June 22, 2024

Honoring Victims of Communism

I recently had the honor of addressing the Victims of Communism's annual Wreath Laying Ceremony in Washington, D.C., which was held at a memorial site for the over 100 million lives lost to communism across the globe. While reflecting on the lives tragically lost to communist regimes like the Chinese Community Party and the Communist Party of Vietnam, I spoke about how we must honor their memory by fighting the evil ideology of communism in 2024 and beyond. I will always use my voice in Congress to be a strong advocate for human rights, freedom and democracy.

Putin's Disgraceful Visits to Vietnam and North Korea

This week, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Vietnam to seek further partnership for his war efforts. I was disappointed to see the Communist Party of Vietnam welcome Putin with open arms, especially following his atrocities in Ukraine and recently signed military agreement with North Korea. Vietnam's close partnership with Russia and continuing attacks on human rights make them complicit in threatening the stability of the free world. As a staunch advocate for human rights and the representative of a significant population of Vietnamese-Americans in Congress, I will continue to speak out against the threat posed by communism to free people everywhere.

Rolling Back Prop 47 in California

Ever since the passage of Proposition 47 in California a decade ago, retail theft and homelessness have been growing problems which have added new hardships to families and small businesses. An initiative has gained enough signatures to roll back the most problematic provisions in this law, as part of an effort to reverse recent upticks in crime. I am fully supportive of this effort, but unfortunately Governor Newsom and his liberal allies in Sacramento are attempting to have this bipartisan referendum removed from the ballot. Check out a recent letter my colleagues and I sent to Governor Newsom asking him not to interfere with Californians making their voices heard on public safety issues.

   Strengthening Care for Our Foster Youth

Access to health care for the most vulnerable is a very important issue for me, including much-needed mental health services. I recently introduced the Foster Youth Mental Health Support Act, which would ensure increased mental health support for children in foster care. Foster youth are among the most vulnerable members of our society, as a lack of family stability often negatively impacts emotional and mental health. My legislation would create more consistent access to mental health services for children and teenagers in foster system, and is a product of my work on the House Ways and Means Committee. I will keep you informed on this important measure as it moves through the legislative process. You can learn more about my bill here.

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