[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 8, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1022]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING ASIAN/PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 25, 2010

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate 
Asian/Pacific Heritage Month and the contributions of Asian/Pacific 
Americans to this nation. It is evident that Asian/Pacific Americans 
are an important source of cultural capital, having become fixtures in 
literature, film, music, athletics and all other areas of American 
society. Annual observance each May was designated because of two 
significant events, the first being the arrival of Japanese immigrants 
in the United States on May 7, 1843 and the completion of the 
Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869.
  The United States Census Bureau reports that Asian/Pacific Americans 
are one of the nation's most diverse populations, numbering 15.2 
million and encompassing 28 language groups and 47 ethnicities. 80 
percent of the Asian/Pacific American community resides in California, 
Hawaii, New York, Texas, New Jersey, Illinois, Washington, Florida, 
Virginia, and Massachusetts. The histories of these groups in America 
are deeply connected to the history of the United States through such 
events as the designation of the World War II 442nd Regimental Combat 
team as the highest decorated military unit in U.S. history, the 
election of Dalip Singh Saund to the U.S. Congress in 1957 and the 
appointment of three Asian Americans to the Presidential Cabinet under 
President Barack Obama.
  In addition to the advancements and contributions of Asian/Pacific 
Americans, we also highlight many of the challenges they have overcome 
and continue to face today. This legacy includes the Chinese Exclusion 
Act of 1882 and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War 
II. More recent difficulties comprise post 9/11 profiling, 
discrimination and hate crimes against Muslim and Sikh communities and 
income, language and educational discrepancies in access within the 
Asian/Pacific American population. Acknowledging these hurdles is the 
first step in overcoming them and learning from past injustices will 
lead to a more equitable and progressive United States.
  The political presence and civic engagement of the Asian/Pacific 
American community has increased substantially since their arrival in 
the United States. Currently, the Congressional Asian Pacific American 
Caucus is composed of a record 30 members. In addition, the Obama 
administration has made significant efforts to reach out to the Asian/
Pacific American community, including the reestablishment of the White 
House Initiative on Asian and Pacific Islanders to coordinate the work 
of multiple agencies and ensure more accurate data collection and 
greater access to services. The United States recognizes the uniqueness 
of this Asian/Pacific American constituency and the valuable 
contributions of its members.
  I respect and admire the advancements of Asian/Pacific Americans and 
anticipate their growing political representation and inclusion in all 
levels of government and American society.

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