The DeSaulnier Digest: Protecting Social Security Against Trump and Musk
I have heard from many of you about your worry and outrage about the Trump Administration's attacks on Social Security. Already, the Administration has slashed the Social Security Administration budget leading to office closures and firings. On top of that, led by DOGE, Trump and his team are attempting to cut another 10% of the workforce, which would almost certainly lead to delays in service for millions of Americans. In delivering earned benefits to 73 million Americans every year, Social Security plays a critical role in the lives of many Americans, and I am deeply concerned by reports from my constituents of excessive wait times and difficulty getting assistance.
I want to remind you that our office can assist with issues involving federal agencies. If you run into issues contacting Social Security or have interruption in usual retirement or disability benefits, you can reach out to my Walnut Creek District Office for assistance at (925) 933-2660. I join my Democratic colleagues in continuing to oppose the Administration's attacks on Social Security and other important services Americans rely on.
Sincerely,
Mark DeSaulnier
Member of Congress
VIRTUAL TOWN HALL
Congressman DeSaulnier Holds Fourth Town Hall of 2025
Mark held a virtual town hall from his Washington, D.C. office to provide an update on how House Democrats are working to hold the Trump Administration accountable and to address questions from constituents. This marked the Congressman's fourth town hall of the year, and if you missed it, you can view a recording by clicking here or on the image below.
IN THE NEWS
Mark Connects with Hometown Paper about Importance of Ethics in Public Office
After being asked by Leader Hakeem Jeffries to serve as the top Democrat on the House Ethics Committee, Congressman DeSaulnier sat down with Tal Kopan from the Boston Globe to discuss how his personal experiences have shaped his belief in the importance of upholding virtue in public office. To read the full article, click here or on the image below.
ON THE FLOOR
Congressman DeSaulnier Opposes Bill Harming Higher Education and U.S. Competitiveness
In recent weeks, the Administration has been engaging in unprecedented attacks on our nation's colleges and universities. From illegally cutting off federal funding to schools to attempting to deport students and faculty members who express views he disagrees with, the President is working to bend the American education system to his will and making a mockery of the First Amendment. In this environment, last week the House considered the DETERRENT Act (H.R. 1048), a bill that imposes new administrative burdens on colleges and universities. H.R. 1048 also threatens the security of faculty and staff by requiring that their personal information be available in a public database. It could also discourage international students from coming to the U.S. to conduct important medical and scientific research. Despite Congressman DeSaulnier's opposition, H.R. 1048 passed the House by a vote of 241-to-169.
Mark Opposes Partisan Efforts to Tear Down Energy Efficiency Standards
Under the Biden Administration, the Department of Energy (DOE) improved energy efficiency standards and created 30-year cost-savings of over $10 billion for families and businesses. Now, Republicans have decided to push legislation that overturns this progress. H.J.Res. 24 would overturn the DOE's rule that sets conservation standards for walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers; and H.J.Res. 75 would overturn the rule that provides energy conservation standards for commercial refrigerators and freezers. Despite the Congressman's strong opposition to these two bills, H.J.Res. 24 passed by a vote of 203-to-182 and H.J.Res. 75 passed by a vote of 214-to-193.
COMMITTEE UPDATE
Congressman DeSaulnier Denounces Dismissal of NLRB Member
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is an independent agency that was created to protect individuals' rights to form a union and bargain for better working conditions. In February, the President dismissed NLRB Member Gwynne Wilcox, whose term expires in 2028, from her position on the Board. As the top Democrat on the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, Congressman DeSaulnier sent an oversight letter to NLRB Chairman Marvin Kaplan denouncing his decision to cave to the Administration by following through with the President's order and demanding answers about the body's decision-making process that led to Wilcox's dismissal. Congressman DeSaulnier was joined on the letter by Education & the Workforce Committee Ranking Member Robert C. "Bobby" Scott and Vice Ranking Member Greg Casar.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Congressman DeSaulnier Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Danville Veterans Memorial Building
Joining community leaders including Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen and the entire Danville Town Council, Mark celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Veterans Memorial Building in Danville. The building has served as a crucial hub for San Ramon Valley veterans to gather since 1925 and continues to be a site for community events. Congressman DeSaulnier was proud to secure Community Project Funding for Contra Costa to improve energy efficiency and perform safety upgrades here, so the Veterans Memorial Building can continue to serve the community for years to come.
Team DeSaulnier Recognizes New PFAS Treatment Facility Opening in South County
Our team visited the new Chain of Lakes PFAS Treatment Facility in Pleasanton which will serve the greater Tri-Valley community by treating water to remove PFAS, so-called "forever chemicals," to ensure that the drinking supply is safe and clean. The treatment facility, which opened last week, is the largest of its kind in Northern California.
POST OF THE WEEK
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