The DeSaulnier Digest: Democrats Continue to Stand Up for Americans’ Health Care Amidst Republican Shutdown
We are now six days into a government shutdown brought on by Congressional Republicans’ refusal to work with Democrats to come up with a commonsense funding bill that would guard against exorbitant increases in Americans’ health care costs and protect spending from President Trump’s meddling.
Democrats remain ready and willing to negotiate in good faith with Republicans to open the government for the American people and prevent steep spikes in health care premiums for families by extending ACA tax credits, but Republicans have indicated they will remain on vacation this week. While they take time off, I’m hard at work meeting with individuals and organizations that are most impacted by a shutdown and health care crisis.
I will continue to keep you updated on the latest from Capitol Hill. In the meantime, please know that my offices in Washington, D.C., Walnut Creek, and Antioch remain open and ready to serve you.
Sincerely,
Mark DeSaulnier
Member of Congress
IN THE COMMUNITY
Congressman DeSaulnier Gathers Health Care Leaders for Roundtable
Mark sat down with health care providers and leaders to discuss the looming health care crisis due to the failure to extend ACA tax credits, which lower premium costs for more than 20 million Americans. During the conversation, the group discussed the widespread strain placed on hospitals and emergency departments when health care costs rise and uninsured rates skyrocket.
Mark Rides Along with Meals on Wheels Amid Cuts to Food Insecurity Programs
Congressman DeSaulnier joined a Meals on Wheels driver to deliver food to seniors in Concord last week. During a government shutdown, Meals on Wheels providers, more than 90% of whom receive federal funding, are left in the lurch trying to provide for families. Mark discussed the current shutdown and the SNAP cuts included in the Big Ugly Bill during the visit and reiterated his commitment to combatting hunger in CA-10.
IN THE NEWS
Mark Discusses Impacts of Government Shutdown with Local News
Ahead of the September 30th government funding deadline and following the shutdown, Congressman DeSaulnier sat down with a number of local reporters to discuss the impact of a shutdown here in CA-10 and across the country as well as the importance of extending health care tax credits.
With the East Bay Times, Mark highlighted the nearly 8,000 federal employees in CA-10 who will go without pay during the shutdown and temporary loss of benefits like food assistance. To read the full article, click here or on the image below.
On KQED's Forum, Congressman DeSaulnier discussed his work to prevent a looming health care crisis amid cuts to Medicaid and the loss of ACA tax credits. He also spoke about the expiration of the alternative fuel and electric vehicle HOV lane program in California that he is fighting to restore. To listen to the full interview, click here or on the image below.
Mark also sat down with NBC Bay Area to provide an update on the status of government funding negotiations between House Democrats and Republicans. To watch the full interview, click here or on the image below.
POST OF THE WEEK
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