[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 86 (Friday, May 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1078]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 19, 2008

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the House passed H. 
Res. 1153--Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. I honor 
this important month of May which marks the 30th anniversary of the 
passage of a joint Congressional Resolution designating the first 10 
days in May to celebrate Asian American Heritage. Congress later voted 
to expand the commemoration to a month-long celebration to truly honor 
the impact that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have in this 
great Nation.
  Let us join the rest of the country in celebrating this year's theme 
of ``Building Today for Tomorrow.'' As legislators we must constantly 
remember that the decisions we make now greatly impact our future. That 
is why I am proud to say this Democratic Congress has passed 
legislation to raise the minimum wage, to make college more affordable, 
to fund nutrition programs, to protect families facing foreclosure, and 
to lower prices at the pump. We will continue to fight for the needs of 
Asian American and Pacific Islander communities by creating legislation 
to address this country's growing economic and energy needs.
  Mr. Speaker, this year during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, 
I urge my colleagues to recognize beyond the month of May the continued 
struggles that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders face--the health 
disparities, language barriers, stereotypes, and discrimination they 
attempt to overcome on a daily basis. I urge us to remember their 
unyielding contributions to our Nation and honor those who have 
sacrificed their lives and families to bravely fight for our country. 
Above all, I urge us to work together to make choices that will move 
our Nation forward to a better tomorrow.

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