CAPAC Unveils Policy Framework for 119th Congress

November 20, 2025
Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) unveiled its policy framework for the 119th Congress, outlining a comprehensive agenda that promotes, protects, and prioritizes the well-being of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities nationwide.

At a time when fundamental rights are under attack, hard-fought gains are being rolled back, and too many families feel the promise of America drifting out of reach, this policy framework charts a necessary path forward. Built around three guiding principles—supporting thriving families and communities, advancing equity and defending our rights, and promoting economic opportunity—the Framework provides a roadmap to ensure the AANHPI community is empowered not only to succeed, but to thrive.

“The policy framework reflects months of collaboration between the caucus and our community to ensure CAPAC is laser-focused on the most pressing issues of today,” said Rep. Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. “Too many AANHPI adults believe that their children will be worse off than they were. Now more than ever, we need commonsense policies that support thriving communities, expand opportunities for the next generation, and advance equity and justice. This is what CAPAC is fighting for.”

The AANHPI community is at an inflection point. One in nine Asian Americans and one in six Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. live in poverty. Over 1.1 million AANHPIs receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and 4.5 million AANHPIs receive health insurance through Medicaid—programs that have been drastically cut during President Trump’s second term.

As the affordability crisis continues to worsen, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders overwhelmingly say that our country is on the wrong track. The majority of AANHPI adults say the economy (92%), inflation (89%), and jobs (79%) are very important issues to them personally, yet only about one in four approve of Trump’s handling of these areas. Inflation has surged to its highest level since January, and the average American household is already paying more than $700 in additional monthly costs, despite President Trump’s day one promise to lower costs. Meanwhile, Trump’s tariffs are crushing 3 million AANHPI-owned small businesses across the country, forcing many to raise prices by 20 to 50 percent just to keep their doors open.

Beyond the economy, AANHPI adults express even stronger disapproval of the President’s handling of trade  (75% vs. 63%), foreign policy (74% vs. 59%), immigration (71% vs. 56%), and crime (63% vs. 53%) than the general public. It is clear that AANHPI communities are demanding leadership that prioritizes their needs and delivers real solutions.

CAPAC is committed to protecting Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders from harmful policies and centering the needs of the AANHPI community in legislative efforts. The policy framework lays out the Caucus’ priorities to meet this moment with the urgency it deserves.

CAPAC’s policy framework for the 119th Congress can be found HERE and below. 

 
 

Support Thriving Families and Communities 

  • Protect access to basic needs like high-quality, affordable health care, food assistance, housing assistance and more
  • Fix the broken immigration system to restore fairness and dignity
  • Strengthen public safety to prevent crime and promote safe communities
  • Support families as they care for aging parents and growing children
  • Destigmatize and improve access to culturally competent health care to combat health disparities

Advance Equity and Defend Our Rights

  • Combat and prevent hate, xenophobia, and discrimination against anyone on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or genetic information
  • Protect due process, civil rights, and access to the ballot box
  • Disaggregate data and promote data transparency to ensure our communities are counted
  • Preserve and expand language access across the federal government for people with limited English proficiency
  • Promote the inclusion of AANHPI history in schools and museums

Promote Economic Opportunity 

  • Protect high-quality public education as a pathway to economic opportunity
  • Prepare our workforce for the 21st century economy, including cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI)
  • Equip AANHPI-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs to succeed
  • Build and expand the pipeline of AANHPIs in leadership roles across the public and private sector
  • Ensure our elders can retire with security and dignity

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About the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC):

Founded in 1994, the bicameral Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus is composed of 83 members of Congress who advocate on behalf of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. The Caucus is led by Congresswoman Grace Meng, who was elected CAPAC Chair in 2024. 

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