Dear Friend,
This was a busy week in Washington, DC. I spent the week working for our district by attending my first committee hearing and speaking on the floor in support of reopening our schools. This week also marked my first full month in office. I shared some highlights and reflections on my first month as your representative, which you can view here. As an immigrant, I never imagined I’d be serving this great country in Congress. I am grateful for the opportunity you’ve given me every day.
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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Serving California's 48th District |
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News: More Vaccines for Southern California
This week, CVS Pharmacies announced that starting February 11th they would begin COVID-19 vaccinations for eligible groups at 100 of its stores across California. Stores in Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Irvine are among those in Southern California included in their vaccine rollout. Read more.
Fighting Against CA Unemployment Fraud
Last week, news outlets reported that California taxpayers lost over $11 billion due to widespread unemployment fraud. Despite multiple warnings of fraud, California continued “to pay claims despite having evidence that they are very likely fraudulent.”
This irresponsible mismanagement of taxpayer dollars is unacceptable. That’s why I led my California colleagues in a letter requesting answers on California’s plan to remedy this issue to ensure any further federal funds are not mismanaged, and Californians who are legally entitled to legitimate COVID-related UI benefits will be able to receive them without delay. Read the full letter here, and an excerpt below:
“Without any accountability mechanisms in place or plan to recover fraudulent COVID-related UI payments, we fear that there will be a continued decline in taxpayers’ faith in California’s ability to administer other critical pandemic relief programs, such as vaccine distribution. Federal and California taxpayers deserve answers to our questions, assurances that their tax dollars will not continue to be wasted, and to be reimbursed for the $11.4 billion the State of California has lost.”
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Safely Reopening our Schools
This week I spoke on the House Floor in support of the Reopen Schools Act. In December, Congress sent states $54 billion dollars for K-12 education. This bill would ensure this money is used to get students back in the classroom safely and soon. Our students’ physical and mental well-being continues to be challenged - it's time to open the schools. Click here to watch my remarks.
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First T&I Committee Hearing
This week I had my first Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing and highlighted my ongoing commitment to safe, reliable and modern transportation for California families. I asked about the federal diesel tax and its impact on the trucking industry in our local communities. A video of my introductory remarks and questions can be viewed here.
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Thanking our Law Enforcement
During and after the violent attack on our Capitol, our law enforcement have been working around the clock to keep members and staff safe. To show my appreciation, this week I delivered breakfast to our Capitol Police officers and the National Guardsmen and women still stationed at the Capitol. God bless our law enforcement.
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Small Businesses
The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department has reopened the Paycheck Protection Program loan portal for first- and second-time borrowers. If you’re a small business owner, check out the SBA’s website for the most up to date resources and guidance.
Economic Impact Payments
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 includes a second round of Economic Impact Payments for qualified individuals making up to $75,000 per year.
The second round of payments, or “EIP 2,” is generally $600 for singles and $1,200 for married couples filing a joint return. Most of these payments will be made by direct deposit. For those who are eligible for a second EIP and haven’t yet received a direct deposit, watch your mail for either a paper check or a debit card.
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California House Republicans demand Newsom answer for EDD failings |
The lawmakers, led by Rep. Michelle Steel (R-Seal Beach), wrote. “Without any accountability mechanisms in place or plan to recover fraudulent COVID-related unemployment assistance payments, we fear that there will be a continued decline in taxpayers’ faith in California’s ability to administer other critical pandemic relief programs, such as vaccine distribution.” Read more.
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Asian-American GOP Reps. Steel and Kim reject DOJ decision to drop Yale lawsuit |
The newest Asian-American GOP lawmakers in Congress have condemned the Justice Department’s decision to drop its case against Yale University alleging discriminatory practices against Asian-American and White undergraduate applicants. Read More.
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Rep. Michelle Steel
Member of Congress
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