Greetings!

This week I was in Washington, D.C. for a busy week of meetings, hearings, and votes. Congress also voted overwhelmingly to formally recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday. This day is an important anniversary in our nation’s history to celebrate freedom and equality. 

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.
Serving California's 48th District
Mobile Office Hours
Don’t forget! My office is hosting mobile office hours tomorrow, June 19th in Aliso Viejo. These are a great way to speak with a member of my team if you need assistance with a Federal Agency. If you have questions, please contact my district office at 714.960.6483.
When: June 19, 2021 | 9 am to 1 pm
Where: Aliso Viejo Ranch - 100 Park Ave, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
When: June 24, 2021 | 10 am to 2 pm 
Where: Westminster City Hall – 8200 Westminster Blvd, Westminster, CA 92683
Recognizing Local Schools
Congratulations to Vista View Middle School in Fountain Valley for being recognized as a California Distinguished School! A representative from my District Office was happy to award them a congressional proclamation for this incredible achievement this week.
Hosting a Tax and Spending Q&A
On Wednesday, June 23rd policy experts from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Taxpayers Union will join me for a virtual conversation about President Biden's proposed tax increases and spending. Submit your questions for the group here, and we will answer them during the discussion shared online! Be sure to like my Facebook page for updates on the event.
Your Voice in DC
Honoring ARVN Day
June 19th is ARVN Day, which honors the service and sacrifice of the South Vietnamese soldiers who fought to defend a free Vietnam. Today, there are over 100,000 veterans from the Republic of Vietnam living in California. I was proud to speak on the House Floor this week to honor these veterans and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of freedom and democracy.
Supporting California Water Needs
California is in a drought, and it is critical we get water to communities that need it. This week I co-sponsored the Necessary to Ensure Expeditious Delivery of Water (NEED) Act, which provides the flexibility needed for California to meet its water needs. This bill reduces burdensome regulations and ensures these communities see immediate relief. Read more.
How I voted
My goal as your member of Congress is to be as transparent as possible about the votes I am taking in Washington. You can always view my vote record on my website.

I want to hear your feedback! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or comments on legislation or items currently up for debate in Congress.
Click here to see what the House voted on this weekHere’s an explanation of some of my votes:

H.R. 256 - To repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002: The 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) authorized military force against Saddam Hussein in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Hussein was overthrown in 2003 and a formal end to the U.S. mission in Iraq was declared at the end of 2011. I voted yes on this legislation because repealing the 2002 Iraq Authorization of AUMF would reassert Congress’s Article I constitutional duty to determine when the U.S. goes to war.

S. 475 - Juneteenth National Independence Day Act: Juneteenth is the day the last enslaved people were freed in Texas, two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This legislation formally recognizes this day as a federal holiday in the United States. I was proud to support this legislation to recognize an important anniversary in our nation’s history in celebration of freedom and equality.

H.R. 3325 - To award four congressional gold medals to the United States Capitol Police and those who protected the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021: I voted yes on this bill to award four congressional gold medals to the United States Capitol Police and those who protected the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. I will always support our law enforcement officers for their bravery and sacrifice.
In the News
Keeping OC beaches sandy is a 'priority', but when they'll get federal funding remains unclear
The project injects sand at Surfside that ocean currents and waves then feed down 12 miles of coast, helping fill out shorelines in Huntington Beach and Newport Beach. The project has been done every five to seven years since the 1960s, but a 13th round hasn’t happened since 2010 and local officials from coastal cities have been voicing their concern about the long lapse. Read More.
Orange County Congresswoman Wants to Expand Childcare for Working Parents
If passed, the legislation will provide startup funding for businesses to either open a childcare program, expand a current one, or form a partnership with outside providers. Read More
California's bullet train doesn't deserve a cent of federal funding
Meanwhile, Rep. Michelle Steel, R-Costa Mesa, joined by other California representatives, proposed cutting off the California project from federal funding. Steel has the right idea. Read More
Sincerely,
Rep. Michelle Steel
Member of Congress