Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus
CAPAC statements on Presidential signing of Executive Order
restoring the White House Initiative on Asian Americans &
Pacific Islanders


October 14, 2009, Washington, DC – Today, President Obama is signing an executive order reestablishing the
White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). This year marks the tenth anniversary of
the establishment of the Initiative, which was created by President Clinton to improve the quality of life in
underserved AAPI communities through increased participation in federal programs.

CAPAC Members issued the following statements regarding President Obama’s commitment to the AAPI
community by restoring the Initiative:

“On behalf of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, we are thankful for President Obama’s
leadership in reestablishing the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders,” said Rep.
Michael Honda (CA-15), chair of CAPAC. “He has restored its broad mission to ensure that all federal agencies are
addressing the needs of underserved Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. The co-chairs of the
Initiative, Secretaries Gary Locke and Arne Duncan, as well as Under Secretary Martha Kanter who will oversee
the work of the Initiative, all have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by our communities. CAPAC
members are looking forward to working in close collaboration with the Initiative as we have in past
administrations.”

Executive Board Member Senator Daniel K. Akaka (HI) said, “President Obama has reopened the White House to
those underserved in our Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. I look forward to working with
Secretaries Locke and Duncan as they lead a diverse commission of talented individuals dedicated to
empowering AAPIs.”

Senator Daniel K. Inouye (HI), an executive board member of CAPAC said, “I commend President Obama for
restoring the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Asian Americans and Pacific
Islanders make up nearly half of Hawaii’s population and this commitment reinforces our nation’s many efforts to
extend federal services to segments of these societies that may be underserved.  Ensuring that members of these
communities have sufficient, unfettered access to federal programs will undoubtedly create countless
opportunities for future leaders.”    

“I applaud President Obama for signing today’s executive order that restores the White House Initiative on Asian
Americans and Pacific Islanders,” said Rep. Neil Abercrombie (HI-01), chair of CAPAC’s Immigration Taskforce.
“Today’s signing is a reminder that much more needs to be done to assist underserved communities throughout
the country. We are fortunate to have a President who understands our communities and is committed to ensuring
the needs of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are not forgotten.”

CAPAC Secretary Rep. Madeleine Z. Bordallo (GU) said, “I commend President Obama for restoring the White
House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The signing of the executive order today signifies the
Administration’s renewed commitment to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. As the
representative of one of the largest Asian American and Pacific Islander districts and a U.S. Territory, I look
forward to working with Secretary Locke, Secretary Duncan, and my colleagues in the Congressional Asian
Pacific American Caucus as the Initiative begins to address many important issues facing the Asian American and
Pacific Islander community nationwide.”

“Today in America, 38.7 percent of Asian Americans and 37.8 percent of Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islanders lack
employer-based health coverage. Asian American children are also more likely to be uninsured, with a rate of 11.5
percent, compared to 7.3 for Non-Hispanic White children,” said Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA-31), CAPAC
executive board member. “The restoration of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
comes at a time when urgent needs, like health care, need to be addressed. President Obama is following a
commitment he made to the AAPI community, and I stand ready to work with him to address their needs.”

Executive Board Member Rep. Judy Chu (CA-32) said, "The news of the President's signing of the Executive Order
to revive the White House Initiative on AAPIs comes at a timely juncture, where important legislation, such as
health care reform, is being formed and shaped. This initiative will be critical in addressing the needs of
underserved Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. I appreciate the President's commitment to AAPI
communities, and I look forward to working with my CAPAC colleagues and the Administration on the efforts of
this initiative."

CAPAC Vice Chair Rep. Eni Faleomavaega (AS) said, “I applaud President Obama for restoring the White House
Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Today’s signing comes at a critical juncture when the country
as a whole begins to address many issues of great significance to the Asian American and Pacific Islander
communities across the nation.”

Rep. Al Green (TX-09), chair of CAPAC’s Housing Taskforce said, “As we prepare to deal with the most pressing
issues of our time, from healthcare to financial regulatory reform, the White House Initiative on Asian American
and Pacific Islanders will ensure that Asian American and Pacific Islanders have a meaningful role to play in
substantive policy issues affecting our community. This White House Initiative recognizes the diversity of Asian
American and Pacific Islanders in the United States, and the extent to which they contribute to a meaningful
national dialogue on the formation of effective public policy. I congratulate President Obama on the creation of this
executive office and am certain that the time for meaningful change for our communities has now come.”

“I appreciate President Obama’s commitment to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders by reestablishing a
vigorous White House Initiative that will work closely with our community.  Education is a priority issue for me in
the Congress and I am especially glad that the White House Initiative will be jointly led by the Department of
Education for the first time in its history.  It is a great pleasure to work with a President who is attuned to the fact
that Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have unique needs and issues that deserve a greater level of
attention.  I look forward to working with Co-Chairs Duncan and Locke in ensuring the success of this renewed
effort,” said Rep. Mazie K. Hirono (HI-02), an executive board member of CAPAC.

“President Obama’s support for the AAPI community is clear, and I applaud his efforts in restoring the broad
mission of White House Initiative on AAPIs,” said Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-05), executive board member of CAPAC.
“As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of President Clinton’s creation of this historic initiative, I look forward to
working with Secretaries Locke and Duncan to improve the lives of AAPI communities across the country.  We
are committed to dedicating ourselves to helping the underserved and undernourished regardless of race, creed,
or color.”

Executive Board Member Rep. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (CNMI) said, “President Obama made a
commitment to restore the AAPI initiative. Today he has kept his promise to Asian American and Pacific Islanders
and we are all very grateful. Especially, because this is a time of great change — in health care and immigration
— change that will impact our communities. Now with a voice in the White House, representing our interests, we
can be assured that these successful reforms will also fulfill their promise of benefit of all Americans, including
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.”

”I commend President Obama for restoring this important White House Initiative,” said Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-03),
chair of CAPAC’s Civil Rights Taskforce. “Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders make significant contributions to
every aspect of American society. The President’s action today makes a strong commitment to the AAPI
community. The initiative ensures that the gifts, talents & values of this community will be included at the highest
levels of federal policymaking.”

Rep. David Wu (OR-01), chair of CAPAC’s Education Taskforce said, "By reestablishing the White House Initiative
on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, President Obama has once again delivered on his strong commitment
to our communities. I commend the Obama administration for demonstrating tremendous leadership on behalf of
all AAPIs, and I look forward to working with the president, Secretary Locke, and Secretary Duncan to enhance
AAPI access to and participation in federal programs where they may be underserved.”

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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. Since 1994, 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.