June 29, 2024

Dear John,

A busy week in Washington was highlighted by the passage of legislation I led to help Korean American families reconnect with relatives left behind in North Korea. The Korean American Divided Families National Registry Act is one step closer to becoming law and will help reunite families who are running out of time to reconnect.

Additionally, I had the pleasure of meeting our Congressional Art Competition winner from CA-45 and seeing her painting displayed in the Capitol, where it can be enjoyed by visitors and members of Congress.

Below you can find more information on these issues and others, including help with federal agencies. For real-time updates of my work on your behalf, be sure to follow my Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Working to Reunify Families

I am pleased to report that on Tuesday, the anniversary of the start of the Korean War, the House passed my legislation to reunify Korean Americans with relatives in North Korea, some of whom they haven’t seen in over 70 years. This bill would assist Korean Americans with reconnecting with their loved one who were left behind in the Korean War, many of whom are running out of time to reconnect. This act would establish a database through the State Department of information on families in the United States and their loved ones in North Korea, and I was proud to lead this bill with my Democratic colleague Susan Wexton. I eagerly await its passage through the Senate. More information on the Korean American Divided Families National Registry Act can be found here and you can read my full statement on its passage here.

Welcoming Our Congressional Art Competition Winner

On Thursday, I welcomed Congressional High School Art Competition winner Zoey Bahng and her mother from Fullerton to the U.S. Capitol to celebrate her painting “When Women Win”. Zoey's painting is a beautiful illustration of the power of uplifting others in our community. I look forward to seeing Zoey's vibrant painting displayed Cannon Tunnel. “When Women Win” and other winning pieces will be visible to members and visitors alike. Visit here for more information on entering the Congressional High School Art Competition.

Combatting the CCP's Fentanyl Trade

I was recently appointed to the new Fentanyl Policy Working Group as part of my work with the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party. On this working group, my colleagues and I will focus on combating the CCP’s role in flooding the United States with fentanyl. This deadly narcotic is manufactured in China and smuggled into the United States, and the consequences of the fentanyl epidemic are even worse thanks to the Biden Administration’s lax border policy. We see the effects of this crisis firsthand in Southern California due to our proximity to the southern border as well as our large network of ports, which Chinese companies often ship Fentanyl materials through. Fentanyl kills more than 200 Americans every day, the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45. The Fentanyl Policy Working Group will combat this crisis by imposing sanctions on entities involved in the fentanyl trade, and by strengthening customs regulation and enforcement. You can read more about The Fentanyl Policy Working Group’s work here.

Sacramento Increases the Gas Tax Again

On July 1st, Californians will once again see a rise in the state gas tax under Gavin Newsom’s leadership. Higher gas prices makes it more expensive for families to drive to work, school, and the grocery store. Increased inflation is already causing California to tighten their budgets, and liberal politicians raising taxes on basic necessities will only add to my constituent’s pain. I strongly oppose this tax hike, especially in light of the increased cost of living we are already facing.

Assistance with a Federal Agency

As a Representative, my office offers assistance to constituents navigating federal agencies. I can help with issues related to the VA, expediting a passport, locating federal tax returns, and more. We recently heard from one constituent named Mignon regarding an issue we helped resolve with Social Security.

Thank you so much for your assistance in resolving my SSA issue.

It was quickly resolved by your office’s help.

This is the first time I have ever contacted any of my elected official and am very thankful for your prompt help.

With much gratitude,

Mignon

Brea

Visit here for more information on assistance with a federal agency.

What I'm Reading

After protests, UC Berkeley pledges to expand antisemitism education to all new students

"For the first time, the campus will provide a five-year funding commitment to widen the educational effort, which began on a much smaller scale in 2019, to all new students, leaders of official student organizations and residential assistants. Berkeley also will strengthen the Center for Jewish Studies with a new designation that will allow it to have its own endowed chairs and faculty members and launch faculty searches."

"Utilizing geothermal energy is key to reducing emissions, growing our economy, undoing our dependence on foreign adversaries, and securing American energy security. That’s why it’s crucial for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to bring to the House floor our bipartisan legislation, which would greatly unlock geothermal exploration and development."

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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