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.

This week, the federal shutdown has stretched past a month long. Flights are facing delays and cancellations, vital services like WIC are running low on funds, and hardworking Americans remain unpaid for their critical work. That is unacceptable.

On September 19, I voted for a clean, short-term continuing resolution to keep the government open at current funding levels while Congress completes full-year appropriations. Despite being a straightforward and clean bill – containing not a single Republican policy provision, Senate Democratic leadership has repeatedly blocked this effort.

House Minority Whip Katherine Clark has even described the ongoing suffering of Americans as Democrats' political “leverage” to secure $1.5 trillion in additional government spending. I strongly disagree with that approach.

Shutdowns achieve nothing but harm. I will keep working around the clock to reopen the government, protect essential services, and deliver results for the American people. Until then, my offices in Washington, Anaheim Hills, and Mission Viejo remain open to serve you.

I joined my colleagues in the California Republican House Delegation to urge Governor Newsom to reverse state energy policies that have driven some of the highest electricity and gasoline prices in the nation.

Californians deserve energy that is affordable, dependable, and secure, and I will keep pressing for policies that lower costs while supporting innovation and long-term sustainability.

As Washington Democrats keep our government closed, over 5 million Californians are facing food insecurity, including 300,000 right here in our community. California needs to put Californians first.

I’m pressing Gavin Newsom to investigate billions in improper SNAP payments, enforce eligibility rules, and ensure taxpayer dollars reach California families — not fraudsters and illegal aliens.

This week, I helped introduce the Community Investment and Prosperity Act, bipartisan legislation to help banks invest more in affordable housing, small business lending, and community development.

Our bill raises the public-welfare investment cap from 15% to 20%, empowering local lenders to support projects that create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, and make homeownership more attainable—at no new cost to taxpayers.

I was honored to welcome Jonathan Tseng, a Quality Assurance Specialist with Falck USA in Orange and a Tustin resident, to my D.C. office as part of the American Ambulance Association’s Stars of Life program.

For more than thirty years, Stars of Life has honored paramedics and EMTs who exemplify the very best of emergency medical services. Jonathan’s recognition reflects the dedication and professionalism of our EMS community here in Southern California.

I was honored to be recognized by the Community Associations Institute (CAI) with the 2025 Hero of Associations Award during CAI’s Congressional Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C.

Millions of Americans live in homeowners’ associations, condominiums, and cooperatives. I’ll continue supporting policies that promote transparency, safety, and strong local governance.

At the National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders (NAAHL) Annual Policy Conference, I congratulated NAAHL on 35 years of work bringing together banks, CDFIs, and public-private partners to expand access to affordable housing and opportunity.

I highlighted strong congressional support for the CDFI Fund and my legislation to responsibly expand local investment in housing and community development so more families can achieve their American Dream.

My Washington, D.C. office is accepting internship applications through December 31, 2025 for the Spring 2026 term. Interns gain hands-on experience in the legislative process—assisting with constituent services, researching policy, drafting correspondence, and attending hearings.

Applicants should be enrolled in college with a minimum 3.0 GPA and strong writing skills. Preference is given to CA-40 residents, but all applicants are welcome. Interns receive a monthly stipend and are responsible for housing and transportation. Learn more and apply at youngkim.house.gov.

During this federal shutdown, I am committed to connecting our community with the resources they need.

If you or someone you know needs food support at this time, call 2-1-1 or visit 211oc.org to find local food resources.

Need a passport? The OC Clerk-Recorder is hosting a one-day passport event on Saturday, Nov. 8 at Veterans Sports Park in Tustin. Make an appointment and stop by! 

Where: 1645 Valencia Ave
When: Saturday, Nov. 8, 10 AM–2 PM
Appointments: 714-834-2248

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