Greetings!

This was a difficult week for our country and the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Anti-Asian violence has been on the rise for the past year. What happened in Atlanta this week was senseless and tragic, and only adds to a long list of recent, violent crimes against our AAPI community. We have to do everything we can to put an end to hate and help our neighbors, especially as we work together to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic.

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
COVID-19 Vaccines in Orange County
As of now people ages 16 – 64 who have underlying medical conditions are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Orange County. Those individuals will need to attest that they have one of the identified conditions when scheduling an appointment through Othena. To learn more about the status of COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Orange County and to see if you qualify, click here.
California Rental Assistance
California’s state-administered rental assistance program for landlords and renters began taking applications March 15th. For more information on how to apply, click here.
Your Voice in DC
Standing with our AAPI Community
This week, the House Committee on the Judiciary subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties held a hearing on discrimination and violence against Asian Americans. I spoke on a member panel of witnesses during this hearing about the importance of working together to stop hate and ensuring future generations can achieve their version of the American Dream. Watch my remarks here.
Supporting Small Businesses
The Paycheck Protection Program has been a lifeline for our nation’s small businesses who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In December, Congress reformed and replenished the PPP with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, providing the program with $284.5 billion. I was proud to support an extension of this program, which was set to expire on March 31, 2021.

The bipartisan Paycheck Protection Program Extension Act of 2021 extends that deadline by two months and provides an additional 30 days for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to process loans submitted prior to the new May 31, 2021 deadline.
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. A few constituents asked for more information about the bills being voted on, so I’ve decided to add this section to my newsletter to help you understand some of the votes I’ve taken.

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. 1620 – VAWA Reauthorization: I am a strong supporter of protecting women from domestic and sexual violence. That’s why I cosponsored HR 1892, and supported an amendment during floor debate, which would have been an extension of funding for the Violence Against Women Act programs that Congress has supported for decades. I couldn’t support the version that passed the House this week because of controversial provisions included in the bill that I believe would have been more harmful to victims of domestic violence.

H.R. 6 – American Dream and Promise Act: As an immigrant to this country, I support legal immigration for those who want to build their own American dream. I voted against this bill because granting amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants at this time would only increase the crisis on our southern border by incentivizing individuals to send more unaccompanied minors into the U.S.

H.R. 1868 - To prevent across-the-board direct spending cuts, and for other purposes: This update involves two important topics – Medicare provider payments, and the recent $1.9 trillion spending bill. Click here to read more.
In the News
Lawmakers warn of surge in violence against Asian Americans after Georgia shootings
A number of lawmakers on Wednesday warned of a surge in violence against Asian Americans after the shooting spree late Tuesday in Atlanta that left eight people dead, six of whom were Asian women. Read more.
Congress holds first hearing on Asian American violence in decades amid 'crisis point'
For the first time in more than 30 years, a congressional hearing on discrimination against Asians, an issue both public and personal for Asian American lawmakers in both parties. Read more.
GOP calls for Yale president to testify in hearing on discrimination against Asian Americans
The Justice Department’s lawsuit in October argued that “for the last few decades, Yale’s oversized, standardless, intentional use of race has subjected domestic, non-transfer applicants to Yale College to discrimination on the ground of race.” DOJ investigators alleged that Yale’s practices violated Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Read more. 
EXCLUSIVE: Sen. Cruz, Rep. Steel Send Letter To International Olympic Committee Calling For Olympics To Be Moved Out Of Beijing
“On behalf of democracy and freedom around the world, we hope you can join us in condemning the ongoing human rights violations and gross abuses currently happening throughout China. For this reason, we emphatically support that the 2022 Olympics Games immediately be moved out of Beijing,'” the letter reads. Read more.
Sincerely,
Rep. Michelle Steel
Member of Congress