119th Congress

Link to watch and download the video of his remarks on the House floor here.

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10) and Young Kim (R-CA-40) reintroduced the bipartisan Korean American Divided Families National Registry Act. This legislation was first introduced by Congressman Subramanyam’s predecessor, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, and would help reconnect Korean American families with their relatives in North Korea who have been separated for more than 70 years by the Korean War.

“Thousands of Korean American families in Virginia and across the country have been forcibly torn apart from their loved ones by the Korean War for more than seven decades,” said Congressman Suhas Subramanyam. “I am proud to lead this bipartisan legislation alongside Rep. Kim to bring these families closer to long-overdue reunion. I thank all the Korean American families who have shared their stories and who have helped move this legislation forward.” 

“As a Korean American, I understand and have great empathy for families who have longed for decades to see their loved ones in North Korea,” said Congresswoman Young Kim. “We must prioritize resolving this painful legacy and reunite these war-torn families before it’s too late.”

This bipartisan bill would accelerate family reunifications by directing the U.S. Department of State to compile information about Korean American families who want to reconnect with relatives in North Korea to enable future family reunions. The legislation would also direct the State Department to prioritize progress on arranging future reunions for Korean American families and their relatives in North Korea in future bilateral discussions with North Korea. 

This legislation passed the House of Representatives during the 118th Congress by a vote of 375-8 in June 2024. The reintroduced legislation enjoys bipartisan support in the House of Representatives with Representatives Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA-11) and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11) cosponsoring it alongside Representatives Subramanyam and Kim. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) also introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate. The legislation is also supported by the Korean American Grassroots Conference.

“KAGC appreciates Reps. Subramanyam and Young Kim for their bipartisan leadership in reintroducing this critical legislation for our community. Establishing a national registry of Korean American divided families is a commonsense, concrete, and tangible step toward identifying and connecting family members who wish to participate in future reunions,” said Wonseok Song, Executive Director of the Korean American Grassroots Conference (KAGC). “We, along with our allies and community partners nationwide, will continue to advocate in Congress to address this urgent humanitarian crisis facing our fellow Korean Americans.”

The full text of the bill can be found here.

A former Policy Advisor to President Barack Obama, Congressman Subramanyam served in the Virginia General Assembly since first getting elected in 2019. In Richmond, Subramanyam founded the bipartisan "Commonwealth Caucus” – a bipartisan group of legislators focused on finding common ground. He passed landmark legislation to lower toll costs for commuters, issue refunds to overcharged consumers, combat the rise in gun violence, and ensure all students have access to the best educational opportunities. He is a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs, and a member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Subramanyam served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT in Loudoun. He lives in Ashburn, Virginia, with his wife, Miranda, and their two daughters, Maya (4) and Nina (3). 

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Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Suhas Subramanyam announced the launch of a resource page on his website targeted at helping federal workers in his district navigate the chaos and flood of attacks by the Trump Administration. This week, the Congressman hosted a town hall in Leesburg targeted towards federal workers where over 350 constituents showed up to voice their concerns and share first-hand accounts about President Trump’s systematic dismantling of federal agencies and the federal workforce. Congressman Subramanyam hopes this guide will serve as a resource as they navigate the chaos ushered in by the Trump Administration. The Congressman’s office has been collecting stories from constituents of the 10th district to record their testimonials and use their knowledge to inform his efforts.

“It is clear that the firings, intimidation, and freezes of our federal government are illegal and unconstitutional,” said Congressman Suhas Subramanyam. “There is little transparency and accountability, and a whole lot of chaos, so I have created a webpage to provide federal workers and contractors a place to share their stories, their intel, and find resources to get through this difficult time. Through rigorous investigations, new legislation, and legal action, we will hold the Trump Administration accountable for its actions.”

A former Policy Advisor to President Barack Obama, Congressman Subramanyam served in the Virginia General Assembly since first getting elected in 2019. In Richmond, Subramanyam founded the bipartisan "Commonwealth Caucus” – a bipartisan group of legislators focused on finding common ground. He passed landmark legislation to lower toll costs for commuters, issue refunds to overcharged consumers, combat the rise in gun violence, and ensure all students have access to the best educational opportunities. He is a member of the House’s Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and a Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs, and a member of the House’s Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Subramanyam served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT in Loudoun. He lives in Ashburn, Virginia, with his wife, Miranda, and their two daughters, Maya (4) and Nina (3). 

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Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressmen Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10) and Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) reintroduced the bipartisan Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, which would permit the use of 529 account funds to pay for post-secondary training programs. This will help more Americans obtain and retain well-paying jobs that don’t require a traditional four-year degree.

Subramanyam and Wittman were joined by U.S. Representatives Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), Kevin Hern (R-OK-01), Steven Horsford (D-NV-04), Brad Finstad (R-MN-01), John Larson (D-CT-01), Mike Collins (R-GA-10), Mike Carey (R-OH-10), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19). 

“Our workforce is rapidly evolving with the rise of technologies like artificial intelligence and investing in the next generation of workers through STEM and CTE programs is vital to maintaining our economic advantage,” said Congressman Suhas Subramanyam. “That is why I am proud to support the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, which will help more Virginians access workforce training programs to give them the skills they need to help them, their families, and their businesses succeed across the Commonwealth.”

“Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are essential to the future development of our nation,” said Congressman Rob Wittman. “The majority of America’s workforce consists of middle-skill jobs that require more than a high school education but not a bachelor’s degree, and key industries are struggling to find adequately trained workers to fill these roles. We have a responsibility to prepare students for the demands of our 21st century workforce and economy, and we must do everything we can to expand access to resources to afford postsecondary education and career training. The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act will help students in Virginia and across the nation secure in-demand, well-paying jobs, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this bill so we can equip students with the necessary skills to succeed in the job market of tomorrow.”

“Now more than ever, we must take every step to strengthen our nation’s workforce and provide Americans with the resources to acquire the skills and training necessary to obtain good-paying jobs,” said Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan. “By expanding the utility of 529 accounts to pay for post-secondary training programs, we can create new opportunities for economic mobility and avenues to long-term success. The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act will empower hardworking Americans to obtain training and careers in burgeoning industries that would otherwise be out of reach.”

“Our skilled labor workforce is dwindling while millions of students are racking up incredible debt in pursuit of four-year degrees that they may never use in the workforce,” said Congressman Kevin Hern. “Trade school played a critical role in my life, helping me work as a welder and provide for my family while I was still a teenager. We need more students pursuing these kinds of programs, which will train them for high-paying jobs and help them begin their careers without the heavy weight of student loan debt. I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation to allow 529 accounts to be used for post-secondary training programs.” 

“Nevadans want to invest in their future through education just as much as they want to invest for their future with 529 accounts,” said Congressman Steven Horsford. “Allowing the use of 529 accounts to pay for post-secondary training programs empowers my constituents – and every American – to chart their own course to a more rewarding career. At the same time, it ensures American businesses have the talent they need to thrive. This is a win-win that I’m proud to support.”

“I have traveled across southern Minnesota and have met with students participating in technical programs, as well as employers seeking to recruit those with specialized skills,” said Congressman Brad Finstad. “Every student should have the ability to pursue the educational path that suits their talents. I am proud to join Congressman Wittman in introducing this legislation which will strengthen tomorrow’s workforce by making these essential programs more accessible and affordable for those with 529 savings accounts.”

“No one should be prevented from receiving the education and training they need to succeed because it is too expensive,” said Congressman John Larson. “I am glad to join my colleagues in this bipartisan effort to make postsecondary training and credentialing more affordable and accessible so future generations are prepared to enter and excel in the workforce. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support workforce development, create good-paying jobs, and lower the cost of higher education and vocational training programs."

“Post-secondary training programs provide Americans with the tools they need to get good-paying jobs that don't require a four-year degree. By permitting the use of 529 account funds to pay for these valuable programs, more Americans will be able to enter the workforce and access these jobs,” said Congressman Mike Collins. “America’s industries are desperately trying to find well-trained individuals to fill these types of roles and we owe it to the next generation to help them get the skills they need to secure them. This is why I'm proud to co-lead on Rep. Rob Wittman's Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act.”

“Four-year colleges aren’t the only path to success,” said Congressman Mike Carey. “Parents and loved ones who want to put money aside for a child’s future shouldn’t be penalized if down the line, that child chooses to pursue on-the-job or technical education. We are proud to co-lead this legislation to ensure families can save for the future, whatever opportunities it brings.”

“Although 529 savings plans help families invest in higher education, they currently don’t cover the costs of essential workforce training and professional certifications,” said Congressman Jimmy Panetta. “The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act fixes this gap by allowing workers to use their 529 savings to obtain critical credentials, whether it’s a CPA license, a pilot’s license, or other professional certifications. Expanding these tax-favorable plans will help more Americans gain the skills they need for good-paying jobs.”

Last year, the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act garnered the support of more than 140 cosponsors and more than 800 trade associations, professional societies, and businesses.

You can read the full bill text here.

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