The DeSaulnier Digest: Join Our Virtual End of Year Town Hall
As we approach the end of the year, I am excited to announce that I am hosting a virtual town next Monday, December 15th at 6:00 p.m. to provide an update on House Democrats' efforts to support the American people in 2025 and share some of my top priorities heading into the new year. I'll also take your questions.
To receive a Zoom link to join us, RSVP here. You can also tune into the YouTube livestream.
I hope to see you next week!
Sincerely,
Mark DeSaulnier
Member of Congress
IN THE COMMUNITY
Congressman DeSaulnier Hosts Transportation and Education Town Hall
On Saturday, Mark hosted a town hall in San Ramon to discuss improving quality of life through investments in transportation and education in the Bay Area. Congressman DeSaulnier highlighted his work in Congress to reduce commute times, make transportation safer, and invest in quality public education to benefit the entire community. If you missed the event, you can watch a recording by clicking here or on the image below.
Congressman DeSaulnier Recognizes Congressional App Challenge Participants
Mark welcomed local participants in the 2025 Congressional App Challenge (CAC) and their families to a reception recognizing their ingenuity and innovation where he had the opportunity to speak with students and learn more about the applications they developed. After receiving a record number of submissions this year, Congressman DeSaulnier announced Rushil Baindla, Imran Mirza, Nikhil Kalburgi, and Riddhish Saravanan of Dublin as the CAC winners from CA-10.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Congressman DeSaulnier Introduces Transportation Megaprojects Oversight Bill
While federal law requires financial reporting on infrastructure projects costing more than $500 million, there is no additional oversight for large, complex megaprojects. Congressman DeSaulnier recently introduced bipartisan legislation that would improve transparency, accountability, and cost control in large federal transportation projects. The Transportation Megaprojects Accountability and Oversight Act, which is co-led by Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), would establish an independent peer review group to assess the quality assurance, cost containment, and risk management of federal highway and transportation projects that cost over $2.5 billion.
IN COMMITTEE
Mark Holds Hearing on Health Care Affordability
President Trump and congressional Republicans have failed to extend critical Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance subsidies that expire at the end of this year, leading to large premium increases for many Americans in 2026. In his role as the top Democrat on the Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee, Congressman DeSaulnier convened a shadow hearing last week to learn from health insurance experts and ordinary Americans about the importance of extending these critical subsidies. Californians who purchase their health insurance through Covered California and who are affected by the expiration of these subsidies are expected to face an average premium increase of 97% for 2026. Congressman DeSaulnier strongly supports legislation to permanently extend these subsidies and protect access to affordable health care. To see his remarks, click here or on the image below.
Congressman DeSaulnier Defends Retirement Savers' Access to Justice
According to recent studies, almost half of American households have no savings in a retirement account, and the number of Americans forced to work full or part-time in retirement continues to grow rapidly. Rather than advance policies that help individuals save for retirement, last week Republicans on the Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee held a hearing seeking to limit workers' and retirees' ability to bring claims in federal court alleging misconduct by their employer-sponsored benefit plans. As the top Democrat on the Subcommittee, Congressman DeSaulnier defended the right of individuals to seek justice when plan sponsors engage in misconduct that could sharply reduce workers' retirement savings. To see his remarks, click here.
Mark Highlights Importance of Diversity in Higher Education
Last week, the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development held a hearing focused on unsubstantiated allegations of liberal bias in the Truman Scholarship program. At the hearing, Congressman DeSaulnier spoke about the value of promoting diversity in higher education and enabling students to pursue graduate degrees. To see his remarks, click here or on the image below.
FLOOR UPDATES
Congressman DeSaulnier Honors the Life and Legacy of Gwen Regalia
Last month, former Walnut Creek Mayor, community leader, and mentor to Congressman DeSaulnier, Gwen Regalia, passed away at the age of 92. A lifelong educator, Gwen began her career as a 4th grade teacher before serving on the Walnut Creek School District Governing Board. She went on to serve on the Walnut Creek City Council for 21 years, including five terms as Mayor. Last week, Congressman DeSaulnier spoke on the floor to honor Gwen for her lifetime of dedication to public service. To see his remarks, click here or on the image below.
Mark Rejects Unnecessary and Distracting Education Bills
Rather than standing with students and their families as the Administration dismantles our public education system, House Republicans are spending their time presenting solutions to nonexistent problems. Last week the House considered three bills that attempt to crack down on foreign influence in our schools, despite no evidence that such influence exists. The CLASS Act (H.R. 1005) would require schools to disclose foreign sources of funding, and the PROTECT Our Kids Act (H.R. 1069) would prohibit federal funding for schools that receive direct or indirect support from the Chinese government. The TRACE Act (H.R. 1049) would require schools to give parents detailed information on materials, school personnel, and contracts funded by or connected to foreign governments. Despite the Congressman's opposition to each bill and strong desire to move forward legislation that actually benefits students and families, all three bills passed the House.
POST OF THE WEEK
BY THE NUMBERS
