Dear John,
It's been a busy week here in Washington, D.C. I've been meeting with people and groups from all fields and industries to find solutions to the challenges facing our Orange County Communities. I also introduced bipartisan legislation to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. John Cheng, the Laguna Woods shooting hero, and pushed back on the Biden Administration's strategic missteps in the Middle East. Learn more about my week below!
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Honoring the Best and Bravest of Orange County |
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Dr. John Cheng, a Laguna Niguel resident, was accompanying his mother to an event with her tight-knit Taiwanese congregation in Laguna Woods when he was shot while tackling an armed assailant. Dr. Cheng’s heroic actions enabled parishioners to hogtie the gunman, likely preventing other deaths.
This week, I introduced legislation with Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) to commission a Congressional Gold Medal for Dr. Cheng. Congressional Gold Medals express Congress’ highest appreciation for actions taken by an individual or institution.
Dr. John Cheng was a hero who represents the very best of Orange County. With his bravery, he saved dozens of other lives and prevented an even bigger tragedy from occurring. I’m proud to lead this effort to award him with a Congressional Gold Medal so that his courage will never be forgotten.
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I met with representatives of the American Society of Travel Advisors to discuss ways that we can support small businesses that are struggling after pandemic-related travel restrictions that have affected their business.
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Maria Salinas, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Chamber, dropped by to discuss ongoing efforts to grow our regional economy and support the workers and employers in Southern California. |
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My office is looking for a wounded warrior or medically retired veteran for a paid Wounded Warrior Program fellowship in my Huntington Beach district office. The person chosen for the special fellowship will work with our military and veteran community to handle casework and act as a facilitator between constituents and federal, state, and local agencies.
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This week, the Biden Administration announced that it will move the Palestinian Affairs Unit (PAU) out of the U.S. Ambassador to Israel’s reporting chain of command and establish a “U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs. Effectively, the Administration is creating an unofficial Palestinian Consulate.
This is beyond the scope of the Administration's authority, and it violates the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995.
My colleagues and I sent a letter to the Administration opposing this critical strategic misstep and calling on them to reverse this betrayal of the close ally we have in Israel.
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Intern in My Huntington Beach or D.C. Office! |
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If you are a hardworking, dedicated individual who has a desire to help improve the CA-48 community, an internship in my Washington, D.C. or Huntington Beach office is for you!
The D.C. internship is available to college and grad students and the Huntington Beach office is open to recently graduated high school students, college, and grad students. Candidates must possess excellent writing and verbal communication skills and be highly collaborative team players with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
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The security team at our Huntington Beach office has been working hard to keep building tenants, my staff, and Orange County constituents safe as we work to deliver for the people of Orange County. Thank you for all you do! |
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My team has been experiencing a higher than average number of requests for assistance with passports. If you’re planning an international trip and need to renew or apply for a new passport, the time to plan is now.
Click here or below for more information. If you have further questions about issues with the State Department or another Federal Agency, my team is here to help you.
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Many of you have asked how to help Ukrainian citizens evacuate while Russia continues their violent assault on innocent people. Below is information from the State Department, and I will continue to keep you updated as more resources are shared. Please don't hesitate to contact my office if we can be of service.
Q: I am a U.S. citizen and need a passport to depart Ukraine. What should I do? The Department of State is not able to offer in-person emergency consular services in Ukraine at this time. U.S. citizens in Ukraine should fill out the online assistance form at: https://cacms.state.gov/s/crisis-intake and the Department of State will respond.
Q. Is the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv still open for visa applications?
The Department of State is not able to offer in-person emergency consular services in Ukraine at this time. U.S. embassies and consulates in neighboring countries can accept visa applications from Ukrainians. Interested applicants can find a list of embassy websites HERE, or visit a specific embassy website by clicking the buttons below and follow the instructions provided to apply for a visa.
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Still no relief for California drivers
President Joe Biden is reportedly considering a federal gas tax holiday to provide relief to drivers struggling with high gas prices. "Yes, I'm considering it," Biden said Monday, according to the Associated Press. "I hope to have a decision...
Read more
www.ocregister.com
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I’ll be using this newsletter as a way to keep you up to date on my work on behalf of our Orange County community, so make sure you sign up for regular updates.
You can also connect with my official Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages, where I’ll be posting the latest news and updates. |
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Rep. Michelle Steel
Member of Congress
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