[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 3, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H2792-H2800]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 4, 2005, the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda) is 
recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the minority leader.


                             General Leave

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on the subject of my Special Order 
today.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Asian American 
and Pacific Islander community and to commemorate Asian Pacific 
American Heritage Month.
  As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, CAPAC, I 
feel privileged to be here tonight to speak of the history and 
accomplishments of the Asian American and Pacific Islander, AAPI, 
community.
  Additionally, I will be highlighting those issues affecting our 
community that are also priorities for CAPAC.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge and 
remember extraordinary community activists, advocates, leaders, and 
long-time friends of the AAPI community that we have lost this year, 
such as Fred Korematsu, Dr. John B. Tsu, K. Patrick Okura, Iris Chang, 
and my colleague and friend, Congressman Bob Matsui.
  Thanks to the late Representative Frank Horton from New York and my 
good friend, Secretary Norman Mineta, along with Senators Daniel Inouye 
and Spark Matsunaga, May is designated as Asian Pacific American 
Heritage Month to celebrate and honor the contributions of the Asian 
and Pacific Islander community.
  The first 10 days of May coincide with two important anniversaries: 
the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants on May 7, 1843, to the 
United States; and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on 
May 10, 1869.
  In 1992, Congress passed the law that officially designated May of 
each year as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
  The first AAPI settlement in this country dates to 1763, when 
Filipinos escaped imprisonment aboard Spanish galleons and established 
a community near New Orleans. Today, that AAPI community is one of the 
fastest growing populations in the country, with over 12 million AAPIs 
living in the U.S. and representing 4.5 percent of the total U.S. 
population.
  My home State of California has both the largest AAPI population, 4.6 
million folks, and the largest numerical increase of AAPIs since April 
of 2000.
  Mr. Speaker, this year's theme for Asian Pacific American Heritage 
Month is ``Liberty and Freedom For All.''
  As we honor the AAPI community's contributions to this great Nation, 
I would also like to note the very social injustices the AAPI community 
still face. For example, the New York Times today reported a recent 
study commissioned by the National Asian Pacific American Legal 
Consortium, a Washington-based civil rights organization.
  The study showed that AAPIs portray only 2.7 percent of the regular 
characters on prime time national network television. Our community is 
still misrepresented in all areas of society, especially in the media 
and on prime time television even though we make up 5 percent of the 
total population.
  Although we are often misperceived as monolithic, our community is 
extremely diverse in our languages, ethnicities, and culture. 
Aggregating such a large and diverse group makes it difficult to 
understand the unique problems faced by the individual ethnicities and 
subgroups such as the Southeast Asian Americans who are refugees who 
fled their home countries during the late 1970s and the early 1980s.
  As a country, we need to better adjust the needs of the AAPI 
community when we discuss immigration, health, and education issues.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo).
  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, as the congressional representative from 
Guam, it is my honor to join my colleagues in commemorating Asian 
Pacific American Heritage Month. I want to thank our chairman, the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Honda), the chairman of the 
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, for his outstanding 
leadership and for organizing this Special Order to recognize the 
contributions of Asians and Pacific Islander Americans to our Nation.
  Today as we celebrate ``Liberty and Freedom For All,'' and as 
thousands of American servicemen and -women continue to fight the 
global war on terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan, we are reminded of the 
sacrifices made to ensure our freedom. We reflect on the thousands of 
Asian and Pacific Islanders who are serving this country with honor and 
distinction in very dangerous circumstances.
  Mr. Speaker, I especially want to honor those who have given their 
lives to protect our freedom, including Guam's Army Specialist 
Christopher Wesley, Lieutenant Michael Vega, Sergeant Eddie Chan, 
Corporal Jaygee Meluat, and Specialist Jonathan Santoes, all servicemen 
from Guam who were killed in Iraq.
  I mention these heroes as a reminder that Americans in the 
territories stand shoulder to shoulder with their citizens when our 
Nation calls, and that we willing share the burdens and the sacrifices 
to preserve our freedom.
  We remember prominent Asian and Pacific Islander Americans who 
dedicated their lives to public service, doing their part to promote 
justice, not just for Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, but for all 
Americans. Tonight I would like to make special mention of two of our 
colleagues, the late Congressman Robert Matsui of California who was a 
staunch advocate for the cause of the disadvantaged, the elderly, and 
young Americans; and the late Congresswoman Patsy Mink of Hawaii, who 
was a champion of women's rights and for the poor. Each has left a 
legacy that lives on in those whose lives they have touched and 
improved.
  Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is an opportunity to educate 
our fellow citizens about the history and culture of Asian Pacific 
Island Americans. Their contribution to America is not just the diverse 
cultures that they have introduced to this land; it is also their 
stories of incredible journeys to freedom.
  Historically, Asians and Pacific Islanders have known war and strife. 
They have survived and thrived to the benefit of America. They have a 
powerful story to tell, and they have a love for this Nation that many 
of us today take for granted.
  This year, the people of Guam will commemorate the 61st anniversary 
of our islands's liberation by the United States Armed Forces during 
World War II. As the only American territory with a civilian population 
occupied by the enemy during World War II, Guamanians risked their 
lives due to their loyalty to America, and endured great hardship and 
brutality. During this dark period in Guam's history, our people 
experienced beheadings, executions, massacres, beatings, torture, rape, 
forced labor, forced marches, and internment in concentration camps. I 
want to recognize the survivors of the occupation of Guam for their 
courage, their sacrifice and steadfast loyalty to our great Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, 2 years ago, a Federal commission was tasked by Congress 
to examine whether the people of Guam received equal treatment in the 
handling of war claims as compared to their fellow citizens.

                              {time}  2115

  The Guam War Claims Review Commission reported in June 2004 that 
there was indeed a lack of parity and

[[Page H2793]]

that Congress should enact legislation to remedy this injustice. The 
report stated, ``The Review Commission affirms that there is a moral 
obligation on the part of our national government to pay compensation 
for war damages, in order to ensure that to the extent possible, that 
no single individual or group of individuals bears more than a just 
part of the overall burden of war.''
  With the support of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, 
I have introduced legislation, H.R. 1595, the Guam World War II Loyalty 
Recognition Act, with 75 sponsors, to implement the recommendations of 
the Review Commission. I urge my colleagues to help us bring closure to 
this issue for the people of Guam. Let us finally grant recognition to 
some of the finest patriots America has ever produced, and let us 
commend the people of Guam for their sacrifices for our Nation during 
the wartime occupation of our island.
  As we commend Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, let us honor the 
contributions of all Asian and Pacific Islander Americans. Let us 
celebrate the cultural diversity, the patriotism, and the Asian and 
Pacific Islander communities that make America so great.
  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California 
(Ms. Millender-McDonald).
  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I am honored tonight to have 
this opportunity to pay tribute to Asian and Pacific Islander Americans 
during this month when we honor their great heritage.
  Asian and Pacific Islander Americans constitute one of the fastest 
growing minority communities in the United States, and I am proud to 
say that they are a significant part of my constituency in southern 
California while they represent over 13 million Asian and Pacific 
Islander Americans who live in this United States. It is estimated by 
the year 2050, they will comprise about 33.4 million, or 8 percent of 
our total population.
  Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have made tremendous 
contributions to our society. They are government leaders, scientists, 
lawyers, athletes, business men and women, artists, soldiers, advocates 
for civil rights and champions for the underrepresented. As we 
celebrate this glorious month, let us remember some of the notable 
Asian and Pacific Islander Americans who have served our Nation with 
honor and distinction:
  Kalpana Chawla, who became the first Indian-American woman astronaut, 
who, while pursuing her dreams, perished in the Columbia shuttle 
disaster;
  Fred Korematsu, a Japanese American who, for decades, fought 
tirelessly for civil rights;
  Yuan T. Lee, a Taiwanese American who shared the Nobel peace prize in 
1986 for his work in chemistry;
  And, of course, my dear friend, the Honorable Patsy Mink, the first 
Asian-American woman and first woman to grace this august body. She has 
left an indelible mark that gave her the honor of distinguished;
  Haing Ngor, the first Cambodian American to win an academy award for 
his role in the film ``The Killing Fields.''
  And let us acknowledge the great Members of Congress who make up this 
august body who are Asian American and Pacific Islanders:
  The Honorable Mike Honda, who is the caucus chair of our caucus;
  The Honorable David Wu;
  The Honorable Bobby Scott;
  And, newly, the Honorable Doris Matsui.
  And let us not forget and pay tribute to our dear friend and 
colleague, the late Congressman Robert Matsui who recently passed away. 
He was an extraordinary man, Mr. Speaker, who overcame challenges and 
obstacles and became a great Member of this body. He will be remembered 
as a national champion of all Americans, particularly our seniors and 
Social Security.
  Despite hardships and discrimination, Asian and Pacific Islander 
Americans have maintained an abiding and unwavering belief in the 
promise of our country and they have moved forward to make remarkable 
contributions to our Nation. I am proud to stand with them tonight as a 
member of the Asian Pacific Islander Caucus.
  This time of tribute is also a time of celebration and reflection 
upon where we have been and where we are going as a Nation, ever 
mindful that liberty and freedom for all must be our collective 
national goal.
  Finally, tomorrow I will be introducing a resolution honoring the 
victims of the Cambodian genocide. I am proud that the largest 
Cambodian population in the United States resides in my district. Their 
culture and contribution, along with all Asian and Pacific Americans, 
have enriched our community and this American landscape. We are a 
better country because of their contributions.
  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. 
Case).
  Mr. CASE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud member of the 
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus so ably led by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Honda) to join my colleagues in 
commemorating our Asian Pacific American community at the outset of APA 
Heritage Month.
  And I do so with deep respect, great pride, humble appreciation and 
eager anticipation. Respect, for the great challenges generations of 
Asians and Pacific Americans have faced in our country and overcome and 
still face and will overcome. Pride, for the profound role my own 
Hawaii, has played in the nurturance and maturation of our APA 
communities throughout our country. Appreciation, for the rich tapestry 
APAs have woven in the fabric of our national identity. And 
anticipation, for what certainly lies ahead for our APA communities in 
writing the next great chapters in the ongoing narrative of this great 
country.
  Mr. Speaker, nowhere in our country is the story of Americans of 
Asian and Pacific Island descent better illustrated than my own Hawaii, 
where well over 50 percent of our population is Asian and Pacific 
American, where our Asian and Pacific American community has achieved 
the pinnacle of success in all facets of local, statewide, national and 
international life, and where a majority of all marriages and a 
majority of all children share more now than one ethnicity, more likely 
than not an ethnicity of the Asian and Pacific Americans.
  And the story of APAs in Hawaii is a rich and compelling story which 
acts as a microcosm of the story of our very country. Of course, it 
started millennia ago when the ancestors of our indigenous peoples, the 
native Hawaiians, came to Hawaii from their ancestral homelands to the 
south, joining other indigenous peoples in the U.S. mainland and Alaska 
in the original settlement of our country. And it continued in the last 
200 years with the great migrations from Japan and China. And in the 
last 100-plus years, with still further great migrations from Korea and 
the Philippines. And then in the last half century from the Pacific 
islands such as Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and Guam. And amazingly it continues 
since to this day, in the last quarter century, from Vietnam and 
Cambodia and Laos and the other nations of Micronesia, Melanesia and 
Polynesia. And throughout, of course, many, many other immigrants from 
other Asian and Pacific countries, India and Pakistan and Sri Lanka and 
Bangladesh, Thailand and Indonesia and Malaysia and much more.
  So when we pause to honor the rich and diverse heritage of our APA 
communities, we honor the capital of the APA world, my Hawaii, a beacon 
to the world of what can be.

  Yet what is throughout our country is not where it can and should be, 
for there remain challenges aplenty. There is always the specter of 
racism and discrimination. Yes, less than there was, less overt, less 
on the surface than it has been, but insidious enough and there enough 
to flare up with very little warning, a specter against which constant 
vigilance is required.
  And there are still unique challenges in economic and social 
advancement for the APA community and unique conditions to be addressed 
in health care and education and other areas. And there are still goals 
of fundamental fairness to be accomplished with many of our APA 
communities, most notably, in my case, Federal recognition for our 
native Hawaiians.
  But while we must remember tonight these challenges and what we must 
do, we also remember all that is good and great in our APA community. 
Let me give you just one great example, because we remember tonight 
that hard

[[Page H2794]]

on us is the centennial of sustained immigration from the Philippines 
to our country, the 1906 exodus from the mother country to the sugar 
plantations of Hawaii, an exodus that accelerated in 1946 and on and 
now has yielded fully 2.4 million citizens of our country of Philippine 
descent.
  Yes, it will be a great year for the Filipino community of 
celebration, with barrio fiestas and song and dance and remembrances of 
the pioneers and those who succeeded on their broad shoulders. But in 
many ways, what we celebrate tonight is the recognition that for the 
Filipino-American community, the celebration of their centennial will 
be a celebration in miniature of the Asian and Pacific American 
experience in our country, for the story of our APA community is the 
story of our America, from its earliest beginnings to its latest 
arrivals, a story still unfolding as, for example, is happening right 
on the floor of this U.S. House of Representatives, with my 
congressional page appointment, Awapuhi Dancil of Makawa, Maui, a 
junior at Kamehameha Schools and undoubtedly, no doubt about it, a 
leader in the making for the APA community and for our country in the 
future.
  And so this is a story worth telling over and over again as we do 
here again tonight.
  Mahalo and aloha.
  Mr. HONDA. Mahalo.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson).
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Asian Pacific 
American Heritage Month and to celebrate the lives and accomplishments 
of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in U.S. history. I want to 
thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda), Chair of the 
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus for organizing this special 
order. I thank the gentleman very much.
  Mr. Speaker, I represent one of the most diverse congressional 
districts in our Nation, with African Americans, Hispanic Americans and 
Anglo Americans, each making up about 30 percent of my Los Angeles-
based district. Los Angeles' Korea Town, also in my congressional 
district, is home to 80,000 Asian Americans, who make up roughly 13 
percent of my constituency. My congressional district includes Sony 
Studios, Capital Records, American Film Institute and Raleigh Studios. 
It is the home of our Nation's and a great deal of the world's 
entertainment industry. Today, I want to address the need for adequate 
and accurate representation of Asian Americans in film and television.
  Many of my colleagues speaking today have already mentioned the fact 
that there are over 13 million Asian and Pacific Islanders living in 
the United States and that by the year 2050, there will be an estimated 
33.4 million self-identified Asian Americans in the United States. 
However, while the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities 
continue to grow, our Nation's entertainment sector continues to fall 
behind in recognizing their presence through film and television and 
their influence in shaping the course of our Nation.
  Just last week, the National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium 
released a report called ``Lights, Camera, and Little Action,'' 
detailing the shortage of Asian-American characters on prime time 
network television. The report finds that while Asian Americans and 
Pacific Islanders make up 5 percent of the United States population, 
they represent only 2.7 percent of regular characters on prime time 
television. The report also finds that virtually no Asian actors are 
cast in situation comedies, and the characters they play in dramas tend 
to have less depth and development than most regulars, with minimal on-
screen time and few romantic roles.
  For example, programs such as ``King of Queens,'' set in a New York 
City borough, features no regular Asian characters despite the fact 
that almost one in five residents of the city are Asian Americans. The 
show ``Charmed'' on the network WB also includes no Asian actors, 
despite being set in San Francisco where a third of the population is 
Asian American. Such whitewashing of prime time television not only 
fails to reflect reality, it also denies viewers the opportunity to 
learn about other cultures and the chance to further cross-cultural 
understanding and communication.

                              {time}  2130

  And, finally, I think an equally disturbing trend is the study's 
finding that when AAPIs are depicted on a television show, they are 
placed in roles that reinforce stereotypes. Let me give the Members an 
example. While the 2000 U.S. census showed that half of AAPI adults do 
not have college degrees, all of the Asian American characters on prime 
time television have professional jobs that often require advanced 
degrees. These are admittedly very positive portrayals, and many ethnic 
groups have railed against their negative portrayals in the media as 
gang members, pimps, drug dealers, and prostitutes. Nonetheless, any 
ethnic stereotyping by media, even positive stereotyping, tends to 
eliminate the larger public's understanding of the real conditions of 
the ethnic group.
  Mr. Speaker, the contributions of Asian Pacific Americans to the 
growth and success of this Nation cannot be overstated. The history of 
their struggle and triumph in the United States must be captured and 
remembered. One of the most effective means of commemoration is through 
the accurate portrayal of AAPI characters in film and television that 
illuminates their hopes, dreams, and struggles. The AAPI communities 
have played instrumental roles in advancing the freedom and equality of 
all Americans; yet we do not see their achievements adequately 
documented and reflected by the media.
  Mr. Speaker, in commemorating this year's Asian Pacific American 
Heritage Month, I call on the entertainment industry to further improve 
their depiction of the AAPI communities and urge everyone to remain 
vigilant about the roles the media play in capturing the shared 
heritage of Asian and Pacific Islander communities in our Nation.
  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California (Ms. 
Watson) for her presentation, and I will reiterate her admonition to 
the media in terms of being able to depict Asian American communities.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak on a couple of points before I 
yield to the gentleman from Oregon. On the issue of immigration, Mr. 
Speaker, our Nation was founded by immigrants who valued freedom and 
liberty and who sought to be free from persecution from a tyrant 
government. Families fled from their home countries to seek refuge in 
this great Nation because they too believed in liberty, justice, and 
freedom for all.
  AAPI families who seek to be reunited with their families overseas 
have not seen their dreams come true because of our broken immigration 
system. Over 1.5 million Asians are caught in the family immigration 
backlog and immediate family members from overseas wait as long as 10 
years to reunite with their families in the U.S.; and if they are a 
young teenager, by the time they reach 18, they get switched to another 
line. Mothers and fathers wait to reunite with their children; but due 
to the long years of waiting, their children may have already reached 
the age of 18 and their families will have to start the process over 
again.
  As we honor the 40th anniversary of the Immigration Nationality Act 
of 1965 and the 30th anniversary of the Refugee Act of 1975, we need to 
remember that our country was founded and created to protect our 
freedom and civil liberties.
  As Chair of CAPAC, we have worked closely with the Congressional 
Hispanic Caucus to speak out against the REAL ID Act. For the AAPI 
community, the REAL ID will make it harder for those seeking asylum to 
prove their case. This will prevent legitimate asylum seekers from 
obtaining relief in the United States. The REAL ID Act requires asylum 
applicants to prove that the central motive for their persecution was 
race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, 
or political opinion. The REAL ID Act ignores the fact that those who 
flee brutal human rights abuses often escape from situations that 
preclude gathering of documentation to present ``corroborating 
evidence.'' Applicants may be denied based on any inconsistencies or 
inaccuracies in their stories. An escapee from the Darfur region cannot 
go back and track evidence of their persecution without facing a life 
threatening situation.
  Therefore, I believe we need comprehensive immigration reform to fix

[[Page H2795]]

our broken immigration system, not a national ID that continues the 
problem.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Wu).
  Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California for his 
leadership in organizing this Special Order tonight and for his 
leadership in chairing the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and pleasure that I join with my 
fellow members of the Asian Pacific American Caucus in celebration of 
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. This month marks the 27th time 
America has recognized and celebrated the many contributions and 
achievements of Asian Pacific Americans.
  Our country was founded as a Nation of immigrants. America has 
reached its greatness in part by the accumulation of ideas from those 
with varied heritage and backgrounds. In particular, Asian Pacific 
Americans have made profound contributions to American life, including 
the arts, education, science, technology, politics, and athletics. 
Asian Pacific Americans were here to help build the transcontinental 
railroad, to serve in the Civil War, and most recently to develop the 
latest in Internet technology. Asian Pacific Americans have played an 
active and crucial role in the development of this country from 
knitting it together, as I mentioned, with the transcontinental 
railroad, to bringing us closer to the rest of the world through the 
technologies of the Worldwide Web.
  The Asian Pacific American community remains and always will be an 
integral and vibrant part of American society. As we take part in 
celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, I urge everyone 
to participate more deeply in the civic life of our Nation. Asian 
Pacific American civic participation and engagement will help define 
our collective future. By working together, we can bridge and build 
upon our great Nation's diverse communities and move forward with 
determination and unity.
  I encourage Congress and the American people to spend part of May 
absorbing the legacy, culture, and achievements of the Asian Pacific 
American community.
  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his comments.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to touch on a couple more subjects, if I 
may.
  As Americans, we need to ensure that our children receive a quality 
education by providing adequate teacher training, funds for after-
school and extracurricular activities, and ensuring that college is 
affordable for every student that desires to receive a higher 
education.
  According to the U.S. census, 50 percent of Asians age 25 or over 
have a bachelor's degree or higher level of education. However, I would 
like to emphasize that when we disaggregate the data for AAPI 
subgroups, we find that the ``model minority'' stereotype is, in fact, 
a myth.
  Only 9.1 percent of Cambodian Americans, 7.4 percent Hmong Americans, 
7.6 percent Lao Americans, and 19.5 percent Vietnamese Americans and 16 
percent of native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders who are 25 years and 
older have a bachelor's degree.
  These numbers show that we must do a better job of disaggregating 
data and information about our communities to assess the needs of those 
hard-working Americans who still falter behind.
  To address the disparities between subgroups of the larger AAPI 
community, we need Congress to pass the Asian American and Pacific 
Islander Serving Institutions bill, which the gentleman from Oregon 
(Mr. Wu) will be introducing later this month. This legislation will 
provide Federal grants to colleges and universities that have an 
enrollment of undergraduate students that is at least 10 percent AAPI 
and at least 50 percent of its degree-seeking students receive 
financial assistance.
  As a caucus, we will work to increase the availability of loan 
assistance, scholarships, and programs to allow AAPI students to attend 
a higher education institution; to ensure full funding for teachers and 
bilingual education programs under the No Child Left Behind Act; to 
support English language learners; and to support full funding of 
minority outreach programs for access to higher education such as the 
TRIO programs to expand services to serve AAPI students.
  In health, Mr. Speaker, a common misperception of AAPIs is that as a 
group we face fewer health problems than other racial and ethnic 
groups. In fact, AAPIs as a group and specific populations within this 
group do experience disparities in health and health care. For example, 
AAPIs have the highest hepatitis B rates of any racial group in the 
U.S.
  Last week, I, along with the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. 
Murphy), introduced a resolution to support the goals and ideals of 
National Hepatitis B Awareness Week.
  AAPIs are also five times more likely to develop cervical and liver 
cancer than any other ethnic and racial group. According to the Census 
Bureau, 18 percent of AAPIs went without insurance for the entire year 
in 2000. This means that the uninsured are not only more likely to go 
without care for serious medical conditions; they are also more likely 
to go without routine care, less likely to have a regular source of 
care, less likely to use preventative services, and have fewer visits 
per year.
  At the same time, without appropriate language translation services 
or properly translated materials, limited English-proficient immigrants 
cannot receive adequate care, as well as State and Federal benefits for 
which they may be eligible. In the AAPI community, 76 percent of Hmong 
Americans, 61 percent of Vietnamese Americans, 52 percent of Korean 
Americans, and 39 percent of Tongans speak limited English. Therefore, 
eliminating health care disparities in the AAPI community must include 
data collection, linguistically appropriate and culturally competent 
services, and access to health insurance.
  CAPAC has been working with both the Congressional Hispanic and Black 
Caucuses on the Healthcare Equality and Accountability Act to eliminate 
ethnic and racial health disparities for all of our community. I will 
be introducing the Healthcare Equality and Accountability Act, which 
will address expanding the health care safety net, diversifying the 
health care workforce, combating diseases that disproportionately 
affect racial and ethnic minorities, emphasizing prevention and 
behavioral health; and promoting the collection and dissemination of 
data and enhance medical research, provide interpreters and translation 
services in the delivery of health care.
  Mr. Speaker, in California a Hmong man was going to the hospital to 
have his right leg amputated in surgery. And the doctor, in order to 
confirm whether he had the right leg pointed out, spoke to the 
gentleman before surgery and asked him if this is the correct leg, and 
the gentleman did not understand. He just nodded. When he came to from 
anesthesia after the surgery, he found that his good leg was amputated. 
And because of lack of translations and lack of linguistic services, 
this man became more disabled than he should have been.
  Mr. Speaker, I now yield to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. 
Inslee), a great friend and advocate.
  Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Speaker, I have enjoyed listening to this story of 
the tapestry of the Asian American Pacific Islander community in 
America; and that tapestry, of course, consists of quite a number of 
threads. I would like to add one thread to this great story of this 
important part of the American tapestry.
  And that story began on March 30, 1942, on Bainbridge Island, 
Washington, actually the island where I live. On that day, a young 2\1/
2\-year-old named Frank became one of the first Americans of Japanese 
descent to be rounded up by our military and forced to leave his home. 
We have a picture here. Actually, it is a pretty historic picture. 
These were the first Japanese Americans to be interned during World War 
II. They left the dock on Bainbridge Island en masse, surrounded back 
up here, though we do not see them in the picture, of soldiers with 
bayonets; and they were marched down into a boat and taken to Seattle 
and eventually to Manzanar.

                              {time}  2145

  Obviously, at that time, after the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, 
our Nation was really living under a cloud of uncertainty when, along 
with Frank, 226 other men and women, families left

[[Page H2796]]

the dock at Bainbridge Island, and they were the first imprisoned at 
Manzanar. Eventually, 120,000 Americans of Japanese descent were 
stripped of their very basic rights and freedoms guaranteed to every 
American under the Constitution, and most spent the duration of the war 
in these camps.
  It took a long time for Americans to come to grips with this, come to 
grips with these injustices as part of our history. But it is important 
to remember them lest we forget and allow fear and anxiety that is 
understandable ever to push us over the edge again to darkness that 
occurred to those people in those years.
  Frank is now known as Dr. Kitamoto, a great dentist on Bainbridge 
Island. Frank is a grown man. He carries the story of this internment 
with a very quiet strength and courage. And he knows that while we 
regret those decisions that were made 63 years ago, he does not cast 
blame. Instead, Dr. Kitamoto has transferred his personal experience 
into a living history to try to share the wisdom that comes with such a 
searing experience. He shares his story so that others can learn from 
this mistake so that we are reminded not to let that happen again.
  Frank has a 45-minute slide presentation that he presents to schools 
throughout the State of Washington, and California, Oklahoma, 
Connecticut and Idaho, wherever he is invited, and he makes the trip on 
his own dime. Frank wants to make sure this story is told and told by 
someone who knows the story.
  For over 20 years he has lead the Bainbridge Island Japanese American 
community as President, and he has worked to create a memorial, a 
remembrance to this event in our community's history. The Bainbridge 
Island community put a lot of effort into selecting a name for this 
memorial and, with care and deliberation, selected a Japanese phrase, 
``Nidoto Nai Yoni'' or ``let it not happen again.''
  I am proud that the history of Dr. Kitamoto has become part of the 
American story, and I was proud to sponsor legislation that will 
hopefully make the ``Nidoto Nai Yoni'' memorial at Pritchard Park an 
officially recognized part of our national heritage. That bill passed 
this Chamber last year, we are in the planning phases now, to make this 
a national memorial. Most of this dock is not here now, but we have 
just a beautiful memorial planned so that this story can remain part of 
our national tapestry.
  It is my honor to join efforts with Dr. Kitamoto and sit beside him 
at the dedication ceremony for the memorial. It is my honor now to 
remember and share this story of a group of Americans whose quiet 
strength and sacrifice and courage and patriotism of the many sons who 
served in World War II while their families were in these camps. Their 
story really is an inspiration for everyone everywhere, and I want to 
thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda) for convening this 
important discussion.
  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from 
Washington for his great work and also for making sure that the lessons 
of internment is not only academic, but also personal, and for 
dedicating sites that will be a hands-on experience for generations to 
come.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to continue on Social Security and, as we 
continue this debate on Social Security, I want to emphasize the fact 
that privatizing Social Security will impact the Asian-Americans and 
Pacific Islanders just as it will impact all Americans. We need to 
protect and secure Social Security for the AAPI community, because 
Social Security provides retirement security to AAPI families. More 
than 785,000 AAPIs receive Social Security benefits, and the average 
monthly benefit for AAPIs is $716.

  Social Security needs a solid source of funding, not a plan that 
makes the problem worse by draining trillions of dollars away from 
Social Security. Social Security is a generational promise to honor our 
parents and Americans who have paid into Social Security for years, and 
we need to fight to protect and secure the promise of benefits.
  On a personal note, my mother, who is 88, has worked all her life. 
She has worked in the fields, she has worked with my father as a 
sharecropper in strawberries and, later, she was a domestic worker, 
taking care of other people's homes and cleaning their homes. All of 
this work has dignity to it. It provided sufficient revenues to put 
food on our table. However, she did not have a pension plan. She did 
not have other plans that would sustain her in her retirement years. 
She is one of those 90 percent of widows who depend upon Social 
Security for 90 percent of their income on a monthly basis. It is for 
those women, for children who have survived family tragedies and became 
orphans, for those who are disabled, that we submit that Social 
Security should not be deformed, but perhaps reformed and have a sense 
of solvency into the future.
  Mr. Speaker, I would also like to extend my gratitude to the 
patriotic men and women serving our country in the military, including 
60,813 AAPIs serving on active duty in the U.S. armed services, as well 
as the 28,066 in the Reserves and the National Guard. I also commend 
and thank the 351,000 AAPI veterans who fought for this country.
  I would like to highlight and honor the Filipino veterans who have 
not been compensated and recognized for their service, which I believe 
is a national disservice to these brave veterans. As a country, it is 
our duty to ensure that these veterans have equal access to all of the 
benefits and treatment that other veterans receive. We believe that our 
troops should be taken care of when we send them into battle and that 
they should be given the respect when they return home.
  With regard to the Filipino veterans, I stand with my colleagues, the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Cunningham) and the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Filner) to support their bipartisan legislation, H.R. 
302, to restore full benefits to those veterans who fought for our 
Nation in World War II when they were asked and recruited to become our 
allies in fighting the Japanese military during World War II. However, 
this effort has been stalled and frustrated over the years. It is not 
an issue of who is in the administration, it is an issue of the State 
Department. I would also ask my colleagues in Congress on both sides of 
the aisle to take note of this bill that is being sponsored by the 
gentlemen from California (Mr. Cunningham) and (Mr. Filner), to study 
it and understand that a promise made should not be a promise broken as 
it was in 1946, but a promise kept. We have an opportunity in this 
session to keep that promise, and to make good our word to those 
veterans who fought alongside of our veterans and soldiers in World War 
II.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to discuss a few firsts in our community. I 
am proud of our community's accomplishments, and I would like to 
recognize many of the AAPI firsts in the areas of art, film, sports, 
sciences, academia, and politics.
  In 1846, Yung Wing, the first Chinese American graduated from Yale 
University and the first AAPI to graduate from a U.S. college.
  In 1863, William Ah Hang, who was a Chinese American, became the 
first AAPI to enlist in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War.
  In 1944, An Wang, a Chinese American who invented the magnetic core 
memory, which revolutionized computing and served as the standard 
method for memory retrieval and storage.
  In 1946, Wing F. Ong, a Chinese American from Arizona, became the 
first AAPI to be elected to a statewide office.
  In 1948, Victoria Manalo Draves, a Filipino American diver, the first 
woman to win Olympic Gold Medals in both the ten-meter platform and 
three-meter springboard events.
  In 1956, Dalip Singh Saud, the first Indian American to be elected to 
Congress. That only became possible after the anti-Asian law that 
prohibited Asians to become U.S. citizens to become naturalized; after 
that law was rescinded, Asian Americans were able to participate in the 
government and the democracy of this country who were not born in this 
country.
  In 1965, Patsy Takemoto Mink, the first Japanese American woman and 
woman of color elected to Congress who championed Title IX.
  In 1985, Haing Ngor, a Cambodian American, became the first AAPI to 
win an academy award for his role in ``The Killing Fields'' movie.
  In 1985, Ellison Onizuka, a Japanese American, became the first Asian

[[Page H2797]]

American Pacific Islander astronaut in space.
  I would like to close, Mr. Speaker, by saying that the Asian American 
Pacific Island community continues to fight for our civil rights as 
Americans. Even after the internment of the Japanese Americans during 
World War II, we, as a community, did not grow embittered or cowed by 
discrimination; instead, we progressed and moved forward. I am proud to 
be a member of the AAPI community, because we continue to serve as 
positive contributors to our many communities by investing, investing 
in education, in business, and cultural opportunities for all 
Americans.
  In closing, this Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we take pride 
in our history, our accomplishments, and the promise of our future as 
we continue to pave the way for a better tomorrow to form a more 
perfect union in the name of liberty and freedom for all.
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the month of May 
as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and to pay tribute to the 
contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, 
including immigrants, refugees, and natives.
  As the Representative of California's 8th District, it is my 
privilege to represent a strong Asian American and Pacific Islander 
community that is a vital part of San Francisco's world-renowned 
diversity.
  As the Democratic Leader in Congress, I am proud to join my 
colleagues in honoring more than 13 million Asian Americans and Pacific 
Islanders (AAPIs), representing a diverse community of backgrounds, 
cultures, and experiences, who make their homes in the United States. 
Their unique contributions enhance the moral fabric and character of 
our great country.
  As we celebrate the significant progress made by Asian Americans and 
Pacific Islanders, it is right for us to honor the memory of great 
leaders of the AAPI community who have recently passed away--including 
Fred Korematsu, who dared to challenge the U.S. government over the 
Japanese internment camps, John Tsu, former chair for the White House 
Initiative on AAPIs and longtime community activist, Patrick Okura, a 
great civil rights leader and Japanese American internee, and Magdaleno 
Duenas, a Filipino veteran and community leader.
  Mr. Speaker, let us remember our former colleague and my dear friend 
Congressman Robert Matsui, who despite imprisonment in an internment 
camp during World War II, never lost faith in our country. He went on 
to become a national champion for all of America's seniors, and the 
first Asian-American to serve in the leadership of the House of 
Representatives.
  Their legacies are part of the ongoing struggle of all Asian American 
and Pacific Islanders, who, in spite of having to overcome great 
hardship and discrimination, maintain an abiding and unbreakable belief 
in the promise of our country, and move forward to make remarkable 
contributions to our country.
  In memory of these great figures in the history of our Nation, it is 
only fitting that this year's theme for Asian Pacific American Heritage 
Month is `Liberty and Freedom for All.' Each of these individuals 
leaves us with a legacy that still burns to be fulfilled. For despite 
the great progress that we have made, we still have a long way to go to 
ensuring equality and expanding opportunities so that all Americans 
have a chance to achieve their full potential. Their work will continue 
on in all of us.
  This year we also commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Immigration 
Act of 1965, and the 30th Anniversary of the Refugee Assistance Act of 
1975. These laws demonstrate our national commitment to serving as a 
beacon of hope for all those in search of the opportunity and freedom 
that are the promises of America. In the three decades since the 
signing of the Refugee Assistance Act, the United States has provided 
shelter to millions of refugees escaping persecution, tyranny, and 
often, unspeakable tragedies. Each time we look into the face of 
diversity, we see great heroism and personal dignity.
  Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage month, 
let us rededicate ourselves to answer their enduring call to service, 
and fight for justice in our country.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in celebration of Asian Pacific 
American Heritage Month. It is during this month that we commemorate 
the significant contributions that the Asian American and Pacific 
Islander (AAPI) community has made to our country.
  I would like to join my colleagues on the Congressional Asian Pacific 
American Caucus, of which I am a member, and which is chaired by my 
colleague, Mr. Honda of California. This bipartisan and bicameral 
caucus has been active in raising awareness about the concerns and 
issues that face the Asian American and Pacific Islander community 
today.
  There are more than 12 million Asian American and Pacific Islanders 
in the United States, including about 275,000 in my home state of 
Maryland. Asian Pacific Americans also have the most diverse background 
of any minority population, tracing their roots to almost fifty 
different countries and ethnic groups.
  Today, Asian Pacific Americans play an important role in every aspect 
of American life--as authors and artists, as business leaders, as 
political leaders, as military leaders, as scientists and innovators, 
as athletes, and in virtually every other aspect of American society.
  In addition to recognizing the important role that Asian Pacific 
Americans play in our country, this month's celebration is also a time 
to remember significant historical contributions that Asian Pacific 
Americans have made in our Nation's history. From the building of our 
transcontinental railroads to fighting on behalf of our Nation, Asian 
Pacific Americans have contributed greatly to the American tapestry.
  This year's theme for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is 
``Liberty and Freedom for All.'' This spirit was embodied in 
Representative Robert Matsui, who passed away in December, and to whom 
I wish to pay tribute. The House of Representatives and the country as 
a whole suffered a great loss with the passing of Bob Matsui, a 
dedicated leader who served with distinction for 13 terms in the House 
and was chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
  During his career, Bob Matsui was an active member of the Asian 
Pacific American community, working to achieve redress for Japanese 
Americans who were placed in internment camps after the bombing of 
Pearl Harbor. Congressman Matsui himself was placed in the Tule Lake 
internment camp along with his family in 1942. He was later 
instrumental in securing the passage of the Japanese-American Redress 
Act as well as in ensuring a monument to Japanese-American patriotism 
during World War II.
  Representative Matsui's experience demonstrates the determination and 
perseverance that characterized Asian Pacific Americans during their 
time here in the United States, oftentimes overcoming discrimination, 
language and cultural barriers.
  I am pleased Americans have so much to benefit from as a result of 
our diverse society. We continue to learn from each other and share 
each other's traditions, history, and culture.
  That is why it gives me great pleasure today to recognize the 
significant advances and contributions made by the Asian Pacific 
American Community to our country during Asian Pacific Heritage month.
   Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Asian 
Pacific Heritage Week.
  I am especially proud to do so because I am privileged to represent 
some of the most important Asian Pacific American communities in Los 
Angeles, California, including Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Filipinotown, 
and a portion of the Korean-American community. These historic 
California communities are constant reminders of the vibrancy and 
vitality of Asian Pacific Islanders and their significant contributions 
to our nation.
  Secretary of Transportation, former Representative Norman Y. Mineta 
from California, was one of the first to work towards establishing a 
time of national recognition of the accomplishments of Asian Pacific 
Islander Americans. In June of 1977, he and his colleague, 
Representative Frank Horton of New York, introduced the first House 
resolution that called upon the President to proclaim the first 10 days 
of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Week. In 1979, President 
Jimmy Carter signed a joint resolution declaring May 4-10 as National 
Asian Pacific American Heritage Week. And in 1990, President George H. 
W. Bush expanded the celebration to the entire month of May. The month 
of May was chosen for this special commemoration since it corresponds 
with the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States 
in May of 1843.
  ``Asian Pacific American'' is a political appellation that 
encompasses the many ethnic groups that exist in the API community. The 
term helps give expression to this historically, culturally, 
linguistically, and ethnically diverse group while at the same time 
recognizing common experiences in American history.
  Mr. Speaker, let me take a few minutes to highlight a few of the 
important events in the lives of my Asian Pacific American 
constituents. In Little Tokyo, one event was the celebration of the 
25th anniversary of the Little Tokyo Service Center, in which I had the 
honor to participate. For 25 years, the Little Tokyo Service Center, a 
nonprofit charitable organization serving Asian and Pacific Islanders 
throughout Los Angeles County, has been an important resource for the 
residents of this diverse community. Currently, Little Tokyo Service 
Center sponsors over a dozen community and social service programs, 
with over

[[Page H2798]]

40 paid staff and hundreds of volunteers who provide competent and 
compassionate services in seven different languages. The services 
provided by Little Tokyo Service Center include individual and family 
counseling, support groups, transportation and translation services, an 
emergency caregiver program, crisis hotlines, and consumer education.
  Little Tokyo Service Center is also the sponsor of several major 
community development projects in the Los Angeles area, including the 
construction and management of Casa Heiwa, a 100-unit affordable 
housing project for individuals and families; the rehabilitation of one 
of our city's historical landmarks into the Union Center for the Arts; 
and the development of Pacific Bridge, a housing complex for adults 
with developmental challenges.
  Another noteworthy event took place last year when I was honored to 
recognize the 100th anniversary of The Rafu Shimpo. The success of this 
bilingual English-Japanese newspaper, founded in Los Angeles and 
published, distributed, and read avidly in my congressional district, 
is another milestone in the rich history of the Japanese-American 
community.
  The history of The Rafu Shimpo is an important part of both American 
and Japanese American history and heritage. In April 1903, three young 
men, Rippo lijima, Masaharu Yamaguchi, and Seijiro Shibuya produced in 
Los Angeles the first mimeographed news bulletin for the Japanese-
speaking community. In 1914, under the new management of Henry Toyosaku 
(H.T.) Komai, the newspaper began to grow. In 1926, an English language 
section was added with the help of a 20-year-old UCLA education major, 
Louise Suski. By 1932, the English section became a daily feature.
  On April 4, 1942, The Rafu Shimpo ceased publication as Americans of 
Japanese descent were forcibly and shamefully removed to desert 
internment camps. At the end of the war in 1945, while other Japanese 
Americans were released, H.T. Komai continued to be detained in Santa 
Fe, New Mexico. Nevertheless, the Komai family's dedication to 
publishing The Rafu Shimpo persevered. H.T.'s son, Akira Komai, with a 
$1,500 loan from three staff members, rebuilt the newspaper.
  The newspaper grew rapidly from a circulation of 500 in 1946, to 
20,000 over the next 30 years. Today, H.T.'s grandson, Michael Komai, 
serves as the third generation publisher, a position he has held since 
1983. The award-winning daily has over 45,000 readers and prevails as 
the premier news source for the Los Angeles area Japanese American 
community.
  Two years ago, I was also honored to recognize the 100th anniversary 
of Fugetsu-Do, a family-run bakery in my congressional district. 
Starting in 1903, Seiichi Kito and his family, later including Roy 
Kito, began working in a small shop to produce batches of mochi, maju, 
and other Japanese sweets. In 1942, when the Kito family was forced to 
relocate to the Heart Mountain, Wyoming internment camp, the family 
business was closed. At the end of the war, the Kito family returned to 
Los Angeles and reopened the doors of Fugetsu-Do. Today, Brian Kito, 
the grandson of Seiichi Kito and the son of Roy Kito, continues the 
legacy of Fugetsu-Do and continues to serve the Little Tokyo community.
  And, of course, there is the wonderful celebration of Japanese 
culture and tradition during Nisei Week, culminating with the annual 
parade.
  I am also very proud to represent many members of the Korean-American 
community and to work with this important constituency that greatly 
contributes to the Los Angeles area and our nation as a whole.
  In 1903, Korean immigrants began arriving in the U.S. in 3 distinct 
waves. The first wave was recruited for back-breaking work on the sugar 
plantations of Hawaii. The second wave of Koreans arrived after World 
War II and again after the Korean War. In the 1960's, more Korean 
immigrants came to the U.S. seeking increased educational 
opportunities. Many in this last group were medical professionals who 
came to fill the shortage of health care workers in our inner cities. 
These immigrants have helped revitalize declining neighborhoods and 
have been an economic stimulus through small business entrepreneurship. 
Korean Americans have also made their influence felt in international 
trade, the fashion industry, and other community businesses such as 
restaurants. Still others make significant contributions in professions 
ranging from the arts to medicine and the sciences. Last year I was 
proud to help honor the 100th anniversary of Korean-American 
immigration to the United States with a statement on the floor of the 
House of Representatives and to participate in their annual Harvest 
Moon Festival parade in Los Angeles.
  And, of course, I am privileged to represent Los Angeles's Chinatown, 
perhaps the Asian Pacific American group with the oldest and best known 
story in American history.
  Immigrants from China first came to southern California in the late 
1850's to help build wagon roads and lay railroad tracks across the 
west. Initially barred from owning property, many Chinese eventually 
settled near Olvera Street in rented homes and storefronts used for 
hand laundries, herb shops and markets in downtown Los Angeles. In the 
1930's, this neighborhood of approximately 3000 Chinese was uprooted to 
make way for the construction of Union Station on Alameda Street.
  Chinese families and merchants banded together as the Los Angeles 
Chinatown Corporation to create a ``new Chinatown'' on Broadway. Since 
second-generation Chinese could own property, American-born Peter Soo 
Hoo led the group in purchasing a railroad storage yard they turned 
into a traditional Chinese-looking, tile-fringed pedestrian plaza. This 
``New Chinatown'' became one of America's first shopping malls and was 
an immediate success. Restaurants and shops abounded, and at night the 
neighborhood came to life with colorful lights, music and street 
entertainers.
  In the 1970's, waves of new Chinese immigrants led an ethnic 
population shift eastward to the San Gabriel Valley. The original 
Chinatown, however, retains its historical significance and vitality. 
To help stimulate its renewal and make this historic area accessible to 
more southern Californians, the Los Angeles delegation is working to 
bring the Gold Line through Chinatown.
  Among the many other exciting things happening in Chinatown is the 
Chinese American Museum. In December of 2003, I was pleased to join the 
Chinese community to celebrate the Grand Opening of the museum, located 
at Olvera Street, the birthplace of Los Angeles. The Chinese American 
Museum is in the Garnier Building, which was erected in the 1890's for 
the exclusive use of the Chinese community. During those early years, 
the Garnier building housed schools, temples, churches and businesses. 
And, of course, the annual Chinese New Year parade and dragon dance 
culminates a week of celebration of Chinese culture and history.
  And finally, in 2003, with other Members of Congress, I was pleased 
to attend a recognition ceremony in honor of Asian American and Pacific 
Islander veterans and current service members who are defending our 
country in the armed services. Among those being honored were members 
of the legendary 442nd Infantry Army Regiment, which sustained a higher 
rate of casualties during World War II than any other unit.
  This ceremony was one more reminder of the enormous contributions and 
sacrifices made to this country by the members of our Asian Pacific 
American communities.
  It is truly an honor to join my colleagues during Asian Pacific 
Heritage Month to recognize the many heroic and positive contributions 
of the API community to our American society.
  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, today, I am proud to 
join our nation in celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. 
This is a time to recognize the enormous contributions of Asian Pacific 
Americans to our society. The United States is a country of immigrants, 
known for its diversity. Asian Pacific Americans have increased that 
diversity, adding their unique experiences to our culture. I am proud 
that my home state of California has a larger population of Asian-
Americans than anyplace else in the country.
  It is important to renew our commitment to serving the specific needs 
of this community. Congress must not only reflect and acknowledge the 
past, but also look forward to meeting the future needs of a growing 
population. We need to work together to make the American dream a 
reality. Improving access to educational opportunities, enacting 
comprehensive immigration reform, and reducing health disparities 
should be priority initiatives. The theme of this year's Asian Pacific 
American Heritage Month is ``Liberty and Freedom for All''. This month 
serves as a reminder that we should all strive to make this theme a 
reality for every American.
  We should also acknowledge the contributions of Asian Pacific 
Americans. My district in particular has benefited from their service 
and leadership. There are several prominent Asian Pacific Americans who 
dedicate themselves to improving our communities in southern 
California. They are a source of strength and inspiration to all of us. 
I would like to recognize someone who has provided invaluable service.
  Laura Lee, of Cerritos, is committed to improving her community by 
helping those around her. She was elected to the Cerritos City Council 
in March 2003. However, this barely acknowledges the extent of her 
public service. She has made Cerritos her home since 1979, and in that 
time, has built an extensive list of accomplishments. Laura has 
provided her service and expertise to the American Red Cross, the ABC 
School District Legislative/Policy Advisory Committee, the Su Casa 
Domestic Abuse Network, and the Southern California Chinese Woman's 
League.

[[Page H2799]]

  Additionally, she is very active professionally as a real estate 
broker. She has used this experience to take on leadership roles with 
the California Association of Realtors, the Rancho Southeast 
Association of Realtors, and the Cerritos College Real Estate 
Department. Laura Lee has contributed greatly to the growth or our 
economy, the diversity of our culture, and the quality of our 
education. She is someone we can all look to as a role model.
  This month is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Asian Pacific 
American community. They are a valuable asset to our diverse culture 
that should be recognized.
  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the Nation in 
celebrating Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month. The month 
of May is a time to celebrate the achievements of Asian American men 
and women who have made remarkable contributions to our country.
  As a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific Islander American 
Caucus, I am proud to pay tribute to the 120,000 individuals of Asian 
descent I represent in California's 32nd Congressional District. 
Rosemead, Monterey Park and other cities throughout my district have 
experienced first hand the economic and cultural contributions of the 
Asian and Pacific Islander communities.
  Since the earliest days of this country, people from all cultures 
have immigrated to our Nation seeking the promise of freedom, 
opportunity, and the American dream. As an integral part of our 
society, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans are leaders in public 
service, government, science, law, education, athletics, and the arts. 
As business entrepreneurs, Asian and Pacific Islander are helping to 
strengthen our economy and our communities through their hard work and 
ingenuity. As patriots, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans continue 
to risk their lives defending liberty. We are grateful for the service 
and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform and for their families 
who love and support them.
  The commitment of Asian and Pacific Islanders to family, community 
and hard work has helped to shape our Nation for many generations. This 
year the country suffered a great loss at the death of Congressman 
Robert Matsui, who exemplified these qualities. A fellow Californian, 
Congressman Matsui served his district and the Nation 26 years in 
Congress with great distinction and honor. Formerly a Japanese-American 
prisoner during World War II, Congressman Matsui was a great advocate 
and champion of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. His 
work effort, faith, and determination were a constant source of 
inspiration for me.
  I join with all Americans in celebrating the Asian and Pacific 
Islander American culture, and I encourage every citizen to recognize 
the many contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans to the 
diversity of the Nation.
  Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues of the 
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) to recognize May as 
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. As a member of the caucus' 
executive committee and the chairman of its Immigration Task Force, I 
want to honor the many achievements and contributions of the more than 
thirteen million Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander descent in our 
country.
  Back in 1978, my friends and colleagues, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, 
former Senator Spark Matsunaga, former Representative Frank Horton and 
former Representative Norm Mineta helped establish the first 10 days of 
May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Week. Subsequent efforts were 
made to extend the week-long celebration to a month-long event. In the 
102nd Congress, I was an original cosponsor of legislation signed into 
law that designated May of each year as Asian Pacific American Heritage 
Month.
  I am blessed to serve the First Congressional District of Hawaii 
which is comprised primarily of Asian Pacific Americans (APA). It's an 
inspiring and empowering sight for other APAs from around the country 
to see. I know I say this every year, but I feel that it needs to be 
repeated. There is a special strength and resilience embodied in 
Hawaii's unique cultural mix: we have chosen to be defined by our 
diversity rather than divided by our differences. That resolve to work 
together with Aloha can serve as an example to the rest of the country.
  While we can look at APA Heritage Month as a time to recognize and 
celebrate many individual accomplishments, we must also take action. My 
colleagues and I are committed to improving the lives of all APAs by 
working on issues of importance to our community, such as fighting to 
eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities, defending civil 
liberties, protecting Social Security, and ensuring educational 
opportunities for our children. These are the principles that reflect 
this year's theme, ``Liberty and Freedom for All.''
  This year's theme represents the past and ongoing contributions of 
APAs, such as Congresswoman Patsy T. Mink who dedicated her life to 
economic and social justice, Congressman Robert Matsui, who's 
internment experience during World War II helped shape his belief that 
every American is entitled to basic civil rights despite their 
ethnicity, and Japanese American soldiers who fought during World War 
II, such as Senator Daniel K. Inouye.
  Throughout our nation's history, APAs have made and continue to make 
major contributions in areas such as business, civil liberties, culture 
and arts, education, medicine, technology and politics. By the year 
2050, there will be an estimated 33.4 million U.S. residents who will 
identify themselves as Asian alone, which will comprise 8 percent of 
the total population. This is a projected 213 percent increase of APAs 
between 2000 and 2050. These statistics reflect the growing 
significance of the APA community, its growing role in the development 
of public policy, and its cultural contributions that helps us to 
celebrate our diversities. I extend my heartfelt aloha to the APA 
community and look forward to celebrating APA Heritage Month.
  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Asian Pacific 
American Heritage Month, which commemorates the significant 
contributions of Asian Pacific Americans throughout our country's 
history. America draws its strength from its tremendous diversity. The 
contributions to our country--to the American culture and experience--
by Asian Pacific Americans are numerous, and we are a much better 
country as a result.
  I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership in the 
Asian Pacific American Caucus and our Tri-Caucus, the Asian Pacific 
American Caucus, the Hispanic Caucus, and the Congressional Black 
Caucus. It is a privilege to be part of the Tri-Caucus.
  Today, I want to recognize the contributions of Asian Pacific 
Americans in my district, the Ninth Congressional District of 
California, the East Bay of Northern California, and commend them for 
their dedicated service and vision in making life better for those in 
our community and our Nation. Asian Pacific Americans have long played 
a crucial role in the life and history of the East Bay. The region's 
identity has been profoundly shaped by its place in the Pacific Rim.
  However, today Asian Americans face a wide variety of challenges, 
including access to educational opportunities and community resources. 
I specifically want to highlight the work being done in my own district 
by the East Bay Asian Youth Center (EBAYC) and the East Bay Asian Local 
Development Corporation (EBALDC), in their efforts to empower the Asian 
American community and improve their standard of living.
  The East Bay Asian Youth Center inspires Asian American youth and 
families by providing leadership and educational opportunities. 
Everyday EBAYC (ee-BAY-cee) demonstrates that cultural diversity is a 
powerful agent for progress. They run a youth sports program, have 
founded a health center, and coordinate a video productions program 
that was awarded Honorable Mention at the Oakland International Film 
Festival. EBAYC also facilitates partnerships to provide health, 
social, security improvements, and after-school services at schools. 
Moreover, EBAYC engages families through the creation of Parent Action 
Committees (PACs). Over 500 Asian, Latino, and African-American parents 
are involved in these PACs in schools where no parent organization had 
previously existed. These PACs have been enormously effective, 
fomenting positive change in local schools. For example, one PAC was 
able to decrease truancy by 40 percent at a middle school that was 
known for its major gang-related and racial violence.
  I also want to mention the East Bay Asian Local Development 
Corporation. EBALDC (ee-BALD-cee) has created a national model to 
promote affordable housing. Since its inception, it has created over 
700 units of affordable apartments for low income families and seniors. 
It is one of the Bay Area's--and the Nation's--most respected community 
developers. EBALDC has developed nearly 200,000 square feet of retail, 
office and childcare space, two of which I want to highlight: (1) the 
Asian Resource Center, a facility that provides key community services 
to the APA community in Oakland Chinatown and, (2) Preservation Park, a 
beautifully restored Victorian neighborhood block that is home to a 
countless number of non-profit organizations and small businesses. In 
addition, EBALDC spearheads an Individual Development Account (IDA) 
savings program, by which more than 10 percent of the IDA participants 
have used their savings to buy their first homes. Given that the Bay 
Area's real estate market makes it one of the least affordable cities 
in the Nation, it has made a huge impact within our community, EBALDC 
helps individuals discover and develop the resources to realize their 
dreams--of owning affordable homes and starting new businesses.

  Immigrants face many obstacles today, and organizations like EBALDC 
and EBALYC help their clients to conquer their problems. These are just 
a few specific examples of the impact

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that APAs have had in my district. I want to salute the achievements of 
these two organizations tonight.
  I believe that it is also very important to celebrate the 
accomplishments of a hero for many of us, someone who has tirelessly 
devoted her life to make our Nation better, Lillian Galedo. Ms. Galedo 
is the Executive Director for Filipinos for Affirmative Action (FAA). 
This year she will be celebrating her ``Silver Anniversary'' with the 
organization, having served 25 years with FAA.
  During her tenure, Ms. Galedo has spearheaded several initiatives to 
advocate on behalf of the Filipino American community, especially in 
the East Bay. Today, Filipinos continue to be among the top three 
groups immigrating to the U.S., constituting one of the largest Asian 
populations in California. FAA runs several youth programs, offers 
services to new immigrants and engages in several community campaigns, 
working for the rights of immigrants, Filipino-American airport 
screeners and WWII veterans. FAA is truly an exemplary grassroots 
organization, and Ms. Galedo has been at the forefront of encouraging 
civic participation and fighting for the civil rights of the community. 
Ms. Galedo is a woman warrior--passionate and articulate--and an 
inspiration for many Asian Americans.
  I also want to recognize the contributions of those who have left us, 
but who have left an indelible mark in our Nation's history.
  Tonight I honor the memory and the legacy of a very good friend, my 
dear colleague Congressman Robert Matsui. He made such a great impact 
in this body, and tonight as we celebrate APA Heritage Month, I want to 
remind everyone of Bob's great legacy. Bob's passing is a bitter blow 
to all of us. But his life and the things he achieved for all of us 
will live forever as a testament to a life well-lived. I also want to 
recognize his wife, Doris, who has done an incredible job in the past 
few months, in carrying on his legacy and reflecting the view and the 
future that Bob would have for the country.
  I also want to highlight the achievements of Fred Korematsu, a 
courageous champion of the civil rights movement and a role model for 
Asian Americans. During his life, Mr. Korematsu touched the lives of 
countless people, shedding light on a past injustice that was forgotten 
and ignored. Mr. Korematsu was a central figure within the controversy 
of Japanese internment during World War II, during which he was 
arrested for demanding no more than what every American is entitled 
to--his basic human rights. Mr. Korematsu defied the order to go to the 
Japanese-American internment camps because he believed it wasn't right. 
His case changed legal history and resulted in an apology by the U.S. 
for its wrongdoings, as well as reparations to 120,000 living Japanese-
Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, 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. So as a proud member of the Congressional 
Asian Pacific American Caucus, I am privileged to join the gentleman 
from California tonight to make sure that our entire country 
understands why we are celebrating APA Heritage Month. Let us make sure 
that we represent Asian Pacific Americans every month, each and every 
day as we develop our policies and our legislation that ensure liberty 
and justice for all.

                          ____________________