[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 55 (Tuesday, May 9, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H2309]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Roybal-Allard) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand with my 
colleagues as we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. I 
thank Congressman Honda and the Congressional Asian Pacific American 
Caucus for organizing tonight's special order.
  Our theme for this year's festivities, Dreams and Challenges of Asian 
Pacific Americans, speaks to the many generations of Asian Pacific 
Americans who worked hard to overcome economic hardship, racism and 
other barriers in their pursuit of the American dream.
  The theme reminds us of the Chinese who endured inhumane conditions 
to build our western railroads, and the Koreans who did the back-
breaking work on the sugar plantations in Hawaii. And it reminds us of 
the Filipino Americans who fought bravely for our country, and the 
courageous Japanese Americans who fought for their country despite the 
shameful treatment toward their families in internment camps during 
World War II.
  This year's theme also reminds us that in spite of these hardships, 
the API community has successfully met the challenges it faced and has 
enhanced greatly the richness and strength of our American society.
  The contributions and cultural imprint of the API community is 
especially impressive in Los Angeles where many of the first Asian 
American immigrants made their home.
  I have the pleasure of representing the Los Angeles communities of 
Little Tokyo and parts of Chinatown, and Filipinotown. As is true for 
all Angelenos, my life has been enriched by the magnificent culture of 
Asian Pacific Islanders and their positive impact on our city and on 
our Nation.
  Asian Pacific Islanders contribute to our economy in many ways. They 
are leaders, for example, in our international trade. They are pioneers 
in our fashion industry. They are nonprofit community leaders, 
restaurateurs and small business owners. They are patriots who continue 
to defend our Nation and our American way of life through the 
distinguished service in our Armed Forces.
  The API community also enhances our lives throughout the year with 
its many cultural celebrations. In my own district of downtown Los 
Angeles, I look forward to riding in the annual Nisei parade in Little 
Tokyo and the Chinese New Years parade in Chinatown.
  Mr. Speaker, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is a wonderful 
opportunity for our country to honor our country's API community and 
its many worthy contributions. And it is a wonderful time to explore 
their rich and diverse culture, customs and history.
  I thank my API constituents who continue to enrich my life, the life 
of Angelenos, and our Nation. I am proud to join my congressional 
colleagues in paying tribute to the API community as we celebrate Asian 
Pacific American Heritage Month.

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