[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 83 (Friday, May 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E964]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING ASIAN/PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 25, 2010

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. 
Res. 1316, celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. I thank 
my California Delegation colleague, Congressman Honda, for his work in 
bringing this resolution to the floor today.
  This is a very exciting time for the Asian American Pacific Islander 
(AAPI) community and I am looking forward to continuing to work with my 
colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and with 
the Obama Administration to promote AAPI priorities.
  The 37th Congressional District of California, which I am privileged 
to represent, is home to one of the largest Asian constituencies in the 
nation, including large communities of Filipinos, Samoans and 
Cambodians. My district is home to the largest Cambodian population in 
the United States, and the second largest Cambodian population in the 
world outside of Cambodia. I am proud to be a member of the 
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus which truly represents my 
Asian Pacific American constituents' interests.
  The month of May was chosen to celebrate Asian Pacific American 
Heritage for two significant reasons. On May 7, 1843, the first 
Japanese immigrants arrived to our country and on May 10, 1860, the 
first transcontinental railroad was completed. The transcontinental 
railroad transformed our nation and could not have been completed 
without the inclusion of Chinese immigrants.
  Dalip Singh Saund was the first Asian American elected to Congress in 
1957. Less than a decade later, Patsy Mink became the first Asian 
American woman elected to Congress. Both overcame adversity to pave the 
way for all minorities, including Daniel Inouye, a Medal of Honor 
winner who has served in the Senate for nearly a half century. Today, 
we have seven Members of Congress who are of Asian descent.
  Despite the challenges and adversity that Asian Pacific Americans 
have experienced, many have forged ahead and made significant 
contributions to this great nation. History was made when we elected a 
President with such significant personal ties to the Asian Pacific 
community. President Obama spent his childhood in Hawaii and Indonesia. 
One of President Obama's first guests to the Oval Office was the Prime 
Minister of Japan, Taro Aso. Further, President Obama appointed three 
Asian Americans to his cabinet: Secretary of Energy, Dr. Steven Chu; 
Secretary of Commerce, Gary Locke; and Secretary of Veterans Affairs, 
Eric Shinseki.
  I have much hope for the future because all Americans are working 
together hand in hand to ensure the equality and advancement not only 
of their community, but of all communities.
  Mr. Speaker, let me again thank Congressman Honda, Chair of the 
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, for his leadership in 
introducing this resolution. I look forward to celebrating the 
accomplishments of Asian Pacific Americans this year and for years to 
come! Thank you.

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