[Meet the Candidates: Young Kim]
U.S. Representative Young Kim, representing the 40th Congressional District with the largest Korean-American constituency, described last year and this year as her busiest and most challenging. As a re-elected congresswoman, she navigated the House of Representatives’ first-ever “leadership absence,” a change in speakership, and had a front-row seat to President Yoon’s visit to the United States, highlighting U.S.-ROK diplomacy. Kim also served as the Subcommittee on Indo-Pacific Chair. With her district emerging as a bipartisan hot spot, Kim faces a weighty campaign ahead.
Below is an excerpt from an interview with U.S. Representative Young Kim.
-How would you assess your legislative performance over the past year?
“I was recognized as one of the most effective legislators in Congress. I introduced and passed many bipartisan bills. I was involved in introducing several important pieces of legislation, including support for small businesses, cyber protection measures, and advancing science and technology education for students. Additionally, I contributed to legislation addressing the increasing issue of organized smash-and-grab crimes against retailers, and proposed laws to ease penalties for seniors who apply late for Medicare.”
-You also served as Subcommittee on Indo-Pacific Chair.
“I was honored to be one of four Korean-American members of Congress to serve as a subcommittee chair. We worked hard to produce legislation holding dictators in the region accountable and preventing fentanyl money laundering. This year, we are pressuring the Chinese government with the ‘Ending China’s Developing Nation Status Act’, and we will continue meaningful work for the international community with the North Korea Human Rights Act and the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act.”
-What are your thoughts on the Democrats’ push for a peace agreement on the Korean Peninsula?
“Most members of Congress and leadership in both parties agree that Kim Jong-un’s regime cannot be trusted without a complete abandonment of North Korea’s nuclear weapons. In the past week, Kim Jong-un’s statements threatening the U.S. raise questions about the feasibility of reaching an agreement with someone suppressing his own people’s freedom. Many issues need resolution before an agreement can be reached.”
-U.S.-South Korea relations were also closely watched. There are still issues like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that remain a stumbling block.
“The IRA has already been amended, significantly reducing tensions. Congress continuously pressures the administration to adjust policies, considering our relationship with a friendly country like South Korea. President Yoon’s visit has fostered a deeper, more mature relationship between our countries.”
-Bipartisan pass of the North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2023.
“The House Committee on Foreign Affairs is addressing many global conflicts and issues this year. The reauthorization bill wasn’t finalized last year due to numerous issues, but I am dedicated to working with my colleagues to pass it before the end of the 118th Congress.”
-The 40th District will be one of the toughest nationwide battles.
“There are no easy elections. It’s always a close race. Haha, I’m accustomed to winning by slim margins. I’ve been actively listening to community leaders in the district, meeting with 17 advisory committees and constituents. Being one of the 18 Republican members of Congress from a ‘Biden district,’ where President Biden received more votes, brings significant pressure from my opponent. I urge the Korean-American community to participate in the election.”
-The SR-60 Interchange Improvement Project, a $30 million last-minute project, is still under construction.
“Initial funding was secured by former Congressman Ed Royce over a decade ago, and we’ve since obtained additional federal and state funding to complete the project. It’s a vital logistics corridor, carrying 30,000 vehicles a day, and we’ve worked hard to make it safer and more pleasant. I’m particularly proud of this achievement. Additionally, we’ve applied for $3.4 million for drug prevention education programs, $8 million for a water treatment plant, and $1.8 million to enhance police capacity in fighting human trafficking. We await the budget committee’s decision.”
-Are the four Korean-American congressmen also working together?
“Andy Kim, a candidate for the U.S. Senate and a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, and I interact frequently. Michelle Steel and I are very close, and while I don’t see Strickland as much, we’ve collaborated on initiatives like Kimchi Day, Inter-Korean family reunions, and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act. Despite our different affiliations and tasks, we are united in our commitment to the Korean-American community.”
BY BRIAN CHOI, JUNHAN PARK [ichoi@koreadaily.com]
