Young Kim is a Republican Representative from California, serving the 40th District since January 3, 2021. Born in Incheon, South Korea, on October 18, 1962, Kim emigrated to the United States, where she attended the University of Southern California, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1985. Before entering Congress, she worked as a financial analyst and was a business owner. Kim also has a history in public service, having served as a staff member for former U.S. Representative Ed Royce and holding a position in the California State Assembly from 2014 to 2016.
Throughout her congressional career, Young Kim has been active on several key committees, including the Financial Services Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee. She also serves on subcommittees focusing on National Security, Illicit Finance, as well as Global Health and Human Rights. This involvement underscores her commitment to both financial oversight and international relations, aligning with her background in business and her interests in humanitarian issues.
Kim has sponsored and co-sponsored various bills that reflect her legislative priorities. A notable piece of legislation is the Inflation Prevention Act of 2023 (HB 252), which aims to impose constraints on federal spending during periods of high inflation. This bill seeks to ensure fiscal discipline by safeguarding against inflationary impacts caused by excessive government expenditure. The act has garnered attention for its intention to manage federal budget allocation through a structured approach when inflation exceeds a certain threshold.
Another significant bill she has supported is the Security First Act (HB 163) for reauthorizing funding for the Operation Stonegarden program aimed at enhancing border security through grants to state, local, and tribal governments. This reflects her focus on national security and the protection of American borders, a priority that has been a staple of her political agenda.
In addressing human rights and international issues, Kim has offered support for the Uyghur Policy Act of 2025 (HB 2635), which seeks to safeguard the rights of Uyghurs in China. This act indicates her interest in strengthening the U.S. stance on human rights abuses and reflects her background that is sensitive to the challenges faced by minority communities, particularly those with connections to her own heritage.
Kim's political positioning is characterized by a strong emphasis on fiscal responsibility, national security, and proactive engagement in human rights issues. Her committee work and the bills she sponsors or co-sponsors highlight a broader agenda aimed at maintaining a secure and accountable U.S. government while advocating for the rights of marginalized groups internationally.
Personal aspects of Kim's life include her experience as a business owner and her prior unsuccessful bid for Congress in 2018. She emphasizes her commitment to her constituents through initiatives that promote local interests, particularly those relevant to her experiences as an immigrant and her commitment to enhancing the quality of life for diverse communities in California.
In conclusion, Young Kim's background in finance, her legislative priorities, and her representation in various congressional committees make her a significant player in shaping policies that affect both her district and national interests. Her approach reflects a blend of fiscal conservatism and a commitment to humanitarian principles, aligning her with a variety of contemporary legislative debates.