[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 56 (Wednesday, May 10, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H2482]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I am here today to join my 
colleagues and the Nation in recognizing May as Asian Pacific American 
Month, a time to celebrate the numerous contributions that Asian 
Americans and Pacific Islanders have made to American life.
  But first, I would like to recognize and congratulate my colleague, 
the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda). As the Chair of the 
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, Congressman Honda has 
worked tirelessly to highlight the contributions of the Asian Pacific 
American community.
  Congressman Honda's leadership emphasizes the importance of 
diversity, cultural education, and awareness of the many beautiful 
cultures and heritages that are woven into the fabric of our country.
  Thank you, Congressman Honda, for your dedication and your passion.
  May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese 
to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the 
completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The 
majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.
  Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is celebrated with community 
festivals, government-sponsored activities, and educational activities 
for students. Currently, 15 million Asian Pacific Americans live in the 
United States.
  With more than 25 Asian and Pacific Islander groups with different 
languages and unique histories, including Taiwanese, Vietnamese, 
Chinese, Filipinos, Indian, Pakistani, Korean, Japanese, and 
Bangladeshi, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month highlights the 
diversity that makes up our great Nation.
  As an American Jew, I am proud to say that Asians and Jews have a 
unique and celebrated history of partnership and community. Asian 
Americans have developed many thriving communities in California and 
New York City, for example, where there are also a large number of 
Jewish communities.
  Our cultural similarities and major emphasis on family and education 
present a variety of opportunities for cooperation between the 
communities, including community organizing, mutual support and 
political advocacy.
  Asian Americans have impacted our Nation in several distinct ways: in 
science and technology; arts and media; and business and social work.
  Approximately 1.1 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders own 
small businesses in the United States. Additionally, Asian Pacific 
Americans have served bravely in the United States Armed Forces, and 
more than 300,000 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are veterans.
  The theme for this year's Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is 
``Dreams and Challenges of Asian Pacific Americans.'' Throughout the 
month of May, this theme serves as a reminder that while this community 
has made several strides, many Asian and Pacific Americans face 
economic and societal challenges.
  Affordable health care and education are among those challenges that 
all Americans, including Asian Pacific Americans, face. It is estimated 
that more than 2 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders 
currently have no health insurance, a figure that is far too large.
  We must focus on policies that will provide all Americans the 
opportunity to prosper in our great country.
  Throughout the month of May, Mr. Speaker, I ask all Americans to join 
me in raising awareness of this growing community as we celebrate 
together Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

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