WASHINGTON–Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) members lauded the anniversary of the reauthorization of the White House Initiative and President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

On October 14, 2009, President Obama signed an executive order restoring the Initiative and President’s Advisory Commission.

Congresswoman Judy Chu (D, CA- 32), CAPAC Chair, and other members also hailed the President’s appointment of Cabinet Secretary Chris Lu as the new Co-Chair of the Initiative. “I would also like to thank Daphne Kwok and Kiran Ahuja for their tremendous leadership over the past two years,” she added.

Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo (GU), CAPAC Vice Chair, said she looked forward to working with Lu. Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (HI-02) said Lu “has served tirelessly in a variety of roles in the House, Senate, and the White House, and I know he will be successful in his new role.”

Congressman Mike Honda (CA-15), CAPAC Chair Emeritus, said the President’s appointment of Lu, as well as Apolo Ohno, May Chen, and Dr. Tung Thanh Nguyen to the President’s AAPI Advisory Commission, “adds four diverse and effective leaders to strengthen our efforts to improve the lives of all AAPIs.”

Senator Daniel Akaka (D, HI) said he was confident “the Initiative will continue improving health, education, and economic opportunities for AAPIs across the country.” Senator Daniel Inouye (D, HI) said, “We must continue to work to improve access to federal programs that meet the unique needs of these communities.”

Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-05) said she worked for President Bill Clinton when the Initiative was started, noting the important role it plays “in facilitating a dialogue between the administration, Congress, and the community.”