DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and DNC AAPI Caucus Chair Bel Leong-Hong released the following statement marking AANHPI Heritage Month:

“The Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community is an integral part of American society with a rich and impactful history. During AANHPI Heritage Month, we honor and celebrate that history and the trailblazing people who helped mold our nation into what it is today. 

“From Vice President Kamala Harris to former representatives Dalip Singh Saund of California and Patsy Mink of Hawaii, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, and acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, members of the AANHPI community continue to leave a deep and meaningful mark on American history, culture, and society. 

“Under President Biden and Vice President Harris, the Small Business Administration has distributed nearly $16 billion in loans to AANHPI entrepreneurs providing support for small businesses and nonprofits, and AANHPI unemployment has fallen by more than half. The Biden-Harris administration also launched the first-ever National Strategy to Advance Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through the American Rescue Plan, they made historic investments in affordable childcare and eldercare – helping AANHPI families nationwide. While we’ve made substantial progress to advance equity, fight back against discrimination, and ensure that all AANHPI Americans have equal opportunity to thrive, there is still more work to be done – and Democrats are committed to that work.”

“Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history is American history. This month and every month, we honor their countless contributions to the American story.”