US Representative

Michelle Steel

Biography

Born on June 21, 1955, in Seoul, South Korea, this Representative from California has made significant strides in both the private sector and government. After earning a Bachelor of Business Studies from Pepperdine University, he later completed an MBA at the University of Southern California in 2010. His career before public service included various roles in the business sector, where he developed a strong foundation in fiscal responsibility and governance.

From 2007 to 2015, he served on the California State Board of Equalization, where he honed his expertise in tax policy and economic management. Following this, he was a member of the Orange County Board of Supervisors from 2015 to 2017, eventually ascending to the position of chair from 2017 to 2020. Elected as a Republican to the One Hundred Seventeenth Congress, he continues to serve in the current 118th Congress.

In terms of his legislative contributions, he has been active in sponsoring and co-sponsoring several bills that reflect his commitment to fiscal discipline and support for specific community needs. Notably, he co-sponsored the Inflation Prevention Act of 2023 (HB252), aimed at preventing new budget authority during periods of excessive inflation, which would promote strict oversight over government spending.

Additionally, he was instrumental in advocating for the WATER for California Act (HB215). This legislation addresses the operations of California's water supply systems, reflecting his focus on infrastructure and environmental management amidst ongoing challenges related to water scarcity and climate change. By requiring the Department of Reclamation to prioritize historical water contracts and manage resources more effectively, the act seeks to secure reliable water delivery for agricultural needs.

He has also co-sponsored bills that honor community contributions and military service, such as the Major Megan McClung Post Office Building bill (HB3608), which aims to commemorate a fallen military officer, fostering a sense of pride and remembrance within local communities. His engagement in these legislative efforts demonstrates a clear alignment with values of community recognition, fiscal responsibility, and environmental stewardship.

His political leanings can be characterized as conservative, particularly regarding fiscal policies as evidenced by his support for controlling governmental spending in response to inflation and prioritizing traditional water rights in legislative proposals. His work aligns with Republican principles of budgetary restraint, advocating for business growth through reduced regulatory burdens, and strengthening local government capabilities in critical service areas.

Outside of legislation, this Representative is also a family man, which adds to his grounded approach in policy discussions, particularly those impacting families and communities. His experiences both in business and local governance inform his legislative priorities, which are heavily influenced by the immediate needs and values of his constituents in California.

With an upcoming election cycle, he faces a challenging landscape, as he was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 2024, but his tenure continues to impact fiscal policy discussions and represents a significant chapter in California's legislative history.