OCA Applauds Confirmation of Asian Americans to Key OPM, DHS, and FTC Posts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2021

Media Contact:
Andrew Peng, Communications Associate
andrew.peng@ocanational.org

Washington, D.C. — OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates, a leading national advocacy organization dedicated to empowering Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, applauded the Senate on Thursday after the chamber confirmed a trio of barrier-breaking administration appointees.

Earlier this month, lawmakers approved John Tien as deputy secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, making him the first Asian American in history to serve as DHS’ second-highest ranking official. Lina Khan, the daughter of Pakistani immigrant parents, was also sworn in last week as chair of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Meanwhile, President Biden’s nominee for director of the Office of Personnel Management, Kiran Ahuja, cleared the Senate on Tuesday—becoming the first South Asian and first Asian American woman to lead the agency.

“We commend the Senate for confirming these capable public servants, all of whom bring strong qualifications and valuable experience to their respective posts,” said Linda Ng, National President of OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates. “Building a federal workforce that is diverse and inclusive starts at the top. We look forward to working with Kiran Ahuja, John Tien, and Lina Khan to ensure that AAPI communities and priorities are heard across all levels of government.”

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OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national social justice organization of community advocates dedicated to improving the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Learn more about our work at ocanational.org/about.