WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) re-elected Rep. Mike Honda as chair, Rep. Eni Faleomavaega for vice chair, and Rep. Madeleine Bordallo as secretary for the 111th Congress, as Caucus members reaffirmed their commitment to representing the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in Congress. CAPAC also congratulates Rep. Xavier Becerra, who sits on CAPAC's executive board, on his election as vice chair of the Democratic Caucus this evening. CAPAC is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent, and Members with high AAPI populations in their district, or Members who have shown extraordinary and consistent dedication to the community.

“As a former teacher and principal, I am excited for our government to revive its commitment to the American dream by ensuring that there is real opportunity for all,” said Rep. Honda. “I am honored to continue my service to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community as chair of CAPAC, and am proud of what we have been able to accomplish in past years. I look forward to working with Democratic leadership and the Obama Administration, as well as my colleagues in the Congressional Hispanic and Black Caucuses, on issues important to our communities. We have much to do to reinvigorate our economy, leave no family uninsured, and no child left behind.”

The growing population

There are currently 15.5 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in the U.S., and it is one of the fastest growing minority groups in the country, according to the Census Bureau. In 2050, there is projected to be 33.4 million Asian Americans in the U.S., comprising 8% of the total population by that year. Approximately one-quarter of the foreign born population is from Asia, and the Asian-born population has one of the highest citizenship rates. About half of the Asian-born population is comprised of naturalized U.S. citizens.

Top priorities: education, immigration, economy, healthcare & benefits for Filipino WWII veterans

Among CAPAC’s top priorities for the new Congress are education, immigration reform, economy, healthcare, and equity for Filipino WWII veterans.

In education, there continue to be disparities within the AAPI community. While a relatively high percentage of AAPIs hold a bachelor’s degree, only 7.5% of Hmong, 9.2% of Cambodians, 19.4% of Vietnamese, and 13.8% of Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, ages 25 or older hold a bachelor’s degree, compared to the national average of 24.4%, according to the 2000 census.

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders represent approximately 50 different ethnic groups and over 100 dialects, making culturally and linguistically competent healthcare access a challenge. This means that AAPIs may receive a lower standard of care than their counterparts. 17% of AAPIs do not have health insurance and 39% of AAPIS have limited English proficiency. "CAPAC will continue to push for real healthcare solutions for all of this country’s diverse populations," said Rep. Honda.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues for their support of my election as Vice-Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC),” said Rep. Faleomavaega. “CAPAC has continued to work tirelessly in the Congress for the advancement of the many issues that benefit our Asia and Pacific Islander communities throughout the U.S. I know together with the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), CAPAC we will be able to formulate better policies on immigration, health care, education and, importantly, the economy. I want to welcome and congratulate the new Members of our Caucus. I am looking forward to working with Chairman Honda and the rest of the Members of CAPAC in 111th Congress in promoting the agenda for all Asians and Pacific Islanders."

“The CAPAC Caucus continues to be an effective voice for our community," said Rep. Bordallo. “We have helped to set the agenda in the 110th Congress, and under the leadership of Chairman Honda, we can continue our record of success in the 111th Congress. I look forward to our work together on the issues most important to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.”

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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is a bicameral and bipartisan caucus 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. Founded in 1994 by then Congressman Norman Mineta, and currently chaired by Congressman Michael Honda, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life. For more information on CAPAC, please call (202) 225-2631 or visit http://www.honda.house.gov/capac.