Recongnizing and Honoring Contributions of Indian Americans to Economic Innovation and Society Generally
RECOGNIZING AND HONORING CONTRIBUTIONS OF INDIAN AMERICANS TO ECONOMIC INNOVATION AND SOCIETY GENERALLY -- (House of Representatives - April 26, 2005)
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that we acknowledge from time to time our individual histories and what makes us unique. I believe that it is our differences that make our Nation strong. Therefore, I am very happy to join the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis), the distinguished chairman of the House Committee on Government Reform, in support of H. Res. 227, recognizing and honoring the contributions of Indian Americans to economic innovation and to society generally.
According to a 2000 census, the Indian American population stands at over 1.6 million. This represents a 106 percent increase over the 1990 census figures. In fact, Indian Americans are the largest-growing Asian American community in the United States.
In addition to being a growing community within our society, the Indian American population also is a wonderful contributor to our Nation's well-being. The Indian American median family income is $60,093, which is significantly higher than the national median family income of $38,885. This high-income level is not only an example of their determination and hard work, but it is also a testament to the strong regard they hold for education. More than 87 percent of Indian Americans have completed high school, while at least 62 percent have completed some college. The value that members of the Indian American community place on education allows them and helps them to succeed in this country and to become positive role models and economic forces for all of us.
As our Nation struggles to teach the value of education to our young, I strongly believe that we should hold in high regard the Indian American community's commitment to higher education. It is indeed inspirational. So once again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis) for his leadership on this issue and reiterate my strong support for H. Res. 227.
Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
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