May 5, 2023

Dear John,

This week officially kicks off Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, and I'm looking forward to highlighting the incredible members of this community and what they are doing to make this country great. I'm also excited to announce the winner of the 2023 Congressional Art Competition, and I'm introducing legislation to stop Iran from getting its hands on a nuclear weapon.

Get the details about all of this and more below, and make sure to follow my Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get these updates in real-time.

Preventing a Nuclear Iran

From threatening our allies like Israel to brutalizing its own people, most recently conducting chemical attacks on thousands of schoolgirls, Iran has made clear it has no interest in participating in the international community or working towards peace. The rogue state continues to make threats against democracy and actively sponsors terrorism around the world. We cannot allow Iran to develop or obtain nuclear weapons.

Sanctions are one of the most effective tools at our disposal to rein in the Ayatollah and his minions, but the legal authorizations for these sanctions are set to expire in 2026. That’s why I led 23 of my colleagues, including Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) to introduce the bipartisan and bicameral Solidify Iran Sanctions Act (SISA), to ensure the U.S. can maintain critical deterrents and apply pressure to the Iranian regime to prevent them from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Through this bipartisan, bicameral legislation, we can prevent Iran from possessing nuclear weapons and further jeopardizing global peace.

Read More in The Hill

For National Small Business Week, I convened a meeting of business leaders in Cypress to discuss the challenges facing our job creators and how to get our economy back on track. Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and I'm proud to represent the small business owners working to build their own American Dream.

Happy AAPI Heritage Month

A Special Message for AAPI Heritage Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to honor and reflect upon the many contributions that AAPI have made to this great nation.

From business leaders and educators to healthcare professionals and community service providers, the AAPI community in Southern California is as remarkable and impactful as it is diverse. We are fortunate to have such dedicated and talented friends and neighbors in our area.

To celebrate this month, my office is asking for your help to honor some of these incredible individuals as distinguished citizens with our 2023 AAPI of Distinction Award.

Visit my website by May 10th to nominate a member of the AAPI community who lives or works in the 45th Congressional District and has made a significant contribution to our community. I look forward to working with you to honor the amazing AAPI Community!

Submit a Nomination

April was Autism Awareness Month, and I stopped by the Brea Police Department to see what they've been doing to participate in the effort to promote belonging for kids with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I want to commend BPD for their work to raise awareness about this important issue!

Meet the 2023 Art Competition Winner!

This week, I announced the 45th District winners of the 2023 Congressional Art Competition and hosted an award reception to honor the top finalists. The first-place winner of the competition is Maximo Zhang of Gretchen Whitney High School in Cerritos. His piece, “Breaking Barriers,” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Winners are chosen by a panel of judges from the 45th Congressional District.

I was extremely impressed to see the raw talent of our high schoolers and junior high schoolers on display in this year’s competition. Every student who participated should be proud of their hard work and continue pursuing their passion for art. Congratulations to our finalists and thank you to all the teachers, judges, and parents who supported the students, volunteered their time, and made this competition possible!

Learn More on My Website

What I'm Reading

Orange County Register: Doctor who died protecting others during Laguna Woods church shooting is honored for valor

"Cheng was a sports medicine and family doctor in Aliso Viejo. Former patient Joe Cockrell had high praise for him last year, saying, 'It didn’t matter if you were seeing him for a broken arm, he would still ask all about your life.'”

"Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. is 'intensely engaged' in seeking the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was wrongfully detained by Russia more than a month ago."

Read More

Thanks for taking the time to read about what I've been doing on behalf of Southern California families. Be sure to connect with my official Facebook,Twitter, and Instagram pages, where I post the latest news and updates. It is an honor to serve you in Congress.

Sincerely,

Rep. Michelle Steel
Member of Congress

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