[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 98 (Tuesday, June 6, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H2746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF LITTLE SAIGON

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
California (Mrs. Steel) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. STEEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate an important 
milestone for the Vietnamese community in my district and across the 
United States.
  This week marks the 35th anniversary of Orange County's Little 
Saigon, which is now home to the largest concentration of Vietnamese 
anywhere outside of Vietnam itself.
  To this day, many of Little Saigon's residents are first-generation 
Vietnamese who fled communism to find freedom in this country. They 
brought with them a rich heritage, a beautiful culture, and a proud 
history.
  They are small business owners, public servants, community leaders, 
educators, healthcare professionals, lawyers, journalists, parents, and 
everything in between.
  The Vietnamese community in Orange County is a shining example of a 
fundamental American truth that no matter who you are or where you come 
from, if you work hard and stay true to the principles of liberty and 
justice for all, you can achieve success for yourself and your family. 
Southern California and America are stronger because of their 
contributions.
  I am proud to represent the Vietnamese Americans living in 
California's 45th District, and I am committed to ensuring that each of 
them can build and enjoy their own American Dream.


                 Celebrating Filipino Independence Day

  Mrs. STEEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Filipino 
Independence Day.
  The history of Filipino independence is a story of a people who 
remained tirelessly committed to democratic values of self-
determination and freedom, even amidst the most challenging 
circumstances.
  On June 12, 1898, the Philippines declared their independence after a 
long history of occupation. However, the country remained a territory 
of the United States for many years, even after Congress enacted the 
Philippine Independence Act of 1934.
  It wasn't until the Fourth of July in 1948 when President Harry S. 
Truman issued Proclamation 2695 that the United States recognized 
Filipino sovereignty, officially marking the nation's independence.
  Both during and since its independence, the Philippines has been one 
of the United States' most important allies.
  My district in southern California is home to around 30,000 
Filipinos. They are an integral part of our communities, touching every 
aspect of our way of life with an entrepreneurial spirit, a respect for 
their traditions, and a love for America.
  I am proud to represent them in the United States Congress, and I 
will always fight for a better life for them and for all of my 
constituents.
  To the Filipino community in southern California and across the 
country, I wish a very happy Independence Day.

                          ____________________