DeSaulnier Town Hall Features Massachusetts Representative

By Molly Connelly, Print Editor-in-Chief

  Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) held his 241st town hall at Acalanes High School with rep. Jim McGovern (MA-02) to provide updates about the federal government and President Trump’s agenda on the evening of Thursday, August 21. Both DeSaulnier and McGovern serve on the House Rules Committee together.

   DeSaulnier began the town hall with a presentation about campaign ethics and the federal budget deficit. He characterized Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill as the largest transfer of wealth to the top 15 percent, adding to the federal deficit. 

   DeSaulnier then introduced the Massachusetts representative, McGovern, to discuss how Democrats are resisting Republican efforts in the legislature. 

   “Our democracy is under assault,” McGovern said. “Things are happening quickly, and they are happening in a way we are not resisting strong enough and that has to change.”

Blueprint Photo/Neve Murphy

Blueprint Photo/Neve Murphy

   Throughout their remarks, both DeSaulnier and McGovern discussed focusing on working families, rather than wealthy Americans. They also addressed concerns about the Supreme Court not checking executive power and the Epstein files. 

   “Would anyone like to see the Epstein files?” DeSaulnier said. “The response from the Democrats is that we should let the public decide.”

   McGovern told a story about seeing working families at Massachusetts food banks, and shared his belief that the government is about helping people. He argued the Trump administration is hurting working families, and that Democrats must resist. 

   “I think Trump is engaged in a deliberate tactic to keep us all off balance,” McGovern said. “I feel like we are drinking water from a firehose every day.” 

   Before transitioning into a question-and-answer section, McGovern concluded his remarks by encouraging voters to continue fighting and honoring federal employees. 

   The first question asked how Democrats are resisting the Trump administration. Desaulnier responded that they have demonstrations and go to court, but they struggle to operate as the minority party. 

   McGovern responded by praising California for scheduling a Nov. 4 special election, in which voters will decide whether or not to adopt a new congressional map. He said the move is an important response to a Republican-led redistricting in Texas.

   They then answered questions about working against corporations and the wealthy, Trump’s defunding of university grants, social security, and how the Democratic party is appealing to average Americans. 

   “The Democrats need to be laser focused on issues for the everyday American ... making rent, car payments,” McGovern said. “Let’s be bold. Focus on the issues that matter to everyone.”

   McGovern gave closing remarks, in which he said that House Republicans do not want to work with Democrats, and that some were even opposed to the Big Beautiful Bill, despite voting in favor of it.