Greetings!

This was another busy week in Washington, DC. We were lucky enough to get some sun and warm weather this week, but it was nothing compared to a beautiful day in Orange County! Here are some highlights from my week:


Read on to learn more about this week’s activities and updates. 

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
Grant Opportunities

  • On March 16, the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program will start taking grant applications from nonprofit cultural institutions. Learn more.
  • The deadline for California Arts Council’s Individual Artist Fellowships is April 1st Learn more. 
COVID-19 Vaccines in Orange County
Orange County has added another vaccination site at Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove. Increased access to vaccines will allow us to protect our most vulnerable populations. For more information on the status of COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Orange County, click here. 
Your Voice in DC
Standing up for American Workers
This week, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 842, the PRO Act. The PRO Act would make California’s “ABC” test the national standard for determining whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor. Under the “ABC” test, it is very difficult for a worker to classify as an independent contractor. This bill curbs opportunities for people to work at a time when we should be giving people more flexibility and independence – not less. I spoke on the House floor against this misguided legislation. Watch my full remarks here.
I could not support legislation that imposes California's devastating independent contractor test nationwide that limits and, in many cases, prevents Americans looking for work to find flexible job options. This legislation would also require employees to pay union dues even if they don’t support the union. We need policies that will cultivate a 21st century workforce prepared to fill the jobs of tomorrow. 
COVID-19 Relief Bill
Any relief passed by Congress in support of the American people should targeted, temporary, and tied to COVID. $1 trillion in COVID funds from relief packages passed last year still remains unspent, including $239 billion in health spending and $58 billion in state & local aid.

The American people need access to vaccines, businesses want to safely reopen to provide for their employees, & families want to see their kids back in school. The funding that was allocated in this bill for schools would not even require that schools be open for in-person learning. I voted no on this legislation because we can and should do better.
Repealing the Death Tax
The Estate Tax, more commonly referred to as the Death Tax, is a tax on your right to transfer property at the time of your death. This tax puts an unfair burden on family-owned farms and small businesses. Those who have just lost a loved one should not also be faced with this punitive tax. This week I co-sponsored legislation that would repeal the death tax. Read more. 
Restoring Congress' Legislative Authority
Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution grants Congress with the explicit power to “make all laws”. Over time, excessive overreach by the executive branch has ceded Congress’ legislative ability. This week I co-sponsored the REINS Act, which would:

  • Reassert Congress' legislative authority and prevent excessive overreach by the executive branch in the federal rulemaking process
  • Require every new "major rule" proposed by federal agencies to be approved by both the House and Senate before going into effect
  • Preserve Congress' authority to disapprove of a "nonmajor rule" through a joint resolution
COVID-19 Updates
Small Businesses
The Small Business Administration is offering PPP loans until March 31, 2021.

If you’re a small business owner, check out the SBA’s website for the most up-to-date resources and guidance. 

Visit my website for a list of COVID-19 updates and resources.
In the News
Rep. Michelle Steel: International Women's Day - Rewriting 'comfort women' history worsens horrors of abuse
When we cover up our history, we are doomed to repeat it. It is up to us to make sure that these types of atrocities never happen again. Our children and grandchildren should be taught an accurate history, even if it is a painful one. Read more. 
Axe federal support for the bullet train, by the Orange County Register Editorial Board
“Appropriately, Steel’s proposal is called the Stop the High-Speed Money Pit Act…Neither the state of California nor the federal government should continue to squander taxpayers’ finite resources in a time when we could all think of much better uses for state and federal funds.” Read more. 
Sincerely,
Rep. Michelle Steel
Member of Congress