May 3, 2024

Standing Up to Antisemitism

For weeks, weak university leaders have allowed pro-terrorist demonstrators to create an unsafe and unwelcoming environment for Jewish students on college campuses across this country. In the past few days, we have seen this lack of moral clarity result in violence at UCLA. On Wednesday, I met with Jewish students who recounted their own troubling experiences with antisemitism on campus. It is absolutely clear that if universities will not protect Jewish students, Congress must.

I'm pleased to report that the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan, bicameral Antisemitism Awareness Act, which directs the Department of Education to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism in federal anti-discrimination law enforcement. I proudly voted for this legislation to ensure security for Jewish students and accountability for those who perpetrate acts of hatred.

Preserving American Investment

As the Vice Chair of the Ways and Means Committee Tax Team on U.S. Innovation, I am committed to preserving pro-taxpayer policies that encourage domestic investment. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) created a more competitive rate for Foreign Derived Investment Income (FDII), encouraging U.S. companies to bring valuable intellectual property back home, invest it domestically and develop it and keep it here in the future.

However, this provision is set to expire in 2025 unless Congress acts. That's why I introduced the Growing and Preserving Innovation in America Act with Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY). This legislation will ensure that American companies are encouraged to invest their profits here at home, creating jobs and developing new technologies that grow our economy.

Students, You're Invited

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.

My team will be hosting an information night for interested applicants. Representatives from the U.S. Military, Naval, Air Force, Merchant Marine, and Coast Guard Academies will be present to answer your questions about what it means to attend one of these institutions.

WHEN: May 9, 2024 at 6:00 PM
WHERE: Buena Park City Council Chambers
6650 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA 9062

Strengthening Key Alliances

America’s enemies - from Russia and Iran, to the CCP and North Korea - are on the move, and it is more essential than ever that we show our steadfast commitment to our allies, including Taiwan. The best way to prevent war is to partner with our allies and deter our adversaries from aggression.

That's why I joined Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV-4) and Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Joni Ernst (R-IA) to introduce bipartisan, bicameral legislation to strengthen U.S.-Taiwan defense cooperation and counter China’s growing military expansion in the region. The Transpacific Allies Investing in Weapons to Advance National (TAIWAN) Security Act will require the Secretary of Defense to enhance defense industrial base cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan, deepening U.S.-Taiwan defense ties, promoting supply chain security, and helping alleviate readiness challenges.

I’m proud to introduce this legislation to ensure the United States and Taiwan can adequately research, develop, and produce the defense supplies we both need to stop the CCP’s advances and protect democracy.

Advocating for STEM Education

Rep. Steel meets with a student at STARBASE Los Alamitos

Inspiring students to pursue an education in STEM is absolutely vital, not only to students’ careers, but our country’s long-term progress. Our nation faces a critical labor shortage in the STEM field. To invest in our students’ STEM education is to invest in the next generation of America’s leaders. 

Despite being one of the most successful and cost-effective STEM-education programs in the country, the Biden Administration’s budget included $0 for STARBASE. This week, I led my colleagues in calling for full funding of this critical program in the 2025 Appropriations process.

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, 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