Defending our allies

March 1, 2022

Greetings!

I was so honored to join my congressional colleagues in Israel for a week of meetings, visits to holy sites, and learning from local officials. I was proud to reaffirm our nation’s commitment to our greatest ally in the Middle East.

As a nation we watched Vladimir Putin attack the free and sovereign nation of Ukraine, putting millions of innocent civilians in harm’s way and violating international norms. I’m praying for our allies and those in harm’s way.

Make sure to follow my Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get these updates in real-time! Here are some highlights from my week:

Supporting Ukraine

I am praying for the people of Ukraine, our allies, and our nation. Vladimir Putin does not get to decide the borders of a free and sovereign country. As the leader of the free world, I believe we have an obligation to protect democracy and support our allies around the world.

Which topics are most important for President Biden to address in his first State of the Union?

Skyrocketing Inflation

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Putin’s Attack on Ukraine

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The Border and Crime Crisis

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COVID-19 Recovery

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Visiting Israel

As a member of the Israel Caucus in the House of Representatives, I am committed to strengthening and supporting the American relationship with Israel, which remains the cornerstone of American foreign policy in the Middle East.

President Trump made historic strides supporting this relationship including the relocation of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, Israel’s historical and indivisible capital, and officially recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

I joined more than 20 of my congressional colleagues for our visit to Israel. It was an honor to celebrate mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and to visit the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism, where millions visit to pray and reflect at the site of the Holy Temple.

With Leader McCarthy and fellow Republican Members at Israel’s Knesset.

Praying at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Placing a prayer in the Western Wall.

We also had the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where our group discussed the importance of the U.S. – Israeli relationship. It was incredible to hear from Israeli Defense Force soldiers about their commitment to defending Israel and her people, and to learn more about the Iron Dome that has saved thousands of lives. I’m a proud supporter of U.S. funding for this defense system.

Meeting with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

With my colleagues and friends Congresswomen Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Young Kim and Lisa McClain.

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to travel to this amazing country.

Honoring Officer Nicholas Vella

My heart goes out to Officer Nicholas Vella’s family and the entire Huntington Beach Police Department following a deadly helicopter crash in Newport. Officer Vella was a 14-year veteran of the police force, and he dedicated his life to protecting our community. I am praying for his family and his fellow officers. Our law enforcement officers are heroes and I’m grateful for these brave men and women who serve our community.

Helping the People of Ukraine

Many of you have asked how to help Ukrainian citizens evacuate while Russia continues their violent assault on innocent people. Below is information from the State Department, and I will continue to keep you updated as more resources are shared. Please don't hesitate to contact my office if we can be of service.

Q: I am a U.S. citizen and need a passport to depart Ukraine. What should I do? The Department of State is not able to offer in-person emergency consular services in Ukraine at this time. U.S. citizens in Ukraine should fill out the online assistance form at: https://cacms.state.gov/s/crisis-intake and the Department of State will respond.

Q. Is the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv still open for visa applications?

The Department of State is not able to offer in-person emergency consular services in Ukraine at this time. U.S. embassies and consulates in neighboring countries can accept visa applications from Ukrainians. Please find a list of embassy websites here: https://www.usembassy.gov. Interested applicants should follow instructions on the respective Embassy website to apply for a visa.

Poland (Warsaw or Krakow): https://www.ustraveldocs.com/pl/en

Slovakia (Bratislava): https://www.ustraveldocs.com/sk/

ungary (Budapest): https://www.ustraveldocs.com/hu/

Romania (Bucharest): https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ro/

Moldova (Chisinau): https://www.ustraveldocs.com/md

In the News

The Hill: US and allies must stop China from violating international trade norms and rules

By Rep. Michelle Steel

As the world turns its eyes to the Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) continues to cheat the global rules-based system and commits human rights atrocities with the end goal of passing the United States as the world’s leading superpower. This is the same leadership that strips Hong Kong of their rightful freedoms, denies the sovereignty of Taiwan, oversees forced labor and torture, and steals our intellectual property. It’s past time that we hold the CCP accountable. Read more.

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Sincerely,

Rep. Michelle Steel

Member of Congress