NBC reports that Members of Congress are demanding that Joe Biden include Asian Americans in his cabinet.
The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus sent a letter to Biden on Saturday, urging him to have at least 7% of his cabinet be comprised of racial groups.
“In order to ensure your administration is filled with appointees who truly reflect the strength and diversity of our nation, we urge you to continue this trend of appointing AAPI candidates to the Cabinet and prioritizing AAPI representation throughout your administration,” the lawmakers wrote.
Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, said the demands are in line with Biden’s pledge to increase diversity.
“I said from the outset I wanted a campaign that represented America, and I think we did that. Now that’s what I want the administration to look like,” he said in his victory speech.
Chu said that failing to appoint from racial groups would send a “terrible message that being inclusive does not require including AAPIs.”
“As a consequence, more AAPIs will feel excluded and invisible, and fewer will see a future for themselves in government,” Chu said.
“To not have a seat at the table in an administration that is so proudly diverse would make it even harder to be heard,” Chu added, stating that “diversity is essential in building a more inclusive government.”
“We must ensure the full spectrum of experiences and needs in this country are reflected at all levels of the federal government, and the only way to guarantee that the AAPI experience is included is to include AAPI candidates,” she said.
“Like other communities, AAPIs are not a monolith, which is all the more reason that we must include diverse candidates who can help represent Americans whose voices have been overlooked.”
In recent news, US Senator Tom Cotton described Biden’s cabinet as “panda huggers” due to its stance on China
