DeSaulnier Digest

In 1787 when Benjamin Franklin was leaving the Constitutional Convention, a group of citizens asked what kind of government the Convention had created. Franklin's response was: "A republic, if you can keep it." The President's recent attempts to blackmail a foreign government into interfering in the 2020 Presidential election undermine the security and independence of our republic. In response, last week Speaker Pelosi launched an official impeachment inquiry.

Last week, Congress returned to session, and we had a lot to do. On top of debating several bills to protect the environment, we also had a hearing with Concord's own Isabel Bueso and even got a taste of home with a visit from the Oakland A's. Read more about it all below.

Sincerely,

Mark DeSaulnier
Member of Congress

AT A GLANCE

As Congress returns to Washington this week, we want to take a moment to look back on what has been another productive district work period. Meeting with constituents is one of the most enjoyable parts of serving Contra Costa County, and over the last six weeks, we have visited each corner of our district. Thank you to all who came to a town hall or office hours to share your opinion. It is a privilege to serve you.

Last week, the world was introduced to Isabel Bueso, a 24 year-old Concord resident who came to the United States from Guatemala at age 7 to participate in a clinical trial for a rare genetic disease. Isabel receives weekly treatments at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in Oakland, and her participation in groundbreaking clinical trials has given hope to Americans with rare diseases.

During the month of August, we have met with thousands of constituents. With two weeks left before Congress reconvenes in Washington, we are hard at work in the district. Tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Campolindo High School in Moraga, we will host a "Climate Change and the Environment" town hall. We hope you will join us, but if you are unable to attend you can join the conversation live on Facebook! Also, happening this week is our joint town hall with Congressman Jerry McNerney on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Antioch Community Center.

Last week brought a lot of big news! After more than a month of hammering the Trump Administration for answers, we received news that it will apparently reverse course and resume the deferred action program. By doing so, hundreds of deserving immigrants like Isabel Bueso will be allowed to stay in the United States to receive life-saving medical care. We will continue pressing the Administration for answers about who is responsible for the policy change in the first place and will seek assurances that this program is safe from future targeting.

Throughout the month of August, we have been hard at work meeting with constituents and hosting events across Contra Costa County. Last week alone, we held three town halls – in Richmond, Danville, and San Pablo — with a combined total of over 1,000 attendees. Additionally, we held a veterans resource fair to better connect Contra Costa's veterans with information about the benefits they have earned and deserve.