Joe Biden picks Erika Moritsugu as liaison to Asian community amid rise in racist violence
- The move follows complaints by Asian-American lawmakers over lack of representation in the cabinet, with some threatening to block nominees
- Moritsugu was general counsel to Senator Tammy Duckworth and worked for late Senator Daniel Akaka and for the Democratic Policy Committee
Biden selected Erika Moritsugu to fill the role created after Asian-American lawmakers raised concern about a lack of representation in senior positions in the administration.
“The White House will add a senior level Asian-American Pacific Islander liaison, who will ensure the community’s voice is further represented and heard,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said last month, before Biden made his selection.
The appointment comes amid an increase in attacks against Asian-Americans during the pandemic. Psaki has said former president Donald Trump bears some blame for the violence, citing his frequently offensive comments about the virus’ origins in China.
Six women of Asian descent were among eight people shot and killed in the Atlanta area last month. The suspect in that case blamed his actions on a sex addiction.
Moritsugu was general counsel to Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth and also worked for the deceased Hawaii Senator Daniel Akaka and for the Democratic Policy Committee.
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She is currently vice-president for congressional relations and economic justice at the National Partnership for Women and Families.
