WASHINGTON–The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) applauded President Barack Obama for signing the Executive Order restoring the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). They also vowed to work with the President and other officials in insuring the increased participation of underserved AAPIs in federal programs.

Founded in 1994, CAPAC is composed of members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent. It also includes others dedicated to promoting the well-being of the AAPI community.

Aside from Rep. Mike Honda, CAPAC Chair, other members issued their statements on October 14, the day of the signing ceremony. Excerpts from the statements follow.

Executive Board Member Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D, HI) said, “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 (D, HI), an executive board member of CAPAC said, “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.”

Remarked Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D, HI), 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.”

CAPAC Secretary Rep. Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D, GU) said that “as the representative of one of the largest Asian American and Pacific Islander districts and a U.S. Territory,” she looks forward to working with Secretary Locke, Secretary Duncan, and CAPAC colleagues in implementing the executive order.

CAPAC Vice Chair Rep. Eni Faleomavaega (AS) said, “Today’s signing comes at a critical juncture when the country as a whole begins to address many issues of great significance to the AAPI 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.”

“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,” said Rep. Mazie K. Hirono (D, HI), an executive board member of CAPAC. “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.”

“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.

Executive Board Member Rep. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (CNMI) said, “We are all very grateful, especially because this is a time of great change–in health care and immigration. 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 for all Americans, including AAPIs.”

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

Rep. David Wu (D, OR), chair of CAPAC’s Education Taskforce said, “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.”