The DeSaulnier Digest: My Vote to End the Illegal War in Iran
Last week on Capitol Hill, I joined my fellow Democrats in voting for a War Powers Resolution, which would put a stop to Trump's illegal war in Iran. The President has offered no coherent strategy, goals, or endgame for this war, which has already claimed the lives of seven American servicemembers. I have heard consistent and resounding opposition to this war from members of our community and it is clear Americans do not want another regime-change war in the Middle East. My vote was a reflection of the will of the American people to end this war and ensure our servicemembers return home safely to their families. To read my full statement following the vote, click here.
Although this resolution failed to pass the House, I was proud to support the effort to hold President Trump accountable. I continue to be disappointed by Republican leadership, and I will continue to demand that they stand up to this corrupt President and obey their oaths to protect and defend the Constitution.
Sincerely,
Mark DeSaulnier
Member of Congress
IN THE COMMUNITY
Congressman to Host Town Hall on Advancing Women's Equality
In honor of Women's History Month, Mark is hosting a town hall in Orinda on Thursday, March 12th focused on supporting and uplifting women, including through his work in Congress. He will be joined by special guests from First Five Contra Costa and the League of Women Voters Diablo Valley. To join in person, RSVP by clicking here or on the image below.
ON THE HOUSE FLOOR
Congressman DeSaulnier Votes Against Funding for ICE
Under the direction of outgoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, federal immigration enforcement agents have terrorized our communities, unleashed deadly violence, neglected and abused people in immigration detention, and detained U.S. citizens and other individuals without cause. For weeks, Congressman DeSaulnier and Democrats in Congress have been pushing for meaningful reforms to rein in DHS in any bill to fund the department. Last week, however, the House of Representatives considered a bill (H.R. 7744) that would fund DHS, which includes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), with no additional guardrails. Despite Congressman DeSaulnier's strong opposition, the bill passed the House and now awaits further action in the U.S. Senate.
Mark Recognizes Life and Service of Steven Roberti
Congressman DeSaulnier took to the House Floor to honor the life of Contra Costa labor leader Steven Roberti. A skilled electrician by trade, Steven was a proud lifelong union member and a staunch advocate for workers in Contra Costa, serving on local boards and later appointed by Regional Manager for the Western United States by the Department of Labor. To see Mark's remarks honoring Steven's service and advocacy for American workers, click here or on the image below.
IN COMMITTEE
Mark Pushes Multiple Efforts to Hold HHS Secretary Kennedy Accountable
In his role as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has taken numerous actions that undermine the Department's important work on public health, child care, and other matters. As a senior member of the House Education & Workforce Committee, Congressman DeSaulnier recently led two efforts to hold Secretary Kennedy to account.
The Education & Workforce Committee has jurisdiction over HHS child care programs, yet has neglected to hold a customary annual budget oversight hearing with the HHS Secretary since RFK Jr. took office more than a year ago. At a recent committee meeting, Congressman DeSaulnier offered an amendment that would require Secretary Kennedy to testify before the Committee on his actions that are harming access to child care. Unfortunately, Committee Republicans unanimously opposed this amendment and it failed to advance. Congressman DeSaulnier also recently joined all other Democrats on the Education & Workforce Committee in writing a letter to Committee Chairman Walberg asking him to schedule the annual budget oversight hearing shortly after the President's budget is released. Click here to read the letter and click here or on the image below to see the Congressman's remarks about his amendment.
Mark Discusses Challenges in the U.S. Workforce
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has quickly become a major presence in workplaces across the country, with companies citing it as a factor in their decisions to lay off thousands of workers. Last week, the House Education & Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development held a hearing on AI and federal workforce development programs. At the hearing, Congressman DeSaulnier discussed tech companies and employment in the San Francisco Bay Area as well as the impact of AI on workers. To see his remarks, click here or on the image below.
Congressman Opposes Harmful Student Loan Changes
The U.S. Department of Education recently proposed new regulations that would implement certain changes to federal student loan programs from Republicans' Big Ugly Bill. If adopted, this rule would impose new annual and aggregate borrowing limits on students based on their degree program and replace existing student loan repayment plans with less flexible options. Last week, Congressman DeSaulnier, alongside over 85 Democrats in the House of Representatives, sent a letter to the Department opposing this rule. The letter argues that the proposed graduate loan limits and elimination of affordable repayment options will further restrict higher education access, particularly for low- and middle-income borrowers. Click here to read the letter.
COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING
Danville Townwide Fiber Project
Congressman DeSaulnier delivered $850,000 of federal funding to the Town of Danville to install fiber optic cables and new conduit and junction boxes for 54 traffic signals in Danville, enabling real-time traffic signal optimization to reduce congestion and improve safety.
County Connection Solar Integrated Battery Storage System Project
Congressman DeSaulnier brought back $2 million in Community Project Funding for County Connection to construct a battery system to allow for zero emission bus charging overnight and ensure operations are maintained in the event of an emergency.
POST OF THE WEEK
BY THE NUMBERS
