Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH -- (House of Representatives - May 11, 2004)

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Ms. LINDA T. SÁNCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda) for all of his leadership.

Today, I am proud to join him and to join Asian Pacific Americans in commemorating the 27th anniversary of APA Heritage Month. This month allows us to recognize the tremendous contributions the Asian Pacific American community has made to our State and to our Nation.

It is fitting, then, to remind others of important APA legislation. For instance, H.R. 677, the Filipino Veterans Equity Act, which would provide U.S. veterans benefits to World War II veterans of the organized military forces of the Commonwealth of the Philippines and the Philippine Scouts who fought for the U.S. and its allies. These veterans deserve to be recognized for the service they provided to our Nation in a time of need.

It is also a good time to bring attention to H.R. 333, which would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize grants for higher education institutions serving Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. This important bill would open doors for many underserved APA communities.

I am extremely proud my home State of California has the largest Asian American population of any State in America, and I am also extremely proud to represent a region of Los Angeles County that includes many members of the Asian Pacific American community. The diversity represented by the different APA communities of our region is a source of strength in our local economy, our culture, and the education we can provide our children.

Asian Pacific Americans are contributing to every aspect of American life, from business and government to sports, science, research and the arts. I am proud that the political landscape in my district reflects this diversity.

I want to take two seconds to recognize two important female city councilwomen in my district from the APA community: Laura Lee, of the City of Cerritos, and Michiko Oyama, of the Hawaiian Gardens City Council. They are pioneers in California's 39th District. They are smart, tough, compassionate leaders and great role models for all Americans.

As we recognize the many contributions of the Asian Pacific American community during this month, let us also celebrate where the APA community is going and the future impact it will have on our country. I urge all Americans to remember their important contributions to our country not only today but every day. The Asian Pacific American community, like the many diverse immigrant communities in this country, makes our country richer and stronger, and to them I am grateful.

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