The DeSaulnier Digest: Happy Thanksgiving!
As Thanksgiving approaches, I am reflecting on the past year and my continued gratitude for calling CA-10 home and for the honor of representing you in the United States House of Representatives. Thank you for the trust you have placed in me.
I am wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving with loved ones and good food and conversation!
Sincerely,
Mark DeSaulnier
Member of Congress
IN COMMITTEE
Congressman DeSaulnier Discusses Challenges in Higher Education
As the Administration works to dismantle public education in the United States, schools across the country continue to face new and pressing challenges that require urgent action. Over 80% of students and teachers report using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the past school year, and at the same time 70% of university students say they’ve struggled with mental health since starting college. During a recent hearing in the House Education & Workforce Committee, Congressman DeSaulnier discussed the guardrails that are needed as AI use ramps up in schools across the country. Mark also spoke about the need for greater on-campus behavioral health support for students. To see his remarks, click here or on the image below.
Mark Pushes for Action on Health Insurance Claims Denials
Health insurance companies have been denying record numbers of claims in recent years, threatening Americans' ability to get proper and timely care. In his role as the top Democrat on the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, Congressman DeSaulnier sent a letter to federal regulators offering suggestions on how to address this problem. To view the letter, click here.
ON THE FLOOR
Mark Votes to Release Epstein Files
For months, the Administration has been stalling on whether it will release information connected to the prosecution of convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. After committing to releasing all relevant files early in his Administration, the President later reversed course and called the files a "hoax." Last week, the House of Representatives voted on a bill that will force the Administration to release all unclassified records, communications, and investigative materials relating to the investigation and prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein. Importantly, this bill also contains necessary protections for the personal information of Epstein's many victims. Congressman DeSaulnier was proud to vote for this bill when it passed the House and will closely monitor theAdministration's compliance now that it has been signed into law. The victims deserve justice, and the American people deserve to know who was involved in committing these crimes.
Congressman DeSaulnier Votes to Prioritize Public Health and Oppose Fossil Fuel Expansion
Last week, the House considered two bills that would weaken environmental protections and accelerate reliance on fossil fuels. The REFINER Act (H.R. 3109) mandates a narrow study on refinery capacity that excludes critical information. During debate on the House floor, Congressman DeSaulnier spoke in opposition to the bill, emphasizing the need for a thorough, balanced assessment that fully accounts for theimpact refineries have on public health and environmental costs to surrounding communities. The Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act (H.R. 1949) would fast-track liquefied natural gas exports and limit the federal government's ability to evaluate the climate and economic consequences of expanded LNG infrastructure. Congressman DeSaulnier opposed both bills, but despite his opposition they passed the House and now await further consideration in the U.S. Senate. To see his remarks on H.R. 3109, click here or on the image below.
Mark Honors the Life and Legacy of Danville's Mike Doyle
Last month, former Danville Mayor Mike Doyle passed away at the age of 96. Mike was a longtime member of the Danville Town Council whose career in public service began as a member of the United States Air Force aiding U.S. airmen and displaced citizens after World War II. Last week, Congressman DeSaulnier spoke on the House floor to honor Mike for his lifetime of dedication to public service. To see his remarks, click hereor on the image below.
Mark Opposes Attacks on Public Lands and Environmental Safeguards
Last week, House Republicans advanced three Congressional Review Act resolutions (CRAs) aimed at overturning key protections for public lands and wildlife. The Buffalo Field Resource Management Plan CRA (H.J.Res. 130) would reverse land-use policies that safeguard sensitive habitats and ensure responsible development. The Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program CRA (H.J.Res. 131) seeks to dismantle protections in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge by clearing the way for expanded fossil fuel drilling. The National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska Plan CRA (S.J.Res. 80) would eliminate balanced management practices that protect resources and critical ecosystems in Alaska's North Slope. Congressman DeSaulnier opposed all three measures, but despite his opposition they passed the House and now await further consideration in the U.S. Senate.
CONSTITUENT MEETING
Congressman DeSaulnier Meets with Citizens' Climate Lobby
Mark gathered with CA-10 members of the Citizens' Climate Lobby to discuss the increasing threat posed by wildfires here in California and across the United States. The group discussed bipartisan legislation to ensure Americans can reduce wildfire risk and protect their communities.
POST OF THE WEEK
BY THE NUMBERS
