May 10, 2024

Expanding Health Care Access

The past few years have conclusively shown that telehealth has the potential to drastically increase patient access to vital services and improve health outcomes, but unnecessary roadblocks remain for too many Americans, including those with limited English proficiency (LEP). That's why I introduced the Supporting Patient Education and Knowledge (SPEAK) Act and the Expanding Language Access in Telehealth Act.

I'm pleased to report that the Ways and Means Committee passed these policies, which will make it easier for Medicare beneficiaries and patients with LEP to access to telehealth services. I'm grateful to my Ways and Means Committee Colleagues for passing my proposals to break down these barriers, and I'm urging Speaker Johnson to bring this bill to the floor so more Americans can have access to the life-saving and life-changing care that telehealth services can provide.

Stopping the Spread of CCP Influence

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is undertaking a new and troubling bullying campaign. This time, they are targeting our neighbors in South America with strategic initiatives that have major economic and national security implications for the United States and my home state of California.

The United States cannot sit idly by while a strategic adversary like the CCP expands its political and economic influence over countries in our backyard at the expense of U.S. strategic goals. This week, I wrote an op-ed urging the Biden administration to work with Congress to build on our successes in this area and address the serious threats we still face.

Standing Up for Vietnamese Human Rights

Rep. Steel  meets with the family of Le Huu Minh Tuan, an independent journalists held as a prisoner of conscience in Vietnam serving an 11-year sentence.

The Communist Party of Vietnam’s (CPV) human rights record is unacceptable and demands complete and total condemnation by all people who value freedom and democracy. As Co-chair of the Congressional Vietnam Caucus, I have met with the Vietnamese refugees and families of the CPV’s political prisoners. Their experiences and stories are horrifying and heartbreaking.

The United States must be resolute in our efforts to pressure the CPV to improve its human rights situation. That is why, ahead of Vietnam Human Rights Day, I am proud to join with fellow Vietnam Caucus Co-Chair, Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA), to introduce a resolution condemning the CPV for imprisoning independent journalists, human rights defenders, religious figures, and dissidents in Vietnam. We must continue working to hold the Vietnamese government accountable and stand with innocent Vietnamese citizens and their loved ones in the United States.

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