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July 6, 2018
Happy Fourth of July!
Over two centuries ago, our Founding Fathers changed the world forever. They risked their lives to declare a new nation, one liberated from tyranny and oppression. Today, the promise of America continues to inspire us to work towards a better and brighter future. As a veteran, I know the value of public service to our great country, and the power of working hard to better our community. I firmly believe in the power of the American spirit and the promise of the American dream. I am proud to represent the great people of California’s 10th Congressional District, and I look forward to continuing to work with you and my colleagues in Congress to make our community and our nation a better place.
Turned away at the door of a local children’s shelter
On Monday, after coordinating with the Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services, I traveled to Pleasant Hill, Calif. to see the inside of a tender care facility housing migrant children separated from their families not far from our district. I am frustrated to say that I was denied entry to this facility. Not only that, but the facility manager would not even come outside to have a conversation with me and my multiple phone calls were ignored. This facility knew I was coming and actively barred me from entry rather than allow congressional oversight on these highly sensitive facilities. It is clear that some facilities do not want the public, or members of Congress, to see how they are caring for these children. That is deeply concerning. Congress must be allowed to provide due oversight and ensure these children are being cared for properly and the fact that they would not even face me for a conversation is appalling. This status quo cannot continue. No child should be forcibly taken from their parents, and no parent should be ripped away from their children. We need to ensure reunifications are happening as quickly as possible and Congress must do its job and pass legislation to ensure this never happens again. I wrote a bill last week that addressed this issue, and I will continue fighting hard in Congress to provide a permanent fix to the separation of children from their parents as well as permanent solution for DACA recipients and increased security along our border.
Thank-A-Vet Thursday: World War II Vet Robert Taylor of Modesto
This week’s Thank-a-Vet Thursday video features 95-year-old World War II veteran Robert Taylor of Modesto.
An officer in the United States Marine Corps, Robert participated in the Island Hopping Campaign and Battle of Okinawa as part of the 1st Marine Division. Following an injury to the leg, he returned home and automatically became a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve. When Robert was unexpectedly called back to action at the start of the Korean War, he was a teacher and father of three young children, and called his Congressman for help leaving the service. As a result, Robert was made captain for a day before being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1951.
Robert’s story is shared as part of my #TVT social media initiative to thank veterans for their service. I invite and encourage social media users to post photos and videos using #TVT to recognize America’s military veterans. All #TVT videos can be found on my YouTube channel and official Facebook page.
Check out my new veterans e-newsletter and subscribe
This week I sent out my new veterans e-newsletter, including information about my VA COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act, my Vet-to-Farm amendment in the NDAA, and my work to ensure homeless veterans have equal access to housing assistance through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Each quarter I distribute a special edition newsletter with the latest veterans news out of Washington to local VFW Halls and on my website; but now you can subscribe to receive this special edition newsletter directly in your inbox by visiting www.Denham.house.gov/vets and filling out the form at the top of the page. Topics include legislation affecting vets (such as my recent Veterans Treatment Court Coordination Act) and much more. If you missed the last edition, click here to view it online.
Upcoming Mobile District Office Hours
I have six Mobile District Office Hours (MDOs) in the next week where constituents can meet with representatives from my district staff for assistance with variety of services and issues, including Medicare, Veterans Affairs, Social Security and the Internal Revenue Services (to name a few). For a full list of scheduled MDOs, visit the Upcoming Events section of my website. Casework assistance is always available through my Modesto office as well by calling 209-579-5458.
Tuesday, July 10 – Escalon
10-11 a.m.
Escalon City Hall
2060 McHenry Avenue, Escalon, CA 95320
*Held in conjunction with Assemblyman Heath Flora’s office.
Wednesday, July 11 – Modesto
2-3 p.m.
Housing Authority of Stanislaus County
1701 Robertson Road, Modesto, CA 95351
*Held in conjunction with Senator Anthony Cannella & Assemblyman Adam Gray’s offices.
Thursday, July 12 – Hughson
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
City of Hughson
7018 Pine Street, Hughson, CA 95326
*Held in conjunction with Senator Tom Berryhill & Assemblyman Heath Flora’s offices.
Thursday, July 12 – Turlock
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Turlock Chamber of Commerce Conference Room
115 South Golden State Boulevard, Turlock, CA 95380
*Held in conjunction with Senator Tom Berryhill & Assemblyman Heath Flora’s offices.
Friday, July 13 – Newman
9-10 a.m.
City of Newman
938 Fresno Street, Newman, CA 95360
*Held in conjunction with Senator Anthony Cannella & Assemblyman Adam Gray’s offices.
Friday, July 13 – Patterson
10:30-11:30 a.m.
City of Patterson
1 Plaza, Patterson, CA 95363
*Held in conjunction with Senator Anthony Cannella & Assemblyman Adam Gray’s offices.
In the News
July 5, 2018
Congressman repeats call for immigration reform
By Michael Ellis Langley, The Tracy Press
July 4, 2018
Congressman Denham Denied Entry to Bay Area Detention Center
By Fox40 Sacramento
July 3, 2018
After Philly crash, railroads got more time to install a key safety system. Three years later, some still lag behind
By Jason Laughlin and Jonathan Tamari, The Philadelphia Inquirer
July 3, 2018
Immigration debate looms large in California Republican's re-election bid
By Lauren Fox, CNN
July 2, 2018
Congressman denied entry to California detention facility for children under age 14
By Kate Irby, McClatchy
July 2, 2018
ICE protests intensify, Congressman denied access to Bay Area shelter for immigrant children
By Kate Larson, ABC 7
Sincerely,
Jeff Denham
Member of Congress
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