CAPAC Members Celebrate Korean American Day
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, 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 contributions of Korean Americans.
CAPAC Leadership
CAPAC Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06):
“This year on the 122nd anniversary of the first Korean immigrants’ arrival in the United States, my CAPAC colleagues and I are proud to recognize that Korean Americans have contributed to our communities and our nation’s history. Across the country, Korean Americans are community leaders, government officials, public servants, business owners, veterans, athletes, actors, artists, and so much more. They have shattered barriers, enriched our culture, and become an essential part of America’s powerful diversity.
“CAPAC is proud to recognize the continued stalwart representation of Korean Americans in Congress, including our first Korean American Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ). As we embark on the 119th Congress, our caucus will continue uplifting Korean American communities across the country and fighting to ensure that their stories are commemorated as part of American history.”
CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39):
“I join my constituents, colleagues, and people across the nation in celebrating all the accomplishments of the Korean American community that have helped shape our country’s history. I am proud that my bill, the Korean American VALOR Act, was signed into law by President Biden last Congress. This legislation will grant veterans of the Republic of Korea who served alongside U.S. forces in the Vietnam War access to VA healthcare. I am grateful for the contributions of Korean Americans to our country's national security, culture, and shared history, and I will continue to advocate for them in the halls of Congress.”
CAPAC Second Vice-Chair Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02):
“122 years ago today, the first wave of immigrants from Korea arrived at Honolulu Harbor in Hawaiʻi. Korean Americans have been integral to the vibrant diversity and dynamic culture that define not only Hawaiʻi, but our entire nation. Their unwavering resiliency and commitment to their community and culture have helped them become leaders and trailblazers in both business and public service, with the election of CAPAC member Andy Kim to the United States Senate being their most recent success. I am proud to join my colleagues in celebrating National Korean American Day, and continuing to lift up and support our Korean American community.”
CAPAC Whip Rep. Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06):
“Since first arriving to our shores 122 years ago, Korean Americans have made invaluable contributions to our great nation. 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 America. I join my CAPAC colleagues in wishing a happy Korean American Day to Korean Americans in Sacramento County and across America!”
CAPAC Senators
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (IL):
“On January 13, 1903, the first Korean immigrants arrived in the United States—and ever since, they’ve been enriching our communities, creating thriving businesses and making our nation stronger. Our country’s diversity is our greatest strength, and I’m proud to serve a state with one of the highest Korean populations in America. Wishing a happy Korean American Day to Korean Americans in Illinois and across the nation.”
Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (HI):
“Today, we celebrate the Korean American community’s contributions and lasting impact on our country. More than 120 years ago, Korean immigrants arrived in Hawaii as agricultural laborers and they have been integral to our communities since, contributing significantly to our economy, history and culture. As Korean Americans continue to bolster the diversity of our country, I remain committed to uplifting their voices.”
Sen. Andy Kim (NJ):
“On Korean American Day, we celebrate generations of Korean American culture, history, and contributions. Like so many, my parents' own journey to this country, and the future and family they built, would not have been possible without all those who came before them. As we reflect on the first Koreans coming to America just over 120 years ago, we recognize the Korean American story as a fundamentally American story and an invaluable part of who we are as a country. I hope we can also turn to look forward today to how we will work together to continue uplifting our voices, celebrating our accomplishments, and cherishing our community in all the years to come.”
CAPAC Executive Board Members
CAPAC Chair Emerita Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28):
“Since Korean immigrants’ arrival to the U.S. 122 years ago, the Korean American community has contributed so much to our nation as leaders, veterans, entrepreneurs, artists, academics, athletes, and much more. As Chair Emerita of CAPAC, I will continue to do everything in my power to support Korean American communities in my Southern California district and across the country. Today and every day, let us honor the rich history and contributions of Korean Americans, renew our commitment to promoting policies to support Korean Americans, and continue to strengthen Korean American and AANHPI representation in all aspects of our society.”
Rep. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03):
“Arizona’s Third District is a wonderful mosaic of unique communities – including a vibrant and growing Korean American community! Through dedication to family, education, entrepreneurial spirit, and contributions to arts and culture, Korean Americans are an integral part of the city.”
Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34):
“Korean Americans have made incredible contributions to our nation in art, business, education, as well as the private and public sectors, and their story continues to inspire communities across the country. I’m introducing a resolution with Representative Young Kim and Senator Andy Kim to commemorate Korean American Day and celebrate the hard work, family bonds, and unbreakable spirit of Korean Americans. As the representative of LA’s Koreatown, the largest population of Korean Americans in the U.S., I’ll continue to work alongside the Korean American community to achieve more progress in LA and across the country.”
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07):
“Seattle has a vibrant and thriving Korean American population that contributes so much to our community. As their representative in Congress, I’m so proud to celebrate Korean American Day and acknowledge all of the incredible contributions that Korean Americans have made to our country’s economy and culture. Today is a day to celebrate our Korean American neighbors, friends, public servants, artists, athletes, small business owners, and all those who have played an integral role in helping the United States grow and succeed.”
Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17):
"On the 122nd anniversary of Korean American Day, it is vital we take this opportunity to celebrate the countless contributions Korean Americans have given to our country and communities across California. I am proud to represent California’s 17th district, which has a vibrant Korean American community that has enriched our nation’s culture and history.”
Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36):
“This Korean American Day, I am pleased to stand alongside the Korean American community in Los Angeles County and across the nation in honoring their remarkable achievements. For 122 years, since the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States, Korean Americans have been instrumental in shaping every facet of American life. In Los Angeles County, the Korean American community has played a transformative role in creating vibrant neighborhoods like Koreatown, which serves as a hub of culture, commerce, and community. Today, we recognize the enduring legacy of Korean Americans and honor their contributions to making America stronger, more diverse, and more united. I’m pleased to stand with my CAPAC colleagues as we recognize the Korean American community’s lasting impact. Happy Korean American Day!”
Rep. Dave Min (CA-47):
“As the 6th Korean-American to serve in Congress, I am honored to celebrate 122 years since the first Koreans came to America. My parents immigrated to the United States in 1970 with little money and no family or friends but were able to achieve the American Dream for themselves and for their children through hard work and perseverance. Our story is the Korean-American story and it is the story of America. I am so proud of the tremendous success of the Korean-American community over the course of my lifetime, and I will keep fighting to make sure everyone has a fair shot, including the two million Korean Americans across the nation.”
Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10):
“As one of the first Korean American women 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 recognize this holiday and our heritage.”
Rep. Derek Tran (CA-45):
"I am proud to represent California’s 45th District in Congress, which includes a vibrant Korean American community. I am also proud to co-sponsor Rep. Gomez and Kim's bipartisan resolution to recognize the immense contributions of the Korean American community to our nation. Korean Americans are leaders in business, academia, the arts, and public service. From overcoming historical challenges to embracing the American Dream, Korean Americans have shown remarkable resilience and determination and I am proud to join in the celebration of this community today and every day.”
CAPAC Associate Members
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 Americans—including 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. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37):
“On this day in 1903, the first Korean American immigrants arrived in the United States. These pioneering immigrants overcame tremendous social and economic obstacles to make valuable contributions to Los Angeles and our nation. From Koreatown to University Park, I am proud to represent parts of Los Angeles’ vibrant Korean American community. I join my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus in celebrating Korean American Day!”
Rep. Brad Sherman (CA-32):
"122 years ago today, the first Korean immigrants arrived on the soil of the United States. Over a century later, Korean Americans have played a pivotal role in shaping our nation – fostering groundbreaking developments in science, business, the arts, and much more.
Today, we celebrate the contributions of Korean Americans, many of whom I proudly represent in California’s 32nd district. Happy Korean American day!”
Rep. Tom Suozzi (NY-03):
"Today marks Korean American Day, a celebration of the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States in 1903. Over the past 122 years, Korean Americans have made invaluable contributions to our communities and the culture we share. I cherish the friendships I’ve developed within this vibrant community and encourage everyone to recognize and celebrate the rich heritage and achievements of Korean Americans.”
###