May 22, 2008

Washington, DC – Nevada Senator Harry Reid hosted the third annual Congressional Democratic Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) town hall.

“It was a pleasure meeting with community leaders and discussing issues important to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community,” said Reid. “I share their concerns and am working to address the issues impacting their community. I will continue to champion legislation that benefits the Asian American and Pacific Islander community and all Nevadans.”

Reid worked to ensure strong bipartisan support and Senate passage of legislation that restores benefits for Filipino veterans who fought under U.S. command during World War II. Last year, to combat the cost of education, Senate Democrats worked to pass the College Cost Reduction and Access Act that created funds for AAPI and Alaska/Native Hawaiian serving institutions and allocated $40 million towards these institutions.

The town hall included a member panel on health care, education, housing/economic development, and veterans. Participants from all over the country attended the town hall including Bessy Lee-Oh and Duy Nguyen of Las Vegas.