Asian American and Pacific Islander Members of Congress to Speak at Democratic National Convention

Tonight, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Members of Congress will speak at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, PA. The speaking slot is scheduled for 5:10 pm ET. Members will speak about Hillary Clinton and AAPI priorities. There will also be a tribute to Rep. Mark Takai (HI), who passed away last week. Rep. Judy Chu (CA), the first Chinese-American woman elected to Congress, released the following statement:

“Never before has a group of elected Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) been invited to speak at a national convention. This is historic because AAPIs are the fastest growing ethnic group in the country. Our representation in Congress has reached a record high, we are gaining more and more seats on the Federal bench, and AAPI voters are increasingly becoming the margin of victory in key states like Virginia and Nevada. That’s why it means so much that not only has Hillary Clinton invited us to speak tonight, but that she is herself speaking so directly to the issues that matter to us. At the convention tonight, we plan to address the issues that matter most to AAPIs, like immigration, education, civil rights, and voting rights, and how Hillary Clinton is the only candidate in this race who has been consistently right on those issues.

“I am honored to lead my fellow AAPI colleagues to address how far we’ve come as a community and how having a voice in our government will help AAPIs today and for generations to come. And I am thrilled to speak in support of Hillary Clinton who will help us more farther ahead than ever before.”

Joining Rep. Chu on the stage tonight will be Sen. Mazie Hirono (HI) and Reps. Grace Meng (NY), Madeleine Bordallo (GU), Mark Takano (CA), Ami Bera (CA), Bobby Scott (VA), Ted Lieu CA), and Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (MP).