Summary

Current Position: US Representative of NY District 6 since 2013
Affiliation: Democrat
Former Position: State Delegate from 2009 – 2012
District: Queens

U.S. Congresswoman Grace Meng is serving her fifth term in the United States House of Representatives. Grace represents the Sixth Congressional District of New York encompassing the New York City borough of Queens, including west, central and northeast Queens.

Grace is the first and only Asian American Member of Congress from New York State and the first female Congressmember from Queens since former Vice Presidential nominee Geraldine Ferraro.

OnAir Post: Grace Meng NY-06

About

Source: Government page

Grace Meng 1U.S. Congresswoman Grace Meng is serving her sixth term in the United States House of Representatives, where she represents New York’s Sixth Congressional District. Grace’s district is located entirely in the New York City borough of Queens, including west, central, and northeast Queens.

Grace is the first and only Asian American Member of Congress from New York State,and the first female Congressmember from Queens since former Vice Presidential nominee Geraldine Ferraro.

In Congress, Grace serves on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, where she is New York’s senior member and is the Vice Ranking Member. Grace sits on both the State and Foreign Operations subcommittee and the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies subcommittee. The House Appropriations Committee is responsible for funding the federal government’s programs and activities.

Grace serves as the First Vice-Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, a co-Chair of the House Bipartisan Taskforce for Combatting Antisemitism, and as a Vice-Chair of the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus.

Grace has proudly passed several pieces of her legislation into law. This includes legislation on several important issues affecting the lives of her constituents – from laws supporting religious freedom, making Queens historic sites part of the National Park Service, striking “Oriental” from federal law, protecting public housing residents from insufficient heat, championing improvements to broadband and internet access for students across the country to help close the homework gap, and establishing the first step in creating a national museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture. Also signed into law were her measures to assist veterans and members of the military, and provisions to improve consumer protections and safeguards for children.

Additionally, in order to combat the rise in hate and violence that increased during the coronavirus pandemic, Grace passed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act into law.

At every turn, Grace has fought to expand opportunities for communities of color, young people, families, small businesses, and women.

Prior to being elected to Congress, Grace served in the New York State Assembly. Before entering public service, she worked as a public-interest lawyer.

Born in Elmhurst, Queens, and raised in the Elmhurst, Bayside, and Flushing sections of the borough, Grace attended local schools and graduated from Stuyvesant High School. She also attended the University of Michigan (Go Blue) before earning her law degree from Yeshiva University’s Benjamin Cardozo School of Law.

Grace is raising her family in Queens, where she lives with her husband, Wayne, and their two sons.

Personal

Full Name:  Grace Meng

Gender:  Female

Family:  Husband: Wayne; 2 Chilldren: Tyler, Brandon

Birth Date:  10/01/1975

Birth Place:  Queens, NY

Home City:  Queens, NY

Religion:  Christian

Source: Vote Smart

Education

JD, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University, 2002

Bachelors, University of Michigan, 1997

Political Experience

Candidate, United States House of Representatives, New York, District 6, 2022

Representative, United States House of Representatives, New York, District 6, 2013-Present

Assembly Member, New York State Assembly, District 22, 2008-2012

Offices

WASHINGTON DC OFFICE
2209 Rayburn Office Building
Washington, DC  20515Phone: (202) 225-2601
Fax: (202) 225-1589

FLUSHING DISTRICT OFFICE
40-13 159th Street, Suite A
Flushing, NY  11358Phone: (718) 358-6364
Fax: (718) 445-7868

FOREST HILLS DISTRICT OFFICE
(BY APPT ONLY)
118-35 Queens Blvd, Suite 900
Forest Hills, NY  11375

Twitter

Contact

Email: Government page

Web Links

Politics

Source: none

Finances

Source: Open Secrets

Committees

Congresswoman Meng is proud to serve on the House Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittees on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs; and Homeland Security.

Congresswoman Meng is the First Vice Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Co-Founder of the Congressional Kids Safety Caucus, and a Vice Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus. She is also a proud member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Democratic Women’s Caucus, Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, House Quiet Skies Caucus, Postal Preservation Caucus, and the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition.

New Legislation

Issues

Source: Government page

Economy and Small Business
Stable, well-paying jobs and thriving small businesses are the foundation of a healthy economy. In Queens especially, small businesses are vital to our communities. In Congress, I have consistently worked to make sure that small businesses have the resources they need, including the federal funds that assisted restaurants and small businesses in staying open through the COVID-19 pandemic. I am also committed to working to expand our economy and ensure that it benefits all families, and I’m proud to support legislation that would increase job growth, increase America’s competitiveness, strengthen worker’s rights, and create high-paying jobs. The Inflation Reduction Act, which I helped get signed into law in 2022, paved the way for quality union jobs in the clean energy industries, while also increasing pathways to training for other skilled labor professions.
Education and Broadband Access
Ensuring that every child has equal access and opportunity to receive a quality education and pursue academic success is vitally important. I have long championed the issue of broadband accessibility and closing the homework gap for students by creating the Emergency Connectivity Fund to provide internet access to students throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic and beyond. I have also adamantly fought for an increase in resources for our education system. We know America’s schools are underfunded and teachers are underpaid, which puts our children at a disadvantage.
Health
Every American deserves access to affordable and quality health care. Although our nation’s health care system is one of the best in the world, it is a shame that we are unable to guarantee access and affordability for so many of our citizens. Representative Meng is working in Congress to ensure access to affordable, high quality health care.
Immigration
Queens is the world’s borough and has a vibrant immigrant community that adds to our diversity and culture as a city. America is a country founded, built, and improved by our immigrant communities. Today our neighbors come from all around the world, and that is why I am committed to ensuring America remains a welcoming place for immigrants so they too can have their shot at the American Dream.
Menstrual Equity
The lack of access to safe and affordable menstrual products is a hidden inequity that is often forgotten or overlooked. Period poverty impacts countless women and girls across our country. I first learned about period poverty from a young constituent, and since then I have been proud to work on menstrual equity in Congress. My bill, the Menstrual Equity for All Act, aims to provide women and girls with affordable menstrual products in their schools, workplaces, and wherever else they might need them. Menstrual equity is a health care and a human right, and this bipartisan issue simply deserves more attention and action to make it a reality.
Seniors and Social Security
After a lifetime of hard work, seniors deserve to know that the promises of Social Security and Medicare will be upheld. Social Security is a vital safety net into which seniors have already paid. It lifts 22 million people out of poverty, including 15 million senior citizens.
Veterans
We owe our nation’s veterans a debt that can never be repaid. The men and women that selflessly protect our nation and risk their lives for our values will always be held in the highest honor and with the most respect. I will always fight for legislative initiatives to support our veterans.

Open

Services

Source: Government page

Reproductive Freedom Survey
Take the Reproductive Freedom Survey
For Businesses
Information for businesses (especially small businesses) in New York.
Know Your Rights

The following resources provide information to help immigrants understand their rights.

Parents
Information on the annual high school art competition that I sponsor; availability of birth certificates; internship opportunities in my home offices and in my Washington DC office; job opportunities with the Federal government; how to receive a military accademy nomination; how to apply to be a congressional page; student financial aid opportunities; information on visiting Washington, DC; and other information that you may find useful for your children.
Senior Citizens’ Resources
Information on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Military Personnel
The following information is for military personnel. Please contact our office for assistance with any questions or problems you may have.
Students
Students can view various educational resources.
Veterans’ Resources
The following information is for veterans. Please contact our office for assistance with any questions or problems you may have.
Washington DC Visitors
Planning a trip to Washington, DC? You can request a tour or find useful tourism information.
COVID-19 Resources

For previous information on COVID-19 guidance, please click here.

District

Source: Wikipedia

 

Brandon Williams NY-22 1 New York’s 6th congressional district is a congressional district for the United States House of Representatives in New York City, located entirely within Queens. It is represented by Democrat Grace Meng. A plurality of the district’s population is Asian-American, and a majority of its population is non-white.

The district includes several racially and ethnically diverse Queens neighborhoods, including Auburndale, Bayside, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Flushing, Forest Hills, Glendale, Kew Gardens, Maspeth, Middle Village, Murray Hill, and Rego Park. Prior to the 2022 election, the district was redrawn to include sections of Jackson Heights and Astoria which were previously part of NY-14.

Wikipedia

“Representative Meng” redirects here. For her father, the former New York state representative, see Jimmy Meng.

Grace Meng (born October 1, 1975) is an American lawyer and politician serving as the U.S. representative for New York’s 6th congressional district[1] since 2013. A member of the Democratic Party, her district is in the New York City borough of Queens; it includes Bayside, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Flushing, Forest Hills, Fresh Meadows, Glendale, Jackson Heights, Kew Gardens, Maspeth, Middle Village and Rego Park. Meng represented the 22nd district in the New York State Assembly from 2009 until 2012. She is the first Asian American elected to Congress from New York.[2][3]

Early life and education

Grace Meng was born on October 1, 1975, in Queens, New York,[4] and was raised in the Bayside and Flushing sections of that borough.[5] She is of Taiwanese descent,[6] and is the daughter of Jimmy Meng, an Assemblyman, and Shiao-Mei Meng.[7] She attended Nathaniel Hawthorne Middle School and Stuyvesant High School and intended to become a teacher, according to a classmate.[8] She received a B.A. degree from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University.[9] One of her early mentors was Susan Wu Rathbone, founder of the Queens Chinese Women’s Association.[10]

New York Assembly

Meng’s father, Jimmy Meng, was elected in 2004 to New York’s 22nd assembly district, becoming the first Asian American to be elected to the legislature in New York State history.[2] He was subsequently arrested for wire fraud during an FBI sting investigation.[11] He served one term and decided against seeking reelection in 2006.[12]

Elections

Meng ran for Assembly to succeed her father, but was taken off the ballot when Democrat Ellen Young challenged her residency status.[13] Subsequently, her district residency issues were resolved.[14] Young succeeded Jimmy Meng, taking office in January 2007.[15] Jimmy Meng later pleaded guilty to wire fraud in connection with a bribery scheme.[16]

Grace Meng challenged Young again in 2008.[8] On September 9, she defeated Young in the Democratic primary, 59%-41%.[17][18] She went on to win the November election, defeating Young again, this time as an Independence Party nominee, 88%-12%.[19] In 2010, she was reelected unopposed.[20][21][22]

Tenure

Meng was the author of the Reverse Mortgage Act of 2009[23] that prohibited proceeds received from reverse mortgages from being considered as income, so senior citizens can get their partial property tax exemption. Seven other of her pieces of legislation were signed into law.[23][24][better source needed]

In 2009, Meng was named one of City & State‘s “New York City Rising Stars: 40 Under 40”.[25]

Meng is a member of the Vote Blue Coalition, a progressive group and federal PAC created to support Democrats in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania through voter outreach and mobilization efforts.[26]

U.S. House of Representatives

2012 election

In June 2012, Meng faced fellow Assembly member Rory Lancman and New York City Council member Elizabeth Crowley in a primary election for New York’s 6th congressional district and won. She received the endorsement of the Queens County Democratic Party,[27] and a New York Times reporter wrote that she was “poised to become the biggest political star from New York City’s fastest-growing demographic group.” Meng said her focus would be to create jobs, improve transportation, and grow tourism opportunities in her borough.[8] On November 6, 2012, she won the race for New York’s 6th congressional district against Republican member of the New York City Council Dan Halloran, making her the first Asian American elected to Congress from New York.[28]

Tenure

Meng speaking at a rally in March 2013

Inaugurated on January 3, 2013, Meng helped form the Bipartisan Freshman Caucus, asserting that “the American people are just sick and tired of blaming each other without getting anything done.”[29]

Her district includes the Queens neighborhoods of Auburndale, Bayside, Briarwood, Elmhurst, Flushing, Forest Hills, Fresh Meadows, Glendale, Kew Gardens, Kew Gardens Hills, Maspeth, Middle Village, and Rego Park.

Meng with fellow Representative Mike Quigley at a 2019 Climate Strike.

On February 10, 2014, Meng introduced the bill To amend the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 to include the desecration of cemeteries among the many forms of violations of the right to religious freedom (H.R. 4028; 113th Congress) into the House.[30] The bill would amend the findings of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 by including the desecration of cemeteries among the various violations of the right to religious freedom.[30][31] Meng said that “this legislation would be a new and important tool in our fight against the desecration of cemeteries” because it would “combat religiously-motivated vandalism of cemeteries and also prevent developers from building over cemeteries, a new and emerging threat in places where there are no Jewish communities left to protect burial grounds.”[32]

In 2015, Meng opposed the Iran Nuclear Deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action supported by President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry. A press release issued by Meng stated that she didn’t support immediate sanctions relief, and believed that the inspections procedure laid out in the deal were flawed. She called for a new deal to be negotiated.[33] Two years later, she boycotted Donald Trump’s inauguration.[34] In February 2017 she became Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in Atlanta.[35]

In July 2019, Meng reintroduced the Community College Student Success Act to improve graduation rates at under-resourced public community colleges to have the necessary funding to develop and implement support services for their low-income and minority students. It replicates nationwide the success of the CUNY Accelerated Study in Associate Programs which helps students earn associate degrees within 3 years by offering a range of financial, academic, and personal assistance. The program has been found to double the graduation rates of participants.[36]

On February 23, 2021, Meng introduced House Resolution 151, “Condemning all forms of anti-Asian sentiment as related to COVID-19,” responding to the growth of hate crimes against Asian-Americans, in the wake of Trump’s repeated characterization of COVID-19 as “Kung Flu” and the “Chinese virus”. It urged education and reporting about harassment. It drew initial support from 140 co-sponsors, and by March 3, 46 more, all Democrats.[37][38]

Meng voted with President Joe Biden’s stated position 100% of the time in the 117th Congress, according to a FiveThirtyEight analysis.[39]

She was among the 46 Democrats who voted against final passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 in the House.[40]

Meng voted in favor of three military aid package supplementals for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan respectively in April 2024, along with most Democrats.[41][42][43]

Abortion

For 2021, Meng was given a 100% rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America.[44]

Syria

In 2023, Meng was among 56 Democrats to vote in favor of H.Con.Res. 21, which directed President Joe Biden to remove U.S. troops from Syria within 180 days.[45][46]

Committee assignments

Meng meets with constituent service members

Caucus memberships

Personal life

Meng married Wayne Kye (계원종, 桂源鍾), a Korean American dentist and assistant professor at NYU,[8] in June 2005.[7] The couple resides in Queens with their two sons, Tyler Kye (계창명, 桂昌明) and Brandon Kye (계창호, 桂昌浩).[9] They attend a Protestant church in Forest Hills, Queens.[8]

In November 2013, Meng was robbed and assaulted by a purse-snatcher in the Eastern Market area of Washington, D.C.[50] She suffered injuries to her head, left knee, hand, and face, and was treated at George Washington University hospital.[50]

See also

References

  1. ^ Meng, Grace. “Grace Meng”. www.congress.gov. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
  2. ^ a b “First Asian American in the NY State Assembly”, ChinaDaily, 05-11-2004. Retrieved on 16-02-2007
  3. ^ Affairs, Berkley Center for Religion, Peace and World. “Grace Meng”. berkleycenter.georgetown.edu. Retrieved April 8, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ “Current Asian and Pacific Islander American members: Grace Meng 1975–” (PDF). Congressional Record. 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 13, 2020. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  5. ^ “U.S. Congresswoman Grace Meng: About”. United States House of Representatives. July 2, 2015. Archived from the original on January 10, 2020. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  6. ^ Hamilton, Colby (July 1, 2012). “Asian And All-American: A Political Star Rises In N.Y.” Washington, D.C.: National Public Radio. Archived from the original on July 1, 2012. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  7. ^ a b “Grace Meng and Wayne Kye”. The New York Times. June 12, 2005. Retrieved November 1, 2016.
  8. ^ a b c d e Chen, David W. (June 28, 2012). “A Breakthrough Candidate and Potential Star”. The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  9. ^ a b “U.S. Congresswoman Grace Meng – Biography”. United States House of Representatives. July 2, 2015. Retrieved June 11, 2020.
  10. ^ Grace Meng, “Honoring the Life of Susan Wu Rathbone”. Congressional Record (May 9, 2018): E616.
  11. ^ “Grace Meng’s father charged with wire fraud in FBI sting”. QNS.com.
  12. ^ Hicks, Jonathan P. (December 13, 2006). “City Sends 2 Foreign-Born First-Timers to the Assembly”. The New York Times.
  13. ^ Stirling, Stephen (July 25, 2008). “Young, Meng won’t fight over primary signatures”. Times Ledger. Retrieved August 13, 2014.
  14. ^ “New York, 6th House District: Grace Meng (D)”. National Journal. November 6, 2012. Archived from the original on January 10, 2015. Retrieved August 13, 2014.
  15. ^ “DA: Jimmy Meng Aide Surrenders”. The New York Observer. January 9, 2007.
  16. ^ Nir, Sarah Maslin (March 13, 2013). “Ex-Queens Assemblyman Sentenced in Bribery Case”. The New York Times.
  17. ^ Noah C. Zuss, “Meng Beats Young in Primary for Flushing Seat.” “Southeast Queens Press,” Sept. 12-18, 2008, p. 11
  18. ^ “Ourcampaigns.com”. Ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved August 13, 2014.
  19. ^ “Ourcampaigns.com”. Ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved August 13, 2014.
  20. ^ “Election Results 2008: New York State Legislature”. The New York Times. 2008. Archived from the original on May 11, 2012. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
  21. ^ “Election Results 2010: New York State Legislature”. The New York Times. 2010. Archived from the original on June 15, 2012. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
  22. ^ “Ourcampaigns.com”. Ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved August 13, 2014.
  23. ^ a b Brandon Moseley (May 3, 2021). “U.S. Rep. Grace Meng keynote speaker at Alabama Young Democrats convention”. Alabama Political Reporter. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
  24. ^ [1] Archived November 7, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  25. ^ “Albany 40 Under 40 alumni”. City & State NY. August 13, 2018.
  26. ^ “Coalition”. Vote Blue. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  27. ^ “Queens Democratic Leaders Back Meng For Congress”. NY1. March 19, 2012. Archived from the original on January 28, 2015. Retrieved April 2, 2012.
  28. ^ “Grace Meng, Michael Grimm Win Seats In Congress”. Archived from the original on January 30, 2013. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
  29. ^ Schneier, David (February 28, 2013). “Meng talks nation’s business at 112th – Queens Chronicle: Central/Mid Queens News”. Qchron.com. Retrieved August 13, 2014.
  30. ^ a b “H.R. 4028 – Summary”. United States Congress. Retrieved May 28, 2014.
  31. ^ Marcos, Cristina (May 23, 2014). “Next week: Appropriations, VA reform, intelligence authorization”. The Hill. Retrieved May 29, 2014.
  32. ^ “House Passes Meng Legislation to Make Desecration of Cemeteries a Violation of Religious Freedom”. Jewish Political News and Updates. May 29, 2014. Archived from the original on May 29, 2014. Retrieved May 29, 2014.
  33. ^ “Meng Opposes Nuclear Deal with Iran”. Congresswoman Grace Meng. July 29, 2015.
  34. ^ Kern-Jedrychowska, Ewa (January 18, 2017). “Grace Meng Is Latest Elected Official to Boycott Trump Inauguration”. DNAinfo New York. Archived from the original on January 26, 2017.
  35. ^ Toure, Madina (February 26, 2017). “NYC Congresswoman and Assemblyman Score DNC Vice Chairmanships”. Observer. Retrieved October 22, 2018.
  36. ^ Mohamed, Carlotta (August 2–8, 2019). “Meng Law to Improve Community College Graduation Rates”. Times Ledger. p. 23.
  37. ^ Condemning all forms of anti-Asian sentiment as related to COVID-19, Congress.gov, February 23, 2021. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
  38. ^ “N.Y. Rep. Grace Meng On Her Bill To Address Anti-Asian Hate Crimes”. NPR.org. March 16, 2021.
  39. ^ Bycoffe, Aaron; Wiederkehr, Anna (April 22, 2021). “Does Your Member Of Congress Vote With Or Against Biden?”. FiveThirtyEight. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  40. ^ Gans, Jared (May 31, 2023). “Republicans and Democrats who bucked party leaders by voting no”. The Hill. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  41. ^ Washington, U. S. Capitol Room H154; p:225-7000, DC 20515-6601 (April 20, 2024). “Roll Call 152 Roll Call 152, Bill Number: H. R. 8034, 118th Congress, 2nd Session”. Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives. Retrieved April 22, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  42. ^ Washington, U. S. Capitol Room H154; p:225-7000, DC 20515-6601 (April 20, 2024). “Roll Call 151 Roll Call 151, Bill Number: H. R. 8035, 118th Congress, 2nd Session”. Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives. Retrieved April 22, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  43. ^ Washington, U. S. Capitol Room H154; p:225-7000, DC 20515-6601 (April 20, 2024). “Roll Call 146 Roll Call 146, Bill Number: H. R. 8036, 118th Congress, 2nd Session”. Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives. Retrieved April 22, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  44. ^ “2021 Congressional Record on Reproductive Freedom” (PDF). NARAL Pro-Choice America. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
  45. ^ “H.Con.Res. 21: Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of … — House Vote #136 — Mar 8, 2023”.
  46. ^ “House Votes Down Bill Directing Removal of Troops From Syria”. U.S. News & World Report. March 8, 2023. Archived from the original on April 4, 2023.
  47. ^ “Committees and Caucuses”. Congresswoman Grace Meng. December 13, 2012.
  48. ^ “Members”. Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Retrieved May 17, 2018.
  49. ^ “Caucus Membrs”. US House of Representatives. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  50. ^ a b O’Keefe, Ed; Williams, Clarence (November 20, 2013). “Rep. Grace Meng attacked, robbed”. Washington Post. Retrieved May 17, 2015.
New York State Assembly
Preceded by

 Member of the New York Assembly
from the 22nd district
2009–2013		Succeeded by

U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by

 Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New York’s 6th congressional district
2013–present		Incumbent
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by

 United States representatives by seniority
133rd		Succeeded by


source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_Meng