CAPAC Praises Nomination of Erika Moritsugu to Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations at the Department of Housing and Urban Development
Washington, D.C. – Today, the White House announced its intent to nominate Erika Lizabeth Moritsugu to be the Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements:
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:
“I applaud President Obama for nominating Erika Moritsugu as the Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Erika’s wealth of experience and strong dedication to public service make her exceptionally qualified to serve as a trusted liaison in her new role. I urge my Senate colleagues to move quickly on Erika’s confirmation, and I look forward to working with her once she is confirmed.”
Senator Mazie Hirono (HI):
“I’ve known Erika for many years and look forward to her confirmation as Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. She will bring unique experience to the job. From serving as the Deputy Legislative Director for Senator Akaka to working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service to her time at the Prosecuting Attorney’s office for the City and County of Honolulu, Erika brings tremendous skill and talent to all that she undertakes.”
Senator Brian Schatz (HI):
“I applaud President Obama for nominating a great candidate to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Erika Moritsugu, who grew up in Manoa, would make an outstanding Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations. I, like many in Hawai‘i, am proud of her accomplishments and know she will do well in her new role.”
Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo (GU), CAPAC Vice Chair:
“I commend President Obama on his nomination of Erika Moritsugu to be Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Ms. Moritsugu has an established track record of policy expertise and management, and her leadership will have a positive impact on the important work being done at HUD. I encourage the Senate to act quickly on Erika Moritsugu’s nomination.”
Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus:
"I was proud to learn of my good friend Erika Moritsugu’s nomination as the Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations, Department of Housing and Urban Development. She has a broad range of experience, from former Assistant Director for Legislative Affairs at the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection to her work on the Hill as Deputy Legislative Director for U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka of HawaiÊ»i. She is eminently qualified for this position, and I have no doubt that she will be an excellent leader."
Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01):
“I am pleased that Erika Moritsugu, a University Laboratory School graduate, has been nominated to continue her great service with the Department of Housing and Urban Development. My office worked with Erika while she served as Senator Daniel Akaka's Deputy Legislative Director, and Hawaii should be very proud of her service. I believe she will continue to be an outstanding advocate for our state's issues and I look forward to the Senate confirming her nomination.”
Congressman Al Green (TX-09), CAPAC Housing Taskforce Chair:
“I applaud President Obama’s continued commitment to diversity within his administration by nominating Erika Lizabeth Moritsugu for Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. I trust that the Senate will give her a full, fair, and expeditious hearing. And upon confirmation, I look forward to working with her to improve the lives of the people impacted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.”
Background:
Erika Lizabeth Moritsugu is the Deputy Assistant Director for Legislative Affairs at the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB), a position she has held since 2012. Prior to that, Ms. Moritsugu was the Deputy Legislative Director for U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka of HawaiÊ»i from 2010 to 2012. From 2007 to 2010, Ms. Moritsugu served in several capacities at the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, including Acting Staff Director, Policy Director and Counsel, and Economic Policy Advisor. From 2001 to 2007, Ms. Moritsugu was an Associate for the Government Regulations Practice Group at Hogan and Hartson, LLP and from 1995 to 2001, she worked at The Wexler Group. Ms. Moritsugu was a Legislative Assistant at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service from 1994 to 1995 and a legal clerk at the County of Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office in 1991. She is a Member of the Board of Pan Pacific American Leaders and Mentors. She is a 2004 recipient of the Tahirih Justice Center Pro Bono Award and a 2001 Bryce Harlow Foundation Scholar. Ms. Moritsugu received a B.A. from The College of William and Mary and a J.D. from George Washington University.
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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.