Mark Unveils Findings from Contra Costa Wide Education Learning
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
Sunshine for Regulations and Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act (H.R. 469)
When federal agencies either neglect to create safeguards or fail to enforce those already on the books, organizations have the right to sue the federal government to compel the agency to act. These cases are often settled out of court, saving agencies time and taxpayers money. This bill would delay these settlements by adding new burdensome procedures that allow opponents of federal government regulations to take part in negotiations. In an effort to save valuable taxpayer dollars and prevent bad actors from getting away with undermining federal law, I opposed this measure.
Stop Settlements Slush Funds Act (H.R. 732)
Often after disasters such as the BP oil spill, companies are required to pay restitution to individuals or groups who were harmed. This bill would stop the government from requiring companies to ensure that people and groups hurt by negligent actions receive assistance. This is nothing more than an attempt to shield big business from being fully accountable when they fail to take actions necessary to prevent disaster, which is why I opposed this bill.
Iran Ballistic Missiles and International Sanctions Enforcement Act (H.R. 1698)
The deal we made with Iran limits their nuclear activities, but does not address other concerning weapons of war. I was proud to support H.R. 1698 which will help curtail Iran's ballistic missile program. However, I also still stand firm in supporting the nuclear deal and encouraging the Administration to continue to back it.
MARK'S LEGISLATIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Last week, I issued the findings from our Education Listening Tour across Contra Costa County. As a newly elected Member of Congress, I set out to hear what education stakeholders in our community believed high-quality, equitable education should look like. Spending time in our schools allowed us to gauge the needs in real-time and informed our policy proposals. During the tour, our office visited 18 schools from every school district in California's 11th Congressional District and met with students, teachers, parents, and administrators to hear directly about the education challenges facing the district. I then produced a legislative plan based on the feedback we received during the tour to best ensure that our students are prepared for success in their jobs, communities, and lives. You can learn more about my legislative efforts here, and can read the full report here.
MARK AROUND TOWN
Mark Speaks About Equity for Americans with Disabilities
I was honored to speak before a screening of the documentary Bottom Dollars, which describes the unfair practice of paying Americans with disabilities less than minimum wage. The event was held in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month and featured a panel discussion with inspiring leaders from the disability rights movement.
Mark Meets with the Contra Costa Health Service in Washington, DC
I met with Dr. Bill Walker, Vicky Balladares, and Miriam W. Rosa of the Contra Costa Health Service to discuss the need for continued funding for hospitals that serve disproportionately large numbers of low-income residents in our community.
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 two weeks:
- 119 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 this legislation, the authors of the bill are only accepting co-sponsors on a one-for-one basis of Democrats and Republicans. Since, Republicans, with the exception of the bill's co-author Walter Jones (NC), have not yet been supportive of this effort you will not see my name reflected on this bill until more Republican join. Please know that I will continue fighting in Congress to ensure that Special Counsel Mueller is empowered to continue his investigation.
- 117 constituents called for the passage of legislation that would require a transition away from fossil fuel sources of energy to 100 percent clean energy by 2035. I am proud supporter of a shift to clean, renewable energy to help protect us from the most severe impacts of climate change.
- 102 constituents shared support for legislation that would prohibit the possession and breeding of big cats in privately-owned environments. I am a proud sponsor of this legislation and other efforts that support the humane and ethical treatment of all animals
LEGISLATION MARK RECENTLY SUPPORTED
IDEA Full Funding Act (H.R. 2902)
When the Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA) was signed into law in 1975, the U.S. Government agreed to pay 40% of the cost of special education services for students with disabilities. Congress has never lived up to that pledge and currently only provides about 14% of the total IDEA funding to states. I support this bill to fulfill the promise of IDEA and give full special education funding to our schools.
Eliminate Gerrymandering (H.Res. 283)
The practice of gerrymandering congressional districts to give one party an advantage in an election goes against the American ideal of each citizen's vote counting equally. I support this important resolution to eliminate gerrymandering and help reduce ideological polarization by creating districts that are not rigged to be dominated by one political party or another.
Youth Access to Sexual Health Services Act (H.R. 3559)
Access to health services are vital to ensuring the well-being of adolescents, but too often LGBTQ youth do not receive adequate information on health issues that pertain to them. I support this bill that would increase and improve the access of marginalized young people, including LGBTQ youth, to sexual and reproductive health care from their schools and community health providers.
No Unconstitutional Strike on North Korea Act (H.R. 4140)
This legislation adds an additional safeguard to the current prohibitions on waging war or unprovoked military action without Congressional approval by restricting any funds for such a strike unless there is an authorization from Congress that comports with well-established legal and constitutional standards.
Overdraft Protection Act (H.R. 3606)
This bill provides some common-sense protections for the American consumer. When financial institutions charge overdraft protection fees, they should provide appropriate disclosure, and the amount of the fees they charge should be reasonable. Financial institutions cannot be allowed to trap hard-working Americans in predatory overdraft protection programs.
Off Fossil Fuels for a Better Future Act (H.R. 3671)
I am proud to sponsor this legislation that calls for a complete transition to clean energy by 2035. The threat of climate change is real, and we need meaningful, concerted action now to protect the health and well-being of our planet and our children.
Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act (H.R. 3782)
We need to start preparing our public health system to meet the wide-ranging health challenges that climate change presents--from the impacts of diminished air quality on cardiovascular and respiratory health to the impacts of increased temperature, humidity, and environmental impacts on our food safety. This bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a federal strategic action plan and to implement a national program to ensure the public health system is prepared and can respond to challenges such as these.
Today's American Dream Act (H.R. 1084)
This legislation invests in four key areas of economic development for underserved communities--workforce investment, community revitalization, innovation, and access to care. For first time homebuyers in economically distressed communities, it provides a tax credit of up to $8,000.
Protecting Consumers from Unreasonable Credit Rates (H.R. 3760)
This bill, which establishes a maximum interest rate of 36% on consumer credit, is another common-sense step towards protecting Americans from unfair and unreasonable practices from financial institutions and credit card companies.
LETTERS MARK RECENTLY SENT
Letter to GAO on Bureau of Reclamations Use of Funds Related to WaterFix
I joined several of my California colleagues in writing to the Government Accountability Office calling for an investigation into the Bureau of Reclamation's mishandling of taxpayer funds to subsidize planning costs for the WaterFix project, as found by the Department of Interior's Office of Inspector General.
Letter to Congressional leadership supporting a five-year extension of the Community Health Centers Fund
Community health centers serve the most vulnerable individuals in our communities. They provide high-quality, affordable care that allows millions of people to get the services they need without fear of going broke. The Community Health Centers Fund is a bipartisan program that allows these hospitals to do their vital work, and I am urging leadership on both sides to work together to extend this essential program.
Letter to Department of Interior Opposing Repeal of Methane Waste Rule
The Bureau of Land Management recently announced that it intends to repeal or significantly revise its rule to prevent the waste of natural gas from oil and gas operations on federal and tribal lands. When oil and gas companies waste natural gas on federal and tribal lands, they are not only contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, they are also wasting a valuable, economic resource. I joined several of my colleagues in expressing our concerns to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke about his agency's intent to roll back this common sense rule.
Letter to House leaders to not reduce the Child Tax Credit
The Child Tax Credit is an indispensable tool to help hard-working families escape poverty. President Trump has proposed to limit families' access to this important benefit. I join my colleagues in calling on Speaker of the House Paul Ryan to fight for this important provision that affects 5 million American children.
MARK'S RECENT STATEMENTS
Congressman DeSaulnier's Statement on the Passage of the Republican Budget
"The Republican budget deal is an affront to the ideals of our nation. Despite billing themselves as deficit hawks, Republicans rallied around a bill that will add $1.5 trillion to the deficit and sets up tax legislation that puts everyday Americans last. For California, the proposal will eliminate critical state and local deductions that would result in an annual loss of over $20,000 for more than 44.7% of Contra Costa households alone. California already gives more in tax revenue than it receives, and to take money out of the pockets of hardworking families -- many of whom greatly rely on their tax returns -- is negligent and irresponsible."
MARK IN THE NEWS
Martinez-News Gazette: Martinez's U.S. Reps busy with legislation
U.S. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-Walnut Creek) and Democratic members of the House Committee on Oversight and Governmental Reform are seeking information about the Drug Enforcement Administration after reports by the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post and Sixty Minutes.
"The DEA, charged with enforcing our nation's drug laws, has not prevented the flow of opioids that posed an ‘imminent danger' to communities across the country," DeSaulnier said.