[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 6, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S2682]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today in celebration of Asian 
American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In 1979, President Jimmy 
Carter established Asian Pacific Heritage Week. This week of 
recognition was expanded to a month-long celebration in 1992. Every 
May, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month provides 
Americans the opportunity to reflect upon the many contributions made 
by the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in Nevada and 
across the Nation.
  May is a significant month in Asian American and Pacific Islander 
history. The first 10 days of May coincide with the arrival of the 
first Japanese immigrants in the United States on May 7, 1843, and the 
completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, which 
relied heavily on the work of Chinese immigrants. But Asian American 
and Pacific Islander Heritage Month does not only recognize the past 
achievements of this vibrant community; this month is also a chance to 
honor the civil rights activists, farmers, scientists, entrepreneurs, 
health professionals, educators, and other members of the Asian 
American and Pacific Islander community, who continue to help shape our 
Nation into an even better place culturally, economically, and 
politically.
  In Nevada, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are among the 
fastest growing populations and have enriched Nevada's history and 
culture. Hundreds of thousands of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders 
live in Nevada, and contribute to small business development and boost 
our economy. I am proud to represent such strong and innovative people, 
and I continue to work hard to enact legislation that positively 
impacts the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. For 
instance, I joined my colleague, Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono, earlier 
this year in fighting for legislation that would reunite children and 
families of Filipino World War II veterans, and I will continue my 
steadfast support of family reunification efforts.
  America is a nation of immigrants with diverse backgrounds and united 
common principles, which is part of what makes us strong, resilient, 
and unique. This month, we celebrate the wonderful and important 
contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in 
Nevada and throughout the Nation, and I extend my best wishes for a 
joyous Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

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