CAPAC Welcomes New Caucus Members, Reaching a Historic High of 40

WASHINGTON, DC – The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) has welcomed ten new Associate Members to its ranks: Representatives Karen Bass (CA-33), Howard Berman (CA-28), Susan Davis (CA-53), Janice Hahn (CA-36), Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-14), Grace Napolitano (CA-38), Linda Sanchez (CA-39), Adam Schiff (CA-29), Adam Smith (WA-09), and Chris Van Hollen (MD-08). The full caucus membership now stands at 40 Members, the largest that CAPAC has been in its 18 year history since it became a dues-paying caucus.

Rep. Judy Chu (CA-32), CAPAC Chair:  “As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, it is my pleasure to welcome our latest CAPAC members to the caucus.  Their commitment to serving as a voice for Asians Americans and Pacific Islanders, as well as the many diverse communities who call our great nation home, will strengthen CAPAC’s ability to fight for fair and equal treatment for all Americans.  I am grateful for their dedication to our cause, and look forward to their contributions to our ever-growing community.”

Rep. Karen Bass (CA-33): “It is an honor to join this group of forward-thinking Members and I look forward to collaborating on progressive ways to advance the issues facing the Asian and Pacific Islander diaspora.”

Rep. Howard Berman (CA-28): “I’m proud to represent a region that is home to the largest Asian American and Pacific Islander population in the country.  Having the opportunity to participate in the non-partisan, bi-cameral Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus will help me better serve the community of Los Angeles.”

Rep. Susan Davis (CA-53): "I'm pleased to join as a new member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. I'm proud to represent a vibrant Asian-American and Pacific Islander community in San Diego and look forward to working with my colleagues to make sure their needs and concerns are heard here in Congress."

Rep. Janice Hahn (CA-36): “From the LA city council to Congress, I’ve worked closely with my friends in the Asian Pacific community and I’m honored to now join my colleagues in CAPAC to continue to advocate on their behalf,”

Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-14): "I'm honored to join the effort of promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community under the leadership of Rep. Judy Chu,"

Rep. Grace Napolitano (CA-38): “I am glad to become a part of this terrific caucus. I have worked for years with the Tri-Caucus, which includes the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and together we have been very effective. As an Associate Member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I look forward to continuing our work on behalf of minorities.”

Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-39): “I am proud to join a body committed to advancing and promoting the needs of the Asian Pacific American community,” said Congresswoman Sánchez. “It has been an honor to serve the Asian Pacific American community in my district and I look forward to working with my colleagues in continuing to bring attention to issues important to the Asian Pacific community.”

Rep. Adam Schiff (CA-29): “I look forward to joining the CAPAC team and working alongside my colleagues to further advance and address the needs of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.”

Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09):  "I am honored to have the opportunity to serve on the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. My district has strong and active Asian American and Pacific Islander communities and I’m proud to represent them as one of the newest CAPAC members. I look forward to working with my peers on the caucus to continue addressing the unique issues facing the Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities and to ensure their voices are heard."

Rep. Chris Van Hollen (MD-08): “I’m honored to join the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC).  CAPAC has a long history of fighting for the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, and I look forward to working with my dedicated colleagues on issues of importance to this group in Maryland and across the country.”

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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.