The DeSaulnier Digest: Wishing you a Happy Fourth of July!
Last week was full of committee hearings and votes in D.C. as members prepared to head back to the districts they represent for the July 4th holiday. In committee, I supported a comprehensive bill to meet water needs both in our community and across the country, and on the House Floor, I joined my Democratic colleagues in opposing the extreme, right-wing provisions included in government funding bills. Now back in the East Bay, I look forward to connecting with you in our community this week. I hope you have a safe, happy, and meaningful Fourth of July!
Sincerely,
Mark DeSaulnier
Member of Congress
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Congressman DeSaulnier Secures Wins for Bay Area in Major Water Infrastructure Legislation
Every few years, Congress passes legislation referred to as the Water Resources Development Act to authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct and support water conservation and resource development activities across the country. This past week, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure considered the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (H.R. 8812), which included several priorities authored by Mark that would benefit California’s 10th District and the wider Bay Area. These important priorities include water recycling and wastewater projects for local water agencies, a San Francisco Bay sea level rise study, and provisions supporting beneficial use of dredged materials from the Bay. The bill passed out of committee with strong bipartisan support and is expected to be considered by the full House of Representatives soon.
Mark Highlights the Important Work of the Employee Benefits Security Administration
The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) oversees retirement, health care, and other employee benefit plans for over 153 million Americans. Despite its vital mission and its ever-growing responsibilities, EBSA has consistently been underfunded. At a recent Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee hearing, Mark discussed the need to ensure EBSA can continue its critical work on behalf of workers, retirees, and their families. To watch, click here or on the video below.
Congressman DeSaulnier Opposes Irresponsible Government Funding Bills
Recently, the House of Representatives considered three government funding bills that would provide funding for key federal departments and agencies for the coming fiscal year. Unfortunately, House Republicans included extreme, partisan measures in each bill that would reduce the effectiveness of our military, target disadvantaged populations, and renege on our international obligations. These bills would harm the American people by cutting programs they rely on and make our country less safe.
- The Department of Defense Appropriations Act (H.R. 8774) contains harmful provisions that would make it harder for members of the military to obtain reproductive health care.
- The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act (H.R. 8752) contains hundreds of millions of dollars for an ineffective border wall while gutting funding for refugee and asylum operations.
- Finally, the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act (H.R. 8771) would slash funding for international humanitarian assistance and critical UN programs.
Despite Congressman DeSaulnier’s opposition, all three bills passed the House and now await consideration by the U.S. Senate.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Mark Meets with Congressional Art Competition Winner
Congressman DeSaulnier welcomed this year's Congressional Art Competition Winner from California's 10th District, Nidhi Parachuri along with her family to his D.C. office. Hailing from San Ramon, Nidhi was recognized at the Competition's national award ceremony, and her piece "Simply Chaos" will hang for the next year inside the Capitol Building.
DeSaulnier Convenes with Cancer Survivor Advocates
As a cancer survivor, Mark knows firsthand the challenges of navigating a cancer diagnosis and treatment. When he met with other cancer survivors and their loved ones from the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship at the Capitol, they discussed bills that Congressman DeSaulnier has sponsored to improve cancer care for patients.
Bridge Builders to the New Generation Celebrates 1st Founder's Dinner
This weekend our office recognized Bridge Builders to the New Generation, a nonprofit supporting students in Antioch by promoting social emotional learning, providing academic support and scholarships, and creating safe spaces for students to learn and grow. In addition to honoring the organization, we were pleased to celebrate the students who were awarded college scholarships.
POST OF THE WEEK
BY THE NUMBERS
