Washington, DC — The Asian American Action Fund has endorsed Mana Trivedi, candidate for U.S. House of Representatives in the 6th Congressional District of Pennsylvania.

"Manan is an outstanding candidate who will bring much-needed real world experience to Congress as a doctor and veteran of the Iraq war," said Gautam Dutta, AAA-Fund Executive Director. "He will add an important perspective to two of the great issues of our day — health care and the U.S.'s military engagements."

Trivedi, currently a primary care physician and health care reform advocate in Reading, Pennsylvania, has made health care a centerpiece of his campaign for the 2010 election. He has pledged to ensure affordable access for all. Trivedi also served as a health policy advisor to the Obama campaign.

Trivedi was part of the first contingent of American troops to enter Iraq and served on the front lines as commander of a medical team. He helped care for over 1,200 men and earned several awards for his service.

He has pledged to press for a clearer plan in Afghanistan and quicker withdrawal of troops to bases Iraq. He will also advocate for better compensation and support for military personnel and their families.

Trivedi is a native of the 6th Congressional District, born in Berks County to immigrants from India. His parents worked at an apple juice factory in the county. Trivedi later earned a medical degree from Boston University and a master's degree in public policy from UCLA.

"With his background in medicine, roots in the district, and record of public service, Manan is a strong competitor in a district we hope to add to the Democratic column," Dutta added. The seat is currently held by Republican Jim Gerlach, who has decided to run for governor instead of seeking re-election.

The AAA-Fund is a Democratic political action committee whose goal is to increase the voice of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) on every level of local, state and federal government in America. To achieve this goal, we address the chronic under-representation of AAPIs as campaign volunteers, campaign contributors, and candidates for political office. The AAA-Fund has endorsed candidates across the country.