[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 6]
[House]
[Page 7811]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICANS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, each May we honor Asian Pacific Americans 
and celebrate the extraordinary contributions they make to enhance our 
communities and our Nation. Since the first Japanese immigrants arrived 
in the United States on May 7, 1843, generations of brave men and women 
have come to our country seeking new lives for themselves and their 
families, the promise of the American Dream. Their perseverance in the 
fight for equality and opportunity despite obstacles such as racial, 
social, and religious discrimination, is truly inspiring. I am proud to 
represent one of the most diverse congressional districts in the 
country. One in four of my constituents is of Asian Pacific heritage, 
many of whom are of Chinese, Filipino, Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese 
descent. We share our customs and traditions, and ultimately, our 
community and our Nation are enriched by the presence of Asian Pacific 
Americans.
  They have distinguished themselves as entrepreneurs, educators, and 
members of our Armed Forces. And the 29th Congressional District boasts 
an impressive list of Asian Pacific American civic leaders who are 
strongly committed to our community, including: John Chiang, serving 
California as controller, is the highest-ranking Asian Pacific American 
elected State official. Representing California's 21st Senate District 
is Carol Liu, and serving the 49th Assembly District is Assemblyman 
Mike Eng.
  On the local level, we have Alhambra Mayor Stephen Sham; Alhambra 
City Council member Gary Yamauchi; Alhambra Unified School Board 
members Chester Chau and Robert ``Bob'' Gin; Garvey School Board 
members Janet Chin, Henry Lo, and John Yuen; Monterey Park Mayor 
Anthony Wong; Monterey Park Council members Mitchell Ing, David Lau, 
and Betty Tom Chu; San Gabriel Mayor Albert Huang; San Gabriel Unified 
School Board member Philip Hu; South Pasadena Council member Mike Ten; 
South Pasadena Unified School Board member Joseph Loo; Temple City 
Council member Vincent Yu; and Temple City Unified School Board member 
Janet Rhee.
  The contribution of Asian Americans to our community, our State, and 
our Nation are not limited to these individuals. Our Nation has 
benefited from the contribution of Asian Americans for decades. The 
Japanese American 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental 
Combat Team, commonly known as the ``Go for Broke'' regiments, 
courageously served our Nation during World War II and earned several 
awards for their distinctive service in combat. During this Congress I 
introduced legislation to pay tribute to the ``Go for Broke'' regiment 
by awarding them the Congressional Gold Medal, Congress' highest 
civilian honor. And continuing the spirit of service to our Nation, I 
am happy to announce that two of my service academy nominees who 
received appointments this year are Richard Hyun Kim, a resident of 
Temple City and student of Temple City High School, who will be 
attending the Military Academy at West Point this fall, and Marcus 
Nguyen, a San Gabriel High School student from the city of Alhambra, 
who received an appointment to the Naval Academy. We're so lucky to 
have these wonderful people in our community. As we celebrate Asian 
American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I urge all of us to 
reflect upon and celebrate the contributions of Asian Pacific Americans 
to our history, our way of life and the future we will share as 
citizens of this great Nation.

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