The DeSaulnier Digest: Upcoming Town Hall and House Democrats' Efforts to Build Back Better
AT A GLANCE
In this week's Digest, you will find information on:
- An upcoming Facebook Live Town Hall;
- Congressman DeSaulnier's work to exonerate the Port Chicago 50; and
- House Democrats' continued efforts to advance historic investments in traditional and human infrastructure to support working families and Build Back Better.
ICYMI: NEW ENERGY ECONOMY AND CONTRA COSTA TOWN HALL
Last week, Congressman DeSaulnier hosted a town hall to discuss the unique role the Bay Area has to play in the fight against climate change and the transition to clean energy as well as his efforts in Congress to support the workforce so that no one gets left behind as we move to a clean energy future. To learn more about these initiatives, click here or on the image below.
UPCOMING FACEBOOK TOWN HALL
On Thursday, September 30th, Congressman DeSaulnier will be live on Facebook to provide an update on the latest in Congress, including House Democrats' continued efforts to make historic investments in our nation's physical and human infrastructure that would help reduce child poverty, support working families, expand health care coverage, and address the climate crisis. Submit a question at markis.listening@mail.house.gov for a chance to have it addressed live on Thursday. We will announce the timing for the event soon on our social media!
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representatives DeSaulnier and Lee Pass Effort to Exonerate Port Chicago 50
Congressman DeSaulnier successfully included an amendment in the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that directs the Secretary of the Navy to posthumously exonerate the Port Chicago 50, a group of African American sailors unjustly convicted of mutiny following a devastating explosion at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine. Seventy-seven years after this disaster, the effort would bring overdue justice to these sailors and restore the honor they so deserve to their service records. This amendment was passed and was included in the larger NDAA package that passed the House.
DeSaulnier Supports Historic Bill to Secure Reproductive Freedom Across the U.S.
Since 2011, anti-abortion lawmakers have pushed nearly 500 restrictive laws through state legislatures that make abortion difficult and, sometimes, impossible to access. To respond to these increasingly extreme restrictions, including SB 8 in Texas, Congressman DeSaulnier voted in support of the Women's Health Protection Act (H.R. 3755), which would protect the right to access abortion and a health care provider's ability to provide comprehensive reproductive health services throughout the U.S. The bill passed the U.S. House with the Congressman's support by a vote of 218-to-211.
Vote to Fund Government and Pay Our Bills
Every year, the House must pass funding bills to keep the lights on at federal agencies and fund much-needed programs. With funding set to expire on September 30th, the House voted on a short-term funding bill to keep the doors open while the rest of the budget is finalized. Additionally, the bill included an effort to increase the debt ceiling. Unfortunately, Republicans are refusing to help raise the debt limit despite having run up trillions in new debt to pay for Trump's tax cuts and spending under his Administration. Without an agreement, the U.S. is expected to run out of ways to pay its bills in October causing economic disaster and impacting Social Security, tax cuts, and military salaries. Congressman DeSaulnier voted in support of this bill, known as the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (H.R. 5305), which passed the House by a vote of 220-to-211.
IN THE NEWS
Congressman DeSaulnier on the Chip Franklin Show
Ahead of last week's town hall, Congressman DeSaulnier spoke with KGO Radio's Chip Franklin about how Contra Costa can lead the way in the transition to cleaner forms of energy without leaving any workers behind as well as his work in Congress to support these initiatives. Tune in by clicking here or on the image below.
Congressman DeSaulnier on the Need for Bold Infrastructure Investments
Click here or on the image below to read more about why we cannot wait any longer to support the middle class by making bold investments in human infrastructure in addition to traditional infrastructure.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Last week, we celebrated the 100th birthday of a remarkable public servant, pioneer, & friend – Betty Reid Soskin. As the nation's oldest active Ranger, Betty continues to share her story of race, family, & community and truly embodies all that is best of Contra Costa County and America. In recognition of her life's work, the Betty Reid Soskin Middle School was officially unveiled in her honor.
POST OF THE WEEK
BY THE NUMBERS
