September 20, 2024

Dear John,

It's been a busy but exciting time in Washington. This week my health care bill, the SPEAK Act, passed the House and will help ensure telehealth services for millions of Americans of limited English proficiency. I will now work tirelessly to push for its passage in the Senate.

Another one of my bills to rename the Westminster post office in honor of Vietnam Veterans and the Vietnamese American community passed committee and will soon go to the Floor for a vote.

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.

House Passes the Speak Act

People of all languages and communities share a need for reliable health care and access to affordable, quality care should not be hindered by a patient's language. My bipartisan bill, the SPEAK Act will remove barriers for patients with limited English proficiency in accessing telehealth services. Telehealth is an affordable, accessible pathway for patients to visit with specialists, general practitioners, and more. However for many, this resource is unavailable due to a language barrier. The 45th District alone is home to 175,000 limited English proficiency individuals.

I'm thrilled to say that this week, the SPEAK Act passed the House Floor. It now moves on to the Senate where it will be one step closer to become law and providing more Americans with affordable, quality health care in their own language.

You can read my full statement on this passage here.

Bill to Rename Westminster Post Office, Honor Little Saigon & Vietnam Veterans Passes Committee

Our district's Little Saigon is home to a beautiful community of Vietnamese Americans. In honor of this community, and in tribute to the men and women who served our country in the Vietnam War, I am working to rename the Westminster post office the “Little Saigon Vietnam War Veterans Memorial Post Office.”

This week, my legislation to do so has passed through the House Oversight Committee and will soon be on the House Floor for a vote. I'm so proud to celebrate this progression and I look forward to the day when we have this lasting tribute in Westminster. You can read more about this legislation here and watch my full statement here.

Empowering Small Businesses to Grow and Prosper

This week, I hosted a hearing with the Chair of the U.S. Innovation Tax Team Ron Estes and fellow Ways and Means member Lloyd Smucker to hear from local innovators and business owners about problems they are facing with the federal tax code and overbearing regulations that hinder small businesses. The success of small businesses means the success of our economy, so it is vital that we as lawmakers cut back red tape and allow local businesses to flourish.

This roundtable was a great chance to listen to issues facing our job creators and discuss solutions for a healthier business environment.

Welcoming the OC ATF

The ability to safely enjoy public spaces, frequent local businesses, and travel to visit friends and neighbors is made possible by the work of local law enforcement.
This week, I was proud to welcome members of the ATF Orange County Violent Crime Task Force who received the Medal of Valor for their work in ending a string of violent armed robberies in our community. The task force is made up of local law enforcement officers, including Chief Radus of the Brea Police and Chief Hawley of the Fullerton Police. These heroes from our own streets help ensure the preservation of our lives, property, and businesses.

The award they received is a testament to their dedication to our communities and I am thrilled to see these officers recognized in our nation's capital.

Protecting Small Businesses

Thank you to the National Federation of Independent Businesses for recognizing me as a 2024 Small Business Guardian. Small business is the cornerstone of our local and national economies, and I will always champion the needs of our local job creators.

What I'm Reading

Officials celebrate summer opening of tri-cities navigation center in Garden Grove

"Garden Grove officials and state Sen. Tom Umberg gathered Tuesday to celebrate the summer opening of the Central Cities Navigation Center, a transitional shelter that can accommodate up to 85 adults experiencing homelessness in Garden Grove, Westminster and Fountain Valley. The shelter opened in mid-June and currently has 76 occupants receiving one-on-one case management with mental health, outpatient health, education, employment assistance and job training services available, officials said."

China slapped new export controls on a batch of minerals such as antimony – vital for the U.S. defense industry as a flame-retardant component used in machine bearings – in a move that could send prices in the defense sector soaring. The little-known metal antimony is used in ammunition, infrared missiles, nuclear weapons and night vision goggles, as well as batteries and photovoltaic equipment. China produced nearly half of the world’s antimony last year."

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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