Daniel Inouye (serving since 1959) was the first Japanese American in the House and later the first in Senate. Patsy Mink (served 1965–77 and again from 1990 to 2002) was the first Asian American woman in Congress. Bobby Scott, elected in 1993, was the first US born member of Congress to have Filipino ancestry.
Daniel Inouye (serving since 1959) broke barriers as a Japanese American in the House and Senate. Patsy Mink (1965–77 and 1990-2002) paved the way for Asian American women in Congress, while Bobby Scott's election in 1993 marked a milestone for a US-born member with Filipino roots.