[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 25, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H3776-H3778]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CELEBRATING ASIAN/PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 1316) celebrating Asian/Pacific American Heritage
Month, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 1316
Whereas the United States joins together each May to pay
tribute to the contributions of generations of Asians and
Pacific Islanders who have enriched the Nation's history;
Whereas the history of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the
United States is inextricably tied to the story of the
Nation;
Whereas the month of May was selected for Asian/Pacific
American Heritage Month due to the following two historical
events, first, May 7, 1843, when the first Japanese
immigrants arrived in the United States, and second, May 10,
1869, when, with substantial contributions from Chinese
immigrants, the first transcontinental railroad was
completed;
Whereas today, according to the United States Census
Bureau, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community is
one of the fastest growing and most diverse populations in
the United States, comprised of over 45 distinct ethnicities
and over 28 language groups in the community;
Whereas the United States Census Bureau estimates that
there are 15,200,000 United States residents who identify
themselves as Asian alone or in combination with one or more
other races, 1,000,000 United States residents who identify
themselves as Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
alone or in combination with one or more other races, and
projects that by 2050, there will be 40,600,000 United States
residents identifying as Asian alone or in combination with
one or more other races, to comprise 9 percent of the United
States population;
Whereas section 102 of title 36, United States Code,
officially designates May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage
Month, and requests the President to issue each year a
proclamation calling on the people of the United States to
observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and
activities;
Whereas significant outreach efforts to the Asian American
and Pacific Islander community have been made through the
reestablishment of the White House Initiative on Asian
Americans and Pacific Islanders to coordinate multiagency
efforts to ensure more accurate data collection and access to
services for this community;
Whereas the Presidential Cabinet includes a record three
Asian Americans, including Energy Secretary Steven Chu,
Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, and Veterans Affairs Secretary
Eric Shinseki;
Whereas there has been a commitment to judicial diversity
through the nomination of high caliber Asian Americans and
other minority jurists at all levels of the Federal bench;
Whereas the civic engagement of Asian Americans and Pacific
Islanders and community-based organizations has increased
throughout the years;
Whereas the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, a
bipartisan, bicameral caucus of Members of Congress
advocating on behalf of Asian Americans and Pacific
Islanders, has reached a record 30 Members this year;
Whereas today, Asian American and Pacific Islander leaders
serve in local and State legislatures across the Nation, in
States as diverse as California, New York, Texas,
Connecticut, Maryland, Ohio, and Iowa;
Whereas, even with these exceptional milestones crossed by
the community, there remains much to be done to ensure that
linguistically and culturally isolated Asian Americans and
Pacific Islanders have access to resources and a voice in the
United States Government;
Whereas learning from injustices faced by Asian American
and Pacific Islander communities throughout United States
history, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act, the Japanese
American internment, unpunished hate crimes such as the
murder of Vincent Chin, and other events, can help perfect
the Nation;
Whereas Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, such as
civil rights activist Yuri Kochiyama, Medal of Honor
recipient Herbert Pililaau, the first Asian American
Congressman Dalip Singh Saund, the first Asian American
Congresswoman Patsy Mink, the first Asian American member of
a presidential cabinet Norman Y. Mineta, and others have made
significant strides in the political and military realms; and
Whereas celebrating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
provides the people of the United States with an opportunity
to recognize the achievements, contributions, history, and
address the challenges faced by Asian Americans and Pacific
Islanders: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes that Asian American and Pacific Islander
communities enhance the rich diversity of the United States;
and
(2) celebrates the contributions of Asian Americans and
Pacific Islanders to the United States.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch) and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr.
Luetkemeyer) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Massachusetts.
[[Page H3777]]
General Leave
Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
and to add any extraneous materials.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Massachusetts?
There was no objection.
Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, I present House Resolution 1316, as amended, for consideration.
This legislation celebrates Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month,
which is celebrated during the month of May.
House Resolution 1316 was introduced by my friend and colleague,
Representative Mike Honda of California, on April 29, 2010. In
addition, this resolution was favorably reported out of the House
Oversight and Government Reform Committee by unanimous consent on May
6, 2010. This House Resolution enjoys the support of over 55 Members of
Congress.
Mr. Speaker, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community is
composed of over 15 million people, who on a daily basis, make
significant contributions to the betterment of our country. In addition
to being one of our country's fastest-growing minority groups, the
Asian American and Pacific Islander community is also responsible for
generating an estimated $326 billion annually for our economy as
entrepreneurs and owners of over 1.1 million businesses.
While Asian/Pacific American heritage is certainly worth recognizing
and celebrating year round, the country and the Asian/Pacific American
community have traditionally come together in the month of May to
celebrate and commemorate Asian and Pacific American heritage.
This celebration began back in 1977 when Representatives Frank Horton
and Norman Mineta and Senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga
introduced resolutions asking the President to declare the first 10
days of May as Asian/Pacific Heritage Week.
The selection of the month of May stems from the fact that May marks
the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States in
1843. In 1978, President Carter made Asian/Pacific Heritage Week an
annual event. In 1990, President George H. W. Bush proclaimed the
entire month of May to be Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.
Mr. Speaker, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have also made
great strides in the area of civil rights and public policy. Led by
such notable Americans as Patsy Mink, the first Asian American
congresswoman, the President's current Cabinet includes three Asian
Americans: Energy Secretary Steven Chu; Commerce Secretary Gary Locke;
and Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki.
In closing, let us as a body take a moment to recognize the valuable
contribution of the Asian and Pacific American community and celebrate
their rich cultural heritage by supporting House Resolution 1316.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
I rise today in support of House Resolution 1316, celebrating Asian/
Pacific American Heritage Month.
Asian American and Pacific Islanders have been an integral part of
the fabric of American life since Japanese immigrants first arrived in
the United States on May 7, 1843.
Asian Americans worked as coal miners on farms and helped with the
completion of the first continental railroad. Rising from their humble
beginnings, Asian Americans have been instrumental in the building of
this country from the 19th century onwards. In arts, sciences, math and
sports, commerce, and every other aspect of American culture, the
contributions of Asian Americans have enhanced and benefited our rich
cultural heritage.
The U.S. Census estimates that over 15 million Americans trace their
ethnic heritage to Asia or the Pacific Islands and projects that by
2050, there will be approximately 40 million United States residents
identifying as Asian alone or in combination with one or more races.
The month of May once again provides the people of the United States
with an opportunity to recognize the achievements and contributions,
history, and concerns of Asian Americans. Today we had the opportunity
to increase our body here by one with an Asian American, Mr. Djou of
Hawaii, who we welcome and again give him the opportunity to serve his
people and his heritage in this great body.
With that, I would like to thank my respected colleague Mr. Honda for
introducing this important legislation.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
continue to reserve the balance of my time.
{time} 1615
Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to
the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Cao).
Mr. CAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution
1316, celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. I commend the
gentleman from California (Mr. Honda) for introducing this legislation,
of which I am a proud cosponsor.
The month of May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. During
this time, we celebrate the contributions of Asian Americans and
Pacific Islanders to their communities and to this Nation. As we do, we
also must pause to recognize the struggles they have faced and continue
to face.
Today, we face a crisis in our community. Right now along the gulf
coast, Asian Americans in particular are struggling because of the
impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. This economic,
environmental, and health disaster is disproportionately affecting
those who rely upon the resources of our coastal waters for their
livelihoods. Many of those affected are Vietnamese American fishermen
living in Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and my home State of Louisiana.
While they are struggling, I know one thing for sure: they will
persevere and overcome the effects of this catastrophe, relying upon
the perseverance and the strength of family that runs throughout Asian
American communities.
We have seen Asian American communities forced to start over to begin
a new life, and I would like to use my family as an example. My mother
and father were born in North Vietnam. In 1945, when the Communists
took over North Vietnam, my family lost everything. They were forced to
leave their home, their families, and their possessions to escape the
Communists. They migrated to South Vietnam, where they started over.
After many years of struggle and much hard work, again they lost
everything they possessed, even their children, when, in the spring of
1975, the Communist forces took over South Vietnam. My father then
spent 7 years in Vietnamese re-education camps, during which time my
mother single-handedly cared for my father, my brother, and my five
sisters.
Once again, in 1991, they left everything they owned to come to the
United States to begin a new life. Tragically, that new beginning, once
again, was taken from them by the destruction of Hurricane Katrina; but
they, like many who were in the same position, are survivors and they
continue to thrive.
My family is but only one example of the thousands of Asian American
families that have faced and overcome struggles with dignity and
bravery. This just gives you a glimpse of the resiliency and the
strength that is inherent in the Asian American culture, allowing those
like my family to survive, just as those along the gulf coast will.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be a Vietnamese American representing the
wonderfully diverse constituency in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes in
the U.S. Congress, and I am proud to be associated with this important
resolution honoring Asian Americans.
I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution as a
tribute to the accomplishments of Asian Americans everywhere.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I thank my fellow members of Congress
who join us today in honoring Asian Pacific Heritage Month and I thank
the gentleman from California, Mr. Honda, for sponsoring this
resolution to recognize and honor the contributions of our Asian
Pacific American community to this great nation. I also thank my
colleagues
[[Page H3778]]
who are members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and
all those who continue to address the issues facing the Asian Pacific
American community, and ensure that our community has access to
resources and a voice in government.
Originally, Congress in 1978 designated the first week of May to
commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants and the
completion of the transcontinental railroad that was built by the
Chinese laborers. Every year since then, the President would issue an
Executive proclamation from the White House to honor this month and
direct all federal agencies and military installations throughout the
country to conduct special events and ceremonies to honor our Asian-
Pacific American communities throughout our country.
The achievements and successes of Asian-Pacific Americans
demonstrate, above all, that the greatness of our nation lies in its
diversity and ability to accept peoples from all over world, as they
pledge themselves to become fellow citizens of this great nation.
Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander descent, over 16 million
strong, are among the fastest growing demographic groups in the United
States today, even though they make up only 9 percent of our nation's
population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Asian American and
Pacific Islander community is comprised of over 45 distinct ethnicities
and over 28 language groups. In recent years, the Asian-Pacific
American population has more than doubled and this rapid growth is
expected to continue in the years to come--reaching 40.6 million by
2050, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
There are an unprecedented number of Asian-Pacific Americans in the
fields of medicine, business, sports, academia, entertainment, and
government, just to name a few. As Asian Pacific Americans serve in
their respective fields, they share vast knowledge, experience and
viewpoints that their unique backgrounds have contributed to.
When I envision America, I don't see a melting pot designed to reduce
and remove racial differences. The America I see is a brilliant
rainbow--a rainbow of ethnicities, cultures, religions and languages
with each person proudly contributing in their own distinctive and
unique way for a better America. Asian-Pacific Americans wish to find a
just and equitable place in our society that will allow them--like all
Americans--to grow, to succeed, to achieve and to contribute to the
advancement of this great nation.
Surely Asian Pacific Americans have achieved many important
milestones in the history of this nation. Yet while there remains much
to be done, I am hopeful that the character of this great nation will
ensure equity and access to all of our fellow American citizens from
every racial, cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic background.
I would like to close my remarks by asking all of us here--what is
America all about? I think it could not have been said better than on
the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in that summer of 1963 when an
African American minister by the name of Martin Luther King Jr., poured
out his heart and soul to every American who could hear his voice, when
he uttered these profound words, ``I have a dream. My dream is that one
day my four little children will be judged not by the color of their
skin, but by the content of their character.''
That is what I believe America is all about. I urge my colleagues to
support this resolution.
Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in
support of H. Res. 1316 to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage
Month and pay tribute to the many achievements of Asian Pacific
Americans across our Nation.
The month of May marks several historical events in Asian Pacific
American history. On May 7, 1843, the first Japanese immigrants arrived
in the United States, paving the way for a great movement of Asian and
Pacific peoples to immigrate to the United States. Only 26 years later,
on May 10, 1869, the transcontinental railroad was finished, the
completion of which is largely credited to Asian Pacific Americans. Due
to these vents it is appropriate to celebrate the month of May as Asian
Pacific American Heritage Month and honor the sacrifices and
contributions of this great community.
Through the years, the Asian Pacific American Communities have made
significant contributions to Texas's diverse culture. In Dallas, I am
privileged to represent the largest Asian American Chamber in the
United States. I believe that we all learn from those who come from
different backgrounds, and I can truly say that I have learned a great
deal from my Asian Pacific friends and constituents.
Today, there are over 15.2 million Asian Pacific Americans living in
the United States, representing nine percent of the population. The
rich history associated with the Asian Pacific American community has
left a lasting and important imprint on our country.
I would like to acknowledge the devastating earthquake that shook
Yushu County in the Qinghai province of China on April 14, 2010 which
killed or injured over 10,000 civilians. My deepest condolence goes out
to the friends and families of the victims.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support this resolution and the Asian
Pacific American communities in North Texas and across the United
States.
Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Day 2010 and to celebrate the many
cultural and societal contributions of the Asian American and Pacific
Islander communities throughout Northeast Ohio.
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Day provides us with an opportunity
to celebrate the numerous achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific
Islanders throughout Northeast Ohio and across the nation. Cultural
diversity is a foundation of our community and it has allowed our
residents to experience traditions from around the world.
The heritage of Asian Americans has been preserved and reflected by
each generation. It shows the spirit, hope and courage of all of our
ancestors who braved treacherous journeys along the road to freedom and
opportunity in America.
Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in celebrating Asian/
Pacific American Heritage Day and honoring the contributions of all
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in our Greater Cleveland
community.
Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support the passage
of House Resolution 1316, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members to join with Mr. Honda and
Mr. Cao and other Members in support of this resolution, and I yield
back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch) that the House suspend the
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1316, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not
present.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.
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