Celebrating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month

Floor Speech

* Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1316, celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. I thank my California Delegation colleague, Congressman Honda, for his work in bringing this resolution to the floor today.

* This is a very exciting time for the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community and I am looking forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and with the Obama Administration to promote AAPI priorities.

* The 37th Congressional District of California, which I am privileged to represent, is home to one of the largest Asian constituencies in the nation, including large communities of Filipinos, Samoans and Cambodians. My district is home to the largest Cambodian population in the United States, and the second largest Cambodian population in the world outside of Cambodia. I am proud to be a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus which truly represents my Asian Pacific American constituents' interests.

* The month of May was chosen to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage for two significant reasons. On May 7, 1843, the first Japanese immigrants arrived to our country and on May 10, 1860, the first transcontinental railroad was completed. The transcontinental railroad transformed our nation and could not have been completed without the inclusion of Chinese immigrants.

* Dalip Singh Saund was the first Asian American elected to Congress in 1957. Less than a decade later, Patsy Mink became the first Asian American woman elected to Congress. Both overcame adversity to pave the way for all minorities, including Daniel Inouye, a Medal of Honor winner who has served in the Senate for nearly a half century. Today, we have seven Members of Congress who are of Asian descent.

* Despite the challenges and adversity that Asian Pacific Americans have experienced, many have forged ahead and made significant contributions to this great nation. History was made when we elected a President with such significant personal ties to the Asian Pacific community. President Obama spent his childhood in Hawaii and Indonesia. One of President Obama's first guests to the Oval Office was the Prime Minister of Japan, Taro Aso. Further, President Obama appointed three Asian Americans to his cabinet: Secretary of Energy, Dr. Steven Chu; Secretary of Commerce, Gary Locke; and Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric Shinseki.

* I have much hope for the future because all Americans are working together hand in hand to ensure the equality and advancement not only of their community, but of all communities.

* Mr. Speaker, let me again thank Congressman Honda, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, for his leadership in introducing this resolution. I look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of Asian Pacific Americans this year and for years to come! Thank you.

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