The DeSaulnier Digest: White House Announces Conference on Nutrition and Invitation to Share Your Story
As the effects of the pandemic led to a doubling of American households with children facing food insecurity, I have been working alongside some of my Democratic colleagues to address these inequities. Last summer, I welcomed Chairman of the House Committee on Rules, Co-Chair of the House Hunger Caucus, and longtime food equity advocate Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) to Contra Costa County to showcase Bay Area efforts to end hunger, which can serve as a national model.
I am pleased President Biden has made ending hunger and addressing diet-related diseases a top priority of his administration and will be holding a White House Conference on Nutrition for the first time in over 50 years. In preparation for the Conference, the White House is holding regional listening sessions where Americans across the country can share their ideas and experiences regarding hunger, heart disease, and more. If you are interested in participating or sharing your experience, please visit https://health.gov/our-work/nutrition-physical-activity/white-house-conference-hunger-nutrition-and-health/share-your-ideas for more information. We would love to hear from you as we work to promote food equity, sustainability, and health for all Americans!
Sincerely,
Mark DeSaulnier
Member of Congress
IN THE NEWS
Congressman DeSaulnier Introduces Mental Health Matters Act
Ensuring that individuals and families have the mental health care they need to thrive is a deeply personal issue for Congressman DeSaulnier. That's why Mark authored the Mental Health Matters Act (H.R. 7780) with House Committee on Education and Labor Chairman, Bobby Scott. This bill would ensure Americans have access to the mental health care they need and expand our nation's school-based behavioral health workforce in an effort to bolster this care for students, educators, workers, and families. Read more from the Washington Post about this important legislation by clicking here or on the image below.
IN COMMITTEE
Congressman DeSaulnier Testifies before House Committee on Education and Labor on the Mental Health Matters Act
Tune in to hear his full testimony by clicking here or on the image below.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Congressman DeSaulnier Supports Efforts to Ease Baby Formula Shortage
Supply chain issues, a baby formula recall, and a temporary manufacturing plant closure have caused a nationwide baby formula shortage affecting millions of families. To give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the resources it needs to help ensure a quick return of baby formula to store shelves, last week Congressman DeSaulnier supported House passage of the Infant Formula Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 7790). This legislation, which passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 231-to-192, would provide additional FDA food safety inspection staff, improve safety data collection, and help stop fraudulent baby formula products from entering the market. Congressman DeSaulnier has also sent letters to President Biden urging his Administration to take action to boost baby formula production and secure the supply chain. Protecting the health and safety of our nation's children requires a whole-of-government approach, and Congressman DeSaulnier remains committed to doing his part.
House Passes Bill to Combat Gas Price Gouging with DeSaulnier's Support
While consumers are paying higher gas prices at the pump, oil companies are raking in record profits. Last week, the House of Representatives passed the Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act (H.R. 7688), which would give the President authority to prevent excessive or exploitative increases in gas and energy prices during energy shortage emergencies. Congressman DeSaulnier voted in support of this bill, which passed the House by a vote of 217-to-207.
DeSaulnier Votes to Update Investments in Workforce Training
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) makes up the heart of the country's workforce development system, and has been in need of updates. While the U.S. labor force has grown by roughly half over the past four decades, federal workforce development spending has fallen by two thirds. That is why Congressman DeSaulnier was proud to vote in support of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (H.R. 7309), which would allow the workforce development system to train one million American workers per year by 2028. The bill passed by a vote of 220-to-196.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Congressman DeSaulnier Announces Winner of 2022 Congressional Art Competition
Congressman DeSaulnier is pleased to announce that Menglin Cai of Monte Vista High School in Danville has received first place honors in the 2022 Congressional Art Competition for her watercolor painting entitled, "Growing Up." Her work will be in the United States Capitol for display. We hosted a virtual reception last week to celebrate all of this year's participants and to announce our first, second, and third place winners. Second place was awarded to Joseph Pak from the College Preparatory School for his charcoal work, "Uprising" and third place went to Amelia Porter of Concord High School for her quilted fabric collage entitled, "I'm Not Okay."
"Growing Up" by Menglin Cai
"Uprising" by Joseph Pak
"I'm Not Okay" by Amelia Porter
POST OF THE WEEK
BY THE NUMBERS
