The DeSaulnier Digest: Join Our Virtual Town Hall TODAY
In my conversations with CA-10 residents and business owners, I have heard again and again about the challenge of healthcare affordability, which is being exacerbated by Republicans' cuts to care in the Big Ugly Bill. That's why I am hosting a virtual town hall TODAY at 4:30 p.m. to discuss the problem here in Contra Costa and nationwide and the path forward. I will be joined by expert special guests from Protect Our Care and Contra Costa Health, and we look forward to taking your questions.
If you have not already RSVP'd, you can join the YouTube livestream here or by clicking on the image below and leave your questions in the comments section.
I look forward to seeing you later this afternoon!
Sincerely,
Mark DeSaulnier
Member of Congress
IN COMMITTEE
Congressman DeSaulnier Highlights Innovative Medical Research and Pushes Back on Republican Attacks
Republicans on the House Education & Workforce Committee recently held a hearing smearing top medical schools for their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. At the hearing, Mark highlighted the great research ongoing at UCSF and UCLA, discussed how the Trump Administration is harming healthcare, and stood up for the need to have qualified individuals of all backgrounds in the medical field. To see his remarks, click here or on the image below.
Mark Leads Colleagues on Efforts to Improve Health Insurance
Health insurance claim denial rates have risen in recent years, making it harder for people to get the care they need. To address this problem, Congressman DeSaulnier authored the Consumer Health Claim Assistance Act, which would create a program to support consumers whose health claims are wrongfully denied. In his role as the top Democrat on the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, Congressman DeSaulnier led three colleagues who introduced other legislation to fight back against improper claim denials. To learn more about the legislation, click here.
Congressman DeSaulnier Opposes Dismantling of Education Department
Last week, the House Education & Workforce Committee held a meeting to consider ten bills that would legitimize the Trump Administration's illegal dismantling of the Department of Education. These bills would significantly hurt our nation's schools, students, and their families, and they are strongly opposed by every reputable education and civil rights advocacy organization. At the meeting, Mark expressed his deep opposition to the bills under consideration and highlighted their harmful impact on federal programs that support family engagement and improve outcomes for students. To see his remarks, click here or on the image below.
ON THE HOUSE FLOOR
Mark Condemns FDA E-Cigarette Policy, Tobacco Industry Influence, and Trump Pay-to-Play Corruption
Last week, Congressman DeSaulnier spoke on the House Floor to condemn recent FDA actions making it easier for tobacco companies to sell flavored e-cigarettes, which followed soon after a major political donation from Reynolds American to a Trump-aligned super PAC. Mark criticized this "pay-to-play" relationship between the tobacco industry and the Trump Administration, warned that loosening restrictions on flavored e-cigarettes could increase youth nicotine addiction, and urged Congress to reject industry influence over public health policy and protect young people from tobacco products. To see his remarks, click here or on the image below.
Legislation Considered on the House Floor Last Week
Last week, the House of Representatives considered legislation related to daylight saving time, guns, and funding for international and humanitarian aid programs. More information on these bills below:
- H.R. 8595 would cut funding for humanitarian aid, weaken national security, and expand the anti-abortion "Global Gag Rule". Despite Congressman DeSaulnier's opposition, H.R. 8595 passed in the House and now goes to the Senate for further consideration.
- H.R. 1181 would undermine state-led efforts to protect residents from gun violence through firearm retailer-specific credit card merchant category codes. This bill would make it more difficult for law enforcement to track suspicious purchases from firearm retailers. Despite Congressman DeSaulnier's strong opposition, H.R. 1181 passed the House and now awaits Senate consideration.
- The House considered an amendment to H.R. 8595 that would eliminate $3.3 billion in foreign aid to Israel. Congressman DeSaulnier voted in favor of this amendment, which failed to pass the House, despite support from a majority of congressional Democrats.
- H.R. 139 would make daylight saving time permanent. Congressman DeSaulnier opposed this bill, which passed in the House and now awaits Senate consideration.
POST OF THE WEEK
BY THE NUMBERS
