WASHINGTON–The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) re-elected US Rep. Mike Honda (D, CA) as chair. Honda, with US Rep. Eni Faleomavaega as vice chair and US Rep. Madeleine Bordallo as secretary for the 111th Congress, reaffirmed their commitment to representing the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in Congress.

Top priorities continue to be education, immigration, economy, healthcare and restring pension for Filipino World War II veterans

CAPAC also congratulated Rep. Xavier Becerra (D, CA), who sits on CAPA’'s executive board, on his election as vice chair of the Democratic Caucus.

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 Honda.

He added: “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.”

Growing population

There are currently 15.5 million AAPIs, 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.

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.

AAPIs represent about 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 Honda.

Remarked Faleomavaega: “CAPAC has continued to work tirelessly in the Congress for the advancement of the many issues that benefit our AAPI communities throughout the U.S. I know together with the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, CAPAC will be able to formulate better policies on immigration, health care, education and, importantly, the economy.”

Added 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.”