[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 75 (Saturday, May 26, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E985-E986]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN HONOR OF ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 25, 2001

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate May as Asian Pacific 
American Heritage Month. I am proud to honor the diverse Asian Pacific 
American community I represent in San Francisco, which includes people 
whose heritage spans the globe--including Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, 
Korean, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, Thai and Hmong.
  The Asian Pacific American population is growing at rapid rates 
nationally and this trend has been particularly significant in the 
Eighth Congressional District of California. The Asian Pacific American 
population in San Francisco has increased by 5.3% during the 1990's. 
The District I am honored to represent now has the fourth highest Asian 
Pacific American population of any U.S. congressional district.
  While we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we must 
redouble our commitment to fighting discrimination. Recent studies have 
documented a troubling increase in negative attitudes toward and 
hostile acts against Asian Pacific Americans by portions of the 
American public. There are legitimate concerns about the governmental 
policies of some Asian countries. These concerns, however, do not and 
should not reflect on Asian Pacific Americans.

[[Page E986]]

  The district I represent, with its vibrant and diverse Asian Pacific 
American community, is a national treasure. We are all enriched by the 
contributions of the Asian Pacific American community, which shares 
responsibility for the success and achievements of our country, 
deepening our lives and strengthening our neighborhoods with its strong 
family values, proud work ethic and achievements in a wide variety of 
professions. We need to continue to recognize the contributions of 
Asian Pacific Americans through education, curriculum and other forms 
of public awareness.
  San Francisco became a magnificent cosmopolitan success story because 
of its diversity. As we celebrate Asian Pacific Islanders Month, let us 
renew our commitment to overcoming misperceptions of Asian Pacific 
American people and culture, so that the inspiring and fascinating 
culture that I experience everyday in my congressional district can be 
known and celebrated by all.

                          ____________________