The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans Applauds the Appointment of Rep. Andy Kim to the House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis 

Washington, DC— On April 29, 2020, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) announced six Democrats to be selected to the House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis. Included in the diverse group of Members of Congress, chaired by Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC), is Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ), who is currently the highest-ranking Korean American in government. NCAPA issued the following response:

“We thank Speaker Pelosi’s ever-present leadership and commitment to diversity, and applaud her for selecting Congressman Kim to the select committee tasked with oversight of the COVID-19 relief programs. With ongoing relief efforts approaching $2 trillion, it is important to understand whether these taxpayer dollars are having impact in communities that have been hit the hardest. Asian American businesses and community members alike have felt the sting of anti-Asian sentiments, in addition to the crippling economic fallout that has impacted all Americans. We have been raising the alarm since the beginning of the relief effort, that many Asian American small businesses, workers and students may not be receiving the help they need.

We look forward to Congressman Kim’s leadership in this role, and stand ready to work with Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to ensure that the Asian American Pacific Islander community is a part of the continued efforts to restore and repair the country in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.”

Council of Korean Americans Executive Director, Abraham Kim added:

“We congratulate Congressman Andy Kim for being appointed to this important committee to ensure that the national relief funding and taxpayer money are spent prudently and effectively across the country. We applaud Speaker Pelosi for recognizing Congressman Kim’s deep commitment and heart for our American families, businesses, and communities. We are happy to see a dedicated advocate of the Asian American Pacific Islander community be chosen to ensure our voices are well-represented on this committee.” 

The National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC) said:

“It is important that AAPI communities have a voice in this crisis, as we are all differently impacted by the crisis’ economic and racist multinational effects. At NAKASEC, we know that undocumented AAPI community members are some of the hardest hit. We congratulate Representative Kim on his appointment, and are hopeful he will be a leader in advocating for relief for everyone, regardless of immigration status. Moreover, we look to Congressman Kim to advocate against the anti-China and anti-Asia bigotry and xenophobia that only serves to divide us in a time when unity is so greatly needed.”