October 2025: Welcoming Our Storyteller & Government Shutdown Continues
Featured Story
Help Us Welcome JP / Jason Pereira To The EPIC Waʻa!
JP joins EPIC as our Storyteller, leading and implementing special arts and culture initiatives to collect, archive, and amplify the lived experiences of Pacific Islanders in the U.S. diaspora. Centered on cultural practices that promote healing, preservation, and community empowerment, this role will work with commissioned artists to share narratives through diverse art mediums.
JP/Jason Pereira is a mixed Sāmoan Artist born and raised in Los Angeles, unceded land of the Indigenous Tongva people. His family ascends from Tutuila Island, Amerīka Sāmoa. He is a cultural bearer and storyteller in the shape of an Artist, whose practice is rooted in service to Pacific Island culture and community.
For more team updates and stories, follow us on LinkedIn!
Policy & Advocacy Updates
Day 42 of the Government Shutdown
As of November 11th, the government shutdown has entered Day 42—the longest in U.S. history. Millions of families, including many NHPIs, continue to feel the strain as vital services remain on hold.
On Sunday evening, November 9th, the Senate held a procedural vote to pass a continuing resolution (CR) that would keep the government funded through January 2026. Last night, they voted to pass the overall spending package and House Representatives are expected to vote on it as soon as tomorrow. It includes that furloughed federal workers will receive backpay and mass layoffs will be prevented until at least January. However, it does not include the extended ACA premium tax credits, which would impact over 20 million Americans, making health insurance way less affordable and accessible because costs would double. At a time when groceries and bills are already expensive, this will only cause more stress and struggle for communities across the country. If it passes in the House without any amendments, it will be sent to the President to sign and the government could reopen by the end of the week.
SNAP (Food Assistance) Updates
SNAP benefits stopped on November 1st amid ongoing legal battles between the Trump Administration and federal courts.
Two judges ordered the USDA to release emergency funds, but the Administration appealed to the Supreme Court to block those orders.
States were instructed to roll back full benefits; as of November 7th, only eight states have issued payments: AK, CA, IL, LA, NV, OR, VT, and WI. Delays are expected.
The crisis affects 42 million Americans, including 1 in 4 NHPI families who rely on SNAP as food costs rise.
FAA Travel Impacts
On November 7th, the FAA reduced air traffic by 10% across 40 major airports to maintain safety with limited staff, resulting in delays and cancellations. Traveling soon? Some of your traveler rights include:
You can rebook for free if your flight is canceled
You are entitled to a refund if you choose not to travel
Airlines aren’t required to pay for meals or lodging for stranded passengers
Community Impacts
With the potential reopening of the government and without concrete solutions on addressing the long-term impact our communities will continue to face, it’s important to remember that:
1 in 3 NHPIs rely on Medicaid
1 in 5 receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
1 in 4 depend on SNAP
4 in 10 NHPI children rely on Free School Lunch
Take Action
Contact your elected officials to demand a bipartisan solution that will keep healthcare and food affordable and accessible for their constituents.
Share your story with EPIC.
Your experiences help us advocate for the policies our communities need most.
Submit your story here.Donate or volunteer with your local food bank — find one here — or support NHPI-led food initiatives in your community
EPIC will continue meeting with Congressional offices to uplift NHPI voices and push for solutions that prioritize families and equity.
Honoring Fofō Iosefa Fiti Sunia
It is with deep sadness that we honor the passing of Fofō Iosefa Fiti Sunia, the first Congressman from American Samoa.
Born in the village of Fagasa, he served from the 97th to 100th Congresses, becoming the first to formally represent American Samoa in the U.S. House of Representatives. A proud Samoan leader, he championed legislation granting U.S. national status to children of American Samoans born abroad and was a steadfast advocate for Samoan language and cultural preservation.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the people of American Samoa. His legacy of service and leadership will continue to inspire generations to come.
California Update: Proposition 50 Passes!
We are excited to share that Proposition 50 — the Election Rigging Response Act — has officially passed!
Thank you to everyone who joined our NHPI Community Table Talks, shared your insight, and showed up to vote. Your participation made a difference in ensuring fair representation and stronger voices for our communities across California.
These conversations reminded us that civic engagement is more than voting — it’s about collective leadership, intergenerational dialogue, and building power together.
Let’s continue to stay engaged, stay informed, and keep shaping the policies that impact our lives.