The DeSaulnier Digest: House Democrats Support Families with Expanded Child Tax Credit
AT A GLANCE
In this week's Digest you will find more information on:
- Legislative updates including the Congressman's efforts to support working families by expanding the Child Tax Credit;
- Mark's work to improve safety and oversight of autonomous vehicles; and
- House Committee hearings.
IN THE NEWS
Congressman DeSaulnier Urges Increased Oversight of Autonomous Vehicles
As innovation in autonomous vehicle (AV) technology continues, Congressman DeSaulnier is committed to ensuring safety remains our top priority. He spoke with KTVU about a letter he sent to the National Highway Transportation Safety Authority urging them to establish regulations of AVs that protect pedestrians, drivers, workers, and passengers. To learn more, click here or on the image below:
LEGISLATIVE UDPATES
Congressman DeSaulnier Supports Tax Relief for Working Families while Urging Further Expansion of Child Tax Credit
Last week, the House of Representatives considered the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act (H.R. 7024), which would temporarily expand tax credits for research and development and low-income housing, and temporarily expand the Child Tax Credit. Congressman DeSaulnier supported House passage of this legislation, but expressed disappointment that it does not go far enough to reform and expand the Child Tax Credit during this time of extreme inequality with eleven million children are living in poverty. H.R. 7024 passed the House by a vote of 357-to-70 and now awaits consideration by the U.S. Senate.
Mark Recognizes CTE and RHI Awareness Day
Like many Americans, Congressman DeSaulnier is a former high school and college athlete and knows how serious head and brain injuries can be. As scientific research teaches us more about the risks of repetitive head impacts (RHI) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), it's critical that there is increased awareness and education about the warning signs and symptoms of these injuries. Congressman DeSaulnier joined Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) in introducing a bipartisan resolution to designate January 30th as National CTE and RHI Awareness Day to help treat this issue with the seriousness it demands.
House Passes Anti-Immigrant Legislation Despite DeSaulnier's Opposition
Instead of engaging in bipartisan negotiations to make real progress at the border, House Republicans recently advanced three partisan messaging bills that have no chance at becoming law. Each of them would allow for immigrants to be deported if they were suspected of crimes without having to be convicted. This would set a dangerous precedent that unfairly targets immigrants and removes their due process rights. Accordingly, Congressman DeSaulnier opposed all three bills (H.R. 5585, H.R. 6678, and H.R. 6976), but despite his opposition, they each passed the House.
COMMITTEE UPDATE
Mark Speaks in Support of College Affordability
House Republicans are once again attempting to overhaul the higher education system and inflict pain on students struggling to afford a college degree with misguided legislation (H.R. 6951). This bill would restrict access to federal student aid and affordable repayment plans, leave students vulnerable to predatory loan programs and low-quality institutions, and eviscerate the accreditation system for higher education. Mark offered an amendment to this bill that would actually help students afford college and finish their degrees by increasing the number of semesters for which students are eligible to receive Pell Grants, giving students who need additional time to achieve their degree the flexibility to do so. To see Congressman DeSaulnier talk about his amendment at a recent meeting of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, click here or on the image below.
D.C. MEETINGS
Congressman DeSaulnier Meets with National Black Nurses Association
Congressman DeSaulnier met with the National Black Nurses Association in our D.C. office to discuss their current legislative priorities and their shared efforts to advance equity in the healthcare system.
POST OF THE WEEK
BY THE NUMBERS
