The DeSaulnier Digest: Happy Thanksgiving!
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I have been reflecting on my gratitude for being an American citizen and having the honor of representing you in Congress. The great American experiment in democracy means we as citizens have the right to peacefully make our voices heard through the ballot box, and for that, I am grateful.
I hope you are able to gather with loved ones this holiday season for good food and conversation.
Best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Sincerely,
Mark DeSaulnier
Member of Congress
IN THE NEWS
Congressman DeSaulnier Discusses Failed Nomination of Former Rep. Matt Gaetz for Attorney General
As has been widely reported, ex-Congressman Matt Gaetz has been under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice and the House Ethics Committee for alleged misconduct. As a member of the Ethics Committee, Congressman DeSaulnier is prohibited from sharing details of the Committee's investigation, but he offered the following statement after Gaetz withdrew from consideration for Attorney General: “As a member of the Ethics Committee, I cannot comment on the Committee’s investigation into former Representative Matt Gaetz, but his decision to withdraw from consideration for Attorney General is clearly in the best interest of the country.”
Congressman DeSaulnier also appeared on multiple news programs including PBS Newshour, CBS News, MSNBC, and CNN to share his thoughts on this matter. To hear his comments on CNN about the importance of transparency and accountability, click here or on the image below.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Congressman DeSaulnier Hosts Veterans Town Hall & Resource Fair in Walnut Creek
Mark held a town hall in Walnut Creek last week to discuss his continued work in Congress to support veterans and a resource fair to connect CA-10 veterans with local and national veterans service organizations to ensure they are receiving their earned benefits. Thanks to the veterans who joined this event for their important questions and to the organizations that helped connect these veterans with critical resources. If you missed the event, you can watch the town hall portion here or by clicking on the photo graphic below.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Mark Opposes Effort to Recklessly Speed Up Geothermal Energy Permitting Approvals
Under current law, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) must hold competitive geothermal lease sales once every two years. The House of Representatives recently considered the Committing Leases for Energy Access Now (CLEAN) Act (H.R. 1449), which would require the Secretary of the Interior to hold geothermal lease sales once a year and speed up the permitting process. Unfortunately, this bill fails to provide extra resources for staffing to help meet short deadlines and would put adequate environmental analysis and robust community input at risk. Despite Congressman DeSaulnier’s opposition, the bill passed the House by a vote of 244-to-171.
DeSaulnier Co-Leads Bill to Expand Access to Lung Cancer Screenings
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., responsible for approximately 125,000 deaths annually. Screening is an important part of early detection and treatment, especially given that 10-20% of lung cancer diagnoses occur in people who are non-smokers. In order to promote access to lung cancer screenings, Congressman DeSaulnier and Congressman Brendan Boyle introduced the Katherine’s Lung Cancer Early Detection and Survival Act. This bill, named in memory of the late daughter of former Congressman Rick Nolan, would expand access to lung cancer screenings by requiring insurers to cover screenings with no cost sharing. Improved access to screenings would help more people catch their cancers early, leading to better health outcomes.
POST OF THE WEEK
BY THE NUMBERS
