[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 6371]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, since 1978 we have set aside the month 
of May to honor Americans who are of Asian and Pacific Islander 
descent. Today I am pleased to join the celebration of Asian Pacific 
American Heritage Month and the many accomplishments and contributions 
of such an inspiring, spirited, and industrious group of people.
  Efforts to establish an Asian Pacific American Heritage Month first 
took shape in 1977 when U.S. Representatives Frank Horton and Norman Y. 
Mineta introduced a resolution calling on the President to declare a 
weeklong commemoration. Senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga 
followed suit in the Senate. Both resolutions were ultimately passed, 
and President Carter in 1978 officially designated a weeklong 
celebration to honor the first Japanese immigrants to the United States 
and the Chinese laborers who completed the Transcontinental Railroad.
  In 1990, President George H.W. Bush extended the event to a month-
long celebration, and in 1992 the designation of May as Asian Pacific 
American Heritage Month was signed into law.
  More than 17 million Asian Pacific Americans live in the United 
States today, with more than 5 million living in California. Together, 
these Americans represent more than 30 countries and ethnic groups and 
enhance the diversity that is a hallmark of our Nation. Asian Pacific 
Americans enrich California through their famous and iconic communities 
including Chinatown in San Francisco, Filipino Town and Little Tokyo in 
Los Angeles, Little Cambodia in Long Beach, and Little Saigon in 
Westminster.
  Asian Pacific Americans have also left a large imprint on the economy 
of the United States, although in this time of economic challenge, it 
is important that we offer as much support as possible to keep those 
businesses thriving. This is why I support the White House Initiative 
on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, which is focused on 
increasing Asian Pacific American participation in areas such as 
commerce, labor and employment, and economic and community development. 
I am also a cosponsor of legislation that will help create small 
businesses and improve small business owners' access to capital.
  This year's theme, ``Leadership to Meet the Challenge of a Changing 
World,'' is especially fitting given the many challenges we face today. 
The leadership of many Asian Pacific Americans who have dedicated their 
lives to public service is especially notable. These trailblazers have 
been a strong voice for the community and have empowered Asian Pacific 
Americans to break barriers and pursue the American dream.
  Among these respected Americans are my esteemed colleagues in 
Congress, Senators Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka, and nine Members of 
the U.S. House of Representatives, including California Representatives 
Judy Chu, Doris Matsui, and Mike Honda. In the executive branch, we are 
lucky to have the services of Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Commerce 
Secretary Gary Locke, and Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki.
  In particular, I would like to recognize Representative Chu on her 
new position as chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American 
Caucus. I would also like to congratulate Secretary Locke on his recent 
nomination by President Obama to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to 
the People's Republic of China. These individuals are all leaders in 
the Asian Pacific American community, and their service inspires future 
generations to follow in their footsteps.
  In addition to their cultures, entrepreneurial skills and dedication 
to public service, Asian Pacific Americans have also made great 
sacrifices to ensure our nation remains strong and secure. There are 
thousands of Asian Pacific Americans serving overseas in our Armed 
Forces and here at home in our law enforcement agencies. These 
admirable citizens risk their lives every day to protect their 
communities. They deserve our thanks.
  I also want to praise the leadership and hard work of the Asian 
Pacific American legal community. Since the beginning of 2009, we have 
made significant progress in our work to diversify Federal courts. Six 
new Asian Pacific American judges have been confirmed to the Federal 
bench. These include U.S. District Judges Jacqueline Nguyen and Dolly 
Gee in Los Angeles and U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh in San Jose. Two 
highly qualified nominees still await votes--Professor Goodwin Liu, 
nominated for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and U.S. 
Magistrate Judge Edward Chen, nominated for the U.S. District Court in 
San Francisco. I will continue to do what I can to further diversify 
the judiciary and ensure that qualified Asian Pacific American judges 
are nominated and confirmed to the Federal bench.
  Unfortunately, this month also brings with it the reminder that my 
good friend and political strategist Mr. Kam Kuwata is no longer with 
us. Kam was well known and well respected by those in California 
politics and journalism. He tirelessly pursued civil rights and 
achieved remarkable success in campaigns and State initiatives. He 
carried with him many of the difficulties Asian Pacific Americans have 
faced, as his mother's family was interned during World War II. But he 
also embodied the many accomplishments that Asian Pacific Americans 
have achieved. Kam was truly one of the most intelligent and sharp 
people I have ever met. I would like to extend my heartfelt and deepest 
condolences to his family and friends. He will be dearly missed by all 
of us whose lives he touched.
  Today, it is my honor to acknowledge the remarkable strength, 
character, and accomplishments of Asian Pacific Americans during Asian 
Pacific American Heritage Month.

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