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CAPAC Members Commemorate 15th Anniversary of Executive Order 13166

August 11, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Today marks the 15th anniversary of Executive Order 13166, “Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency.” This Executive Order requires federal agencies to create systems to provide meaningful access to their services for those with limited English proficiency. In commemoration of this anniversary, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) issued the following statements:

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“Fifteen years ago today, our nation made a strong commitment through Executive Order 13166 to protect the civil rights of limited English proficient individuals. Providing language access is, without a doubt, a matter of civil rights: it ensures that our government will not discriminate against an individual’s national origin, as prohibited by law. Because Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) have the highest rates of limited English proficiency, language access is especially important for the AAPI community. So as we commemorate the 15th anniversary of Executive Order 13166, let us continue to push for more linguistically competent services so that every American, regardless of the language that he or she speaks, can meaningfully understand, benefit, and access the many services our government provides.”   

Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus:

“Fifteen years ago, President Bill Clinton signed Executive Order 13166, an historic step to make sure that all Americans have access to federal services by ensuring that people with limited English skills have materials available to them they can understand. This country is one built on the courage, creativity, and perseverance of people from across the globe, and it is incumbent upon us to honor our heritage and ideals by making sure every person has a clear path to success.”

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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.