March 24, 2023

Protecting Our Ships from the CCP

This week, Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) and I introduced the Securing Maritime Data from Communist China Act, which bans the free, Chinese state-owned logistics platform LOGINK from being used by U.S. military or commercial interests at ports at home or abroad.  

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has the ability to use the platform to track U.S. commercial and military ships, giving the CCP unprecedented insight into the supply chains of the U.S. and our allies. This is a serious national security threat with far reaching implications as competition and tensions with China continue to rise.

The world is only now becoming aware of the extent of the CCP's espionage, but they have used LOGINK for years to spy on our supply chains and gather data about any potential weaknesses. As the CCP continually escalates their aggression towards democracies around the world, the urgency of this legislation cannot be overstated. This threat must be addressed immediately, for the sake of our national security and that of all freedom loving nations. 

Calling All Student Artists!

My office is now accepting submissions for the 2023 Congressional Art Competition. If you know a talented young artist who should have their work displayed in the Halls of Congress, this competition is for them!

Submissions are open through April 17th, at 4:00 p.m. The competition is open to middle and high school students from the grades of 6th - 12th.  The school must be located in California’s 45th District, or the student must reside in the District. 

The CCP is Committing Genocide

This week, the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party had its second hearing, focusing on the CCP's ongoing genocide against the Uyghurs and other religious and ethnic minorities in China. My own family fled from North Korea - from communism - so I know about the evils terrors of communist countries.  

The stories shared by the witnesses at the hearing this week were horrifying. We cannot stay silent. We must ensure that these stories are told, and that the CCP is held accountable for its appalling human rights abuses.

Get Your Education, Serve Our Nation

For students considering their next steps after high school, the Military Service Academies present an exciting opportunity to receive a world-class education and unmatched leadership skills, paid for by the U.S. Military. The honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation.

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA); the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA); and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

To request a Military Academy Nomination from my office, please complete the form on my website, and someone my office will be in touch with additional information. In the mean time, visit my website to learn more about the application process.

My team will be hosting an information night for interested applicants. Representatives from the U.S. Military Naval, Air Force, Merchant Marine, and Coast Guard Academies will be present to answer your questions about what it means to attend one of these institutions. 

When: April 18, 2023 from 6:00-8:00pm
Where: Buena Park City Hall Chamber Room
6650 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA 90622
RSVP: email [email protected]

Honoring the Women of Our District

For Women's History Month, I asked you to nominate Women of Distinction in our community – those who have given back and made Southern California a better place. I want to thank all of you who submitted nominations, we are truly blessed by how many incredible individuals live in our communities. The 17 women being honored this year represent the very best of us.

I also want to extend my congratulations to our honorees. On behalf of California's 45th Congressional District, thank you for all you do to make Southern California a better place to live, work, and raise a family!

Intern in My Office

The application to intern in my D.C. or District office during the Summer session is 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.

What I'm Reading

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