The DeSaulnier Digest: Democrats Continue to Push for Responsible Debt Ceiling Raise
AT A GLANCE
In this Digest, you will find information on:
- Mark's op-ed in The Hill about his efforts alongside House Democrats to avoid a debt default;
- Congressman DeSaulnier's votes this week, including one in support of a humane immigration system;
- Mark's continued work to save local journalism.
IN THE NEWS
Mark Pens Op-Ed on Democrats' Efforts to Avoid Debt Default
You can read more about the responsible steps House Democrats are taking to avoid the economic disaster of a debt default, including through possible use of a bill Congressman DeSaulnier authored, by clicking here or on the image below.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Congressman DeSaulnier Proposes Constitutional Amendment to Guarantee Quality Education for All
Almost every state constitution guarantees the right to an education, but no such right is in the U.S. Constitution. To ensure equal access across the nation, Congressman DeSaulnier has authored a Constitutional amendment (H.J. Res 60) to enshrine the right at the federal level. The amendment would affirm the federal government's obligation to ensure that every citizen receives a world-class education and support the federal role in education policy and funding.
Mark Votes Against Extreme Anti-Immigration Measure
Since its founding, the United States has stood as a beacon of freedom and a land of opportunity. Congressman DeSaulnier believes our immigration policy should be led by compassion and humanity while we work to reform the system to be more effective and efficient. Meanwhile, Republicans passed a cruel, extreme, and unworkable immigration bill (H.R. 2) that would effectively end asylum in this country, jail children indefinitely, and send unaccompanied children back to dangerous situations. At the same time, this bill would upend our trade system and devastate our economy. Congressman DeSaulnier voted against this measure, which unfortunately passed by a vote of 219-to-213.
Congressman DeSaulnier Opposes Effort to Unfairly Punish Workers
Unemployment insurance programs provide a critical lifeline to workers who are between jobs, and Americans should be able to count on benefits being available in times of hardship. House Republicans advanced the Protecting Taxpayers and Victims of Unemployment Fraud Act (H.R. 1163), which would let states retroactively bill workers who were unknowingly overpaid in unemployment benefits by no fault of their own up to 10 years after the fact. The bill also cuts federal funding for unemployment fraud enforcement, which would make it easier for fraudsters to get away with their crimes. Despite Congressman DeSaulnier's opposition, the bill passed the House by a vote of 230-to-200.
MARK CONTINUES EFFORTS TO SAVE LOCAL NEWS
Local news is invaluable. It informs the voting public, holds power to account, and allows democracy to flourish. As local news organization are closing in communities across the country, Congressman DeSaulnier has been working in Congress to pass legislation that would support them so they can continue their critical work. This week, he convened a meeting of the Working Group on Local News to meet with journalist McKay Coppins, who has researched and written extensively on this issue, to inform his efforts.
POST OF THE WEEK
BY THE NUMBERS
