December 17, 2022

Securing Our Homeland

Last Thursday, Congress passed the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to ensure the security of the American people and our military for the coming year. Whether it’s the CCP, Iran, North Korea, or Russia, our nation is facing unprecedented threats from abroad, and it has never been more important to fully equip our armed forces to defend our homeland. While there is certainly more work to do to address the growing threat of the CCP, I am pleased this bill includes a serious effort to counter the CCP’s ability to meddle in our supply chains with its LOGINK technology.

This bill also ensures the federal government will address our broken supply chains, provides critical authorization to protect our beautiful Southern California coastline from storm damage, and strengthens our relationship with the Republic of Korea. Finally, this bill creates a chance for Korean Americans – many of whom continue to suffer the immense tragedy of being separated from their loved ones after the Korean War – to be reunited with their families who have been in North Korea for decades. 

As we continue to face threats from bad actors abroad, it's critical that we put the safety and security of our homeland and our citizens first.

Working for Our Community

Photo Source: Orange County Register

Southern California families deserve a champion for their needs and priorities in Congress. From providing constituent services to advocating for local priorities, I am committed to being that champion for you.

I was proud to secure $15.5 million for the Surfside-Sunset and Newport Beach Replenishment Project. For years, the federal government has failed to address the sand erosion taking place along Orange County's beaches, putting our communities at risk of catastrophic flooding like we saw in 2020.

I’ve worked with local stakeholders for nearly a decade to ensure our beaches are healthy and our residents are protected, and in July, we achieved an important first step towards restoring our natural treasures. I promised to get this done for our community, and I’m proud to have delivered on that promise. I’ve also been advocating for a Water Resources Development Act project to mitigate storm this damage and secure our coastal communities.That’s why I was so pleased this year’s NDAA included language to authorize a study on the feasibility of this project. I will always work to ensure the safety of our communities.

To learn more about the need for a Water Resources Development Act project read this article from the Orange County Register. 

I Will Always be a Tax Fighter

When I came to Congress, I promised to put my record as a life-long tax fighter to work for Southern California families. In the 117th Congress, I stood up to tax increases and growing government. Here’s a look back at my work to fight taxes and advocate for taxpayers:

• I was the only member of Congress with two bills named to the National Taxpayers Union's No Brainers list. First, the SNOOP Act would protect gig workers and other small businesses from having to provide their private, personal information to the IRS. The second bill, the Telehealth Expansion Act, legislation would make permanent a waiver created by the CARES Act to allow Americans with Health Savings Accounts (HSA) to access telehealth services without first having to meet their deductible. Both bills are pieces of common-sense legislation. I’ll keep working to get them passed & make government work better for taxpayers.
• When the Administration announced plans to spend $80 billion to hire more than 80,000 more IRS agents, I immediately introduced the Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act with Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) to repeal this plan and protect taxpayers. The IRS has lost tens of billions of dollars to fraud and mismanagement. It needs accountability – not a cash blowout to target middle- and low- income families and small businesses with a flood of audits. 
• While Democrats were trying to nationalize Sacramento’s disastrous AB5 with the PRO Act, I introduced the Modern Worker Empowerment Act, which would create certainty for workers, job creators, and entrepreneurs.
• Finally, I introduced the bipartisan Worker Flexibility and Choice Act with Reps. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) and Elise Stefanik (R-NY) to empower workers to choose the type of work that best fits their needs, while allowing businesses to offer flexible workplace benefits.

Internships Available!

The application to intern in my D.C. or District office during the Spring session is now open! If you are high school or college student looking to learn more about Congress and the legislative process, an internship in my office can be a fun, educational, and exciting opportunity.

Candidates must possess excellent writing and verbal communication skills. In addition, we are seeking highly collaborative team players with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. 

If you are a hardworking, dedicated individual who has a desire to help improve our Southern California communities, then an internship in my office might be for you! Visit my website to learn more and apply.
Apply Now

What I'm Reading 

Wall Street Journal: Gavin Newsom’s Latest Tax Increase

Axios: Millions of Americans set to get surprise tax forms in 2023

Thanks for taking the time to read about what I've been doing on behalf of Orange County families. Be sure to connect with my official Facebook, Twitter, 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