CAPAC Members Commemorate Korean American Day
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Ahead of Saturday, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements in celebration of Korean American Day, which commemorates the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States on January 13, 1903, and honors the diverse contributions of Korean Americans.
CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28):
“121 years ago this year, the first Korean immigrants arrived in the United States. Since then, the Korean American community has contributed greatly to our nation as leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, and more. Korean Americans continue to bolster the vibrant diversity that is our nation’s strength.
“As CAPAC Chair, I am especially thrilled to recognize that a historic four Korean American Members of Congress are serving in the 118th Congress, including CAPAC Executive Members Reps. Andy Kim from New Jersey and Marilyn Strickland from Washington. I also want to applaud CAPAC’s Second Vice-Chair Rep. Mark Takano and his leadership on the Korean American VALOR Act. President Biden signed this critical bill into law last year, which restores medical care and other benefits for Korean American Vietnam War veterans. So as we all celebrate this important day, let us honor the rich history and contributions of Korean American, renew our commitment to promoting policies to support Korean Americans, and continue to strengthen Korean American and AANHPI representation in the halls of Congress.”
CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06):
“On Korean American Day, I’m proud to recognize the contributions that Korean Americans have made to our country. Korean Americans have had immeasurable impacts as public servants, members of our military, small business owners, artists, and so much more. I am privileged to represent a vibrant Korean American community in my congressional district in Queens, New York. Today, we celebrate the history and culture of Korean Americans—from newly arrived immigrants to those who have called the U.S. home for generations.”
CAPAC Second Vice-Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39):
“I join my constituents, colleagues, and people across the nation in celebrating the diverse accomplishments of the Korean American community that have helped shape our country’s history. I am proud to have passed the Korean American VALOR Act which will grant access to VA healthcare to veterans of the Republic of Korea who served alongside to the U.S. in the Vietnam War. Through its bipartisanship passage, Congress has sent a message that it values and recognizes Korean Americans' contributions to our country's national security, culture, and shared history.”
CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36):
“I am pleased to join the Korean American community in Los Angeles County and across the country to celebrate Korean American Day! Since the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States in 1903, Korean Americans have made incredible contributions to our nation’s culture, economy and history. Our strength lies in our diversity and Korean Americans have enriched each aspect of our society. Happy Korean American Day!”
CAPAC Freshman Representative Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02):
“On the 121st anniversary of Korean American Day, we commemorate and honor Korean Americans who have helped build and strengthen our communities through their leadership and contributions to our diverse culture and economy. The first Korean immigrants reached our shores at Honolulu Harbor on January 13, 1903, and quickly became an invaluable part of the diversity and culture that make up the fabric of our country. Today, I am humbled and honored to join my colleagues in celebrating Korean American Day!”
Sen. Mazie Hirono (HI):
“Since the first Korean immigrants arrived in Hawaii as agricultural laborers 121 years ago, Korean Americans have been integral to our communities—and the nation as a whole—contributing significantly to our economy, history, and culture. On Korean American Day, we celebrate the Korean community’s lasting impact on our country and continue our commitment to uplifting their voices.”
Rep. Ami Bera (CA-06):
“Korean Americans have made invaluable contributions to our nation since first arriving to our shores 121 years ago. From small business owners and teachers to veterans, athletes, actors, government officials, and so much more, Korean Americans shape and continue to strengthen the backbone of our great nation. I join my CAPAC colleagues in wishing a happy Korean American Day to Korean Americans in Sacramento County and across America!”
Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34):
“Since the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States 121 years ago, the story of Korean Americans has been intertwined with our nation's social and economic fabric. As the representative for Koreatown in Los Angeles—home to the largest Korean American community in the U.S.—I'm honored to champion the resolution recognizing this community’s immense contributions ahead of Korean American Day. I am also proud to have helped secure the initial $7 million for the first-ever Korean American National Museum, preserving stories that are foundational to our nation. The story of Korean Americans is integral to the American narrative, and I'm dedicated to ensuring this community receives the recognition and support it deserves.”
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07):
“Today is Korean American Day, an opportunity to acknowledge all of the significant contributions that Korean Americans have made to America’s society, economy, and culture. I am so proud to represent Seattle, a city with a vibrant Korean American population that gives so much to our community every single day. Today, and on all days, let us celebrate our Korean American neighbors, small business owners, public servants, artists, and all those who play a vital role in helping the country continue to grow and succeed.”
Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17):
“Today marks 121 years since the first Korean immigrants arrived in the United States on January 13, 1903. On Korean American Day, I join my CAPAC colleagues in celebrating the immense contributions of Korean Americans to the history, culture, and economy in Silicon Valley and the entire country. I am proud to represent a vibrant Korean American community in California’s 17th district.”
Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-03):
“Just last year we marked 120 years of contributions by the Korean American community to our nation. It’s been special to join together with so many people to celebrate contributions that often go underappreciated and give them the recognition they deserve. We must build off this energy of celebration and unity for the sake of generations to come. As a valuable and inherent part of the American story, on Korean American Day we reflect on the impact Korean American culture, history, and communities have had across our nation for over a century and will continue to have for the centuries to come.”
Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-12):
“Today, on the anniversary of the arrival of the first Korean immigrants in the United States, we commemorate Korean Americans and their contributions throughout the country. The cultural and traditional practices of Korean Americans have been an essential component of the social fabric of our nation for over a century. From groundbreaking advancements in technology to vibrant contributions in arts and entertainment, Korean Americans have enriched our communities. Together with my colleagues, I express my gratitude to the Korean American community in the East Bay and all over the nation for playing a vital role in shaping the multifaceted landscape of American society.”
Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10):
“As one of the first Korean American members elected to Congress in our nation's history, I will always advocate for the safety, prosperity, recognition and inclusion of our community. Korean American Day symbolizes the perseverance, strength, and resilience of our people, and I am proud to honor this holiday.”
Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-06):
“Korean Americans have had an incredible impact on our country and have enriched our culture and communities for 121 years. Today I join my CAPAC colleagues, Michiganders, and everyone across the country in recognizing and celebrating Korean Americans, their achievements, and their contributions to our nation.”
Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07):
“This Korean American Day, I am proud to join the Korean American community in celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of Korean American small business owners, military service members, and community leaders in Texas’ Seventh Congressional District and across the country. As a proud member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I extend my appreciation for our vibrant Korean American community in Houston and wish everyone celebrating a happy Korean American Day!”
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05):
“On Korean American Day, we celebrate a critical part of North Jersey’s strength — our incredible Korean American community — who work every day to make the Fifth District and our nation an even better place to live, raise a family, and do business. It’s a key priority of mine to work with our Korean American residents and small business owners to ensure their voices are heard here in Washington and across the country, including in North Jersey.”
Rep. Jerry Nadler (NY-12):
"As the Representative of New York’s Koreatown, I’m proud to join my colleagues in celebrating Korean American day, commemorating the first Korean immigrants to reach the US’ shores in 1903. It is critical we continue to uplift the immense contributions of Korean Americans to our nation.”
Rep. Katie Porter (CA-47):
“The extensive Korean American community that calls California home makes our state stronger. On Korean American Day, I’m joining my colleagues to celebrate the history and accomplishments of Korean Americans since the arrival of the first Korean immigrants over 120 years ago; their rich heritage and culture makes our communities better. As a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I’ll continue to partner with and uplift the voices of our thriving Korean American community here in Orange County and across the country.”
Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-38):
“Today I’m honored to join my colleagues and the Korean American community in celebrating Korean American Day! Southern California is home to one of the largest and most vibrant Korean American communities and they have greatly contributed to the rich culture and history of our great state and nation. Happy Korean American Day!”