Welcome to Catch Up With Young Kim, my weekly e-newsletter to get you the latest on my work for you in Congress.

My team and I are here to serve you. If you ever need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. I also encourage you to receive real-time updates on my work for you in Congress by following me on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.

The East Asia & Pacific region is home not only to our greatest geopolitical competition but also to some of our strongest allies and partners. Simply put, America’s future national security depends on U.S. foreign policy decisions in the region.

I am humbled to serve as Chairwoman of the East Asia & Pacific Subcommittee in the 119th Congress and will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure America leads in the region to promote human rights, support fellow freedom-loving countries, strengthen free trade with our allies, and hold our adversaries accountable.

Fraudulent credit repair organizations, or CROs, should not get away with scamming hardworking Americans seeking to improve their scores and unlock their American dream.

This week, I helped introduce the Ending Scam Credit Repair Act, a bipartisan bill to help consumers and hike penalties for scammers.
 

I'm praying for our brave first responders fighting the wildfires in the Los Angeles area and thank Orange County Fire Authority for stepping up to support mitigation efforts.

Last year's Airport Fire started in CA-40, and our community felt the devastation of the wildfire firsthand. I've been working in Congress to boost emerging technologies for wildfire response, ensure first responders have all available tools at the ready, and provide disaster relief funding which was included in FY25 appropriations. 

Thursday marked Law Enforcement Appreciation Day! 

Our brave men and women in blue run into harm's way each day to keep us safe. We are so grateful for your service and sacrifice, always!

As growing aggression from North Korea and the CCP threatens a free and open Indo-Pacific, the US-ROK alliance is more important than ever to deter threats and promote peace through strength.

I have faith in the democratic commitment of the Korean people. Read my recent op-ed on the importance of the US-ROK alliance in the Hill. 

Thrilled to see Mint Desi Craft Cuisine back open in Laguna Hills! Team Young presented a certificate congratulating the Indian-Pakistani restaurant on its grand reopening.

“To be true to ourselves, we must be true to others.” -former President Jimmy Carter

This week, President Carter was lying in state in the U.S. Capitol. He devoted his life to serving the American people, whether in public service or through his charity and humanitarian work. He led by example and my heart is with his loved ones.

My team and I are committed to delivering results, with: 

• 41 bills passed out of the House and 17 signed into law;
• Over $25 million returned back to taxpayers from federal agencies;
• More than 5,600 cases closed to help constituents cut through red tape;
• Over 700 Capitol tours to CA-40 families;
• 30 flags flown over the Capitol for constituents this year;
• Over 100,000 letters and emails responded to this year; and,
• More than 90 veterans pinned and recognized for their service.

Serving you in Congress is not a role I take lightly. I’ll keep fighting to bring common sense to Washington, break through the partisan gridlock, and get things done for our communities across California’s 40th District.

Be sure to check out this video sharing some of our highlights from the past year!

As the new year begins, I humbly ask you take 30 seconds to share your priorities with me, so I can better serve you in Congress. I'm laser-focused on delivering results for you.

In Congress, I secured resources through the FY24 appropriations packages for vital projects in CA-40 that protect public health, support law enforcement, and keep our communities safe.

My office is seeing an increase in casework requests related to cybercrimes. As we see hackers use sophisticated tactics to take your personal information, please remain vigilant and be careful of suspicious links, calls, and messages. If something seems suspect, trust your instinct and do not click. 

Are you traveling planning travel for this year? Stop what you’re doing and check your passport!  

Processing times are now 4-6 weeks (routine) or 2-3 weeks (expedited, not incl. shipping). Start your renewal or application at travel.state.gov/passport.

Passport processing times are the fastest they’ve been since March 2020. Take advantage and apply or renew now so that you’re ready for international travel in the new year. 

Travel Tip -- Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your departure. Look up your destination’s entry requirements at travel.state.gov/destination and check your passport expiration date before booking flights.

Travelers are encouraged to wait to book international travel until a valid passport is physically in hand, apply for a new or renewed passport 9 months prior to travel, and ensure that their passport doesn’t expire within 6 months of their international travel dates.

If your pending application was filed with routine service and you have upcoming travel, you may benefit from upgrading to expedited service. Please dial (877) 487-2778 to upgrade to expedited service and shipping.  

Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if we can assist you in any way at (714) 984-2440.  

The Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution as tensions around the world increase the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution. 

U.S. citizens should:

• Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency overseas.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter and visit travel.state.gov.

If you are traveling abroad or are abroad please check the destination warning levels travel.state.gov, and be sure to register for the STEP program even if you are abroad. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at my website or at (714) 984-2440 if you have any questions or need assistance.

If you need help with a federal agency, please reach out to my office. We’re here to serve you always.

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Young Kim