[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 3, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H4844-H4846]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CHI MUI POST OFFICE BUILDING
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and
pass the bill (H.R. 5477) to designate the facility of the United
States Postal Service located at 120 South Del Mar Avenue in San
Gabriel, California, as the ``Chi Mui Post Office Building''.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 5477
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. CHI MUI POST OFFICE BUILDING.
(a) Designation.--The facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 120 South Del Mar Avenue in San Gabriel,
California, shall be known and designated as the ``Chi Mui
Post Office Building''.
(b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation,
document, paper, or other record of the United States to the
facility referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be
a reference to the ``Chi Mui Post Office Building''.
THE SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Davis) and the gentlewoman from North Carolina, (Ms.
Foxx) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.
General Leave
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their
remarks.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Now, Mr. Speaker, it's my pleasure to yield
such time as he might consume to the sponsor of this resolution,
Representative Adam Schiff from California.
Mr. SCHIFF. I thank the gentleman from Illinois for yielding, and I
want to thank him, Mr. Waxman and the staff on the committee for
working with me on this legislation.
I'm proud to stand here today to honor a well-respected and dedicated
leader from the San Gabriel Valley. Mr. Chi Mui was a beloved member of
the Asian American community in Southern California, and the mayor of
the city of San Gabriel, where he dedicated himself to improving the
quality of life for his neighbors, community and country. I can't think
of a more fitting tribute to such an exceptional man than naming the
post office in San Gabriel, the town where he touched so many lives, in
his honor.
Chi Mui's story epitomizes the American dream. Born in Toisan, China,
Chi Mui was a man of humble origins whose early experiences enabled him
to relate and connect to the Asian community in California.
After spending many of his early years in Hong Kong, Chi moved with
his parents to New York City's vibrant Chinatown in 1963, at the age of
10. Chi spoke Cantonese with his parents, who were a seamstress and a
cook, but quickly immersed himself in the language of his new home. As
a new immigrant, he remembered feeling like an outsider on the edge of
society, and found refuge, his own oasis in the New York Public
Library, where he broadened his mind and developed a lifelong
commitment to supporting public libraries.
His time reading and studying in the library served him well as he
continued his schooling, graduating cum laude with a bachelor's degree
in civil engineering from Polytechnic University in New York in 1980.
After attending New York University, he moved west and began his
distinguished career in public service.
In Los Angeles he served as deputy to one of our colleagues, Lucille
Roybal-Allard, and later to California State Senator, Richard Polanco.
As their deputy, and in his own time, Chi began working to better the
lives of immigrants in the region. Chi Mui's immigrant roots and
experiences gave him a special insight and the wisdom and ability to
connect with generations of people who came to this country for a
better life.
Chi was a key player in the development of 600 units of affordable
and senior housing in Los Angeles' Chinatown, and taught citizenship
classes to help hundreds of legal residents become U.S. citizens. In
1999 he led an alliance of community leaders, neighborhood groups and
businesses to save 50 acres of open space known as the ``Cornfield'' in
downtown Los Angeles. This land became California's first ever urban
State park, and is now known as the Los Angeles State Historic Park.
An avid runner and an athlete, he cared deeply about improving
recreational facilities and opportunities for youth in the urban area
of Los Angeles, and helped obtain $35 million in State funding in 2001
for recreational facilities and activities in the new Los Angeles State
Historic Park.
Chi also helped expand the capacity of the Alpine Recreation Center,
which doubled in size due to his efforts. He volunteered his time to
coach youth at the Alpine Center where he taught teamwork and
sportsmanship.
He also founded and co-founded the Los Angeles Chinatown Athletic
Association Volleyball Club and created a night basketball program for
at-risk youth. Youth are still benefiting from his legacies. Both
programs are still going strong today.
[[Page H4845]]
Chi Mui's experience as an immigrant and his close ties to his
Chinese heritage led him to be active in the Chinese American community
in the L.A. area. In recognition of his leadership, he was elected
President of the Los Angeles Chinese American Citizens Alliance twice.
The Alliance was founded in San Francisco in 1895, and advocates for
equal political, economic and educational opportunities for Chinese
Americans.
Chi believed in working together with everyone, and often brought
different cultures and races together to work on common problems. While
he was close with the Chinese American community, he also worked hand
in hand with the Indochinese and Chinese-Vietnamese communities, and he
was an important link between the Asian American community in San
Gabriel and all other residents where he served on the San Gabriel City
Council.
Chi Mui was one of only a handful of first-generation Chinese
Americans to successfully run for office when he was elected to the San
Gabriel City Council in March of 2003. He made history as the first
Asian and Chinese American City Council member and mayor since the City
of San Gabriel's incorporation in 1913.
Remembering how important library access was to him, Chi was a
devoted member of the Friends of San Gabriel Public Library, and led
the effort to open the county public library in San Gabriel on
Saturdays to provide more services to residents and students without
increasing costs.
However, his personal passion on the City Council was the
``greening'' of the community, and he worked tirelessly to preserve the
quality of life that San Gabriel residents value. A long-time advocate
of parks and open space, Chi Mui helped the city obtain funds for the
master plan and redesign of Vincent Lugo Park, and successfully pushed
for additional trees and greenery on neighborhood streets.
For several years, Chi fought a courageous battle with cancer, during
which he continued his work for the residents of San Gabriel. On April
27, 2006, at the age of 53, Chi passed away with his wife Betty and a
few close friends at his side.
{time} 1515
He was greatly loved by the City of San Gabriel, and those who knew
him saw his commitment to making the city a wonderful community for
life-long residents and new commerce as well.
I greatly enjoyed the chance to work with him during his tenure on
the city council and know I speak for a great many when I say how much
we all miss him.
People around the country recently finished celebrating Asian Pacific
American Heritage Month which ended on Saturday, May 31. Asian
Americans have touched many lives around the country, and Chi Mui is no
exception. It is fitting that we pass this legislation, H.R. 5477,
which will add yet another Asian American name to a very short list of
post offices honoring this important community.
Chi Mui will never be forgotten by those who knew him. He had a
profound effect on the people of southern California and the City of
San Gabriel. Future generations will recognize his good work in our
community as we preserve his memory and rename the San Gabriel post
office in his honor.
I thank again the gentleman from Illinois.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5477, legislation to
name the post office in San Gabriel, California, in honor of Chi Mui.
Today, we honor Chi Mui who passed away from cancer on April 27,
2006. His accomplishment in serving the citizens of San Gabriel,
California, as the first Asian and Chinese American council member and
mayor of San Gabriel was a testament to his lasting dedication and
friendship to the community.
The modest beginning of Chi Mui's life did not forecast the dramatic
and incredible impact he would have on the people of Los Angeles. Born
in China on October 26, 1952, Mayor Mui was the son of a seamstress and
a cook. At the age of 10, he moved with his family out of his home in
China and into New York City where he quickly learned to speak English.
In 1980, Mayor Mui graduated cum laude with a degree in civil
engineering from Polytechnic University of New York and subsequently
moved to southern California.
Before being elected to the San Gabriel City Council in 2003, Mayor
Mui wasted no time in devoting his efforts to his new community. He was
instrumental in developing 600 units of affordable and senior housing
in Los Angeles's Chinatown and spent his time teaching citizenship
classes in order to help hundreds of fellow immigrants achieve
citizenship in their new home.
A passion for open space, Mayor Mui led the efforts to obtain the
space and the $35 million necessary to build the first urban state park
in downtown Los Angeles. Mayor Mui was also a devoted athlete and
cofounded the Los Angeles Chinatown Athletic Association Volleyball
Club where he worked as a coach teaching and reinforcing life lessons
that continue well beyond volleyball.
In a city where one in two residents is Asian, Mayor Mui played a
role as liaison between the city government and the Asian community. As
a city council member, he led the efforts to open the county public
library in San Gabriel on Saturdays to provide greater access to
residents without increasing cost.
His tireless work for the Asian community was recognized when he was
twice elected President of the Los Angeles Chinese American Citizens
Alliance.
Recognizing his ability and devotion to San Gabriel in the Asian
community, the council appointed him vice-mayor in 2005. In 2006, it
elevated him to the position of mayor, an invaluable step that linked
the members of the Asian community.
With gratitude to his service to the San Gabriel community, I ask all
Members to join me in supporting H.R. 5477.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
might consume.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the House Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, I rise to present for our consideration H.R. 5477,
which names the facility of the United States Postal Service located at
120 South Del Mar Avenue in San Gabriel, California, as the ``Chi Mui
Post Office Building.''
Chi Mui is best known for his commitment to public service as the
former mayor of the Southern California City of San Gabriel. H.R. 5477
was first introduced by Representative Adam Schiff on February 21,
2008, and is supported by over 50 Members of Congress, many of whom
hail from the State of California. The bill before us has been
considered by the Oversight Committee and was approved by the panel on
April 16, 2008, by voice vote.
Regarded as a role model to those interested in pursuing public
service, Mayor Mui was able to rise from the most humble beginnings to
become one of Southern California's most respected local leaders and
social advocates.
A tireless fighter for immigrant rights and affordable housing, Chi
Mui's accomplishments and contributions go beyond his service as mayor
of San Gabriel of California, to include his work on improving
opportunities for deserving youth and ensuring inclusion and
integration of Southern California's Asian American population.
Mr. Speaker, it was only a few short weeks ago that we here in the
House were celebrating both National Public Service Recognition Week
and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Mayor Chi Mui's life helped
to highlight the significance of celebrating both of these
commemorative celebrations. Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join me
in recognizing this extraordinary American citizen by passing H.R.
5477.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to my
distinguished colleague from the State of Idaho (Mr. Sali).
Mr. SALI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5477 designating
this post office in the name of Chi Mui.
While I rise in support of this resolution, I again rise to urge my
colleagues to address rising fuel prices. Chi Mui's efforts to improve
his community are
[[Page H4846]]
akin to the efforts of America's charitable organizations that seek to
meet the needs of Americans all across our lands. Today, as Americans
across this country pay $3.98 per gallon at the pump, these prices hit
nearly every facet of life, including those charities providing care
for many Americans in need.
One Tennessee paper reported today on the effects these prices are
having on charities, and it says, ``Nonprofit agencies and charities
that rely on voluntary drivers to help carry out their work say soaring
gas prices are forcing volunteers to scale back or even stop driving.
This means there are fewer people to drive cancer patients to treatment
and fewer people to deliver food to the needy.''
Congress has a moral obligation to address rising fuel prices by
immediately lifting the restrictions on America's energy-rich public
lands to increase exploration for and production of American crude oil
and natural gas and to do so in an environmentally friendly manner.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of
H.R. 5477, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this
resolution, and I yield back the balance of our time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) that the House suspend the rules
and pass the bill, H.R. 5477.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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