Rep. Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Photo Source: Grace for New York
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) unanimously elected U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) to serve as Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) for the 119th Congress.
“It is an honor to be elected to serve as Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) in the 119th session of Congress,” said Congresswoman Meng. “CAPAC was created to ensure that the voice of our nation’s growing Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community is not only heard, but strongly represented at the federal level. Throughout my time in Congress, I have championed the AANHPI community through various roles. I am grateful to my colleagues for electing me three consecutive times to serve as First Vice Chair. I have proudly helped shape the priorities and messaging of our caucus through the first Trump Administration, a global pandemic, and rise in anti-Asian hate and violence. I was also proud to partner with the historic Biden-Harris Administration to improve the lives of Asian Americans over the last four years, from combating hate to lowering healthcare costs and supporting small businesses. I look forward to strengthening and growing the caucus, serving our diverse members, and fighting for policies that empower AANHPI communities across the country. I would like to thank Congresswoman Judy Chu for her leadership over the last fourteen years. Her legacy and vision will inspire our work in the 119th Congress and beyond.”
APAICS President & CEO Madalene Xuan-Trang Mielke released the following statement following the announcement of Meng's election as CAPAC Chair:
“Congresswoman Meng is a dedicated advocate for the AA & NH/PI community and a strong supporter of APAICS, hosting many of our interns and fellows and co-chairing our 30th Annual Awards Gala this past May. As CAPAC Chair, she will lead our community in Congress and push AA & NH/PI issues to the forefront of American politics. We look forward to continuing our partnership with CAPAC under her stalwart leadership and guidance. As the leader of CAPAC and an APAICS Board Member since 2011, Congresswoman Chu’s partnership has been essential to our mission of increasing AA & NH/PI representation at all levels of government. A former APAICS Norman Y. Mineta awardee, we thank her for her many years of service, not just to CAPAC and APAICS, but to the entire AA & NH/PI community. We would also like to congratulate First Vice Chair-Elect Congressman Mark Takano, Second Vice Chair-Elect Congresswoman Jill Tokuda, Whip-Elect Congressman Ami Bera, and Freshman Representative-Elect Congressman-elect Suhas Subramanyam on their respective elections to CAPAC Leadership roles. Alongside CAPAC, APAICS is steadfast in creating a more representative democracy for all.”
CAPAC is made up of Members of Congress of Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander descent and members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. As Chair, Rep. Meng will continue to advocate for the needs and concerns of the community, guide policy strategy and messaging, and serve as the leading voice in the House Democratic Caucus on issues impacting the AANHPI community.
The 119th Congress will begin in early January when Meng and all other members of the House of Representatives are officially sworn in.
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