H3776 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 25, 2010 In 2001, as it was mentioned, Lance I have no further requests for time, United States to observe this month with ap- Mackey was diagnosed with throat can- and I yield back the balance of my propriate programs, ceremonies, and activi- cer. He continued to run in the 2002 time. ties; Iditarod with a feeding tube in his Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I commend Whereas significant outreach efforts to the Asian American and Pacific Islander commu- stomach, but had to pull out of the the gentleman for his thoughtful re- nity have been made through the reestab- race halfway through. After extensive marks and ask Members on both sides lishment of the White House Initiative on surgery, radiation treatment, a year- of the aisle to support Mr. YOUNG in his Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to co- long break from racing, and the loss of resolution. ordinate multiagency efforts to ensure more an index finger, he is now fully recov- I yield back the balance of my time. accurate data collection and access to serv- ered and cancer-free. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ices for this community; Lance Mackey is married to his high question is on the motion offered by Whereas the Presidential Cabinet includes school sweetheart, Tonya, who is also a the gentleman from Massachusetts a record three Asian Americans, including Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Commerce musher. They have four children: (Mr. LYNCH) that the House suspend Secretary Gary Locke, and Veterans Affairs Amanda; Brittney; Alanah; and Cain. the rules and agree to the resolution, Secretary Eric Shinseki; Together they run the Comeback Ken- H. Res. 1189. Whereas there has been a commitment to nel in Fox, Alaska. The question was taken. judicial diversity through the nomination of Lance Mackey is a real-life hero and The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the high caliber Asian Americans and other mi- an inspiration to thousands of Alaskan opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being nority jurists at all levels of the Federal Americans who religiously follow the in the affirmative, the ayes have it. bench; Iditarod. I want to commend Lance for Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, on that I Whereas the civic engagement of Asian the great achievement of winning the demand the yeas and nays. Americans and Pacific Islanders and commu- four straight Iditarods. This is a great nity-based organizations has increased The yeas and nays were ordered. throughout the years; Alaskan. Thank you, Lance. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Whereas the Congressional Asian Pacific Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the American Caucus, a bipartisan, bicameral yield myself such time as I may con- Chair’s prior announcement, further caucus of Members of Congress advocating sume. proceedings on this motion will be on behalf of Asian Americans and Pacific Is- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of postponed. landers, has reached a record 30 Members this year; House Resolution 1189, commending Lance f Mackey on winning a record 4th straight Whereas today, Asian American and Pa- Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. This resolution CELEBRATING ASIAN/PACIFIC cific Islander leaders serve in local and State AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH legislatures across the Nation, in States as not only congratulates Mackey on his incred- diverse as California, New York, Texas, Con- ible successes but also recognizes the impor- Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I move to necticut, Maryland, Ohio, and Iowa; tance of the Iditarod race and all of the pres- suspend the rules and agree to the reso- Whereas, even with these exceptional mile- tige that it brings to Alaska every year. lution (H. Res. 1316) celebrating Asian/ stones crossed by the community, there re- Since the 1970s, the Iditarod Sled Dog Pacific American Heritage Month, as mains much to be done to ensure that lin- Race—frequently referred to as the ‘Last amended. guistically and culturally isolated Asian Great Race on Earth’—has attracted the best The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Americans and Pacific Islanders have access dog sled racers (known as mushers) and dog tion. to resources and a voice in the United States teams from around the world to compete in The text of the resolution is as fol- Government; Whereas learning from injustices faced by Alaska. The 1,150 mile Iditarod trail race is fa- lows: Asian American and Pacific Islander commu- mous around the world because of its difficulty H. RES. 1316 nities throughout United States history, and because of the incredible talent that it at- Whereas the United States joins together such as the Chinese Exclusion Act, the Japa- tracts every year. The Iditarod’s official site ex- each May to pay tribute to the contributions nese American internment, unpunished hate plains the extreme difficulty of the trail saying of generations of Asians and Pacific Island- crimes such as the murder of Vincent Chin, that nature ‘‘throws jagged mountain ranges, ers who have enriched the Nation’s history; and other events, can help perfect the Na- frozen river, dense forest, desolate tundra, Whereas the history of Asians and Pacific tion; and miles of windswept coast at the mushers Islanders in the United States is inextricably Whereas Asian Americans and Pacific Is- landers, such as civil rights activist Yuri and their dog teams. tied to the story of the Nation; Whereas the month of May was selected for Kochiyama, Medal of Honor recipient Her- Add to that temperatures far below zero, Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month due bert Pililaau, the first Asian American Con- winds that can cause a complete loss of visi- to the following two historical events, first, gressman Dalip Singh Saund, the first Asian bility, the hazards of overflow, long hours of May 7, 1843, when the first Japanese immi- American Congresswoman Patsy Mink, the darkness and treacherous climbs and slide grants arrived in the United States, and sec- first Asian American member of a presi- hills, and you have the Iditarod.’’ In addition to ond, May 10, 1869, when, with substantial dential cabinet Norman Y. Mineta, and oth- a very exciting race, the Iditarod race every contributions from Chinese immigrants, the ers have made significant strides in the po- year attracts fans and spectators from around first transcontinental railroad was com- litical and military realms; and Whereas celebrating Asian/Pacific Amer- the world and creates many important jobs for pleted; Whereas today, according to the United ican Heritage Month provides the people of Alaskans. States Census Bureau, the Asian American the United States with an opportunity to Lance Mackey who won this year’s Iditarod and Pacific Islander community is one of the recognize the achievements, contributions, race provides an inspiration not only to fans of fastest growing and most diverse populations history, and address the challenges faced by the Iditarod but to all Americans. in the United States, comprised of over 45 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders: Now, Mackey grew up in a family of dedicated distinct ethnicities and over 28 language therefore, be it and victorious mushers as both his dad and groups in the community; Resolved, That the House of Representa- his brother have won the Iditarod race. In Whereas the United States Census Bureau tives— 2001, Mackey suffered a severe career and estimates that there are 15,200,000 United (1) recognizes that Asian American and Pa- life set back when he became sick with throat States residents who identify themselves as cific Islander communities enhance the rich Asian alone or in combination with one or cancer. However, after a year of treatment diversity of the United States; and more other races, 1,000,000 United States (2) celebrates the contributions of Asian and away from dog sledding, Mackey recov- residents who identify themselves as Native ered from his cancer and was able to resume Americans and Pacific Islanders to the Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander alone or United States. his career. Just a few years later he won his in combination with one or more other races, first Iditarod race and then went on to win and projects that by 2050, there will be The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- three more times for a record four consecutive 40,600,000 United States residents identifying ant to the rule, the gentleman from as Asian alone or in combination with one or wins. Massachusetts (Mr. LYNCH) and the Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge all of my col- more other races, to comprise 9 percent of the United States population; gentleman from Missouri (Mr. leagues to support this resolution. The annual Whereas section 102 of title 36, United LUETKEMEYER) each will control 20 Iditarod race is an amazing event not just for States Code, officially designates May as minutes. Alaska but for the entire country, and Lance Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, and Mackey, the champion for the last four years, requests the President to issue each year a The Chair recognizes the gentleman deserves our recognition and congratulations. proclamation calling on the people of the from Massachusetts.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:19 May 26, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K25MY7.062 H25MYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE May 25, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3777 GENERAL LEAVE In closing, let us as a body take a Today, we face a crisis in our com- Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- moment to recognize the valuable con- munity. Right now along the gulf imous consent that all Members may tribution of the Asian and Pacific coast, Asian Americans in particular have 5 legislative days within which to American community and celebrate are struggling because of the impacts revise and extend their remarks and to their rich cultural heritage by sup- of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. This add any extraneous materials. porting House Resolution 1316. economic, environmental, and health The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of disaster is disproportionately affecting objection to the request of the gen- my time. those who rely upon the resources of tleman from Massachusetts? Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I our coastal waters for their livelihoods. There was no objection. yield myself such time as I may con- Many of those affected are Vietnamese Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- sume. American fishermen living in Alabama, self such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of House Reso- Mississippi, Texas, and my home State Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Com- lution 1316, celebrating Asian/Pacific of Louisiana. While they are strug- mittee on Oversight and Government American Heritage Month. gling, I know one thing for sure: they Reform, I present House Resolution Asian American and Pacific Islanders will persevere and overcome the effects 1316, as amended, for consideration. have been an integral part of the fabric of this catastrophe, relying upon the This legislation celebrates Asian/Pa- of American life since Japanese immi- perseverance and the strength of fam- cific American Heritage Month, which grants first arrived in the United ily that runs throughout Asian Amer- is celebrated during the month of May. States on May 7, 1843. ican communities. House Resolution 1316 was introduced Asian Americans worked as coal min- We have seen Asian American com- by my friend and colleague, Represent- ers on farms and helped with the com- munities forced to start over to begin a ative MIKE HONDA of California, on pletion of the first continental rail- new life, and I would like to use my April 29, 2010. In addition, this resolu- road. Rising from their humble begin- family as an example. My mother and tion was favorably reported out of the nings, Asian Americans have been in- father were born in North Vietnam. In House Oversight and Government Re- strumental in the building of this 1945, when the Communists took over form Committee by unanimous consent country from the 19th century on- North Vietnam, my family lost every- on May 6, 2010. This House Resolution wards. In arts, sciences, math and thing. They were forced to leave their enjoys the support of over 55 Members sports, commerce, and every other as- home, their families, and their posses- of Congress. pect of American culture, the contribu- sions to escape the Communists. They Mr. Speaker, the Asian American and tions of Asian Americans have en- migrated to South Vietnam, where Pacific Islander community is com- hanced and benefited our rich cultural they started over. posed of over 15 million people, who on heritage. After many years of struggle and a daily basis, make significant con- The U.S. Census estimates that over much hard work, again they lost every- tributions to the betterment of our 15 million Americans trace their ethnic thing they possessed, even their chil- country. In addition to being one of our heritage to Asia or the Pacific Islands dren, when, in the spring of 1975, the country’s fastest-growing minority and projects that by 2050, there will be Communist forces took over South groups, the Asian American and Pacific approximately 40 million United States Vietnam. My father then spent 7 years Islander community is also responsible residents identifying as Asian alone or in Vietnamese re-education camps, for generating an estimated $326 billion in combination with one or more races. during which time my mother single- The month of May once again pro- annually for our economy as entre- handedly cared for my father, my vides the people of the United States preneurs and owners of over 1.1 million brother, and my five sisters. businesses. with an opportunity to recognize the Once again, in 1991, they left every- While Asian/Pacific American herit- achievements and contributions, his- thing they owned to come to the age is certainly worth recognizing and tory, and concerns of Asian Americans. United States to begin a new life. Trag- celebrating year round, the country Today we had the opportunity to in- ically, that new beginning, once again, and the Asian/Pacific American com- crease our body here by one with an was taken from them by the destruc- munity have traditionally come to- Asian American, Mr. DJOU of Hawaii, tion of Hurricane Katrina; but they, gether in the month of May to cele- who we welcome and again give him like many who were in the same posi- brate and commemorate Asian and Pa- the opportunity to serve his people and tion, are survivors and they continue cific American heritage. his heritage in this great body. to thrive. This celebration began back in 1977 With that, I would like to thank my My family is but only one example of when Representatives Frank Horton respected colleague Mr. HONDA for in- the thousands of Asian American fami- troducing this important legislation. and Norman Mineta and Senators DAN- lies that have faced and overcome I reserve the balance of my time. IEL INOUYE and Spark Matsunaga intro- Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I have no struggles with dignity and bravery. duced resolutions asking the President further requests for time, and I con- This just gives you a glimpse of the re- to declare the first 10 days of May as tinue to reserve the balance of my siliency and the strength that is inher- Asian/Pacific Heritage Week. time. ent in the Asian American culture, al- The selection of the month of May lowing those like my family to survive, stems from the fact that May marks b 1615 just as those along the gulf coast will. the arrival of the first Japanese immi- Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be a Viet- grants to the United States in 1843. In yield such time as he may consume to namese American representing the 1978, President Carter made Asian/Pa- the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. wonderfully diverse constituency in Or- cific Heritage Week an annual event. CAO). leans and Jefferson Parishes in the In 1990, President George H. W. Bush Mr. CAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in U.S. Congress, and I am proud to be as- proclaimed the entire month of May to support of House Resolution 1316, cele- sociated with this important resolution be Asian/Pacific American Heritage brating Asian Pacific American Herit- honoring Asian Americans. Month. age Month. I commend the gentleman I urge my colleagues to support this Mr. Speaker, Asian Americans and from California (Mr. HONDA) for intro- important resolution as a tribute to Pacific Islanders have also made great ducing this legislation, of which I am a the accomplishments of Asian Ameri- strides in the area of civil rights and proud cosponsor. cans everywhere. public policy. Led by such notable The month of May is Asian Pacific Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I thank Americans as Patsy Mink, the first American Heritage Month. During this my fellow members of Congress who join us Asian American congresswoman, the time, we celebrate the contributions of today in honoring Asian Pacific Heritage President’s current Cabinet includes Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Month and I thank the gentleman from Cali- three Asian Americans: Energy Sec- to their communities and to this Na- fornia, Mr. HONDA, for sponsoring this resolu- retary Steven Chu; Commerce Sec- tion. As we do, we also must pause to tion to recognize and honor the contributions retary Gary Locke; and Veterans Af- recognize the struggles they have faced of our Asian Pacific American community to fairs Secretary Eric Shinseki. and continue to face. this great nation. I also thank my colleagues

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:19 May 26, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K25MY7.064 H25MYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H3778 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 25, 2010 who are members of the Congressional Asian That is what I believe America is all about. Mr. CAO and other Members in support Pacific American Caucus, and all those who I urge my colleagues to support this resolu- of this resolution, and I yield back the continue to address the issues facing the tion. balance of my time. Asian Pacific American community, and en- Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The sure that our community has access to re- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. question is on the motion offered by sources and a voice in government. 1316 to celebrate Asian Pacific American Her- the gentleman from Massachusetts Originally, Congress in 1978 designated the itage Month and pay tribute to the many (Mr. LYNCH) that the House suspend first week of May to commemorate the arrival achievements of Asian Pacific Americans the rules and agree to the resolution, of the first Japanese immigrants and the com- across our Nation. H. Res. 1316, as amended. pletion of the transcontinental railroad that was The month of May marks several historical The question was taken. built by the Chinese laborers. Every year since events in Asian Pacific American history. On The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the then, the President would issue an Executive May 7, 1843, the first Japanese immigrants ar- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being proclamation from the White House to honor rived in the United States, paving the way for in the affirmative, the ayes have it. this month and direct all federal agencies and a great movement of Asian and Pacific peo- Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I object to military installations throughout the country to ples to immigrate to the United States. Only the vote on the ground that a quorum conduct special events and ceremonies to 26 years later, on May 10, 1869, the trans- is not present and make the point of honor our Asian-Pacific American communities continental railroad was finished, the comple- order that a quorum is not present. throughout our country. tion of which is largely credited to Asian Pa- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- The achievements and successes of Asian- cific Americans. Due to these vents it is appro- ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Pacific Americans demonstrate, above all, that priate to celebrate the month of May as Asian Chair’s prior announcement, further the greatness of our nation lies in its diversity Pacific American Heritage Month and honor proceedings on this motion will be and ability to accept peoples from all over the sacrifices and contributions of this great postponed. world, as they pledge themselves to become community. The point of no quorum is considered fellow citizens of this great nation. Through the years, the Asian Pacific Amer- withdrawn. ican Communities have made significant con- Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander de- f scent, over 16 million strong, are among the tributions to Texas’s diverse culture. In Dallas, fastest growing demographic groups in the I am privileged to represent the largest Asian RECOGNIZING AND HONORING United States today, even though they make American Chamber in the United States. I be- MEMBERS OF ARMED FORCES up only 9 percent of our nation’s population. lieve that we all learn from those who come AND VETERANS According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the from different backgrounds, and I can truly say Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I move Asian American and Pacific Islander commu- that I have learned a great deal from my Asian to suspend the rules and agree to the nity is comprised of over 45 distinct ethnicities Pacific friends and constituents. resolution (H. Res. 1385) recognizing Today, there are over 15.2 million Asian Pa- and over 28 language groups. In recent years, and honoring the courage and sacrifice cific Americans living in the United States, rep- the Asian-Pacific American population has of the members of the Armed Forces resenting nine percent of the population. The more than doubled and this rapid growth is ex- and veterans, and for other purposes. rich history associated with the Asian Pacific pected to continue in the years to come— The Clerk read the title of the resolu- American community has left a lasting and im- reaching 40.6 million by 2050, according to portant imprint on our country. tion. the U.S. Census Bureau. I would like to acknowledge the devastating The text of the resolution is as fol- There are an unprecedented number of earthquake that shook Yushu County in the lows: Asian-Pacific Americans in the fields of medi- Qinghai province of China on April 14, 2010 H. RES. 1385 cine, business, sports, academia, entertain- which killed or injured over 10,000 civilians. Whereas May is commonly known as Na- ment, and government, just to name a few. As My deepest condolence goes out to the tional Military Appreciation Month; Asian Pacific Americans serve in their respec- friends and families of the victims. Whereas during World War I, more than tive fields, they share vast knowledge, experi- Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support this res- 4,700,000 Americans served in the military, ence and viewpoints that their unique back- olution and the Asian Pacific American com- more than 116,000 Americans lost their lives, grounds have contributed to. and more than 204,000 Americans were munities in North Texas and across the United wounded; When I envision America, I don’t see a melt- States. ing pot designed to reduce and remove racial Whereas only one American World War I Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in veteran, Frank Woodruff Buckles, survives differences. The America I see is a brilliant honor and recognition of Asian/Pacific Amer- today; rainbow—a rainbow of ethnicities, cultures, re- ican Heritage Day 2010 and to celebrate the Whereas during World War II, more than ligions and languages with each person proud- many cultural and societal contributions of the 16,000,000 Americans served in the military, ly contributing in their own distinctive and Asian American and Pacific Islander commu- more than 405,000 Americans lost their lives, unique way for a better America. Asian-Pacific nities throughout Northeast Ohio. and more than 670,000 Americans were Americans wish to find a just and equitable Asian/Pacific American Heritage Day pro- wounded, and today more than 74,000 Ameri- cans remain unaccounted for; place in our society that will allow them—like vides us with an opportunity to celebrate the all Americans—to grow, to succeed, to Whereas during the Korean War, more than numerous achievements of Asian Americans 5,700,000 Americans served in the military, achieve and to contribute to the advancement and Pacific Islanders throughout Northeast more than 36,000 Americans lost their lives, of this great nation. Ohio and across the nation. Cultural diversity and more than 103,000 Americans were Surely Asian Pacific Americans have is a foundation of our community and it has al- wounded, and today 8,026 Americans remain achieved many important milestones in the lowed our residents to experience traditions unaccounted for; history of this nation. Yet while there remains from around the world. Whereas during the Vietnam War, more much to be done, I am hopeful that the char- The heritage of Asian Americans has been than 3,400,000 Americans served in the mili- acter of this great nation will ensure equity preserved and reflected by each generation. It tary, more than 58,000 Americans lost their lives, and more than 150,000 Americans were and access to all of our fellow American citi- shows the spirit, hope and courage of all of zens from every racial, cultural, ethnic, and wounded, and today 1,720 Americans remain our ancestors who braved treacherous jour- unaccounted for; socioeconomic background. neys along the road to freedom and oppor- Whereas during the Persian Gulf War, I would like to close my remarks by asking tunity in America. more than 2,200,000 Americans served in the all of us here—what is America all about? I Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me military, 383 Americans lost their lives, and think it could not have been said better than in celebrating Asian/Pacific American Heritage 467 Americans were wounded; on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in that Day and honoring the contributions of all Whereas since 2001, more than 1,000 Ameri- summer of 1963 when an African American Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in our cans have lost their lives and more than 5,500 minister by the name of Martin Luther King Jr., Greater Cleveland community. Americans have been wounded in Operation poured out his heart and soul to every Amer- Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I Enduring Freedom; Whereas since 2003, more than 4,300 Ameri- ican who could hear his voice, when he ut- urge Members to support the passage of cans have lost their lives and more than tered these profound words, ‘‘I have a dream. House Resolution 1316, and I yield back 31,000 Americans have been wounded in Oper- My dream is that one day my four little chil- the balance of my time. ation Iraqi Freedom; dren will be judged not by the color of their Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I ask all Whereas members of the Armed Forces an- skin, but by the content of their character.’’ Members to join with Mr. HONDA and swer the call to serve the United States,

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