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CAPAC Announces Leadership for 117th Congress

January 5, 2021

Washington, D.C. — Today, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) held its leadership elections for the 117th Congress and announced the following results:

  • CAPAC Chair: Rep. Judy Chu
  • CAPAC First Vice Chair: Rep. Grace Meng
  • CAPAC Second Vice Chair: Rep. Mark Takano
  • CAPAC Whip: Rep. Ted Lieu
  • Freshman Representative: Rep. Kaiali‘i Kahele

“I am honored and privileged to once again be elected by my colleagues to serve as the Chair of CAPAC,” said Rep. Chu (CA-27). “As the granddaughter of a Chinese immigrant who was treated as a second class citizen due to the harmful Chinese Exclusion Act, I understand the incredible progress the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community has made over the past few decades, and also how far we still have to go. I am proud of the work CAPAC did in the 116th Congress to advocate for the AAPI community on a broad range of issues. Together, we fought to address the disproportionate health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on communities of color, combat anti-Asian bigotry, push for greater language access and data disaggregation for AAPIs, increase access to education, and protect immigrant families. Now, as we begin this new historically diverse 117th Congress with a record 21 AAPI Members of Congress, we must build on that work. And our primary concern is containing and responding to a pandemic that continues to disproportionately impact AAPI communities in everything from unemployment to small business closures to mortality rates. That is why I am so encouraged by the talent and dedication in this Congress’s CAPAC Leadership. Reps. Meng, Takano, and Lieu have demonstrated an incredible ability to build broad coalitions and advance our community’s interests through their leadership. And I am thrilled to work with Rep. Kahele, who will undoubtedly be a strong voice both for the people of Hawaii and the broader AAPI community in Congress. I am looking forward to our work together to build a stronger and more inclusive America as we continue to advance the priorities of AAPIs across the nation.”

“I thank my CAPAC colleagues for again selecting me as the First Vice Chair of our Caucus,” said Rep. Meng (NY-06). “I am honored to continue serving in this role and will continue fighting for Asian American and Pacific Islanders and advancing the priorities of CAPAC and the AAPI community. I also congratulate those who were also re-elected: our outstanding Chair Judy Chu, as well as Second Vice Chair Mark Takano, and CAPAC Whip Ted Lieu. In addition, I welcome Freshman Representative Kai Kahele. I am excited and look forward to working with all of my CAPAC colleagues in this new 117th session of Congress.”

“It’s an honor to be re-elected to serve as Second Vice Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus for the 117th Congress and to continue to be an advocate for the AAPI community,” said Rep. Takano (CA-41). “I remain committed to protecting and advancing the rights and liberties of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, to fighting for policies that enhance our well-being and accomplish our shared goals, and to safeguarding our health and our livelihoods in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the incoming administration to improve the lives of AAPIs across the country.”

 “I am honored to have been elected CAPAC Whip again for this term,” said Rep. Lieu (CA-33). “I look forward to continuing to support our caucus' efforts to represent our diverse voices and interests in our country.”

“As we begin our work in the 117th Congress, we must prioritize the most pressing issues affecting our Asian Pacific communities such as combatting COVID-19, that has disproportionately impacted Pacific Islanders; and rebuilding our economy to create more equitable economic opportunities,” said Rep. Kahele (HI-02). “I am honored by my colleagues to be named the Freshman Representative of this Caucus which has championed legislation that reflects the needs and concerns of Asian Pacific Americans. The major contributions of Asian Pacific Americans throughout our Nation’s history are many and I look forward to helping ensure that the interests of these communities are fully reflected in the work we do.”