Washington, D.C. — OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates condemns the baseless accusations from Representative Lance Gooden (TX-5) towards Representative Judy Chu (CA-28).

Last week, Rep. Chu defended Dominic Ng, President Biden’s nominee to lead U.S. trade interests in Asia, from accusations that Ng was working with leaders from Beijing. As a result, Rep. Gooden decided to publicly and directly question Chu’s loyalty to the United States on Fox News. Rep. Chu and others have labeled Gooden’s remarks as racist and have demanded an apology. In response, Gooden has attempted to justify his comments by claiming to be concerned about national security and stating that he is falsely labeled as a racist.

     OCA joins the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) and other elected leaders in condemning the statements made by Representative Gooden, and supporting Representative Chu. Rep. Gooden must immediately apologize to both Rep. Chu and Mr. Ng.

     Hate crimes and xenophobia against the AANHPI community has risen precipitously because elected officials like Rep. Gooden continues to make ignorant and racist statements which have dangerous consequences. These unfounded suspicions and questions of loyalty towards AANHPIs only perpetuates distrust of the community and increases the division in America. These racist accusations have no place in our society.

     OCA demands an apology, accountability, and remedial conversations to come from this unacceptable situation.