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Rep DeSaulnier in hearing

The DeSaulnier Digest: Mark Holds Trump Cabinet Secretaries Accountable

June 9, 2025
DeSaulnier Digest

AT A GLANCE

In this week's Digest you will find more information on: 

  • Mark asking the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Labor to commit to protecting students and workers amid Trump funding cuts;
  • Commemoration of the 81st anniversary of D-Day; and
  • The 2025 Congressional App Challenge

IN COMMITTEE

DeSaulnier Presses Education Secretary on Department Cuts
Recently, the President released his budget request for the Department of Education, which would slash funding for dozens of critical programs, including those that support preschools, provide training for teachers, and make higher education accessible for low-income students. To discuss this budget request, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon testified before the House Committee on Education & Workforce. During the hearing, Congressman DeSaulnier questioned Secretary McMahon about how the Administration's efforts to dismantle the Department will negatively impact services for students with disabilities and asked her to commit to protecting these students and the resources they need to thrive in the classroom. To see his remarks, click here or on the image below. 

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Congressman DeSaulnier Discusses Mental Health Care with Secretary of Labor
In 2023, about 165 million individuals in the U.S. got their health coverage through their employer. Unfortunately, some employer-sponsored health insurance plans and disability insurance plans impose unnecessary restrictions that deny coverage for individuals suffering from mental health conditions. Last week, the House Committee on Education & Workforce held a hearing on the President's budget request for the Department of Labor, where Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer testified. At the hearing, Congressman DeSaulnier discussed the importance of ensuring coverage for behavioral health care in employer-sponsored health insurance plans and through his questioning, got Secretary Chavez-DeRemer to commit to protecting mental health resources for American workers. To see his remarks, click here or on the image below. 

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Mark Highlights Efforts to Improve Aviation Safety
Congressman DeSaulnier proudly advocated for many aviation safety improvements that were signed into law as part of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization last year. At a recent House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure hearing, he spoke about how these improvements, including technology advancements to help pilots and air traffic controllers receive alerts of potential hazards, must be fully implemented so they can keep Americans safe while flying. Mark continued to highlight the importance of supporting the aviation workforce, ensuring they get the training they need to provide a safe airspace. To see his remarks, click here or on the picture below. 

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Mark Authors Bill to Protect Workers with Disabilities Caused by Mental Health Conditions
Around 40% of American workers have access to disability insurance, which provides financial assistance if a worker becomes disabled due to their job. Unfortunately, gaps in the law allow insurers to provide inadequate coverage for disability caused by mental health conditions. As the top Democrat on the Education & Workforce Committee's Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, Congressman DeSaulnier introduced the Workers' Disability Benefits Parity Act (H.R. 3758), which would require disability insurance to provide equal coverage between mental health benefits and medical/surgical health benefits. Congressman DeSaulnier was joined by Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, the top Democrat on the House Education & Workforce Committee, in this effort to break down the stigmas surrounding mental health and improve access to care. 

Congressman DeSaulnier Votes to Protect Small Business
Last week, the House of Representatives voted on three bills that would harm small businesses. As a former small business owner, Congressman DeSaulnier understands the important role small businesses play in the community, and has fought to protect them.  Republicans have sought to penalize small businesses as a way to punish states with policies they do not agree with. The Save SBA from Sanctuary Cities Act (H.R. 2996) would move Small Business Administration (SBA) offices out of "sanctuary city" jurisdictions, preventing people from accessing the business services they need simply because of local or state immigration laws. The American Entrepreneurs First Act (H.R. 2966) would require proof of citizenship to access SBA loans, despite no substantive evidence showing undocumented immigrants are receiving funds. Additionally, the CEASE Act (H.R. 2987) would place limits on the number of small business lending companies, without adequate protections for underserved or rural communities. Despite Congressman DeSaulnier's strong opposition to each, all three bills passed in the House. 

Mark Honors "Papa" Jake Larson on House Floor
To commemorate the 81st anniversary of D-Day, Congressman DeSaulnier spoke in honor of World War II veteran and D-Day survivor, "Papa" Jake Larson. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Jake enlisted to fight in Europe, where he assisted in planning the invasion of Normandy, and bravely endured six battles, including the infamous Battle of the Bulge. To see Mark's remarks, click here or on the image below. 

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IN THE COMMUNITY

Congressman DeSaulnier Launches 2025 Congressional App Challenge
The 2025 Congressional App Challenge is now underway! We invite middle and high school students attending school or living in California's 10th Congressional District to submit an original app and showcase their coding prowess. Students can enter by October 30th at 9 a.m. PT for an opportunity to have their work featured on the U.S. House of Representatives' website. To register, click here or on the image below. 

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Team DeSaulnier Tours NorCal Carpenters Union Training Facility 
Our staff visited the Nor Cal Carpenters Training Facility in Pleasanton for a tour of their state-of-the-art facility and to learn more about their wide array of training programs that provide educational and career development opportunities all the way from the apprentice to journey level and allow workers to hone their carpentry and welding skills.

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Developmental Disabilities Councils of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties 2025 Awards Ceremony
Our office was proud to join the Developmental Disabilities Councils of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties for the 2025 Joint Council Awards Event. This special celebration uplifts advocates, service providers, community members, and employers across the East Bay who have worked tirelessly to advance inclusivity and support the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) community.

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Honoring Contra Costa County's Fire Fighter of the Year 
Team DeSaulnier joined the Kiwanis Club of Concord in recognizing Theresa Watkins, Contra Costa County's Fire Fighter of the Year. We were proud to honor Theresa for her incredible service to our community.

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POST OF THE WEEK

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potw - 25.06.05.

BY THE NUMBERS

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btn - 25.06.10.

Office Locations

2134 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC  20515
Phone: (202) 225-2095
Fax: (202) 225-5609
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Antioch, CA  94531
Phone: (925) 754-0716
Fax: (925) 754-0728
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Suite 110
Walnut Creek, CA  94597
Phone: (925) 933-2660
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