Greetings!

This week, I voted to strip Russia of normal trade relations and formalize the ban against Russian oil Imports. I questioned Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra about the Administration's support for telehealth and pushed back against crippling regulations coming out Sacramento. Read on to learn more about what I've been working on this week.

Make sure to follow my Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get these updates in real-time! Here are some highlights from my week: 
Advocating for Telehealth
On Tuesday, I questioned Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra about telehealth access and expanding opportunities for Americans to receive care.

32 million Americans with High Deductible Health Plans coupled with Health Savings Accounts lost access to virtual health care benefits at the end of last year. I advocated for an extension, and it was signed into law last month – this is a win, but Congress needs to deliver certainty for those relying on telehealth services.

Last year, I introduced the Telehealth Expansion Act, bipartisan legislation that 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. I am committed to ensuring permanency for telehealth patients.
Standing Up to Sacramento Overreach
Last Friday, I led members of the California congressional delegation in a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Reagan, requesting that the agency rescind its wavier to the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The current waiver, established under the Clean Air Act, permits CARB to issue environmental regulations that would be otherwise impermissible under the Commerce Clause of the Constitution. 

Burdensome regulations and drastic overreach by CARB, have created a situation where there is no appetite for freight brokers, shippers, and motor carriers to operate in the State.

The bottom line: CARB is subjecting Californians to regulations that cripple our transportation industry and make the supply chain crisis worse. I’m calling on the Biden Administration to stop enabling this behavior by revoking CARB’s special waiver under the Clean Air Act and pushing back on Sacramento’s never-ending regulations.
Thank you to all who joined me for Tuesday's tele-town hall. It was wonderful to hear from so many of you and answer some of your questions. Be sure to visit my website and sign up to get notified the next time I host an event!
Working to Stop Drug-Impaired Driving Deaths
Drunk driving and drug-impaired driving deaths have impacted far too many Orange County families. Field sobriety tests are an important tool in combatting fatalities from drunk driving, but drug-impaired driving is much harder to detect.

At Tuesday's Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing, I asked National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy what the Board is doing to address this problem and prevent drug-impaired driving.

I'm pleased to share that the NTSB will be issuing a report on these efforts later this year. I'll be sure to keep you updated as I continue working to stop drunk and drug-impaired driving fatalities in Orange County and across the country.
Last Call for Student Artists!
My office is still accepting submissions for the 2022 Congressional Art Competition.

This nationwide high school arts competition takes place each Spring and is sponsored by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Artistic Discovery Contest is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our Congressional District.

The Contest is open to all high school students in our District and the winning artwork of our district's competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol alongside the winning artwork from all participating districts from around the country. The winning artwork is also featured on House.gov's Congressional Art Competition page, and the winner will be invited to a reception in Washington, D.C.

I encourage all student artists to enter a submission to the Competition!
One Week Left to Submit Intern Applications
My office offers internship opportunities in Washington D.C. and Huntington Beach, CA, and we are now accepting applications for the Summer session!

I especially encourage students in California to apply, but the position is available to any student who is currently enrolled or recently graduated from college. Students will gain invaluable work experience while learning about the inner workings of the House of Representatives. 

If you are a hardworking, dedicated individual who has a desire to help improve our community, this internship is for you! 
Supporting Our Allies
Yesterday I met with a delegation representing South Korean President-Elect Yoon to discuss the U.S.-Korean relationship and how our two countries can continue to partner to promote peace and democracy.

The U.S.-Korea relationship is strong, and I look forward to more opportunities to work together!
Assistance for Ukraine
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.
What I'm Reading
Biden administration will rescind border expulsion...

Posted April 1, 2022 at 2:08pm The Biden administration said Friday it would lift Title 42, a public health directive that has allowed border agents for the past two years to expel migrants at U.S. borders in a stated effort to stem COVID-19 spread.

Read more
rollcall.com
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.
Sincerely,
Rep. Michelle Steel
Member of Congress