Greetings!
What a week! Our vote schedule was unpredictable in Washington this week as Congress wrapped up its legislative business before the district work period. I’m looking forward to heading back to Orange County after a week of meetings, votes, and hearings.
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.
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Serving California's 48th District |
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Hosting a Service Academy Information Night
Attention parents and high school students! My office will be hosting a Service Academy Information Night on Monday, August 23 rd at 6 PM. This is a great opportunity for students interested in serving in a Service Academy to learn more about the application process. Call 714.960.6483 if you have questions. Click here for details. |
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Connecting with the Transitional Immigrant Community
This past Sunday I attended the Community Day hosted by Grace Social & Medical Services in Fountain Valley. They do critical work to support our Middle Eastern & North African immigrant community in Orange County. It was a pleasure to meet so many of you and share the ways my team can help connect our community.
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Securing Funding for Coastal Sand Erosion
This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed funding for the next fiscal year that included $15.5 million for the Surfside-Sunset & Newport Beach Replenishment Project. I made a direct funding request for this project with the support of Orange County leaders and project stakeholders in our coastal cities. This is an exciting first step towards protecting our coastal homes, businesses, and wildlife. Read more. |
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Expanding Opportunity Zones
This week I was proud to introduce the Growth and Opportunity Act, legislation to extend Opportunity Zones past their current expiration of 2026. Opportunity zones are an economic development tool that encourages private investment in distressed areas of the United States that have previously struggled to attract investors. Read more. |
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Working to Repeal the SALT Cap
The SALT Cap disproportionately affects the hardworking families of Orange County, who already pay some of the highest taxes in the country. As a member of the bipartisan SALT Caucus, I’ve been working with members on both sides of the aisle to get this cap repealed. This week I joined my colleague from New York, Rep. Andrew Garbarino, in his letter to Congressional leadership pushing for the SALT cap to be repealed. Read the full letter here and an excerpt below. |
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“Many of our constituents, including teachers, first responders, and members of law enforcement earn incomes that are higher than many with the same jobs in other parts of the country, but these incomes make them middle class in the high cost of living communities we represent.” |
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Recognizing a Local & National Hero
Kobe Bryant was a beloved member of our community and a treasure to his neighbors in Orange County. The basketball legend and father of four tragically lost his life along with his daughter, Gianna (‘‘Gigi’’) and 7 others on January 26, 2020. Bryant was not only one of the greatest basketball players of all time, but he also used his platform to inspire millions and help kids around the world achieve success and strive for greatness. That’s why I introduced a resolution this week that would designate 8/24 (both numbers Kobe wore during his time on the Lakers) as Kobe Bryant Day. Read more. |
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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.
H.R. 4300 – Alexander Lofgren VIP Act: This bill would codify the November 2020 rule that provides free annual America the Beautiful Passes to current military service members, veterans, and Gold Star Families. Our service members and veterans deserve the best our Nation has to offer, and I was proud to support this legislation that I also cosponsored.
H.R. 3237 – Emergency Security Supplemental Appropriations: This emergency supplemental bill provides funding to increase Capitol security and support our Capitol Police officers. Among other provisions, it provides $70.7 million for Capitol Police to support overtime, more officers, hazard pay, and retention bonuses for the Capitol Police. I voted yes on this legislation because we must ensure our law enforcement have the resources they need to do their jobs.
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Kobe Bryant Day? Rep. Michelle Steel asks Congress to honor late basketball legend |
Rep. Michelle Steel on Monday asked Congress to declare Aug. 24 as Kobe Bryant Day, with fans encouraged to give back that day to honor the late basketball legend’s community contributions. Read more.
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OC Congresswoman introduces resolution to designate Aug. 24 as Kobe Bryant Day |
The date of Aug. 24 was chosen to honor Bryant's two jersey numbers -- 8 and 24 -- during his 20 seasons with the Lakers. Bryant lived within the 48th Congressional District in Orange County, represented by Steel. Read more.
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Backlog of passport applications has surpassed 2 million, as California lawmakers weigh in |
A huge backlog in passport applications has put the State Department in the spotlight as it struggles to process passport renewals. Complaints have rushed to congressional offices in Orange County, with some people looking to hurry up applications. Read more.
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California Republican seeks to make Aug. 24 'Kobe Bryant Day' |
Aug. 24 could soon become known as "Kobe Bryant Day" across the country if a California Republican has her way. Read more.
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Rep. Michelle Steel
Member of Congress
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