[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 11]
[House]
[Pages 14138-14142]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              CELEBRATING ASIAN/PACIFIC-AMERICAN HERITAGE

  Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 435) celebrating Asian Pacific American 
Heritage Month, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 435

       Whereas this year marks first time the United States is led 
     by a President with close Asian ties, including President 
     Obama's childhood in Indonesia and Hawai'i, and the President 
     has made unprecedented outreach efforts to the Asian-American 
     and Pacific Islander community;
       Whereas the selection of May as the month for Asian/
     Pacific-American Heritage Month was significant due to two 
     historical events that occurred in May: first, May 7, 1843, 
     when the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United 
     States, and second, May 10, 1869, when, with substantial 
     contributions from Chinese immigrants, the first 
     transcontinental railroad was completed;
       Whereas section 102 of title 36, United States Code, 
     officially designates May as Asian/Pacific-American Heritage 
     Month, and requests the President to issue each year a 
     proclamation calling on the people of the United States to 
     observe Asian/Pacific-American Heritage Month with 
     appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities;
       Whereas according to the Bureau of the Census, an estimated 
     14,900,000 United States residents identify themselves as 
     Asian alone or in combination with one or more other races, 
     and an estimated 1,000,000 United States residents identify 
     themselves as Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 
     alone or in combination with one or more other races;
       Whereas even though Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders 
     faced the injustices of racial prejudice as exemplified by 
     the Chinese Exclusion Act, the internment of Japanese 
     Americans and Japanese/Latin-Americans, the Vincent Chin 
     case, and other events, the community has made considerable 
     contributions to the vast cultural, economic, educational, 
     military, and technological advancements of the United 
     States;
       Whereas Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders such as civil 
     rights activist, Yuri Kochiyama, Medal of Honor recipient, 
     Herbert Pililaau, the first Asian-American Congressman, Dalip 
     Singh Saund, the first Asian-American Congresswoman, Patsy 
     Mink, and others have made significant strides in the 
     political and military realms;
       Whereas the Presidential Cabinet includes a record three 
     Asian-Americans: Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Commerce 
     Secretary Gary Locke, and Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric 
     Shinseki; and
       Whereas celebrating Asian/Pacific-American Heritage 
     provides the people of the United States with an opportunity 
     to recognize the achievements, contributions, history, and 
     influence concerns of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes that the incredible diversity of different 
     racial and ethnic groups, including Asian-Americans and 
     Pacific Islanders, is a source of strength for the United 
     States; and
       (2) celebrates the contributions of Asian-Americans and 
     Pacific Islanders to the United States.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch) and the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Chaffetz) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Massachusetts.


                             General Leave

  Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Massachusetts?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, today I rise in strong support of House Resolution 
435, which expresses support for the recognition and celebration of 
Asian Pacific American heritage. The measure before us was introduced 
on May 13, 2009, by Congressman Mike Honda of California, along with 
other Members and associate Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific 
American Caucus. Currently, the measure is supported by over 55 Members 
of Congress and has been appropriately reviewed and approved by the 
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform as of June 4, 2009.
  Madam Speaker, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community is 
composed of over 15 million people who, on a daily basis, are making 
significant contributions to the betterment of our country. For 
example, in addition to being one of our country's fastest growing 
minority groups, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community is 
also responsible for generating an estimated $326 billion annually for 
our economy as entrepreneurs and business owners of over 1.1 million 
businesses.
  While Asian Pacific American heritage is certainly worth recognizing 
and celebrating year-round, the country and the Asian Pacific American 
community have traditionally come together in the month of May to 
celebrate and commemorate Asian and Pacific American heritage. That all 
began back in 1977 when Representatives Frank Horton and Norman Mineta 
and Senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga introduced resolutions 
asking the President to declare the first 10 days of May as Asian 
Pacific Heritage Week.

                              {time}  1500

  The selection of the month of May stems from the fact that May marks 
the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in the U.S. in 1843. In 
1978, President Carter made Asian Pacific Heritage Week an annual 
event, and in 1990, President George H. W. Bush proclaimed the entire 
month of May to be Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
  Madam Speaker, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have also made 
great strides in the area of civil rights and public policy, led by 
such notable Americans as Patsy Mink, the first Asian American 
Congresswoman, not to mention the current members of the President's 
Cabinet, which includes three Asian Americans: Energy Secretary Steven 
Chu, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, and Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric 
Shinseki.
  In closing, let us, as a body, take a moment to recognize the valued 
contributions of the Asian and Pacific American community and celebrate 
such a rich cultural heritage by supporting House Resolution 435.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this important resolution 
recognizing Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
  Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been an integral part of 
the fabric of American life since the first Japanese immigrants arrived 
in the United States on May 7, 1843. Asian Americans worked as coal 
miners, on farms and orchards, and as laborers. It is estimated that 14 
million Americans, if not more, can trace their ethnic heritage to Asia 
or the Pacific Islands.

[[Page 14139]]

  Establishing May as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month 
affords educators throughout the country the opportunity to create 
learning experiences that teach the history of Asian Americans and 
Pacific Islanders during the school year. Observing Asian American and 
Pacific Islander contributions highlights their importance in the 
building of our country, in our fabric.
  For example, Chinese immigrants played a significant role in the 
construction of the first transcontinental railroad, which was 
completed on May 10, 1869. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have 
significantly contributed to this country through the arts, sciences, 
math, sports, commerce, and every other aspect of American culture 
since they first arrived in the 19th century. Whether it is in the arts 
or government or science or the many other fields of endeavor, they 
have played a fundamental role in our Nation's technological and 
economic expansion as well as every other fabric of life that we can 
think of. Their accomplishments are too numerous to count. Their 
influence is felt throughout our country.
  The month of May once again gives us the opportunity to thank and 
honor Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and recognize them for 
their many contributions now, in the past, and certainly in the future.
  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express 
strong support for H. Res. 435--Celebrating Asian Pacific American 
Heritage Month. I applaud the leadership and continued efforts of 
Chairman Mike Honda, as well as my colleagues in the Congressional 
Asian Pacific American Caucus for bringing this Resolution before us 
today.
  Asian Pacific American Heritage Month was established in 1977 by the 
efforts of Representatives Norman Mineta and Frank Horton, and Senators 
Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga who introduced resolutions asking for 
a Presidential declaration that the first ten days of May honor the 
rich history and contributions of our nation's Asian Pacific Americans. 
In 1992 Congress expanded the commemoration to a month, in order to 
fully recognize the impact that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders 
(AAPIs) have on our great nation.
  From the early 1800s to today, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders 
have played a critical role in the development of this country. This 
year's theme: ``Lighting the Past, Present and Future,'' is fitting as 
the world's attention turned to the United States to see the historic 
inauguration of President Barack Hussein Obama. President Obama's 
diversity reflects the richness and strength of our nation.
  We must reaffirm our commitment to the promise of a future for all 
Americans by eradicating racial and ethnic health disparities, enacting 
comprehensive immigration reform, providing educational opportunities 
for the underserved and creating jobs. I am proud that we ensured full 
equity for the Filipino veterans who proudly served under the American 
flag during World War II when we passed H.R. 1, the American Recovery 
and Reinvestment Act. I also applaud my colleagues for the recent 
passage of the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Hate Crimes Prevention 
Act, which enables the Department of Justice to assist the efforts of 
federal, state, and local law enforcement in investigating and 
prosecuting hate crimes based on race, ethnic background, and religion, 
and extends protections to more Americans.
  From the construction of the transcontinental railroads to the heroic 
contributions in World War II and beyond, Asian Americans and Pacific 
Islanders have made lasting contributions in every facet of American 
society. We must continue to acknowledge the great achievements this 
vast and diverse community has provided this nation and I urge my 
colleagues to support to this resolution.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, in 1992, Congress passed a joint 
Congressional Resolution to designate the month of May to give special 
recognition of the contributions of our Asian-Pacific American 
community to our nation. Originally, Congress in 1978 designated the 
first week of May to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese 
immigrants and the completion of the transcontinental railroad that was 
built by the Chinese laborers. Every year since then, the President 
would issue an Executive proclamation from the White House to honor 
this month and direct all federal agencies and military installations 
throughout the country to conduct special events and ceremonies to 
honor our Asian-Pacific American communities throughout our country.
  This year's theme is, ``Leadership To Meet The Challenges Of A 
Changing World,'' and I will try and elaborate on the achievements and 
success of Asian-Pacific Americans in both the public and private 
sector but, more importantly, to demonstrate to the world that the 
greatness of our nation lies in its diversity and ability of our 
country to accept peoples from all over world, as they pledge 
themselves to become as fellow citizens of this great nation.
  Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander descent, nearly 16 million 
strong, are among the fastest growing demographic groups in the United 
States today, even though they make up only 5 percent of our nation's 
population. In recent years, the Asian-Pacific Americans have more than 
doubled and this rapid growth is expected to continue in the years to 
come.
  Time will not permit me to share with you the names and contributions 
of many of our prominent Asian-Pacific American leaders in the fields 
of law, business, finance, and too many to mention. One only needs to 
read today's newspaper or a magazine to document the fact that Asian-
Pacific American students--both in secondary schools and universities--
are among the brightest minds our nation offers to the world. I fully 
expect that these students, now and in the future, will contribute 
their talents and expertise to solve major issues and problems now 
confronting our nation and the world today.
  Many of our prominent business leaders and entrepreneurs are of 
Asian-Pacific American descent. In fact, many of the popular brands and 
icons that we know today were created by the brilliant minds of people 
in our Asian-Pacific American community. For example, the Bose 
Corporation specializing in audio equipment, can be found or is used by 
historical venues and facilities, such as the Sistine Chapel, the Space 
Shuttle, and the Olympic stadiums, is currently headed by its founder, 
Amar Bose--an Indian American. Steve Chen, a Chinese American, and 
Jawed Karim, a Bangladeshi American, were the co-creators of the 
popular video sharing website, ``YouTube.'' Vera Wang, a Chinese 
American fashion designer and mogul, established herself as an icon by 
dressing celebrities and creating one of the most fashionable clothing 
lines for women in the world.
  In the world of sports, Asian-Pacific Americans have come to the 
forefront. In the recent 2008 Beijing Olympics, Kevin Tan, a Chinese 
American, was selected as captain of the U.S. men's gymnastics team and 
earned a bronze medal in team competition. Natasha Kai, an American of 
Hawaiian, Cambodian, and Chinese descent, won a gold medal with the 
U.S. women's soccer team. Natasha happens to be alumni of Kahuku High 
School in Hawaii, where I also graduated from many years ago.
  Asian-Pacific Americans are more prevalent in American sports now 
more than ever before. We have Yao Ming, a Chinese basketball player, 
playing for the Houston Rockets; Daisuke Matsuzaka, a Japanese baseball 
player, playing for the Boston Red Sox; Yutaka Fukufuji, the first 
Japanese to play for the National Hockey League, played for the Los 
Angeles Kings. And everyone has heard of the Professional Boxer Manny 
Pacquaio from the Philippines, a world champion in numerous boxing 
divisions who handily beat Oscar De La Hoya in December and Ricky 
Hatton two weeks ago in Las Vegas.
  I have to mention the accomplishments our young Asian-Pacific 
Americans in the NFL. In the 2009 NFL draft, nine young men, five 
Tongans and four Samoans, were selected by six different teams across 
the nation. These young men are ambassadors of goodwill and represent 
the Asian-Pacific American members who were once and still apart of the 
National Football League. From pioneers such as Al Lolotai who played 
for the Washington Redskins in 1945, Charles Ane and Rockne Freitas of 
Detroit Lions, to the likes of Junior Seau of the New England Patriots 
and Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
  In the field of martial arts, the late Chinese-American kung-fu 
martial arts expert Bruce Lee captivated the movie audiences all over 
the world by destroying the common stereotype of the passive, quiet 
Asian-Pacific American male, and the tradition continues today with 
Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Now, another sports and movie icon is moving 
his way through the movie industry--believed to be the heir apparent to 
Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger--none other than the 
former World Wrestling Entertainment champion wrestler, Dwayne Johnson, 
or commonly known as the Rock. The Rock was featured in movies such as 
the Scorpion King, Rundown, Get Smart, Grid Iron Gang and recently Race 
to Witch Mountain.
  The thing unique about Dwayne Johnson is that while his father is of 
African and Native American descent, his mother is Samoan. Now, just 
about every Samoan alive claims to be related to the Rock, including 
myself.

[[Page 14140]]

  Last summer I had the privilege of presenting the Congressional 
Horizon Award to Chief Seiuli Dwayne ``The Rock'' Johnson for his 
contributions and volunteer work in educating, empowering, and 
enriching the lives of children worldwide. Dwayne Johnson has made 
numerous contributions not only through The Rock Foundation but also 
directly to our Asian-Pacific American youth.
  Michelle Kwan, a Chinese American figure skater, is another example 
of a prominent Asian-Pacific American who has transformed her skills in 
one area to contribute further to our nation. Kwan has won nine U.S. 
championships, five world championships and two Olympic medals, earning 
her the title of the most decorated figure skater in U.S. history. Her 
accomplishments don't end there. In 2006, Secretary Condoleezza Rice 
named Kwan the first U.S. public diplomacy ambassador, where she has 
worked at improving America's image abroad. As ambassador, Michelle has 
been promoting cross-cultural dialogue with international youth.
  As Americans, and especially our youth, become more engaged in 
politics and government, I must bring your attention to the growing 
role and impact that Asian-Pacific Americans are playing in civic 
engagement. Our fellow colleague and good friend, Congressman Anh 
``Joseph'' Cao became the first American of Vietnamese descent to be 
elected to the House of Representatives. A former Congressman, 
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, became the first Indian American ever 
elected as governor in U.S. history, and is currently the youngest 
amongst all governors in the U.S.
  In the recent 2008 national and state elections, the Asian-Pacific 
American communities played a vital role. An estimated whopping 62% of 
the voting Asian-Pacific Americans cast their ballot for then Senator 
Barack Obama, helping him secure his presidential win.
  And with the President's appointments in the administration, there 
are an unprecedented number of Asian-Pacific Americans in top 
government positions, and these leaders were not appointed to their 
positions because of their race and heritage but because they bring 
vast knowledge, experience and different viewpoints that their Asian-
Pacific American backgrounds have contributed to.
  For example, President Obama appointed Steven Chu, a Chinese 
American, to be the Secretary of Energy. Secretary Chu's extensive work 
in physics and molecular biology has earned him accolades and 
achievements throughout the world--most notably he won a Nobel Prize 
for his physics works in ``development of methods to cool and trap 
atoms with laser light.'' Chu's dedication to physics led him to the 
academic side of research, as a teacher of physics and molecular and 
cellular biology at Stanford and UC Berkley. Concerning global warming, 
Secretary Chu has been a leading advocate for the research of finding 
alternative sources of energy, and steering away our dependence on 
fossil fuels. Secretary Chu is the first person ever appointed to the 
Cabinet after receiving a Nobel Prize.
  Our newest Secretary of Veteran Affairs, my good friend General Eric 
Shinseki is a Japanese American born in Hawaii and is a decorated 
veteran who fought in two combat tours in Vietnam. Secretary Shinseki, 
wounded from his last tour in Vietnam, understands from personal 
experience the plight of veterans and the support those veterans and 
their families need. General Shinseki is also the only Japanese 
American and Asian American to be promoted to the Army's top position, 
and was the first four-star general of Asian descent in the history of 
our U.S. military.
  The most recently confirmed cabinet member into Obama's 
Administration has exemplified that with hard work the American Dream 
can come true. Former Governor of the State of Washington, Gary Locke, 
a Chinese American, grew up in public housing and put himself through 
Yale University with loans, scholarships and the money he earned 
working part-time jobs. After earning his law degree from Boston 
University, Secretary Locke broke many glass ceilings afflicting our 
Asian-Pacific community. In 1993, Locke became the first Chinese 
American to be elected as his county's County Executive, and in 1996, 
Locke became the first Chinese American to be governor of a state in 
U.S. history, serving the maximum of two terms.
  Secretary Locke's family history is an important one to emphasize, as 
it is one of many hardships that our Asian-Pacific American communities 
have faced. In an interview, Locke mentioned that his grandfather might 
have claimed he was born in the U.S. and the documents were destroyed. 
Some of you may know this, and others may not, but in 1882 our 
government institutionalized racial discrimination against Chinese 
immigrants where they were banned from entering the United States. The 
Chinese people living in the U.S. at the time were excluded from 
becoming American citizens. And because of the restrictions of this 
law, it was nearly impossible for Chinese families to reunite. This 
Exclusion Act was repealed only 66 years ago. Locke's grandfather could 
have been one of the few Chinese immigrants who managed to get into the 
United States through ruses of lost documentation, while the 
immigration of people from all over Europe were unlimited.
  As a Vietnam veteran, it would be absurd of me not to say something 
to honor and respect the hundreds of thousands of Asian-Pacific 
Americans who served then and now in all branches of the armed services 
of our nation.
  As a former member of the U.S. Army's Reserve unit, known today as 
the 100th Battalion and 442nd Infantry Combat group, I would be remiss 
if I did not share with you the contributions of the tens of thousands 
of Japanese-American soldiers who volunteered to fight our nation's 
enemies in Europe during World War II.
  So you probably know, after the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on 
December 7, 1941, by the Imperial Armed Services of Japan--there was 
such an outrage and cry for an all out war against Japan and days 
afterwards our President and the Congress formally declared war. Out of 
this retaliation against Japan, hundreds of thousands of Americans were 
caught in the crossfire. These Americans just happened to be of 
Japanese ancestry.
  Our national government immediately implemented a policy whereby over 
100,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry were forced to live in what were 
called relocation camps, but were actually more like prison or 
concentration camps. Their lands, homes and properties were confiscated 
by the military without due process of law.
  My former colleague and former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, 
Norman Mineta, and the late Congressman Bob Matsui from Sacramento 
spent the early years of their lives in these prison camps. Secretary 
Mineta shared one of the interesting features of these prison camps 
where there were many machine gun nests posted all around the camps. 
Everyone in the camps was told that these machine guns were necessary 
to protect them against rioters or others who wanted to harm them.
  But then Secretary Mineta observed, ``if these machine guns are 
posted to guard and protect us, why is it that they are all directed 
and aimed inside the prison camp compound and not outside?''
  It was a time in our nation's history when there was so much hatred, 
bigotry and racism placed against our Japanese-American community. 
Despite all this, the White House, at the time, accepted the request of 
tens of thousands of the Japanese Americans to volunteer to join the 
Army, thus leaving their wives, parents, brothers and sisters behind 
barbed wire fences. As a result of such volunteerism, two combat units 
were organized. The 100th Battalion and the 442nd Infantry Combat Group 
were created and immediately were sent to fight in Europe.
  In my humble opinion, history speaks for itself in documenting that 
none have shed their blood more valiantly for our nation than the 
Japanese American soldiers who served in these two combat units while 
fighting enemy forces in Europe during World War II. The military 
records of the 100th Battalion and 442nd Infantry are without equal 
suffering. These Japanese American units suffered an unprecedented 
casualty rate of 314%, and received over 18,000 individual decorations, 
many awarded posthumously, for bravery and courage in the field of 
battle.
  For your information, 53 Distinguished Service Crosses, (the second 
highest HELV. medal given for heroism in combat), 560 Silver Stars 
(third highest medal), and 9,486 Purple Hearts, and 7 Presidential Unit 
Citations, the nation's top award for combat units, were awarded to the 
Japanese American soldiers of the 100th Battalion and 442nd Infantry 
Group. I find it unusual, however, that only one Medal of Honor was 
awarded at the time. Nonetheless, the 442nd Combat Group emerged as the 
most decorated combat unit of its size in the history of the United 
States Army.
  President Truman was so moved by their bravery in the field of 
battle, as well as that of African American soldiers during World War 
II, that he issued an Executive Order to finally desegregate all 
branches of the Armed Services.
  I am proud to say that we must recognize Senator Daniel K. Inouye and 
the late, highly-respected Senator Spark Matsunaga of Hawaii, who 
distinguished themselves in battle as soldiers with the 100th Battalion 
and 442nd Infantry.
  It was while fighting in Europe that Senator Inouye lost his arm 
while engaged in his personal battle against two German machine gun

[[Page 14141]]

posts. For his heroism, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. 
As a result of a Congressional mandate that was passed in 1999 to 
review the military records of these two combat units, President 
Clinton presented 19 Congressional Medals of Honor to the Japanese 
Americans who were members of these two combat groups. Senator Inouye 
was one those recipients of the Medal of Honor and I was privileged to 
witness this historical moment at a White House ceremony.
  On May 14, 2009, the House unanimously passed H.R. 347 thus granting 
the Congressional gold medal, collectively, to the 100th Infantry 
Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, United States Army, in 
recognition of their dedicated service during World War II.
  The wholesale and arbitrary abolishment of the constitutional rights 
of these loyal Japanese Americans should forever serve as a reminder 
and testament that this must never be allowed to occur again. When this 
miscarriage of justice unfolded during World War II, Americans of 
German and Italian ancestry were not similarly jailed en masse. Some 
declare the incident as an example of outright racism and bigotry in 
its ugliest form. I sincerely hope that these forms of legal racial 
discrimination never again darken the history of our great nation.
  To those that say, well, that occurred decades ago, I say we must 
continue to be vigilant in guarding against such evil today. President 
Obama's recent election is a consequence of such vigilance in electing 
him as the first ever President of color. I know that history speaks 
that he is the first black President, but personally, he represents all 
races, genders, and ethnicities in becoming the Commander-in-Chief and 
leader of this great country. Now and more than ever, am I so proud to 
be called an American. We have elected a person who is literally an 
African-American, in the sense, where his father is a Kenyan and mother 
is a girl from Kansas. I jokingly say that this is the first President 
to know where the Pacific Ocean is on the map. President Obama was born 
in Hawaii so he's a ``local boy'' and for your information, he can 
still throw a good ``shaka'' sign. We in the Congress look forward to 
the next four years, and maybe 8, in working together with President 
Obama in restoring American leadership in the world. As Americans, we 
emphasize the importance of our ideals and values that guarantee and 
protect ones freedoms and is reinforced and supported by the greatest 
volunteer military force in the world.
  We should never become complacent with the hand that is dealt to you, 
with the discrimination that you may see or experience. When I envision 
America, I don't see a melting pot designed to reduce and remove racial 
differences. The America I see is a brilliant rainbow, a rainbow of 
ethnicities, cultures, religions and languages with each person proudly 
contributing in their own distinctive and unique way for a better 
America.
  Asian-Pacific Americans wish to find a just and equitable place in 
our society that will allow them--like all Americans--to grow, to 
succeed, to achieve and to contribute to the advancement of this great 
nation.
  I would like to close my remarks by asking my colleagues--what is 
America all about? I can say that through our leadership and sense of 
volunteerism we can meet the challenges of a fast changing world. 
Either through personal service, education, civics, or charity, we have 
a responsibility to each other and must continue to exploit the 
freedoms that we proudly have today. Everyday the world is shrinking 
and it is important, as our forefathers have done so, to continue our 
leadership and become an example of how we admit to our faults and 
correct them immediately.
  I think it could not have been said better than on the steps of the 
Lincoln Memorial in the summer of 1963 when an African American 
minister by the name of Martin Luther King, Jr., poured out his heart 
and soul to every American who could hear his voice, when he uttered 
these words:
  ``I have a dream. My dream is that one day my children will be judged 
not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their 
character.''
  We have reaped what he has sewed by celebrating the contributions of 
Asian-Pacific Americans this month and having the first ever President 
of color in our great history.
  That is what I believe America is all about.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in 
support of H. Res. 435 to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage 
Month and pay tribute to the many achievements of Asian Pacific 
Americans across our Nation.
  The month of May marks several historical events in Asian Pacific 
American history. On May 7, 1843, the first Japanese immigrants arrived 
in the United States, paving the way for a great movement of Asian and 
Pacific peoples to immigrate to the United States. Only 26 years later, 
on May 10, 1869, the transcontinental railroad was finished, the 
completion of which is largely credited to Asian Pacific Americans. Due 
to these events, it is appropriate to celebrate the month of May as 
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and honor the sacrifices and 
contributions of this great community.
  Through the years, the Asian Pacific American Communities have made 
significant contributions to Texas's diverse culture. In Dallas, I am 
privileged to represent the largest Asian American Chamber in the 
United States with more than 1,200 members. I believe that we all learn 
from those who come from different backgrounds, and I can truly say 
that I have learned a great deal from my Asian Pacific friends and 
constituents.
  I would also like to recognize the one-year anniversary of the 
devastating earthquake that shook Sichuan Province in China in May of 
2008 and send my condolences to the friends and families of the 
victims.
  Today, there are over 14 million Asian Pacific Americans living in 
the United States, representing 5 percent of the population. The rich 
history associated with the Asian Pacific American community has left a 
lasting and important imprint on our country. Madam Speaker, I am proud 
to support this resolution and the Asian Pacific American communities 
in North Texas and across the United States.
  Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. 
Res. 435, celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. I thank 
Chairman Towns and my California Delegation colleague, Congressman 
Honda for their work in bringing this resolution to the floor today.
  This is a very exciting time for the Asian American Pacific Islander 
(AAPI) community and I am looking forward to working with my colleagues 
in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and with the Obama 
Administration to advance the AAPI objectives.
  The 37th Congressional District of California, which I am privileged 
to represent, is home to one of the largest Asian constituencies in the 
nation, including large representations of Filipinos, Samoans and 
Cambodians. My district is home to the largest Cambodian population in 
the United States, and the second largest Cambodian population outside 
of Cambodia. Because of the diversity of my district and in our nation, 
I am a proud member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.
  This year's theme for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is 
``Lighting the Past, Present, and Future.'' The past is filled with 
rich cultural, economic, and technological contributions from the Asian 
community. The month of May was chosen to celebrate Asian Pacific 
American Heritage for two significant reasons. On May 7, 1843, the 
first Japanese immigrants arrived to our country and on May 10, 1860, 
the first transcontinental railroad was completed. The transcontinental 
railroad transformed our nation and could not have been completed 
without the inclusion of Chinese immigrants.
  Here in Congress, Dalip Singh Saund was the first Asian American 
elected in 1957 and less than a decade later, Patsy Mink became the 
first Asian American woman elected to Congress. Both overcame adversity 
to pave the way for all minorities, including a distinguished American 
and Medal of Honor winner, Senator Daniel Inouye, who has served in the 
other body for nearly a half century. Today, we have seven Members of 
Congress of Asian descent and 25 Members of Congress, including myself, 
in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.
  The AAPI theme, the ``present'' demonstrates the great progress we 
have made as a country. Despite the challenges and adversity that Asian 
Pacific Americans have experienced, many have forged ahead and made 
significant contributions. History was made when this nation elected a 
President with such significant personal ties to the Asian Pacific 
community. President Obama spent his childhood in Hawaii and Indonesia. 
One of President Obama's first guests to the Oval Office was the Prime 
Minister, Taro Aso of Japan. Further, President Obama appointed three 
Asian Americans to his cabinet: Secretary of Energy, Dr. Steven Chu; 
Secretary of Commerce, Gary Locke; and Secretary of Veterans Affairs, 
Eric Shinseki.
  I have much hope for the future because Asian Pacific Americans and 
all Americans are working together hand in hand with others to ensure 
equality and advancement not only of their community, but all 
communities.
  Madam Speaker, let me again thank Congressman Honda, Chair of the 
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, for his leadership in 
introducing this resolution. I look forward to celebrating the 
accomplishments of

[[Page 14142]]

Asian Pacific Americans this year and for years to come.
  Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and 
I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 435, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
  The title was amended so as to read: ``A resolution celebrating 
Asian/Pacific-American Heritage.''.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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