[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E681]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING CLAIRE KIM FOR HER ROLE AS PRESIDENT OF THE KOREAN-AMERICAN 
                        NEXT GENERATION COUNCIL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JAMES R. WALKINSHAW

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 14, 2026

  Mr. WALKINSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Claire Kim 
for her role as President of the Korean-American Next Generation 
Council.
  As President of the Korean American Next Generation Council, Claire 
Kim has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to civic engagement, 
cultural advocacy, and the development of the next generation of 
community leaders. Through her vision, dedication, and collaborative 
leadership, she has worked to strengthen connections within the Korean 
American community while fostering meaningful relationships with the 
broader Northern Virginia and DMV communities.
  One of Claire's most notable contributions has been her leadership in 
organizing and supporting major cultural events, including the annual 
Kimchi Festival. This signature event celebrates Korean heritage 
through traditional food, music, performances, and educational 
programming while promoting cross-cultural understanding and 
appreciation among people of diverse backgrounds. By helping coordinate 
volunteers, engaging community partners, and supporting event planning, 
Claire has played an important role in ensuring the festival continues 
to serve as a welcoming space for cultural exchange and community 
building.
  In addition to the Kimchi Festival, Claire has been actively involved 
in several large-scale community outreach initiatives, including the 
KORUS Festival and George Mason University's AANHPI Heritage Month 
celebration. Through these events, she has helped organize educational 
exhibits, coordinate volunteer teams, and facilitate community 
engagement activities that highlight the history, contributions, and 
experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander 
communities. Her efforts have helped create opportunities for cultural 
education, dialogue, and increased visibility for the Korean American 
community across the region.
  Recognizing the importance of encouraging the next generation to 
become informed and engaged citizens, she has actively supported local 
political leaders through campaign volunteer efforts, canvass launch 
events, voter outreach initiatives, and special election activities. By 
introducing young volunteers to the electoral process and encouraging 
civic responsibility, she has inspired greater participation in public 
service and democratic engagement. Beyond volunteer efforts, Claire has 
facilitated meaningful conversations between emerging young leaders and 
elected officials, including state senators and members of the House of 
Delegates. These discussions have provided participants with valuable 
opportunities to learn about the legislative process, ask questions 
about public policy, and better understand how local and state 
government directly impacts their communities. Through these 
engagements, she has helped bridge the gap between government and young 
constituents, empowering future leaders to become active participants 
in civic life.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the hard work of Ms. 
Claire Kim. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to empowering 
others, promoting cultural understanding, and inspiring the next 
generation to become engaged, compassionate, and effective leaders. She 
continues to serve as a role model whose contributions extend beyond 
individual events, leaving a positive and enduring legacy of community 
engagement and public service.

                          ____________________