August 25, 2023

Historic Progress

Last week, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met at Camp David to establish a new era for the relationship between the United States, Japan, and South Korea. I was born in Korea, raised in Japan, and now have the honor of serving in the United States Congress as a proud first-generation American. I know just how important this relationship is to protecting democracy around the world. 

I applaud President Yoon and Prime Minister Kishida for coming together for this historic meeting at Camp David to strengthen the relationship between our three countries. As North Korea, Russia, and the Chinese Communist Party continue threatening global stability, I have called for increased cooperation between South Korea and Japan to counter hostile actors and bolster economic success. 

Historic grievances must give way to a trilateral relationship based on shared values and committed to our shared success, and this meeting makes historic progress toward that goal.

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Intern in My Office

The application to intern in my Washington, D.C. or Cypress, CA offices for the Fall semester is closing soon. Students selected for an internship will gain invaluable work experience while learning about the inner workings of the House of Representatives. 

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 the Southern California community, this internship is for you!

Rising Crime

The recent rise in smash-and-grab robberies has put the lives and livelihoods of Southern California families and business owners at risk. In just the past two months, millions of dollars in merchandise and family possessions have been taken. These thefts are the work of highly coordinated interstate and international crime rings and demand the attention of federal and state authorities. 

Allowing these criminal organizations to run rampant throughout our community puts us all in danger. That's why I'm supporting the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill which targets the rise in organized retail crime gangs that target retailers and threaten public safety.

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: September 7, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM

WHERE: Founders Village
17967 Bushard St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708

RSVP: email joseph.dyer@mail.house.gov

Supporting Disaster Relief for Our Communities

As our communities begin the recovery process after the destruction of Tropical Storm Hilary, I'm working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure Southern Californians receive the resources they need to quickly and fully rebuild.

I joined the California Republican delegation in sending a letter to President Biden urging him to quickly approve a major federal disaster declaration to provide federal assistance to communities affected by widespread flooding, debris flows, and wind damage from Tropical Storm Hilary.

Calling All STEM Students

Registration for the 2023 Congressional App Challenge (CAC) is open! The CAC is a great way for middle and high school students from across the country to explore and improve their computer-based skills by creating original apps.

This competition encourages computer science and innovation skills and offers an opportunity for students to explore potential careers in the STEM field. The competition is hosted by the Congressional Internet Caucus.

Each winning app may be put on display in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year and will be featured on the House of Representatives website. Winning students are also invited to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington D.C.

I had some productive conversations with business leaders in Brea and Placentia. Inflation and rising crime are harming our small businesses and our communities, and Congress must deliver solutions.

Meet the 2023 Seniors of Distinction

Southern California is home to some of the most dynamic communities in America - and our senior community is no exception. Several weeks ago, I asked you to nominate senior citizens in the 45th Congressional District who have made a distinctive impact in their communities and the lives of their loved ones.

This year's nominees come from a variety of careers, backgrounds, and life stories, but they all represent the very best of Southern California. I'm pleased to present fourteen exceptional individuals from California's 45th District with the 2023 Seniors of Distinction Award.

What I'm Reading

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