[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Con. Res. 44 Engrossed in Senate (ES)]

  1st Session
S. CON. RES. 44

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                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Whereas at the direction of Congress in 1978, the President proclaimed the week 
        beginning May 4, 1979, as Asian Pacific American Heritage Week, 
        providing the people of the United States with an opportunity to 
        recognize the achievements, contributions, history, and concerns of 
        Asian Pacific Americans;
Whereas the seven day period starting May 4 was designated Asian Pacific 
        Heritage Week as it marks two historical dates--May 7, 1843, when the 
        first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States, and May 10, 
        1869, Golden Spike Day, when, with substantial contributions from 
        Chinese immigrants, the first transcontinental railroad was completed;
Whereas the 102nd Congress by law designated that the month of May be annually 
        observed as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month;
Whereas according to the U.S. Census Bureau an estimated 12.5 million United 
        States residents trace their ethnic heritage, in full or in part, to 
        Asia and the Pacific Islands;
Whereas Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders can list innovative contributions 
        to all aspects of life in the United States ranging from the first 
        transcontinental railroad to the Internet;
Whereas in the mid-1700's Filipino sailors formed the first Asian American and 
        Pacific Islander communities in the bayous of Louisiana;
Whereas Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have added to the vast cultural 
        wealth of our Nation; and
Whereas Americans of Asian Pacific heritage, who include immigrant and 
        indigenous populations, have honorably served to defend the United 
        States in times of armed conflict from the Civil War to the present: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), 
That Congress--
            (1) recognizes that the United States draws its strength 
        from its diversity, including contributions made by Asian 
        Americans and Pacific Islanders;
            (2) recognizes that the Asian American and Pacific Islander 
        community is a thriving and integral part of American society 
        and culture;
            (3) supports the goals of Asian Pacific Heritage Month; and
            (4) recognizes the prodigious contributions of Asian 
        Americans and Pacific Islanders to the United States.

            Passed the Senate May 19, 2003.

            Attest:

                                                             Secretary.
108th CONGRESS

  1st Session

                            S. CON. RES. 44

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Recognizing the contributions of Asian Pacific Americans to our Nation.