[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.

                          ____________________