Young Kim

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith).

Mrs. KIM of California. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume for the purpose of closing. Madam Speaker, the Chinese Communist Party persecutes religious believers who will not submit their religious convictions to CCP control. It reacts with brutality against any attempted religious practice outside of the five religious patriotic associations allowed and controlled by the regime. This bill tells the truth about the dangers faced by Christians, Uyghur Muslims, Tibetan Buddhists, and other religious minorities in China and takes steps to sanction their CCP persecutors. I am an enthusiastic cosponsor of this bill by my colleague from Missouri, and I urge its unanimous passage. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend, French Hill, for yielding. Families, workers, and small businesses are hurting from the highest inflation in over 40 years, and in Southern California where I am from, everything is more expensive. Inflation doesn't discriminate. It impacts every American and hurts small businesses and workers with less income the most. For example, Raul and Rosalina Davis, owners of Tlaquepaque Restaurant in Placentia, in my district, told my office: ``Higher gas prices and issues with our supply chain are leading to increasing costs from everything from beverages to meat for ingredients, to workforce shortages. As a restaurant, we run our small business with very tight revenue margins, and a small change in prices can really hurt our bottom line. If we have to pass on higher costs to our customers, it puts us in a tough place when we are competing against bigger restaurants that can absorb higher costs.'' While the Biden administration calls inflation temporary and seeks to redefine the long-established meaning of a recession, I have introduced bills to combat inflationary spending, lower taxes on Californians, and support job creators.

Mrs. KIM of California. Policies from Congress should make life more affordable, not less.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dr. Chuck Rheem, who was a leader in the Korean-American community and chairman of the U.S.-Korea Alliance Association. Dr. Rheem had a special love for the United States and his home country of South Korea and dedicated himself to advocating for policies with numerous Presidential administrations to strengthen U.S.-Korea relations. As a veteran of the Korean war, Dr. Rheem also had a passion for honoring our Korean war veterans and hosted numerous events to thank them and honor their sacrifices. While Dr. Rheem is no longer with us, I know that his legacy will continue to live on through the efforts of the members of the U.S.- Korea Alliance Association. I pray for God's peace for his family, friends, and anyone who knew him.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, this amendment would negatively impact our ability to address the profound security conditions in Central America's Northern Triangle countries. As we know, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras are leading source countries of illegal immigration to the United States. Under this administration, the migration crisis at the U.S. southern border has reached the highest levels in recorded history. U.S. Customs and Border Protection are overworked, underfunded, and demoralized. They also lack the tools and resources to address America's growing fentanyl crisis, now the leading cause of death for Americans 18 through 45. Border agents are outmaneuvered by well- resourced criminal groups and human traffickers who exploit the security conditions in the region. In addition to needing effective border enforcement to address this crisis, we also need a comprehensive approach to the root causes of migration. This amendment would diminish the Department of Defense's ability to contribute to those efforts. This amendment would also undermine what it seeks to achieve by impeding existing defense cooperation programs grounded in promoting and improving human rights standards. It is also duplicative. It is wasteful, as extensive vetting on recipient forces is already extensively conducted. In addition, much like the cuts in 2018, any additional suspensions of assistance to the Northern Triangle will worsen the security situation.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of the late Jeanne Wood, who reached age 100, in our Chino Hills community. Jeanne dedicated herself to serving others. During World War II, she enlisted as a second lieutenant Army nurse and was quickly promoted to first lieutenant. She worked 18 to 24 hours per shift, with bombings and air raids around her, to care for injured and starving servicemembers. After the war, Jeanne continued her career as a registered nurse and became the only female commander in the history of American Legion Post 299 in Chino. I am so glad Jeanne was able to celebrate her 100th birthday in Chino Hills with her family and friends before she passed. My heart is with her loved ones as we mourn this loss and celebrate a life well lived.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Jesus Rodriguez, a La Habra resident, a dear friend, a community leader, a Korean war veteran, and a Silver Star recipient who recently lost his fight against cancer. He joined the Army after dropping out of his junior year of high school, deploying to Okinawa and then to the Korean war. At age 19, he was discharged as a corporal and came back home to begin and raise his family. Jesus moved up the ranks from janitor to plant manager and worked really hard. Throughout his entire life, however, he never forgot his time in war, and neither did his 29th Infantry Regiment. After sharing his story at a reunion, Jesus accepted every invitation to speak to area veteran groups, ROTC units, and the local Korean community. Although Jesus is no longer with us, I know his story and his sacrifice will live on and inspire others.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Rodgers for yielding. I rise today in support of the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022. The pandemic and shutdowns left many Americans, especially women and children, feeling isolated, anxious, and alone. Depression, self-harm, substance abuse, and suicide have reached crisis levels. I am glad we can help provide meaningful, targeted hope and healing to communities who need it. I am proud that two bills that I worked on, the Into the Light for Maternal Mental Health Act and the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act, were included in this package to prevent student suicide and support women facing mental health and substance abuse disorders during pregnancy. We must keep working to turn despair into hope. As a mom of four and a new grandma, I will always fight for the health and well-being of communities in southern California and across our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass this commonsense, bipartisan H.R. 7666.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution offered by Representative Castro and myself. I want to recognize Paul's family, especially his wife and children, who have tirelessly advocated for his release. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 892, calling for the release of Paul Rusesabagina on humanitarian grounds. I am proud to co- lead this resolution alongside Representative Castro. I thank him for his leadership. Paul Rusesabagina is a legal permanent resident of the United States who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his heroic actions during the Rwandan genocide. In August 2020, he was extrajudicially transferred from Texas to Kigali, Rwanda, by way of the United Arab Emirates, and subjected to an enforced disappearance for 3 days before the Government of the Republic of Rwanda acknowledged his detention. He underwent trial proceedings for terrorism-related charges, and the American Bar Association has subsequently determined that his fair trial rights have been violated. Pursuant to the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Act, the Department of State has determined that Mr. Rusesabagina was wrongfully detained. Mr. Speaker, I urge the Rwandan Government to urgently work with the State Department and authorities in Europe to secure a path forward for his release and return to the United States. It is also critically important that the Government of Rwanda grant access to his U.S.-based doctor to assess his health and well-being. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution and efforts to bring Paul Rusesabagina home to his family. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this important bipartisan legislation, the Promoting United States International Leadership in 5G Act. Mr. Speaker, the Chinese Communist Party does not hide the fact that they will do whatever it takes to become the prominent global power, especially by taking control of the world's 5G networks. The CCP's espionage tactics, theft of U.S. intellectual property, and cyber hacking threaten our national security and our competitiveness in the international community. Allowing the CCP to establish the global standards for 5G and push countries to adopt 5G technology from CCP- linked companies like Huawei will only increase the amount of control and influence that the CCP has globally. This bill provides increased cooperation between the United States and our allies to identify and counter security risks posed by Chinese Communist Party-linked companies in 5G. In addition, the bill requires the State Department to develop a diplomatic strategy to increase engagement with partners at the international standards setting bodies, such as the International Telecommunications Union, ITU, which sets global standards for technologies such as 5G. There is an important upcoming election at the ITU which will decide the future of global telecommunications for years to come. It is imperative that we pass this bill today so that the United States and our allies can put up a united front against a Russian- and CCP-aligned candidate for Secretary General of the ITU. Russia's campaign to elect a Russian national, who is a former Huawei executive, to serve as the secretary general of the ITU is indicative of Russia's and China's efforts to use the international organization to promote their interests and malign influence. The United States should ensure that we are coordinated in driving support for the United States candidate, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, for the Secretary General of the ITU, but the State Department should also be engaging on the important down-ballot races at the ITU. There are four other posts of significance within the ITU's leadership structure, including the director of the ITU Development Sector, ITU-D. The ITU-D plays a particularly vital role in supporting multilateral cooperation for fair and open internet governance through trustworthy deployment of digital technologies in the developing world. The United States must be doing everything we can to ensure Russian and Chinese malign influence does not grow. This bill will help. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I thank Ranking Member Mike McCaul and Representative Cuellar for their work on this legislation. This bill will help ensure that the United States is doing all we can to stop Russian and Chinese malign influence taking control of the world's 5G networks. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 59, condemning the October 25 coup in Sudan. I thank Chairman Meeks, Ranking Member McCaul, as well as Chairwoman Bass and Ranking Member Smith of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Global Human Rights. Mr. Speaker, the people of Sudan have worked tirelessly for freedom and democracy since the ousting of 30-year dictator, Omar Al-Bashir. Unfortunately, the path toward civilian-led democracy was halted when military junta leaders detained civilian leaders and took over the government last fall. These actions undermined months of progress made under transitional authorities and hope for a new future in Sudan. Military leaders, like General Burhan and General Hemeti, have once again prioritized power as well as personal and financial gain over the will of the people. While I am glad Congress is sending an important and unified message condemning the October 25 coup, more must be done. That is why I am leading the Sudan Democracy Act, which passed out of committee earlier this year. The same military junta that overthrew the civilian-led transitional government and are undermining peace and stability in Sudan, are also some of the same individuals implicated in gross violations of human rights, corruption, and illicit finance schemes. Mr. Speaker, I urge the administration to utilize all existing sanctions authority to demand accountability for these actions while we continue to work here in Congress to find a path forward for new, important sanctions authority. I stand firmly behind the people of Sudan, or anywhere else in the world, where people are fighting for freedom and democracy. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this important measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. In closing, I again thank my colleagues on the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights for offering this important resolution. Last month, the Senate unanimously passed an identical resolution, and Congress is speaking clearly with one voice in support of the people of Sudan and their tireless fight for democracy. The United States should continue to support human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society leaders in Sudan who are standing up for democracy. But it is also critical that the Biden administration rethink any foreign assistance intended for Sudan under this new military junta leadership. Prior appropriations bills provided over $700 million to solidify a fledgling civilian-led transitional government. Unfortunately, that government is no longer in power and precious taxpayer resources should not be beholden to this unfortunate new reality in Sudan. I again commend the people of Sudan for their steadfast support of democracy, and I am proud that today, the United States Congress sends a strong message of solidarity. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 720 that I am co-leading alongside my colleague, Representative Sara Jacobs. I thank Chairman Meeks and Ranking Member McCaul for their support, as well. This resolution calls for a cessation of violence and condemns ISIS- affiliated terrorists in northern Mozambique. Since 2017, ISIS- affiliated extremists launched an armed insurgency in northern Mozambique and have brutalized communities, displaced civilians, and attacked schools, homes, and hospitals. Last year, terrorist elements took over the town of Palma, further causing chaos, displacement, and gruesome civilian casualties. The largest private U.S. investment on the continent--a natural gas project--was forced to halt work and temporarily withdraw. Mr. Speaker, I strongly condemn these violent attacks, and I commend the Government of Mozambique's efforts to dedicate resources to addressing this threat and early steps to partner with the United States and allies to build the capacity and professionalization of security forces, bolster the justice system, and ensure governance and services to communities in previously marginalized areas of Cabo Delgado Province. I also commend the troop deployment by the Southern African Development Community to stabilize the region. We have seen this elsewhere--whether the early days of ISIS in Syria or Boko Haram in Northeast Nigeria. Terrorist insurgency movements cannot be left unaddressed, and early steps to address the root causes of such movements can prevent costly interventions and massive loss of human life later on. The United States has key economic, security, and diplomatic interests in urgently addressing this terrorist threat. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. This resolution condemns the terrorist attacks and ISIS insurgency in northern Mozambique and urges the administration to prioritize efforts to address this threat. I am pleased that the administration selected Mozambique as a priority country to implement a 10-year strategy for U.S. diplomatic, development, and security engagement. This type of long-term interagency planning is critically important to coordinating U.S. efforts and ensuring the most effective use of resources to target the root causes of the instability and terrorism. This issue cannot wait, and the administration must implement the requirements of the Global Fragility Act without further delay. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 45. I thank Representative Zeldin for championing this important resolution. As the world focuses on the horrors of the war crimes being committed by Vladimir Putin's invading forces in Ukraine, we must not forget the victims of the past war crimes still awaiting justice. Ylli, Agron, and Mehmet Bytyqi were three American brothers from New York State who are suspected of having been killed in July 1999 by Serbian authorities. After disappearing while in the custody of Serbian special police, they were executed, shot in the head with their hands tied behind their backs. Their bodies were later discovered in a mass grave at a training compound of the Serbian secret police. Tragically, nearly 23 years later, there has still not been a full investigation into their deaths, and the Bytyqi brothers' murderers have yet to be brought to justice. This is unacceptable. This case, among others, illustrates the continued need for Serbia to resolve outstanding war crimes investigations. Holding accountable those who committed and covered up the murder of the Bytyqi brothers is critical to continuing bilateral relations between the United States and Belgrade. Therefore, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution. Congress must be on the record calling on Serbian authorities to once and for all deliver justice for the Bytyqi brothers and their family. Mr. Speaker, 23 years is too long for the Bytyqi brothers and their family to go without justice. Seriously dealing with the past and bringing justice to all victims of war crimes committed in the wars that followed the breakup of the former Yugoslavia is needed to ensure reconciliation and peace throughout the region. Mr. Zeldin reintroduced this bipartisan resolution last year. I urge Belgrade to commit to a proper investigation and full accountability for these three Americans so this resolution does not have to be reintroduced once again next Congress. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Otto Frederick Warmbier. He is an American who was horrifically tortured and killed by the North Korean regime 5 years ago. Otto was a dedicated young man. He was the valedictorian of his high school and at the University of Virginia. At the age of 22, he was taken hostage and suffered the worst of the North Korean regime's brutality. Although Otto is no longer with us, his wonderful family carries on his legacy every day with their advocacy and strength. As one of the first Korean-American women to serve in Congress, and as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I will always-- always--be a loud voice for global human rights and hold violators accountable. We remember and honor Otto always.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 2543. This bill threatens the independence of the Federal Reserve and does nothing to address the rising cost of living and the highest inflation that our country has seen in over four decades. In my home State of California, gas prices are averaging $6.40 per gallon, and the cost of everyday goods continues to rise.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, during this National Police Week, I am delighted to rise today to honor Buena Park Police Chief Corey Sianez and his more than four decades of selfless service to our community, including 11 years as police chief. Throughout his many roles, Chief Sianez set an example of excellence in our police department and created the first 5-year strategic plan in the department's history. While he is a well-known, active member of our Buena Park community, his impact can also be seen across neighboring cities. He helped create the North Orange County Public Task Force, which is a partnership between cities that works to address pressing public safety issues such as homelessness, incarceration, and gang and youth violence. Chief Sianez, thank you for your unrelenting dedication to safety and the well-being of our community. I wish you a wonderful retirement.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the participants and winners of the 2021 Congressional App Challenge. This is the largest App Challenge to date. The App Challenge gives students of all backgrounds and from communities across the Nation the opportunity to move from passive consumers of technology to active creators of technology. Coding and technological skills will only become more important in the economy of the future. These students blew us away by creating apps that would make a difference, tackling real-world challenges and reflecting their commitment to making our world a better place. I thank and offer my congratulations to all the students that participated this year, and I wish every single one of them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Wilson for yielding and for his leadership on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the AXIS Act. We must take strong steps to investigate if and how the Chinese Government and affiliated entities are helping Russia evade sanctions after Vladimir Putin's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. While the United States, our NATO allies, and countries around the world have strongly condemned and taken action during Vladimir Putin's invasion, the silence and deference from Chinese Government officials is deafening. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi continues to say Russia is China's most important strategic partner. We know that as Russia continues to invade Ukraine, China is eyeing Taiwan. We must show dictators that they cannot invade a free country and ally unprovoked without consequences. I am proud to cosponsor the AXIS Act, and I thank my friend, Congressman Andy Barr, for leading this bill.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Meuser for yielding, and I thank Representative Connolly, Chairman Meeks, and Ranking Member McCaul for their leadership on this very important issue. I rise in strong support of this bipartisan, bicameral effort to help restore Taiwan's observer status at the World Health Organization and World Health Assembly. I am proud to have introduced the House version of this bill, which has nearly 130 bipartisan cosponsors. Time and time again, Taiwan has proven to be a trusted ally of the United States and to be a world leader in global health security. From 2009 until 2017, Taiwan had observer status in the WHO and WHA, but it was revoked due to pressure from the Chinese Government. This bill would direct the Secretary of State to implement a strategy to restore Taiwan's observer status. I am hopeful that today we can send a united message to the people of Taiwan that we value their input and that giving them a seat at the table benefits all of us. Support for Taiwan is more important than ever. We all know today that as Russia invades Ukraine, China is eyeing Taiwan. A threat to freedom anywhere is a threat to freedom everywhere. That is why I urge my colleagues to support this effort and give the people of Taiwan a voice in vital information sharing in the World Health Organization and World Health Assembly. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to lead this effort and will continue to be an unwavering voice for global human rights and freedom.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 127.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Luetkemeyer and Chairwoman Velazquez for their leadership on the Small Business Committee. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of my legislation, H.R. 6450, the SCORE for Small Business Act of 2022. This bipartisan bill reauthorizes the SCORE program for fiscal years 2022 and 2023, and it will allow SCORE to expand counseling and training through online webinars, electronic mentoring platforms, and online toolkits to better serve small businesses and entrepreneurs across U.S. communities, including the rural and underserved areas. Additionally, this bill would better protect taxpayers' dollars through oversight mechanisms. Since 1964, SCORE has helped over 11 million entrepreneurs to establish, expand, or service a small business. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began early 2020, SCORE has seen a 30 percent increase in demand for their services. Despite challenges faced, 89 percent of SCORE clients stayed in business throughout 2020. In 2021, the SCORE chapter in Orange County in my district helped start 269 new small businesses and create nearly 4,000 jobs. In 2019, prior to the pandemic, Orange County SCORE delivered 11,154 total services. In 2021, they delivered 25,146 total services. This is a 125 percent increase and over double the rate of pre-pandemic levels. Thanks to the volunteers and mentors in SCORE, countless small businesses in my district have been able to keep their businesses running and keep their employees on their payroll. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Representative Craig, for her partnership on this. I urge all my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 6450 and allow SCORE to continue this public-private partnership to support small businesses across the country.