CAPAC Members and House Democratic Leaders Celebrate 30th Anniversary of Founding
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today marks the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC). CAPAC was first chaired by Secretary Norman Y. Mineta when he represented the 15th congressional district of California in the House of Representatives. There were 10 charter members, including Rep. Patsy T. Mink, Del. Robert Underwood, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Daniel Akaka, Sen. Patty Murray, Sen. Daniel Inouye, Rep. Neil Abercrombie, Rep. Robert Matsui, and Del. Eni Faleomavaega.
Today, there are a historic 21 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Members of Congress and 76 Members of CAPAC.
CAPAC Members released the following statements:
CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28):
“Throughout most of American history, there was no AANHPI representation in Congress, which meant there were no political leaders in power to fight against the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, the racist Immigration Act of 1924, or the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. But for 30 years today, CAPAC has mobilized and represented the diversity and power of the AANHPI community in the halls of Congress and advocated fiercely for our community’s needs. I am exceptionally proud to follow in the footsteps of leaders like Norm Mineta, Robert Underwood, Patsy Mink, and Mike Honda in leading this Caucus, which has achieved significant policy advancements for our communities during Administrations and Congressional majorities of both parties. CAPAC Members have played defense to protect AANHPIs—regularly blocking provisions from major legislation that would resuscitate alien land laws, violate our communities’ rights, and hinder our safety. CAPAC Members have also made extensive progress for our communities through honoring Chinese and Japanese American World War II veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal, passing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, initiating the process to erect a National Smithsonian Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture, providing access to federal benefits like Medicaid and SNAP for Pacific Islanders from the Freely Associated States, and ensuring landmark legislation like the Affordable Care Act addressed the specific linguistic and cultural needs of our communities. With strong Democratic partners in the White House, we’ve fought successfully for AANHPI representation within the Cabinet, across government, and in courtrooms. I’m honored to stand alongside my 76 CAPAC colleagues every day in Congress, and our communities can always count on CAPAC to continue fighting for their interests for the next 30 years and beyond.”
House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08):
“Congratulations to the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and Chair Judy Chu on an incredible 30 years. Over the last three decades, CAPAC has done tremendous work to champion the AANHPI community and create a Congress that is more equitable and reflective of the people we are privileged to represent. I am grateful to the members of CAPAC, past and present, for their leadership and I look forward to working together for the years to come.”
House Democratic Whip Rep. Katherine Clark (MA-05):
“For three decades, CAPAC has helped ensure that the work of Congress truly reflects the needs and priorities of the people we serve. The invaluable leadership of Chair Judy Chu and the entire Caucus mobilizes the AANHPI community to make its voice heard and leave its mark on our democracy. I am proud to stand with these champions in the fight for an America free from hate — where we uphold the security, dignity, and prosperity of every person in every community.”
House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33):
“For three decades, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander leaders in Congress have worked to uplift the voices of Asian Americans across our country and have fought to ensure that everyone has a fair shot at the American Dream. As a proud member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I am grateful for the leadership of Chair Judy Chu and the dedication of the entire CAPAC leadership team. It is an honor to serve alongside the largest coalition of AANHPI Members of Congress in history. Together, we will continue to create a more inclusive, prosperous and equitable future.”
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Rep. Nanette Barragán (CA-44):
“The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is a fierce partner in the Tri-Caucus’ shared mission to address inequalities and improve the lives of minorities and people of color across America. On behalf of our CHC Members, I am proud to extend warm and heartfelt congratulations as America commemorates the 30th anniversary of CAPAC during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. I thank CAPAC for their steadfast advocacy and always look forward to the great accomplishments they continue to achieve.”
Congressional Black Caucus Chair Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04):
“Today, the Congressional Black Caucus celebrates the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. For three decades, CAPAC has been fighting tirelessly to address inequality and promote the well-being of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community and marginalized people. As partners in the Congressional Tri-Caucus, it has been an honor to work alongside CAPAC, and we are looking forward to continuing this important work and partnership on behalf of the communities that we serve.”
CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06):
“I am honored to serve as First Vice Chair of CAPAC as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of our founding. CAPAC was founded by Secretary Norman Mineta, a trailblazer for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs). Today, we are working to carry out his mission of promoting the power and visibility of the AANHPI community. I am proud to be leading efforts to further this mission, including implementation of my legislation seeking to establish the first National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture as a part of the Smithsonian Institution. Our Caucus has grown in ways I could not have expected when I entered Congress in 2013, which is a testament to the leadership of my friends and colleagues former CAPAC chair Mike Honda and current CAPAC chair Judy Chu. I am committed to working with my CAPAC colleagues and other members to continue building a Congress reflective of the beautiful diversity of our country.”
CAPAC Second Vice-Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39):
“As Second Vice-Chair of CAPAC this Congress, I join my colleagues in commemorating the 30th anniversary of CAPAC’s founding. Since 1994, CAPAC has been a staunch advocate for our communities and has ensured that we all have a seat at the table. I have been heartened by our progress in growing our caucus and pushing back on attacks on diversity in nearly every aspect of life. As we celebrate this important milestone in representation, join me in recommitting ourselves to working to create a more inclusive and prosperous world for all AANHPI people.”
CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36):
“On this 30th anniversary of the founding of CAPAC, I would like to celebrate the historical and continued resilience, growth, and accomplishments of the AANHPI community. Although the community has made significant progress over the past 30 years, the work is not done. The AANHPI community is still impacted by hate-fueled violence, the harmful model minority myth, barriers to health care and resources, and more. CAPAC strives to empower AANHPI voices and perspectives in Congress, and I am honored to have played a role in its service to the AANHPI community. I look forward to continued work alongside my colleagues in the fight for greater equality, justice, and empowerment for all.”
CAPAC Freshman Representative Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02):
“For the past 30 years, CAPAC has been the face and the voice for AANHPI advocacy and action in the halls of Congress. More than just representation, CAPAC’s commitment to making sure we have a seat at the table and that our values and needs are being reflected by our government has helped to uplift us as a community. As the representative of a district with the largest Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander population in the country, celebrating this CAPAC milestone is personal to me and my constituents, and I am excited to see where we go in the next 30 years!”
Sen. Mazie Hirono (HI):
“For 30 years, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus has uplifted the voices of members of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, fighting for issues important to us, combatting hate and discrimination, and so much more. As someone who has the privilege of representing a state that is home to some of the largest AANHPI communities in the country, I am glad to join my colleagues in celebrating CAPAC’s 30th anniversary. This AANHPI Heritage Month, we recognize the accomplishments of groups like CAPAC, reflect on how far we have come, and reaffirm our commitment to working toward a just future for all.”
Rep. Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06):
“I am honored to be an Executive Board Member and Health Care Task Force Co-Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. As the longest-serving Indian American Member of Congress, I’ve been proud to join my colleagues in CAPAC’s work to highlight and lift up the diverse voices and priorities of AANHPI communities across our great nation. As we celebrate CAPAC’s 30th anniversary, I know there is so much more work to be done to ensure that our families and children aren’t left behind. I’m committed to working alongside my CAPAC colleagues to fight for equitable and appropriate health care access for AANHPIs and all communities.”
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07):
“As the first South Asian woman ever elected to Congress, I know how important proper representation is, and that’s why I’m so proud to be a part of CAPAC. For 30 years, CAPAC has worked to lift up Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in and around Congress. I’m so grateful to be a part of this community and this caucus that fights every single day for fairness, equality, and policies that lift up our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander constituents. I’m so proud of all we have accomplished, and I look forward to another 30 years of success in representing and advocating for the communities we serve.”
Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17):
“For 30 years, CAPAC has been a voice for AANHPI members of Congress and the communities we represent. CAPAC was formed by Secretary Norman Mineta in 1994 while he served in Congress. Secretary Mineta broke barriers as the first Asian American Cabinet official and devoted his life to public service. As we celebrate the anniversary of CAPAC, I am reminded of his legacy and join my colleagues in working to ensure that AANHPI communities across the country can thrive.”
Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-03):
“I am proud to be a member of CAPAC and work together to lift up issues facing our communities across the country. Over the last 30 years, we’ve seen CAPAC grow to extraordinary levels and help achieve historic representation for the AANHPI community. It’s important to take a step back on this anniversary to appreciate the strides we’ve made, but remain focused on what is left to do to have the voice in the room our entire community deserves.”
Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-12):
"Today is a significant day as we commemorate CAPAC's 30th anniversary, marking three decades of dedicated advocacy for justice, equality, and AANHPI representation. As co-chair of the CAPAC Healthcare Task Force, I am privileged to collaborate with a record number of AANHPI colleagues to tackle racial health disparities, improve healthcare access, and advocate for issues that matter most to these communities. My heartfelt thanks go to CAPAC Chairwoman Judy Chu for her leadership and to all members and staff whose hard work over the past 30 years has driven the caucus' extraordinary achievements."
Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13):
“For 30 years, CAPAC has played a key role in ensuring that the voices of all AAPI communities are heard in the policy-making process. I am proud to be a member of CAPAC, and am committed to working with my CAPAC colleagues to create a better future for AAPI communities across Michigan's 13th District.”
Rep. Rob Menendez (NJ-08):
“For 30 years, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus has been a strong voice for the needs of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community. As a proud representative to New Jersey’s Eighth Congressional District’s large and diverse population, I am committed to advancing the well-being of our AANHPI community, including equitable access to healthcare services, comprehensive immigration reform, and combatting rising anti-Asian sentiment. I look forward to another thirty years of progress and inclusivity.”
Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-38):
“As we continue to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month, I’m excited to congratulate CAPAC on their 30th anniversary! Thanks to the important work of CAPAC, the AANHPI community has had a voice in Congress who is listening to their needs and working on their behalf. As a Member of Congress who represents a large and diverse AANHPI community, I am honored to stand with CAPAC, and I look forward to continuing our good work and advocacy for many more years to come!”