September 27, 2024

Expanding Access to Clean Energy

The United States has an abundance of natural resources that we can use to make our lives better, especially in California. One of these resources is geothermal energy, the heat produced at the earth's core. Geothermal energy is a reliable, clean, and renewable source of energy that, when transformed into electricity, can power our day-to-day lives. 

My bill, H.R. 6474, would expedite the process of geothermal project exploration and development, allowing greater access to this clean, valuable resource. Building up new sources of energy, alongside existing sources will make America less reliant on our adversaries. Today, with household budgets stretched thin and electricity bills running high, more access to renewable energy will bring down costs for families like yours. 

This week, my bill passed the House with support from my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and took a step closer to becoming law. Watch me speak on this bill on the House Floor here and read more about its passage here.

Honoring Vietnam War Veterans

Southern California is home to a proud, patriotic community of Vietnamese Americans. In conjunction with local veterans organizations and community leaders, I introduced legislation to rename the post office in Westminster the "Little Saigon Vietnam War Veterans Memorial Post Office", to honor the Little Saigon community and in tribute to the veterans who served our country in the Vietnam War. 

I'm thrilled to say that this week, that legislation passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support! It will now await a vote in the U.S. Senate. 

You can watch me speak on the House Floor in support of this bill here, and read my full statement on its passage here.

Increasing Benefits for Veterans

One of the benefits that our nation's veterans have rightfully earned with their service is a college education. On Thursday, I introduced legislation with my colleague Susie Lee (D-NV) to improve housing benefits for student veterans attending classes online. 

The Education Flexibility for Veteran Parents Act allows veterans enrolled in postsecondary education – who are parents of a dependent child – to receive their full housing stipend under the G.I. Bill even if they are pursuing online education.
With universities opening up more options to attend classes online, this bill is a common-sense way to allow more veterans to access their hard-earned benefits. I’m proud to be leading this effort alongside Republican and Democratic cosponsors.

Read more on this legislation here.

Introducing Boat People Awareness Month

In the 1970s, following the Vietnam War, nearly 800,000 Vietnamese refugees fled Vietnam by boat to escape the communist regime. These refugees became known as boat people, braving dangerous conditions, pirates, overcrowded boats, and countless other dangers. Many of these refugees perished on the journey, while the survivors settled all over the world, including in Southern California. Today, the Vietnamese American population is a beautiful part of our communities. 

In recognition of the refugees who fled nearly five decades ago, I introduced a resolution to name September "Boat People Awareness Month.” These individuals sought to flee tyranny and oppression for the type of freedom that we have in the United States. Today, the Vietnamese-Americans across Southern California and the United States remain a proud, patriotic community, many of whom I'm honored to represent in Congress. 

You can watch me speak on the House Floor in support of this resolution here and find more about it 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