Greetings!

This week I was back in our Nation’s Capital after our district work period, where I had an opportunity to see so many of you! It was a busy week in Washington and I’m so grateful to be back representing our district in Congress. Read below to see some of the 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 Orange County Veterans
Last Friday, I hosted a veterans roundtable with the ranking member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee Mike Bost (IL-12), members of the Orange County Veterans Cemetery Coalition, and my Veterans Advisory Board. We discussed issues facing the veteran’s community and the long-delayed veteran cemetery project in the Gypsum Canyon site.
Celebrating Mid-Autumn Moon Festival
The Mid-Autumn festival is celebrated by many Southeast Asian countries. It is a time to gather and give thanks with family and friends. I had a great time at the Moon Festival earlier this weekend at the Die Ngu Temple in Westminster.
Supporting our Troops and National Security
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is passed annually by Congress to establish defense priorities and authorize how funds in support of our military are spent. I was proud to vote yes on this important piece of legislation that supports our military families and equips our country to deal with emerging threats. Read more.
Honoring Vietnam War Veterans
Last weekend I was honored to attend the Quang Tri Victory Monument unveiling ceremony. This memorial honors the South Vietnamese military and their American allies for their sacrifice at the Battle of Quang Tri during the Vietnam war.
OPINION POLL: Border Crisis
This week, new images from the Del Rio bridge in Texas sparked national outrage at the situation unfolding on our southern border. We are a nation of laws, and we must secure our border. I want to know what you think about this crisis.
Are you concerned about the humanitarian and security crises on our southern border?
Yes
No
No opinion
Improving Transparency in Congress
This week I introduced the Greater Accountability from Lawmakers for Americans (GALA) Act. This legislation would update House Ethics rules for members of Congress to require that they disclose and explain why participation in an event is connected to official or representational duties when the market value of a ticket is greater than $1,000. Read more about the GALA Act.
Calling for Answers on Afghanistan Fallout
Following the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, we still don’t know exactly how much U.S. military equipment fell into the hands of the Taliban. I joined a letter to President Biden requesting this information be made public. Read the full letter here and an excerpt below:
“Over the course of the past 20 years, the American people invested approximately $2 trillion worth of their taxes in the U.S. mission. It is highly concerning that your administration ordered audits of that investment to be removed from the public record at a time when criticism abounds about the steps your administration took which failed to secure military equipment prior to the final withdrawal”
How I voted
My goal as your member of Congress is to be as transparent as possible about the votes I am taking in Washington. You can always view my vote record on my website.

I want to hear your feedback! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or comments on legislation or items currently up for debate in Congress.

Click here to see what the House voted on this week. Here’s an explanation of some of my votes:

H.R. 5323 Iron Dome Supplemental Appropriations Act – This bill would provide $1 billion in supplemental appropriations for the Government of Israel for their missile defense system that has saved thousands of civilian lives. I proudly voted yes on this bill and will always stand with our ally Israel.

S. 189 - Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act – This bill would increase veterans' benefits at the same rate that is used to calculate social security benefits. I was proud to vote yes on this bill to support our veterans. 
In the News
EXCLUSIVE: Republicans Press White House For Public Account of Military Equipment Lost to the Taliban
“Over the past 20 years, the American people invested approximately $2 trillion worth of their taxes in the U.S. mission,” they wrote. “This information is crucial to facilitate a sober-minded, fact-based analysis of the war in Afghanistan and its rapid conclusion.” Read more. 
AOC's Met Gala appearance sparks new 'GALA' law
Rep. Michelle Steel (R-Calif.) argues that the “Greater Accountability from Lawmakers for Americans Act,” or GALA Act, is necessary to provide “transparency” and accountability, changing rules to require members to explain how the event pertains to their official duties if the attendance requirements are above a certain price threshold. Read more. 
Sincerely,
Rep. Michelle Steel
Member of Congress