[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 69 (Monday, May 23, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H3722-H3724]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree 
to the resolution (H. Res. 280) celebrating Asian Pacific American 
Heritage Month, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 280

       Whereas the contributions of Asian Pacific Americans to our 
     Nation have been historically significant;
       Whereas at the direction of Congress in 1978, the President 
     proclaimed the week of May 4 through 10, 1979, as Asian 
     Pacific American Heritage Week, to provide the people of the 
     United States with an opportunity to recognize the 
     achievements, contributions, history, and concerns of Asian 
     Pacific Americans;
       Whereas this seven day period designated Asian Pacific 
     American Heritage Week intended to mark two historical 
     dates--May 7, 1843, when the first Japanese immigrants 
     arrived in the United States, and May 10, 1869, Golden Spike 
     Day, when, with substantial contributions from Chinese 
     immigrants, the first transcontinental railroad was 
     completed;
       Whereas in 1992, Congress by law designated that the month 
     of May be annually observed as Asian Pacific American 
     Heritage Month;
       Whereas according to the U.S. Census Bureau an estimated 
     14.5 million United States residents trace their ethnic 
     heritage, in full or in part, to Asia and the Pacific 
     Islands;
       Whereas Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders can list 
     innovative contributions to all aspects of life in the United 
     States ranging from the first transcontinental railroad to 
     the Internet;
       Whereas in the mid-1700's Filipino sailors formed the first 
     Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the bayous 
     of Louisiana;
       Whereas Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have added to 
     the vast cultural wealth of our Nation; and
       Whereas more than 300,000 Americans of Asian or Pacific 
     Island heritage have bravely and honorably served to defend 
     the United States in times of armed conflict from the Civil 
     War to the present: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes that the United States draws its strength 
     from its diversity, including contributions made by Asian 
     Americans and Pacific Islanders;
       (2) recognizes that the Asian American and Pacific Islander 
     community is a thriving and integral part of American society 
     and culture;
       (3) recognizes the prodigious contributions of Asian 
     Americans and Pacific Islanders to the United States; and
       (4) supports the goals of Asian Pacific American Heritage 
     Month.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen).


                             General Leave

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. 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 H. Res. 280.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 280 celebrates Asian Pacific American 
Heritage Month. The resolution honors the immense contributions that 
Asians and Pacific Islanders have made to our Nation.
  This month, May, is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and the 
theme is ``Freedom For All--A Nation We Can Call Our Own.''
  Today, more than 14 million native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and 
Asians call America their home nation. This legislation is a fitting 
tribute to our Asian and Pacific Island friends and neighbors. I thank 
the House leadership, particularly the Majority Leader for scheduling 
this meaningful resolution today.
  Congress first observed this commemoration in 1978 as Asian Pacific 
American Heritage week during the first 10 days of May. Then, in 1992, 
Congress expanded the commemoration to designate the entire month of 
May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The first 10 days of May 
include two important historical dates, May 7, which in 1843 marked the 
arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States, and May 
10, the date in 1869 on which the first North American transcontinental 
railroad was completed.
  The railway was built heading east from Sacramento, California, and 
west from Omaha, Nebraska, and converged in Utah thanks to the hard 
work of thousands of laborers, most of whom were Chinese immigrants.
  Mr. Speaker, as the war on terrorism continues today, I also wish to 
recognize the service that more than 300,000 Asian and Pacific veterans 
have made throughout American history. From the Army's courageous First 
and Second Filipino Regiments that General Douglas MacArthur sent to 
spy behind Japanese lines in World War II, to the indescribable bravery 
of today's soldier heroes like Marine Lance Corporal Victor Lu and Army 
Specialist Thai Vue, who have lost their lives in the past year in 
Iraq.
  Asian and Pacific Americans have indeed sacrificed so much for our 
cherished liberty and freedoms. I know that all Members of the House 
join me in commending the selflessness of these veterans and active 
duty soldiers.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished chairman of our Committee on 
Government Reform, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis) for his 
hard work on House Resolution 280.
  I am pleased to be a cosponsor of the resolution, and I urge all of 
my colleagues to support its adoption.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased and proud to represent an area in 
Chicago known as Chinatown, and also to note that I just returned 
during the break from visiting both China and Sri Lanka.

                              {time}  1600

  So I rise today in support of H. Res. 280, celebrating Asian Pacific 
American Heritage Month.
  I also want to take a minute to acknowledge the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis), the distinguished chairman of the Committee 
on Government Reform, for his leadership on this important matter.
  H. Res. 280 was introduced on May 17, 2005, and enjoys the support 
and cosponsorship of 66 Members of Congress. Asian Pacific Americans 
have a long and distinguished history of involvement and participation 
in this country. 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.

[[Page H3723]]

  Today, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 14.5 million Americans 
trace at least a portion of their ethnic heritage to Asian and Pacific 
Islanders. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month has a rich tradition 
in this country as well. In June 1977, Representatives Frank Horton of 
New York and Norman Mineta of California introduced a resolution that 
called upon President Carter to proclaim the first 10 days of May as 
Asian Pacific Heritage Week. The celebration remained in this form 
until President Bush extended the event into the full month of May in 
1990.
  It was decided that May was the appropriate month for Asian Pacific 
American Heritage Month because on May 7, 1843, the first group of 
Japanese immigrants came to the United States. Today, Asian Pacific 
American Heritage Month is celebrated with events throughout the 
country intended to educate all of our citizens about the positive 
impact the Asian Pacific community has had on our Nation. The theme of 
this year's celebration is Freedom For All--a Nation We Call Our Own.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to again thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. 
Tom Davis) for sponsoring this measure and thank the Asian Pacific 
American community for their tremendous contribution to the wealth and 
success of our great Nation.
  I also take a moment of personal privilege to thank a young woman who 
worked for several years with me as my legislative assistant, Miss 
Courtini Pugh, who was a member of the Asian Pacific community and is 
known as one of the most outstanding young persons in America. And so I 
urge swift passage of this bill.
  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Asian Pacific 
American Heritage Month. I welcome this opportunity to highlight the 
contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander American communities to our 
nation.
  Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebrates the contributions 
that Asian Pacific Islander Americans make in their daily lives. By 
sharing with us their heritage they bring us a greater understanding 
and appreciation for what it means to be Asian and Pacific Islanders 
and proud Americans.
  Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have embraced America while 
honoring their heritage and passing their traditions on to their 
children. Asian and Pacific Islander Americans also serve our country 
with pride and distinction in the Armed Forces. I would especially like 
to honor the uniformed men from Guam who have given their lives to 
protect our freedom. Army Specialist Christopher Wesley, Lieutenant 
Michael Vega, Sergeant Eddie Chen, Corporal Jaygee Meluat, Specialist 
Jonathan Santos, and Officer Ferdinand Ibabao all paid the ultimate 
sacrifice while serving in Iraq.
  We honor the way the experience of Asian and Pacific Islanders 
contributes to our national identity because while most of us 
understand words like freedom and oppression in the abstract, a 
Vietnamese-American can tell you how the dream of freedom can keep you 
alive while fleeing oppression on a boat in the high seas. A Chamorro 
or a Filipino-American who lived through enemy occupation during World 
War II can help you understand what freedom and liberty means because 
they had it taken away. If you have never experienced the immediate 
threat of war to your personal safety, a Korean-American can help you 
appreciate just how precious peace is. A Chinese-American or a 
Japanese-American can inspire you with their stories of making good on 
the American Dream after arriving in the United States without money, 
friends, or a strong understanding of the English language.
  Asians and Pacific Islanders have powerful stories to tell. Their 
contribution to America is not just the varied foods and diverse 
cultures they have introduced to this land, it is also the stories of 
their incredible journeys to freedom.
  As we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, let us honor 
the contributions of all Asian and Pacific Islander Americans. Let us 
appreciate the cultural diversity, the patriotism, and the communities 
that make America great.
  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of 
Asian Pacific Islander Americans, APIA. I would like to thank my 
colleagues for recognizing Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
  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 APIA 
community.
  In the past year, the APIA community has lost extraordinary community 
activists, advocates, leaders, and long time friends, such as Fred 
Korematsu, Dr. John B. Tsu, K. Patrick Okura, Iris Chang, and my 
colleague and friend Congressman Bob Matsui.
  As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), 
I feel privileged to represent a community that is growing 
exponentially and exceedingly diverse in culture, ethnicities, and 
language. Today, there are over 12 million APIAs living in the U.S. and 
representing 4.5 percent of the total U.S. population. By the year 
2050, there will be more than 33 million APIAs living in the U.S. My 
home state of California has both the largest APIA population--4.6 
million--and the largest numerical increase of APIAs since April 2000.
  I am proud to be a member of the APIA community, because we continue 
to serve as positive contributors to our many communities by investing 
in education, business, and cultural opportunities for all Americans.
  APIAs continue to build clout and power in all sectors of society. 
For example, APIAs had a purchasing power of $296.4 billion in 2002, up 
152 percent from 1990. APIAs in California had the most buying power--
$104.1 billion--but APIA buying power is growing fast in places like 
Nevada, Georgia and North Carolina.
  Mr. Speaker, as we honor the 40th anniversary of the Immigration 
Nationality Act of 1965 and the 30th anniversary of the Refugee Act of 
1975 this year, we need to remember that our country was founded and 
created to protect our freedom and civil liberties. And, as a nation of 
immigrants we must embrace our diversity.
  Embracing diversity also means we need to do a better job of 
disaggregating data and information about the APIA community. The APIA 
community is often misperceived as a monolithic racial group and is 
often seen as the model minority. 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 that fled their home countries during the 
late 1970s and early 1980s.
  The APIA community continues to fight for our civil rights and 
against any injustices 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.
  In closing, this Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we take pride 
in our history, accomplishments, and the promise of our future as we 
continue to pave the way for a better tomorrow in the name of ``Liberty 
and Freedom for All.''
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, as I rise today to recognize Asian Pacific 
American Heritage Month, one word comes to mind when I think of the 
people to whom we dedicate this month--and that word is persistence.
  From the transcontinental railroad to academy-nominated films, Asian 
Pacific Americans have helped shape this Nation in incredible ways.
  In fact, as many may know, the backbone of our country's railroad 
system was built with a labor force that consisted of 80 percent 
Chinese Americans, who prepared the foundation of our railroad tracks 
by dangling over cliffs with a mere rope tied to their waists on 
mountains that rose over 7,000 feet.
  In literature, we have the contributions of scholarly elites such as 
Maxine Hong Kingston and Amy Tan, who have opened our eyes to the 
different practices of the Far East.
  In fitness, we are exposed to the discipline of the world of martial 
arts with disciplines ranging from Tai Chi to Judo. Finally, in 
philosophy, we are introduced to the idea of Confucius, Sun Tzu, who 
wrote The Art of War, and Feng Sui to guide our lives.
  Not to mention the Chinatowns of our nation, with cuisines ranging 
from India, Thailand, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, that has transformed 
our taste buds with some of the best and most diverse Asian dishes--but 
more importantly shown the diversity of the continent.
  But this wonderful list of Asian contributions did not come without a 
price. Thousands of Chinese Americans died under dangerous working 
conditions while building the transcontinental railroad, yet when the 
railroad was finally completed, they were not even allowed to be a part 
of the official photograph that documented those involved with the 
construction. Their names were not mentioned anywhere in news articles, 
and their faces quickly forgotten in American history.
  Chinatowns were created out of necessity as a form of protection from 
discrimination and a need for survival. Stereotypes that bias our 
perceptions today came to form as a result of Asian Americans being 
restricted to specific low-level jobs as deemed appropriate by the 
majority of the time.
  Various anti-immigration laws during the early 1900s ensured racial 
offenses against Asian Americans were abundant and legal. Our nation 
should never forget the atrocious

[[Page H3724]]

violations we imposed on the Japanese Americans during WorId War II as 
we shunned them from society as a result of their ethnicity.
  Mr. Speaker, despite all the hardship and adversity that Asian 
Americans have faced during their time in the United States, the 
persistence and resilience of Asian Americans have allowed them to 
flourish into the leading minority group they are today.
  I encourage my colleagues to learn from the history of Asian 
Americans in the United States, so that we may avoid the civil rights 
violations and discriminatory practices that hurt ethnic communities in 
the name of national security.
  I would also like to encourage the future generations of Asian 
Americans to follow in the footsteps of their ancestors. Persist in 
your dreams of a fair America, persist in your desires for an equal 
America, and persist in your fight for an America that is as dedicated 
and tolerant of you as your ancestors have been with us.
  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the 
resolution offered by my friend from Virginia, Mr. Davis.
  I represent approximately 85,000 Asian Pacific Islander Americans in 
my Congressional district in New York City.
  I am proud to represent the most diverse Congressional District in 
the country. From the strong Korean community in Elmhurst to the 
Philippine community of Woodside to Indian American in Jackson Heights 
to Bangladesh Americans in Parkchester, this district reflects the 
diversity of the continent of Asia and is a true testament of the 
American melting pot experience.
  Thousands of Asian Americans and South Asians have left their lives 
behind in their homeland, just as my grandparents did, to make a better 
life for themselves in New York City. They have succeeded from the 
shops of 74th Street to the presence of Asians at all levels of law, 
medicine and commerce in our city. They have also become true 
stakeholders in our political system.
  From the election of Jimmy Meng and John Liu to the New York State 
Assembly and City Council respectively to Uma Sen Gupta's election as 
the first Indian American district leader, Asian and South Asians are a 
vibrant part of not only the culture and economic fabric of our City 
but the political fabric as well.
  Asian Pacific American Heritage month began on June 30, 1977 when the 
first 10 days of May 1978 were declared Asian Pacific American Heritage 
week.
  Today, there are over 12 million Asian Pacific Islander Americans 
living in the United States. 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 Asian Pacific Islander 
Americans between 2000 and 2050.
  I am proud to represent Asian American and celebrate Asian Pacific 
American Heritage with all my constituents and colleagues.
  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, this month our nation pays tribute to the 
contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, 
including immigrants, refugees, and natives. More than 13 million Asian 
Americans and Pacific Islanders, representing a diverse community of 
backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, make their homes in the United 
States. Their unique contributions enhance the moral fabric and 
character of our great country.
  The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community is a fast-
growing minority group in the United States. Asian Americans and 
Pacific Islanders are making valuable contributions to every aspect of 
American life--from business to education to science to the arts. For 
example, there are now more than 900,000 AAPI-owned small businesses 
across the 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 passed away recently, and by far 
one of the greatest was our own Congressman Bob Matsui, who despite 
imprisonment in an internment camp during World War II, never lost 
faith in our country, and went on to become a national champion for all 
of America's seniors. We miss Bob dearly, but the voters of California 
have blessed us by sending his wife, the Gentlelady from California, 
Ms. Doris Matsui, to carry on his wonderful legacy in this body.
  In memory of Bob Matsui and other 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.'' In my own 
district, we have our share of emerging leaders from the Asian 
community, including my friend Shing-Fu Hsueh, the mayor of West 
Windsor, who is a model public figure. Like Bob Matsui, Shing-Fu Hsueh 
is a believer in the American ideal, that anyone--regardless of 
religion, race, or gender--can realize their dreams for themselves and 
their children. Unfortunately, the faith of every member of New 
Jersey's Asian community in that American ideal has been sorely tested 
recently.
  You see, on the very eve of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, 
two talk show hosts--whose program airs on one of the largest stations 
in New Jersey--made a most obnoxious, insulting, and despicable series 
of anti-Asian statements.
  Last month, these shock jocks verbally demeaned Mr. Jun Choi, a 
Korean-American running for mayor of Edison, New Jersey, mockingly 
asking their listeners ``Would you really vote for someone named Jun 
Choi?'' They then preceded to say that ``Americans'' should govern our 
towns, counties, and country--as if Jun Choi, Shing-Fu Hsueh, and the 
thousands of other hard-working, tax-paying, and participating people 
of Asian heritage are not real Americans.
  I could cite even more examples from this outrageous broadcast but I 
refuse to demean this House by repeating some of the other language 
that these two radio racists used. I'm extremely disappointed that the 
management of the radio station in question, 101.5 FM, has not issued a 
written public apology to Jun Choi and the entire Asian community. In 
my judgment it is the absolute minimum they should do, and I also 
believe the station management should pledge never again to allow such 
racist rants to be aired on their station.
  Mr. Speaker, as the Asian Pacific American community continues to 
contribute to our society and grow in influence--poltically, 
economically, and culturally--I am pleased to say that Americans like 
Jun Choi, Shing-Fu Hsueh, and Doris Matsui are indeed taking leading 
roles in our self-governing country.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Daniel E. Lungren of California). The 
question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. 
Ros-Lehtinen) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution, H. Res. 280, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was 
agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________