On Tuesday night, President Biden delivered his second State of the Union address, where he assured us that the state of our Union is "strong." My office conducted a survey of constituents in California's 45th District to ask if they feel the same way. Unsurprisingly, 90% said they disagree with the President.

For the past two years, the President has continually ignored or made excuses for the many crises this nation currently faces including a sky high national debt, out of control spending, a compromised southern border, and direct threats from the CCP. Unfortunately, this year’s address was more of the same. Over 40% of Americans say they are worse off financially than when President Biden took office. One party rule has destroyed our economy, but Republicans are already working to bring spending under control to bring down prices and raise workforce participation. 

I encourage the Biden Administration to work with Congress to find real solutions. The world is watching how we protect democracy. It is vital that we respond to any threats with strength, instead of empty words.

As we all know by now, over the weekend, a spy balloon operated by the CCP entered American airspace. President Biden allowed the balloon to cross the entire continental United States before shooting it down. While I have many serious questions about the Administration's handling of this incident, I am pleased to report that the House passed H. Res. 104, Condemning the Chinese Communist Party’s use of a high-altitude surveillance balloon over United States territory as a brazen violation of United States sovereignty. The measure passed by a vote of 419-0.

The United States will not tolerate the Chinese Communist Party’s increasing aggression toward our nation and free countries around the world. The surveillance balloon was a clear attack on our national security and a continuation of increasing aggression. The CCP has no regard for our national sovereignty and that of our allies.

I am glad to see my colleagues on both sides of the aisle come together to condemn this clear violation by the CCP and send a strong message to Beijing – we are united in protecting democracy at home and abroad.

My office is hosting an IRS seminar for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) to go over the latest federal tax filing requirements and other information to help CPAs navigate this tax filing season.

If you are a CPA looking to help clients navigate their taxes this year, you won't want to miss this event!

When: Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at 10:30 AM
Where: Korean Community Center,
9876 Garden Grove Blvd.,
Garden Grove CA 92844
RSVP: by emailing Narah.Neri@mail.house.gov

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Earlier this week, Kim Jong Un held a massive military parade to display his nuclear arsenal. We must be completely clear on the danger posed by North Korea in order to properly respond with sanctions and other deterrents

That's why I introduced bipartisan legislation with Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) and Del. Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-AS-AL) to require the President of the United States to provide reports on North Korea’s illegal and dangerous activity to Congress so that Congress may use the intelligence to strategically counter and deter Kim Jong Un’s regime. 

These reports are vital as Congress shapes its response to North Korea’s continued aggression on the Korean Peninsula. This bill reaffirms our commitment to addressing North Korea’s significant threat to the national security of the United States and our allies. I urge my colleagues to join me in passing this legislation so we can send a clear message to the Kim regime and the networks in the Chinese Communist Party, Iran, and Russia that enable their growing hostility.

Southern California is fortunate to be home to so many incredible women who contribute to the success of our communities. In anticipation of Women’s History Month, I am asking you to help me recognize outstanding women in California's 45th District who are civically engaged and committed to serving others. 

Between now and March 1st, my office will be accepting nominations for the 2023 Women of Distinction Awards. If you know a woman who lives or works in our district and deserves Congressional recognition for her contributions to our community, please visit my website to nominate her. 

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Thanks for taking the time to read about what I’ve been doing on behalf of Southern California 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