[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 31, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E25]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE CENTENNIAL OF SUSTAINED FILIPINO IMMIGRATION TO THE 
                             UNITED STATES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 31, 2006

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of Con. Res. 
218 and join my colleagues and the Congressional Asian Pacific American 
Caucus in recognizing the upcoming centennial celebration of sustained 
Filipino immigration to the United States. For over a century now, 
Filipino Americans have been a vibrant part of the American story, 
adding to our great diversity and contributing to the success of our 
country.
  Since the first small group of Filipino immigrants arrived in 1906 to 
work in the sugar plantations of Hawaii, Filipino Americans have been 
an important part of our country's history. Indeed, their story of 
struggle and success is the story of America, whether as migrant 
laborers working in the fields of California, or as soldiers fighting 
for freedom and democracy in every major conflict of the past century. 
One hundred years later, the Filipino American community is now over 2 
million strong and the second largest Asian Pacific Islander American 
community in our country.
  In addition, this centennial also celebrates the strong bond and 
friendship that the United States and the Philippines have shared for 
over 100 years. From the period of American governance starting in 1898 
and independence in 1946, the Philippines have proven to be one of our 
most enduring and important allies. Today, that bond has been 
strengthened through sustained immigration where the exchange of ideas 
and cultural experiences has added to our diverse landscape.
  I cannot stress enough the enormous contributions of Filipino 
Americans, especially all those who have served with great distinction 
in our Armed Services. That is why, as we celebrate this centennial, it 
is so important to recognize and honor the service of those Filipino 
veterans who served honorably during World War II. The United States 
made a promise to these veterans and I will continue to fight to fully 
restore their benefits that are 6 decades overdue.
  Filipino Americans are the second most populous Asian American 
community in my district of San Francisco, and I am proud to represent 
this vibrant and active community in Congress. I look forward to 
commemorating the contributions of Filipino Americans and advancing the 
issues of the community throughout the upcoming centennial year.

                          ____________________