October 13, 2023

Standing With Israel

The world saw the face of evil as Hamas terrorists launched countless missiles targeting Israeli civilians, invaded peaceful towns, killed over 1,300 innocent people, and dragged men, women, and children into Gaza to endure unspeakable horrors. At least 27 Americans were killed and several were among those taken hostage. My heart is breaking for the Israeli people who are suffering unimaginable pain. The images and stories coming from the region are nothing short of barbaric and the only acceptable response to these tragedies should be complete and utter support of our ally Israel as it fights to defend its people and bring these terrorists to justice.

President Biden must immediately freeze his $6 billion payment to Iran and all aid to the Palestinians, properly enforce Iranian sanctions, and immediately halt talks with the regime about re-entering the ineffective and dangerous nuclear deal. We must do everything possible to ensure Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons. If this is what Iran is capable of without nuclear weapons, imagine what it can accomplish armed with such power. This situation highlights exactly why we must pass my bill, the Solidifying Iran Sanctions Act (SISA), to hold Iran accountable and prevent it from acquiring a nuclear weapon. 

There is much still to be done. This week, I cosponsored a resolution to condemn Hamas and support Israel, and I'm introducing legislation to ensure that not one penny of U.S. taxpayer dollars is sent to the Palestinian Authority. I stand with Israel, and I am committed to ensuring that Congress does too. 

Honoring Our Heroes

Did you know that our District is home to more than 20,000 veterans? Those who have selflessly served our nation in uniform deserve our thanks and honor. As a member of Congress, one of my top priorities is ensuring that our veterans receive the respect, care, and benefits they have earned.

To commemorate Veterans Day, my office is accepting nominations from the public for Veterans of Distinction in the 45th Congressional District. Please visit my website to learn more about the awards and to nominate a veteran from our district who you would like to see recognized for their service.

Deterring Foreign Interference in Education

Postsecondary education in America has been compromised. Malignant foreign entities, like the Chinese Communist Party, have taken root at colleges and universities by simply flashing their checkbooks and opening the floodgates to an endless stream of cash – every dollar comes with strings attached. That's why Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) introduced the Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions (DETERRENT) Act, legislation that brings much-needed transparency, accountability, and clarity to foreign gift reporting requirements for colleges and universities across the nation.

The DETERRENT Act is our prescription to unleash accountability, transparency, and much-needed clarity into a system that has allowed foreign actors to entice well-meaning institutions and boldly partner with other shameless institutions to work against the interests of the American people. By erecting this bulwark, we are bringing bad actors directly into blinding sunlight while holding colleges and universities accountable. Covert attempts to influence postsecondary education in America will no longer be obscured by the shadows.

Intern in My Office

The application to intern in my D.C. or District office during the Summer session is still open! If you are high school or college student looking to learn more about Congress and the legislative process, an internship in my office can be a fun, educational, and exciting opportunity.

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 our Southern California communities, then an internship in my office might be for you! Visit my website to learn more and apply.

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, X, 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