[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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