Wikipedia

Grace Meng

"Representative Meng" redirects here. For her father, the former New York state representative, seeJimmy Meng.

Grace Meng(Chinese: Mạnh chiêu văn; born October 1, 1975) is an American lawyer and politician serving as theU.S. representativeforNew York's 6th congressional district[1]since 2013. A member of theDemocratic Party,her district is situated within theNew York Cityborough ofQueens;it includesBayside,East Elmhurst,Elmhurst,Flushing,Forest Hills,Fresh Meadows,Glendale,Jackson Heights,Kew Gardens,Maspeth,Middle Village,andRego Park.Meng represented the 22nd district in theNew York State Assemblyfrom 2009 until 2012. She is the firstAsian Americanelected to theUnited States Congressfrom New York.[2]

Grace Meng
Member of theU.S. House of Representatives
fromNew York's6thdistrict
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 3, 2013
Preceded byGary Ackerman
Vice Chair of theDemocratic National Committee
In office
February 25, 2017 – January 21, 2021
ChairTom Perez
Preceded byTulsi Gabbard
Succeeded byTammy Duckworth
Ken Martin
Filemon Vela, Jr.
Gretchen Whitmer
Member of theNew York State Assembly
from the22nddistrict
In office
January 1, 2009 – December 31, 2012
Preceded byEllen Young
Succeeded byMichaelle Solages
Personal details
Born(1975-10-01)October 1, 1975(age 49)
Queens,New York City,New York,U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse
Wayne Kye
​
(m.2005)​
Children2
Parent
EducationUniversity of Michigan(BA)
Yeshiva University(JD)
WebsiteCampaign website
House website
Chinese name
ChineseMạnhChiêuVăn
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinMèng Zhāowén
Grace Meng's voice
Grace Meng speaks in support of a National Museum onAsian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Recorded April 26, 2022

Early life and education

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Grace Meng was born on October 1, 1975, inQueens, New York,[3]and was raised in theBaysideandFlushingsections of that borough.[4]She is ofTaiwanesedescent,[5]and is the daughter ofJimmy Meng,the first Asian to serve in theNew York State Assembly,[6]and Shiao-Mei Meng.[7]She attended Nathaniel Hawthorne Middle School andStuyvesant High Schoolwith the intent to become a teacher, according to a classmate.[8]She received aB.A.degree from theUniversity of Michiganand aJuris Doctorfrom theBenjamin N. Cardozo School of LawatYeshiva University.[9]One of her early mentors wasSusan Wu Rathbone,founder of the Queens Chinese Women's Association.[10]

New York Assembly

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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 New York State Assembly.[6]He was subsequently arrested for wire fraud during anFBIsting investigation.[11]He served one term and decided against seeking reelection in 2006.[12]

Elections

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Meng ran for Assembly to succeed her father, but was taken off the ballot when DemocratEllen Youngchallenged 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 towire fraudin connection with abriberyscheme.[16]

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

Tenure

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Meng was the author of the Reverse Mortgage Act of 2009[21]that prohibited proceeds received fromreverse mortgagesfrom 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.[21]

In 2009, Meng was named one ofCity & State's "New York City Rising Stars: 40 Under 40".[22]

Meng is a member of the Vote Blue Coalition, a progressive group andfederal PACcreated to support Democrats in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania through voter outreach and mobilization efforts.[23]

Aide Linda Sun

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During Meng's time as a member of the New York Assembly,Linda Sunworked as a member of her staff. Linda Sun was later arrested and charged with several federal felony violations for acting as anunregistered agentof the People's Republic of China.[24][25][26]Meng was not charged with any wrongdoing, and said in response to Sun's arrest that "Like every American patriot, I am deeply, deeply concerned about the national security threat that the Chinese Communist Party’s government poses to the United States, and I believe we need to protect our nation from it."[6]

U.S. House of Representatives

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2012 election

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In June 2012, Meng faced fellow Assembly memberRory LancmanandNew York City CouncilmemberElizabeth Crowleyin a primary election for New York's 6th congressional district and won. She received the endorsement of the Queens County Democratic Party,[27]and aNew York Timesreporter 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]Like her father, she garnered local community support from theHenan Association of Eastern America,the localHenanhometown association,co-founded by Meng's grandmother.[6]On November 6, 2012, she won the race for New York's 6th congressional district against Republican member of theNew York CityCouncilDan Halloran,making her the first Asian American elected to Congress from New York.[28]

Tenure

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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 ofAuburndale,Bayside,Briarwood,Elmhurst,Flushing, Forest Hills,Fresh Meadows,Glendale,Kew Gardens,Kew Gardens Hills,Maspeth,Middle Village,andRego Park.

Meng with fellow RepresentativeMike Quigleyat a 2019 Climate Strike.

On February 10, 2014, Meng introduced the billTo 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 theInternational Religious Freedom Act of 1998by including thedesecrationofcemeteriesamong the various violations of the right toreligious 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 theIran Nuclear Deal,the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action supported by President Obama and Secretary of StateJohn 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 boycottedDonald Trump'sinauguration.[34]In February 2017 she became Vice Chair of theDemocratic National Committee (DNC)in Atlanta.[35]

In July 2019, Meng reintroduced the Community College Student Success Act to improve graduation rates at under-resourced publiccommunity collegesto have the necessary funding to develop and implement support services for their low-income and minority students. It replicates nationwide the success of theCUNYAccelerated Study in Associate Programs which helps students earnassociate degreeswithin 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 the117th Congress,according to aFiveThirtyEightanalysis.[39]

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

Meng voted in favor of three military aid package supplementals forUkraine,Israel,andTaiwanrespectively in April 2024, along with most Democrats.[41][42][43]

Abortion

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

Syria

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In 2023, Meng was among 56 Democrats to vote in favor of H.Con.Res. 21, which directed PresidentJoe Bidento remove U.S. troops fromSyriawithin 180 days.[45][46]

Committee assignments

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Meng meets with constituent service members

Caucus memberships

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Personal life

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Meng married Wayne Kye (계원종, quế nguyên chung), aKorean Americandentist and assistant professor atNYU,[8]in June 2005.[7]The couple resides in Queens with their two sons, Tyler Kye (계창명, quế xương minh) and Brandon Kye (계창호, quế xương hạo).[9]They attend a Protestant church inForest Hills, Queens.[8]

In November 2013, Meng was robbed and assaulted by a purse-snatcher in theEastern Marketarea of Washington, D.C.[50]She suffered injuries to her head, left knee, hand, and face, and was treated atGeorge Washington Universityhospital.[50]

See also

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References

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  1. ^Meng, Grace."Grace Meng".www.congress.gov.RetrievedApril 8,2022.
  2. ^Affairs, Berkley Center for Religion, Peace and World."Grace Meng".berkleycenter.georgetown.edu.RetrievedApril 8,2022.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. ^"Current Asian and Pacific Islander American members: Grace Meng 1975–"(PDF).Congressional Record.2013. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on May 13, 2020.RetrievedMay 13,2020.
  4. ^"U.S. Congresswoman Grace Meng: About".United States House of Representatives.July 2, 2015. Archived fromthe originalon January 10, 2020.RetrievedMay 13,2020.
  5. ^Hamilton, Colby (July 1, 2012)."Asian And All-American: A Political Star Rises In N.Y."Washington, D.C.:National Public Radio.Archivedfrom the original on July 1, 2012.RetrievedMay 13,2020.
  6. ^abcdAreddy, James T. (October 21, 2024)."How Beijing Recruited New York Chinatowns for Influence Campaign".The Wall Street Journal.RetrievedOctober 21,2024.
  7. ^ab"Grace Meng and Wayne Kye".The New York Times.June 12, 2005.RetrievedNovember 1,2016.
  8. ^abcdeChen, David W. (June 28, 2012)."A Breakthrough Candidate and Potential Star".The New York Times.ISSN0362-4331.RetrievedDecember 10,2020.
  9. ^ab"U.S. Congresswoman Grace Meng – Biography".United States House of Representatives.July 2, 2015.RetrievedJune 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.July 27, 2012.
  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.RetrievedAugust 13,2014.
  14. ^"New York, 6th House District: Grace Meng (D)".National Journal.November 6, 2012. Archived fromthe originalon January 10, 2015.RetrievedAugust 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.RetrievedAugust 13,2014.
  19. ^ "Election Results 2008: New York State Legislature".The New York Times.2008. Archived fromthe originalon May 11, 2012.RetrievedMarch 30,2012.
  20. ^ "Election Results 2010: New York State Legislature".The New York Times.2010. Archived fromthe originalon June 15, 2012.RetrievedMarch 30,2012.
  21. ^abBrandon Moseley (May 3, 2021)."U.S. Rep. Grace Meng keynote speaker at Alabama Young Democrats convention".Alabama Political Reporter.RetrievedApril 8,2022.
  22. ^"Albany 40 Under 40 alumni".City & State NY.August 13, 2018.
  23. ^"Coalition".Vote Blue.RetrievedJuly 17,2024.
  24. ^Rashbaum, William K. (July 23, 2024)."F.B.I. Searches $3.5 Million Home of Former Aide to Gov. Hochul: The early-morning raid took place on Long Island's North Shore at the house of Ms. Hochul's former deputy chief of staff, Linda Sun".New York Times.Archived fromthe originalon July 24, 2024.RetrievedSeptember 3,2024.
  25. ^Rashbaum, William K. (September 3, 2024)."Former Aide to Hochul and Cuomo Is Charged as Chinese Agent: Linda Sun was accused of using her position to benefit the Chinese government in exchange for payments that went toward homes in New York and Hawaii, and a Ferrari".New York Times.Archived fromthe originalon September 3, 2024.RetrievedSeptember 3,2024.
  26. ^Dienst, Jonathan; Intarasuwan, Kiki; Press • •, The Associated (September 3, 2024)."Former top Hochul aide Linda Sun, husband accused of acting as Chinese Communist Party's agents".NBC New York.RetrievedSeptember 3,2024.
  27. ^ "Queens Democratic Leaders Back Meng For Congress".NY1.March 19, 2012. Archived fromthe originalon January 28, 2015.RetrievedApril 2,2012.
  28. ^"Grace Meng, Michael Grimm Win Seats In Congress".Archived fromthe originalon January 30, 2013.RetrievedNovember 7,2012.
  29. ^Schneier, David (February 28, 2013)."Meng talks nation's business at 112th - Queens Chronicle: Central/Mid Queens News".Qchron.com.RetrievedAugust 13,2014.
  30. ^ab"H.R. 4028 - Summary".United States Congress.RetrievedMay 28,2014.
  31. ^Marcos, Cristina (May 23, 2014)."Next week: Appropriations, VA reform, intelligence authorization".The Hill.RetrievedMay 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 fromthe originalon May 29, 2014.RetrievedMay 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 fromthe originalon January 26, 2017.
  35. ^ Toure, Madina (February 26, 2017)."NYC Congresswoman and Assemblyman Score DNC Vice Chairmanships".Observer.RetrievedOctober 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.RetrievedNovember 15,2023.
  40. ^Gans, Jared (May 31, 2023)."Republicans and Democrats who bucked party leaders by voting no".The Hill.RetrievedJune 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.RetrievedApril 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.RetrievedApril 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.RetrievedApril 22,2024.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  44. ^"2021 Congressional Record on Reproductive Freedom"(PDF).NARAL Pro-Choice America.RetrievedApril 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.Archivedfrom the original on April 4, 2023.
  47. ^"Committees and Caucuses".Congresswoman Grace Meng.December 13, 2012.
  48. ^"Members".Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.RetrievedMay 17,2018.
  49. ^"Caucus Membrs".US House of Representatives.RetrievedJanuary 3,2021.
  50. ^abO'Keefe, Ed; Williams, Clarence (November 20, 2013)."Rep. Grace Meng attacked, robbed".Washington Post.RetrievedMay 17,2015.
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New York State Assembly
Preceded by Member of theNew York Assembly
from the 22nd district
2009–2013 		Succeeded by
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of theU.S. House of Representatives
fromNew York's 6th congressional district
2013–present 		Incumbent
U.S. order of precedence(ceremonial)
Preceded by United States representatives by seniority
133rd 		Succeeded by
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