[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 78 (Friday, May 10, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E575-E576]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMEMORATING THE CHINESE RAILROAD WORKERS ON THE 150TH ANNIVERSARTY OF 
                     THE TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILROAD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GRACE MENG

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 10, 2019

  Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
nearly 12,000 Chinese railroad workers who tirelessly worked on the 
construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad.
  As you may know, today marks the historic 150th Anniversary of the 
completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. The Transcontinental 
Railroad has long been considered one of the most remarkable 
engineering feats of the 19th century. After its completion, the 
railroad reduced cross-country travel time from six months to a single 
week--facilitating a new era of commerce; bringing the country closer 
together in the aftermath of the Civil War; and unleashing the 
unlimited potential of our nation.
  But, too often in our conversations surrounding it, we emphasis the 
economic benefits; too often we forget to acknowledge the nearly 12,000 
Chinese immigrants who made these benefits possible.
  Madam Speaker, these workers endured both the arduous physical labor 
of constructing a railroad and the emotional trauma of being 
discriminated. They were given the most difficult, dangerous jobs, and 
were paid lower wages than other workers. While working in the Sierras, 
Chinese workers hung in baskets, 2,000 feet above raging rivers, to 
blast into the impenetrable granite mountain--to make way for laying 
the tracks.
  Despite these conditions, the Chinese railroad workers were 
considered indispensable

[[Page E576]]

and were respected for their work ethic and discipline. Above all, 
these workers formed one of the first organized labor movements in the 
United States for better living wages and work conditions, which 
ultimately opened doors for future generations.
  This is why I introduced a resolution in Congress since 2014 to 
recognize their important contributions and the dangerous risks they 
faced in the process. It is important for us to commemorate their 
efforts and share their stories, so that their role in America's 
history is not forgotten. After all, their stories helped create the 
space needed for today's growing conversations on Asian American 
diversity and inclusion.
  Madam Speaker, I believe today's celebration is not only about 
recognizing the many contributions the Asian American community has 
made--and continues to make--but it is also a step towards weaving the 
story of Asian Americans into the greater American tapestry. I am 
thankful for the indelible mark they left in the growth of our nation--
and hope their contributions are further honored for the next 150 
years.

                          ____________________