CAPAC Members Prepare to Serve on House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries named four Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Members, including three Asian American Members, to serve on the House of Representatives Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) previously issued a statement outlining concerns about the scope and impact of this committee’s work on Asian American communities and since the committee’s formation, has advocated for inclusion of CAPAC Members in the committee’s leadership and membership. Chair Chu and the CAPAC Members serving on the Select Committee issued the following statements:
CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28):
“I thank Leader Jeffries for heeding our call to ensure that CAPAC Members are well-represented on the new House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the CCP. While there is an opportunity for this committee to address legitimate concerns that exist around our relationship with the government of the People’s Republic of China, I know that our CAPAC Members will stand ready to call out xenophobic anti-China rhetoric that we know exacerbates anti-Asian hate and violence against our communities. I extend my congratulations to Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Andy Kim, and Haley Stevens, and I offer CAPAC’s full support for their work in ensuring the safety of our communities through their service on this committee.”
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Ranking Member:
“I’m grateful to Leader Jeffries for appointing me to serve as Ranking Member on the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. The Chinese Communist Party poses serious economic and security threats to the United States and to democracy and prosperity across the globe, illustrated by its threats against Taiwan’s democracy, its weaponization of TikTok, and its theft of hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of American intellectual property. I look forward to working with my colleagues in both parties on this committee to counteract the CCP’s escalating aggression and ensure that our nation is prepared to overcome the economic and security challenges that the CCP presents to our country. That said, at a time when anti-Asian hate and violence are on the rise, it’s essential that this committee focuses its vital work on protecting all Americans from the threat posed by the CCP, while avoiding dangerous rhetoric that fuels the types of xenophobia that have endangered members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.”
Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17):
“I am honored to be appointed to the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party and look forward to working with Chairman Gallagher. I plan to use my seat on the committee to bring attention to our trade deficit with China while also working to address the security risk China poses to Taiwan. We can be tough on the Chinese Communist Party while unequivocally condemning anti-Asian racism and the increase in hate crimes targeting the Asian American community. As the representative for the only majority Asian American community in the continental U.S. and as a member of CAPAC, I take that very seriously.”
Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-03):
“This Select Committee has the potential to shape a thoughtful and comprehensive strategy to tackling some of our most difficult challenges, but I’m concerned by early rhetoric saying we are already in a new Cold War. The committee should work with clear-eyed composure to address threats and challenges and refrain from acting as if conflict is inevitable.”
Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11):
“Oakland County has a GDP larger than 14 American states. It is the economic engine of the Midwest, home of Automation Alley, and the heart of advanced manufacturing in this country. I tour small to midsize manufacturers in SE Michigan each week through my Manufacturing Monday program. I hear firsthand the challenges our innovators face to remain competitive globally. China’s unfair trade practices have hollowed out our manufacturing base to the detriment of American industry. I am honored to use my new role on the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to advocate for our automotive suppliers, advanced manufacturers, and working families. It is time to fix our unbalanced relationship with China in a way that strengthens our economy and security.”