Floor SpeechNeutral2026-01-12

HONORING THE LIFE OF BENJAMIN SOO RHEE

Context

On 2026-01-12, Representative Ted Lieu (D-CA-36) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE OF BENJAMIN SOO RHEE" in the House.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 8 (Monday, January 12, 2026) [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. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE OF BENJAMIN SOO RHEE Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 8 (Monday, January 12, 2026) [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. ____________________