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CAPAC Members Applaud Confirmation of Erika Lizabeth Moritsugu as Assistant Secretary for the Department of Housing and Urban Development

July 30, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Erika Lizabeth Moritsugu to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations at the U.S. 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 congratulate Erika Moritsugu on her confirmation as the Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations at HUD. I have no doubt that her wealth of management and policy experience will serve her well in this new role. CAPAC has proudly supported Erika throughout her nomination and confirmation process, and we look forward to working with her to advance fair and affordable housing opportunities for all Americans.

“I would also like to thank Senate Majority Leader Reid for his commitment to fill key vacancies before the Senate adjourns. Unfortunately, there are many nominees still awaiting confirmation, including HUD Deputy Secretary nominee Nani Coloretti. I urge the Senate to take action on these pending nominees before the end of the year.”

Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI): “I’ve known Erika and her family for many years and it’s no surprise that she has been confirmed as the Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations at HUD. She has committed her career to public service and has also served Hawaii with distinction as Deputy Legislative Director for Senator Akaka. Erika brings tremendous skill and talent to all that she undertakes and I look forward to working with her in her new role.”

Senator Brian Schatz (HI): “I congratulate Erika Moritsugu on her confirmation. I know she will continue to make Hawai‘i proud in her new role as Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Erika’s policy experience and expertise will serve HUD and our country well. I look forward to working with her to advance housing and development issues important to Hawai‘i.”

Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo (GU), CAPAC Vice Chair: “I congratulate Erika Moritsugu on her confirmation as Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Her leadership will be a positive addition to HUD and I look forward to working with her when she assumes her new position. Her vast policy expertise and experience, and management skills will help to improve the efficiency and carry out the mission of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.”

Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus: “Congratulations to my good friend Erika Moritsugu on her confirmation as the Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations, Department of Housing and Urban Development. Her 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, will be a huge asset in her new role. After years of working closely with her, I can personally attest to her strength of character, determination, and talent. I know that she will be an outstanding leader and strong voice as we work together to address issues of fair and affordable housing.”

Congressman Al Green (TX-09), CAPAC Housing Task Force Chair: “Erika Lizabeth Moritsugu will be a valuable addition to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as the Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations. Her stellar credentials as well as her experience in both the public and private sector will serve her well in this position. President Obama and the Senate have once again shown their commitment to excellence and diversity in our federal government. I look forward to working with her to improve the lives of the people impacted by HUD.”

Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01): “I would like to congratulate Erika Mortisugu on her confirmation as Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. A graduate of University Laboratory School, she has served Hawaii for many years, especially during her time as Senator Akaka’s Deputy Legislative Director. I am pleased that she can continue advocating for our state in her new position.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13): “Congratulations to Erika Lizabeth Moritsugu on her confirmation as Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. In her work at the Bureau for Consumer Financial Protection, and before that as Deputy Legislative Director for Senator Akaka, Erika has demonstrated both her legislative skill and her commitment to public service. I look forward to working with her in her new role.”

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.

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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.