February 1, 2024

PASSED: Tax Relief for American Families and Workers

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, which will prevent the lapse of several essential pro-taxpayer provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. 

The Ways and Means Committee, led by Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO), worked across the aisle and across chambers to put forth this commonsense legislation to bring tax relief to American businesses and families. It delivers a solution to R&D expensing, providing a huge economic boost that will create more jobs and allow innovation.

The bill also relieves double-taxation of investments between the U.S. and Taiwan, allowing for more dollars to flow into critical semiconductor manufacturing and reducing our dependence on the CCP. 

Finally, this legislation will enhance the child tax credit and adjust it for inflation, eliminating the penalty for large families. Too many families are suffering from historically high inflation that has caused the price of living to skyrocket. This legislation ensures more of the money hardworking families earn stays in their pockets.

This bill is the product of a strong bipartisan effort, and I was proud to support it so we can provide Americans with much needed tax relief while strengthening our national security.

Reuniting Divided Korean Families

Over 100,000 Korean Americans have suffered the unbearable heartache of separation from their relatives who are still trapped in North Korea. For too long, these families have been denied the opportunity to reconnect with family members,

That’s why I’m proud to join Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) to introduce the Divided Families National Registry Act, which would create a new national registry of Korean Americans and their families from whom they had been separated, modeled after previous state-organized family reunion meetings between the South Korean and North Korean governments.

With this legislation, we can work to bring together those who have been apart for over 70 years and right this wrong for so many Korean Americans who are running out of time to see their family members again.

RSVP for the 2024 Passport Fair

Due to the increased backlog in processing of passport requests, my office is partnering with the City of Buena Park to offer non-emergency passport processing appointments at Buena Park City Hall on February 10, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

WHEN: Saturday, February 10th, 2024 from 9AM-1PM*
WHERE: Buena Park City Hall
          6650 Beach Blvd
                   Buena Park, CA 90622
QUESTIONS: call (714) 960-6483 or email my staff.

If you'll be traveling internationally and need assistance with getting or renewing a passport, this event is for you. Be sure to visit the link below to RSVP and someone from my office will be in touch to confirm that an appointment is available.

*Please note that because of limited space, an appointment is required and we will not be able to accommodate walk-ins.

Supporting Access to Care

With persistent specialist shortages in the healthcare industry, it’s critical that we enable greater patient access to specialty care services such as cardiology, neurology, and endocrinology to address diabetes, chronic heart disease, and other chronic health conditions. This week, I introduced the Equal Access to Specialty Care Everywhere (EASE) Act to address these shortages.

This legislation will use existing Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation funds to test a virtual specialty network dedicated to providing a range of virtual modalities, including clinical decision support, eConsults, and telehealth in partnership with primary care providers in underserved and rural communities including Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics, and Community Health Clinics.

Long story short, the EASE Act will reduce wait times, prevent costly emergency room visits, and improve care coordination for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

Intern in My Office

The application to intern in my Washington, D.C. or Cypress, CA offices for the Summer is now open. 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!

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