The DeSaulnier Digest: Democrats Pass LGBTQ+ Rights Protections
AT A GLANCE
In this week's Digest, you will find information on:
- Democrats' successful legislative effort to protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community;
- Legislation Mark authored to support individuals with disabilities; and
- Recent events in Contra Costa County that Mark and our office had the honor of participating in.
WASHINGTON, D.C. UPDATES
House Sends Bill to Protect Gay Marriage to President Biden's Desk with DeSaulnier's Support
Earlier this year, Congressman DeSaulnier supported House passage of the Respect for Marriage Act (H.R. 8404), a bill that would require the federal government to recognize all marriages legally performed in every state. After the U.S. Senate made some modifications to the bill and voted to pass it, it returned to the House where Congressman DeSaulnier again supported the bill, which passed the House by a vote of 224-to-164. The Respect for Marriage Act now heads to President Biden's desk to be signed into law.
DeSaulnier-Authored Bill Passes House
A bill Congressman DeSaulnier authored, the 21st Century Assistive Technology Act, passed in the House last week. The bill would help people with disabilities live independently by expanding access to assistive technology. Assistive technologies, from smart home systems to magnifying glasses, are critical to ensuring that people with disabilities can live, work, and participate in their communities independently.
Mark Introduces the Improving Access to Higher Education Act
As another part of his effort to fight for the rights of people with disabilities, Congressman DeSaulnier authored the Improving Access to Higher Education Act (H.R. 9468). This bill would amend the Higher Education Act (HEA) to promote college access and completion for students with disabilities. Currently, a lack of services makes college out of reach for many of these students.
DeSaulnier Leads Discussion on Telehealth
Congressman DeSaulnier recently led a roundtable discussion with the House Education and Labor Committee regarding the future of telehealth and telework and to talk about the lessons learned from the pandemic. The committee was joined by a panel of experts who explained how remote work and telehealth can increase productivity and expand accessibility for countless Americans.
J Street Stops by Our Washington, D.C. Office
Congressman DeSaulnier met with J Street to discuss how we can continue working collaboratively to promote peace and human rights across the world.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Contra Costa County Commemorates Pearl Harbor
Each year on the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the beacon on top of Mt. Diablo is lit in remembrance of those who bravely laid down their lives in sacrifice to our nation. Our office was proud to gather with the community to honor Pearl Harbor victims, survivors, and their families.
IN THE NEWS
Following reports of human rights violations at a Dublin prison, Mark joined his California colleagues in calling on the facility to immediately detail how it will address these offenses and come into compliance with its constitutional obligations. He then spoke with KQED Radio about how they will continue to conduct proper oversight to ensure those in power are held accountable. Click here or on the image below to listen to the full interview.
POST OF THE WEEK
BY THE NUMBERS
