ASPIRE PAC Statement on President Biden’s SOTU Address 

WASHINGTON, DC – ASPIRE PAC Chair Grace Meng released the following statement after President Biden delivered his State of the Union speech:

“In his State of the Union address, President Biden reminded the American people of his administration’s values and how he has delivered on health care reform, strengthening our economy, and common sense gun safety. It was also a key reminder of how the progress made by the Biden administration has been progress made for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. 

“The Inflation Reduction Act was a tremendous win for the American people and the AAPI community. It lowered prescription drug costs with a $2000 a year cap at the pharmacy, capped the amount that seniors have to pay for insulin at $35 a month, and lowered health care premiums by $800 per person, benefitting more than 347,000 AAPIs. Not to mention, the Inflation Reduction Act created additional tax credits and deductions so that over 2 million AAPI-owned small business owners in our country can save money. President Biden understands that the AAPI community deserves greater economic opportunities so that they can provide for their families.

“I was heartened to see Brandon Tsay honored tonight as a hero and as a guest of the First Lady. While his actions saved lives, the mass shootings in California are a reminder that gun violence affects all of us, including the AAPI community. An overwhelming majority of AAPIs support stricter gun safety laws, and that’s why I’m proud that Democrats and President Biden worked to sign into law the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most meaningful gun safety legislation in our country in 30 years. And we will continue to fight for more common sense gun laws and to end anti-Asian hate.

“Democrats and the Biden administration will continue to work for the AAPI community. I was glad that President Biden listed tackling the mental health crisis as a key priority. The AAPI community in particular has been deeply impacted by this crisis, both historically and more recently with the rise of anti-Asian hate. Our community has always been reluctant to seek mental health services, and I wholeheartedly agree with President Biden’s plan to integrate mental health services in schools and universities, expand access to telehealth care options, and recruit more diverse candidates to the mental health profession. Democrats and President Biden are grateful for how Asian American voters have continued to show up for us and make their voices heard, and that’s why we will continue to fight to deliver for the AAPI community.”

Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders Rising & Empowering Political Action Committee (ASPIRE PAC) is the political arm of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Members of Congress. ASPIRE PAC is committed to supporting candidates of AAPI descent and incumbents who represent large communities of AAPI voters. According to the 2020 census, the AAPI community is the fastest-growing demographic in the country. In addition, in 2020 the AAPI community increased its voter turnout more than any other community of color. There are currently 21 AAPI Members of Congress, including two U.S. Senators, and two new Members of Congress – Shri Thanedar (MI-13) and Jill Tokuda (HI-02).

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