Rep. Young Kim voted for the massive spending and tax bill over the summer — it was signed into law on July Fourth by President Donald Trump, who championed the legislation — despite the cuts it made to Medicaid and other assistance programs.
The Anaheim Hills Republican, who had expressed reservations about certain provisions of the bill throughout the process, including cuts to Medicaid, said she ultimately voted in favor of it because she believes it protects services for the more vulnerable populations. She said the bill would “strengthen Medicaid for our most vulnerable populations, while curbing wasteful, unsustainable practices that put the program’s future at risk.”
The bill cuts about $1 trillion over 10 years to Medicaid, and the Congressional Budget Office has estimated some 11.8 million Americans could lose access to their health insurance. William Dow, a professor of health policy and management at UC Berkeley School of Public Health, has said the most adversely impacted group could be low-income adults between the ages of 18 to 64 who got their insurance through the Affordable Care Act and who do not have young children.
“I’ve been very clear,” Kim said of her vote, “these vital services must be protected for those they were intended for — expectant mothers, children, people with disabilities and seniors. The law upholds that commitment.”
“I look forward to working alongside our health care providers and nonprofits to make sure these reforms are carried out in a way that protects patients and ensures Medicaid resources reach the individuals and families who truly rely on them,” Kim said.
We’re catching our readers up with the six House members who represent at least a portion of Orange County. We asked each lawmaker several questions — tailored to their policy expertise, committee assignments or votes — as well as a personal bonus question.
Kim, 62, represents California’s 40th Congressional District, which includes Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. She is a former state legislator who was one of the first Korean American women elected to Congress. Prior to politics, Kim worked in the finance industry and started her own women’s clothing business.
Read on to find out more about what Kim thinks of redistricting, the federal government’s decision to rescind a policy that shielded many crime victims from deportation and more.
Q: As the government shutdown continues with no end in sight, what are you seeing is the biggest impact on the communities you represent? Is there a short-term fix you’d encourage while the shutdown continues?
A: On Sept. 19, I voted to keep our government open and accountable to the American people. Since then, Senate Democrats have repeatedly blocked efforts to keep our government funded — putting vital programs for women and children in need, Small Business Administration loans for local businesses and pay for our troops at risk. At local airports, this has resulted in mounting pressure on air traffic control and TSA agents, who are currently understaffed and unpaid, and hour-long delays.
While the administration has allocated funds to keep WIC running and our servicemembers paid, these are only temporary measures. My Democratic colleagues in Washington need to reopen the government and end this crisis before everyday Americans pay an even higher price.
Q: As negotiations continue, is there a specific area where you see your party could come to a compromise with the other side of the aisle to move the needle closer on ending the shutdown?
A: Funding our government should not be a partisan issue. I have voted to keep our government open under both Republican and Democratic administrations because shutdowns achieve nothing and only hurt the American people. House Republicans came to the table in good faith with a clean, bipartisan funding bill. Democrats have since voted that bipartisan bill down 10 times in the Senate. Despite what (Senate Majority Leader) Chuck Schumer might have you believe, I am ready and willing to tackle the serious challenges facing our nation, including reining in rising health care costs. However, the livelihoods of hardworking Americans cannot be used as bargaining chips to gain political leverage. I have engaged on these issues and hope to continue these important discussions when our government is back up and running for the American people.
Q: While federal workers don’t get paid during shutdowns, members of Congress do. Many have asked for their pay to be withheld; are you one of those members? Why or why not?
A: I have asked not to be paid as long as Washington Democrats keep our government closed. Today, members of our nation’s military, federal law enforcement, TSA and air traffic controllers are keeping us safe without the certainty of a paycheck. That’s just not right.
Members of Congress should not be paid while workers and their families struggle to pay their bills. I refuse to collect a paycheck while Washington Democrats keep our government shut down, and I hope my colleagues do the same.
Q: Your district — and Southern California as a whole — know all too well the dangers of and catastrophic aftermath from wildfires. What can the federal government do — and what is its role — to protect communities from this natural disaster?
A: Wildfire readiness has long been a top priority of mine.
As our community continues to recover from last year’s Airport fire, which burned 23,000 acres in Orange and Riverside counties, I have been laser-focused on commonsense solutions that improve wildfire mitigation and response times. A huge part of that is making sure our first responders have all the tools they need to fight fires in the 21st century.
I am proud to have introduced the Wildfire Technology DEMO Act, which passed the House of Representatives in January, to encourage federal agencies to partner with private innovators and test cutting-edge technologies on the fireground. I also backed the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act to ensure our firefighters receive fair pay, retain experienced personnel and build a resilient wildfire workforce for the future.
Q: You voted for the massive spending cuts bill that was ultimately signed into law over the summer, even though it made changes and cuts to Medicaid and other assistance programs. What is the guidance you’re giving to local nonprofits and organizations that address health care gaps in your district?
A: I voted for the Working Families Tax Cut to give a hand up to hardworking people right here in our community, put money back in their pockets and strengthen Medicaid for our most vulnerable populations, while curbing wasteful, unsustainable practices that put the program’s future at risk. I’ve been very clear: These vital services must be protected for those they were intended for — expectant mothers, children, people with disabilities and seniors. The law upholds that commitment.
I look forward to working alongside our health care providers and nonprofits to make sure these reforms are carried out in a way that protects patients and ensures Medicaid resources reach the individuals and families who truly rely on them.
Q: There has been a lot of talk about political rhetoric and civil discourse in this country in recent months. How do you define civil discourse? And what is one thing you are doing to be a leader in your community amid calls to tone down rhetoric?
A: Civil discourse is about treating one another with dignity, openness and respect — even when we disagree. I have been deeply troubled by the political violence we have seen and the ramping up of political rhetoric. I worry the growing divide we see in our country will only make it harder to get anything done.
As someone who sticks to their principles while consistently being ranked one of the most effective, bipartisan members of Congress, I know you can’t deliver real results without finding common ground. Right now, it is more important than ever to listen to those we don’t see eye to eye with and understand their perspectives. I’ll keep doing my part in Congress to work with colleagues to advance commonsense priorities that bring Americans together.
Q: Fellow California Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley is pushing a bill that would ban states from changing district boundaries mid-cycle in the future. Why or why not do you support this effort? Do you support redistricting efforts in California? What about in other, Republican-led states? Please explain your answer.
A: The people of California voted for a transparent, nonpartisan and independent redistricting commission. Californians want transparency, not Sacramento politicians working behind closed doors to disenfranchise voters and draw the lines that benefit themselves.
While there are several efforts to push back against redistricting, I think it is clear that the process we’re seeing is not good for our politics. California already has a clear method for drawing congressional districts, and we shouldn’t be changing the rules mid-decade for political reasons. Proposition 50 mocks California voters and wastes hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars in the process. I think we’ll see voters reject this in November.
Q: U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement earlier this year rescinded a policy that had shielded many crime victims from detention and deportation. Do you support this change? And is this something you think the federal government — or even Congress — could revisit amid concerns that the revoking of that policy could harm public safety by making it less likely that victims will report crimes and cooperate with local police? Please explain your answer.
A: We must prioritize public safety. That’s why I voted to increase funds to secure our border and pursue violent criminals who have entered this country illegally and harmed American citizens.
I believe victims of crime should feel safe coming forward to report abuse, exploitation and trafficking. I am committed to making sure law enforcement uses a victim-centered approach, balancing immigration enforcement and public safety, and that our immigration laws are enforced fairly and consistently.
Bonus question: If you are throwing a dinner party, what is the signature dish you would make for your guests?
A: My favorite dinner party dish is my famous shrimp cocktail salad. I use jumbo king-size shrimp, the perfect balance of sweet chili sauce, and a few other secret ingredients that I’ll save for myself and my dinner party guests. While I say “salad,” it’s enough to serve as a main dish. The kids love it, and the only thing missing at the end is leftovers!