Commemorating Filipino American History Month -- Hon. Zoe Lofgren

Floor Speech

* Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Filipino American History Month. We have, as a nation, commemorated October as Filipino American History month since 1988. The legislature in my home state of California also recognizes this month. California has long historical ties with Filipino Americans, and our state is home to over half of the Filipino population of the United States.

* This month is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the rich culture and history of Filipino Americans, who have contributed so much both to California and to the United States. I'm pleased that recently there has been some legislative acknowledgment of their military contributions. Just this month in California, Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 199 into law, which would encourage the inclusion of the role of Filipinos in World War II in social studies curricula. Over 250,000 Filipinos fought with the U.S. in World War II. Their valiant service was largely uncompensated and unrecognized until recently.

* I'm hopeful that my colleagues will take a moment to recognize the Filipino American community. This country is a nation of immigrants, and we are so much richer for the contributions that Americans of every background have made, and will continue to make as we move forward.

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