[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3279]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           TO HONOR THE CHINESE EXPULSION REMEMBRANCE PROJECT

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                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 3, 2011

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer special recognition 
to my constituents and friends at the Chinese Expulsion Remembrance 
Project as they commemorate the 125th anniversary of the expulsion of 
Chinese residents from the State of Washington.
  Thousands of Chinese immigrants were forced to leave their homes and 
businesses in the greater Seattle area during the fall of 1885 and 
winter of 1886.
  The expulsion of Chinese workers in Washington State stemmed from the 
1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, a measure passed in Congress at the request 
of labor unions because of competition from Chinese laborers. A few 
years after the expulsion, Chinese immigrants were welcomed back, and 
they helped rebuild the city after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889.
  The Chinese Expulsion Remembrance Project reminds us of the critical 
role immigrants have played in the development of our community, city, 
state and country. A deeper understanding of our past gives us a strong 
context for understanding immigration issues as we move forward.
  The Chinese Expulsion Remembrance Project also helps us to better 
understand the vital role that Chinese immigrants, as well as 
immigrants from other countries, play in Washington State. This results 
in our communities being more educated and less inclined to allow fear 
and intolerance to go unquestioned.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the 
organizers of the Chinese Expulsion Remembrance Project for their time, 
talent and contributions. Thanks to the vision and leadership of Bettie 
Sing Luke, Ron Chew, Maxine Chan, Edward Echtle, Tim Greyhavens, 
Theresa Pan Hosley, Kathy Hsieh, Brian Lock, Debbie Louie, Chieko 
Phillips, Cynthia Kan Rekdal and Connie So, the awareness and 
appreciation of Chinese American history has greatly risen in our 
community.
  As Seattle commemorates the 125th anniversary of the Chinese 
expulsion, it is important for us to remember that our country's 
diverse population has been, and will continue to be, a key factor in 
growing our economy and creating jobs. The efforts of the Chinese 
Expulsion Remembrance Project have touched so many of us, and they have 
shown that education is an invaluable asset to the Seattle community.

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