[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 22, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E878]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______


                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 1996

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my distinguished 
colleagues of the Congressional Asian Pacific Caucus in celebration of 
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and to honor the extraordinary 
contributions of Asian Pacific Americans to our Nation.
  We must take time to note the struggles of the Asian Pacific American 
pioneers, mainly immigrants to this country. As a daughter of immigrant 
parents, I know firsthand the obstacles immigrants faced in beginning a 
new life in a new land and providing for their families. We must 
acknowledge the accomplishments of these pioneers who had built a 
foundation for the subsequent advances made by the Asian Pacific 
American community.
  As we reflect on the significance of this month, we must certainly 
turn our thoughts to our friend and former colleague Norman Y. Mineta. 
He is remembered for his leadership in championing the causes of the 
Asian Pacific American community and of all people of color, 
culminating in the passage of House bill 442 which he introduced, that 
provided an apology by the U.S. Government to those Americans of 
Japanese ancestry who were interned during the Second World War. An 
outstanding legislator, Representative Mineta was a powerful force in 
Congress and a great role model not only for Asian Pacific Americans 
but for all people of colors in our country.
  Representative Mineta helped create a political voice for the Asian 
Pacific American community and inspired others to get involved in the 
political process.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent California's 14th Congressional 
District which boasts a significant and vibrant Asian Pacific American 
community deeply committed to political activism and public service. I 
am fortunate to work with many outstanding organizations such as the 
local chapters of the Japanese American Citizens' League, the 
Organization of Chinese Americans, the Chinese American Citizens 
Alliance, Self-Help for the Elderly, the Asian American Manufacturers' 
Association, Silicon Valley for Democracy, Asian Americans for 
Community Involvement, as well as the Asian Law Alliance, all fostering 
multicultural understanding. Each brings to the forefront the concerns 
on behalf of the growing Asian Pacific American community in the 14th 
Congressional District. I am also grateful to work with the many Asian 
Pacific American elected officials in my congressional district such as 
council members Michael Chang of Cupertino, Art Takahara of Mountain 
View, Naomi Patridge of Half Moon Bay, Cupertino School District 
Trustees Emily Lee Kelley and Barry Chang, Fremont Union High School 
District Trustees Homer Tong and Randy Okamura, and Foothill De-Anza 
Community College Trustees Paul Fong and Dolores Sandoval. I salute 
these organizations and leaders for their outstanding efforts and 
contributions to the well-being of our community.
  Despite the progress the Asian Pacific American community has made, 
we must continue to advocate for their concerns, protecting and 
advancing the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans, 
especially when many of these issues are being threatened. I'm proud to 
have been invited to join the Congressional Asian Pacific Caucus which 
my distinguished colleague Congresswoman Patsy Mink chairs. I join the 
members of the caucus to ensure that congressional legislation provides 
for the full participation of Asian Pacific Americans and reflects the 
concerns and needs of the Asian Pacific American communities to the 
greatest extent possible.

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