[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 69 (Friday, May 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E929]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

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                             HON. DAVID WU

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2002

  Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Asian Pacific American 
Heritage Month. In 1992, President George H.W. Bush signed into law 
legislation that designated May as Asian Pacific American Heritage 
Month to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Asian Pacific 
Americans to our nation. From the building of the transcontinental 
railroad to the development of the Internet, APAs have played an active 
and profound role in the development of our country.
  Asian Pacific Americans have helped to make tremendous advances in 
politics, medicine, technology, business, music, literature, film, 
athletics, and countless other fields. APAs have also honorably served 
to defend the United States in times of armed conflict, from the Civil 
War to today. As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American 
Caucus, I am proud to recognize these achievements.
  While many APAs are thriving, we must not forget those who are 
struggling to overcome obstacles, including language and cultural 
barriers as well as discrimination.
  Mr. Speaker, I cannot stress enough the importance of improving data 
collection on Asian Pacific Americans. The tremendous diversity within 
the APA community poses challenges. Most data collections tend to lump 
various Asian Pacific Americans together in a single category, 
swallowing up numbers for each distinct group and failing to present an 
accurate picture of subgroups. It is important that we recognize the 
distinct cultures, traditions and histories that make up the Asian 
Pacific American community.
  America draws its strength from its tremendous diversity. APAs are 
one of the fastest growing populations with over 11.9 million people. 
We have greatly enriched the American landscape. I am honored to take 
part in Asian Pacific American Heritage Month by celebrating the many 
achievements of APAs in American history.

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