December 13, 2024

Dear John,

This week I was back in Washington joining my colleagues in Congress to fight against foreign threats, like the CCP, and support our military service members through enhanced funding and pay raises.

Today, we celebrate the 388th birthday of the National Guard, a testament to the legacy of this force, made up of men and women who uplift and defend their own communities.

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.

Combatting Global Communism

For decades, the evils of communism have plagued people around the world in the form of tyrants, oppression, and dangerous ideology. It's critical that we teach future generations about the dangers of communism and about the tragedies that have occurred as a result.

Last week, I was proud to vote in support of the Crucial Communism Teaching Act, which will make curriculum available to schools through the Victims of Communism Memorial foundation on the dangers of communism and totalitarianism.

As a first generation American whose parents fled Communism in North Korea, I understand how precious freedom is for those who have suffered at the hands of oppression. One way we can protect democracy is by ensuring we never forget the millions of people who lost their lives or their loved ones to the evil of Communism. Through this legislation I am proud to help not only preserve their memory but the American Dream.

You can read more about this important work here.

Defending Taiwan's Sovereignty

As a key ally of the United States, defending Taiwan's sovereignty is essential to maintaining our national security and ensuring stability in the Pacific Region.
Recent encroachments on Taiwan by the Communist Party of China pose a serious threat to the region.

This week I was thrilled to see my bill, the TAIWAN Security Act, pass the House of Representatives in the National Defense Authorization Act.

This important piece of legislation will deepen ties between the United States and Taiwan and require the Department of Defense to enhance industrial cooperation between our countries.

The CCP cannot be allowed to encroach on their neighbors and threaten global trade and stability. I'm proud to use my voice in Congress to combat the CCP. You can learn more about this work here.

The NDAA will also provide pay raises for all service members and improve their housing and medical care. I'm proud to work and give back to the service members who have given so much in defense of our freedoms here in the United States. You can learn more here.

Celebrating our National Guard

Today we are wishing a happy 388th birthday to the U.S. National Guard. This force is a critical part of our national defense here at home. Responding to emergencies like natural disasters, national threats, and much more, men and women of the National Guard provide critical support to the safety and security of our communities.

Happy Birthday to the National Guard!

What I'm Reading

UCLA police chief, blasted for security lapses that led to protest violence, is out

"UCLA Police Chief John Thomas, who was blasted for serious security lapses and failing to protect students during a melee at a pro-Palestinian encampment last spring, has left his job at the university, the campus police department said Wednesday night. In a post on the social media platform X, the UCLA Police Department said that Thomas’ last day with UCLA was Tuesday. UCLA Police Capt. Scott Scheffler will serve as interim police chief until a permanent chief is selected, the post said."

"Hamas has yielded to two of Israel’s key demands for a cease-fire deal in Gaza, Arab mediators said, raising hopes of an agreement that could release some hostages within days despite the repeated collapse of previous negotiations.

The militant group told mediators for the first time that it would agree to a deal that would allow Israeli forces to remain in Gaza temporarily when the fighting stops. Hamas also handed over a list of hostages, including U.S. citizens, whom it would release under a cease-fire pact, something it hasn’t done since the first truce in the conflict 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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