[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 83 (Friday, May 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E965-E966]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING ASIAN/PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 25, 2010

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express 
strong support for H. Res. 1316--Celebrating Asian Pacific American 
Heritage Month. I applaud the leadership and continued efforts of 
Chairman Mike Honda, as well as my colleagues in the Congressional 
Asian Pacific American Caucus for bringing this Resolution before us 
today.
  Asian Pacific American Heritage Month was established in 1977 by the 
efforts of Representatives Norman Mineta and Frank Horton, and Senators 
Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga who introduced resolutions asking for 
a Presidential declaration that the first 10 days of May honor the rich 
history and contributions of our nation's Asian Pacific Americans. In 
1992 Congress expanded the commemoration to a month, in order to fully 
recognize the impact that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, AAPIs, 
have on this great Nation.
  From the early 1800s to today, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders 
have played a critical role in the development of this country. This 
year's theme: ``Lighting the Past, Present and Future,'' is fitting as 
the world's attention turned to the United States to see the historic 
inauguration of President Barack Hussein Obama. President Obama's 
diversity reflects the richness and strength of our nation.
  We must reaffirm our commitment to the promise of a future for all 
Americans by eradicating racial and ethnic health disparities, enacting 
comprehensive immigration reform, providing educational opportunities 
for the underserved and creating jobs. I am proud that we ensured full 
equity for the Filipino veterans who proudly served under the American 
flag

[[Page E966]]

during World War II when we passed H.R. 1, the American Recovery and 
Reinvestment Act. I also applaud my colleagues for the recent passage 
of the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, 
which enables the Department of Justice to assist the efforts of 
Federal, State, and local law enforcement in investigating and 
prosecuting hate crimes based on race, ethnic background, and religion, 
and extends protections to more Americans.
  From the construction of the transcontinental railroads to the heroic 
contributions in World War II and beyond, Asian Americans and Pacific 
Islanders have made lasting contributions in every facet of American 
society. We must continue to acknowledge the great achievements this 
vast and diverse community has provided this nation and I urge my 
colleagues to support to this resolution.

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