CAPAC Mourns the Passing of Eddie Bernice Johnson

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) released the following statement on the passing of Congresswoman Eddie Bernie Johnson:

“The entire CAPAC family and I mourn the loss of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson—a trailblazing public servant with an enduring legacy of action.

“I am most grateful for her historic role in founding the Congressional Tri-Caucus, which is comprised of the Congressional Asian Pacific American, Black and Hispanic Caucuses.  In 2001, when she was Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, she saw that when all three caucuses united, there would be more power to accomplish critical goals for communities of color.  She organized a founding conference that year, and in that conference, it was determined that the first project would be to reduce the health disparities faced by minorities.  This resulted in the Health Equity and Accountability Act, or HEAA, which is jointly sponsored by the Tri-Caucus to this day, and in each Congress, the leadership of it alternates between the three caucuses.  Several provisions in this HEAA were incorporated in the Affordable Care Act, helping to advance the healthcare for all our communities.  Today, the Tri-Caucus weighs in on many issues from Medicaid accessibility to affordable broadband to immigration reform.

“As the first woman and African American to chair the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, Congressmember Johnson fought fiercely to elevate opportunities for students of color in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Last Congress, her leadership was integral to the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act to create jobs, spur innovation and strengthen the United States’ position as a global leader in technology and industry.  I will always remember Congressmember Johnson for her mentorship and inspiration to generations of House Democrats in her 30-year career in Congress.”