CAPAC Members Walk Out on Partisan Contempt Vote
Washington, DC – Today, the House of Representatives held a vote to hold U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), as well as the Congressional Black, Hispanic, Progressive and Democratic Caucuses, walked off the Floor rather than voting to express their strong opposition to this politically motivated attack on the Administration. Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-32), CAPAC Chairwoman, delivered the following statement in front of the U.S. Capitol building during the walkout:
“If you want proof that Congress is dysfunctional, that it is putting partisanship ahead of all else, look no further than today’s vote to hold Attorney General Holder in Contempt. So today, I walked off the House floor, to stand here alongside my fellow Democratic colleagues, because I refuse to participate in a vote that is unprecedented, unjustified and unfounded.
“In office, Attorney General Holder has tirelessly pursued justice for all communities. He has helped prevent mortgage fraud, fought gang violence, protected intellectual property rights and worked to ensure every American has the right to vote. We should let the Attorney General enforce our nation’s laws rather than tying up his resources with political games.
“Never in the 223 year history of the House have we held an Attorney General in contempt. Last night, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus voted to stand with our colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus to boycott this ridiculous partisan stunt, and we are proud to be joined by so many more Members today. Congress should be creating jobs, not wasting taxpayer money putting on a political sideshow during an election year.”
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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.