CAPAC Welcomes New Members for the 119th Congress

CAPAC Welcomes New Members for the 119th Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) confirmed six new Associate Members for the 119th Congress, bringing the total membership of the Caucus to 79 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate.

CAPAC Chair Grace Meng (NY-06) and the new Members issued the following statements:

“I am thrilled to welcome Representatives Gil Cisneros (CA-31), John Garamendi (CA-08), George Latimer (NY-16), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), and Paul Tonko (NY-20) to the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus,” said Rep. Grace Meng, Chair of CAPAC. “There are over 24 million Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) in the United States, making up the fastest-growing racial group in our country, and our voices deserve to be heard. At a time when our communities are under attack, CAPAC is committed to doing everything we can to protect and advocate on behalf of AANHPIs, and our ally members are a critical part of that fight. We will also continue the important work of lowering costs, increasing access to healthcare, expanding economic opportunities, and addressing the urgent needs of our community.”

“The Asian American community has historically been under-represented in government, in business, and in leadership. The 31st District has a strong and vibrant AAPI community and I plan to be the partner and leader they deserve in Congress. Whether it’s pushing for affordable healthcare, family reunification, or fair taxes that actually invest in our middle class and Asian American-owned small businesses, I will always fight for AAPI priorities and values. Diversity and inclusion are our country’s greatest strengths and I look forward to working alongside my CAPAC colleagues,” said Rep. Gil Cisneros (CA-31).

“I am excited to join the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and stand alongside my colleagues in this vital effort to elevate the voices of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders,” said Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-08). “Representing the rich cultural mosaic of the Bay Area, I know firsthand the strength that comes from our diverse cultural tapestry. In my district, we are proud to be home to many AANHPI communities, and I am committed to ensuring their voices are represented. In Congress, I will fight for all AANHPI communities, from the Bay Area and beyond, to have the support they deserve to thrive and contribute to the continued success of our communities.”

“It is an honor to join the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) and work with my fellow New Yorker, CAPAC Chairwoman Grace Meng,” said Rep. George Latimer (NY-16). “New York’s 16th District is home to many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and our community is stronger because of their contributions. As a member of CAPAC, I will work to make sure our Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) community has an ally in Congress to receive the resources they need.”

“Now more than ever, we must uplift and empower our AANHPI communities,” said Rep. Sam Liccardo (CA-16). “Representing California’s 16th Congressional District—where nearly a third of my constituents are Asian American—it’s my responsibility and honor to join CAPAC’s coalition. Together, we will advance legislative priorities that strengthen and uplift our communities, ensuring every neighbor has the opportunity to thrive.

“I am proud to join the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and even more proud to represent a vibrant AANHPI community in California’s 12th Congressional District,” said Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12). “California was literally stitched together by workers from China who came to build the transcontinental railroad – and our state and district have been home to a diverse community of AANHPI residents since then. The AANHPI community and Oakland’s Chinatown are the backbone of our district, and I am committed to fighting in Congress for resources for small business, improved public safety, and equal opportunities.”

“New York’s Capital Region is home to a sizable and growing Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community, and I am honored to join the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) for the 119th Congress to help better reflect their voices in Congress,” said Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-20). “As the Trump administration continues to harness its power to spread discrimination and hate, it is more important than ever that we stand in support of our neighbors and friends, always remembering that our diversity is our strength. With that in mind, I’m eager to begin working alongside CAPAC to fight back against prejudice, expand opportunity, and ensure the voices of the AANHPI community are heard.”