MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Walnut Creek, CA – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced he will visit Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC) and then hold a press conferenceon Friday, June 20^th at 3:00 p.m. as part of House Democrats’ Save Our Hospitals Week of Action to highlight how the Trump Administration’s One Big, Ugly Bill will devastate hospitals like CCRMC and gut health care services for millions of Americans across the country and in California’s 10^th Congressional District. 

Prior to the press conference, Congressman DeSaulnier will hold a roundtable with County health leaders to hear from them directly about how the Trump cuts will harm CCRMC’s operations and patient care.

CCRMC is the County’s 166-bed full-service hospital and is the central hub of Contra Costa Health’s nine outpatient health centers. Contra Costa Health serves an estimated 515,000 patients annually.
 

WHO: Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

            Dr. Sergio Urcuyo, Chief Medical Officer for Contra Costa Regional Medical Center

WHEN: Friday, June 20^th from 3:00 to 3:30p.m. PT

WHERE: Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (2500 Alhambra Avenue, Martinez, CA)

                  Parking available curbside along the circle.

RSVP: Please RSVP to Mairead Glowacki at (202) 760-1365 or mairead.glowacki@mail.house.gov

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28) proudly announced the winners of her 16th Annual Artistic Discovery Congressional Art Competition, with Leqi Yang’s piece, Under the Same Sun, earning first place.

The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide program that honors the creativity and vision of high school students. Each year, Rep. Chu’s district competition showcases the extraordinary talent of young artists from California’s 28th District. A panel of local judges selected the winners based on originality, technique, and emotional resonance.

As the first-place winner, Leqi’s artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, alongside other winning pieces from across the country. Additional standout submissions will be exhibited in Rep. Chu’s Washington, D.C. and district offices.

“I’m honored to continue this tradition of showcasing youth voices through art,” said Rep. Chu. “Each year, I’m amazed by the vision and depth our students bring to their work. Through their art, they explore difficult topics, express powerful emotions, and remind us of the strength and hope that creativity brings to our community. Leqi’s piece, Under the Same Sun, beautifully highlights the vital contributions of immigrant workers in our community, and in times like these, that message couldn’t be more important.”

This year’s winners and their artworks are below: 

1st Place: Leqi Yang, Under the Same Sun

2nd Place: Andrea Dorantes, Baking Bliss

3rd Place: Seoyoon Kim, Fiery Resolve

Honorable Mention: Jay Chen, In Another World

Honorable Mention: Angelia Chang, Mao Juxiang

Honorable Mention: Jolean Feng, Hope for a Greener Future

Honorable Mention: Abigail Hillman, Critical Eye

Honorable Mention: Meitong Liu, Frail

Honorable Mention: Sven Leu, Duomo de Florencia

Honorable Mention: Ziqian “Jacky” Xing, Men and Nature

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

PASADENA, CA – Six months after the devastating Los Angeles fires, including the Eaton Fire, which claimed 18 lives, scorched over 14,000 acres, destroyed more than 9,500 structures including homes, businesses, churches, and nonprofit centers, and displaced 20,000 residents—Rep. Judy Chu released the following statement: 

“Six months ago, our community was forever changed by the Los Angeles wildfires. Today, we remember the lives lost, the homes destroyed, and the bravery of those who stood in the face of unimaginable devastation, said Rep. Judy Chu.” “While we’ve made tremendous progress in delivering critical aid and coordinating relief on the ground, our work is far from over. We still face urgent challenges like securing affordable, long-term housing for those displaced. That’s why I’m working tirelessly in Congress to pass a supplemental assistance package that will fulfill Governor Newsom’s request for $40 billion in additional disaster aid to ensure that every survivor has the resources they need to recover and rebuild. As climate change fuels more frequent and devastating natural disasters across the country, we must remember that natural disasters have no political affiliations. And neither should our response. Every American deserves swift and fair federal aid no matter where they live or who they voted for.”

From the moment the fires began, Rep. Judy Chu has worked to secure every possible resource for Altadena and Pasadena. 

On January 7, 2025, the Eaton Fire ignited. Rep. Chu immediately returned from Washington, D.C., to ensure residents receive urgent assistance and support the first responders working around the clock.

On January 8, Governor Gavin Newsom, with support from Rep. Chu and the California Congressional Delegation, formally requested a federal emergency declaration. President Biden swiftly approved the request, unlocking 100% reimbursement of firefighting costs and deploying federal agencies like FEMA and the SBA to provide immediate support.

By January 10, after joining FEMA’s Administrator for a site tour and briefing, Rep. Chu released a comprehensive resource guide to help survivors access aid.

On January 17, Rep. Chu hosted a telephone town hall with representatives from local, state, and federal agencies to address community concerns around recovery and rebuilding.

On January 22, Rep. Chu demanded an independent investigation into deadly evacuation order delays issued in western Altadena during the start of the Eaton Fire.

On January 25, during President Trump’s visit to California, Rep. Chu personally urged him not to forget the people of Altadena and Pasadena and to deliver additional disaster aid without conditions.

Throughout January and February, Rep. Chu led several Congressional delegations, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Republican colleagues, to witness the devastation and build bipartisan support for relief efforts.

On February 4, ahead of his meeting with President Trump, Governor Newsom met with Rep. Chu, Rep. Sherman, and Rep. Whitesides to align disaster relief efforts on behalf of Los Angeles fire survivors.

On February 20, Rep. Chu hosted a community town hall at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Altadena with FEMA, the EPA, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to answer questions and address concerns regarding the federal debris removal program.

On March 4, Rep. Chu welcomed Eaton Fire survivor and lifelong educator Dianne Lewis to attend President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress as her guest.

On March 6, Rep. Chu and a bipartisan coalition of Members introduced H.R. 1914, the HIRE CREDIT Act to help victims of federally-declared disasters return to the workforce.

On April 3, the House unanimously passed Rep. Chu’s and Rep. David Kustoff’s legislation – H.R. 517, the Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act! This bill allows the IRS to immediately extend federal tax filing deadlines for victims of natural disasters, even those that are not federally-declared disasters. 

On April 17, Rep. Chu introduced H.R. 2928, the Mortgage Relief for Disaster Survivors Act, to provide mortgage forbearance for homeowners impacted by the Eaton Fire and other natural disasters.

On May 20, alongside Rep. Brad Sherman, Rep. Chu hosted a roundtable with California Members of Congress and Los Angeles County officials to assess ongoing recovery efforts from the Palisades and Eaton Fires.

On May 27, Rep. Chu convened a wildfire recovery housing roundtable in Altadena focused on addressing the urgent need for stable, long-term housing. Nonprofits, advocates, and government leaders came together to find solutions for displaced families.

On June 3, Rep. Chu led a letter with California Delegation Members to FEMA urging them to provide comprehensive soil testing and a remediation plan for fire-affected properties in Los Angeles County.

On June 16, Rep. Chu led California lawmakers in a letter calling on FEMA to expand housing assistance for fire survivors. 

As of July 2025, FEMA has delivered $141 million in federal disaster assistance to eligible LA County residents affected by the wildfires, including $45 million in housing assistance. 

Today, Rep. Chu continues to fight for critical disaster aid by urging President Trump and House Republicans to fulfill Governor Newsom’s request and pass much-needed relief legislation. 

“This fight is far from over, and I remain committed to ensuring that every survivor receives the resources they need to recover and rebuild, said Rep. Chu.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, the Big Ugly Bill, President Trump and Republicans’ budget reconciliation package, by a vote of 218-214. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) voted no and released the following statement: 

“Today’s vote left no doubt about President Trump’s legacy. He is now responsible for the largest cut to health care in U.S. history that will kick 17 million Americans off their health care. He is responsible for taking food off the tables of children and Veterans, and for rigging our tax code so severely that the poorest families will see their tax bills go up while the top 0.1% get a $300,000 tax handout in one year alone. He will always be the President who, despite claiming to be “the best” for American women, defunded Planned Parenthood -a backdoor version of a nationwide abortion ban. He will be remembered as the President who sold off our country’s future by passing tax cuts for the rich that are so enormous they will explode our national debt by $4 trillion and severely inhibit our country’s ability to respond to a crisis, like a recession sparked by the President’s senseless trade war. Every single Republican who voted yes on this monstrous bill will share this legacy. 

“When rural hospitals and nursing homes shut their doors, when health insurance premiums skyrocket, and when sick people die because they were kicked off of Medicaid, Americans will know that President Trump and Republicans chose to inflict this pain. When prices go up and their bank accounts shrink while billionaires get richer and richer, they will know whose fault it is. President Trump and Republicans in Congress knew the consequences, but believed it was an acceptable cost to give the ultra-wealthy, like President Trump himself and Elon Musk, trillions of dollars in tax giveaways.”   

“Trump’s one big, ugly bill is a nightmare for American families, there is no excuse.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reps. Judy Chu (CA-28), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Lucy McBath (GA-06), and Don Bacon (NE-02) led a bipartisan letter to the Department of Education demanding answers following reports that the agency plans to reallocate $1 billion in federal mental health grant funding. This funding was originally approved by Congress through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which passed with broad bipartisan support to address the critical shortage of mental health professionals in schools.

“Students are six times as likely to receive needed mental health care when it is provided at school, and the majority of youth who receive needed services do so at school,” wrote the Members. “This includes prevention, early detection, and early intervention efforts, which are critical components of comprehensive mental and behavioral health services and crisis prevention.” 

“Integrating mental health services in schools has helped both students and staff succeed by addressing issues such as bullying, self-esteem, and suicide, while improving schools’ capacity to identify, refer, and provide services to help students in need,” the Members continued. School-based mental health professionals have improved staff retention, helped keep students in school, and promoted learning environments where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.”

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act provided $500 million each to the only two existing grant programs focused on addressing the critical shortage of school-based mental health professionals and increasing access to vital school-based services: the Mental Health Services Professional Demonstration Grant and the School-Based Mental Health Services Program. In just nine months, these two federal grant programs have delivered measurable outcomes, including:

• Mental Health Services Professional Demonstration (MHSP) Grants:
  • Trained 1,767 school mental health professionals
  • Placed 1,191 graduate trainees in high-need schools
  • Hired 133 new providers
• School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) Grants:
  • Hired 1,163 school mental health professionals
  • Retained 13,155 existing staff

Provided services to more than 774,000 students

“Now is not the time to turn back on investing in our children’s mental health and the mental health workforce,” the Members concluded. “Uncertainty jeopardizes the work that has been done to increase comprehensive youth mental and behavioral health services, and the availability of school-based mental health professionals across the country.”

The letter calls on the Department to provide a comprehensive response by July 14, 2025, detailing:

• The Department’s strategy to address the youth mental health crisis;
• How any reallocation or recompete process will sustain or expand services to students;
• How the Department will ensure funding continues to reach the very school-based programs Congress specifically established and expanded through BSCA.

“As the only psychologist in Congress and a former educator for over 20 years, I know firsthand how important school psychologists are to the mental health and well-being of students. And yet we currently have a nationwide shortage of school psychologists, with an average of over 1,000 students for every 1 school psychologist—a far cry from the recommended ratio of 500 to 1,” said Congresswoman Judy Chu “At a time when about 1 in 5 students struggles with a mental health disorder, we should be increasing, not decreasing, our investments to ensure students have access to the help they need. I’m proud to join my colleagues in sending this letter, and I look forward to getting answers from the Department of Education on why they recently discontinued $1 billion in federal grants for schools to hire more mental health professionals and what their plan is to address the youth mental health crisis.”

“These funds were never intended to be a theoretical exercise—they were designed to confront an urgent crisis affecting millions of children,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “With youth mental health challenges at an all-time high, any disruption or diversion of resources threatens to reverse hard-won progress and leave communities without critical supports. It is important for the Department to share a clear plan to ensure these resources remain dedicated to expanding mental health support for students.”

“Increasing access to school psychologists and other school mental health professionals is critical to supporting student learning and well-being. The U.S. Department of Education must continue prioritizing efforts that address the nationwide shortage of these professionals by reinstating grant programs that have already proven their impact. We are grateful for Representative Fitzpatrick’s continued leadership in support of these programs and look forward to the Department’s timely response. NASP stands ready to work with our partners in the federal government to ensure that every student has access to school psychologists and the critical services we provide,” said National Association of School Psychologists President, Dr. Peter Faustino.

Click here to read the letter.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

Members blast President Trump’s travel ban: “We write to express our strong opposition to President Trump’s recent decision to issue a sweeping travel ban that will deny entry to thousands of individuals from 19 different countries.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Leading 68 of their Democratic colleagues, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Senator Chris Coons (DE) sent a letter today to the Trump administration urging President Trump to rescind his discriminatory travel ban that will keep families apart and devastate the U.S. economy. The Members are demanding transparency into President Trump’s decision-making process and answers about how the travel ban will impact communities across the U.S.  

In a letter addressed to President Trump, Secretary of Homeland Security Noem, Secretary of State Rubio, and Attorney General Bondi, the Members outlined the disastrous consequences that President Trump’s travel ban will have on both families and the American economy: “The effects of President Trump’s discriminatory travel ban will be devastating. In the last year alone over 126,000 visas have been issued to nationals from just the twelve countries on the fully restricted list.  These are individuals who are looking to come to the United States to reunite with family, support our economy, or otherwise enrich our country in innumerable ways.”

During his first term, President Trump enacted extreme ravel bans that disrupted thousands of lives and weakened our nation’s economy and global standing. On his first day in office President Biden rescinded these bans, but on June 4, 2025, President Trump enacted another sweeping, discriminatory travel ban and allowed fear and prejudice to guide our nation’s immigration policy.

President Trump’s ban will prevent nationals from twelve countries (Afghanistan, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen) from entering the United States, with seven other countries (Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela) facing partial restrictions, meaning individuals from these countries cannot come to the U.S. permanently or apply for certain visas. President Trump is also reportedly considering imposing travel restrictions on an additional 36 countries.

“President Trump’s actions once again disgrace the founding principles of our nation and enshrine cruelty into our immigration system,” the Members continue. “Additionally, this travel ban will harm our economy by depriving the United States of workers in key fields experiencing labor shortages like medicine and agriculture and further devastating our domestic tourism industry which is already expected to decline by $12.5 billion in 2025.”

As a result, the Members demand accountability and answers from the Trump administration: “Given these severe impacts, we condemn this proclamation and urge President Trump to rescind it immediately. We also seek transparency into President Trump’s decision-making process and, accordingly, request answers to the following questions by July 3rd, 2025.”

Earlier this year, Rep. Chu, along with Reps. Nadler (NY-12), Beyer (VA-08), Omar (MN-05), Carson (IN-07), and Tlaib (MI-12), and Senator Coons (DE) reintroduced the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act, which would prevent any president from implementing a discriminatory travel ban by strengthening the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit discrimination based on religion. The bill would also require that any suspension of entry into the United States be narrowly tailored, backed by credible evidence, and subject to appropriate consultation with Congress.

Click here to access the full letter.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (38th District of CA)

WASHINGTON – Representatives Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) and Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.) today led 143 members of the House of Representatives in introducing a bipartisan resolution designating July 10 as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day.

“Every day, lineworkers rise to the challenge – often working long hours in hazardous conditions – to keep the lights on and our communities running,” said Congresswoman Sánchez, the first woman member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) elected to Congress. “From rebuilding the grid after major storms to maintaining the systems that power our daily lives, their steadfast dedication ensures that our communities stay connected.”

“Our journeyman lineworkers are the frontline defenders of our infrastructure. They respond without hesitation – often at great personal risk – to restore the power that sustains our homes, hospitals, and economy. In Pennsylvania’s First District and across the nation, I’ve met with these dedicated men and women, listened to their concerns, and worked to ensure they have the respect, protection, and resources they deserve. This resolution is not merely symbolic – it is a formal recognition of their service and a promise to have their backs, just as they always have ours,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.

“As an electrician by trade, I’m proud to join Representatives Sánchez, Fitzpatrick and Bresnahan in introducing a resolution to designate July 10th as Lineworkers Appreciation Day, recognizing the 120,000 lineworkers across the country who work tirelessly to power our communities,” said Congressman Norcross, co-chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus. “These men and women often work throughout the night in hazardous conditions and after natural disasters to keep America on, and they deserve to be honored for their courageous efforts.”

“I want to express my deep gratitude to the skilled men and women who work around the clock not only on Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day, but every day,” said Congressman Bresnahan. “As the former Chairman of an IBEW Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, I know firsthand the dedication lineworkers have to keeping our lights on and our communities running smoothly. I am glad to join Representatives Sánchez, Fitzpatrick, and Norcross to recognize their vital importance to our communities.”

“America’s lineworkers are heroes in every sense of the word, putting their own safety on the line day in and day out to provide the electricity that powers every aspect of our modern lives,” said Kenneth W. Cooper, international president of the IBEW. “Honoring them on this day is fitting, but our gratitude for them and the work they do lasts year-round. The IBEW is proud to represent the best of the best of our nation’s lineworkers and to thank them for all they do for all of us.” 

“On this 2025 Lineworker Appreciation Day, we proudly honor the hardworking men and women who keep our lights on and our communities safe – no matter the weather or the hour,” said David Long, CEO of the National Electrical Contractors Association. “Their skill, sacrifice, and service power America every day. On behalf of our contractors and their employees across our nation, I want to extend our sincere thanks to Representatives Linda Sánchez, Donald Norcross, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Rob Bresnahan for introducing this year’s bipartisan resolution, ensuring our nation never forgets the vital role lineworkers play in our everyday lives.”

“EEI and our member electric companies proudly recognize America’s lineworkers today and every day. These brave men and women are essential to delivering the safe, reliable, and affordable electricity that drives our nation’s economy and powers our communities and our daily lives” said Drew Maloney, president and CEO of Edison Electric Institute. “Lineworkers are the face of our industry and work day and night—often in dangerous conditions—to keep the lights on. We thank Representatives Sanchez, Bresnahan, Fitzpatrick, and Norcross for their leadership in honoring their service.”

The resolution designates July 10 as National Journeyman Lineworkers Day to honor Henry Miller, the founder and first president of the IBEW. Miller began his career at age 14 as a water boy on a government telegraph project in Texas. Years later, while working as a lineman, Miller became acutely aware of the dangerous conditions and subpar wages his fellow workers faced. He traveled across the country to organize linemen and was elected as the first president of the National Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in 1891. Sadly, Miller suffered a fatal fall on July 10, 1896, while working to solve a power outage in Washington, D.C. Today, the IBEW represents one of the largest and most diverse unions in the country.

Congresswoman Sánchez, a former member of the IBEW Local 441 and labor lawyer, first introduced this resolution in 2014.

The full text of the resolution is available HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (38th District of CA)

WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez released the following statement in response to President Trump announcing a 50 percent tariff on Brazil over the prosecution of former-Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro:

“President Trump’s threat to impose a 50 percent tariff on Brazil is a clear abuse of power and the latest example of how he’s weaponizing our country’s trade policies to serve his own interests.

“It’s clear that he isn’t using tariffs to address unfair trade practices, he’s abusing them to settle political scores and reward those who support or benefit him. In this case, he’s waging a trade war to protect his political ally, Bolsonaro, who is under investigation for allegedly trying to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election. This is not only antidemocratic but also corrupt.

“It’s time for Congress to put an end to the president’s abuse of tariffs and reclaim our constitutional authority over trade. If we don’t, the president will continue to manipulate the system to benefit himself and his allies at the expense of American workers and interests.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (38th District of CA)

WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Democrats released the following joint statement in response to President Trump’s failure to deliver 90 trade deals in the 90 days since he initially paused his reciprocal tariffs:

“President Trump has failed to deliver a single trade deal for Congress to consider, let alone the 90 trade deals his administration bragged about three months ago. Trade Subcommittee Democrats remain united against his ongoing trade chaos, which includes the secretive negotiations kept hidden from the public.

“These backdoor negotiations have produced nothing more than a handful of loose frameworks, vague handshake agreements and concepts of trade plans. President Trump’s trade agenda has failed to improve the economy, while betraying the workers he promised to defend.

“Americans are bearing the brunt of his erratic trade agenda. Families are facing higher prices at the grocery store, small businesses need relief, and farmers and workers are left with fear and uncertainty. All while the president desperately posts letters on social media begging countries to negotiate with him.

“There is clearly no strategic or coherent plan in place. It’s time to put an end to this madness. We call on our Republican colleagues to join Democrats and reassert Congress’ role in setting trade policies that support – rather than harm – our economy.”

Trade Subcommittee Democrats

Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.), Ranking Member
Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.)
Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.)
Don Beyer (D-Va.)
Terri Sewell (D-Ala.)
Brad Schneider (D-Ill.)
Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas)
John Larson (D-Conn.)
Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.)
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (38th District of CA)

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA) is pleased to announce Molly Carey joined her team as her new Chief of Staff. Additionally, Sarah Skirmont has been promoted from Senior Legislative Assistant to Legislative Director.

“I’m excited to welcome Molly to our team and to recognize Sarah’s hard work with this well-deserved promotion,” said Congresswoman Sánchez. “Molly brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight that will be invaluable as we continue fighting for working families. Sarah has consistently demonstrated strong policy expertise and dedication to our legislative priorities. I look forward to what we will accomplish together.”

Carey most recently served as Senior Director for Government Affairs at the American Association for Justice. She was also the Policy Director at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Notre Dame Law School.

Skirmont has been with Congresswoman Sánchez’s office since 2021, serving as a Senior Legislative Assistant covering a wide range of issues including health care policy. She is a graduate of New York University.

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