Greetings!

This week I was happy to visit with you in Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, while working on a few committee-related items in Congress. It was nice to have another week at home before getting ready to head back to DC. Here are some highlights from my week:


I’ll be using this newsletter as a way to keep you up to date on my work on behalf of our Orange County community, so make sure you sign up for regular updates. You can also connect with my official Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages, where I’ll be posting the latest news and updates.
Serving California's 48th District
Protecting our Coastline
This week, the direct funding request language I submitted for the Surfside-Sunset & Newport Beach Replenishment Project was included in a key funding bill for the upcoming fiscal year. This is an exciting first step, and I’ll continue to work with local stakeholders to get this project done. The legislation will be voted on by the U.S. House of Representatives in the coming weeks.  Read more.
Last year Newport Beach saw a flooding event where ocean waves overpowered the coastline and flooded the surrounding community. While I was home this week, I went to see the area where the flooding happened with Public Works Director Dave Webb and Councilwoman Diane Dixon to discuss the importance of this sand replenishment project to prevent future damage. 
Touring the Pacific Marine Mammal Center
I had a great time this week at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach. PMMC is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year and I was honored to present a proclamation celebrating their important work. In 2020, PMMC rescued and responded to 143 marine mammals who were stranded or in distress. PMMC is responsible for animals stranded along the Orange County coast, and they currently have dozens of patients in their care. The work they do in support of marine wildlife is amazing, and many of the operations at their Laguna Beach center is done by volunteers!
Helping you Cut Through Red Tape
My top priority is serving you, and to be more accessible for questions about help with Federal Agencies my team has been hosting mobile office hours around the district. We have a few more scheduled this month to help you with any issues you may have. Click here for the full list of upcoming dates. The next one is in Fountain Valley on July 20th: 
I’ve also heard from many of you that you’re experiencing long delays in obtaining passports. Unfortunately, this issue is happening across the country. Despite delays my team is working to assist you. Check out some tips below, and as always please contact my office if you have questions or concerns. 
Supporting our Junior Guards
This week I stopped by the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Picture Day! The junior lifeguard program is hosted every year by the Newport Beach Fire Department. This year was their largest yet, with over 1,600 junior guards. Thanks for having me! 
Your Voice in DC
Supporting the Department of Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security plays a critical role in keeping our country safe. We are a nation of laws, and we need organizations like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to enforce these laws and keep people safe. Unfortunately, there have been calls by some to defund these important departments. I co-sponsored a resolution this week to support these brave men and women who selflessly serve our country. Read more. 
Standing with the Cuban People in their Fight for Freedom
The United States must stand united against communist regimes around the globe. This week, the people of Cuba took to the streets in protest of their poor living conditions and repressive government. I joined my colleagues in co-sponsoring a resolution expressing our support for the Cuban people in their fight for freedom and democracy. Read more. 
In the News
Millions in funding for Surfside-Sunset and San Clemente sand projects make it into federal request
Both projects have been stalled for years, awaiting government funding to help create a beach buffer that would protect roads, home and infrastructure from ocean flooding, as well as keep beaches – one of the region’s major tourism draws – from disappearing. Read more. 
31 Republicans request IG investigate billions in possible COVID-19-related fraud
Lamborn and Republican Rep. Michelle Steel of California led the effort calling on Acting Inspector General Larry Turner to conduct an audit aimed at determining the level of fraud. Read more. 
Sincerely,
Rep. Michelle Steel
Member of Congress