The DeSaulnier Digest: Democrats Wrap Up 2022 Efforts on Behalf of the American People
As the 117th Congress comes to an end and we look ahead to the new year, I have been reflecting on all Democrats in Congress and the Biden Administration have accomplished to support American families. As we celebrate the holidays, I am grateful ever for the opportunity to continue this work on behalf of you and your family in 2023. Thank you, and Happy Holidays!
Sincerely,
Mark DeSaulnier
Member of Congress
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Congressman DeSaulnier Leads House Debate
Congressman DeSaulnier had the honor of managing debate on the House Floor twice last week. First, he presented legislation to support health care workers and veterans, fund the government, and increase access to mental health crisis response. Later, he led debate on a bipartisan bill that would bring much needed transparency to federal contracting to prevent conflicts of interests and corporate abuse. You can watch both clips by clicking the images below.
DeSaulnier Joins Colleagues to Introduce Bill to Support Cancer Survivors
As an 8-year survivor of a non-curable treatable blood cancer, support for cancer survivors is personal to Congressman DeSaulnier. Along with Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Congressman DeSaulnier led introduction of the Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act (H.R. 9565). This bill would raise standards of care for cancer survivors and invest in policies that promote their quality of life. Included in this bill is Congressman DeSaulnier's Cancer Care Planning and Communications Act, which would allow doctors to bill Medicare for the time they spend working on health care plans for cancer patients and survivors.
Congressman DeSaulnier supported House passage of other important legislation last week, including:
- VA Employee Fairness Act (H.R. 1948), which would restore full collective bargaining rights for VA healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses, physicians, dentists, and physician assistants.
- Puerto Rico Status Act (H.R. 8393), which would provide a path for the people of Puerto Rico to seek statehood if they wanted.
- Law Enforcement De-Escalation Training Act (S. 4003), which would require the development of trainings for law enforcement and mental health professionals on effective de-escalation tactics, alternatives to uses of force, safely responding to an individual experiencing a mental or behavioral health crisis, and making referrals to appropriate programs and services.
- Further Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act (H.R. 1437), which funded the government for a week to give congressional negotiators more time to develop a long-term government funding bill.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Contra Costa Joins National Wreaths Across America Day
Our office joined Wreaths Across America events in Alamo and Concord to commemorate those who laid down their lives in service to our nation. It was an honor to participate in this tradition honoring our veterans and their reflecting on their legacy.
Celebrating Delano Johnson
Delano Johnson is a community activist and founder of the nonprofit organization Bay Point Community All-N-One. Under his leadership, the organization serves countless East County families, providing them with housing, food, clothing, and other essential resources. Our office had the pleasure of joining the community to celebrate Delano's 80th birthday and to reflect on his achievements.
Congressman DeSaulnier Hosts Service Academy Interviews
Each year Congressman DeSaulnier has the opportunity to nominate outstanding individuals who are hoping to join a U.S. military academy. We are grateful to our panel of experts for helping to interview this year's candidates.
IN THE NEWS
DeSaulnier and Democrats Fight to Keep Government Open
This week, Congressman DeSaulnier took to the House Floor to help ensure passage of legislation that would keep the government open and working on behalf of the American people. Despite Republican opposition to the effort, House Democrats were able to avert a government shutdown. You can learn more about this process by clicking here or on the image below.
POST OF THE WEEK
BY THE NUMBERS
