[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 68 (Friday, May 26, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E983]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

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                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2006

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Asian Pacific 
American Heritage Month to recognize the proud past Asian Pacific 
Americans have woven into our history and the important contributions 
they offer our society today. I have the great honor of representing an 
incredibly diverse 12th Congressional district of California, where I 
am proud to say, we have the largest population of Filipinos outside 
the Philippines and one of the largest populations of Asian Pacific 
Americans in the entire United States.
  We choose to recognize Asian Pacific Americans (APA) in May because 
of two anniversaries this month: the arrival in the United States of 
the first Japanese immigrants in 1843 and the completion of the 
transcontinental railroad in 1869. Both are landmark events that 
contributed greatly to the formation of our country and prosperity.
  The APA Community is a modern example of the American dream. Arriving 
as immigrants, and overcoming adversity, years of discrimination and at 
times shocking treatment at the hands of government and citizens alike, 
they have become one of the most successful and educated minority 
populations. Their unique contribution to areas such as business, 
science, technology, art and entertainment are unrivaled.
  With 15 million residents, they are also the fastest growing 
population in our country and are estimated to reach 33 million by 
2050. This hard working community is responsible for much of the 
success and development of our great nation. In this age of immigration 
debate, the APA community reminds us that we are ourselves a country of 
immigrants and the APA community represents what is best about America 
with their dedication and loyalty to fighting for freedom. As we 
remember how they have helped to enhance the quality of our communities 
and country, we should also ask how we could help to fight the 
challenges they face.
  Although APA's have a high percentage of college graduates for a 
minority population, at 50 percent, they still face growing poverty 
issues. Although the Asian Pacific American community has been very 
successful many still face unfair problems connected with its status as 
a minority. When budget cuts to education and health care are made, the 
Asian American community suffers greatly.
  Fourteen percent of the APA community has incomes at or below the 
poverty line. With gas prices and college tuitions rising, the last 
five years has seen 28,000 Asian Americans fall into poverty. 1.1 
million small businesses are owned by APAs and have been hurt by 
reductions in funding for small businesses.
  312,000 Asian Pacific Americans are veterans. Having defended our 
country, they deserve benefits such as health care, which have been cut 
for the fourth year in a row. Last year, in the 108th session of 
Congress, I cosponsored legislation that gave Filipino American 
veterans who were a legal alien or citizen, the same health and pension 
benefits that our other veterans receive. I will continue to fight for 
equal treatment in the future.
  Mr. Speaker, as we congratulate Asian Pacific Americans for their 
accomplishments, we also recognize their struggles. Asian Pacific 
Americans contribute so much to our nation and we must ensure that this 
community is treated with the great respect it richly deserves. I urge 
all my colleagues to join me in honoring Asian Pacific Americans.

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