CAPAC Chair Statement on Bipartisan Confirmation of Dr. Arati Prabhakar to lead White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Dr. Arati Prabhakar was confirmed by the Senate as Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), as well as serve as Chief Advisor to the President for Science and Technology, in a bipartisan vote of 56 to 40. CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu, who previously supported Dr. Prabhakar’s nomination, issued the following statement:

“Congratulations to Dr. Arati Prabhakar on her historic confirmation to lead the White House Office of Science and Technology (OSTP). Dr. Prabhakar’s extensive background in science and technology makes her eminently qualified for this role. This is a historic confirmation as she is the first woman, immigrant, and person of color to serve in this position, and I am thrilled that she is also joining President Biden’s Cabinet. As the Chair of CAPAC, I look forward to continuing the Caucus’ close work with OSTP under Dr. Prabhakar’s leadership on issues related to targeting of Asian American researchers, as well as ways to streamline the federal grant application process. I am pleased that my colleagues in the Senate, in a bipartisan vote, have confirmed her nomination.”