The DeSaulnier Digest: Join Tomorrow's Virtual Town Hall
From failing to lower costs for the American people to enabling deadly violence from ICE agents in our communities, the Trump Administration's policies continue to neglect the best interests of the American people.
To discuss this and House Democrats' efforts to hold the Administration accountable for their policies and support working families, I am holding my first town hall of the year tomorrow, January 13th at 12:00 p.m. PT on Zoom. I will share updates on my work in Congress to lower costs, protect health care, and defend Constitutional rights and will take your questions. RSVP to receive a Zoom link or join by YouTube livestream.
I hope you will join us at 12 p.m. for this timely conversation.
Sincerely,
Mark DeSaulnier
Member of Congress
IN COMMITTEE
Mark Addresses Barriers to Retirement Saving
Tens of millions of Americans are due to reach retirement age within the next ten years, but many Americans do not have the resources necessary to retire and live with dignity. Two out of five working-age households have no 401(k) or IRA assets, and about 55 percent of U.S. households ages 55-64 have less than $25,000 in retirement savings. Last week, the House Education & Workforce Committee's Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions held a hearing on the role of annuities, or "lifetime income options," in retirement planning. As the top Democrat on the Subcommittee, Congressman DeSaulnier stressed that the largest barriers to financial security in retirement for many Americans are low wages and high costs that prevent individuals from being able to save, not a lack of investment options. To see his remarks about how we can better support workers, click here or on the image below.
Congressman DeSaulnier Highlights Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts
According to the United Nations' International Labour Organization, human traffickers victimize an estimated 27.6 million people worldwide, and more than three-quarters of trafficked individuals are subjected to forced labor. Last week, the House Education & Workforce Committee considered the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act (H.R. 4307), a bill that would require the U.S. Department of Labor to train employees on how to detect and assist law enforcement in preventing human trafficking. During consideration of the bill, Congressman DeSaulnier offered an amendment to formally authorize the Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), which has fought against child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking for nearly 80 years as part of theDepartment of Labor. To see his remarks, click here or on the image below.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
House Passes Bipartisan Health Care Affordability Bill with Mark's Support
The expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits has been a major driver of skyrocketing health insurance premiums this year. With most congressional Republicans opposed to extending the expired tax credits, House Democrats used a procedural tool known as a discharge petition to force a vote on a bill (H.R. 1834) that would extend the tax credits for an additional three years. Congressman DeSaulnierand all House Democrats were joined by 17 Republicans in passing this bill, which now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
DeSaulnier Votes to Override Presidential Vetoes on Water Infrastructure Bills
Last week, the House attempted to override presidential vetoes on two bills related to federal water infrastructure projects. The Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act (H.R. 504) would have advanced changes affecting water management in theEverglades region, while the Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act (H.R. 131) would have authorized additional federal commitments to complete a drinking water project in Colorado. Despite Congressman DeSaulnier's support to override the President's veto, both override attempts failed to receive the required two-thirds vote in the House.
Congressman DeSaulnier Votes to Advance Three Appropriations Bills
Each year as part of the government funding process Congress must pass twelve appropriations bills, each of which covers one area of the federal budget. So far, only three such bills have been signed into law for the current fiscal year. Last week, theHouse of Representatives considered legislation (H.R. 6938) to fund the Departments of Commerce, Justice, Energy, Interior, and related programs. Congressman DeSaulnier voted in favor of H.R. 6938, which passed the House and now awaits consideration by the U.S. Senate. Congress and the President must pass the remaining nine appropriations bills into law or pass a continuing resolution by January 30th to avoid a partial government shutdown.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Mark Celebrates Local Eagle Scouts at Court of Honor
Congressman DeSaulnier joined an Eagle Court of Honor in Orinda last weekend to present certificates recognizing the service and leadership of five new Eagle Scouts.
POST OF THE WEEK
BY THE NUMBERS
