[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 79 (Wednesday, May 10, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E414]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING ASIAN AMERICAN, NATIVE HAWAIIAN, AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE 
                               MONTH 2023

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LUCY McBATH

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 10, 2023

  Mrs. McBATH. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to celebrate Asian American, 
Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage (AANHPI) Month 2023. 
Each May, the AANHPI community commemorates two historic anniversaries: 
the immigration of the first Japanese people to the United States on 
May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 
10, 1869, a significant portion of which was laid by Chinese 
immigrants. First proposed as a ten-day celebration in 1977, this month 
celebrates the history, accomplishments, and contributions of the Asian 
American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities in America. 
With each passing generation, members of this vibrant community 
continue to enrich the fabric of this great nation with their own 
unique talents and gifts.
  Here in Georgia's Seventh Congressional District, we are well 
represented by a beautiful tapestry of ethnicities, nationalities, of 
faith traditions, and experiences. Our diversity is truly our 
strength--I see it in action every single day. Asian American, Native 
Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders contribute significantly to our 
community's rich blend of cultures, experiences, and countries. 
Throughout American history, these men and women have played a central 
role in the growth and progress of the nation. The full stories of 
these communities have not been without pain, however. During the 
construction of the transcontinental railroad, thousands of Chinese 
immigrants worked under dangerous conditions, endured abusive labor 
practices, and received unfair compensation. During World War II, 
people of Japanese ancestry were removed from their homes, imprisoned, 
and held in desolate places without trial. In recent years, anti-Asian 
hate and discrimination began to rise during the COVID-19 pandemic due 
to intolerance and xenophobia. And in metro Atlanta, eight lives were 
stolen from us by an act of anti-Asian hatred.
  As Americans, we must reject and condemn such discrimination and 
embrace the many differences that make this community a hub of culture 
and diversity. We must reflect on our responsibility to condemn racism 
and bigotry that fuels tragedies like the Atlanta spa shooting. We must 
rededicate ourselves to our responsibility to live in fellowship with 
our neighbors of all backgrounds and experiences. That is why, at the 
start of this year, I became a member of the Congressional Asian 
Pacific American Caucus, to fight for the AANHPI communities here in 
Georgia and across our country. Together, we can support the hard-
working Americans who bring their unique experiences to our Nation, 
advocate and advance our shared goals, and celebrate the many 
contributions that have made America a more perfect union.
  This month and always, I am honored to represent the many cultures, 
nationalities, and spoken languages that make up Georgia's Seventh 
Congressional District. Happy Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and 
Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

                          ____________________