Millions of US citizens could lose their right to vote after House passes restrictive SAVE Act

WIKIA

AANHPI voters may find it more difficult to do so if the SAVE Act is signed into law.

When it coes time to vote for Congress in 2026, Asian and Pacific Island American voters should remember the latest legislation introduced after the Republican-controlled House of Representatives passed legislation that would disenfranchise millions of AANHPI, other minorities and women.

The  US House of Representatives  on Thursday voted, 220-208, to pass  the misleadingly named Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. The legislation purportedly aims to block non-citizens from voting, which is already illegal and is very rare. Four Democrats joined the GOP majority to advance the bill.

“House Republicans’ so-called SAVE Act is nothing more than a shameful attempt to silence the voices of millions of Americans. This bill will prevent Americans from using their driver’s license or military ID in order to register to vote. It will also eliminate existing voter registration methods, including registering via mail or online," said a statement from Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus chair Grace Meng and Rep, Bobby Scott, Congress' lone Filipino American who chairs CAPAC's Civil Rights and Voting Rights Task Force.

“If this bill were to become law, military service members deployed overseas would be forced to return to the U.S. to register to vote. Married women who have changed their surnames would not be allowed to use their birth certificate to prove their citizenship. Twenty-one million eligible voters would need to pay significant fees to obtain documentation needed to cast their ballot," continues the joint statement.

“Adding unnecessary and expensive barriers to vote will disenfranchise millions of U.S. citizens and disproportionately impact the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. A majority of Asian American eligible voters are naturalized citizens who may lack immediate access to documentation required under this restrictive law.

“Moreover, President Trump is curtailing language access for individuals with Limited English Proficiency—making up one-third of the AANHPI community—which may affect multilingual assistance in voter registration. He also signed an executive order that would prevent Americans from using their birth certificate to register to vote—an apparent reference to his unlawful order revoking birthright citizenship. These are extreme measures that will suppress AANHPI participation in our elections.

“To be clear, it is already illegal under federal law for noncitizens to cast a ballot. This legislation is not about safeguarding elections; it is a blatant assault on the constitutional rights of millions of Americans."

If that is not enough, voting rights groups have said the bill will pose a barrier for millions of American women and others who have changed their legal name because of marriage, assimilation to sound more "American," citizenshp or to better align with their gender identity. An estimated 69 million American women and 4 million men do not have a birth certificate that matches their current legal name.

“Many eligible voters including those in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community do not have readily available documents to meet SAVE Act requirements.," says Christine Chen, Executive Director of APIAVote.

"Furthermore, our communities rely on methods such as online, mail and voter registration drives, and this draconian measure would effectively end those options," says Chen. "With the bill passing in the House today, the battle now shifts to the Senate where we will be working hard to make sure that our Senators know this bill that will prevent eligible voters from casting their ballot.."

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X or at the blog Views From the Edge.

AAPI lawmakers recall the 1/6 Insurrection

In the aftermath of the attack on the Capitol, Rep. Andy Kim helped clean up the debris.

January 6, 2021 will forever be a day when America was attacked by domestic forces, a day of trauma and reflection about the fragility of democracy.

“Certain dates echo throughout history, including dates that instantly remind all who have lived through them, where they were and what they were doing when our democracy came under assault,” Vice President Kamala Harris said today (Jan. 6, 2022) as she introduced President Joe Biden for his remarks clearly placing the blame for the coup attempt on the "defeated president" Donald Trump.

Harris said some dates in U.S. history "“occupy not only a place on our calendars, but a place in our collective memory. December 7th, 1941. September 11th, 2001. And January 6th, 2021.”

“What they sought to degrade and destroy was not only a building, hallowed as it is,” said Harris, the first Asian American to be Vice President. “What they were assaulting were the institutions, the values, the ideals that generations of Americans have marched, picketed and shed blood to establish and defend."

Biden was even more clear in his forceful speech in which he said Trump "held a daggar at the throat of democracy."

AAPI members of Congress took time to recall the day when Insurrectionists -- egged on by a defeated Donald Trump -- and express their thoughts of the failed coup attempt and feared for their lives.

Rep. Andy Kim, D-NJ, sent out a moving thread on Twitter. He described the aftermath of the attack on the Capitol and how members of Congress gathered to finish confirming the results of the Presidential election.

Kim concluded with:

"There can be no compromise with those who would seek to overthrow our republic," said Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill in a statement. "There can be no reconciliation. Instead, our focus must be on pursuing truth and justice...we must learn the truth of what happened that day, who was responsible, and how we can prevent any such events from ever occurring again.

"Today is a day of remembrance for that tragedy, a day of thanks for those who showed heroism ..., and a day of rededication to the work yet to be done to ensure it never happens again."

"That shocking and harrowing day was terrifying," recalled Rep. Grace Meng, D-NY.  "For hours, I was barricaded in a room off the House floor as the angry mob marched right outside my door. I feared for my life and called loved ones asking them to pray for me as these insurrectionists, spurred by then-President Trump, stormed the halls of Congress. I continue to be offended, appalled, and disgusted over the havoc and damage that they wreaked and their weaponizing of the American flag, and all Americans should feel the same regardless of party affiliation.   

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-WA, used a video on Twitter to describe her horrifying experience on 1/6, hiding in the House gallery listening to the rioters outside the chamber slamming on the door and fearing for her life.

Despite recovering from knee surgery, she was able to hide behind her chair, holding  a gas mask and with a cane, duck under bannisters to escape the gallery.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal followed instructions to kneel down despite her surgically repaired knee.

"The insurrection is still surreal to me, and I continue to see the destructive and violent images of rioters when I walk through the Capitol," Meng continued. "As we reflect on the one-year anniversary of the attack, we must all stand united against the heinous acts that occurred on that dark day in our nation’s history. We must continue to address the hurt and pain that it has caused, the healing that needs to still take place, and do everything in our power to ensure that a situation like this never ever happens again.”

Rep. Bobby Scott, D-VA, looked towards the future. “Sadly, the threat to our Democracy is ongoing," he said. "Adherence to the former president’s ‘Big Lie’ about the 2020 election is now the most important litmus test for my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. It has been used as pretext all over the country for rampant efforts to suppress the ability of Americans to vote, to install local and state election officials willing to openly ignore the legal votes of the people, and to enact other mechanisms to overturn the results of future elections.

“The House of Representatives has already taken important steps to protect the right to vote and maintain the integrity of our Democracy through passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the For the People Act," Scott said, linking the Insurrection to the GOP's present-day attempts to restrict voting.

Rep. Mark Takano, D-CA, tweeted: "As I reflect on January 6, 2021, I'm reminded of the fragility of our democracy, troubled at how divided we are, frustrated at the siloed news information, and furious at my Republican counterparts who fail to condemn the actions of white nationalists and far-right extremists."

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AAPI perspective, follow me on Twitter @DioknoEd.

Impeaching Donald Trump: AAPI members of Congress vote along party lines

SCREEN CAPTURE / C-SPAN

Rep. Ted Lieu will manage Donald Trump's impeachment in front of the U.S. Senate.

On Korean American Day, the four Korean American Congressmembers split along party lines on the initiative to impeach Donald Trump. The day commemorates the arrival of the first Koreans to the U.S. in 1903.

Democrats Andy Kim (NJ) and Marilyn Strickland (WA) voted Wednesday (Jan. 13)  for impeachment and California Republicans Young Kim and Michelle Steel voted no.

With a vote of 232 to 197, the House of Representatives charged Trump with "incitement of insurrection" for his role in the violent takeover byTrump supporters and white supremacists of the U.S. Capitol building that left five people dead and terrorized lawmakers as they sought to confirm the Electoral College votes that gave President-elect Joe Biden a victory last Nov. 3.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi named Rep. Ted Lieu, D-CA, to manage the impeachment and argue for conviction in front of the Senate.

Unlike 13 months ago when the House voted for the first impeachment of Trump and the vote was strictly along party lines, 10 Republicans crossed party lines this time to vote with the Democrats, including Rep. Liz Cheney, the third highest ranking Republican in the House.

With the exception of first-term lawmakers Young Kim and Steel, the other  AAPI Representatives are Democrats and voted for impeachment along party lines. Besides the aforementioned Strickland, Andy Kim. They include: Californians Ted Lieu, Ro Khanna, Mark Takano, Judy Chu, Ami Bera, Doris Matsui and newly installed Kai Kahele of Hawaii, Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois, Pramila Jayapal of Washington, Grace Meng of New York, Virginia's Bobby Scott and Stephanie Murphy of Florida.

"The bipartisan vote reaffirms that security of our democracy is our first priority," said Congressman Scott, who is of Filipino descent. "I hope the Senate will convict/remove Donald Trump and we can move forward from this dark chapter."

“It is not with joy that I have voted to impeach the President for a second time. I am taking a stand to ensure the future for our children and grandchildren," said Rep. Matsui. "When we are asked by future generations what we did, we must be able to tell them that we fulfilled our obligation to keep our democracy strong. (Trump) remains a clear and present danger to our nation as long as he is able to hold elected office, and that is why we acted to impeach him immediately.”

“Today’s impeachment is not about dividing this country. It’s about uniting all patriotic Americans against the unconstitutional actions of an out-of-control president—a president who incited insurrection against our great nation,” said Florida's Murphy. (Murphy's full statement is below.)

Trump is the only U.S. President to be impeached twice. Trump's was impeached in 2019 for trying to get Ukraine officials to dig up dirt of alleged corrupt business dealings = by Hunter Biden, the son of President-elect Joe Biden. The allegations, which proved untrue, were, nevertheless, raised by Trump against Biden during the campaign. The Senate rejected the impeachment.

The current charge of impeachment against Trump claims Trump "incited an insurrection" against Congress when he spoke at a rally of people who believed Trump's lies claiming that the 2020 Presidential election was rigged and that he actually won. 

The "incitement of insurrection" article of impeachment was introduced Monday by three House Democrats: Ted Lieu of California , Jaime Raskin of Maryland and David Cicilline of Rhode Island.

Lieu got the impeachment ball rolling while insurrectionists were roaming the halls of the Capitol after breaking through the lines of overwhelmed police officers  He texted the Democratic members of the House Judiciary Committee about the need to impeach.

“I was just super pissed off,” said Lieu, an officer in the Air Force Reserves and represents a district that includes parts of  Los Angeles and Hollywood.

The impeachment is like an indictment and the hearing before the U.S. Senate is like a trial. Chief Justice Roberts will preside and two-thirds of the Senators present is needed for a conviction. The Senate is not set to meet until Jan.1 19, a day before Biden's inauguration so the articles of impeachment would likely be presented to the newly constituted Senate that will be controlled by the Democrats.

A former president can still be found guilty by the Senate. While the main penalty for a guilty verdict in an impeachment trial is removal from office, senators could vote to bar Trump from holding office in the future. That's an important incentive for both parties becuase Trump has not ruled out running for president in 2024. He could also lose his six-figure pension and other post-presidential perks.

The final text for impeachment states: “President Trump gravely endangered the security of the United States and its institutions of government. He threatened the integrity of the democratic system, interfered with the peaceful transition of power, and imperiled a coequal branch of Government. He thereby betrayed his trust as president, to the manifest injury of the people of the United States.”

AAPI lawmakers shelter in place, anger against Trump mounts

SCREEN CAPTURE / MSNBC

Radical insurgents break into the Capitol building.

Jan. 6, 2021 is a day that will live in infamy and shame. The rioters broke into the Capitol building where lawmakers were confirming the electoral votes of last November's election.

Asian American and Pacific Islander members of Congress reacted to the unprecedented coup attempt.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth had to pause to collect herself before continuing her emotional speech lambasting the "tinhorn dictator," Donald Trump.

"This assault on our nation’s Capitol is a coup attempt and all those involved should be prosecuted as such," wrote Rep. Ted Lieu, D-CA. "Also, for those Dems saying we shouldn’t impeach @realDonaldTrump again? You are wrong."

Once Vice President Mike Pence was whisked away by Secret Service in the middle of the Senate debate, Lieu tweeted, "Now is the time for @VP @Mike_Pence to start the 25th Amendment process."

The 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution allows the vice president and a majority of Cabinet secretariesto declare Trump "unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office" in writing and remove him from office.

Trump could also be impeached again, which requires a simple majority of the House and two-thirds of the Senate for removal.

Lawmakers in the Capitol tweeted their responses after assuring their families that they were safe:

“The assault of the Capitol was the direct result of a Republican party that has been willing to indulge white supremacy and conspiracy theories throughout the Trump Presidency," said Rep. Judy Chu, D-CA, chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

"The repeated attempts to undermine confidence in our elections – even after yesterday’s siege ended – are irresponsible and reprehensible. It is beyond tragic that a life was lost yesterday (Jan. 6), ending America’s proud history of bloodless transfers of power. This should have been avoided. Yet over half the House Republicans voted to reverse the outcome of this election and some are spreading lies about who was responsible."

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.

AAPI leaders mourn passing of civil rights icon Elijah Cummings

Congressional leader and moral icon Rep. Elijah Cummings passed away Thursday at the age of 68 after suffering from a long history of health problems, the Baltimore Sun reported.

Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, the widow of the late congressman, issued a statement saying that he “worked until his last breath.”

“Congressman Cummings was an honorable man who proudly served his district and the nation with dignity, integrity, compassion and humility. He worked until his last breath because he believed our democracy was the highest and best expression of our collective humanity and that our nation’s diversity was our promise, not our problem,” Rockeymoore Cummings, the chairwoman of the Maryland Democratic Party, said.

“It’s been an honor to walk by his side on this incredible journey. I loved him deeply and will miss him dearly,” she added.

Cummings was the son of sharecroppers, and rose to become one of the most powerful Democrats in Congress. He was born in 1951 to parents from South Carolina who moved north as part of the Great Migration, hoping to improve their lives and provide better opportunities for their family.

Cummings, who was told in high school that he would not succeed academically, defied expectations from an early age.

He ultimately earned a political science degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he was student government president. He then earned a law degree from the University of Maryland and was a practicing attorney.

Cummings had become one of the most visible House Democrats in recent years, given his committee's broad power to conduct oversight investigations against the Trump administration. As chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, he was a leading figure in the Trump impeachment inquiry. 

Last summer, Trump attacked Cumming's Baltimore district as "disgusting" and "rodent infested," prompting bipartisan outrage.

During his tenure in Congress, Cummings welcomed and mentored new Congress members of color, including AAPI politicians who remembered the Congressional leader with fondness and pointed out his impact on their careers.

Representatives Elijah Cummings and Bobby Scott, long time friends.

“The passing of Congressman Cummings is a devastating loss for the Congress, Maryland and the nation. Congressman Cummings served with passion for the rule of law and always governed in a respectful manner, even when dealing with some of the most critical and controversial issues facing Congress," said Rep. Bobby Scott, the Filipino American House member whose district next to Cummings' district. 

"I have known Elijah since we were both state legislators and had the honor of working with him in Congress on many issues including legislation to expand the civil rights protections of interns in the federal workplace, preserving the independence of Administrative Law judges and writing legislation to ensure everyone has a fair shot at employment. He has been an invaluable leader in the fight for civil rights and fundamental fairness, and I was proud to call him a friend," said Scott.

It wasn't just politicians who expressed their sentiments of sympathy and respect. Celebrities from the entertainment world, journalists and activists who were inspired by Cummings also were affected.

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle has this to say:

“Michelle and I are heartbroken over the passing of our friend, Elijah Cummings. As Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, he showed us all not only the importance of checks and balances within our democracy, but also the necessity of good people stewarding it. Steely yet compassionate, principled yet open to new perspectives, Chairman Cummings remained steadfast in his pursuit of truth, justice, and reconciliation. It’s a tribute to his native Baltimore that one of its own brought such character, tact, and resolve into the halls of power every day. And true to the giants of progress he followed into public service, Chairman Cummings stood tallest and most resolute when our country needed him the most. May his example inspire more Americans to pick up the baton and carry it forward in a manner worthy of his service. Our deepest sympathies and abiding love go to his wife, Maya, his three children, and all those whose lives he touched.”

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Congress notes Filipino American History Month

Part of a mural in Los Angeles Filipino Town.

As Filipinos continue to grow in the United States -- becoming the largest Asian ethnic group in Nevada, Hawaii and California -- the community's long history in the United States is starting to emerge.

“As a Filipino American and one of 20 AAPI members of Congress, I am excited to celebrate Filipino American History Month.," said TJ Cox, D-CA, one of two Congress members of Filipino descent.

"This is a special opportunity to celebrate the rich history, culture, and continuing contributions of my fellow Filipino Americans to our great nation," Cox said. 

"Filipino communities are especially strong in California’s Central Valley. In fact, two of the most consequential labor leaders of the last century, Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz, both Filipino Americans, organized migrant workers in the Central Valley, improving lives for generations of working families."

October has been designated Filipino American History Month since 2009 as advocated by the Filipino American National Historical Society. The month was chosen to commemorates the 16th century arrival of the first Filipinos to what is now the United States. Filipino sailors aboard a Spanish galleon made landfall at Morro Bay in California on Oct. 18, 1587.

For its 2019 Filipino American History Month theme, the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) recognizes “Pinay Visionaries: Celebrating Filipina American Women” and their contributions to history and the Filipina/o American community nationwide.

RELATED: Teachers never taught us about Filipinos in history class

“I am proud to celebrate Filipino American history month and to be one of only two Members of Congress of Filipino descent currently serving," said Rep. Bobby Scott, who represents Virginia's  3rd District. 

"This month is a time to recognize the extraordinary contributions made to our nation. Since World War II, Filipino Americans have played a vital role in the development and growth of our country and I honor their service and sacrifices."

Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements to mark the occasion.

Senator Kamala Harris (CA):

“Whether it’s breaking ground in the legal profession, art, sports, politics, service to our country, or countless other contributions to our communities – Filipino Americans are celebrated across California and our country for their courage, strength, and conviction. I’m proud to join my Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus colleagues as we not only lift up the stories of current and past visionaries, but also forge a path for the next generation to pursue their dreams. I hope everyone takes time to learn about the great contributions of Filipino Americans in communities across the country.”

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“Filipino American History Month is an important time to celebrate the rich heritage and contributions of Filipino Americans. . Since the arrival of the first Filipinos in 1587 in Morro Bay, California, Filipino Americans have added to the diverse tapestry of our country, serving as laborers, health care providers, entrepreneurs, elected officials, military service members, and Grammy award winning artists. As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I am proud to join with my colleagues to uplift and honor the important economic, historical, and cultural contributions of the Filipino American community.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06), CAPAC First Vice Chair:

“I am honored to recognize and celebrate the rich historical, economic, and cultural contributions of the Filipino American community during Filipino American History Month. In addition to the sacrifices of Filipino veterans who served in World War II, I want to express my gratitude to the Filipina American women who have strengthened the social and political landscape of all Americans on the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment. I will continue to lead efforts in Congress to bring awareness to the vital role that the Filipino community played throughout U.S. history.”

Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Second Vice Chair:

“This month, we celebrate the vast contributions that the Filipino American community bring to our nation. As the second largest Asian American group in the United States, their unique experience, culture, and longstanding history of service deserves recognition. During World War II, more than 200,000 Filipino veterans served with valor and honor. As Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I’m committed to honoring their service and sacrifice to our nation. I will keep fighting in Congress to empower and elevate our Filipino American community.”

Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33), CAPAC Whip:

“This October, we join the Filipino American community in celebrating their contributions to the fabric of American life. Filipino American History Month encourages us to reflect on the role that Filipino-Americans have played in shaping our nation’s culture, industry, and history. In the nearly 450 years since the first Filipino immigrants arrived in present-day California, Filipino-Americans are an integral part of our business communities, our government, and our military. I’m proud to join my colleagues to wish the Filipino-American community a happy month of celebration.”

Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44):

"As we celebrate Filipino American History Month, we honor their vast contributions to our country and celebrate their rich history. From advocating for farmworkers’ rights during the Delano Grape Strike to serving in World War II, and playing vital roles in the technology and healthcare industries, Filipino-Americans are integral to the success of this great nation. Salamat—thank you—to Filipino-Americans across the nation and in California’s 44th Congressional District."

Congressman Gil Cisneros (CA-39):

“During Filipino American History Month, we celebrate the rich cultural contributions that Filipino Americans have made to California’s 39th Congressional District and communities across the country. As a Navy veteran, it’s an honor to celebrate the brave Filipino veterans who fought for the United States, including the many who I had the privilege to serve with. Whether it is through public service, business, education, medicine, or culture and the arts, Filipino Americans play a vital role in the development and growth of our nation.”

Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17):

“I am honored to recognize and celebrate October as Filipino American History Month. This month we celebrate that many contributions Filipino Americans bring to our communities. Filipinos are the largest Asian American and Pacific Islander ethnic group in California, and it is with great pride that I represent a district that embraces its uniquely diverse population.”

Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52):

“San Diego is home to nearly 200,000 Filipino Americans, and Filipino American History Month is a special time to celebrate Filipino Americans’ vibrant cultural contributions to both San Diego and the United States. This month also marks a time to recognize the commitments and sacrifices of Filipinos who served alongside American armed forces during World War II, many of whom helped shape San Diego’s cultural and historical Navy roots. As a member of CAPAC and the U.S.-Philippines Caucus, I remain a vocal advocate for the Filipino American community and for delivering the benefits our Filipino World War II veterans earned.”

Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (CNMI):

“In honor of Filipino American History Month, we reflect on the innumerable contributions and sacrifices our sisters and brothers from the Philippines have made to our country and the Northern Marianas over many generations. In the Marianas, Filipinos are an indelible part of the community. From education to health care and hospitality, Filipinos make up a significant part of our labor force and help keep our economy afloat. Let us recognize and celebrate the rich history, culture, values, and hard work of the Filipino community.”

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On the 65th Anniversary of Brown v Board of Education, the landmark ruling is under attack

Today (May 17) is the 65th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court ruling "Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka."

Rep. Bobby Scott, D-VA, chair of the Education and Labor Committee in the House of Representatives, and other members of the House issued this video commemorating this important decision.

Other Asian American House members appearing in the video include, Rep. Mark Takano, D-CA,  and Rep. Judy Chu, D-CA.

After citing the impact the ruling has had on our schools and society, halfway through, the video,  it turns dark as Filipino American lawmaker Scott and his fellow Congressmembers  lay out the attempts by the Donald Trump administration - led by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos - to weaken or overturn the decision.

DeVos is a strong advocate of charter schools and is doing her best to funnel taxpayers' money from the public schools to privately run, for-profit charter schools.

DeVos, by the way, has never -- and neither has her children -- attended public schools. Her views are shaped by private schools that only the wealthy could afford.

Elementary school teacher and NEA President Lily Eskelsen Garcia said DeVos’s work “has done more to undermine public education than support students. She has lobbied for failed schemes, like vouchers — which take away funding and local control from our public schools — to fund private schools at taxpayers’ expense. These schemes do nothing to help our most-vulnerable students while they ignore or exacerbate glaring opportunity gaps.”

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Asian American Democrats blast Trump's speech full of lies

SCREEN CAPTURE / MSNBC

DONALD TRUMP's speech last night (Dec. 8) could have been much worse; he could have declared a national emergency, diverted funds from other parts of the government and have the military build his Stupid Wall on the border with Mexico.

Instead, the speech he delivered in prime time on all the networks was the same old drivel he's been spouting since he declared his candidacy for president in 2015. His primary goal was to appeal to his base of supporters to put pressure on Congress to include $5-billion  for his border wall in the 2019-2020 budget.

Speaking in the formal setting of the Oval Office and reading from a teleprompter, Trump appeared subdued compared to when he speaks to his cheering supporters.

"Donald Trump sounds like a broken record," said Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-WA, "He reverts to the same old script -- demagoguery and xenophobia -- because that's all he knows how to do. ' 

"The fact is that even the Department of Homeland Security says the Southern border, where the Trump administration wants . to build a wall is more difficult to cross without authorization today than ever before," she said. 

"Apprehensions are at the lowest rate ever, And so much he wants to paint a different picture, immigrants commit crimes at a lower rate than native born Americans, Furthermore, we know that the majority of drugs come in at legal points of entry -- not where there is no wall. This has never been about security. It is simply political.

"President Trump is right: it is about right and wrong -- and what he has done and continues to do is just wrong; separating families, shutting down legal asylum, imprisoning more and more people in immigration prisons," Jayapal said.

"... This speech belongs in the dustbin -- it is time to move and get things done for our country."

Jayapal was among the Democratic AAPI politicians who watched the 10 minute speech.

“For over 18 days, he has misled the American people about the situation at the southern border and the need for a border wall," said Rep. Grace Meng, D-NY, in a press release. 

"Only President Trump is responsible for the government shutdown and the impasse between the White House and Congress. In the U.S. House of Representatives, Democrats have passed clean spending bills to fund the federal government that are identical to the ones that the Senate passed back in December.

"Democrats support smart, effective border security solutions, not an ineffective border wall. The only person who is keeping federal employees from receiving their paychecks is President Trump. Democrats are ready to re-open the federal government if only President Trump would agree to fund the federal government at levels the Republican Senate has already approved.”

TJ Cox likely heading to Congress

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Democrat TJ Cox believes he will win his congressional contest.

VIRGINIA'S REP. BOBBY SCOTT will have a fellow Filipino American serving with him in the 116th Congress of the United States.

On the other side of the country, Filipino American TJ Cox has declared victory with the narrowest of margins, 529 votes, over incumbent Republican David Valadao.

"I am elated to announce that we have won," Cox said in a statement. "Voters across the district resonated with our message of expanding health care, creating good jobs and fighting for our families' futures. I am truly humbled to have received so much support.

As the latest batch of votes from a part of Congressional District 21 that favored Valadao were counted Wednesday, Cox actually gained votes. By mid-afternoon lead, Cox was confident enough to declare victory.

The votes left still uncounted are in Fresno and Kern counties, which have consistently trended in favor of  Cox since  Nov. 6, which is why Cox declared victory before all the ballots were counted.

In his statement, Cox thanks Valadao and his family for their service for the past three terms. At press time, Valadao hasn't officially conceded with several thousand ballots still to be tallied. 

Mainstream media outlets sported headlines Wednesday afternoon declaring local businessman Cox the winner.

On election day, national media declared Valadao the winner since he had a 4,400 vote lead. As election officials began counting provisional and mail-in ballots, that lead was whittled away day by day. 

The Central Valley district, which is largely a rural district stretches from Bakersfield to Fresno, is the last contested Congressional race in the country. If the lead for Cox holds as now expected, it means Democrats will have gained 40 seats in the mid-term election.

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