letter to the Bureau of Prisons demanding answers about the botched closure of FCI Dublin, mistreatment of inmates while they were being transferred to other facilities, and BOP's mismanagement of investigations into the staff-on-inmate abuse at FCI Dublin and other federal BOP facilities. At the hearing, Mark submitted testimony to highlight these issues as evidence that additional reforms are needed to protect inmates. To discuss the hearing and his efforts, he joined NBC Bay Area. You can watch the interview by clicking here or on the image below.
Mark Speak with KQED about Israel-Hezbollah Conflict
With Israel's airstrikes on Lebanon resulting in civilian death and displacement, Congressman DeSaulnier spoke with KQED about how he condemns Hezbollah's attacks and supports a ceasefire to put an end to the violence as well as the role he hopes the U.S. can play in a lasting solution.
IN COMMITTEE
DeSaulnier Discusses Special Education Teacher Hiring and Retention
Amid a nationwide shortage of qualified teachers, the House Education & the Workforce Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education recently held a hearing on innovative ways to boost teacher hiring, preparation, and retention. During the hearing, Congressman DeSaulnier asked experts how we can better incentivize individuals to become special education teachers and give them the support they need to remain in the profession for the long term. You can see his full remarks by clicking here or on the image below.
House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Holds Hearing on Importance of Aviation Safety
At a recent House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure hearing, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Whitaker provided insight into the FAA's oversight of Boeing in the wake of a January 2024 incident where a door plug was ejected mid-flight. Congressman DeSaulnier commented on the importance of changing corporate culture to prioritize safety, and for risk assessment to be used across the industry to prevent incidents like these from happening again. He also highlighted a recent U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on the urgent need to modernize aging systems used by air traffic controllers to further address and reduce risks to the system. The Congressman continues to prioritize aviation safety, working to ensure that all people who fly can do so safely and efficiently. To see his comments at the hearing, click here or on the image below.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Contra Costa County Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of First 5 Contra Costa
We joined the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors to recognize the 25 years of dedicated public service on behalf of young children and their families by First 5 Contra Costa, which works to support the wellbeing of children prenatal to age 5.
POST OF THE WEEK
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