Mark Desaulnier

Summary of Position

Today, our country faces the most pressing call for racial justice since the 1960s. Having spent more than 25 years in public service fighting for equal treatment and protection for all, Congressman DeSaulnier is passionate about meeting this call with the boldness and urgency it demands. In Congress, he is at the forefront in the fight for equality, embracing the belief that no one is equal until everyone is equal.

By the Numbers

An African American person is five times more likely to be stopped by law enforcement without just cause than a white person.

African Americans, Latinos, and American Indians were hospitalized due to coronavirus at rates 4.5 to 5.5. times higher than Whites.

State legislators introduced 55 anti-LGBT bills across 22 states in 2019.

7 million, or 14% of all public school students, receive special education services.

Only 33.6% of people with disabilities were employed in 2019, compared to 77.3% of people without disabilities and down from 50% when the ADA took effect in 1991.

In the latest Census, Contra Costa County was 58.6% White, 24.4% Hispanic, and 9.3% African American.

Things to Know

Member of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus

Member of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus

100% score on the Human Rights Campaign Congressional Scorecard

Led Conversation on Race town halls, with Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Karen Bass and Congresswoman Barbara Lee, on racial injustice & inequity, and created a national template for other Members of Congress to host these events in their communities

Working for You

Champion for the Port Chicago 50:

On July 17, 1944, a ship loaded with weapons exploded at Port Chicago in Richmond, CA killing or wounding 710 people, 435 of whom were African American. When the surviving African American sailors refused to return to work under the same unsafe conditions, 50 were convicted of mutiny. Joined by members of the Congressional Black Caucus, and with the support of the NAACP, Congressman DeSaulnier spearheaded multiple efforts in the U.S. House of Representatives to call for the exoneration of the sailors and erase the historic stain from their records. On July 12, 2019, 75 years after the Port Chicago Disaster, Congressman DeSaulnier successfully passed a measure that directs the Secretary of the United States Navy to publicly exonerate the Port Chicago 50 in the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 2500). As a nation, we cannot truly move forward until we correct the mistakes of our past.

Confronting Racial Injustice

Congressman DeSaulnier believes we must come together as a nation to dismantle the systems that were built to disadvantage people of color and that is why he began hosting a series of "Conversation on Race" town halls with the goal of discovering and promoting best practices for improving race relations in areas such as health care, education, employment, and criminal justice. He also proudly supported the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act (H.R. 7120) to ban deadly chokeholds, hold problematic officers accountable, and show communities of color that we are serious about making a change. In response to evidence of the disproportionate health effects of coronavirus on communities of color, Congressman DeSaulnier joined an effort to demand that the CDC further investigate and address these disparities.

Pushing for Continued Progress for Individuals with Disabilities:

Americans with disabilities, a group that includes over 50 million people, have struggled against bias, stereotypes, and discrimination throughout our nation's history. As a member of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus and the House Committee on Education and Labor, Congressman DeSaulnier introduced the Improving Access to Higher Education Act (H.R. 4643), the first-ever comprehensive legislation specifically addressing the needs of students with disabilities in higher education. He also authored the Protection and Advocacy in Education Act (H.R. 8187) to provide funding for legal services to assist students with disabilities.

Summary of Position

Our national security is among Congressman DeSaulnier's top priorities and he believes that the men and women who bravely and selflessly sign up to keep our country safe deserve our utmost respect and gratitude, which should include quality health care and a VA that works for them, education and job training, transition programs, and mental health services.

By the Numbers

At least $125 billion in wasteful spending buried by senior Department of Defense officials.

The defense budget increased in 2020 by another $30 billion, bringing total defense spending to a whopping $738 billion.

Veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide and 50% more like to become homeless compared to the general population, while 1/10 veterans lack health insurance.

Cyber attacks, an increasing trend our defense systems must protect against, is estimated to amass $6 trillion in damages annually by 2021.

Things to Know

Has regularly opposed the Defense authorization bill (NDAA) since coming to Congress due to lack of accountability and oversight.

Successfully included an amendment in the NDAA to provide financial transparency for servicemembers separating from the Armed Services

Successfully included an amendment in the NDAA recognizing the bias experienced by the Port Chicago 50 during World War II

Working for You

Demanding Department of Defense Accountability:

In 2006, it was discovered that $8.5 trillion given to the Department of Defense (DoD) since 1996 was unaccounted for and in 2016, it was discovered that the Department attempted to bury results of a study they commissioned identifying $125 billion in wasteful spending. The DoD has since conducted its first-ever agency-wide financial audit, but a full analysis still must be done to identify wasteful programs. To encourage accountability, Congressman DeSaulnier introduced the Department of Defense Waste Reduction Act (H.R. 2367) to prevent DoD from receiving any additional funding until wasteful spending practices within the Department are addressed.

Protecting Veterans' Benefits:

For years the VA has been withholding disability payments from veterans who received separation pay when leaving the military. To stop this injustice, Congressman DeSaulnier joined Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) in authoring the Restore Veterans' Compensation Act (H.R. 6027), which would prevent the VA from withholding disability pay in order to recoup separation payments made to veterans.

Keeping the Administration Accountable:

In an ever-changing security landscape, it is imperative that we follow the checks and balances laid out in the Constitution for our nation's leaders. To have faith in that system, Congressman DeSaulnier supports the Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act (H.R. 669) and voted in favor of a resolution requiring the President to consult Congress before engaging in hostilities with Iran (H.Con. Res. 83).

Summary of Position

During a time of record-breaking income inequality and runaway corporate greed, restoring the balance of power in favor of the American worker is imperative. America's workforce is one of the best, most productive labor forces in the world. As a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor and a former small business owner, however, Congressman DeSaulnier has seen firsthand that workers are being taken advantage of by big business. As we grapple with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, Congressman DeSaulnier is committed to promoting policies that advance all workers and prepare them for the jobs of the future, provide support for owners of small businesses, and support our economy.

By the Numbers

Since 1973, wages have risen 10%, but productivity has increased by almost 74%.

Union members have 20% higher wages, more paid leave, are 28% more likely to have employer-sponsored health insurance, and have better access to pensions than their non-union counterparts.

Income inequality is at its highest point since before the start of the Great Depression.

Small business revenues dropped by 52% due to the pandemic, with nearly 100,000 establishments permanently closing

Things to Know

Co-founder of the Future of Work, Wages, and Labor initiative

Former small business owner and union member

Founder of the Ending Poverty and Inequality in California (EPIC) Caucus

Former Chairman of the California State Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee

Working for You

Fighting to Return Power to Workers

Businesses are important economic drivers for our local communities – they provide jobs, contribute to the local tax base, and help create local supply chains – but they should not be treated with impunity. They need to take responsibility for the role they play in the lives of their workers and the local economy. Congressman DeSaulnier authored the Justice for Dislocated Workers Act (H.R. 8583), which would require corporations voluntarily closing or laying off workers to confront the real cost of their closure or relocation. If a corporation still chooses to leave or close, it would be required to pay into a fund to help financially support people who will lose their jobs and other businesses that may be affected by the closure.

Future of Work, Wages, and Labor

After launching the Future of Work, Wages, and Labor effort in March 2016, Congressman DeSaulnier and his partners in the initiative traveled more than 4,700 miles and held 9 public meetings; hosted town halls with over 250 local workers; consulted over 100 experts and academics; and ultimately developed over 30 policy recommendations. The result is a comprehensive guide to protecting workers in the jobs of today and preparing for the jobs of tomorrow.

Combating Inequality

Inequality within our society disadvantages low-income Americans both in and out of the workplace. To help address this issue, Congressman DeSaulnier introduced the CEO Accountability and Responsibility Act (H.R. 3633), which incentivizes companies to improve CEO-to-worker pay ratios.

Supporting Working Families

Congressman DeSaulnier sponsors several bills that help working families support their families financially and personally. Some of these measures incentivize access to child care, provide for more flexible and advanced schedules, and establish a minimum amount of family and sick leave.

Summary of Position

Congressman DeSaulnier understands that education is the single-most important investment a nation can make in its future. Throughout his career in public service, from his time as a local Head Start Commissioner to his current seat on the House Committee on Education and Labor, he has been an advocate for quality education for every student. From preschool to higher education and beyond, Congressman DeSaulnier values a public education, programs to support the "whole child," accessible and affordable college opportunities for any students that wishes to attend, and ensuring that all students gain the skills they need to succeed in our rapidly changing workplace.

By the Numbers

Children who attend preschool can better socialize, manage stress, solve problems, and have higher job earnings later in life.

51% of American public school students are living in poverty.

Outstanding student loan debt in the U.S. exceeds $1.3 trillion with African American college graduates owing $7,400 more in student loans on average than their white peers upon graduating.

7 million, or 14% of K-12 public school students receive special education services.

The U.S. has an 84.6% high school graduation rate, the highest in history.

Millennials are on track to be the most educated generation in history, with 39% receiving at least a bachelor's degree.

Things to Know

Only Bay Area member on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce

Completed an Education Listening Tour, where he visited 18 schools at every school district in our community, and compiled a report on his findings

Member of the Career and Technical Education Caucus

Working for You

Spearheaded Creation of Statewide Family Engagement Centers

Research shows that students with involved families are more likely to earn higher grades, attend school regularly, and graduate. Congressman DeSaulnier authored the bipartisan Family Engagement in Education Act (H.R. 1194) with Rep. Glenn ‘GT' Thompson (R-PA), to create the Statewide Family Engagement Center (SFEC) grant program, which helps states and school districts promote family involvement in a student's education. The SFEC grant program was signed into law by President Obama and recently received $15 million in federal funding.

Authored Legislation to Support Young Children with Disabilities

While there has been advancement in supports for students with disabilities in elementary and secondary school, early education policy, like support for preschool students, has not kept pace. That's why Congressman DeSaulnier introduced the Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act (H.R. 4107), which would restore full funding for education and services for children with disabilities age 0-5.

Sponsored the College Affordability Act

The cost of college is skyrocketing making the possibility of a higher education out of reach for huge swaths of American families. As the ability to go to college becomes increasingly dependent on an individual's socioeconomic status and higher lifetime earnings become evermore contingent on a college degree, income inequality and wealth disparities in our country only deepen. To address these troubling trends, Congressman DeSaulnier supports the College Affordability Act (H.R. 4674), which would strengthen the Higher Education Act of 1965 to lower the cost of college, hold colleges accountable for students' success and give a new generation of students the opportunity to graduate on time with the prospect of a successful career.

 

Leading Legislation to Protect Student Athletes from Concussions

To help protect younger athletes who are at greater risk from sports-related concussions than college or professional athletes, Congressman DeSaulnier introduced the Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act (H.R. 5611), which requires that schools support all students who have suffered concussions to return to sports and the classroom safely.

Protecting the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

Together with Congressman Sarbanes and Senator Warren, Congressman DeSaulnier introduced the What You Can Do For Your Country Act (H.R. 2441) to protect the PSLF program. This program allows America's public servants to qualify for student loan debt relief after working full-time for 10 years at certain nonprofit organizations or for local, state, or federal government. Secretary DeVos's Education Department, however, has only granted loan forgiveness to about 1% of civil servants who qualify. This bill would ensure that they get the debt relief they deserve.

Summary of Position

Congressman DeSaulnier recognizes climate change for the existential threat that it is and, beginning with his time as a member of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), he has been a proud champion of policies that promote sustainability, protect the environment, and mitigate the harmful effects of climate change. He is a firm believer that the challenges of climate change also present enormous opportunity and strong, forward-looking energy and environmental policy will be a key driver of growth, innovation, and competitiveness. While fueling economic growth, rigorous environmental protections will protect the health of all Californians.

By the Numbers

Practically 100% of the global warming witnessed over the past 150 years can be attributed to human activity.

If we do not cut carbon emissions in the next 30 years, rising sea levels, more extreme weather, and water and crop scarcity may cause as many as 143 million people to be displaced.

California had more than 512,000 jobs in clean energy in 2018, with Contra Costa in the state's top ten counties for clean energy jobs. In fact, 54% of all energy sector jobs in California are clean energy industries.

The number of zero-emission vehicles in California rose 30% from October 2017 to October 2018 and 33.4% between October 2018 and October 2019.

Rolling back current fuel economy standards, as the Trump Administration did, will cost the United States $450 billion by 2050.

Things to Know

Member of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition and the Safe Climate Caucus

Earned a 100% on the League of Conservation Voters 2019 Scorecard

Led a coalition of 81 Democratic Members in introducing a resolution (H.Con.Res 65) to condemn the Trump Administration's rollback of fuel economy standards and of California's authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act

Crafted policies to assist with the implementation of the California Global Warming Solutions Act, the first program in the country to take a comprehensive approach to addressing climate change, as a California State Legislator

Working for You

Supporting Workers Transitioning Out of the Fossil Fuel Industry

Congressman DeSaulnier authored an effort that was included in the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act (H.R. 4447) to bring community leaders, industry, environmental groups, and the workforce together to provide fossil fuel workers with meaningful support to ensure they are not left behind when the economy transitions away from fossil fuels. A grant like this would help Contra Costa better prepare for the impacts to the local workforce and economy from refinery closures.

Fighting Against the Climate Crisis

Three bills authored by Congressman DeSaulnier were included as part of the House Select Committee's Climate Crisis Action Plan. Those bills support environmentally friendly vehicles and technology, promote innovation in America's transportation systems, and improve transportation planning and decision making. The Climate Crisis Action Plan would put the country on a path to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, if not earlier; power economic recovery through clean energy investment and family-sustaining jobs; and address the legacy of environmental injustice harming America's low-income communities and communities of color.

Ensuring Protection of the Contra Costa Canal

Congressman DeSaulnier introduced the Contra Costa Canal Transfer Act which transfers the title of the Contra Costa Canal from the Federal Bureau of Reclamation to the Contra Costa Water District (CCWD), allowing the CCWD to invest in safety and environmental improvements to the canal's infrastructure. The legislation was signed into law as part of a bipartisan public lands and conservation package.

Expanding the John Muir National Historic Site

To improve access to parks and their scenic trails, Congressman DeSaulnier introduced the John Muir National Historic Site Expansion Act (H.R. 1289)—a bill that will allow the Martinez, California Park to add 44 acres of donated land to improve park access and preserve this land for generations to come.

Creating a Sustainable Federal Fleet of Vehicles

In 2018, the federal fleet inventory totaled 644,545 vehicles. Congressman DeSaulnier saw the federal fleet as an opportunity to fight climate change and protect public health, so he authored the Clean Federal Fleet Act (H.R. 5554), legislation that requires any vehicles purchased by the federal government to comply with the Obama-era low GHG emissions standards. Congressman DeSaulnier knows that now, more than ever, is the time to keep fighting for cleaner, more sustainable vehicles and to protect public health.

Summary of Position

Despite the tremendous progress made in the struggle for gender equality, women still face violence, discrimination, and institutional barriers to equal participation in society. Even one hundred years after women's suffrage, the United States has not yet guaranteed equal constitutional rights to women. Women continue to face the impacts of gender discrimination in many areas including pay, workplace protections, social stresses, healthcare and reproductive rights, education, and others. Gender inequities have been further revealed during the coronavirus pandemic, which placed extra childcare and domestic burdens disproportionately on women. In Congress, Congressman DeSaulnier is a vocal advocate for women's economic, social, and reproductive rights.

By the Numbers

On average, women are paid just 80% of what men are paid. For women of color, that gap is even wider.

The United States has the worst maternal mortality rate among similarly wealthy nations, at 17.4 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.

Although women make up 49.6% of the world's population, only 21 women serve as heads of state or government in 2020.

About one-in-five employed women in the U.S. (22%) say they have been sexually harassed at work.

If the trend of women leaving the labor force to assume caretaking responsibilities as a result of the coronavirus pandemic persists long term, women stand to lose $64.5 billion in wages.

Things to Know

100% lifetime score from Planned Parenthood in supporting and protecting women's health

Introduced a Resolution to designate ‘National Rosie the Riveter Day,' a national day of recognition for the millions of women who supported the war effort on the home front during World War II

Only man to participate in the Bipartisan Women's Caucus hearing on sexual assault in the military

Working for You

Supporting Women in the Workplace

Congressman DeSaulnier is a proud sponsor of the Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R.7), which passed the U.S. House of Representatives in February 2019, and would help address the wage gap between women and men working the same jobs by closing the loopholes that allow pay discrimination to continue and providing employees with the rights to challenge and eliminate pay discrimination in the workplace. He is also a sponsor of legislation that will strengthen families such as the Healthy Families Act (H.R. 1784), which would allow workers to earn up to seven paid sick days per year to recover from short-term illness, care for a sick family member, seek routine medical care, or seek assistance related to domestic violence.

Prioritizing Women's Health

Congressman DeSaulnier is a strong supporter of the Women's Health Protection Act (H.R. 2975), which blocks medically unnecessary abortion restrictions being pushed forward in state legislatures. He also sponsored the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance (EACH Woman) Act (H.R. 1692) to remove the bans that prevent women from receiving coverage for abortion services through Medicaid so that all women have access to the full range of reproductive health care services.

Promoting Equal Rights

Congressman DeSaulnier believes that equal rights for women should be enshrined in our Constitution. To support that effort, he sponsored H.J. Res. 35, which would create a new amendment to the Constitution of the United States to declare equal rights for men and women, and H.J.Res. 79, which would remove the deadline for the ratification of the equal rights amendment and passed the U.S. House of Representatives in February 2020.

Summary of Position

The United States is the gun violence capital of the world. Every day, there are more than 30 gun-related deaths. The common sense reforms we have made in California are working, and Congressman DeSaulnier is leading the way to bring them to the national level to make our families, schools, and communities safer while adhering to the Second Amendment.

By the Numbers

In 2010, guns took the lives of 31,076 Americans in homicides, suicides, and unintentional shootings. This is the equivalent of more than 85 deaths each day and more than three deaths each hour.

The U.S. firearm homicide rate is 20 times higher than the combined rates of 22 comparable countries.

For every person who dies from a gunshot, two others are wounded.

Americans make up about 4.4% of the global population, but own 42% of the world's guns.

Adjusted for population, only Yemen has a higher rate of mass shootings among countries with more than 10 million people.

Things to Know

Proud recipient of an "F" rating from the NRA

Member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force

Brought over 800 members of the community together to discuss commonsense efforts to strengthen our gun laws after the Parkland, FL shooting

Advocating for a Gun Safety Board to research and promote best practices to prevent gun violence nationwide

Working for You

Authored Bill to Address Gun Violence with Evidence-Based Solutions

Gun violence is a public health epidemic. To remove politics from the conversation and focus on proven solutions, Congressman DeSaulnier authored the Gun Safety Board and Research Act (H.R. 4177). The bill would create a Gun Safety Board to conduct research, make policy recommendations, and evaluate proposals aimed at reducing gun violence.

Support Bipartisan Background Checks Bill

A recent poll confirms that 97% of Americans agree that background checks need to be strengthened. Congressman DeSaulnier is a supporter of the Bipartisan Background Checks Act (H.R. 8), which creates universal background checks, which would make our homes and neighborhoods safer.

Authored Bill to Protect Against Gun Theft

Concerning reports of crimes being committed with guns stolen from federal law enforcement officers led to Congressman DeSaulnier introducing the Federal Law Enforcement and Public Protection Act (H.R. 3420), which bolsters requirements for officers to safely store and lock their weapons and requires federal law enforcement agencies to transparently report to appropriate agencies when their guns are lost or stolen.

Promote Smart Guns

As a continuation of his work in the California state legislature, Congressman DeSaulnier introduced the Modernizing Firearm Technology Act (H.R. 6080), which promotes the creation of smart gun technology in an effort to decrease the number of tragic accidental shootings and suicides.

Summary of Position

In the wealthiest country in the world, no American should go without access to quality, affordable health insurance and health care. This is especially true during the coronavirus pandemic, which has further revealed a broken system that leaves almost 30 million Americans uninsured. To address the inadequacy of our health care system, Congressman DeSaulnier has been an ardent supporter of protecting, strengthening, and expanding the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In addition to fighting for a more equitable health care system that prioritizes people over profits, Congressman DeSaulnier strongly supports investing in research and innovation in new treatments and cures, addressing prescription drug affordability and health disparities, and improving the availability of and access to mental health care for all Americans.

By the Numbers

As of October 2020, the United States accounted for just 4% of the world's population, but 21% of coronavirus cases and 20% of coronavirus deaths.

There have been at least 70 Republican-led efforts to repeal or limit the ACA, which would cost 23 million Americans their health insurance.

In 2019, 3 in 10 uninsured adults went without needed medical care due to cost.

50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14.

38.9% of high school students have used an e-cigarette in the last 30 days.

15.5 million Americans are living with cancer today.

Things to Know

Survivor of Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Cancer Survivors Caucus

Strong supporter of efforts to curb the youth tobacco epidemic

Member of the Mental Health Caucus

Working for You

Addressing the Coronavirus Pandemic

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact nearly every aspect of our lives and has shone a light on severe health disparities in the U.S., Congressman DeSaulnier is working to help protect our communities and the front-line workers keeping us safe. That is why Congressman DeSaulnier voted in favor of coronavirus relief funding to pay frontline health workers, fund coronavirus testing and contact tracing, and provide free treatment for coronavirus for all. Congressman DeSaulnier continues to work with his colleagues to address the coronavirus pandemic and prioritize critical health care services to support underserved communities and urge investment in long-term solutions to prevent and mitigate future public health crises. You can find more resources on our coronavirus page.

Congressional Cancer Survivors Caucus

As a survivor of the most common leukemia in the world, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Congressman DeSaulnier founded the Congressional Cancer Survivors Caucus and runs it with his colleague Congressman Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA). The Caucus is an open forum that has hosted leaders in the cancer field such as the President of the Biden Cancer Initiative and former Executive Director of the President's Cancer Moonshot, Greg Simon, and the Director of the National Cancer Institute, Dr. Ned Sharpless.

Combatting the Vaping Epidemic

In 2018, over 3.6 million people under 18 used e-cigarettes, including 37% of high school seniors. This increase in the use of vaping products is undoing decades of progress made in reducing teen tobacco usage. That is why Congressman DeSaulnier introduced the Preventing Vape Use Act (H.R. 5005), which would ban the sale of any vape device that has not been approved by the FDA.

Improving Access to Mental Health Care for Children and Families

Millions of Americans are impacted by mental illness every year, particularly children. Unfortunately, the earliest most mental health programming in the United States begins is once a child enters elementary school. We know that the younger mental health interventions begin, the less likely it will be that the person develops lifelong negative impacts. That is why Congressman DeSaulnier introduced the Early Childhood Mental Health Support Act (H.R. 5569), which would provide funding to Head Start and early childhood education centers to provide mental health care and support for impacted children and families.

Increase Access to Cancer Treatment Planning and Patient Navigators

Cancer treatment plans, which outline the steps that a patient will go through in treating their illness, improve outcomes and allow patients to actively participate in their own care. Congressman DeSaulnier introduced the Cancer Care Planning and Communications Act (H.R. 5160) to encourage more doctors to use these treatment plans.

Summary of Position

The need to expand housing and provide more affordable options in the San Francisco Bay Area could not be clearer. With some workers enduring two-hour commutes to get from homes in the Central Valley to jobs in Silicon Valley and others looking elsewhere to start their businesses or raise their families, the housing crisis presents a serious threat to our region's quality of life. Furthermore, the homeless crisis in the Bay Area ranks among the worst in the U.S. and the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic have left millions more Americans at risk of eviction and losing their homes.

By the Numbers

There are over 92,091 people experiencing homelessness in the United States.

In 2019, a $172,000 income was needed to buy a typical home in the San Francisco metro area.

In 2019, the average rent in many Bay Area cities was more than $2,500.

Approximately half of Bay Area renters pay more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs.

To afford a one-bedroom rental unit in Contra Costa County making minimum wage, a person would need to work 109 hours per week.

Things to Know

Co-founded the Congressional Caucus on Urban Regional Studies with T&I Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) to help tackle the challenges facing urban metropolitan regions

Authored a bill to encourage the building of housing around transportation hubs

Supports legislation to stop homeless shelters from barring transgender individuals experiencing homelessness

Working for You

Promoting Innovative Approaches to Housing Needs

New housing is urgently needed around the country, especially in California. To help states and local governments develop and fund innovative solutions, Congressman DeSaulnier introduced the Housing Innovation Act (H.R. 4756), which would create an Office of Housing Innovation at the Department of Housing and Urban Development to explore and fund innovative approaches to increase and diversify housing supply.

Encouraging Transit Oriented Development

As the high cost of living in the Bay Area has pushed families farther from their workplaces, new housing options near public transit hubs have become critical. To address this need, Congressman DeSaulnier introduced the Equitable Transit Oriented Development Support Act (H.R. 5783), which makes loans available for building affordable housing and developments in underserved areas, particularly near public transportation.

Defending Critical Housing Programs from Cuts

Congressman DeSaulnier sponsored and passed an effort to maintain funding for nonprofits to assist in building affordable housing across the country (Section 4). This program has been instrumental in building and preserving more than 41,000 affordable homes for low-income households since 2010.

Fought to Keep Millions of Americans in their Homes

Through no fault of their own, millions of Americans, left unemployed during the coronavirus pandemic, have been left unable to make rent or keep up with their mortgage payments. To keep millions of Americans from losing their homes, Congressman DeSaulnier joined an effort to urge the CDC to extend its temporary order protecting tenants against eviction.

Summary of Position

Since its founding, the United States has stood as a beacon of freedom and a land of opportunity. The ancestors of every American citizen, barring those of Native American descent, came to this country in search of a better life for themselves and their families. Since then, immigrants have remained a vital part of our communities and strengthened our economy in California and across the nation. While Congressman DeSaulnier agrees that reforms to our immigration system are needed, he does not accept the scapegoating, fearmongering, and xenophobia that has characterized the Trump Administration and precluded meaningful progress on the issue. Congressman DeSaulnier believes that the greatest nation in the history of humankind is capable of ensuring the well-being of its own citizens while simultaneously extending its arms to asylum-seekers, refugees, and immigrants seeking a better life.

 

By the Numbers

Immigrants added an estimated $2 trillion to the U.S. GDP in 2016, and between $4.6 and $8 billion in California.

96% of the more than 1.5 million Dreamers in the U.S. are either working or in school.

In 2017, 43% of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants and their children.

20 million adult U.S.-born children of immigrants have higher incomes than their parents.

Immigration led to a 4% real wage increase for the average native worker between 1990 and 2004.

Things to Know

Sponsor of the Dream and Promise Act (H.R. 6) and supports finding a permanent solution for Dreamers

Visited the Southern border to see firsthand the impact of the Trump Administration's family separation policy

Called for investigation into claims of abuse against immigration detainees at the West County Detention Facility in Richmond and across the country 

Working for You

Led Effort to #SaveIsabel

Isabel Bueso came to the United States with her family legally from Guatemala to receive treatment for a rare genetic condition. Her participation in medical trials helped identify an effective, life-saving treatment, which the drug manufacturer says Isabel cannot receive in her home country of Guatemala. In 2019, the Trump Administration arbitrarily canceled deferred action, creating fear and anxiety for Isabel and others in similar situations that they would be deported. Congressman DeSaulnier led the effort to get the Administration to reinstate deferred action has actively worked to protect them from similar action by the Administration, including by introducing a private bill to provide Isabel and her family permanent legal status (H.R. 4225), which passed the House of Representatives on December 8, 2020 and now awaits consideration by the Senate.

 

Relief for Dreamers

Dreamers and their families voluntarily registered themselves with the promise that if they followed the rules laid out, they would be safe. President Trump unilaterally changed the terms of that agreement and put hundreds of thousands of Dreamers at risk of deportation. To help restore their faith in the United States, Congressman DeSaulnier is proud to sponsor several bills that support Dreamers, including the Dream and Promise Act (H.R. 6), the BRIDGE Act (H.R. 496), and the American Hope Act (H.R. 3591), which would each provide a permanent solution for Dreamers and their families.

Supporting Asylum Seekers

After the Trump Administration implemented its family separation policy, Congressman DeSaulnier made several trips to the Southern border to see firsthand how asylum seekers were being treated. With that firsthand knowledge, he has sponsored dozens of bills to reunite families who were separated and provide permanent protection for people seeking a better life in the United States.

Summary of Position

As the former Chairman of the California State Assembly and Senate transportation committees, and current member of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I), Congressman DeSaulnier knows firsthand how important clean, safe, reliable, and efficient transportation systems are to a dynamic and innovative California economy. He is fighting for the federal investments needed to reduce traffic congestion and improve commutes in the Bay Area; for better planning that engages with the business community and incorporates innovative ideas and technologies to improve mobility; and for a connected and sustainable transportation system.

By the Numbers

$160 billion is lost to congestion per year.

In 2018, Americans spent an average of 97 hours sitting in traffic congestion.

The U.S. faces an $836 billion backlog in needed repairs and investments for our highways and bridges.

Similarly, our transit systems continue to endure a $90 billion maintenance backlog.

More than 36,500 lives were lost on our roadways in 2018.

Things to Know

Co-founded the Congressional Caucus on Urban Regional Studies with T&I Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) to discuss ideas for addressing the challenges facing urban metropolitan regions.

Voted in favor of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act (H.R. 22), a five-year reauthorization of federal transportation investments.

Advocated for an innovative Southern Crossing of the San Francisco Bay with Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)

Working for You

Improving Transportation Safety and Efficiency

Ten measures authored by Congressman DeSaulnier were included in the $1.5 trillion infrastructure package, known as the Moving Forward Act (H.R. 2), that passed the U.S. House of Representatives. His efforts support and encourage thoughtful, effective transportation planning; provide strong oversight of our federal investments; and combat climate change through transportation infrastructure. Overall, H.R. 2 seeks to fund new, transformative projects that will create millions of jobs; reduce carbon pollution; dramatically improve safety; improve school, hospital, and airport infrastructure; and spur economic activity.

 

Connecting and Improving the Transportation System

Improving the nation's roadways, rails, and public transportation systems is one of Congressman DeSaulnier's top priorities. By creating a world-class, interconnected, reliable, safe, and efficient public transportation system, we can take more cars off the road, reduce traffic congestion, and help fight climate change. He introduced the Incentivizing Value Capture for Greener Transportation Act (H.R. 5641) to do just that. The legislation would help states and localities better invest in their public transportation systems so we don't have to rely as heavily on vehicles, which contribute to climate change by emitting GHG emissions and which create gridlocked traffic congestion.

Fighting for Critical Research Funding to Relieve Congestion

Congressman DeSaulnier led the effort to secure an additional $15 million for the University Transportation Centers (UTC) program, a collaborative program that supports academic research to develop innovative solutions to transportation challenges such as traffic congestion.

Prioritizing Aviation & Highway Safety

In response to a series of close call incidents involving airplanes nearly landing on the wrong runway or taxiway, as well as a recent increase in runway incidents at airports, Congressman DeSaulnier —in collaboration with Captain "Sully" Sullenberger—introduced the Safe Landings Act (H.R. 4166) to further enhance aviation safety and to ensure our aviation system remains the safest in the world. In addition to aviation safety, Congressman DeSaulnier joined colleagues in introducing bipartisan legislation requiring large trucks to be equipped with underride guards to prevent hundreds of highway fatalities each year.

Promoting New Technologies

Congressman DeSaulnier authored the Truck Technology Parity Act (H.R. 4421), a bipartisan bill to help trucks powered entirely by battery electric technology to compete alongside traditional diesel trucks. He also introduced the Clean Corridors Act (H.R. 2616), directing $3 billion in federal funding over the next decade to construct and install battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicle charging infrastructure.

Summary of Position

Social Security and Medicare represent our promise to seniors of a secure retirement, and Congressman DeSaulnier is committed to protecting these programs. As all 73 million baby boomers approach retirement age by 2030, he is focused on making sure we provide every retiree with the financial security they deserve. Congressman DeSaulnier has been a strong advocate for the protection of safety net programs throughout his time in government service and continues to be a champion for seniors in Congress.

By the Numbers

44 million Americans are covered by Medicare.

9 million disabled Americans rely on Medicare to live healthy lives.

Nearly nine out of ten individuals age 65 and older receive Social Security benefits.

Social Security benefits represent about 33% of the income of elderly Americans.

Things to Know

Opposed Republican efforts to make cuts to the Medicare program

Hosts open forums to discuss ways Congress can protect and expand Social Security benefits

Supports legislation to provide all Americans with Medicare coverage

Sponsors legislation to ensure Medicare coverage for eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dental care

Working for You

Making Social Security Work for You

In order to ensure that the benefits owed to seniors are enough to cover basic living expenses, Congressman DeSaulnier is a strong supporter of the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 141), which increases benefits across the board and sets a reasonable standard for future cost-of-living adjustments. This bill also eliminates the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), two unfair provisions that punish Americans who have devoted much or all of their careers to public service.

Working to Keep Prescription Drug Costs Affordable

To help control prescription drug costs in Medicare, Congressman DeSaulnier supported the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3), which establishes a fair price negotiation program, protects the Medicare program from excessive price increases, and establishes an out-of-pocket maximum for Medicare part D enrollees.

Supports Expanding Medicare

The United States currently spends nearly 18% of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on health care costs. Every other industrialized country in the world has some form of universal, single-payer health system. Each system is different, but countries have adopted models that works best for their citizens. Congressman DeSaulnier believes that we should follow the example set in Contra Costa at the national level to enable all people to have comprehensive, affordable care. To work toward that goal, he supports the Medicare for All Act (H.R. 1384).