Congressman Andy Kim on mental health in Congress, the January 6th riots, and the balance between service and family.

Mind/work with Jasmine El-Gamal

On January 6, 2021, the United States Capitol was stormed by a violent mob, a traumatic and terrifying experience for the entire nation, but particularly those in the building. My guest today, Congressman Andy Kim, was present that day. A photograph of the Congressman cleaning the floors of the Capitol building afterwards went viral, capturing the gravity of the task that lay ahead not just in cleaning up the Capitol but also politics in America.

Congressman Andy Kim is a Democrat representing the 3rd District of New Jersey and a former career public servant under both Democrats and Republicans, having served at USAID, the Pentagon, the State Department, the White House National Security Council, and in Afghanistan. In our very candid discussion, Congressman Kim talked about why he thinks mental health is one of the most important issues on his agenda. We discuss the unique challenges faced by those in the national security field and ways in which they can protect their mental well-being, how he works on preserving his own mental health despite working on the toughest national security issues of our generation and why he believes the events of January 6th should be a wakeup call for how politics is practised in America.

Throughout our conversation, and despite his career-long commitment to public service, it was clear that Congressman Kim is first and foremost a family man. We discussed how he went into politics to make a better world for his children and the toll it takes having to be away from home in order to fulfil that mission.

Bio:

Congressman Andy Kim represents the Third Congressional District of New Jersey. Congressman Kim has dedicated his life to serving the country. He worked as a career public servant under both Democrats and Republicans, having served at USAID, the Pentagon, the State Department, the White House National Security Council, and in Afghanistan as an advisor to Generals Petraeus and Allen.

In the House of Representatives, Congressman Kim is working on an agenda to bring this country together and strengthen its national and economic security. He supports strong measures that boost our economy by investing in small businesses and innovation, creating fairness and opportunities for working families, and honoring America's promises to military families and veterans.

Congressman Kim and his wife are currently raising two little boys down the street from where he grew up.

Episode Resources:

Congressional Page: https://kim.house.gov/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndyKimNJ

Articles:

A national mental health crisis. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2021/04/numbers-national-crisis

Congressman Kim Helps Cinnaminson Police Department Secure Funds for Additional Officers and Mental Health Support. Press Release. https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kim-helps-cinnaminson-police-department-secure-funds-for-additional-officers-and-mental-health-support

Congressman Kim Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Protect VA Caregiver Benefits. Press Release. https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kim-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-va-caregiver-benefits

Congressman Kim Votes to Pass Government Funding Legislation. Press Release. https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kim-votes-to-pass-government-funding-legislation

A year after viral photo, Rep. Andy Kim reflects on being a ‘caretaker of our democracy’. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/year-viral-photo-rep-andy-kim-reflects-caretaker-democracy-rcna11068

Opinion: John Fetterman shines a light on dark days and nights. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/04/03/fetterman-cbs-interview-depression-confession/

Events:

The mental toll of the Capitol siege on the American psyche. ABC News.

https://abcnews.go.com/Health/psychological-impact-attempted-capitol-takeover/story?id=75124017