WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate on July 30 confirmed Erika Lizabeth Moritsugu to serve as assistant secretary for congressional and intergovernmental relations at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements:
Rep. Judy Chu (D-Pasadena), CAPAC chair: “I congratulate Erika Moritsugu on her confirmation … I have no doubt that her wealth of management and policy experience will serve her well in this new role. CAPAC has proudly supported Erika throughout her nomination and confirmation process, and we look forward to working with her to advance fair and affordable housing opportunities for all Americans.
“I would also like to thank Senate Majority Leader (Harry) Reid for his commitment to fill key vacancies before the Senate adjourns. Unfortunately, there are many nominees still awaiting confirmation, including HUD deputy secretary nominee Nani Coloretti. I urge the Senate to take action on these pending nominees before the end of the year.”
Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii): “I’ve known Erika and her family for many years and it’s no surprise that she has been confirmed … She has committed her career to public service and has also served Hawaii with distinction as deputy legislative director for Sen. (Daniel) Akaka. Erika brings tremendous skill and talent to all that she undertakes and I look forward to working with her in her new role.”
Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii): “I congratulate Erika Moritsugu on her confirmation. I know she will continue to make Hawaii proud in her new role … Erika’s policy experience and expertise will serve HUD and our country well. I look forward to working with her to advance housing and development issues important to Hawaii.”
Rep. Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam), CAPAC vice chair: “I congratulate Erika Moritsugu on her confirmation … Her leadership will be a positive addition to HUD and I look forward to working with her when she assumes her new position. Her vast policy expertise and experience, and management skills will help to improve the efficiency and carry out the mission of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.”
Rep. Mike Honda (D-San Jose), CAPAC chair emeritus: “Congratulations to my good friend Erika Moritsugu on her confirmation as … Her broad range of experience, from former assistant director for legislative affairs at the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection to her work on the Hill as deputy legislative director for U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka of Hawaii, will be a huge asset in her new role. After years of working closely with her, I can personally attest to her strength of character, determination, and talent. I know that she will be an outstanding leader and strong voice as we work together to address issues of fair and affordable housing.”
Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D-Hawaii): “I would like to congratulate Erika Mortisugu on her confirmation … A graduate of University Laboratory School, she has served Hawaii for many years, especially during her time as Sen. Akaka’s deputy legislative director. I am pleased that she can continue advocating for our state in her new position.”
Moritsugu has been deputy assistant director for legislative affairs at the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection since 2012. Prior to that, she was deputy legislative director for Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) from 2010 to 2012. From 2007 to 2010, Moritsugu served in several capacities at the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, including acting staff director, policy director and counsel, and economic policy advisor.
From 2001 to 2007, Moritsugu was an associate for the Government Regulations Practice Group at Hogan and Hartson LLP, and from 1995 to 2001, she worked at The Wexler Group. She was a legislative assistant at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service from 1994 to 1995 and a legal clerk at the County of Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office in 1991.
Moritsugu is a board member of Pan Pacific American Leaders and Mentors, a 2004 recipient of the Tahirih Justice Center Pro Bono Award and a 2001 Bryce Harlow Foundation Scholar.