July 7, 2023

Dear John,

This week I've been in Orange County, meeting with survivors of human rights abuses, honoring our local military heroes, and celebrating American Independence.

I'm also introducing legislation to ensure transparency from universities who might use "personality tests" in an attempt to get around the latest Supreme Court ruling striking down race-based admissions.

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.

Transparency in Higher Education

While the Supreme Court put an end to universities’ discriminatory quota system last week, many schools may still use arbitrary personality assessments that have been used to disadvantage Asian American students in the admissions process.

That’s why I’m introducing the Helping Applicants Receive Valid and Reasonable Decisions (HARVARD) Act, to require schools that receive Federal financial aid make their use of personality traits in admissions public, posting on a public website and application materials.

The HARVARD Act will shine a light on this process and ensure that all students and their families are fully aware of which schools are using these tests, the metrics used, and the rational for these personality traits. Students deserve the right to pursue their full potential without fear of prejudice based on the color of their skin.

Read More from the Orange County Register

The story of Captain Paul Jacobs and his crew on the USS Kirk – who so bravely escorted Vietnamese fleeing to safety after the Fall of Saigon – is part of the story of Orange County. I was honored to participate in the dedication ceremony of a plaque honoring that story.

Seniors, You're Invited!

I want to make sure you know about the Senior Resource Fair that my office is hosting in Garden Grove.

Join us to learn how to access public services available to seniors. Representatives from Medicare, Social Security, the IRS, and more will be present to answer your questions.

I hope you'll join my office for this great opportunity to get connected with the services you need. If you have have questions about the event please email my staff or call my office.

WHEN

Wednesday, July 19th 2023
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

WHERE

Garden Brook Senior Village
10080 Garden Grove Blvd.
Garden Grove, CA 92844

Celebrating America's Birthday

I was honored to participate in an Independence Day celebration at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos. As a proud first generation American, Independence Day has special significance to me.

It represents one of the most important moments in all of human history - the founding of the greatest country in the world. On July 4th 1776, 55 great men defied a king and beat the greatest military on earth to create a nation where all men and women would be created equal.

It’s a day to celebrate not only our founding - but all of our remarkable achievements in our 247 years. This is the country that defended freedom in two world wars and put a man on the moon.

We are not perfect, but we are good - and my own story proves it.

Read My Full Remarks from the Event

I was glad to meet with a former prisoner of conscience in Vietnam, who is now living in Orange County to discuss our shared support for the Vietnam Human Rights Act.

We must hold Vietnamese officials accountable for their human rights abuses.

Calling All STEM Students

Registration for the 2023 Congressional App Challenge (CAC) is now open! The CAC is a great way for middle and high school students from across the country to explore and improve their computer-based skills by creating original apps.

This competition encourages computer science and innovation skills and offers an opportunity for students to explore potential careers in the STEM field. The competition is hosted by the Congressional Internet Caucus.

Each winning app may be put on display in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year and will be featured on the House of Representatives website. Winning students are also invited to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington D.C.

Learn More and Apply

What I'm Reading

Fox News: Insane California green energy rules could wreck trucking industry

"Without truckers, America would grind to a halt. There’s no doubt about it. Truckers work a demanding job delivering our food, clothes and other necessities. But rather than support our hard-working men and women behind the wheel, President Joe Biden continues to empty their wallets..."

"Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen sought to halt a steep slide in U.S.-China economic ties by offering assurances that the U.S. doesn’t seek estrangement from China while also criticizing China’s treatment of American companies during the first full day of a closely watched visit to Beijing."

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

Visit My Website

Rep. Steel | 1127 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 Unsubscribe