DeSaulnier Digest
Amidst all of the meetings, votes, and hearings last week, we took a historic vote in the House to protect Dreamers and introduced a bill to help save local news. Read more about all of our work below.
Sincerely,
Mark DeSaulnier
Member of Congress
AT A GLANCE
In this week's Digest, you will find information on:
Everyone in our office takes great pride in serving the people of Contra Costa County. Last week, the Congressional Management Foundation recognized our office's efforts by awarding us with the Democracy Award for Transparency, Accountability, and Innovation. With this honor, we were recognized for employing unique or innovative methods to continuously enhance constituent interactions and provide clear and relevant information on work and performance, as well as publicly acknowledging metrics for that performance.
In Washington last week, Democrats in the House passed our signature bill to reduce prescription drug prices. As part of the package, my amendment to shed light on pharmaceutical companies that use federal funding to research drug development for profit was passed by the House of Representatives. This is an important step for our health care system, and one I am proud to have been a part of.
Even as House Democrats protected people with pre-existing conditions and advanced funding for disaster relief, headlines in Washington last week centered on the President's tax returns, Attorney General Barr's contempt of Congress, and continued fallout from the Mueller Report. While we in Congress continue asking the tough questions, I want to hear what Contra Costa residents have to say. We hope you can join us on May 28th for a town hall on protecting our democracy and the Mueller Report. RSVP by clicking the image below.
Things in Washington seem to be busier than ever before with Democrats in the majority in the House and in the aftermath of the release of the redacted Mueller Report. Some of the important work we are doing is highlighted below.
Sincerely,
Mark DeSaulnier
Member of Congress
AT A GLANCE
In this week's Digest, you will find information on:
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.