The DeSaulnier Digest: My Response to the Attacks on California
I’ll be candid – it has been a very dark week in our country. From the cruel and chaotic ICE raids in cities across our state to the Trump Administration’s militarization of our streets and violence against a U.S. Senator for simply doing his job, I know many of you are concerned about the safety of members of our community and the future of our nation and democracy. I share your concerns and want to take a moment to provide my perspective on these recent events and updates on my efforts to address them.
As you may know, last week, as ICE continued to terrorize Los Angeles, they conducted a raid in Contra Costa County, targeting individuals who were in the process of going through the proper judicial and legal immigration systems – exactly what proponents of immigration enforcement purport to advocate for. As our community comes under attack, I encourage you to familiarize yourself with your rights.
Following these events, you likely saw that California’s senior senator, Alex Padilla, was forcibly removed from the Department of Homeland Security’s public press conference simply for doing his job and attempting to ask a question. This thuggish behavior by the Administration is what fascism looks like and is a dangerous escalation in its authoritarianism. In the words of Senator Padilla, “If this is how this administration responds to a Senator with a question, you can only imagine what they’re doing to farmworkers, to cooks, and to day laborers throughout California and across the country.”
The targeting of California has been cruel, unnecessary, dismissive of due process, and, in my opinion, is yet another attempt by the Trump Administration to punish our state over policy disagreements in its vendetta against our tolerant, inclusive, forward-looking vision. We will not be deterred by the Administration’s attempts to provoke chaos, sow division, and violate our Constitutional rights.
To this end, I sent a letter last week to the Acting Director of ICE urgently requesting information about its raid in Contra Costa County, including its scope, the status of those who were arrested, and assurances that ICE is adhering to the law. I also requested a meeting with the Director so I can discuss these matters with him in person. I will keep you updated on these efforts.
You have my word that I will continue to stand up for our community against Trump’s authoritarianism and attempts to intimidate us into submission. I hope you will continue to take care of each other and, as always, do not hesitate to reach out to my office if we can be of assistance.
Sincerely,
Mark DeSaulnier
Member of Congress
IN COMMITTEE
Congressman DeSaulnier Denounces Administration's Attacks on Working People
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is the federal agency responsible for protecting the right of private sector workers to form or join a union and collectively bargain over their working conditions. Unfortunately, in recent months, the independence and effectiveness of the NLRB has been threatened by this Administration, which has unlawfully terminated a member of the Board and threatened to cut staff and close field offices within the agency. While these attacks are ongoing, the House Education & Workforce Committee's Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions held a hearing on the NLRB. As the top Democrat on that Subcommittee, Congressman DeSaulnier discussed the importance of the independence of the NLRB, as well as the Trump Administration’s heavy-handed assault on working people and immigrant communities. To see his remarks, click here or on the image below.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Mark Votes Against Republican Overreach in Washington, D.C.
Last week, the House of Representatives voted on three bills that would override the will of voters and elected officials in the District of Columbia and further Republicans’ unacceptable targeting of immigrant communities. H.R. 2056 would require local law enforcement in DC to collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a time when the Trump Administration is dramatically escalating harmful immigration enforcement actions. H.R. 2096 would make it more difficult for D.C. police to hold officers accountable when they violate their oath of office. Finally, H.R. 884 would repeal a rule that allowed noncitizens to vote in local D.C. elections such as mayor or councilmember. Despite Congressman DeSaulnier's strong opposition to each, all three bills passed in the House.
DeSaulnier Opposes Bill to Revoke Previously Approved Federal Funds
Last week, House Republicans advanced legislation (H.R. 4) that would cancel $9.4 billion in federal spending that was already passed into law. $8.3 billion in cuts would come from important foreign aid programs like the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). A further $1.1 billion in cuts would come from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, eliminating funding for National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), as well as funding that supports local public media stations and the national emergency alert system. Congressman DeSaulnier opposed this misguided legislation as it would harm our diplomatic efforts and undermine the public's access to local news, but it passed the House over his opposition and now awaits consideration by the U.S. Senate.
IN THE NEWS
DeSaulnier Speaks with KTVU on ICE Activity in Concord
Mark joined KTVU to discuss ICE's unjust actions in Contra Costa County last week and how he is responding to protect our immigrant communities. To learn more, click here or on the image below.
Mark Backs California's Resonse to Trump's Cruel Attacks on Our State
DeSaulnier voiced his support for Attorney General Bonta and the State of California's actions to sue the Administration over their provocative and immoral decision to send the National Guard and the Marines into Los Angeles. Click here or on the image below to hear more about how the Congressman and the State of California are responding to Trump's illegal actions.
Mark Discusses Trump's Attempts to Militarize California on KTVU
Congressman DeSaulnier sat down with KTVU to talk about Trump's continued authoritarian overreach in deploying the National Guard and the Marines to Los Angeles and his concerns regarding ICE activity throughout the State of California. Click here or on the image below to learn more.
Congressman DeSaulnier Discusses ICE Raids in California with KQED
DeSaulnier spoke with KQED on how Trump is attempting to fuel animosity in California and how ICE is blantantly ignoring individuals' right to due process with their recent raids throughout the state. To tune in, click here or on the image below.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Team DeSaulnier Joins Juneteenth Celebration
Our office joined the City of Oakley in celebrating Juneteenth with live music, dance performances, and craft vendors. We were proud to commemorate the holiday, celebrate African American culture and history, and honor the invaluable contributions of Black Americans.
POST OF THE WEEK
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