The DeSaulnier Digest: Join Our Environmental Town Hall on Saturday
As you may have heard, Republicans recently passed a disastrous budget bill that cuts critical services for millions of Americans to give a tax break to the ultrawealthy. One piece that has largely been overlooked would undermine our efforts to address climate change by eliminating investments in clean energy infrastructure, which would also raise energy costs across the country and here in CA-10. To discuss this as well as other attacks on the environment by the Trump Administration and the path forward, I am hosting an Environmental Town Hall and Resource Fair Saturday, July 26th in Oakley.
Beginning at 10:00 a.m., local agencies and organizations will share resources on their work to protect the environment and at 10:30 a.m. I will provide an update from Congress and answer your questions on Democrats' efforts to protect our planet. We will also be joined by special guest panelists who will discuss the work being done at the local level to safeguard the environment, clean air, and water.
To RSVP and get the exact location, click here or on the flyer below.
If you can't join us in person, you can also watch via livestream on YouTube and Facebook.
Sincerely,
Mark DeSaulnier
Member of Congress
IN COMMITTEE
Congressman DeSaulnier Stands Up for Free Speech at Education Committee Hearing
House Republicans continued their assault on higher education and free speech with yet another hearing weaponizing the issue of antisemitism to justify attacks on the First Amendment and colleges and universities. At the same time, the Trump Administration has gutted offices and frozen programs that protect Jewish students, like the Office for Civil Rights and the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. At the hearing, Congressman DeSaulnier discussed with UC Berkeley Chancellor Lyons how best to balance students' First Amendment rights with necessary efforts to protect students from hate and antisemitism on campus. To see his remarks, click here or on the image below.
DeSaulnier Questions Secretary Duffy on I-680 Funding and Electric Vehicles
Mark has long advocated for the Innovate-680 project, which would improve safety along the I-680 corridor while implementing new technology to reduce congestion. At a recent Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure hearing, Mark spoke with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Duffy about the importance of ensuring the project receives its previously awarded federal grant of $166 million, which would help the project advance and provide benefits to all who travel along I-680. In his discussion with the Secretary, Congressman DeSaulnier also highlighted the importance of supporting the rollout of electric vehicles, reducing emissions, and remaining competitive with other countries who have become leaders in electric vehicle charging infrastructure. To see his remarks, click here or on the picture below.
ON THE FLOOR
Congressman DeSaulnier Once Again Opposes Bill to Revoke Previously Approved Federal Funds
Last month, House Republicans advanced legislation (H.R. 4) that would cancel $9.4 billion in federal spending that was already signed into law. This included $8.3 billion in cuts from important foreign aid programs like the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Another $1.1 billion in cuts would come from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, eliminating funding for National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Despite Congressman DeSaulnier's strong objection to these devastating cuts, this bill passed the House and is expected to be signed into law shortly.
Mark Opposes Irresponsible Defense Spending Bill
Recently, the House of Representatives considered the Department of Defense Appropriations Act (H.R. 4016), a bill that would fund Pentagon programs for the next fiscal year. Unfortunately, House Republicans included extreme, partisan measures in the bill that would place unnecessary restrictions on U.S. servicemembers and undermine democracy at home and abroad. Some of the most concerning provisions include:
- Preventing servicemembers from traveling to seek reproductive health care when they are stationed in a state where abortion care is unavailable.
- Empowering Russia by eliminating funding for programs that help Ukraine defend itself.
- Banning critical gender-affirming care for the dependents of servicemembers and making it easier to discriminate against LGBTQI+ people.
Despite Congressman DeSaulnier's strong opposition, H.R. 4016 passed the House and now awaits further consideration by the U.S. Senate.
House Stalls on Efforts to Force Release of Epstein Files
After stating in February 2025 that the Administration was committed to releasing the Epstein files to the maximum extent possible, Attorney General Pam Bondi recently claimed that there is no evidence that convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein kept a client list. This abrupt reversal has generated outcry from the public and inside Congress, leading to calls to pass legislation requiring the full disclosure of the Epstein files with appropriate withholding of information about victims. A bipartisan group of Congressmembers remains strongly interested in the release of the files, and is working on legislation to force their release.
Mark Opposes Trump Exploitation of the Cryptocurrency Market
The Trump Administration has again used its autocratic authority to push through legislation (H.R. 1919, H.R. 3633, and S. 1582) for its own gain. Last week, the House voted on three bills related to digital and cryptocurrency that deregulate crypto firms and allow for Big Tech companies to consolidate power. While regulation within the crypto industry is needed to protect consumers, innovation, and businesses, these bills do not achieve that. These bills simply allow the President to further exploit the market and make money. Despite the Congressman's strong opposition, all three bills passed the House, and one will soon be signed into law.
POST OF THE WEEK
BY THE NUMBERS
