The DeSaulnier Digest: Updates from Capitol Hill
AT A GLANCE
In this Digest, you will find more information on:
- Congressman DeSaulnier's work on the Ethics Committee to ensure transparency and accountability in government;
- Mark's recent speech on the House Floor honoring the life and service of a Contra Costa physician who provided early treatment during the AIDS epidemic; and
- Legislation introduced by Congressman DeSaulnier to make higher education more accessible for students with disabilities.
ON THE HOUSE FLOOR
House Votes to Censure Representative Chuck Edwards for Ethics Violations
As the top Democrat on the House Ethics Committee, transparency and accountability in government are among Congressman DeSaulnier's highest priorities. After a thorough investigation, the Ethics Committee recently released a report finding that Representative Chuck Edwards of North Carolina created a hostile work environment for two female staffers by repeatedly lavishing them with gifts and unprofessional attention. In light of the Ethics Committee's report, Congressman DeSaulnier spoke on the House Floor in support of a resolution to censure Representative Edwards. To view his remarks, click here or on the image below. The resolution passed the House by an overwhelming bipartisan majority.
Mark Speaks in Honor of Contra Costa Physician and Advocate
Dr. Kent Sack, a Marine Corps veteran and physician, recently passed away after a life of service to the East Bay. During the AIDS epidemic, Dr. Sack was an early provider of HIV care and a strong advocate for social services for patients. Congressman DeSaulnier spoke on the House Floor to honor Dr. Sack's memory and to speak about his accomplishments. To see the Congressman's remarks, click here or on the image below.
Congressman DeSaulnier Speaks Out Against Trump's Corruption
In his second term as President, Donald Trump has wasted millions of taxpayer dollars on vanity projects like adding his name to the Kennedy Center and putting his face on money and passports. Last week, Congressman DeSaulnier spoke on the Floor of the House of Representatives to condemn the many ways that President Trump has violated his duty to spend taxpayer funds responsibly. To see his remarks, click here or on the image below.
Legislation Considered on the House Floor Last Week
Last week, House Republicans brought forth a number of harmful measures related to the environment, higher education, and President Trump's reckless agenda. More information on these bills below:
- H.R. 1501 would prioritize the mining industry over environmental and public health by removing guardrails to speed up project permitting. Despite Congressman DeSaulnier's opposition, this bill passed the House and now awaits Senate consideration.
- H.R. 9436 would further delay protections meant to reduce entanglements and deaths of a critically endangered species, the North Atlantic right whale. Despite Congressman DeSaulnier's opposition, this bill passed the House and now awaits consideration by the Senate.
- H.R. 4795 hands the Trump Administration another tool to target federal funding for colleges and universities while also undermining student and faculty free speech rights. Congressman DeSaulnier opposed the bill; however, it passed the House and now awaits consideration by the Senate.
- H.R. 6500 extends government funding and expiring programs through December 11, 2026, preventing a potential government shutdown in October. Congressman DeSaulnier voted in favor of this bill which passed the House and has since been signed into law.
- H.Res. 1490 calls for the enactment of the SAVE America Act, President Trump's voter suppression legislation which has so far failed to pass the Senate. Despite Congressman DeSaulnier's strong opposition, this resolution was adopted by the House of Representatives.
- H.J.Res. 1 would begin the process of amending the Constitution to limit the U.S. Supreme Court to 9 justices, locking in a conservative supermajority for generations. Congressman DeSaulnier opposed this bill, which failed in the House of Representatives.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Mark Introduces Bill to Make Higher Education More Accessible
The percentage of college students with disabilities has nearly doubled during the last two decades - with as many as 21% reporting a disability in 2020. While landmark legislation like the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) helps ensure students with disabilities receive proper academic support and accommodations from preschool through high school, many of these resources disappear when a student transitions to higher education. Congressman DeSaulnier introduced the Improving Access to Higher Education Act (H.R. 10203), which would address the needs of students with disabilities and help improve college access and completion. This first of its kind legislation takes a comprehensive approach to providing students and institutions with improved training, greater resources, and expanded services-bringing us one step closer to ensuring that all Americans can earn a degree, find a job, and achieve the American Dream.
Congressman DeSaulnier Authors Bill to Protect Children from Severe Allergic Reactions
Of the 33 million Americans with food allergies, more than 4 million are children, and 25% of all first-time allergic reactions happen to children while they are at school. To help make sure every child is safe, Congressman DeSaulnier introduced the Strengthening Protections for Children with Food Allergies Act (H.R. 10228) alongside Co-Chair of the Congressional Food Allergy Research Caucus Congresswoman Doris Matsui. This bill would build on existing law by requiring more robust training for school food personnel and ensuring information on food allergies is disseminated through federal nutrition programs.
POST OF THE WEEK
BY THE NUMBERS
