The Biden administration announced Wednesday that Erika Moritsugu would occupy an Asian-American liaison position. The White House issued a statement stating that Moritsugu is appointed assistant chairman of the president and senior liaison for Asia and the Pacific Islands (AAPI).
The White House pledged to create the new role amid pressure from Democratic senators Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Mazie Hirono, of Hawaii, for the lack of representation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the president’s cabinet and in senior positions in the administration.
In March, lawmakers threatened to oppose President Biden’s candidates who were not diverse until the Biden administration raised Asian American voices to higher government positions. After talks with the White House, both senators abandoned their commitment to withhold confirmation from non-diverse candidates.
In a statement, Duckworth applauded Moritsugu for being selected for the new higher-level AAPI liaison position and noted Moritsugu’s experience in the legislative and executive branches.
“I know first hand that President Biden will benefit from his advice, policy experience and strong relationship-building skills, especially because his administration seeks to ensure that AAPI leaders are present at the highest levels of government.” , said Duckworth. “I look forward to working with her to deepen and expand the Biden administration’s efforts to protect and empower the AAPI community.“
Most recently, Moritsugu was the vice president of the National Partnership for Women & Families. As vice president, she led the organization’s economic justice team and was the leader of the relations team in Congress. Previously, she was the vice president of government relations, advocacy and community engagement for the Anti-Defamation League.
Moritsugu has experience in the federal government and also on Capitol Hill. She was Duckworth’s general counsel and was the legislative deputy director of former Senator Danny Akaka of Hawaii. He also served on the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, under former Senate Majority Chairman Harry Reid. She was confirmed by the Senate to be deputy secretary of congressional and intergovernmental relations for the Department of Housing and Urban Development during the Obama administration. She also worked at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs.
The ad is expected to arrive anti-Asian legislation on hate crimes, introduced by Hirono and Democratic Congresswoman Grace Meng, is moving through the Senate and the Asian Pacific Congress Caucus is scheduled to meet Thursday with White House officials. Moritsugu is not expected to attend the CAPAC meeting.
“We are much closer to having news to share about this high-level staff announcement,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday. “I don’t expect this person to attend tomorrow, but I hope we have more to share soon.”