[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 76 (Tuesday, June 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1015]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 REMARKS ON RACIAL PROFILING AND REP. WU'S TREATMENT AT THE DEPARTMENT 
                               OF ENERGY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2001

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, just days before the recent Memorial Day 
recess, my colleague from Oregon, David Wu, experienced a disturbing 
incident at the U.S. Department of Energy. He has already eloquently 
and movingly addressed the House. Rather than recount the details of 
how he was refused entry to the Department and questioned repeatedly 
about his nationality, I would like to pose one simple question: when 
will it end? When will we as a society be able to free ourselves from 
the pain and constraints of ethnic stereotyping and racial profiling?
  This practice has long been decried by Members of Congress, 
especially those of us who have been the victims of ethnic 
stereotyping. Two weeks ago, a vivid example of racial profiling was 
visited upon one of our own colleagues. The contrast in how my 
colleagues David Wu and Mike Capuano were treated is striking. An Asian 
American was questioned about his nationality, even after presenting 
his congressional identification card and refused entry, while a white 
American was allowed to enter without any hassle. This incident 
illustrated that racial profiling extends beyond the highways and 
continues to persist at the very heart of the federal government.
  I have become accustomed to brushing off the letters to the editor 
that inevitably follow meetings between Hispanic Members of Congress 
and officials from Latin American countries. These letters question our 
national identity, our loyalty and our patriotism. These letters are so 
absurd, I never take them seriously. Unfortunately, Congressman Wu's 
experience this week demonstrated to all of us that the sentiment 
expressed in these letters is not confined to a few misguided and ill-
informed souls, but that it is much more pervasive in our society.
  When will it end? How many more times do we have to remind other 
Americans about all the Hispanic and Asian American veterans who have 
fought for America's freedom? How many more times will we have to 
provide examples of Hispanic and Asian Americans who have made 
invaluable contributions to the progress of this nation? How many more 
examples of exemplary citizenship and patriotism among Hispanic and 
Asian Americans do we have to present before America as a whole finally 
understands that we too are Americans?
  Ethnic stereotyping denies minorities full access to the American 
promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. And ethnic 
stereotyping denies the rest of America all the talents, skills and 
knowledge that minorities have to offer. As my colleague from Oregon 
has stated, our national security is indeed at risk if we do not 
welcome all of the best and brightest Americans into our nation's most 
critical positions, regardless of their ethnic heritage or the color of 
their skin.
  I would add that in addition to our national security, we risk the 
health and vitality of our country when we continue to make judgments 
based on ethnic stereotypes. I hope that my colleagues will join me in 
continuing to speak out and take action against ethnic stereotyping and 
racial profiling.

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