The DeSaulnier Digest: Updates from a Busy Legislative Session
AT A GLANCE
In this week's Digest, you will find information on:
- Congressman DeSaulnier's efforts to exonerate the Port Chicago 50, protect local news, and combat disinformation on social media;
- Congressman DeSaulnier's speech on the House Floor about Concord resident Isabel Bueso;
- Important legislation recently passed in the House of Representatives to protect marriage equality and reproductive freedom.
IN THE NEWS
KPIX Features Families of Port Chicago 50
As we commemorated the 78th anniversary of the Port Chicago explosion, KPIX's John Ramos spoke with descendants of the Port Chicago 50 to share the stories of these brave servicemembers. Tune in as family members recount their stories of sacrifice in the fight against discrimination and Congressman DeSaulnier discusses his effort that recently passed in the House to exonerate the Port Chicago 50. Click here or on the image below to learn more.
Congressman DeSaulnier on ABC7
The prevalence of bots on social media poses a serious threat to our democracy. Congressman DeSaulnier sat down with Kristen Sze of ABC7 to talk about the Bots Research Act that he recently introduced, which would help further our understanding of the impact of bots on our elections. Tune in as they discuss the importance of supporting local news, the House passage of the Respect for Marriage Act, federal efforts on climate change, and more by clicking here or on the image below.
Congressman DeSaulnier's Efforts to Preserve Local News Highlighted in Washington Post
A shocking 70 million Americans live in news deserts, lacking access to trustworthy local news. Without access to reliable local news, many Americans, particularly in rural communities, must turn toward national news networks or social media to get information. Check out Katrina vanden Heuvel's opinion piece in the Washington Post to hear more about this important issue and a bill Congressman DeSaulnier authored to help support local newspapers by clicking here or on the image below.
CONGRESSMAN DESAULNIER SPEAKS ON HOUSE FLOOR
DeSaulnier recently had the honor of sharing Isabel Bueso's story on the House Floor. Isabel and her family moved to the United States from Guatemala in 2003 to receive treatment for her rare and life-threatening disease. When the Trump Administration cancelled her deferred action, Isabel and her family were at risk of deportation. Congressman DeSaulnier has followed Isabel's situation closely and has authored a private bill which recently passed the House to allow Isabel and her family to remain in the United States and continue receiving necessary treatment. To hear more about Isabel's story, click here or on the image below.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
DeSaulnier-Authored Amendments Pass in House
The House has begun its work to pass funding measures, and started with a bill (H.R. 8294) that makes historic investments in families to create jobs, lower the cost of living, and support small businesses. Congressman DeSaulnier authored two efforts in the bill, one that would help increase affordable housing and another to protect Contra Costa's Delta from invasive species. Congressman DeSaulnier voted in favor of this legislation, which passed by a vote of 220-to-207.
DeSaulnier Votes to Protect Access to Birth Control and Contraception
Nationwide threats to abortion rights and access to contraception require Congressional action in order to safeguard individuals' rights to a full range of reproductive health care. Last week, the House passed the Right to Contraception Act (H.R. 8373) to enshrine access to contraceptives as a right under federal law. Congressman DeSaulnier voted for this bill, which passed the House by a vote of 228-to-195.
Mark Supports Legislation to Protect Marriage Equality
As part of the Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas shared his hope that the Supreme Court will revisit other court decisions that protect the rights to marriage equality. To protect that fundamental right, the House passed the Respect for Marriage Act (H.R. 8404), which would recognize same-sex and interracial marriages at the federal level. Congressman DeSaulnier voted for this bill, which passed the House by a vote of 267-to-157.
POST OF THE WEEK
BY THE NUMBERS
