The DeSaulnier Digest: Join Our May 5 Town Hall in Lafayette

April 27, 2026 DeSaulnier Digest We are rapidly approaching our next opportunity to connect in-person and discuss the issues most important to our community. Join us next Tuesday, May 5 th at 6:30 p.m. for a town hall in Lafayette for an update on my work in Congress and to make your voice heard. I look forward to seeing you and taking your questions! ​​​​​​​ RSVP to secure your spot and receive the event address by clicking here . Image Sincerely, Mark DeSaulnier Member of Congress IN COMMITTEE Mark Discusses Solutions for Rising Prescription Drug Prices The cost of prescription drugs rose 39% over the past decade, and both Democrats and Republicans agree that drug costs have been driven up in part due to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Last week, the House Education & Workforce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions held a hearing where Congressman DeSaulnier advocated for policy to rein in abusive practices by PBMs and drugmakers. As the top Democrat on the Subcommittee, Congressman DeSaulnier discussed how corporate greed is behind rising prescription drug prices and how Congress should act to rein it in and put the needs of the American people first. To see his opening remarks, click here or on the image below. To view his conversation with hearing witnesses, click here . Image ON CAPITOL HILL Congressman DeSaulnier Introduces Bill to Support Students with Disabilities Children and families' need for early intervention and pre-school special education services has increased over the past several decades, but federal investments have not kept pace. To address this issue, last week Congressman DeSaulnier reintroduced his Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act (H.R 8465), which would restore full funding for educational and early-intervention services for children with disabilities. H.R. 8465 would assist states in providing this critical support by bringing funding for IDEA Part B, Section 619 and Part C back to where it belongs. This bill has been endorsed by dozens of disability rights and educational organizations since it was first introduced by Congressman DeSaulnier in 2019. Mark Votes Against Bills Undermining Environmental Protections Last week, Congressman DeSaulnier voted against three bills (H.R. 6387, H.R. 4690, and H.R. 5587) that would roll back environmental and energy efficiency standards, limit federal oversight of infrastructure and environmental reviews, and promote policies that could increase pollution and energy costs over time. While House Republicans framed the measures as supporting infrastructure and rural communities, these polices weaken safeguards, lack meaningful investment, and fail to address the long-term needs of working families and rural areas. Despite Congressman DeSaulnier's opposition, all three bills passed the House of Representatives and now await consideration in the Senate. POST OF THE WEEK Image BY THE NUMBERS Image