[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 64 (Thursday, May 1, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E859]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DAVID WU

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2003

  Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, I rise on this first day of Asian Pacific 
American Heritage Month to honor our Nation's Asian Pacific American 
community. This month marks the 25th year that our nation has rightly 
recognized and celebrated the many contributions and achievements of 
Asian Pacific Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, America draws its strength from its tremendous 
diversity. The Asian Pacific American community is one of the fastest 
growing segments of the United States with over 12.5 million people. We 
have greatly enriched the American landscape, and I am honored to take 
part in Asian Pacific American Heritage Month by celebrating the many 
achievements of APAs in American history.
  Asian Pacific Americans have made tremendous advances in countless 
fields such as, politics, medicine, technology, business, music, 
literature, film, athletics, and agriculture. APAs helped build the 
Transcontinental Railroad and develop the Internet, and APAs have 
served honorably to defend the United States in times of armed 
conflict, from the Civil War through today. And, as I speak today, an 
Asian Pacific American astronaut, Edward Lu, is stationed aboard the 
International Space Station. As Chair of the Congressional Asian 
Pacific American Caucus, I am proud to recognize these achievements.
  The Asian Pacific American community has made these achievements 
despite the obstacles of past discriminatory laws, such as the Chinese 
Exclusion Act of 1882, the Alien Law Act of 1920, and the forced 
internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Like so many 
other segments of America, the APA community has thrived in the face of 
opposition.
  While Asian Pacific Americans as a whole have flourished in the 
United States, there are still challenges facing certain segments of 
the APA community today. Many immigrants, refugees, and particular 
ethnic groups, including Southeast Asians and Pacific Islanders, are 
still working to achieve the American dream. We must not forget those 
who are struggling to overcome obstacles, including language and 
cultural barriers, as well as the discrimination that still exists 
today.
  Mr. Speaker, the Asian Pacific American community is itself a diverse 
group of people with distinct languages and cultures. Therefore, I 
cannot stress enough the importance of improving our data collection on 
APAs. Today, Government data tends to lump various Asian Pacific 
Americans together in a single category. Better data will allow us to 
recognize the diversity and distinct cultures of the many communities 
that make up the Asian Pacific American community as a whole. This 
knowledge will allow the United States to better address the different 
needs of what is a very diverse community; so that all Americans have 
the same opportunity to attain the American dream.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to encourage Congress and the 
American people to spend the month of May learning about the legacy, 
culture, rich traditions, and achievements of the Asian Pacific 
American Community.

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