Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus

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Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus
ChairJudy Chu
FounderNorman Mineta
FoundedMay 16, 1994; 29 years ago (1994-05-16)
HeadquartersWashington, D.C.
Seats in the House
66 / 435
(plus 1 non-voting)
Seats in the Senate
8 / 100
Seats in the House Democratic Caucus
66 / 213
Seats in House Republican Conference
0 / 222
Website
Official website Edit this at Wikidata

The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is a caucus consisting of members of the United States Congress who are Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI), and who have a strong interest in advocating and promoting issues and concerning the AAPI community. CAPAC was founded on May 16, 1994, by former Congressman Norman Mineta.

While CAPAC describes itself as non-partisan, all of its current members are Democrats, though some past members, such as Joseph Cao, have been Republicans. This caucus generally includes members of East, Southeast, South or Pacific Islander descent, members with high concentrations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in their district, or those with an interest in AAPI issues in general.[1]

Purpose[edit]

  • To ensure that legislation passed by the United States Congress, to the greatest extent possible, provides for the full participation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and reflects the concerns and needs of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities;
  • To educate other Members of Congress about the history, contributions and concerns of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders;
  • To work with other Members and Caucuses to protect and advance the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans;
  • To establish policies on legislation and issues relating to persons of Asian and/or Pacific Islands ancestry who are citizens or nationals of, residents of, or immigrants to, the United States, its territories and possessions; and
  • To provide a structure to coordinate the efforts, and enhance the ability, of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Members of Congress to accomplish those goals.[1]

Current membership[edit]

Representative Patsy Mink announces the formation of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus at a press conference with (left to right) Representatives Don Edwards and Norman Mineta, Guam Delegate Robert Underwood, and Representatives Nancy Pelosi and Neil Abercrombie
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus in the 118th United States Congress
  Leadership and executive board members
  Associate members

Leadership[edit]

Executive board members[edit]

Associate members[edit]

Last updated: January 31, 2024[2]

List of chairs[edit]

No. Image Chairman Term Cong. district
1 Rep. Norman Mineta 1994–1995 (CA-15)
2 Rep. Patsy Mink 1995–1997 (HI-2)
3 Del. Robert Underwood 1997–2001 (GU-AL)
4 Rep. David Wu 2001–2004 (OR-1)
5 Rep. Mike Honda 2004–2011 (CA-17)
6 Rep. Judy Chu 2011–present (CA-28)

Former members[edit]

Vice Presidents of the United States

Members of Congress

† Served in leadership or as an executive board member

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Purpose, Mission & Goals". Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Archived from the original on April 17, 2013. Retrieved May 13, 2013.
  2. ^ "Members". Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Retrieved January 31, 2024.

External links[edit]