Greetings!

This week I was back in Washington, DC working on behalf of our Orange County Community. Here are some highlights from my week: 
Bringing Resources Together for Seniors
Last Friday, my team and I hosted a Seniors’ Resource Fair at Leisure World Seal Beach. The event included representatives from the Seal Beach Police Department, CalOptima, Advanced Medical Group, Astiva Health, City of Hope OC, Golden Reign Foundation, Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program on Aging – Southern California, Los Alamitos Medical Center, MemorialCare, Providence, UC Irvine, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Thank you to all who joined us! 
New Resource for Small Businesses
This week, the Small Business Administration declared Orange County a disaster area, making small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the oil spill eligible for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan. I’m glad these businesses will be able to access these additional resources. Click here to learn more and apply
Standing up for Parents
Recently, the National School Board Association (NSBA) faced criticism for their letter likening concerned parents that speak out at school board meetings to “domestic terrorists.” Despite their recent apology and reversal, the Attorney General has not reversed his directive for the FBI to mobilize against these parents. I’ve joined my colleagues in efforts to protect the rights of parents, including a letter to Attorney General Garland. Parents know what is best for their children – not the government. Watch: 
Meeting CA-48 Students in DC
This week I had the pleasure of speaking to a group of 8th Graders that were on a school trip to Washington, DC all the way from Costa Mesa. These kids are our future leaders, and it was so great to show them our Nation’s capital! 
OPINION POLL: IRS
In last week’s newsletter, I wrote about the Administration’s proposal to significantly expand the size and scope of the IRS. Despite widespread privacy concerns, Congressional Democrats’ final text of the bill released this week still includes this provision. I want to hear from you on this issue. 
Do you want banks to be required to report data on your bank account to the IRS?
Yes
No
Thanking our First Responders
This Thursday, October 28th was National First Responders Day. Thank you to all our firefighters, police officers, EMTs, 911 dispatchers, and nurses in Orange County and across the country for keeping our communities and families safe! 
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. 5142 To award posthumously a Congressional Gold Medal: This bill posthumously awards a Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. service members who lost their lives in Afghanistan. I was proud to co-sponsor this effort and vote yes on this bill that honors our fallen heroes. 
Oil Spill Resources
I’ve set up a page on my website with oil spill resources. Here is a list of some of the resources available for residents:

  • Small Business Resources – disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/
  • Health-related questions – Orange County Health Care Agency: (714) 834-2000
  • General oil spill inquiries – Huntington Beach Oil Spill Hotline: (714) 374-1702
  • Report wildlife concerns – Oiled Wildlife Care Network (877) 823-6926
  • Boat damage claims – Global Risk Solutions (866) 985-8366 and reference the Pipeline P00547 Incident
  • Details on Unified Command Response/Investigation: www.socalspillresponse.com
In the News
Feds will issue loans to Laguna Beach businesses hurt by oil spill
Orange County small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the oil spill can apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan program the U.S. Small Business Administration announced Wednesday. Read More
Should Biden declare 'major disaster' for Huntington Beach oil spill?
One day after the public learned about an oil spill off the coast of Huntington Beach, Rep. Michelle Steel sent President Joe Biden a letter asking him to authorize a major disaster declaration. Read More
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 FacebookTwitter, and Instagram pages, where I’ll be posting the latest news and updates.
Sincerely,
Rep. Michelle Steel
Member of Congress