109 HRES 280 IH: Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. U.S. House of Representatives 2005-05-17 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV 109th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 280 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 17, 2005 Mr. Tom Davis of Virginia (for himself, Mr. DeLay, Mr. Lewis of California, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen, Mr. Gary G. Miller of California, Mr. Shimkus, Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida, Mr. Rangel, Mr. Moran of Virginia, Mr. Wilson of South Carolina, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Crowley, Mr. Ackerman, Mr. Rohrabacher, Mr. Rothman, Mr. Case, Mrs. Maloney, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Duncan, Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas, Mr. Scott of Virginia, Mr. Leach, Mr. Bishop of Georgia, Mr. Lantos, and Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Government Reform RESOLUTION Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Whereas the contributions of Asian Pacific Americans to our Nation have been historically significant; Whereas at the direction of Congress in 1978, the President proclaimed the week of May 4 through 10, 1979, as Asian Pacific American Heritage Week, to provide the people of the United States with an opportunity to recognize the achievements, contributions, history, and concerns of Asian Pacific Americans; Whereas this seven day period designated Asian Pacific Heritage Week intended to mark 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 in 1992, 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 14.5 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 more than 300,000 Americans of Asian or Pacific Island heritage have bravely and honorably served to defend the United States in times of armed conflict from the Civil War to the present: Now, therefore, be it

by the House of Representatives— (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)recognizes the prodigious contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the United States; and (4)supports the goals of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.