Judy Chu

Reps. Chu, Tokuda, Strickland, Matsui, and Sen. Hirono Introduce AANHPI Mental Health Day Resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), Chair Emerita of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-07), and Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI), introduced a resolution recognizing May 10th as National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Mental Health Day. Between 2018 and 2024, AANHPI youth ages 15 to 24 in the United States were the only racial or ethnic group in this age category whose leading cause of death was suicide. This devastating crisis is made worse by longstanding barriers to mental health care, including the high cost of health care, low mental health literacy, language access challenges, and cultural stigma that too often discourages individuals from seeking help. The National AANHPI Mental Health Day resolution recognizes the critical importance of mental health to the well-being of AANHPI families and communities and raises awareness to break down the stigma that too often prevents individuals from seeking care. The also encourages health agencies to adopt policies that improve access to and utilization of mental health services for the AANHPI community, as well as other marginalized communities. “For far too long, our AANHPI community has suffered in silence while facing some of the lowest rates of mental health service utilization of any racial or ethnic group in the country. Language barriers, cultural stigma, a lack of culturally competent care, and insufficient disaggregated data have all contributed to this crisis and left far too many people without the support they need,” said Rep. Chu. “As the only psychologist in Congress, I am proud to once again lead this resolution recognizing May 10th as National AANHPI Mental Health Day to reaffirm our commitment to breaking down barriers to care for AANHPI communities. As the Trump Administration continues to slash staff and funding at the Office of Minority Health (OMH) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), we must recommit ourselves to expanding access to mental health care and supporting the well-being of our communities.” “In the face of growing attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion, it is more important than ever that AANHPI communities are seen and their struggles are not ignored,” said Rep. Tokuda. “AANHPI Mental Health Day is about breaking the deep-rooted stigma around mental health in our communities and continuing our work to expand awareness and access to culturally competent care.” “Mental health issues are a hidden crisis facing the Asian American community,” said Rep. Strickland. “Cultural and language barriers obstruct the already limited resources available for mental health, and raising awareness is the first step towards addressing this crisis.” “Nearly every family has been touched by mental health challenges in some way. That is why we must keep breaking down barriers to care, confronting stigma and making sure every person can get the support they need,” said Rep. Matsui. “For too many Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, quality mental healthcare remains out of reach. This resolution raises awareness of those barriers, while calling for the resources and infrastructure our communities need to heal and thrive.” “With suicide rates among Native Hawaiians in Hawaii being close to double the national average and mental health treatment utilization among Asian Americans remaining alarmingly low, it’s clear our AANHPI communities need more mental health support,” said Sen. Hirono. “Everyone deserves access to mental health care that is culturally informed and linguistically appropriate, and I’m proud to lead this resolution that calls on us all to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and raise awareness about resources available for AANHPI communities.” Last year, Rep. Chu and Senator Hirono reintroduced the Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act of 2025, which instructs SAMHSA to establish a national outreach and education mental health and substance misuse strategy for the AANHPI community and study and collect disaggregated data on AANHPI representation in the behavioral health workforce and behavioral health utilization rates among AANHPI youth. The resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Meng, Mullin, Takano, Thanedar, Watson Coleman, Nadler, Tonko, Tran, Barragán, Simon, Krishnamoorthi, Peters, Salinas, Min, Menendez, Jayapal, Pocan, Case, Norton, Goldman, Subramanyam, Scott, and Lieu. "National AANHPI Mental Health Day this year sits with us particularly heavily, as we feel our communities’ dual celebratory joy during AANHPI Heritage Month alongside the mental health burden of a deeply unaffordable economic reality, lack of widespread access to culturally-responsive mental health supports, and ongoing attacks on our immigrant and Indigenous communities. Despite these challenges, the resilience and solidarity of our communities across the country remain, and there exists an enormous wealth of community knowledge, mobilization, and sustained activism to protect and foster our collective wellbeing,” said Elizabeth Sweet, Community Engagement & Communications Director of the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA). “The National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day Resolution is a welcome step to address the insufficient access to mental healthcare providers and in-language services that AANHPI communities have faced for far too long. Now, with growing cuts to health care affordability and increased immigration enforcement reaching into previously protected spaces like schools and hospitals, fear and instability pose even steeper challenges,” said Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF). “The need for culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services has never been more urgent. Meaningful investment in a diverse mental health workforce and language access services are essential to ensure our communities are not left behind.” “The establishment of a National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day is an important step in recognizing the unique mental health needs and experiences within AANHPI communities,” said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “By elevating awareness and fostering culturally informed conversations, this designation can help reduce stigma and encourage more individuals to seek the care and support they deserve. NAMI is proud to support this effort and thanks Rep. Chu, Rep. Matsui, Rep. Tokuda, and Rep. Strickland for their commitment to advancing mental health equity.” The resolution is endorsed by National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA); Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF); National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI); National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum; South Asian Public Health Association; Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP); American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; Cuaresma Counseling; Sakura Foundation; Wellness with Andrea Jakucs & Associates; Japanese American Citizens League; National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA); API Tennessee; United Chinese Americans UCA WAVES- Youth Mental Health Collaborative; Taulama for Tongans; Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC); Stop AAPI Hate; AAPI Equity Alliance; SPEAK, a Supportive Place for Empowering Asian Americans and Kin; Sweet Mango Therapy Group, Inc.; TPB Strategies LLC; Asian Girls Ignite; Asian American/Asian Research Institute (AAARI), CUNY; Sweet Mango Therapy Group, Inc.; Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF); National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA); Hepatitis B Foundation; Prevention Institute; Asian Pacific Partners for Empowerment, Advocacy and Leadership (APPEAL); Chinese American Citizens Alliance; AAPI Data; National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA); Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education; National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA); Thriving Asians; American Muslim Health Professionals; and Asian Americans Advancing Justice, AAJC. The full text of the resolution is available here. If you or a loved one need mental health support, dial 988 to be connected to the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7. Counselors can also be reached by text message or online chat. You may also dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. Issues:Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander CommunityCongressHealth Care

Reps. Chu and Lieu Demand Answers for Jose Guadalupe Ramos-Solano’s Death in ICE custody

Position: Representatives Chu and Lieu demand accountability and transparency regarding the death of Jose Guadalupe Ramos-Solano in ICE custody, citing systemic failures in medical care and detention facility oversight. They call for improved conditions and safety standards in immigration detention facilities.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36) sent a letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) leadership demanding answers regarding the death of Jose Guadalupe Ramos-Solano, a 52-year old man who died in ICE custody on March 25, 2026. Mr. Ramos-Solano was arrested by ICE on February 23, 2026 and detained at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center in Adelanto, California. ICE reports that Mr. Ramos-Solanos was found “unconscious and unresponsive in his bunk” and that security staff “immediately” contacted onsite medical staff and emergency services who initiated life-saving procedures. He was then transported to Victor Valley Global Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. However, other detainees recount conflicting history, saying that they attempted to notify staff about Mr. Ramos Solanos’ deteriorating condition, but despite these calls for help he was not attended to until he was unconscious. Detainees also allege that he passed away at Adelanto Center, not at the Victor Valley Global Medical Center. While ICE’s investigation into Mr. Ramos-Solano’s death is ongoing, the conditions faced by immigrants in Adelanto have a well-documented record of lacking sufficient medical care and are of critical concern. Reps. Chu and Lieu seek answers to understand whether systemic failures led to Mr. Ramos-Solanos’ death and the growing number of other deaths that have occurred under ICE custody. “The trend of medical negligence and poor living conditions in Adelanto is deeply concerning. We need answers for the death of Mr. Ramos-Solano, and the others who have suffered and died in ICE custody,” said Rep. Chu. “Mr. Ramos-Solano should still be alive today. It is unacceptable to hear from other detainees that Mr. Ramos-Solano did not receive basic medical care. We cannot let this be overlooked, and that is why we are calling for full transparency and accountability to ensure tragedies like this never happen again.” “The circumstances surrounding Jose Guadalupe Ramos-Solano’s death are unacceptable. Deaths in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody have risen under Trump. We continue to see preventable deaths driven by inadequate medical care and a lack of meaningful oversight in detention facilities. That is a systemic failure,” said Rep. Lieu. “The Department of Homeland Security has a duty to ensure the safety and basic dignity of every person in its custody. We demand accountability because lives depend on it.” The letter is signed by 31 Members: Reps. Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Greg Casar (TX-35), Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Jesús García (IL-04), Daniel Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Henry Johnson (GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Dave Min (CA-47), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Darren Soto (FL-09), Mark Takano (CA-39), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Norma Torres (CA-35), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Maxine Waters (CA-43) The full text of the letter is can be found here. --- April 30, 2026 Todd M. Lyons Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement 500 12th Street SW Washington, DC 20024 The Honorable Markwayne Mullin Secretary U.S. Department of Homeland Security 2707 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Washington, DC 20528 Dear Secretary Mullin and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director Lyons, We write to express our grave concerns regarding the death of Jose Guadalupe Ramos-Solano, a 52-year-old man who died while in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody on March 25, 2026. On February 23, 2026, ICE arrested Mr. Ramos-Solano and then detained him at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center (Adelanto) in Adelanto, California. According to ICE, on March 25, 2026, security staff found Mr. Ramos-Solano “unconscious and unresponsive in his bunk.” Security staff “immediately” called onsite medical staff and emergency services, which both initiated life-saving procedures. Emergency services then transported him to Victor Valley Global Medical Center in Victorville, California, where he was pronounced deceased.”[1] On the day of his death, other detainees reported that Mr. Ramos-Solano had been experiencing symptoms of overheating, and difficulty breathing. They stated that Mr. Ramos-Solano removed his shirt after feeling as though he was suffocating.[2] Detainees attempted to notify medical staff of Mr. Ramos-Solano’s deteriorating condition but staff did not respond until he was unconscious. Detainees additionally allege that he did not die at the Victor Valley Global Medical Center but that he had already passed away at Adelanto . We recognize that an investigation into Mr. Ramos-Solano’s death is ongoing, and we expect ICE to comply fully with all statutory reporting requirements, including the publication of a Detainee Death Report within 90 days.[3] However, eyewitness accounts raise serious and urgent questions about the circumstances leading to his death. Mr. Ramos-Solano’s death is part of a broader pattern. Adelanto has a well-documented record of insufficient oversight and inadequate medical care. These failures have previously resulted in deaths that ICE itself has previously acknowledged were preventable. Federal and state regulators, nonprofit organizations, and media reports have repeatedly described the facility’s ongoing inability to meet even minimal standards of care. [4] Since President Trump began his second term in January 2025, at least four individuals have died while in custody at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center, and another individual died just days after being transferred out of the facility.[5] Nationwide, at least 45 individuals have died in federal immigration custody during this period, a significant increase from previous years, including during President Trump’s first term.[6] The Department of Homeland Security is responsible for upholding constitutionally mandated standards of care that exist to protect the wellbeing of individuals in federal immigration custody. We demand that you take immediate, concrete steps to identify whether systemic failures led to Mr. Ramos-Solano’s death and the growing number of deaths occurring under your leadership. We request answers to the following questions involving Mr. Ramos-Solano’s death by May 8, 2026. What was Mr. Ramos-Solano’s official cause of death? On what date and time did facility security and medical staff first receive reports that Mr. Ramos-Solano was feeling ill or required medical attention? Were these reports made by Mr. Ramos-Solano or a third party? How many reports did the facility receive? What medical evaluations, tests, or treatments, if any, were conducted following these reports? When did other detainees request medical help or assistance for Mr. Ramos-Solano? How many detainees raised concerns on behalf of Mr. Ramos-Solano? What was Mr. Ramos-Solano’s condition prior to his transfer to Victor Valley Global Medical Center? When was the family of Mr. Ramos-Solano contacted about his condition? What prompted his transfer to the detention medical center, and which medical staff were involved in assessing him there? What criteria did staff use to determine that his condition was potentially life-threatening and required emergency medical transfer? What specific kinds of medical evaluation, monitoring, or treatment was Mr. Ramos-Solano given? What medications were prescribed to him? Please provide all records concerning Mr. Ramos-Solano’s detention, medical care, and death from Adelanto and Victor Valley Global Medical Center. Please provide a status update on the Detainee Death Report involving Mr. Ramos-Solano’s death, including the expected timeline for publication of findings. Did ICE Health Services CORPS (IHSC) complete a Preliminary Mortality Review within 14 days of Mr. Ramos-Solano’s death, as required by ICE Directive 11003.6 Notification, Review, and Reporting Requirements for Detainee Deaths? Please provide a status update on IHSC’s final Mortality Review, including expected timeline for completion. Has ICE Office of Professional Responsibility External Reviews and Analysis Unit initiated a Detainee Death Review into the facts and circumstances surrounding the Mr. Ramos-Solano’s death? How many complaints of inadequate medical care have been reported at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center since January 2025? What steps has ICE taken to address detainees’ reports of improper medical care? Has ICE identified violations of medical care standards at Adelanto since January 2025? If so, what corrective measures have DHS and ICE implemented to address these violations at Adelanto? How are your agencies addressing the sharp rise in federal immigration custody deaths since January 2025? We look forward to your timely response to this urgent matter. [1] Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “Criminal illegal alien passes away in ICE custody.” March 30, 2026. https://ice.gov/news/releases/criminal-illegal-alien-passes-away-ice-custody. [2] Ramirez, Izzy. 2026. “Another Death at Adelanto: Family Seeks Truth as L.A.’S Mexican Consulate Highlights ‘Alarming Trend’ of ICE Custody Fatalities.” Lataco.com. L.A. TACO. March 31, 2026. https://lataco.com/death-adelanto-mexican-consulate. [3] H.R. Rep. No. 115-239 (2017), accompanying the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2018, H.R. 3355 (115th Cong.). https://govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CRPT-115hrpt239/pdf/CRPT-115hrpt239.pdf. [4] Mena, Ryanne. 2026. “Detainees, LA Nonprofit File Suit Alleging Inhumane Conditions in Adelanto ICE Detention Center.” San Bernardino Sun. January 27, 2026. https://www.sbsun.com/2026/01/26/detainees-la-nonprofit-file-suit-alleging-inhumane-conditions-in-adelanto-ice-detention-center/. [5] Victoria, Anthony. 2026. “Advocates Seek Answers after Man Released from Adelanto ICE Facility Dies.” KVCR News. KVCR NEWS. March 9, 2026. https://www.kvcrnews.org/local-news/2026-03-09/second-death-linked-to-adelanto-ice-facility-reported-in-two-weeks. [6] Garcia, Armando, Laura Romero, Frank Esposito, and Ryann Jones. 2026. “Deaths of Detainees in ICE Custody Surge under 2nd Trump Administration.” ABC News. March 30, 2026. https://abcnews.com/US/deaths-detainees-ice-custody-surge-2nd-trump-administration/story?id=131473647.

Reps. Chu, Meng, Vargas, and Sen. Padilla Introduce Language Access Board Act

Position: The release advocates for establishing an independent Language Access Board to enforce federal language access standards for individuals with limited English proficiency, opposing the Trump Administration's English-only executive order and agency guidance that reduced multilingual services.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), Chair Emerita of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), introduced the Language Access Board Act of 2026 with Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), Chair of CAPAC, and Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-52). This bill would establish an independent board of community leaders and federal agency officials to research, develop, implement, and enforce language access standards across the federal government. Senator Padilla will be leading the Senate companion. In 2025, President Trump declared English the official language of the United States by signing Executive Order (EO) 14224, revoking a 25-year-old mandate, renewed under Republican and Democratic administrations, that required federal agencies and recipients of federal funding to provide critical language access services to individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). The Trump Administration’s Department of Justice also issued guidance minimizing multilingual services and redirecting resources towards English-language education and assimilation. This decision is already making it harder for the 25.7 million individuals with LEP in the United States to access basic services. In 2025, HUD announced its going “English-only”, the IRS began considering rollbacks to multilingual taxpayer services, the SBA removed non-English webpages from its website, and LEP.gov was removed. The Language Access Board Act of 2026 will help ensure that all Americans have access to the services and resources their tax dollars pay for, without barriers based on English proficiency. The bill would: Establish an independent Board of community experts and federal agency officials to enforce language access guidance and regulations across federal agencies and departments. Require the Board to establish, maintain, and provide technical assistance and training on language access standards for public-facing resources and materials for federally conducted programs. Ensure individual complaints related to federal agencies’ or departments’ failure to adhere to language access requirements are processed and investigated. Conduct a study on existing language access laws and best practices that help individuals with limited English proficiency access federal resources and programs. “Being able to access federal services, regardless of the language you speak, is a civil right,” said Rep. Judy Chu, Chair Emerita of CAPAC. “Millions of Americans, especially in our immigrant communities, depend on translation support to apply for a loan, enroll in Medicare, or even access disaster relief resources. Trump’s English-only policies are a direct attack on immigrant families and an attempt to shut people out of the very services their tax dollars fund. I am proud to lead the Language Access Board Act to fight back against these hateful policies, ensure impacted communities have a seat at the table, and guarantee that language access protections are enforced.” "Every American should be able to access federal services and programs in a language they can understand. Yet President Trump is determined to make life harder for millions of immigrants by declaring English as the official language of the United States and rolling back multilingual resources," said Rep. Grace Meng, Chair of CAPAC. "CAPAC will not stand for this. The Language Access Board Act of 2026 will help combat these discriminatory policies and protect translation services for individuals with limited English proficiency, including millions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders." “For decades, federal language access services have helped millions of people file taxes, get emergency alerts, apply for loans, and access health care. Trump’s decision to designate English as our country’s official language and attempt to scrap these critical services is absolutely wrong,” said Rep. Juan Vargas. “No one should be locked out of federal programs because of the language they speak. This legislation is critical to keeping in place the services our communities rely on, without barriers based on English proficiency.” “This Administration’s effort to illegally and unilaterally declare English the national language of the United States is fundamentally un-American and will disenfranchise tens of millions of hardworking citizens and immigrants with limited English proficiency,” said Senator Padilla. “Access to critical government programs and services must never be dependent on your ability to speak a language. The Language Access Board Act would ensure language accessibility standards across federal agencies and federally administered programs to serve all Americans.” Asian Americans have among the highest language access needs of any racial group, with 32 percent having LEP. Twelve percent of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders also have significant language access needs, and nearly 40 percent of Spanish-language speakers report speaking English “less than very well,” according to the most recent U.S. Census. This bill builds upon Congressmember Chu’s longstanding commitment to ensuring language accessibility, beginning with her work as a City Councilmember fighting against an ugly “English-only” movement in her hometown of Monterey Park. In 2025, Rep. Chu led more than 50 House Democrats in multiple oversight letters to the Administration opposing the implementation of EO 14224. Earlier this month, Reps. Chu, Meng, Espaillat, and Sen. Padilla introduced a resolution recognizing April as “National Language Access Month”, to bring attention to the millions of individuals in the U.S. with LEP and the importance of language access services. The bill is also cosponsored by Reps. Dan Goldman, Frederica Wilson, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Ted Lieu, Rashida Tlaib, Al Green, Darren Soto, Tim Kennedy, and Lou Correa. The Language Access Board Act of 2026 is endorsed by the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA); National Immigration Law Center (NILC); UnidosUS; National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA); National CAPACD; Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO); Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC; OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates; NAKASEC TX; Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC); Missouri Asian American Youth Foundation; Colorado Interpreters and Translators; Jeenius,inc; Many Languages One Voice; South Asian Public Health Association (SAPHA); AREAA; Hmong National Development, Inc; Hmong American Partnership; Thai Community Development Center (Thai CDC); Chinatown Service Center; Pacific Asian Counseling Services; National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA); Ethnic Communities Opioid Response Network - Missouri (ECORN-MO); Learning Lab for Resiliency; Coalition for Sign Language Equity in Technology (CoSET S.A.F.E AI); Deaf Equality; Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum; Californians Together; Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning; MasterWord Services, Inc.; Japanese American Citizens League; Association of Language Companies; Kathleen Diamond & Co; ChineseinUS; The Sikh Coalition; American Association of Interpreters and Translators in Education (AAITE); Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters; Simplify Language; and Ayuda. “AANHPI communities often face substantial obstacles to obtaining meaningful language access. Our community is diverse, spanning across 50 ethnicities with more than 100 languages and dialects, and language access services should reflect that. When language access services fall short, individuals and families are unable to obtain vital services. Ensuring culturally appropriate resources in people’s primary languages is necessary for meaningful participation in key programs. We applaud Representative Chu’s introduction of the Language Access Board Act to establish an independent board that will lean on the experience and expertise of community leaders to inform and determine critical language access guidance and regulations.” said Jo Ann Paanio, Policy Director, National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA). Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA said, “The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) is grateful for the leadership of Rep. Judy Chu, Rep. Grace Meng, Rep. Juan Vargas, and the sponsors of the Language Access Board Act of 2026. This bill, along with the Language Access for All Act of 2026, are important steps to ensuring that every federal agency meet the needs of individuals with limited English proficiency. Language access is particularly important for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community, where most are immigrants. Nearly 32% of the community is limited English proficient and speaks over 100 different languages. NAPABA has long championed linguistic access for AANHPI communities in the legal system. We look forward to working with the bill’s sponsors and stakeholders to ensure that every individual can access critical, federally funded services.” Click here to see the full bill text.

Rep. Chu Commends Passage of Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the House passed H.R. 5366, the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act. This bill would ensure that survivors of the Eaton Fire can receive their settlements from Southern California Edison tax free, regardless of when those payments are received. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over tax policy, released the following statement: “Yesterday’s passage of the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act is a major victory for natural disaster survivors nationwide, and especially for survivors of the Eaton Fire in my district,” said Rep. Chu. “Survivors deserve the full amount of their settlements so they can rebuild their homes, restore their lives, and recover from the devastation they have endured. The Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act of 2025 would extend the exemption for qualified wildfire relief payments to be excluded from gross income, thereby ensuring that survivors in my district and across the nation can receive the entirety of their settlements tax free. The previous exemption expired on December 31, 2025, creating uncertainty for families already navigating unimaginable loss. While this is a significant step forward, there is more work to be done. More than a year after the Los Angeles Fires, over 70% of survivors still have not returned to their homes. Most have faced net losses exceeding $100,000, and many have exhausted their savings, gone into debt, or delayed medically necessary care. The number one roadblock to full recovery is a lack of capital. That is why President Trump must immediately fulfill Governor Newsom’s disaster supplemental funding request – with no strings attached. But, in the interim, I’ve introduced H.R. 6842, the Disaster Survivors Tax Relief and Recovery Act, to codify the tax provisions included in Governor Newsom’s supplemental request and address the full scope of the financial challenges survivors are facing as they rebuild. Yesterday’s House passage is a significant success. Now, the Senate must immediately pass this bill and President Trump must sign it into law. I will also continue calling on President Trump to fully deliver Governor Newsom’s disaster supplemental request. Without that support, recovery will be slower, more expensive, and further out of reach for families already struggling to put their lives back together. Natural disasters do not discriminate—and neither should our response.” ### Issues:Congress

Reps. Chu and Houchin Re-Introduce the Bipartisan Increasing Access to Foster Care Through Age 21 Act

Position: The release advocates for federal legislation that would incentivize states to extend foster care support and services to youth through age 21 by removing income eligibility requirements and providing federal matching funds for state costs.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-09) re-introduced the Increasing Access to Foster Care Through Age 21 Act, which would provide an incentive for all states to extend child welfare support and services for foster youth through age 21. Over 20,000 young people age out of foster care each year, often without a supportive adult presence in their life. Research shows that extending support into the first few years of adulthood can make a clear, positive difference in the lives of youth in care. This includes: increasing the likelihood of youth completing high school, enrolling in college, and finding employment, increasing the likelihood that youth feel they have enough people to turn to for support and guidance, and decreasing that odds that youth experience food insecurity, homelessness, or incarceration. In recognition of this, over 36 states, the District of Columbia, and nine Tribes have extended Title IV-E foster care for youth beyond age 18 following Congress passing the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act in 2008, which gave states the option to do so. By providing an incentive for additional states to extend care, the Increasing Access to Foster Care Through Age 21 Act would help more child welfare agencies prevent the foster youth in their care from aging out of the system alone and unsupported on their 18th birthday. “Too many young people across the country lose crucial foster care supports the moment they turn 18. But in California, one of the first states to extend foster care through age 21, we have seen the positive impact additional support through the transition into adulthood has on physical and mental health, economic success, and overall satisfaction with life,” said Rep. Chu. “I’m proud to author this bipartisan bill with Rep. Houchin to help more states support young adults from 18 to 21 with the services they need to thrive as they step into adulthood.” “As someone who dedicated the first part of my career to child services, I am thrilled to co-lead the Increasing Access to Foster Care Through 21 Act alongside Rep. Chu. Our goal is to provide vital support and services to young adults navigating the challenges of aging out of foster care,” said Rep. Houchin. “I have witnessed the positive impact of such programs firsthand. By extending care through age 21, we ensure that these individuals have the resources and essential opportunities for a successful transition into adulthood.” The Increasing Access to Foster Care Through 21 Act would: Provide a financial incentive to states to take up the option to extend care by removing Title IV-E income eligibility requirements for youth ages 18-21, which currently tie a young person’s eligibility for services to the income of their often-estranged parents or legal guardians, thereby ensuring states receive the federal match for their costs. Provide that by opting to extend care through age 21, youth who voluntarily leave care at 18 would have the ability to re-enter care should they need to. Ensure categorical eligibility for extended care for youth ages 18 through 21. Request the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) to issue guidance in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL) on how case workers can better connect foster youth with Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) youth job programs. “Journey to Success applauds Reps. Chu and Houchin for their bipartisan legislation to remove burdensome and outdated barriers to extended foster care,” said Hope Cooper, Journey to Success campaign manager. “Extended foster care improves young adult outcomes in employment, education, and housing stability—and even a small dose can make a meaningful difference. By making it easier for states to extend care through age 21 and removing unnecessary eligibility hurdles, this bill will help more young people access the stability and support they need to thrive. On behalf of the youth we serve, we’re grateful to Reps. Chu and Houchin for their leadership in expanding opportunity and helping pave the way to bright futures that all young people deserve.” “The Child Welfare League of America is pleased to endorse the Increasing Access to Foster Care Through 21 Act,” said Linda Spears, President and CEO of the Child Welfare League of America. “Federal data tells us that compared to youth that leave foster care at age 18, youth who remain in care longer have better outcomes across multiple measures. This legislation builds on the advances in supports and service provision made by states that currently extend foster care beyond age 18 and is a positive step toward ensuring that all young people in foster care have the option to remain in care until age 21, regardless of where they live. CWLA applauds Representatives Chu and Houchin for their commitment to improving support for older youth with child welfare system involvement.” “The Increasing Access to Foster Care through Age 21 marks a significant milestone in how our country supports young people transitioning from foster care to adulthood. This legislation challenges states not only to provide extended foster care, but to increase quality, accessibility and long-term financial sustainability of these services. Research-backed, high-quality extended foster care available in every state will help ensure better outcomes for young adults. Equally important, this bill acknowledges that the voices and lived experience of young people must be centered as they navigate their transition to independence. Youth Villages commends Representatives Chu and Houchin for advancing a thoughtful, step-by-step approach that provides states with a clear framework to strengthen their systems to provide high-quality extended foster care program to every young adult,” said Patrick Lawler, CEO, Youth Villages "For years, young people with foster care experience have told us exactly what they need—and one of the clearest messages is that 18 is too soon to be on your own. Representatives Chu and Houchin leading this bill is a direct response to that call. Every young person, in every state, deserves the time and support to grow into adulthood feeling connected and stable—and by incentivizing states to extend care through 21, this legislation helps make that a reality. FosterClub is proud to stand behind it," said Celeste Bodner, Executive Director of FosterClub, the national network for youth in foster care. “Extending the critical supports of foster care until age 21 can make a significant difference in the outcomes for the 20,000 youth who age out of care each year,” said Debbie-Ann Anderson, president of the National Association of County Human Services Administrators (NACHSA). “NACHSA applauds Representative Chu and Representative Houchin for their continued, bipartisan efforts to provide additional federal funding for county child welfare agencies so we can better prepare this important population for the transition to adulthood. We urge Congress to quickly pass the Increasing Access to Foster Care Through Age 21 Act.” “As an early-adopter of extending foster care benefits to age 21, California county child welfare agencies have seen first-hand the significant benefits and improved outcomes for our transition-aged foster youth across many aspects of their lives, from improved earnings and educational attainment, to reduced homelessness and incarceration,” said Carlos Marquez III, Executive Director of the County Welfare Directors Association of California (CWDA). “CWDA applauds the reintroduction of the Increasing Access to Foster Care Through Age 21 Act to provide additional federal resources to support these efforts.” “At SchoolHouse Connection, we see every day how homelessness after foster care and lack of supportive relationships can derail education and opportunity. We strongly support policies that keep young people connected to the support they need to succeed. We are grateful to Representatives Chu and Houchin for introducing this essential legislation and for their leadership on behalf of young people. This bill reflects what research and lived experience tell us: extending care and allowing re-entry can improve education, housing, economic mobility, and long-term well-being,” said Barbara Duffield, Executive Director, SchoolHouse Connection. “We envision a world where every young person is well-supported in their community and has the resources they need to thrive. This legislation is a major step toward that goal,” said Allison Green, Chief Legal Officer of the National Association of Counsel for Children. “By incentivizing states to give young people the option to remain in care through age 21, youth will be more likely to be safe, housed, educated, and employed—in short, the foundation necessary to transition to adulthood.” "Foster Success centers the voices and experiences of young people who have navigated foster care, and they are clear—support during the transition to adulthood is essential to their long-term success," said Dr. Maggie Stevens, President & CEO at Foster Success. The Increasing Access to Foster Care Through Age 21 Act is a critical step toward removing outdated barriers that limit access to support and ensuring more young people can connect to the opportunities, stability, and support they need to thrive.” The bill is endorsed by Journey to Success, Child Welfare League of America (CWLA), Youth Villages, FosterClub, National Association of County Human Services Administrators (NACHSA), National Association of Counties (NACo), County Welfare Directors Association of California (CWDA), California State Association of Counties (CSAC), SchoolHouse Connection, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Youth Law Center, Foster Success, Children’s Advocacy Institute, National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC), National Center on Adoption and Permanency (NCAP), Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) . Click here for the bill text. Issues:Congress

Planetary Science Caucus Co-Chairs Chu & Bacon Statement on White House’s Proposed Budget Cuts to NASA Science

Position: The representatives oppose the Administration's proposed 23% cut to NASA's overall budget and 47% cut to NASA's Science Mission Directorate, arguing that sustained funding is necessary for national security, scientific discovery, technological innovation, and job creation.

WASHINGTON – Last week, President Trump’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget request, which proposes to cut NASA’s overall budget by 23% and cut NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD) by 47%. This request would also terminate more than 40 space missions, including the Mars Sample Return mission led by Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a first-of-its-kind mission to return samples from Mars to Earth and unlock groundbreaking insights into the planet’s history and the potential for past life. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Don Bacon (NE-02), who co-Chair the bipartisan Congressional Planetary Science Caucus, released the following joint statement in response: “We are deeply alarmed that the Administration is once again proposing significant budget cuts to NASA and its science programs. NASA Science supports thousands of jobs and is essential to U.S. national security and leadership in space exploration, scientific discovery, and technological innovation. These drastic cuts would create enormous chaos and uncertainty for critical missions, the scientific workforce, and long-term research planning. At the same time, current funding for NASA Science has not kept pace with inflation, underscoring the need for more investment, not less. That is why, just weeks ago, we led over 100 bipartisan House Members in a letter to appropriators urging increased funding for NASA Science, and we will continue working on a bipartisan basis to ensure NASA receives the full, sustained funding it needs to lead the world in discovery and exploration.” Issues:Technology and Space Exploration

Reps. Chu, Meng, Espaillat, and Senator Padilla Introduce Resolution Recognizing April as “National Language Access Month”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Chair Emerita of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), CAPAC Chair Grace Meng (NY-06), and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) introduced a House resolution recognizing April as “National Language Access Month”. Senator Alex Padilla (CA) is leading the Senate companion. Language access is essential to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of English proficiency, can fully participate in and access public services and civic life. Over 25.7 million individuals in the United States have limited English proficiency (LEP) and over 71 million individuals in the United States speak a language other than English at home. Several state and local governments including Hawai`i and New York already recognize April as Language Access Month. The resolution highlights the importance of meaningful language access in ensuring equitable participation in Federal programs and services and encouraging awareness of language access rights and resources to all communities. “The diverse languages spoken by our communities is something to celebrate, not punish or exclude. I am proud to lead this resolution declaring April as National Language Access Month to bring attention to the millions of individuals in the U.S. who have LEP and the importance of having language access services,” said CAPAC Chair Emerita Judy Chu (CA-28). “I first got my start in public service fighting an ugly, anti-immigrant English-only initiative in my hometown of Monterey Park. As the Trump Administration seeks to destroy language access across the federal government, it is important that we continue this fight and once again overturn these hateful policies.” “Every American, no matter what language they speak, should be able to fully participate in federal programs and services. I am proud to co-lead this resolution recognizing April as National Language Access Month and celebrating the diversity that makes our country stronger and more vibrant. As President Trump eliminates federal translation and interpretation services, CAPAC and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus will continue to stand together to protect language access for individuals with limited English proficiency, including millions in the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community,” said Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. “I am proud to co-lead this resolution recognizing National Language Access Month because language access is a civil right, not a privilege. At a time when people are being targeted for how they speak or who they are, we must be clear: discrimination has no place in our democracy,” said Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). “The Congressional Hispanic Caucus is demanding the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights investigate these practices and their impact on Latino communities. Language access is about dignity, fairness, and ensuring everyone can fully participate in our economy and our democracy.” “President Trump’s efforts to slash funding for English language learners and illegally declare English the national language are an un-American affront to our values and the tens of millions of hardworking Americans and immigrants with limited English proficiency,” said Senator Padilla (CA). “This National Language Access Month, we must maintain and improve language tools that help millions of Californians and people across the country access critical federal programs and services like housing support, health care, education, tax assistance, and legal counsel.” This resolution comes in the wake of President Trump’s rollback of federal language access provisions with Executive Order (EO) 14224, which seeks to declare English as the official language of the United States and rescinds EO 13166, a decades-long policy that established meaningful language accessibility across federal agencies and funding recipients. The resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Barragán, Dean, Lieu, Menendez, Min, Mullin, Holmes Norton, Thanedar, Thompson, Tlaib, Vargas, and Wilson. The resolution is further endorsed by UnidosUS, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), National Immigration Law Center (NILC), California Center for Civic Participation, National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (CAPACD), National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), Thai Community Development Center (Thai CDC), Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC), Khmer Community of Seattle-King County, OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA), Asian Pacific Islanders Civic Action Network, Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence, The Sikh Coalition, Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education (APAHE), BCNC, Empowering Pacific Islander Communities, Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC), Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), Stop AAPI Hate, South Asian Public Health Association, Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL), AREAA, Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Sadhana: Coalition of Progressive Hindus, California Healthy Nail Salons Collaborative, South Asian American Justice Collaborative, NAKASEC TX, Missouri Asian American Youth Foundation, Metropolitan Asian Deaf Association, Asian Law Caucus, Hmong National Development, Inc., Hmong American Partnership, Little Tokyo Service Center, Ayuda, Japanese American Citizens League, Long Island Language Advocates Coalition, Saahas for Cause, Association of Language Companies, Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning, Colorado Interpreters and Translators Association, Colorado Language Connection (Aurora Mental Health & Recovery), Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote), Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters, NAJIT, South Asian Network, and SAAVETX EF. Issues:CongressCivil and Voting Rights

Rep. Chu Votes Against ICE Funding as Republicans Reject Bipartisan Deal

Position: Rep. Chu opposes increased ICE funding in the DHS appropriations bill and criticizes House Republicans for rejecting a bipartisan Senate deal that would have funded other security agencies without expanding ICE's budget.

WASHINGTON, D.C - Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) voted against the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 7147, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, which passed by a vote of 213-203. “I once again refuse to support legislation that increases funding to ICE, an uncontrolled rogue agency that has brutalized our communities and killed American citizens in their reign of violence and fear. House Republicans had the opportunity in front of them to end the DHS shut down, and to fund employees at vital security agencies like TSA, FEMA, and CISA -- employees who have been working without a paycheck to keep the American people safe. Instead, they chose to reject a bipartisan deal unanimously passed by the Senate, leaving tens of thousands of Americans without pay, all in the name of funding an agency that is actively harming Americans with no oversight and no accountability. I refuse to cave to Republicans' continued efforts to strongarm more funding for ICE, especially when the Senate has already agreed on a deal to end this crisis. I continue to stand with immigrants and all Americans, and will work to ensure that ICE and the Trump administration are held accountable.”