[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 159 (Tuesday, December 13, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H11338-H11341]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF KOREAN AMERICAN DAY
Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 487) supporting the goals and ideals of Korean
American Day.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 487
Whereas the influence of Korean Americans may be observed
in all facets of American life, including entrepreneurship,
the arts, and education;
Whereas on January 13, 1903, 102 pioneer Korean immigrants
arrived in the United States initiating the first chapter of
Korean immigration to America;
Whereas the centennial year of 2003 marked an important
milestone in the history of Korean immigration;
Whereas Korean Americans, like other groups of immigrants
that came to the United States before them, have settled and
thrived in the United States through strong family ties,
community support, and hard work;
Whereas Korean Americans have made significant
contributions to the economic vitality of the United States
and the global marketplace;
Whereas Korean Americans have invigorated businesses,
churches, and academic communities in the United States;
Whereas Korean Americans have made enormous contributions
to the military strength of the United States;
Whereas today, at least 4,000 Korean Americans serve in the
Armed Forces of the United States, with approximately 25
percent of them currently serving in Iraq; and
Whereas the Centennial Committees of Korean Immigration and
Korean Americans have designated January 13 of each year as
``Korean American Day'' to commemorate the first step of the
long and prosperous journey of Korean Americans in the United
States: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports the goals and ideals of a Korean American Day;
(2) urges all Americans to observe Korean American Day so
as to have a greater appreciation of the invaluable
contributions Korean Americans have made to United States;
and
(3) honors and recognizes the 103rd anniversary of the
arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Utah (Mr. Cannon) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) each will
control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Utah.
General Leave
Mr. CANNON. 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. 487.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Utah?
There was no objection.
Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 487, which supports the
goals and ideals of a Korean American Day and recognizes the 103rd
anniversary of the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United
States.
Korean Americans have played an important part in American society
since January 13, 1903, when over 100 pioneer Korean immigrants arrived
in America.
{time} 1415
I am proud to say this last century is chock-full of significant,
creative Korean-American accomplishments from Jam Kim, the first
Korean-American to serve in the United States House of Representatives,
to Eugene Chung, first Korean-American to be selected in
[[Page H11339]]
the first round of the NFL draft. To commemorate this remarkable
period, the Centennial Committees of Korean Immigration and Korean-
Americans designated January 13 of each year as Korean-American Day.
The Korean-American community has created a successful community at
large and has established a deep sense of culture and heritage for the
upcoming generations. It has become a centralizing force that promotes
progress and unity of Korean-Americans, as well as preserves their
close historical ties with Korean-American ancestors.
Korean-Americans have played an integral part in helping the United
States grow our principles of strong family ties, support for our
community as well as aspiring for success. With their contributions to
the economic vitality of the U.S. global marketplace, they have also
rejuvenated businesses, churches and academic communities in the United
States.
The Korean-American population has made enormous contributions to all
facets of American life, including to the United States military. At
least 4,000 Korean-Americans serve in the U.S. Armed Forces with
approximately 25 percent serving in Iraq currently. In addition,
Korean-Americans score among the top tier in academic tests and
scholastic accomplishments.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, I am hopeful that H. Res. 487 will serve to
bring the well-deserved recognition to a community that has given so
much in leadership and heritage to our Nation.
I would like to thank Chairman Tom Davis for introducing this
important resolution and urge my colleagues to join me in its adoption.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
might consume.
Mr. Speaker, Korea and the United States entered into their first
treaty, the Treaty of Friendship and Commerce, in 1882. The signing of
the treaty ushered in a sustained period of cooperation between the two
Nations. Not long after the treaty was signed, Korean citizens began
immigrating to the United States and, since that time, have made rich
contributions to the ethnic and cultural fabric of America.
Korean emigration to the United States can be divided into three
major waves. The first, from 1903 to 1905, consisted of about 7,500
Koreans, mostly men, who left their homes to work on Hawaii's sugar
plantations as contract laborers. The second, beginning in 1950,
consisted of women who married American soldiers and children adopted
into American families. The third wave began in 1967 with the
occupational and family reunification preferences of the 1965
Immigration Act. These waves of immigration followed growing U.S.
involvement in Korea during the 20th century.
Immigrants from Korea thrived in the United States despite social,
economic and language barriers. Korean-Americans have made
contributions in the fields of finance, technology, law, medicine, the
military, as well as in other areas. Four thousand Korean-Americans
serve proudly in the United States Armed Forces, many of them in Iraq.
The United States has remained firmly committed to its allies in
Korea, as shown not only by military support during the Korean
conflict, but through the support of the Korean community in the United
States. In June 2002, the United States Senate passed a historic
resolution that recognized the 100th anniversary of Korean immigration
to the United States.
I urge all of my colleagues to join me in the commemoration of
Korean-American Day. This resolution celebrates the success of the
Korean-American community, the contributions Korean immigrants have
made and the contributions they continue to make to America.
Mr. Speaker, I do not believe that I have any additional requests for
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to my
distinguished colleague and friend from the Commonwealth of Virginia
(Mr. Tom Davis).
Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it is with extreme pleasure
today that I rise in support of H. Res. 487. This resolution supports
the goals and ideals of Korean-American Day and honors the many
important contributions Korean-Americans have made to the United
States.
January 13, 1903, marked the arrival of the first 102 Korean
immigrants to America. For more than 100 years, Korean-Americans, like
the immigrants from other Nations who came to the United States before
them, have established roots and thrived in the United States through
strong family ties, community support and hard work. The influence of
Korean-Americans has been observed in all facets of American life,
including, but not limited to, entrepreneurship, the arts and
education.
Since my first term in Congress, I have had the pleasure of working
hand-in-hand with a large Korean-American community in Northern
Virginia. Through this warm and prosperous relationship, I have only
become more impressed with a people whose heritage displays such a
strong sense of determination, discipline and compassion. I am very
proud of how rapidly the Korean-American community has spread its roots
in Northern Virginia and am extremely appreciative of their numerous
contributions to our community.
From Annandale to Fairfax to Prince William County, Korean-American-
owned shops and businesses dominate the retail landscape. Their
children are succeeding in our schools and going on to start their own
businesses and bring up their families, making our community better and
more prosperous by far.
I traveled and led a congressional delegation to the Republic of
Korea in August of 2004 to discuss the prosperous relationship between
our two countries. The Republic of Korea is an important ally and
trading partner of the United States, and this is why many Korean
immigrants have chosen to make the U.S. their home. It is the United
States' seventh largest trading partner and is the third largest source
of foreign students studying in the United States.
In addition, the U.S. embassy in Seoul is the busiest American
consular post in the world. I have been working diligently with the
Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security to help
create a roadmap which will eventually admit Korea into the Visa Waiver
Program.
In closing, I want to remind my colleagues that it is all too easy to
overlook the invaluable contributions that Korean-Americans have made,
not just in Northern Virginia but to our Nation as a whole. This bill
provides well-deserved recognition to the Korean-American community for
the indelible mark they have made upon the diversity and prominence of
our great Nation.
I also want to thank the distinguished representative from Utah for
handling this bill on the floor, thanks to the gentleman from New York
(Mr. Rangel), the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), who has been a
leader in these efforts, and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr.
Capuano) for their work as original sponsors on this resolution, and I
urge all of my colleagues to support it.
Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to
the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), my friend and colleague.
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Utah for the time,
and I rise also in support of this resolution supporting the goals and
supporting the ideals of Korean-American Day, and as mentioned by
Chairman Davis, I am an original cosponsor of the bill.
The Republic of Korea has been an ally and a friend of the United
States now for many decades, and over this time, South Korea has
emerged as a major economic partner for the United States. Korea is the
U.S.'s seventh largest trading partner. That is ahead of Western
European countries such as France and Italy, and frankly, it is our
sixth largest export market. The U.S. is Korea's largest export market,
its second largest source of imports and the largest supplier of
foreign direct investment into South Korea.
South Korea is also a very key ally of the United States, and as
chairman of the U.S.-Republic of Korea Interparliamentary Exchange, I
can report that many in this body recognize the importance of this
resolution. I frequently travel to South Korea on the mission of
building this relationship. It is vital that the two countries work
closely together to address the difficult security challenges in
northeast Asia.
[[Page H11340]]
There are now more than 1 million Korean-Americans living in the
United States. A large body of Korean-Americans are in southern
California. From the first 100 who immigrated to the United States in
the early 20th century, Koreans have become an integral part of our
country. Today, one out of every eight Korean-Americans is an
entrepreneur, owning his or her own business.
In my own district, I am continually impressed with the Korean
community and their commitment in upholding their own rich heritage and
their commitment to education. The United States, and California in
particular, have been enriched and defined by the contributions of
Korean-Americans in a wide variety of fields.
Korean-Americans have invigorated businesses and civic institutions,
certainly academic communities and science across the country. Korean-
owned businesses employ more than a third of the million men and women,
generating sales and receipts of around $50 billion a year.
This legislation gives Congress the chance to recognize the
importance Korean-Americans play in our community by establishing
Korean-American Day.
Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield so much time as he may
consume, given the constraint that we may have, to the gentleman from
the Commonwealth of Virginia (Mr. Moran).
Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from Utah
for yielding me the time, and I will not take much of it, but I would
like to underscore what has already been said.
We have a very close, almost unique relationship with the people of
Korea. Thousands of our young men and women died to enable the South
Koreans to live in democracy. They have taken advantage of that
opportunity and have been a model for the rest of the world in terms of
free enterprise and an active democratic system. Hopefully, the people
of North Korea will one day understand that South Korea's gone in the
right direction, and North Korea's gone in the wrong direction.
In addition to that strong relationship, Korean-Americans have
contributed to this country in a way that is paralleled by very few
other nationalities. They have contributed in ways to our economy and
our society that are incalculable and that are worthy of great
appreciation. Their work ethic, their strong values have done so much
for the business community and, really, for the stability of our
society.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to suggest that one way that we might
substantively express our appreciation for what Korean-Americans have
done for this country's economy and society is to pass the Visa Waiver
bill. I am a sponsor of this, and what it would do is to grant the same
kind of opportunities for Koreans to come from South Korea and to visit
their relatives as are granted to 27 other countries, including all of
our European allies and many of our Asian allies; Bosnia and Japan, for
example. Yet today, there are thousands of South Korean families
waiting in line, trying to get a visa to visit their own families here
in the United States of America. They are not able to because they are
not afforded the same visa waiver that our other allies are. In fact,
they are really the only strong ally that is not granted that
privilege. I think we should grant that privilege, and I think that
would be a further expression of the very strong and genuine sentiments
that are expressed in this resolution.
I obviously strongly support this resolution, and I appreciate the
opportunity to say so on the floor. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friends,
the gentleman from Utah, and the gentleman from Illinois for offering
it and certainly my good friend and colleague from Virginia (Mr. Tom
Davis).
Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again thank both the
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis) and the gentleman from Illinois
(Mr. Davis) for their work on this bill and bringing it forward, and I
want to urge all Members to support the adoption of H. Res. 487.
Mr. CASE. Mr. Speaker, aloha and annyong ha shimnikka!
I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 487, which supports the
goals and ideals of Korean American Day and, in doing so, recognizes
the rich history of Korean immigration to our country dating back well
over a century now and the broad and deep contributions of Korean
Americans to all facets of our diverse American life.
The history of our country's Korean American community is commonly
traced to January 13, 1903, when the SS Gaelic arrived in Honolulu
Harbor carrying our first immigrants from Korea. The 56 men, 21 women,
and 25 children who stepped onto my Hawaii's shores that day marked the
beginning of the remarkable Korean cultural thread that has woven
itself so deeply and uniquely into our American tapestry.
Today, 1.2 million Americans of Korean ancestry live throughout our
Nation, with 41,000 in Hawaii alone. Korean American contributions in
our Hawaii, built on the foundation of dedication and sacrifice by
their predecessors, have been notable in a plethora of fields, ranging
from government, law, finance, technology, medicine, and business, to
arts, sports, education, and military service.
As just some examples, Chief Justice Ronald Moon of the Hawaii
Supreme Court is the first Korean American in our country to serve on a
state supreme court. Others are recipients of the Hawaii Korean
American Foundation's 2005 Light of the Orient Award: Hawaii County
Mayor Harry Kim, Honolulu City Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi, community
advocates Agnes Rho Chun, Reverend Tongjin Samuel Lee, Frank Min,
Evelyn Choi Shon, and Duk Hee Lee Murabayashi. And, of course, our most
well-known American of Korean ancestry is professional golfer Michelle
Wie.
But what proud father would not take the opportunity as well to
highlight his own two favorite Korean Americans: James Kahele Case and
David Espenett Case. My sons carry a quarter Korean ethnicity gifted
them by their grandmother, Grace Moon, who emigrated to Hawaii from
Korea shortly after the Korean War, and so join this great community in
the responsibility of bringing forward this great heritage, American
style, into the coming generations.
In closing, I thank Congressmen Tom Davis, Charles Rangel, Michael
Capuano, and Ed Royce, the chief sponsors of this measure, for
providing us all with this opportunity to recognize the many
contributions of Korean Americans, past, present and future. Kamsamnida
to them, and to all Korean Americans, wherever you might be.
Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House
Resolution 487, which recognizes the goals and ideals of a Korean
American Day and which honors the contributions that Korean Americans
have made in the United States.
On January 13, 1903, 102 Korean immigrants arrived in the United
States. They arrived on the SS Gaelic in Honolulu in the U.S. Territory
of Hawaii where they established residence and labored on Hawaiian
sugar plantations. These immigrants pioneered the migration of Koreans
to America. Today this movement continues and remains strong. The
island of Guam is home to many Korean immigrants and Korean Americans
alike.
In the 1960s, President John F. Kennedy lifted the United States
security clearance requirement for travel to and from Guam. This was an
important-step with respect to the future growth and development of
Guam's economy and trade with Asian nations. The removal of the
security clearance requirement was followed by an influx of new
immigrants to Guam, the westernmost territory of the United States.
Koreans began to establish communities on Guam as early as in the
1970s, and in 1980s many new Korean families arrived on island to
establish a beginning in America. Many Korean immigrants opened new
businesses and several have risen to assume important leadership roles
in advocating for the small business community.
The contributions of Korean Americans are not only found in Guam, but
in every community across the United States. Korean Americans are key
contributors in the economic, medical, academic and religious fields.
Notably, at least 4,000 Korean Americans are currently serving in the
U.S. Armed Forces, with 25 percent serving in Iraq. Whether they are
serving as leaders in their communities or fighting alongside their
fellow Americans in defense of our country, Korean Americans have
demonstrated their significant presence in and contributions to the
United States.
I wish to express my heartfelt support in recognizing the 103rd
anniversary of the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United
States. On this occasion, I also take the opportunity to recognize the
growth and contributions of the Korean Association of Guam. The Korean
Association of Guam was established to advance the professional and
civic interests of Korean Americans in Guam. Today, the Association
serves as an important welcoming support group for new immigrants from
Korea. Through the continued efforts and contributions of Korean
Americans, our nation's ties with Korea will be strengthened in the
years to come. I urge passage of House
[[Page H11341]]
Resolution 487 in honor of the story and contributions of Korean
Americans.
Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my
support for H. Res. 487, supporting the goals and ideals for Korean
American Day.
On January 13th, we will celebrate the 103rd Anniversary of Korean
American Day. It was on that day, 103 years ago, that a boat carrying
102 Korean immigrants arrived in Hawaii. According to the 2000 census,
there are now more than 1 million Korean Americans. Over that time,
Korean Americans have made an untold number of contributions to
American society.
Whether in education, science, business, or the arts, Korean
Americans have played and continue to play a vital role in shaping
communities throughout New Jersey and the entire country.
For instance, there are over 4,000 Korean Americans currently serving
in our Armed Forces and a large number of them are deployed overseas
keeping our nation safe from terrorism. Furthermore, Korean Americans
own more than 135,500 businesses across the U.S., employing nearly
334,000 individuals and generating gross receipts and sales of $46
billion.
Many of to day's Korean Americans came to this nation in the 1950s
fleeing the war and poverty that followed the invasion of South Korea
by North Korea. Today, that region continues to face threats to its
overall security. I promise to continue to work with my colleagues and
Korean officials to find a long term solution to the nuclear crisis on
the Korean peninsula. Ensuring safety in the region and seeking a
diplomatic resolution to the conflict are two of my top priorities.
Korean American Day is an excellent opportunity for Americans to
remember the many contributions that Korean Americans have made to our
society and I urge all of my colleagues to support H. Res. 487,
supporting the goals and ideals of Korean American Day.
Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 487, which
supports the goals and ideals of Korean American Day.
I would like to recognize my colleagues Representatives Davis,
Rangel, Capuano and Royce for their leadership on this bill.
As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC),
I am proud to stand here to honor the accomplishments and contributions
of the Korean American community.
On January 13, 1903, the first wave of Korean immigrants arrived in
Hawaii. Like all immigrants, they arrived in this country with hope
that they would find opportunities and a better life for themselves and
their children. After World War II and the Korean War, two separate
streams of Korean immigration took place. The first included those
searching for political and educational freedom from the war. The
larger stream occurred after the 1965 Immigration Act, which abolished
the ``national origins'' quota system and allowed for family
reunification provisions. After being hardened through years of war in
Korea, these immigrants felt determined to build better lives and
thrive in the United States.
For Korean immigrants, the American dream of building a better future
for their families is alive and well. Korean Americans make this dream
a reality through a focus on entrepreneurship. Korean American
entrepreneurs have successfully developed businesses in all parts of
our cities and suburbs.
The path to the American dream has not been easy for Korean
Americans. The community has faced language and cultural barriers,
discrimination and racism. Despite these obstacles, the Korean American
community--like so many other immigrants who arrive in this country--
are helping to make and keep America strong.
The Korean American community has made lasting contributions to our
society through a variety of professions including business, education,
and the military. They have made significant contributions in medicine
and the sciences such as the South Korean researcher Hwang Woo-Suk, a
national hero in Korea for back-to-back world firsts in embryonic stem
cell (ESC) research. Additionally, the Korean American community
provides a bridge for the U.S. in building a stronger relationship with
Korea. As a nation, we are benefiting from the knowledge and talent
from their contributions.
Today, there are over 2 million Korean Americans living in the United
States and Korean immigration remains an important part of our nation's
history. The contributions through their culture, talents and knowledge
continue to add to the diversity of this great nation.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this
important piece of legislation.
Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support and as a cosponsor of H.
Res. 487, supporting the goals and ideals of Korean American Day. This
resolution marks the upcoming 103rd anniversary, on January 13, 2006,
of the day that the first Korean immigrants arrived in the United
States.
Today we acknowledge and celebrate the economic, academic and
cultural contributions made by the immigrant Korean community to the
United States. Korean Americans have made a significant and positive
impact in this country, in the proud tradition of immigrants that for
generations have traveled to come to the United States.
I am pleased to work with various Korean American groups in my State
of Maryland that have helped new immigrants gain access to social
services, health care, and continuing education programs that allow
them to prosper in America. I am also pleased that many groups are
working to assist qualified legal permanent residents to become U.S.
citizens and to participate in local, State, and national elections.
I call on my colleagues to recognize the contributions made by Korean
Americans and to support this resolution.
Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Petri). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Cannon) that the House suspend
the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 487.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this question will
be postponed.
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