January 19, 2024

Dear John,

I'm sorry to say I have some troubling news to share with you this week. Yesterday, pro-Hamas protesters vandalized my district office. While no one was harmed, and I am grateful to federal and local law enforcement for their work to ensure the safety of my staff and visiting constituents, I want to be crystal clear about where I stand. More than 100 days after Hamas’ genocidal massacre, I remain committed to standing with our ally Israel in their effort to eradicate terror and recover the innocent hostages that remain in captivity.

I will not be bullied and I will not be deterred.

In other news, the House passed another one of my bills this week - this time, to empower Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to enforce our trade laws and maintain American trade dominance. Additionally, the Ways and Means Committee passed my bill to unleash clean, sustainable, and renewable geothermal energy production. Finally, I had a productive meeting with international trade experts and got to spend some time with a local veterans group.

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.

Maintaining American Trade Dominance

For over five years, CBP has requested authorization to create a ‘Global Trade Specialist’ position within its International Trade Office to improve trade law enforcement and facilitate legitimate trade. As geopolitical relationships change more rapidly and drastically in the modern world, it’s critical that Congress empower CBP to operate as efficiently as possible.

WATCH: Rep. Steel Urges Support for her Global Trade Specialist Act

I introduced the Global Trade Specialist Act with Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) to authorize CBP to streamline current staffing policies and establish the new Global Trade Specialist position with a broader mandate and more cross-training to address a more comprehensive range of trade enforcement priorities.

I'm pleased to report that the House passed this bill on Thursday. I am urging my Senate colleagues to promptly take up this measure to ensure American trade dominance.

Learn More

This week I met with a delegation from the Korea International Trade Association to discuss strategic supply chain issues and U.S.-Korea cooperation as we continue working together to promote economic growth and stand together against regional instability.

The Vietnamese American Uniformed Services Association (VAUSA) of OC spent some time putting together care packages for servicemembers deployed overseas. It was an honor to join them in their effort to send some love to the brave women and men who serve our country.

RSVP For the 2024 Passport Fair

Due to the increased backlog in processing of passport requests, my office is partnering with the City of Buena Park to offer non-emergency passport processing appointments at Buena Park City Hall on February 10, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

WHEN: Saturday, February 10th, 2024 from 9AM-1PM*
WHERE: Buena Park City Hall
6650 Beach Blvd
Buena Park, CA 90622
QUESTIONS: call (714) 960-6483 or email my staff.

If you'll be traveling internationally and need assistance with getting or renewing a passport, this event is for you. Be sure to visit the link below to RSVP and someone from my office will be in touch to confirm that an appointment is available.

*Please note that because of limited space, an appointment is required and we will not be able to accommodate walk-ins.

RSVP

Unleashing American Energy

We have an opportunity to unleash American energy independence by ensuring geothermal energy can be developed more easily in the United States, creating jobs and boosting the economies of cities and small towns, including those in California.

That’s why I introduced a bill to expedite geothermal development by amending the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to allow for a new categorical exclusion for geothermal energy production under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

Supporting the rise of reliable, clean, sustainable energy must start with employing an all-of-the-above energy approach. I’m pleased to report that this week, the House Natural Resources Committee passed this legislation to benefit our energy grid across the board.

Read More from the Washington Examiner

This week I met with Lakewood Mayor Ari Pe and City Manager Thaddeus McCormack to discuss their priorities for the new year, and what I can do to support them from Congress. It is an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Lakewood.

What I'm Reading

Times of Israel: ‘The saddest birthday in the world’: Hostage Kfir Bibas turns 1 in Hamas captivity

"Thursday, January 18, marks “the saddest birthday in the world,” as redheaded Kfir Bibas turns one-year-old while being held captive in Gaza, said Jimmy Miller, first cousin to Kfir’s mother, Shiri Bibas. The only celebrations taking place will be without the birthday boy, who, along with his 4-year-old brother Ariel, and their parents, Shiri and Yarden, has been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza..."

"Last week, the governor released his $291 billion budget proposal for 2024-2025. The record revenues of recent years have disappeared and been replaced by a deficit projected by the independent Legislative Analyst Office to top $68 billion. The Governor disputes that number and is projecting a $39 billion deficit. Either way, California is far from the $97 billion surplus from two years 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, 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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