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 federal government has now been closed for 17 days. That’s unacceptable.

On September 19, I voted for a clean, short-term continuing resolution to keep our government open and ensure that federal employees, servicemembers, and families continue receiving the support they deserve. Despite the fact that this was a straightforward funding measure with no unrelated spending or policy changes, Senate Democratic leadership blocked it, triggering a lapse in government operations on October 1.

Shutdowns achieve nothing. They cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars a day, delay vital services like WIC and SBA loans, and force our active-duty servicemembers and federal employees to work without the certainty of a paycheck. Funding our government should never be a partisan issue.

I will continue working around the clock to reopen the government, protect essential services, and hold Washington accountable to the American people.

My offices in Washington, Anaheim Hills, and Mission Viejo remain open to serve you during this time.

This week, I visited John Wayne Airport to meet with TSA agents, air traffic controllers, and airport leadership who continue working tirelessly to keep travelers safe, despite the ongoing shutdown. These public servants are showing remarkable dedication under difficult circumstances, serving without pay while ensuring that our transportation system continues to operate.

Southern California’s airports drive our local economy and connect our communities — Washington must stop the political games and reopen our government now.

Fire safety begins with preparation. I was glad to join Anaheim’s Fire Preparedness Fair to meet with families, community leaders, and first responders who are working together to keep our neighborhoods safe.

California continues to face growing wildfire risks, and events like this provide valuable resources to help residents create defensible space, prepare emergency kits, and plan for evacuation when needed.

Always great to work with Anaheim Fire & Rescue and their incredible Chief Pat Russell.

I will continue fighting for federal and state resources that equip our firefighters and emergency personnel with the tools they need to protect lives and property.

It was an honor to join Love Mission Viejo for Love Our Schools Day, where families, educators, and volunteers came together to serve local schools.

Our schools are the heart of our community, and the volunteers who dedicate their time and talents help create safer, more supportive learning environments for students.

I am grateful to the organizers of Love Mission Viejo for bringing people together to serve, uplift, and strengthen our community through kindness and teamwork.

This week, I had the pleasure of meeting 10-year-old Aydin Danesh Jesrai from Mission Viejo. Aydin is a student at St. Junipero Serra Catholic School, an active athlete, and a proud Cub Scout preparing to become a Boy Scout. He also serves as the Chief Technology Officer of a youth-led nonprofit called the Ace of Hearts Project.

During his recent tour of the U.S. Capitol, Aydin shared his love for history and public service—and his dream of one day becoming President of the United States. Young people like Aydin remind us why investing in civic education and leadership opportunities matters.

The future of our nation is bright because of the energy, optimism, and curiosity of students like Aydin.

I was honored to attend the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Mayor’s State of the City Address at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library. Mayor Janice Lim shared the city’s latest achievements and her vision for the upcoming year.

Yorba Linda continues to thrive because of strong local leadership and outstanding citizens. I look forward to continuing to partner with city officials and stakeholders to support economic growth and improve quality of life for families in our community.

I am thrilled that Team Young has helped return over $32 million back to taxpayers from federal agencies.

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

We’re Here to Help

My offices remain open and ready to assist you throughout this government shutdown. If you need help with Social Security, veterans’ benefits, SBA loans, passports, or any other federal service, please do not hesitate to contact us.


Sincerely,

Young Kim