Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Floor Speech

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. In 2010, my colleague, Congressman HONDA, introduced H. Res. 1316 to designate this month as a time to recognize the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the United States. As an original co-sponsor, I reaffirm my commitment to address the concerns and needs of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

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

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 with the election of President Obama, the first president to have such significant personal ties to the Asian Pacific community. President Obama spent his childhood in Hawaii and Indonesia. Also, one of President Obama's first guests to the Oval Office was the prime minister of Japan, Taro Aso.

This year, the U.S. Census Bureau has released data revealing that the Asian population now represents 6 percent of the total American population. This community has grown faster than any other racial group in the United States at four times the national average. Asian Americans are making significant contributions to the economy and own over 1.5 million businesses, employing 3 million people. The buying power of Asian American communities has also grown dramatically, increasing by 89 percent between 2000 and 2009 from $269 billion to $509 billion.

This month, however, also causes us to reflect on some challenges that remain for Asian Pacific Americans. For instance, immigration and language policies continue to disproportionately affect Asian Americans since they are more likely than any other racial group to be foreign-born. Harsh immigration policies and language barriers, therefore, limit many individuals' ability to integrate into American society and access important services. Along similar lines, Asian Americans are twice as likely as non-Hispanic Whites and African Americans to have not seen a doctor in the past five years, and Asian Americans are also more likely to be uninsured.

Mr. Speaker, this month, it is important to recognize the achievements of this incredibly diverse community while also addressing their policy concerns. Nevertheless, I have much hope for the future because Americans are working together, hand-in-hand, to ensure the equality and advancement not only of their community, but of all communities.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of Asian Pacific Americans this year and for years to come.

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