WASHINGTON, D.C. / February 15, 2007 — Braving extraordinarily cold weather, approximately 70 guests and community leaders joined members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) in celebration at a reception on Capitol Hill.

"This is a year in which CAPAC members should be especially honored" said executive director Erika L. Moritsugu about the event. "And this reception is meant to celebrate their election — and in many cases, their re-election."

CAPAC Executive Committee members include Eni Faleomavaega (AS), Madeleine Bordallo (GU), Neil Abercrombie (HI), Xavier Becerra (CA), Doris Matsui (CA), Bobby Scott (VA), David Wu (OR), Al Green (TX), Mazie Hirono (HI), and Senators Daniel Inouye (HI), and Daniel Akaka (HI). CAPAC is chaired by Mike Honda. All CAPAC Executive Committee members are also on the AAA-Fund Honorary board.

"We are particularly proud about the way in which the AAA-Fund has been involved with so many of our CAPAC members," said former executive director Irene Bueno. "We wanted to take a moment to reflect on, and take pride in, our recent successes. Many of our CAPAC members have risen to key leadership positions in Congress — Mike Honda for example is on the House Budget Committee — and we wanted to take tonight to celebrate."

The AAA-Fund is a national Democratic political organization whose goal is to increase the voice of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in local, state and federal government, by encouraging AAPIs to volunteer on campaigns, raise money for candidates, and run for political office.