Three new AAPI congressmembers join diverse Congress

SCREEN CAPTURE

Rep. TJ Cox with his family just prior to the formal picture with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (in red).

THE 116TH CONGRESS was sworn in Jan. 3. It was the United States' most diverse Congress in history. Among the first-time legislators was Filipino American TJ Cox from California, Korean American Andy Kim of New Jersey, and Guamanian Michael San Nicolas, a non-voting representative. 

The three new Asian and Pacific Islander representatives in the House brings the total number of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Congress to a record number of 20, according to the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC).

Cox released the following statement on his swearing in yesterday (Jan. 3):

“I was honored to stand beside my family today as I was sworn in as your representative. Taking the oath of office, I was reminded of the trust and responsibility that the people of the Central Valley placed in me, and my obligation to fight for you each and every day in D.C. 

“We’ve come to Washington with a divided government and a divided nation. The challenges facing our country are steep — but like so many of us, I am no stranger to tough challenges. Now is the time for bold leadership and bold ideas, and to recommit to the values that actually made our country great.

“My parents came to this country because they knew that they could build a better life for their children here in America. Our district is defined by folks like my parents — immigrants willing to do whatever it takes so that their children might struggle just a little less, and reach yet a little higher. Arriving in California all those years ago, my parents could never have imagined that their son might one day serve in Congress. To have my mother with me today, next to my wife and children, as I swore my oath means more than anything to me.

“I pledge to you that my priorities will be your priorities. There is too much at stake today for us to tread this path alone: No single party has all the answers. But looking at the challenges facing our country, I think about the last election and the movement that defied the odds and the doubters to bring change to the Central Valley. Working together, I know we can achieve the America that our parents dreamed for us. I look forward to serving you.”

Courtesy of ANDY KIM

New Jersey's Congressman Andy Kim with his family outside of his new office.

Kim released this statement:

“I’m deeply honored and humbled to be serving my hometown and the people of New Jersey’s Third District as Congressman,” Kim said. “I ran for Congress to listen and give voice to the needs of South Jersey families and to challenge the status quo by demanding a government that works for the people instead of corporations and the wealthy. I intend for that change to start with me.

“I still won’t take a dime of corporate PAC money and I’m committed to being a Congressman that is open, honest, transparent and, most importantly, that listens. I will keep my promise to hold at least one public town hall event in the district each month, with the first one to take place later this month. I’ll also put my national security expertise to immediate work as a strong and vocal proponent of South Jersey’s largest employer, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, which provides more than 100,000 local jobs and has an economic impact of more than $7 billion in our region,” Kim continued.

“My top priority as a Congressman is to be responsive to the needs of constituents. Today’s opening of my Washington, D.C. office and launch of my congressional website and social media accounts are just the first step toward honoring that commitment,” Kim said. “I intend for my website to serve as a one-stop shop for constituent services. Whether it’s a flag request, a problem with a government agency or a nomination to one of our service academies, I hope every resident of New Jersey’s Third District will know that our office is ready and willing to help.

“I will also vote later today to re-open government. It’s disappointing that the government shutdown has extended as long as it has and simply unacceptable to require hundreds of thousands of federal law enforcement, Customs and Border Patrol and Transportation Security Administration agents to work without pay, especially over the holidays. I hope the Senate will pass and President Trump will swiftly sign the bill to mitigate any further economic losses as a result of this unnecessary government shutdown.”

Michael San Nicolas, Guam's representative, had his family gather 'round with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.
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