The DeSaulnier Digest: Updates from the Capitol

AT A GLANCE

IN COMMITTEE

Mark Requests Information about Administration’s Efforts to Undermine Worker Protections
Every worker should have the right to form or join a union and collectively bargain over their working conditions without being afraid that their employer will retaliate against them. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is the federal agency responsible for protecting that right for private sector workers; however, recently the Administration has been considering closing NLRB field offices and terminating hundreds of workers at the agency. As the top Democrat on the Subcommittee overseeing the NLRB, Congressman DeSaulnier, alongside Representatives Robert C. “Bobby” Scott and Greg Casar, sent a letter to the Chairman of the NLRB requesting information about the Administration’s plans, as well as how much information they are sharing with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Mark Speaks Against Republican Efforts to Limit California’s Right to Reduce Air Pollution
The federal Clean Air Act explicitly gives California the right to implement more stringent emissions standards through a waiver, and under the Biden Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved three of those waivers to reduce emissions from passenger vehicles and medium- and heavy-duty trucks. These actions by California would provide over $12 billion in health benefits to communities due to reductions in air pollution, and consumers could also see $17 billion in vehicle ownership savings by 2040. Despite the obvious benefits, and nonpartisan input that these waivers are not able to be overturned by Congressional action, Republicans pushed through legislation (H.J.Res. 87, H.J.Res. 88, and H.J.Res. 89) to try to overturn these three waivers. Despite Congressman DeSaulnier's strong opposition, they each passed the House and are now under consideration in the Senate. To see his remarks, click here.

DeSaulnier Advocates for the Delta 
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, which flows into the San Francisco Bay, supplies fresh water to two-thirds of California’s population. There has been a long history of balancing the use of this water to supply farmland, long-term water storage, and to maintain healthy river flows for the environment. Last week, the House voted on a resolution (H.J.Res. 78) that would remove the listing of the Longfin Smelt as an endangered species, which is a native fish species in the San Francisco Bay and Delta. This fish is an important indicator species for the health of this vital water body, and its decline serves as an alert to habitat degradation from poor water quality or diversion of too much water. This species’ survival is part of a larger conversation about water rights in the Delta and how much water is diverted to other sources, but this resolution casts aside the work of scientists and ignores relevant data. Despite Congressman DeSaulnier’s strong opposition, H.J.Res. 78 passed the House and is now under consideration in the Senate. To see his remarks, click here.

Congressman DeSaulnier Supports Medicare for All Act 
In 2024, approximately 27 million Americans didn’t have health insurance. While we have programs like Medicare and Medicaid that provide health insurance to elderly Americans, as well as low-income and disabled people, it is unconscionable that the U.S. is the only developed country in the world that does not provide universal health care to its citizens. Uninsured Americans are nearly five times more likely to delay or not access care, leading to worse health outcomes. In order to provide all Americans with all medically necessary care, Congressman DeSaulnier sponsored the Medicare for All Act (H.R. 3069), which was recently reintroduced. Congressman DeSaulnier will continue working to pass this bill and improve health outcomes for all Americans.​​​​​​​

Mt. Diablo Unified School District Recognizes Student Career Pathways
Students from all five high schools in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District highlighted their work through the Career Pathways program at a community event last week. Our team enjoyed connecting with the students to hear about the creativity and innovative problem solving skills they developed through the program. 

Team DeSaulnier Celebrates Opening of New Senior Space in Oakley
We joined the City of Oakley at the ribbon cutting for Studio 55, a new social space at the Oakley Recreation Center for adults ages 55+, where community members can participate in activities including pickleball, self-defense classes, book club, dancing, and more.