[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 8 (Monday, January 12, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E26]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF BENJAMIN SOO RHEE

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. TED LIEU

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 12, 2026

  Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of 
Benjamin Soo Rhee. Benjamin was a respected physician, devoted family 
man and cherished member of his community. He passed away peacefully on 
December 25, 2025.
  Dr. Rhee dedicated his life to the service of others through his work 
in medicine. He was deeply respected and admired by his colleagues and 
countless patients for his compassion, professionalism and integrity 
over the course of his distinguished career. He graduated from Korea 
University Medical School and later immigrated to the United States in 
1964 from the Kyungi Province of the Republic of Korea, becoming a U.S. 
Citizen in 1976.
  Dr. Rhee completed his residency in Internal Medicine in New York and 
went into private medical practice with his wife, a pediatrician. 
Together they would treat and heal patients for decades before retiring 
and moving to the City of Irvine, California.
  Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Rhee had a passion and 
love for music, including singing karaoke. He also had a love for 
reading and writing, including authoring a 300-page book which 
documented the genealogy of his family dating back seventeen 
generations.
  Benjamin was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived 
by his wife Dr. Wha Ja Choi, his two children, Edward and Richard and 
his six grandchildren: Brandon, Colin, Jason, Chloe, Kendall and 
Christian, who were the lights of his life.
  He will be remembered not only for his contributions to the field of 
medicine, but also for his kindness, intellect and deep devotion to his 
family and community. His legacy of service and engagement will 
continue to inspire and guide those whom he served in his life.

                          ____________________