Lawsuit Against Trump Administration regarding the Trump Hotel and Efforts to Protect America's Elections from Interference
Dear Contra Costa Residents:
As the House of Representatives begins its legislative work this week, below is a snapshot of recent news and issues before Congress.
RECENT KEY VOTES
Resilient Federal Forests Act (H.R. 2936)
Proper forest management can help lessen the severity of forest fires. At the same time, however, we must be sure that we are doing so responsibly. This bill would ease environmental reviews, undermine California's stringent environmental protections, and even create a loophole so children age 16 or 17 could operate dangerous logging equipment. I opposed this bill because it was a thinly veiled attempt at undercutting environmental law.
Community Health and Medical Professionals Improve Our Nation (CHAMPION) Act (H.R. 3922)
Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle agree that it is essential to reauthorize vital health programs such as the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Unfortunately, this bill would pay for these programs by taking money away from seniors on Medicare and cutting programs used by working families around the country. This is simply another attempt to undermine protections in the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which is why I opposed this bill.
Protecting Seniors Access to Medicare Act (H.R. 849)
Despite demanding that the reauthorization of various essential health programs such as the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) be fully paid for, the Republican majority is seeking the repeal of the Medicare cost-saving Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) without providing a way to pay for the billions of dollars it would cost to eliminate the program. In an effort to save taxpayers billions of dollars and stand up to the hypocrisy of the majority, I opposed this measure.
MARK'S LEGISLATIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Letters Requesting that Voting Machine Vendors be Invited to Testify at Hearing on Election Cybersecurity
The integrity of our nation's elections is of the utmost importance to the continued success of our democracy. After the disturbing news that 21 states were targeted by hackers associated with Russia during the 2016 election, it is important now more than ever that we work to ensure our election systems are protected. As vendors of voting machines and software know this equipment best, it is important that they have the opportunity to speak on the current level of security, and best practices moving forward. To ensure that these critical voices are heard, I sent two letters: one to Chairman Gowdy and another with Congresswoman Val Butler Demings to Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee Chairman Gary Palmer, requesting that vendors be invited to testify during an upcoming hearing on election cybersecurity. We must ensure that the security of our election systems is unparalleled for future elections.
MARK AROUND TOWN
Mark Speaks at Press Conference on the Filing of a Lawsuit against the Trump Administration regarding the Trump Hotel
Mark joined his colleagues on the Oversight & Government Reform Committee in filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration for withholding documents, which would help the committee conduct oversight of the President's refusal to divest his financial interests in the Trump Hotel. The Trump Administration has refused all requests for basic documents about the Trump Hotel, its ongoing operations, its foreign payments, and the reversal of the Government Services Administration's legal position on the lease and producing documents to Congress. To read more details about the lawsuit, click here.
OPINIONS FROM THE DISTRICT
Hearing directly from you not only informs my work in Congress, but also is my favorite part of being your Representative. To share your opinions with me you can either email me or take our survey.
Below are some of the top issues you shared with me over the past week:
- 446 constituents expressed their opposition to the National Monument Creation and Protection Act (H.R. 3990). This bill would make it harder to create new national monuments and would allow Presidents to reduce the size of all existing monuments, like Muir Woods in California.
- 294 constituents expressed support for the Special Counsel Integrity Act (H.R. 3771), which would prevent the President from firing any Special Counsel. While I am a strong supporter and advocate for the legislation, the authors of the bill are only accepting co-sponsors on a one-for-one basis of Democrats and Republicans. Since Republicans do not support this legislation, you will not see my name reflected on the legislation, but please know that I will continue fighting in Congress to ensure the rule of law is protected.
LEGISLATION MARK RECENTLY SUPPORTED
College Student Hunger Act (H.R. 3875)
Education is a fundamental component of the American Dream, and hunger should not add burdens or barriers to our nation's college students. Studies show that about 20% of America's college students face food insecurity, a number that increases to nearly 50% in our nation's community colleges. This bill will allow our most vulnerable college students to be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to receive the additional support they need and deserve.
Equal Access to Quality Education Act (H.R. 4049)
In California, as in much of the country, schools with the most minority students and lowest academic achievement scores have teachers with the fewest years of experience. This legislation creates a partnership between high-need schools and college education programs to recruit, induct, and retain the best teachers to close the achievement gap for all students.
Juror Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 1515)
Currently, federal law does not prohibit attorneys from discriminating against people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity in jury selection. Attorneys can simply remove someone from a jury because they are gay. This is not right and has to change. This bipartisan bill would prohibit individuals from being excluded from service on a Federal jury on account of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
LETTERS MARK RECENTLY SENT
Letter to the President on California's disaster relief needs
California has experienced one of the deadliest and most destructive fire events in state history. The fires, which started on October 8, 2017, have burned more than 245,000 acres and destroyed an estimated 8,800 structures, and sadly 43 people lost their lives. I joined Governor Brown, Senators Feinstein and Harris, and several of my California colleagues in the House in writing to the President and the Office of Management and Budget outlining the state's estimates for California's disaster recovery needs in response to the October Fires.
Letter to the Administration on combat operations in Niger
Following the tragedy and attack on October 4th in western Niger that resulted in the death of four U.S. soldiers, we remain concerned that Congress has been in the dark about the operations our U.S. service members are conducting in Niger and our overall operations in Africa. I signed a bipartisan letter to the Trump Administration urging him to consult with and obtain authorization from Congress for any further combat operations in Niger.
Letter to Department of Interior Secretary Zinke opposing National Park rate increases
This week I joined more than 80 colleagues in Congress to oppose proposed increases in entry fees at some of our most popular national parks. With the proposed increases, peak season entrance to these parks would nearly double, hurting the ability of many American families to enjoy these national treasures and stifling an important economic activity for rural communities. Instead of pricing more American families out of an experience at our national parks, Congress should be protecting public lands while also expanding opportunities for all Americans to visit and experience our shared national treasures.
Letter to White House and Department of Homeland Security on temporary protected status
Individuals and families whose homelands were devastated by earthquakes, hurricanes, violence, and political unrest have immigrated to the U.S. under a program called Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The Department of Homeland Security must soon renew TPS for people from Honduras, Nicaragua, Haiti, El Salvador, and Syria. I join my colleagues in calling on White House Chief of Staff John Kelly and Acting Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke to renew this life-saving program for displaced people.
Letter to the Environmental Protection Agency on keeping scientists on the Science Advisory Board
Administrator Scott Pruitt of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that he will not allow any scientist who has received an EPA grant to serve on the EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB). This measure would keep off of the SAB the very scientific experts who are most needed. I join my colleagues in opposing this move to weaken the scientific expertise the EPA depends on to fulfill its mandate to protect the environment.
MARK'S RECENT STATEMENTS
Congressman DeSaulnier's Statement on the Start of Open Enrollment for 2018
"Despite the campaign to sabotage the ACA by President Trump and Republican Leadership, the insurance marketplaces are open and accepting new enrollees. In addition to holding dozens of votes to repeal the ACA and withholding health care funding, Republican Leadership has now made this year's open enrollment shorter than ever before and complicated access to critical information. My offices are here to help. If anyone in Contra Costa County has questions about open enrollment or their health coverage, please call my office and we will connect you with resources to help you," said Congressman DeSaulnier. To read the full release, click here.
MARK IN THE NEWS
San Francisco Chronicle: Trump's tax plan could prove costly for many Bay Area residents
"California already gives more in taxes to the federal government than it gets back," said Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Concord. "To take money out of the pockets of hardworking families, many of whom rely on their tax returns, is negligent and irresponsible." To read the full article, click here.
Matier in the Morning: At Issue: Tax Reform
Mark also joined Phil Matier with CBS SF Bay Area to discuss the impact eliminating the state and local tax deduction could have on the Bay Area. To watch Mark's interview, click the video below:
