The DeSaulnier Digest: Democrats Fight to Protect Medicaid and SNAP Benefits Against Republican Cuts
Since taking control of the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives this year, Republicans have remained laser focused on cutting funding for critical programs tens of millions of Americans rely on, like Medicaid and SNAP all so they can give even more tax breaks to the ultrawealthy and big corporations. As they attempt to pass a government budget that includes these cuts and would harm Americans across the country, House Democrats are using every tool at our disposal to stop them.
Most recently, this past week, I joined my Democratic colleagues in the House in supporting a legislative procedural maneuver known as a discharge petition that would force a vote on a bill prohibiting Republicans from including in their budget scheme any of the cuts to Medicaid and SNAP they have proposed. We’d only need a few Republicans to join us to get it across the finish line, but none have stood up yet.
The Republican budget proposes cuts of $715 billion to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, which would threaten the health care for more than 130,000 people here in the district I represent, including children and seniors. The budget also outlines severe cuts to SNAP benefits, which cover more than 43,000 people here in CA-10. I have been steadfast in my opposition to this budget proposal and supporting this discharge petition was the next step in protecting these important services that so many rely on.
I urge my Republican colleagues to think of the 13.7 million people who will lose their health insurance and the millions more who would lose their food assistance if this plan passes and to stand up for these Americans over the interests of ultrawealthy donors.
Sincerely,
Mark DeSaulnier
Member of Congress
IN COMMITTEE
Congressman DeSaulnier Opposes Republican Attacks on Public Education
Last week, the House Committee on Education & Workforce held a hearing on antisemitism in higher education, where leaders from DePaul University, Haverford College, and California Polytechnic State University testified. While concerns over antisemitism are legitimate and must be dealt with, Republicans on the Committee have time and again used these hearings as an opportunity to create a spectacle in the media and justify their efforts to decimate public education rather than work in good faith towards solutions. At the hearing, Congressman DeSaulnier discussed Cal Poly’s efforts to support and protect Jewish students and how much more difficult that will become with the Trump cuts to the Department of Education’s civil rights work. To see his remarks, click here or on the image below.
Mark Highlights Importance of Oversight of Hazardous Materials Facilities
Contra Costa County is home to four fuel refineries, and Congressman DeSaulnier has had a long history in both local and state government of working to ensure they are operating safely and abiding by regulations. With the announced closure of the Valero refinery in Benicia, Mark discussed the importance of examining the impacts of the closure on jobs, on nearby communities, and on responsibly cleaning up the site after decades of toxic hazardous materials use. Congressman DeSaulnier further emphasized how crucial it is for local, state, and federal entities to collaboratively conduct oversight and provide support to ensure private companies are accountable for their actions. To see his remarks, click here or on the image below.
ON THE FLOOR
Mark Defends Mental Health Support Services for LGBTQI+ Youth
According to a survey by the Trevor Project, 12% of LGBTQI+ youth attempted suicide in the past year. This is a tragic consequence of continuing hate and discrimination against marginalized communities. One of the main resources available to youth in crisis is the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which provides special support and referral services for particularly vulnerable populations like LGBTQI+ youth. Tragically, the Trump Administration is reportedly considering eliminating these special services, which would add to a long list of cruel actions by the President that put LGBTQI+ Americans’ lives in danger. Congressman DeSaulnier took to the House floor to oppose eliminating services for LGBTQI+ youth and to highlight the importance of suicide prevention efforts. To see his remarks, click here or on the image below.
Congressman DeSaulnier Opposes Nonsense Political Bill to Rename the Gulf of Mexico
Rather than lowering everyday costs for the American people, President Trump has taken up silly nonissues like renaming the Gulf of Mexico. House Republicans have doubled down on the MAGA agenda and last week brought a bill to the Floor (H.R. 276) to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. Not only do an overwhelming number of Americans disapprove of this change, but it is also unnecessary because it's duplicative of the President’s Executive Order. Despite Mark's strong opposition, H.R. 276 passed the House and now awaits further consideration in the U.S. Senate.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Congressman DeSaulnier Welcomes Top Democrat on Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to Bay Area
Over the weekend, Congressman DeSaulnier welcomed Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, to the Bay Area to highlight the innovative technology we're pioneering to improve transportation and make it more sustainable. Starting the day at SFO, Representatives DeSaulnier and Larsen met with air traffic controllers and discussed the unique runway pattern at SFO as part of their efforts to increase aviation safety across the country. They also visited Skydio, an autonomous drone manufacturer, and Waymo, where they rode in a driverless car. Ending the day on the Bay, Representatives DeSaulnier and Larsen took a ride on a San Francisco Bay Ferry, which are built in the district Congressman Larsen represents in Washington. From air to road to sea, the visit highlighted the creative solutions to transportation being developed in our own backyard.
DC MEETINGS
Congressman DeSaulnier Meets with Constituents and CA Leaders on Capitol Hill
Mark held meetings last week with leaders from the City of Antioch to discuss the city's priorities, reviewed upcoming legislation with members of the ACLU of Northern California, and sat down with California higher education administrators from UC Berkeley and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Then, Congressman DeSaulnier welcomed students from the Dorris-Eaton School to the Capitol building where they posed with a photo ahead of their tour.
POST OF THE WEEK
BY THE NUMBERS
