[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E948-E949]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING ASIAN/PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 25, 2010

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 
1316, Celebrating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.
  As an original cosponsor of this bill, I am proud to stand here today 
and speak on this important resolution.
  This is a nation of immigrants and it is always important to take 
time, and recognize the contributions that different cultures and 
ethnicities have made to our society and our American way of life.
  Today, the Asian/Pacific community is one of the fastest growing 
populations in America.
  Over 15 million Americans claim Asian descent and over 1 million 
residents claim Native Hawaiian descent. By 2050, the Census bureau 
estimates that over 40 million residents will claim Asian/Pacific 
descent.
  Since the time the first Asian immigrants came to America in 1843, 
these individuals have had a profound effect on our history.
  A large number of Asian immigrants helped to complete the 
transcontinental railroad.
  Today, Asian/Pacific Americans continue to contribute, and many have 
had distinguished

[[Page E949]]

careers in public service, giving back to the country they love so 
much.
  Indeed, three members of the President's Cabinet--Secretary Locke, 
Secretary Chu, and Secretary Shinseki--are Asian Americans.
  Thirty Members of Congress are of Asian or Pacific descent as well, 
including my good friend Mr. Honda, who has done an admirable job 
championing this cause.
  Celebrating Asian/Pacific Heritage Month provides Americans with an 
opportunity to celebrate our diversity and recognize the achievements, 
contributions, and rich history that these individuals have shared with 
us.
  It is for these reasons that I urge all my colleagues to vote in 
favor of H. Res. 1316.

                          ____________________