With three simple words, Kamala Harris sent out her first official tweet as Vice President: “Ready to serve.”
With that, a new chapter in American history has begun. Asian American Congressional leaders offered their congratulations and hopes for the future.
“The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer,” said Rep Judy Chu (D-CA), chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.
“The swearing-in of Kamala Harris as Vice President serves a large part in inspiring generations of young girls and AAPIs to pursue public office.” said the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies in a statement. “It is our hope that this will continue to expand the AAPI political pipeline and increase representation of AAPIs at the highest levels of government.”
“A new era of healing, leadership and hope begins,” said Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).
“Today, we start a new chapter. It’s a good day for Hawai’i and our country,” Sen. Mazie Hirono tweeted out with fellow Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz.
For some, it was a time to bring the country together and chart a new course.
“We vow to listen better, love deeper and fight harder,” said Rep Grace Meng (D-NY)
Below is a round up of remarks from AAPI Congressional leaders and community organizations.
“True representation means our elected officials act in alignment with our values and actually advance the priorities of AAPI women,” said Sung Yeon Choimorrow, Executive Director of National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum. “We need the new administration to ensure immigrants have access to affordable and comprehensive health care, lift coverage bans on abortion, and renew and preserve the ability of immigrant spouses to work in the country. For too long, our communities have been denied the recognition and resources necessary for us to thrive. It’s time to chart a bold path forward for AAPI women and girls.”
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