DeSaulnier Digest
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.
For the last two weeks, I have been home in Contra Costa visiting different corners of the district for our April district work period. We hosted two town halls with over 650 people in attendance, sat down with constituents, met with numerous organizations, celebrated the artistic talents of our students, and heard from leaders in our communities.
As I return to vote in Washington, D.C. this week, please find a snapshot of the work period.
Last week in Washington, D.C., we questioned three cabinet secretaries, and voted on a key Democratic priority to allow for an open internet that benefits consumers. This week, we are back in California and hope to see you at one of our upcoming events.
Sincerely,
Mark DeSaulnier
Member of Congress
AT A GLANCE
Join us in 2 weeks as we continue our "Conversation on Race" town hall series. Nearly two-thirds of Americans believe racism is still a major problem in American society and politics. Since 2016, significantly fewer Americans are satisfied with the way immigrants, African Americans, Latinos, and Asians are treated. Let's have an open and honest discussion about race in America and in our backyard.
Tomorrow I will introduce a House Resolution to recognize the importance of local news with Members from around the country who are part of a working group I formed on the topic. While our Bay Area communities once boasted nearly 1,500 journalists providing local coverage, now less than 300 serve an area of roughly 7 million people. This trend is not unique to the Bay Area.
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In D.C. last week, we commemorated Sunshine Week, where we shined light on the need for oversight, transparency, and accountability within the Administration. As we head into a week where I am at home in the community, we have provided you with some highlights of our work in D.C. last week.
With Democrats in the Majority, we are working to advance our top priorities. Last week, we considered a democracy reform bill that targets corruption and dark money in campaigns, held hearings on raising the minimum wage and the opioid crisis, and introduced bills to modernize our nation's infrastructure. We waited 8 long years to regain control, and we aren't going to waste any time.
Last week was one for the record books.
Wednesday was a historic day in the U.S. House of Representatives when Michael Cohen, the President's former personal attorney, testified before the House Oversight and Reform Committee in a public hearing about the President's alleged criminal activity. Sitting in the room, as a member of the Oversight Committee, I couldn't help but draw comparisons to other historic Congressional hearings, like the Watergate investigation when White House Counsel John Dean told the world about President Nixon's crimes.