CAPAC Chair Chu, House Leadership and House Administration Committee Launch Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Congress Publication
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), House leadership, and the House Committee on Administration officially launched the publication of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Congress, which was authorized by the 107th Congress and printed by the Government Printing Office. The Office of the Historian and the Office of the Clerk produced the historical reference publication under the guidance of the Committee on House Administration. Congressional leaders released the following statements to commemorate the launch of this publication during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month:
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:
“As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I am so thrilled by the launch of this historic publication, which chronicles the rich history and contribution of the 60 Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders who have served in the U.S. Congress since 1900. Flipping through the pages of this publication, I am reminded of the immense strength and resilience of our community. In just over a century, we have gone from nearly complete exclusion and marginalization at the hands of the U.S. government to now being an integral part of the diversity that makes our nation great.
“My own grandfather was forced to carry a certificate of registration at all times or risk deportation due to discriminatory anti-Asian laws passed by the federal government. To be able to serve as the first Chinese American woman elected to Congress just two generations later alongside a record number of 18 AAPI elected officials in Congress is truly a testament to how far we have come.”
Congressman Paul Ryan (WI-01), Speaker of the United States House of Representatives:
“This is a remarkable chronicle of the rise and achievements of the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have served in these hallowed halls. Anyone who looks through these pages will be drawn to stories of perseverance and triumph, and a tribute to the values celebrated by the great Daniel Inouye: ‘universal tolerance, understanding, peace, and aloha.’ All Americans owe a tremendous debt to the members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus—past and present—whose contributions we honor this month.”
Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (CA-12), Democratic Leader of the United States House of Representatives:
“The House Historian’s excellent new book is a wonderful celebration of the proud history and dedicated service of AAPI Members of Congress. As we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, this book offers a fitting tribute to the innumerable contributions that AAPI trailblazers have made to the Congress and to the country. It was a pleasure to join CAPAC to honor the leadership of AAPI Members of Congress in the fight to advance diversity, equality and opportunity across America.”
Congressman Gregg Harper (MS-03), Chairman of the Committee on House Administration:
“On behalf of myself and my fellow Committee Members, I am pleased that the publication, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Congress, is now available for the public to learn from and enjoy. This publication examines the lives and careers of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans who, since 1900, have brought their unique perspectives to the halls of Congress and helped shape national policy through their service. It is vital to share these diverse American experiences with the current and future generations, and we hope this publication will be a learning tool that inspires others in the years to come.”
Congressman Robert Brady (PA-01), Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration:
“For more than a century, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have had a profound impact on our public policy and government. Their service and their legacy in Congress has been an inspiration for millions in America and around the world. I’m pleased this new publication, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Congress, will now be a resource for the public to learn from their experiences and guide the next generation of Asian and Pacific Islander American leaders.”
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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