Young Kim

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution to demonstrate that this House stands united with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists. On October 7, we watched in horror as hundreds of terrorists poured across the Israel-Gaza border and massacred, kidnapped, and raped Israelis. It is abhorrent. This is at the hands of Hamas and Hezbollah terrorist groups backed and funded by the Iran regime. They want to wipe Israel off the map. Thousands of rockets have fallen on Israel and continue falling as we speak. This has been the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust. I visited Israel last year, and I felt the constant threat of attack that the people of Israel face. It reminded me of my time growing up in South Korea as a young girl after the Korean war, and I felt that constant threat coming from North Korea. This is really personal to me. Hamas now holds around 200 hostages from Israel, the U.S., and other countries around the world. Israel has a right to defend itself against terrorist aggression, bring its hostages home, and its right to exist. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman McCaul and Ranking Member Meeks for leading this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Chair, this amendment would have catastrophic consequences for priorities our conference champions, including elimination of religious freedom programming, gutting the Counter China Influence Fund, and hamstringing international cybersecurity capacity building at a time when each of those foreign policy priorities is under great pressure. The funds from the Economic Support Fund are available to protect human rights and freedom of the press, combat human trafficking and corruption, and increase public accountability. This account goes to countries of strategic significance to the United States and often intended to promote the political and economic stability of our U.S. allies. Mr. Chair, the fiscal year 2024 bill already marks a $2.4 billion reduction from the President's request and a $1.3 billion reduction from the fiscal year 2023 level. The dramatic shift proposed in this amendment would be an absolute whiplash for our partners and allies overseas and detrimental to many of the GOP and bipartisan priorities funded through this account. Mr. Chair, I would go on about the priorities that would be lost if this amendment were adopted, like training for Taiwan and Cuba democracy programs, but I will simply say this amendment is a disservice to responsible and effective diplomacy. I encourage my colleagues to oppose this amendment, with all due respect.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, first built in 1884 in south Orange County, Cook's Corner has become a historic and iconic staple in California's 40th Congressional District in Trabuco Canyon for local residents, motorcycle enthusiasts, and for tourists from all over southern California and from all over the Nation. On August 23, 2023, our community was rocked by a horrific shooting at Cook's Corner that resulted in three deaths and six wounded. We are grateful for our local law enforcement, especially the Orange County Sheriff deputies and first responders who responded quickly at the scene. As our community mourns and picks up the pieces, we also know we are stronger together. Today, I rise with bipartisan Members of our California delegation and ask all Members to join me in a moment of silence in the memory of the victims: Tonya Clark of Arizona; Glen Sprowl, Jr., of Stanton; and John Leehey of Irvine; and in solidarity with the communities that I represent.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, July 16 marks one year of the 988 hotline. This nationwide number is available 24/7 to provide confidential support to Americans facing mental health, substance use, and suicide crises. Nearly 5 million Americans have called 988 in the last year to talk to someone about an issue they face. As we celebrate this progress, we acknowledge there is more to be done. A recent poll by the National Alliance on Mental Illness found that only 17 percent of Americans are aware of 988. That means more than four in every five Americans are unaware of this resource at our fingertips. No one should feel alone. Whether it is strangers, friends, and foes alike, we never know what someone is going through. I am proud to support the 988 hotline that can be a lifeline for those struggling. I will also do my part to promote kinder communities in California's 40th district and across the Nation.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Chair, had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 298. Amendment No. 28 Offered by Ms. Tlaib

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Wagner for yielding. I rise in strong support of my bill. This is a bipartisan bill, H.R. 1548, the Improving Access to Small Business Information Act. H.R. 1548 is very simple. The legislation would amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to specify that certain actions by the Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation are not a collection of information under the Paper Reduction Act. Currently, the office must adhere to a prolonged process to get approval from OMB on surveys that could help get better information on the capital formation challenges small businesses and their investors face on a daily basis. Former Director of the SEC's Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation, Martha Miller, told our office, ``The office went through a yearlong process just to collect registration information for our annual forum and ask a few basic questions to understand the audience attending.'' So, by the time her office got a response from OMB, the circumstances of the economy had changed, and some of the survey questions were outdated and did not serve their intended purpose. Rather than answering these unrelated questions to the difficulties facing small businesses, it would have been so much more effective for small business owners and investors attending the forum to be focused on analyzing the substantive issues and share effective perspectives on capital formation policies. The SEC's Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation is the primary office that looks to advance the interests of the small businesses and their investors at the SEC and in the capital markets. With the ever-changing economic and regulatory environment, the office is required to adapt quickly to the needs of the small businesses and gather timely feedback to improve capital raising policy. H.R. 1548 reduces red tape and streamlines access to tools that the office can utilize to gather more effective and timely data. The better information that the office can gather, the better Congress and the public can identify policy gaps and facilitate small business capital formation. I thank Chairman James Comer and House Oversight and Accountability Committee staff for working with my staff and Financial Services Committee staff to address standing policy on the PRA and get H.R. 1548 through the finish line. I also thank my colleague and friend, Mr. Gottheimer of New Jersey, for co-leading H.R. 1548, the Improving Access to Small Business Information Act, with me. I urge my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 1548.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Otto Frederick Warmbier, who died at the hands of the North Korean regime 6 years ago, on June 19, 2017. Otto was a dedicated young man. He was a salutatorian of his high school and attended the University of Virginia. He was imprisoned and tortured by the brutal North Korean regime during a school tour. He died just a few days after his release. Otto experienced what no human being should ever have to go through. While he is no longer with us, his family carries on his legacy with their advocacy and strength. As a proud Korean American and as chairwoman of the Indo-Pacific Subcommittee, I will always be a loud voice for global human rights and hold violators accountable. Madam Speaker, we remember and honor Otto always. In Korean: ``uli- neun Otto-leul yeong-wonhi gieok-hal geos-ibnida.''

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of U.S. Marine Corps Major Megan McClung from Mission Viejo in my district. She was the first female Marine Corps officer to be killed in the Iraq war. She was also the first woman graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy to be killed in action. Major McClung's headstone reads: ``Be brief. Be bold. Be gone.'' While she left us too soon, she had a life well lived and made a lasting impact. If marines didn't know her, they knew of her. She was an avid marathon runner and triathlete. Her contagious personality, tenacity, and fiery red hair are remembered by all. This week, I introduced a bipartisan bill to rename the Mission Viejo Post Office in her honor. We can never fully repay our fallen heroes and their families, but I hope this will help preserve her story for future generations.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Bost for yielding. I rise in strong support of H.R. 366, the Korean American VALOR Act. I thank Ranking Member Takano for his leadership on this very important issue. During his joint address to Congress, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol highlighted that during the Korean war, ``Korean and American soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder and fought bravely.'' However, the Korean war was not the last time Korean soldiers fought alongside American troops. They fought side by side in the Vietnam war, sharing the same physical and mental scars from that conflict. Many of these Korean troops eventually immigrated to the United States and became proud naturalized American citizens. I personally know several of these individuals, and I am eternally grateful for their service. Unfortunately, because the United States does not currently have a reciprocal veterans' healthcare agreement with the Republic of Korea, these Korean Americans cannot access veterans' healthcare benefits. The Korean American VALOR Act will create a pathway for an agreement to be reached and for these veterans to receive access to VA healthcare. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate National Police Week, I rise to honor the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe across California's 40th Congressional District and their families. In Congress, I will always be a loud voice for our local law enforcement and am working to ensure that they have the resources they need to do their jobs and to keep us safe. We also honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Unfortunately, we are again reminded of the tremendous sacrifice of our local law enforcement as we honor Riverside County Sheriff Deputy Brett Harris, who was killed in the line of duty on Saturday. I join in praying for his wife, mother, father, his twin sister, and brother.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, I rise to celebrate Michael Short on his retirement after 44 years of inspiring students in music in Orange Unified School District. A Chapman University and Cal State Fullerton graduate, Mr. Short has been involved in Orange Unified School District music since the mid- 1970s, from elementary and middle schools to Orange High School, to Santiago Canyon College, and much more. He has directed several musicals, led choirs, and received several awards for his work as an outstanding music educator. Mr. Short has inspired generations of students in California's 40th District across Orange County and beyond. I thank Mr. Short for his dedication and his outstanding career to the community, teaching and inspiring students through music. I wish him the best in his retirement, and much enjoyment spending time with his family; his wife, Vicki, his kids, and his grandkids.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank and celebrate the 50th birthday and retirement of Ernesto Mendoza for his dedicated service to our community, to protect and to serve the people of Los Angeles. Ernesto served our great country in the United States Army overseas in Germany and then came home to serve in the Los Angeles Police Department, with a combined total of 30 years of service. He consistently operates with integrity and honesty and has established strong, trusted leadership, retiring as a detective III through various LAPD departments, including the 77th Division and, most recently, South Bureau. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ernesto for all that he has done for our community, and I thank him for his service to our country. I hope Ernesto enjoys his 50th birthday with his family, and I wish him a joyful retirement.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 11 a.m. on Monday next.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, American families are hurting from high inflation resulting in higher prices of everyday goods from groceries to gasoline. Nearly two out of every three Americans is living paycheck to paycheck. Unfortunately, in California, everything is more expensive. That is why I am working to bring some common sense to Congress and make life affordable by combating reckless spending and lowering taxes. Earlier this year, I joined my friend from California, Representative Mike Garcia, to introduce the Inflation Prevention Act to ensure that Congress doesn't pass bills that add to inflationary spending until the year-after-year rate drops below 4.5 percent. Last week, I introduced the SALT Deductibility Act to repeal the current cap on State and local tax deductions that is unfairly making my constituents pay more taxes. I will keep fighting to make sure that life is easier for folks in California's 40th District and across the Nation.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Madam Speaker, March is also Kidney Cancer Awareness Month, so I rise in support of all Americans suffering from kidney disease and to highlight the importance of regular cancer screenings and learning about their risks. According to the CDC, about 37 million adults are estimated to have kidney disease. Unfortunately, kidney disease is among the 10 most common cancers in both men and women, and 1 out of 3 Americans are at a heightened risk for kidney disease. I also take this opportunity to honor and remember one of our former colleagues and friends, Representative Jim Hagedorn of Minnesota, who tragically lost his life last year due to kidney cancer. Coincidentally, just recently, I found a letter he sent me just before he passed. As Jim used to say, ``Please visit your doctor regularly and get those annual cancer screenings. Early detection could save your life.''

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Chris Smith for yielding me the time. I rise in strong support of H.R. 1107, the PRC Is Not a Developing Country Act. This is a bipartisan bill I introduced with my colleague Gerry Connolly to address the People's Republic of China's exploitation of its status as a developing country in treaties and in international organizations. The People's Republic of China is the world's second largest economy, accounting for 18.6 percent of the global economy. Their economy size is second only to the United States. The United States is treated as a developed country, and so should the PRC. The United States is also treated as a high-income country in treaties and international organizations, so China should also be treated as a developed country. However, the PRC is still classified as a developing country, and they are using this status to game the system and hurt countries that are truly in need. The PRC exploits their developing country status by applying for development assistance and loans from international organizations, despite spending trillions on infrastructure projects in developing countries as part of the debt trap diplomacy scheme known as the Belt and Road Initiative. In fact, PRC's withdrawal of loans takes away from actual developing countries and helps the PRC finance its Belt and Road program. We are long overdue to level the playing field. This legislation rights this wrong by requiring the Secretary of State to oppose the labeling or treatment of the PRC as a developing country in any international organization or treaty to which the United States is a party. It also directs the Secretary to seek mechanisms in international organizations to change the status of the PRC from a developing to developed country. We cannot let the PRC continue exploiting countries in need and take unfair advantage of international treaties and organizations. It is time that we give developing countries a better chance at participating in programs that are meant for them and not meant for the world's second-largest economy. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Ann Wagner for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 406, the Providing Appropriate Recognition and Treatment Needed to Enhance Relations, PARTNER, with ASEAN Act. This is a bill that I introduced with my colleague, Representative Castro. I thank Ranking Member Meeks, and my colleague, and chairwoman of one of our committees, Ann Wagner, but more importantly, for her leadership on the ASEAN Caucus. Mr. Speaker, much has been talked about with the importance of this legislation, but I think it is worth repeating that this bipartisan legislation extends the diplomatic privileges and immunities to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations under the International Organizations Immunities Act. Similar international organizations such as the European Union, the Organization of American States, and the African Union currently enjoy these diplomatic privileges, but not ASEAN. As chairwoman of the Indo-Pacific Subcommittee, I believe this legislation is a step in the right direction for improving America's standing in the Indo-Pacific and addressing the economic and security threats posed to the region by the CCP and their Belt and Road Initiative. To counter the Belt and Road Initiative, we must prioritize trade, economic, and diplomatic relations with Southeast Asian countries. Without meaningful U.S. engagement and presence in the region, we will leave the region little choice but to turn to the CCP, whose conditions for these countries are erosion in democratic institutions and threats to their sovereignty. This bill, while simple in scope, will signal to the region that the United States stands ready to engage in meaningful trade and have more discussions about security and human rights. I thank my colleague, Representative Castro, coauthor of this bill, for his work on this legislation. I join with my colleagues in saying that I am sorry that he could not be here to witness this legislation pass the House. I wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to getting back to work with him once he returns to the House. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman McCaul for yielding and for his leadership on the Foreign Affairs Committee. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution condemning the Chinese Communist Party's use of a high-altitude surveillance balloon over U.S. territory as a brazen violation of U.S. sovereignty and international norms. The balloon has been shot down, and I thank those who bravely completed the mission. However, many questions remain, and intelligence reports show what we all knew: This was neither a coincidence nor something to be taken lightly. This surveillance balloon was part of a larger program by the CCP that has collected information on military assets in Indo-Pacific countries like Taiwan, Japan, India, and the Philippines. We all know that this balloon does not even scratch the surface of the CCP's surveillance capabilities. Millions of Americans are spied upon every single day through TikTok and other state-affiliated applications and technologies. Whether in airspace or cyberspace, we cannot allow the CCP to spy on us. We cannot allow the CCP to threaten our way of life and the American Dream. The time to project strength is now. We must defend our airspace, send a strong signal to the CCP that this behavior will not be tolerated, and equip our allies with the tools they need to deter and defend against CCP's aggression. As the Indo-Pacific Subcommittee chair, I am committed to getting answers from the Biden administration about when they knew the CCP's balloon was entering the U.S. airspace and what they know about the CCP balloon program. We need to ensure the United States responds to this type of aggression with strong, decisive action from our leaders.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 9 to denounce the atrocities perpetuated by socialism around the world. If you want to see the difference between socialism and freedom, take a look at North Korea at night versus South Korea. As an immigrant who grew up in South Korea during the aftermath of the Korean war, I know firsthand the horror, the destruction that socialism has brought to millions of families in the Korean Peninsula under the evil regime of the Kim dynasty, from Kim Il-sung to Kim Jong-il to now Kim Jong-Un. Socialism divided my family and friends between North and South. My mother-in-law, for example, crossed over the DMZ and back multiple times to rescue loved ones from the tyrannical North Korean regime. Tens of thousands of war-torn families remain separated to this day. Meanwhile, famines and the daily threats of a nuclear war in east Asia persist. Although I was just a young girl, I remember the hope embodied by those brave soldiers who defended the freedoms of a country they never knew and a people they never met. It is because of them that I stand before you today as one of the first Korean-American women to serve in Congress. The United States must continue to stand as a beacon of freedom, hope, and opportunity for the world. I urge my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to join us to say ``no'' to socialism.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, as we all know, deceptive drugs made of fentanyl are killing young people and destroying lives in southern California and across our Nation at an alarming rate. In California, fentanyl is responsible for one out of every five youth deaths. The top source of fentanyl is the U.S.-Mexico border, and last year, 60 percent of fentanyl found in 2022 was at southern California ports of entry in San Diego and Imperial counties near my district. The Orange County Sheriff's Department seized more than 400 pounds of suspected fentanyl, and nearly 400,000 pills suspected to contain fentanyl during the first 10 months in 2022. I will keep fighting for solutions to secure our border and prevent these drugs from entering our schools, streets, neighborhoods, and homes.

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my community in celebrating Lunar New Year as we ring in the Year of the Rabbit and Year of the Cat. We cannot ignore that this year's celebrations in southern California were rocked by the worst of evil. I have attended the Monterey Park Lunar New Year celebrations in years past, and my heart is with the loved ones of the victims of the shooting and our AAPI community. However, I know that in the face of this tragedy, as we heal our wounds, we will persevere, come together, and come back even stronger. Our best days are yet to come. Good prevails over evil. Love triumphs hate. Light surpasses darkness always. That is what Lunar New Year is all about. I am rallying with my AAPI community, and I wish all who are celebrating joy, renewal, and many blessings. I want to greet all the public in my special New Year's greetings. (English translation of the statement made in Korean, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Vietnamese is as follows:) ``Happy new year.'' Korean: ``Saehae bok mani badeuseyo'' Mandarin: ``Xinnian kuaile'' Catonese: ``Gong hei fat choy'' Vietnamese:``Chuc Mung Nam Moi''

Mrs. KIM of California

Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life and legacy of Bill Steiner, who devoted his career to making Orange County a better place. He held many elected positions, serving on the Orange Unified School District school board, the Orange City Council, and the Orange County Board of Supervisors. However, his true passion was his work for children. Mr. Steiner founded the Orangewood Children's Home in Orange and the Good Samaritan Boy's Home in Corona. He also served on the board of directors for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for over 16 years. While we miss him dearly, his legacy lives on and his organizations will have an untold impact on countless children. He is also an active member of the Rotary Club of Orange. In that capacity, Mr. Steiner epitomized the motto ``Service Above Self,'' and we are all better because of his tireless work. We will miss him dearly. Celebrating Villa Park's 61st Birthday