October 20, 2023

Dear John,

It's been a wild few days in Congress. Today marks seventeen days without a Speaker of the House. I have heard from so many of you about this issue and I want to tell you, I share your frustration with the situation, and I am grateful for your calls, emails, and letters. Please know that regardless of the noise in Washington, D.C., my first priority is - and always will be - serving you to the very best of my ability.

This week, I'm supporting legislation to strengthen the crucial ties between the U.S. and Taiwan, I'm continuing to work to increase transparency of foreign influence on college campuses, and the deadlines for two programs for students and veterans are coming up.

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

Strengthening U.S.-Taiwan Ties

Double taxation presents a significant challenge to strong U.S.-Taiwan relations. That's why I joined Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) and Ranking Member Richard Neal (MA-01), along with Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (OR) and Ranking Member Mike Crapo (ID) to formally introduce legislation to relieve double-taxation of investments between the U.S. and Taiwan.

Strengthening our economic ties is a win-win for both of our economies and our national security. Eliminating this double-taxation is an important step in building new economic relationships with a key Indo-Pacific ally. I am glad to work across the aisle and across chambers to introduce this commonsense legislation to bring tax relief to American businesses and encourage bilateral investment with Taiwan.

Learn More on My Website

One of the most important parts of my job is keeping you informed about what I’m working on, so I regularly send out postcards with important updates. Be sure to check your mailbox for a message about how I’m working to help every family build their own American Dream.

Honoring Our Heroes

Did you know that our District is home to more than 20,000 veterans? Those who have selflessly served our nation in uniform deserve our thanks and honor. As a member of Congress, one of my top priorities is ensuring that our veterans receive the respect, care, and benefits they have earned.

To commemorate Veterans Day, my office is accepting nominations from the public for Veterans of Distinction in the 45th Congressional District. Please visit my website to learn more about the awards and to nominate a veteran from our district who you would like to see recognized for their service.

Nominate a Veteran

Protecting Our Education System

Foreign adversaries have found a friend in the Biden administration.

Today, malign foreign influences are taking their fight to college campuses and enjoying a familiar ally in President Biden. As members of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Chairwoman Viriginia Foxx (R-NC) and I are working to stop these bad actors by demanding increased transparency and accountability in foreign donations to colleges.

Last week, the Committee released its comprehensive plan to combat undue foreign interference on college campuses, the Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions (DETERRENT) Act. This legislation is guided by a simple premise: Every dollar comes with strings attached.

Learn More in the Full Washington Times Editorial

Get Your Education, Serve Our Nation

For students considering their next steps after high school, the Military Service Academies present an exciting opportunity to receive a world-class education and unmatched leadership skills, paid for by the U.S. Military. The honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation.

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA); the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA); and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

To request a Military Academy Nomination from my office, please complete the form on my website, and someone my office will be in touch with additional information. In the mean time, visit my website to learn more about the application process.

What I'm Reading

Orange County Register: Blame Gov. Newsom for California’s high gas prices

"Gas prices are dropping nationally. In California, on average they’re down about 18 cents from last week. A main reason was the state’s cheaper winter blend was allowed in late September, a month early. But prices at the pump still are higher here than in the rest of the..."

"Republican Virginia Rep. Virginia Foxx and Republican California Rep. Michelle Steel introduced legislation Wednesday that would bring more transparency and accountability to foreign gift reporting requirements for colleges and universities across the U.S."

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, X, 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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