The DeSaulnier Digest: Updates on Team DeSaulnier

Congressman DeSaulnier Advances Bay Area Water Priorities in Comprehensive Legislation
Every two years, Congress passes the Water Resources Development Act, which authorizes projects undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers related to conservation, navigation, and other water-related projects. Last week, the House considered the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (S. 4367), which included many provisions authored by Congressman DeSaulnier to advance Bay Area priorities. These provisions include funding for water infrastructure projects in Contra Costa County to combat drought, a sea level rise study for the San Francisco Bay to better prepare communities around the Bay for climate change, and support for the beneficial use of dredged material from the Bay. This bill passed the House by a vote of 399-to-18.

Mark Fights Republican Effort to Limit Energy Efficiency Savings
The Department of Energy sets energy efficiency standards for home appliances, and recently finalized a rule implementing standards for energy efficient washers and dryers. The new standards would reduce almost 71 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, which equates to the annual emissions of nearly 9 million homes, and will save Americans almost $39 billion on their energy and water bills over 30 years. The House of Representatives recently voted on misguided legislation (H.R. 7673) that would prevent the Department of Energy from enforcing these standards, raising home energy costs for millions of Americans. Despite the Congressman’s strong objections, the bill passed by a vote of 215-to-200. ​​​​​​​

Congressman DeSaulnier Votes Against Extreme Defense Bill
Each year, Congress considers the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to set funding levels and policies for the Department of Defense. The House of Representatives recently considered the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2025 (H.R. 5009), which authorizes $883.67 billion for the Department of Defense and national security programs. Despite failing 7 consecutive audits and having a history of staggering bureaucratic waste, this year’s NDAA gives the Pentagon $8.44 billion more in funding with little or no accountability. Additionally, House Republican leadership included a provision in this year’s bill that prohibits gender affirming care for military dependents who are dealing with gender dysphoria. This is yet another example of House Republicans’ cruel effort to cut off necessary health care and target critical protections for transgender Americans. Despite Congressman DeSaulnier’s opposition, the bill passed the House by a vote of 281-to-140.​​​​​​​

Team DeSaulnier Celebrates Grand Opening of South County Family Justice Center
Our office joined the office of Supervisor Candace Andersen in celebrating the grand opening of the South County Family Justice Center in Danville. Now with four locations in Contra Costa County, Family Justice Center serves individuals and families affected by interpersonal violence including domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse. The new South County location will allow the organization to serve more clients along the I-680 corridor.