July 28, 2023

Lowering Health Care Costs

Hospital prices should be transparent to ensure patients aren't shocked when they get a medical bill. While roughly one in four hospitals are following current hospital price transparency rules, only seven hospitals out of 6,000 nationwide have ever been fined for noncompliance. Many of those who do publish their prices do so in confusing formats or file types that make it difficult for anyone to access.

That’s why I introduced the Hospital and ASC Price Transparency Act, which puts pressure on hospitals to end this practice and ensures that price transparency data is more accessible for patients and employers. I am grateful to see this legislation included in the Health Care Price Transparency Act, which passed the Ways and Means Committee.

I will continue fighting for common sense legislation to lower health care costs for all Americans.

LAST CALL: Honor a Senior in Your Life

Southern California is home to some of the most dynamic communities in America - and our senior community is no exception. To celebrate National Senior Citizens Day on August 21, 2023, please nominate a 2023 Senior of Distinction to help me honor senior citizens in the 45th Congressional District who have made a distinct impact in their communities and the lives of their loved ones.

Visit my website to submit your nomination by 12:00 PM PST on July 31, 2023. Please contact my office by email or phone at (714) 960-6483 with any questions.

Securing Our National Defense

Only seven months ago, a CCP spy balloon traversed the United States and gripped the attention of the nation. Since then, the American people have become increasingly aware of CCP espionage infiltrating every industry. From higher education to social media to intellectual property theft, the CCP collects huge amounts of data to spy on the American people and undermines the United States.

I have worked for several years to bring attention to LOGINK, a key CCP objective overlapping their Belt Road Initiative and Digital Silk Road to create a global commercial and political order under the watch of Xi Jinping. This campaign has advanced to a point where the CCP is now able to gather insights on American businesses, U.S. strategic assets, and supply chain weak links to further their growing economic monopoly.

That's why I was proud to support the House of Representatives’ FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which not only provides our military with the largest pay raise in 20 years and improves military readiness, but directly takes steps to address the CCPs threat to our national security.

OPEN: Fall Internship Applications

The application to intern in my Washington, D.C. or Cypress, CA offices for the Fall semester is now open. Students selected for an internship will gain invaluable work experience while learning about the inner workings of the House of Representatives. 

Candidates must possess excellent writing and verbal communication skills. In addition, we are seeking highly collaborative team players with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. If you are a hardworking, dedicated individual who has a desire to help improve the Southern California community, this internship is for you!

Op-Ed: Californians Have Had Enough

For most of the country, HSAs are tax free, and they are not subject to federal income tax. However, California taxes HSA contributions and taxes employers who contribute to their employee’s HSA. Workers who save money in these accounts to help lower their monthly premiums or pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses, and employers who decide to contribute to an employee’s HSA get taxed for trying to cover these necessary health care costs.

This is a direct attack on low and middle-income families by a state that is intent on taxing its hardworking citizens in any way possible. This tax on health care savings is so unusual that, outside of California, only New Jersey punishes families who rely on HSAs in this way.

That is why I sent a letter to Governor Newsom with six of my colleagues from the California Congressional delegation urging him to end this unnecessary and harmful taxation of Californians’ health care savings.

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.

What I'm Reading

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