Protecting our Democracy Town Hall Tonight
Yesterday, I joined the community in honoring the women and men who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation at Memorial Day ceremonies throughout Contra Costa County. As the week continues, I hope you will join us at other events across the district, including tonight for our "Protecting our Democracy and the Mueller Report" town hall at the Shadelands Art Center in Walnut Creek. To RSVP, click the graphic below.
Sincerely,
Mark DeSaulnier
Member of Congress
AT A GLANCE
In this week's Digest, you will find information on:
- Mark's amendment to hold the student loan industry accountable;
- Demanding answers in committee; and
- Photos from Memorial Day in Contra Costa.
LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
Congressman DeSaulnier Passes Effort to Hold Student Loan Industry Accountable
Student loan servicing companies are responsible for guiding millions of Americans through the repayment process, yet they face minimal accountability for their performance. Last week, Mark passed an effort to shed light on the performance of private student loan servicing companies by requiring the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to collect and publish data from these companies including customer service interactions and successful enrollment in repayment plans. The amendment was included in the Consumers First Act (H.R. 1500), a bill to reverse the Trump Administration's persistent attacks on the CFPB. Mark voted for H.R. 1500, which passed by a vote of 231-to-191.
To watch Congressman DeSaulnier's comments on his amendment, click the photo below.
Mark Supported Passage of the SECURE Act
Too many Americans struggle to save and plan for retirement. Last week, the House voted on the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act (H.R. 1994), a bill that would make it easier for small businesses to offer retirement plans. I was proud to support this bipartisan proposal, which passed by a vote of 417-to-3.
IN COMMITTEE
Congressman DeSaulnier Demands Answers on Election Security for Social Media
At an Oversight and Reform Committee hearing last week on social media and election security, Mark asked what tech companies are doing to identify, anticipate, and address human factors that contribute to the spread of misinformation in our elections. If allowed to continue, the weaponization of social media will go down in history as a major contributor to the public's lack of trust in American democracy.
To watch Congressman DeSaulnier's comments, click the photo below.
Mark Questions Experts on Safety and Reliability of Facial Recognition Software
Innovation and regulation are not mutually exclusive. As technology becomes more and more ingrained in our lives, we need to take a hard look at its impacts. At a hearing on facial recognition software and its questionable track record and inherent biases, Mark asked how we can raise questions and provide regulatory enforcement as big tech continues to evolve.
To watch Congressman DeSaulnier's comments, click the photo below.
BY THE NUMBERS
IN THE COMMUNITY
Mark visited communities throughout Contra Costa on Memorial Day as we paid tribute to the women and men who have given their lives in defense of our nation.
