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On March 11, 2015, leaders of Coalition of Asian American Democrats discussed with Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen about his candidacy for U.S. Senate and issues important to the Maryland’s Asian Pacific American communities. Congressman Chris Van Hollen, the only member of the Maryland delegation on the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, discussed his extensive work in supporting small businesses, housing and community development, and immigration reform, enhancing health care for Asian Americans and others and protecting the civil rights of all citizens of Maryland, including Asian Americans.
Having been aware of all of the work done by Congressman Chris Van Hollen in the U.S. Congress, George Dang, Immediate Past President of the Coalition of Asian Pacific American Democrats of Maryland and former President of Asian American Chamber of Commerce, stated, “Congressman Van Hollen has been consistently engaged on issues impacting our small businesses, from improving access to capital and procurement opportunities to working to identify discrimination in lending practices. He understands that small businesses are the engines of the economy and an especially important cultural element of our tight-knit communities.
In recognizing Congressman Chris Van Hollen’s work on human rights issues, including his concern for those who suffered as a result of atrocities committed by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II, Stan Tsai and Dr. Martin Ma, Co-Chairs of Coalition of Asian Pacific American Democrats of Maryland, also stated, Awareness of historical atrocities against our community is key to preventing future discrimination against all minority groups. Congressman Van Hollen has been a strong voice in condemning crimes against Comfort Women during World War II, urging the Government of Japan to formerly acknowledge its role in coercing these young women into sexual slavery. By co-sponsoring legislation to bring these atrocities to light and supporting efforts to eliminate human trafficking and sexual slavery throughout the world, Congressman Van Hollen has proven to be a supportive partner for our community.
