The DeSaulnier Digest: Mark Continues Push for Aviation Safety
AT A GLANCE
In this week's Digest, you will find information on:
- Mark's leadership on aviation safety;
- A round-up of bills the Republican House majority passed to advance their agenda; and
- Congressman DeSaulnier's engagement with constituents in D.C. and in Contra Costa County.
IN THE NEWS
Congressman DeSaulnier Continues Leadership on Aviation Safety
Since the 2017 near-miss incident at San Francisco International Airport, Congressman DesauInier has been a leader on increasing aviation safety, authoring multiple pieces of legislation on the matter and calling on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to update Congress on the status of necessary upgrades to its infrastructure. In response to systemwide FAA outages last week, Congressman DeSaulnier joined KTVU to discuss how Congress is working to hold the FAA accountable, ensure the agency is functioning safely and efficiently for the American people, and the importance of updating the its outdated systems. Tune in by clicking here or on the image below.
Wall Street Journal Covers Mark's Efforts to Protect the Flying Public
Read the story by clicking here or on the image below.
Congressman DeSaulnier Appointed to House Committee on Ethics
Last week, Congressman DeSaulnier was appointed to the House Committee on Ethics for the 118th Congress by Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. "There is nothing more important to me than ensuring Americans have trust in their government and I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Committee on both sides of the aisle to do so," said Congressman DeSaulnier. This will be Congressman DeSaulnier's first term serving on the House Ethics Committee. To learn more click here or on the image below.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
DeSaulnier Opposes Attacks on Reproductive Rights
In the first week as the majority party, House Republicans advanced their extreme agenda, passing legislation to stigmatize and limit access to reproductive health care. Congressman DeSaulnier opposed House passage of H.Con.Res. 3, a resolution that condemns vandalism and attacks on pro-life facilities, groups, and churches, without any acknowledgment of the surge in violent attacks on providers or facilities that offer abortion care in recent years, because ALL Americans should have the freedom to access health care services without fear of violence, harassment, or intimidation.He also opposed the Born-Alive Survivors Protection Act(H.R. 26), which would only further stigmatize abortion care by unnecessarily restating current law. Despite Congressman DeSaulnier's opposition to both efforts, H.Con.Res. 3 and H.R. 26 passed the House by respective vote totals of 222-to-209 and 220-to-210.
Congressman DeSaulnier Votes Against Enabling Republican Anti-Asian Attacks
Congressman DeSaulnier, along with his Democratic House colleagues and the Biden Administration, remain deeply committed to addressing the challenges the Chinese Communist Party presents to the United States and to standing against its human rights violations. House Republicans' Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, however, is not shaping up to be a serious venue for those conversations given many Republicans' consistently prejudiced and warlike rhetoric surrounding it. Congressman DeSaulnier voted against H.Res. 11 to create this Select Committee, with the intention to continue to push for solutions to the threats China poses both to our national security and to human rights. He will work to ensure that Asian American Pacific Islander and pro-diplomacy voices are centered in conversations surrounding these solutions and that anti-Asian hate is addressed, particularly given his role as an Associate Member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.
Mark Opposes Bill to Cut Enforcement Against Wealthy Tax Cheats
To help finance its historic investments in fighting climate change, the Inflation Reduction Act included additional resources for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which would improve enforcement against wealthy tax evaders. Last week, Congressman DeSaulnier voted against House passage of the harmful and misleadingly named Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act (H.R. 23), which would rescind much of the additional IRS funding and help the wealthy and well-connected cheat on their taxes. Despite Congressman DeSaulnier's opposition, this bill passed the House by a vote of 221-to-210.
House Passes Bill to Prohibit Oil Sales to China from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve
In 2015, the Republican-controlled Congress voted to reverse a 40-year ban on exporting crude oil, including to foreign adversaries like China. Congressman DeSaulnier opposed House passage of the Prohibiting America's Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act (H.R. 22), which would prohibit the sale of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to China. While Congressman DeSaulnier remains concerned about exporting oil to American adversaries, this bill fails to address oil sales to Russia, Iran, or other countries under U.S. sanctions. H.R. 22 passed the House by a vote of 331-to-97 over Congressman DeSaulnier's objections.
BAY AREA IN D.C.
Congressman DeSaulnier Meets with Berkeley Students and Faculty
The Congressman met with U.C. Berkeley students and staff last week in our Washington D.C. office. He looks forward to furthering his efforts with the Institute of Transportation Studies Berkeley to promote green infrastructure to help the Bay Area continue leading the way in reducing carbon emissions. Congressman DeSaulnier was also delighted to meet with students and engage with them on public policy.
DeSaulnier Meets with Contra Costa Transportation Authority
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) joined Congressman DeSaulnier in our D.C. office for a conversation on their collaborative efforts to improve congestion and traffic in Contra Costa and how funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will help to advance these projects.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Congressman DeSaulnier Presents Congressional Silver Medals
The Congressman presented the Congressional Silver Medal to Ethan Logue and John Dong. This award is for young people who have gone above and beyond to serve their communities and to challenge themselves. Both John and Ethan's efforts have been instrumental in improving their communities within CA-10 and the Congressman was proud to recognize their accomplishments.
DeSaulnier Visits Park Theater of Lafayette
Congressman DeSaulnier recently toured the Park Theater in Lafayette to discuss the future of the project and the many benefits this would bring to the community.
POST OF THE WEEK
BY THE NUMBERS
