[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1002]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 19, 2003

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, since 1990, we have honored the lives and 
accomplishments of Asian Pacific Americans during the month of May. 
From the early 1800s to the 21st century, Asian and Pacific peoples 
have played a vital role in the development of the United States and 
have made lasting contributions in all elements of American society. 
Asian Pacific Americans have helped to define what it means to be an 
American, to work to advance the needs of all.
  I am proud that the region I represent in Congress is such a diverse 
one and is home to many people of Asian Pacific heritage--Asian Pacific 
American communities such as Chinese, Filipino, Korean, Japanese, and 
Vietnamese Americans. In California's 29th District, cities like 
Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, Pasadena, Glendale, Monterey Park, San 
Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City boast thriving, active Asian 
American communities. The City of Glendale, for example, boasts the 
nation's fourth largest Korean American population in the United 
States.
  In fact, just last month, I was privileged to travel to South Korea 
to address the increasingly important political, social and economic 
issues that have emerged on the Korean peninsula. The Congressional 
delegation trip focused on security issues on the Korean Peninsula, the 
plight of North Korean refugees and the abysmal human rights conditions 
in the North--issues important to my constituents and all Americans.
  But, in honoring Asian Pacific Americans this month, I also honor 
those individuals and organizations in my District whose 
accomplishments and contributions to our community have been 
immeasurable.
  It is my honor to recognize Cause-Vision 21 and its esteemed founder, 
Charlie Woo. The organization is dedicated to advancing the political 
empowerment of the Chinese American and Asian American communities 
through voter education, community outreach and leadership development. 
Each year, they organize the Chinese American Student Internship 
Coalition (CASIC), a program that provides Chinese American college 
students with the opportunity to gain hands on experience with the 
political process and a deeper understanding of issues important to the 
Chinese American community.
  Earlier this year, I named Dr. Annie Chin Siu of Alhambra as one of 
the Women of the Year in California's 29th District. Her continued 
efforts to help our youth, the development of commerce, the 
preservation of our historical legacy and her devotion to the 
improvement of public safety are remarkable. The recipient of numerous 
awards, including the Los Angeles Chinese Chamber of Commerce's Service 
Award and the Los Angeles Chinatown Public Safety Award, Dr. Liu is the 
consummate volunteer. She has been active in the Chinese American 
Museum, Chinese Historical Society of Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles 
Chinatown Public Safety Association, among many others.
  Mr. Speaker, I am fortunate that my District is home to many of 
Southern California's most prominent and well-known Asian American 
leaders. California State Assemblymember Judy Chu, Monterey Park City 
Councilmembers Michael Eng and David Lau, and California Board of 
Equalization Member John Chiang have all displayed an unsurpassed 
dedication to their constituents.
  These are just a few, specific examples of the impact people of Asian 
Pacific heritage have had in the communities of California's 29th 
District.
  As a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, 
Congressional Caucus on Korea, the United States--Philippines 
Friendship Caucus, and Taiwan Caucus, I have had the opportunity to 
support legislative efforts important to constituents in my district.
  As a nation, we must embrace the cultures that have worked to advance 
the needs of all Americans and have helped to define what it means to 
be American. I ask my colleagues to join me today and throughout this 
month to showcase and celebrate the contributions--both historical and 
present--of Asian Pacific Americans in our nation, our cities, and our 
communities.

                          ____________________