[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6758]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        IN CELEBRATION OF ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DAVID WU

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 2, 2006

  Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor and pleasure to join with my 
fellow members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus to 
celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. This May marks the 
28th time America has recognized and celebrated the many contributions 
and achievements of Asian Pacific Americans.
  America has reached greatness in part by the accumulation of ideas 
from those with varied heritage and backgrounds. In particular, Asian 
Pacific Americans have made profound contributions to the arts, 
education, science, technology, politics and athletics.
  Asian Pacific Americans have played an active and crucial role in the 
development of this country, from knitting together this nation with 
the transcontinental railroad to bringing the world closer together 
through development of the latest Internet technology.
  This year, Congress will be reauthorizing the Voting Rights Act, 
including provisions that provide bilingual assistance to voters who 
need it. These measures protect the ability of all voters to 
participate in our nation's political process. Toward this end, I, 
along with the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, am reaching 
out to the Asian Pacific American community and speaking to the 
importance of civic participation and protecting the APA vote.
  The Asian Pacific American community remains and always will be an 
integral and vibrant part of American society. As we take part in the 
celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, I urge everyone 
to participate more deeply in the civic life of our nation. The civic 
engagement of Asian Pacific American's will help define our collective 
future. By working together we can build bridges, and build upon our 
great nation's diverse communities. We move forward with determination 
and unity.
  I encourage Congress and the American people to spend part of May 
absorbing the legacy, culture and achievements of the Asian Pacific 
American community.

                          ____________________