Royce-Supported Bill to Remove Term "Orientals" from Federal Law Signed By President

Today, the President of the United States signed legislation first authored by U.S. Representatives Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) and Ed Royce (R-Calif.) to strike the term "Oriental" from preexisting federal law and replace it with "Asian American." The newly signed bill, H.R. 4238, also removes the terms "Negroes," "Indians," and "Eskimos" from federal law.

"Nobody, let alone the federal government, should use a hurtful term like "Orientals' when referring to Americans of Asian descent. Our country is a rich tapestry of cultural backgrounds, and Americans of all backgrounds deserve to be treated with dignity and respect," said Rep. Royce, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. "I was proud to support Congresswoman Meng as she led the charge on this issue, and I applaud her perseverance and success."

"The term "Oriental' has no place in federal law and at long last this insulting and outdated term will be gone for good. No longer will any law of the United States refer to Asian Americans in such an offensive way, and I applaud and thank President Obama for signing my bill to get rid of this antiquated term," said Rep. Meng, author of the bill. "Many Americans may not be aware that the word "Oriental' is derogatory. But it is an insulting term that needed to be removed from the books, and I am extremely pleased that my legislation to do that is now the law of the land."

Last year, the Washington Post named Rep. Royce as one of the "10 Most Effective Lawmakers in the U.S. Congress," based on his effectiveness in advancing bills to the President's desk to become law.

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