May 9, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 152, Pt. 6 7485 of legislation already with bipartisan Tomorrow, when new worlds are to be b 2130 support, and it represents common- explored, they will be there. There are These workers and those who fol- sense solutions addressing real issues thousands of Asian Americans working lowed in their footsteps have thrived in before the country, important issues in the space program. various fields of endeavor through for all families, and it represents a And tomorrow, when it is time to their work ethic and ingenuity. They critical agenda of key items of legisla- elect the leaders that will guide our are proud Americans. They have done tion addressing problems before Amer- great Nation, they will be there, in extremely, extraordinarily well in ican families that can be done in this Congress, on the Supreme Court, and showing us what work ethic is all session of Congress. as President. If our country is to live about. f up to its promises in the Declaration of Today, the U.S. Census reports an es- Independence and the Constitution, timated 14 million or more U.S. resi- CONGRESSIONAL ASIAN PACIFIC every ethnic group will have one of its dents classify themselves as Asian Pa- CAUCUS own to serve as President. cific Americans or having Asian Pa- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. ING- This is why we must protect the vot- cific origins, and many of whom have LIS of South Carolina). Under the ing rights of Asian Americans and oth- made extraordinary contributions to Speaker’s announced policy of January ers to vote under the Voting Rights our Nation. 4, 2005, the gentleman from California Act. We must win this battle now, so Additionally, the United States Cen- (Mr. HONDA) is recognized for 60 min- that the 14 million Asian Americans, sus reports 1.1 million businesses are utes as the designee of the minority together with all Americans, can have owned by Asian Pacific Americans; leader. the equitable input that they justly de- 312,700 military veterans have contrib- Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I would serve into our political process. uted in protecting our democracy and like to recognize the gentleman from They helped to make America great. our democratic ideals around the Texas, Congressman AL GREEN. The greatness of America rests on the world. Our Filipino veterans are still Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speak- shoulders of all Americans, none more waiting for their due benefits, having er, I rise to celebrate the contributions so than our Asian American brothers served in World War II. of the Asian Pacific Islander American and sisters. Furthermore, 46 percent of total community and to celebrate Asian Pa- Mr. HONDA. I want to thank the gen- Asian Americans and 23 percent of Pa- cific American Heritage Month. tleman from Texas for his wonderful cific Islanders’ population works in I also want to take this opportunity words, and we shall be there. management, professional and related to thank and commend my good friend Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring up occupations. I am so pleased to know from California, Congressman HONDA, now the gentlewoman from California, that they are in our legislatures. They for his strong leadership as Chair of the Congresswoman JUANITA MILLENDER- are judges. Of course, they are business Congressional Asian Pacific American MCDONALD. people. They are teachers. They have Caucus. Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD. Mr. made profound progress and extraor- Mr. Speaker, for over 200 years, Asian Speaker, let me thank my dear friend dinary contributions to this country. The figures show that Asian Pacific Americans have played a pivotal role and colleague, Congressman MIKE Americans have attained high levels of in the development of our great Na- HONDA, who is just a great leader, not tion. When it was time to build the only for the great State of California, education, employment and high me- transcontinental railroad, they were but for this great Nation. He is our dian household incomes. However, Mr. there. Chinese immigrants were paid chairman of the Congressional Asian Speaker, many Asian Pacific Ameri- $28 a month to do the very dangerous Pacific American Caucus, and I thank cans have yet to achieve their Amer- ican dream. Twenty-three percent of work of blasting and laying ties over him for convening us here tonight. treacherous terrain. It was their labor It is with great pride and pleasure the Asian Pacific population lives in under harsh working conditions, for that I rise as a proud member of the poverty. Attention needs to be given to Asian meager wages, that helped in the devel- Congressional Asian Pacific American Pacific Americans who, because of in- opment and progress of our Nation. Caucus, and on behalf of the over 80,000 adequate skills like my Cambodian When our Nation was drawn into war, Asian Pacific Americans who reside in constituents, find themselves working they were there. From World War II my district in commemoration of the just to make ends meet. We must work through the current wars in Iraq and Asian Pacific American Heritage to provide job training and other com- Afghanistan, Asian Americans have Month. I am so pleased to call him my munity-based programs that will allow been on the front lines in our battle to friend, and all of my Asian friends, and all of our citizens to fulfill their poten- defend and protect our Nation. There I am here to celebrate with them this tial. are 32 Asian American Medal of Honor great heritage month because they Asian Pacific Americans also face recipients, and thousands of others who have provided so much to this country. significant health disparities. They ac- have served and continue to coura- Since the early 1800s, Asian Pacific count for over half of the 1.4 million geously serve our Nation. Americans have played a significant chronic hepatitis B cases in the United When hundreds of thousands of peo- role in the development of our Nation. States, and they also suffer from high ple were evacuated from Louisiana and They have joined hands with the many rates of diabetes, cervical and liver Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina, who came to our shores in search of op- cancers. they were there. The Asian American portunity, freedom of expression and Furthermore, the incidence of HIV/ community in my home city of Hous- adventure to make this country what AIDS is on the rise in Asian Pacific ton joined all Americans around the it is today. Their work has made this women. The work that I do on my HIV/ country in welcoming Katrina evacuees country a proud country. AIDS and my 5K AIDS Walk with var- and assisting the relief efforts. In This year marks the centennial cele- ious Asian Pacific organizations seeks Houston, the Asian American commu- bration of the first wave of Filipino mi- to address this. nity raised more than $200,000 for the grants to the United States. In 1906, Some progress has been made in ad- Katrina Relief Fund and took in over Filipino workers came to the United dressing Asian Pacific American health 15,000 displaced Americans. States, particularly to Hawaii, and issues, the availability of Asian and And the contributions of this com- later California, to work in the fields Pacific Islander cancer education ma- munity will continue far into the fu- as laborers. terials; Web tools that provide cancer ture. Tomorrow, when it is time to Many Chinese and Japanese laborers information materials in Asian and Pa- cure the diseases of the future, they who arrived in the mid-19th century cific Islander languages for those with will be there. There are more than were instrumental in the completion of limited English is a good start, but 105,000 Asian American doctors in the the transcontinental railroad on May more needs to be done to address access United States. 10 of 1869. to affordable health care.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 13:10 Mar 20, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00221 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BR09MY06.DAT BR09MY06 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE 7486 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 152, Pt. 6 May 9, 2006 For example, 50 percent of Asian Pa- as a B–17 navigator and was awarded lowed by subsequent waves of Filipino cific Americans are medically under- numerous medals. immigrants who came to settle in Ha- served since the cost of health insur- After the war, Judge Wong faced a waii and, also, other parts of the ance is a major barrier to Asian Pacific choice between joining his family’s United States, contributing to a migra- Americans who are either self-em- grocery business or entering law tion pattern that continues up to this ployed or working for small businesses school. This was not met with much day. that do not provide employee-spon- support from his parents, who would Today, Filipinos with their rich cul- sored health coverage. say, Who would hire you, a Chinese, ture and heritage have become a posi- As we celebrate May as Asian Pacific they would constantly say. Undeterred, tive influence on mainstream life in American Heritage Month, we must Wong completed his law degree in 1948, Hawaii, with many of them succeeding celebrate the legacy, the culture, the becoming the first Chinese American prominently in their respected profes- rich traditions and achievements of our graduate of Stanford Law School. sions, in business, politics, govern- Asian Pacific Americans, as well as re- After graduation, he was appointed ment, the academe and the arts. flect on the challenges faced by their deputy legislative counsel, serving the 2006 also marks the 50th year since community. This is an excellent oppor- California State legislature in Sac- Dalip Singh Saund became the first tunity, Mr. Speaker, for all of us here ramento and later appointed deputy at- Asian American to be elected to the in this House to celebrate these rich torney general, becoming the first U.S. Congress. While in office, Dalip cultures, as well as to strive to address Asian American to hold those posi- Singh Saund forged a measure that al- the health and education challenges tions. lowed South Asians to become U.S. that confront them in our great Na- In 1992, Congress passed a law that of- citizens. tion. ficially designated May of each year as As our community expands, we must My commendation to all Asian Pa- Asian Pacific American Heritage also continue to educate our fellow cific community groups, especially Month. citizens about the uniqueness of our ex- those in my district, that have worked I want to thank the following people periences. tirelessly to promote, assist and im- who have worked to designate May as The APIA community is often prove the lives of all Asian Pacific Asian Pacific Heritage Month: the late misperceived as monolithic. Our com- Americans and all Americans. Congressman FRANK Horton from New munity is extremely diverse in our lan- Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank York; my good friend, Secretary of guages, ethnicities and culture. Aggre- my dear friend, Congressman MIKE Transportation, Norman Mineta; Sen- gating such a large and diverse group HONDA, for putting together this spe- ators Daniel Inouye and the late Sen- makes it difficult to understand the cial order tonight and his outstanding ator Spark, or Sparky, Matsunaga. unique problems faced by the indi- and extraordinary leadership rep- Some important dates include the vidual and subgroups, such as the resenting Asian American Pacific Is- first 10 days of May, which coincide Southeast Asian Americans, who are landers across this country and the with two important anniversaries, the refugees that fled their home countries profound group of people whom I call arrival of Japanese American immi- in the late 1970s and the early 1980s. my sisters and brothers. He is the grants on May 7, 1843 to California, set- As a country, we need to better ad- chairman of our caucus, and I am tling in El Dorado County; and the dress the needs of the APIA commu- pleased to be a part that caucus. completion of the transcontinental nity when we discuss disaster prepared- Mr. HONDA. I thank my gracious railroad on May 10, 1869, by the Chinese ness, comprehensive immigration re- colleague from California for your won- laborers. form, voting rights, education, health derful words. The first APIA settlement in this issues and veterans. Mr. Speaker, I would like to rise country dates to 1763 when Filipinos National disasters such as the Sep- today to recognize the Asian and Pa- escaped imprisonment aboard Spanish tember 11th terrorist attacks, Hurri- cific Islander community and to com- galleons and established a community cane Rita and Hurricane Katrina, ex- memorate Asian Pacific American Her- near New Orleans. posed serious gaps in the delivery of itage Month. Today, the APIA community is one public services to limited-English-pro- As Chair of the Congressional Asian of the fastest-growing populations in ficient communities, or LEP commu- Pacific American Caucus we call the country, with over 13 million nities. In fact, the lack of linguistic CAPAC, I feel privileged to be here to- APIAs living in the U.S. and rep- and culturally competent services night to speak of the Asian and Pacific resenting 4.5 percent of the total U.S. within FEMA and related Federal Islander history and accomplishments. population. agencies prevented many LEP individ- Additionally, I will be highlighting My home State of California has both uals from accessing critical disaster-re- those issues affecting our communities the largest APIA population, approxi- lief services such as cash assistance, and the priorities for CAPAC. mately 4.6 million, and the largest nu- health care, mental health care, hous- Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a merical increase of APIAs since April ing and small business loans. moment to acknowledge and remember of 2000. As a result, at least 15,000 families extraordinary community leaders, Mr. Speaker, this year’s theme for from the gulf coast suffered unneces- long-time friends of the APIA commu- Asian Pacific American Heritage sary hardships. Many of the Asian nity that we have lost this year, Judge Month, Dreams and Challenges for Americans in the gulf coast region, hit Delbert Wong and journalist Sam Chu Asian Pacific Americans, reflects hard- by Katrina, were shrimpers and fisher- Lin. ships overcome by the APIA commu- men and were significant contributors Sam Chu Lin, who began reporting in nity while highlighting the hope we to the local economy and fishing indus- the 1960s, worked as a correspondent maintain as we contribute to the pros- try for years. for CBS and Fox. Sam Chu Lin was also perity of this great Nation. Plaquemines Parish in southern Lou- a respected print journalist, writing This year, I would like to particu- isiana is one of the locations of the columns and articles on Asian Pacific larly honor the centennial celebration main fishing and shrimp sites. affairs for Asian Week, Rafu Shimpo of Filipinos in Hawaii and the 50th year Plaquemines Parish commercial land- and the San Francisco Examiner. since Dalip Singh Saund became the ings average $441,181,891 in retail annu- Judge Delbert Wong was the first first Asian American Sikh to be elected ally. Plaquemines Parish has an aver- Chinese American judge in the conti- to the U.S. Congress. age annual landing of 28.8 million nental United States. Delbert Wong On December 20, 1906, a group of Fili- pounds of shrimp, valued at $238.3 mil- was a fourth generation American of pino plantation workers arrived in Ha- lion in retail value. Chinese heritage. After earning his un- waii aboard the Doric, leading the first Extensive reports from FEMA com- dergraduate degree in business at U.C. wave of Filipinos to migrate to Hawaii. munity relations and local fishermen Berkeley, Wong served in World War II The first group of Filipinos was fol- determined that all but 20 percent of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 13:10 Mar 20, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00222 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BR09MY06.DAT BR09MY06 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE May 9, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 152, Pt. 6 7487 the fishing boats were destroyed in the microphone and the floor to our Demo- future for their children, this courage. hurricanes. In order for these families cratic leader, a great leader from the Imagine the courage to leave home to to go back to their old way of life, ap- State of California, from the great City come to America, no matter when it proximately 430 boats must be repaired of San Francisco, someplace where you was or is now. And they bring a com- and in the water before shrimp season always leave your heart, our leader, mitment to community, to academic begins May 15. NANCY PELOSI. success. They make America stronger, Many of the fishermen, due to cul- Ms. PELOSI. Thank you very much, and we owe a great debt of gratitude to tural and linguistic barriers, were not my colleague, Congressman HONDA, the the Asian Pacific Americans in this re- accustomed to the American way of ac- distinguished Chair of the Asian Pa- gard. As I say, I see it firsthand in my cessing public assistance, navigating cific American Caucus. I am pleased to own community. the intricacies and bureaucracies of join you, and I thank you for your But how similar it was in 1906, when public agencies and commercial trans- leadership in calling this Special Order the earthquake came and there were actions. The fishermen have been de- to acknowledge Asian Pacific Amer- those, for whatever reason, who nied Small Business Administration ican Heritage Month. It is a time when thought this was a good idea to change loans, which would help them rebuild we can focus on and sing the praises of the community that was San Fran- their boats, due to the fact that they the contributions of the Asian Pacific cisco. Fortunately, it was rejected. need to buy insurance prior to getting American community to our great Sadly, it resembled some of the rhet- a loan. But one cannot buy insurance country. I wish to associate myself oric following Katrina in New Orleans; for a boat until it is in a working with your extensive remarks and praise and hopefully those notions will be re- order. of the proud community that you are a jected as well, because as we rebuild Fishermen must also prove that they part of and thank you for your leader- these cities, we must always remember can pay back the loan. But without in- ship in the Congress. to rebuild the communities that come, SBA is reluctant to give loans. I was interested in your comments, strengthen them. Due to the complications of the system where you talked about Katrina and I am proud to pay tribute to AAPI and of the linguistic and cultural bar- what happened at a time of natural dis- leaders in my City of San Francisco riers that are posed to them, the Asian aster. As you acknowledged, I rep- who have recently passed away since Pacific community faces an even big- resent the great City of San Francisco we had this meeting last year, but ger struggle. in the Congress, and we are blessed in leave their legacies. George Wong was This month, I will introduce legisla- our community with a large Asian Pa- a pioneer in the labor movement who tion to improve disaster relief and pre- cific American community. They have worked until his death to ensure that paredness services for individuals with built our city. They have been part of workers’ rights were protected. limited English proficiency by requir- its growth and its success. The Godmother of San Francisco’s ing the Federal Emergency Manage- This year, we observed the 100th an- Japantown and a leading community ment Agency to bolster Federal re- niversary of the 1906 earthquake. At activist, ‘‘Sox’’ Kitashima, she was just sources and outreach to community or- that time, it was a sorry, sorry sight to fabulous, Sox was, a driving force be- ganizations that serve the limited- see, San Francisco. hind the Japanese American redress English population. A black mark on that time, but one movement. Mr. Speaker, our Nation was founded that was averted, but was suggested, The late Joe Yuey distinguished him- by immigrants who valued freedom and was when the earthquake came and the self during his 100 years of life as Asian liberty, who sought to be free from per- city burned, thousands of people were art enthusiast, amassing a collection secution, from a tyrant government. displaced in downtown San Francisco’s that is part of the world-renowned San Families fled their home countries to Chinatown. It was a horrible thing. Francisco Asian Art Museum. seek refuge in this great Nation, be- There were those in the press who sug- Jade Snow Wong was a famous au- cause they too believed in liberty, jus- gested, who wrote in the daily metro- thor, ceramicist and businesswoman, tice and freedom for all. politan journals which were published whose book ‘‘Fifth Chinese Daughter’’ APIA families who seek to be re- almost immediately, they suggested is included on school reading lists united with their family members that now might be a good time to get across our Nation. overseas have not seen their dreams rid of Chinatown, get rid of foreigners The legacy of all these outstanding come true because of our broken immi- and everything that went with it. Of people is one that must be carried on gration system. Over 1.5 million Asians course, they had their eye on this as an example for other Americans to are caught in the family immigration prime real estate that was Chinatown follow. backlog, and immediate family mem- right in the heart of downtown San And let us also remember this year bers from overseas wait as long as 10 Francisco. But their motivation was as the centennial of Filipino immigra- years to reunite with their families in not only commercial; it was also rac- tion to the United States. My colleague the U.S. ist, quite frankly. Mr. HONDA has referenced the magnifi- Mothers and fathers wait to reunite Fortunately, the city leaders at the cent contributions of the Filipino with their children. But due to the long time rejected that unfair notion and American community. years of waiting, their children may Chinatown was rebuilt, and it is such a The first Filipinos arrived on the have already reached the age of 18, and magnificent part of our community to shores of Hawaii to work on the sugar their families will have to start the this day. It attracts visitors from all plantations in 1906, again, 1906, a year process all over again. over the world and all over California fraught with meaning, with the belief As we honor the 41st anniversary of because it is such a magnificent place. that a better life could come from hard the Immigration Nationality Act of It is so invigorating to go there. When work and determination. Filipinos con- 1965 and the 31st anniversary of the you do, you are constantly reminded of tinued migrating to the United States, Refugee Act of 1975, we need to remem- the contribution that our Asian Pacific as they are now the second largest ber that our country was founded and American community makes to Amer- AAPI population, making remarkable created to protect our freedom and ica. contributions to our country. civil liberties. We talk about family values. The My colleagues have referenced the Asian Pacific Americans take the lead. great contributions, not only the Chi- b 2145 Their coming to our shores, whether it nese, the Japanese, the Vietnamese, I believe we need comprehensive im- was over a century ago to build the Cambodians, people from Laos, from migration reform to fix our broken im- railroads, whether it is a few days ago, South Asia, from India and Pakistan migration system. each one of them brings to our commu- and from so many places in Asia, so Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a nity family values, this wonderful opti- different one to the next of these break in my presentation to offer the mism and determination for a better groups, the Korean Americans, the list

VerDate Sep 11 2014 13:10 Mar 20, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00223 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BR09MY06.DAT BR09MY06 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE 7488 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 152, Pt. 6 May 9, 2006 goes on. They all make a wonderful contributions of our Asian Pacific of Transportation appointed by Presi- contribution, and we should acknowl- American individuals and communities dent Bush. edge all of it. to the success of our great Nation. I Elaine Chao, another first. Secretary I am very pleased to share in this commend my colleagues who founded Chao is the first female Asian Amer- Special Order with you, Mr. HONDA, be- this celebration in 1977 by introducing ican Cabinet member, appointed Sec- cause you, frankly, laid out some of a resolution calling upon the President retary of Labor by President Bush. the problems and challenges that were to proclaim the first 10 days in May Gary Locke, first Asian American faced by the community over time. Asian Pacific Heritage Week, former Governor on the mainland United I am proud to serve with you, and I Representatives Norm Mineta and States, elected Governor of the State am proud to serve with ENI Frank Horton, and Senators DANIEL K. of Washington in 1996. And I could FALEOMAVAEGA and our colleagues Con- INOUYE and Senator Spark Matsunaga. never forget and my deepest respect to gresswoman MATSUI and DAVID WU, I think we need to also understand, the late Congresswoman Patsy Mink, with you and others. Mr. Speaker, the dynamics. Those of us first Asian American female elected to I also want to acknowledge the loss who are Americans, and we are very, the U.S. Congress since 1964. Then our of our dear friend, Bob Matsui, whom very proud of being Americans, but late colleague and friend, my dear we served with. Over a year-and-a-half whose roots are from the Asian Pacific friend, the late Congressman Bob Mat- ago he left us, but his inspiration is region, and the dynamics of why the sui, who inspired me and mentored me still with us here. And Patsy Mink. Asian Pacific region is so important, it throughout our time here together as a There can be no discussion of Asian is in our national interests, not only senior member of the House Committee Americans in Congress without men- our national security, the economics, on Ways and Means. tioning the exceptional leadership of just about every phase of what is really As a Vietnam veteran, Mr. Speaker, Congresswoman Patsy Mink, who critically important in our Nation in it would be ludicrous for me not to say served from Hawaii. dealing with this region of the world something to honor the hundreds of The list goes on and on, and the leg- which, by the way, two-thirds of the thousands of Asian Pacific Americans acy does too. But the future is brighter world’s population is the Asian Pacific who have and continue to serve in all the branches of the armed services of because of the contributions of the region. Six of the 10 largest armies in our Nation. Asian Pacific American community, the world are in the Asian Pacific re- I would like to share with you the and it is appropriate that this heritage gion. Our trade with the Asian Pacific contributions of tens of thousands of month be established and be com- region is four times greater than any Japanese American soldiers who volun- memorated. other region in the world, including es- teered to fight our Nation’s enemies in Mr. HONDA. Thank you, madam pecially that of Europe. Europe during World War II. leader. I am reminded a couple of years ago Mr. Speaker, we are all aware of the Mr. Speaker, if I may just suspend what Senator INOUYE said, for every fact that after the surprise attack on my remarks and invite my colleague one 747 that flies between the Atlantic Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, by from American Samoa to share his and the United States, four 747s fly be- the Imperial Army of Japan, there was comments with us, the great Congress- tween the Asian Pacific region and our such an outrage and cry for an all-out man who has been here for quite a few country. war against Japan. In days afterwards, years, Congressman ENI FALEOMAVAE- Mr. Speaker, the Asian Pacific Amer- our President and the Congress for- GA. ican community is vibrant and growing mally declared war. But caught in this Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, with an estimated 14 million Asian crossfire were hundreds of thousands of I would like to thank my colleague and American residents and another 975,000 Americans, mind you Americans, who dear friend, the gentleman from Cali- Pacific Americans. I am proud to be a happened to be of Japanese ancestry. fornia, Mr. HONDA, who is managing member of this Asian Pacific American this Special Order, but more especially community, a community that has pro- b 2200 also as an outstanding leader in our duced so many inspiring individuals. In Our national government imme- Asian Pacific American community government, in the military, in the diately implemented a policy whereby and currently serving as chairman of sciences, sports, entertainment, busi- over 100,000 Americans of Japanese an- our Asian Pacific Congressional Cau- ness, you name it, we have it. cestry were forced to live in what were cus. In government, for example, espe- called, supposedly, ‘‘relocation camps’’; I want to also commend our Demo- cially from the great State of Hawaii, I call them ‘‘concentration camps.’’ cratic leader, Ms. NANCY PELOSI, for among the first, I guess you might say, Their lands, their homes, and their her outstanding remarks. The fact that U.S. Senator Hiram Fong, Senator properties were confiscated without she also is a Member who has one of DANIEL INOUYE, Senator DANIEL AKAKA, due process of law. the largest constituencies in not only the first elected Asian American Gov- It was also a time in our Nation’s the State of California of our Asian Pa- ernor of any State, Governor George history that there was so much hatred cific American community, but, as Ms. Ariyoshi, our first native Hawaiian and bigotry and racism against our PELOSI was making her statement, I re- Governor, Governor John Waihee, our Japanese American community. And called also her predecessor, someone first Filipino American Governor, Gov- yet despite all of this, leaving their whom I have had the highest admira- ernor Ben Cayetano. wives, their parents, their brothers and tion and respect for, a giant of a man We also have Mayor Neal Blaisdell, sisters behind barbed-wire fences in not only in his ways but as an example, and the newly elected mayor of the these prison camps, the White House with a real great sensitivity and com- city and county of Honolulu, Mufi accepted the requests from tens of passion for the needs of the Asian Pa- Hannemann. We also have Lieutenant thousands of Japanese Americans who cific American community people, Governors Jimmy Kealoha and Duke volunteered to join the Army, and as a none other than the late Congressman Ainoa. Norm Mineta, a good friend of result, two combat units were orga- Phil Burton. mine who is not only partly responsible nized. I would also like to commend my col- for initiating this Heritage Month, but One was called the 100th Battalion, leagues, Congresswoman JUANITA was always the first Asian Pacific and the other was known as the 442nd MILLENDER-MCDONALD and Congress- American mayor of a major U.S. city Infantry Combat Group. Both were man AL GREEN, for their outstanding like San Jose, he was also the first sent to Europe to fight. And I might remarks this evening in this Special Asian Pacific American to be a mem- say that I am very, very proud to have Order. ber of a Presidential Cabinet when he been associated and been a former Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebra- was appointed as Secretary of Com- member of the 100th Battalion, 442nd tion of the Asian Pacific American merce in the year 2000 by former Presi- Infantry Combat Group out of the Heritage Month to acknowledge the dent Clinton and now is U.S. Secretary State of Hawaii.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 13:10 Mar 20, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00224 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BR09MY06.DAT BR09MY06 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE May 9, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 152, Pt. 6 7489 Mr. Speaker, in my humble opinion, of these prison camps was posting of soldier by the name of Command Ser- history speaks for itself in docu- machine gun nests all around the geant Major Iuniasolua Savusa as the menting that none have shed their camp, and everyone was told that these Command Sergeant Major for U.S. blood more valiantly for our Nation machine guns were posted to protect Army Europe and the 7th Army. than the Japanese American solders them against rioters. But then Sec- I am very proud of Command Ser- who served in those two combat units retary Mineta observed, if these ma- geant Major Savusa for his accomplish- while fighting enemy forces in Europe chine guns were posted to guard us, ments. He is an inspiration and a great during World War II. why is it that they are all directed in- role model for our youth and other The military records of the 100th side the prison camp rather than out- Asian Pacific Americans who currently Battalion and the 442nd Infantry are side it? serve in the military. without equal. Those Japanese Amer- I submit, ladies and gentlemen, my Mr. Speaker, I think at this point I ican units suffered an unprecedented good friends, my colleagues, the whole- want to defer to my good friend, the casualty rate of 314 percent, and re- sale and arbitrary abolishment of the gentleman from California (Mr. HONDA) ceived over 18,000 individual decora- constitutional rights of these loyal the manager of this special order this tions, many awarded posthumously for Japanese Americans should forever evening. And I am sure that he may bravery and courage in the field of bat- serve as a reminder and testament that want to continue portions of his state- tle. this must never be allowed to occur ment as well. For your information, Mr. Speaker, again. Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I thank 52 Distinguished Service Crosses, 560 When this miscarriage of justice un- the gentleman from American Samoa Silver Stars, and 9,480 Purple Hearts folded during World War II, Americans for adding so much information to this were awarded to the Japanese Amer- of German and Italian ancestry were presentation, because I think that ican soldiers of the 100th Battalion and not similarly jailed en masse. Some de- when people listen and hear what it is 442nd Infantry Group. I find it unusual, clared the incident as an outright ex- that we are sharing with this country, however, that only one Medal of Honor ample of racism and bigotry in its there may be many, many people out was given. Nonetheless, the 442nd Com- ugliest form. there that say, I did not know that. bat Group emerged as the most deco- After viewing the Holocaust Museum Although we talk about many firsts, rated combat unit of its size in the his- in Washington, I understand better accomplishments from members of our tory of the United States Army. why the genocide of some 6 million communities, I am sure also, that President Truman was so moved by Jews has prompted the cry ‘‘Never those who are first expect never to be their bravery in the field of battle, as again, never again.’’ Likewise, I sin- last, that they would continue, that we well as the tremendous sacrifices of the cerely hope that mass internments on would continue to contribute to this African American soldiers in World the basis of race alone will never again country. And in order to contribute to War II, that he issued an executive darken the pages of the history of this our country, we have to also defend the order to finally desegregate all of the great Nation. Constitution. branches of the armed services. Now, to those who say, Well, that Defending the Constitution and de- Senator INOUYE lost his arm while happened decades ago, we must say fending the rights of our people also engaged in battle against two German that we have to continue to be on our entails the voting rights. This past machine gun posts, and he was awarded guard for this kind of thing to happen week, H.R. 9, the Voting Rights Act re- the Distinguished Service Cross. After again. I remember years ago the case of authorization was introduced. a congressional mandate to review Bruce Yamashita, the Japanese Amer- The right to vote is keenly felt by again the military records of these two ican born and raised in the State of Ha- the Asian and Pacific Islander Amer- combat units some 5 years ago, I was waii, who was discharged from the Ma- ican community. Chinese Americans privileged to attend a White House rine Corps after a training program as could not vote until the Chinese Exclu- ceremony where President Clinton pre- an officer candidate and an ugly dis- sion Acts of 1882 and 1892 were repealed sented 19, 19 Congressional Medals of play of racial discrimination. in 1943. First-generation Japanese Honor to the Japanese American sol- The Marine Corps superiors taunted Americans could not vote until 1952 be- diers who were members of the 100th Yamashita with ethnic slurs and told cause of the racial restrictions con- Battalion and 442nd Combat Infantry. him, We do not want your kind around tained in the 1790 naturalization law. Senator INOUYE was one of those recipi- here, go back to your own country. The With the markup in Judiciary Com- ents of the Congressional Medal of situation was made worse when a lead- mittee tomorrow, we need to ensure Honor. ing officer of the Marine Corps made a that important provisions such as sec- I submit, Mr. Speaker, these Japa- statement on the 60 Minutes program tion 203, which has been very vital to nese Americans paid their dues in who said, Marine officers who are mi- the API community’s ability to par- blood to protect our Nation from its norities do not shoot, swim or use com- ticipate in the electoral process, gets enemies. It is a shameful mark on the passes as well as white officers. reauthorized in this Congress. history of our country that when the The Commandant later apologized for Language-minority citizens were patriotic survivors of the 100th Bat- his remarks, but it was a little too often denied needed assistance at the talion and the 442nd Infantry returned late. And I am really happy to know polls. In the 1975 amendments to the to the United States to be reunited that after all of the investigations that Voting Rights Act, such assistance be- with their families, who were locked up the Secretary of the Navy finally came required in certain situations, behind barbed wire fences, living in awarded Mr. Yamashita his commis- and we need to ensure that these provi- prison camps, and could not even get a sion as an officer and a captain in the sions continue to remain in current haircut in downtown San Francisco, United States Marine Corps. law. simply because they looked Japanese, The tradition continues today of the Mr. Speaker, as Americans, we need they were Japanese, and for that rea- thousands of Asian Pacific Americans to ensure that our children receive a son alone, even with their uniforms on, who served in the armed services. Re- quality education, but also provide they were not given the privilege of tired General Eric Shinseki was the adequate teacher training, funds for getting a haircut. first Asian Pacific American four-star after-school and extracurricular activi- My former colleague and now U.S. general who served as U.S. Army Chief ties and ensuring that college is afford- Secretary of Transportation, Norm Mi- of Staff. able for every student that deserves to neta, and the late Congressman Bob Our Asian American Pacific Island receive a higher education. Matsui from Sacramento both spent soldiers are fighting for freedom in According to the U.S. Census, 50 per- some of the early years of their lives in Iraq even as I speak. Just this past cent of Asians age 25 and over have a these prison camps. Secretary Mineta weekend I was privileged to witness in Bachelor’s degree or higher level of told me one of the interesting features Germany the swearing in of a Samoan education. However, I would like to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 13:10 Mar 20, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00225 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BR09MY06.DAT BR09MY06 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE 7490 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 152, Pt. 6 May 9, 2006 emphasize that when we disaggregate etnamese Americans, 52 percent of Ko- sity and the first APIA to graduate the data, when we tease apart the in- rean Americans and 39 percent of from a U.S. college; formation for the API subgroups, we Tongans speak limited English. There- In 1863, William Ah Hang, who was find that the model minority stereo- fore, eliminating health care dispari- Chinese American, became the first type is in fact a myth. ties in the APIA community must in- APIA to enlist in the U.S. Navy during Only 9.1 percent of Cambodian Amer- clude data collection, linguistically ap- the Civil War; icans, 7.4 percent Hmong Americans, propriate and culturally competent In 1944, An Wang, a Chinese Amer- 7.6 Lao Americans, 19.5 percent Viet- services, and access to health insur- ican who invented the magnetic core namese Americans and 16 percent of ance. memory revolutionized computing and native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders CAPAC has been working with both served as a standard method for mem- who are 25 years and older have a Bach- the Congressional Hispanic and Black ory retrieval and storage; elor’s degree. Caucuses on the Health Care Equality In 1946, Wing F. Ong, a Chinese Amer- These numbers show that we must do and Accountability Act to eliminate ican from Arizona, became the first a better job of disaggregating data and ethnic and racial health disparities for APIA to be elected to State office; information about our communities to all of our communities. In 1948, Victoria Manalo Draves, a assess the needs of those hard-working I have introduced the Health Care Filipino American diver, became the Americans who still falter behind. To Equality and Accountability Act, first woman to win Olympic gold med- address the disparities between sub- which will address expanding the als in both the 10 meter platform and groups of the larger APIA community, health care safety net by diversifying the 3 meter spring board events; we need Congress to pass the Asian the health care workforce, combating In 1956, Dalip Singh Saud, the first American and Pacific Islander Serving diseases that disproportionately affect Indian American to be elected to Con- Institutions bill, which my colleague racial and ethnic minorities, empha- gress; from Oregon, Congressman DAVID WU, sizing prevention and behavioral health In 1965, Patsy Takemoto Mink, the will be introducing later this month. and promoting the collection and dis- first Japanese woman and woman of This legislation will provide Federal semination of data and enhanced med- color elected to Congress who cham- grants to colleges and universities that ical research. pioned title IX; have an enrollment of undergraduate Mr. Speaker, I would also like to ex- In 1985, Haing Ngor, a Cambodian students that is at least 10 percent tend my gratitude to the patriotic men American, became the first APIA to APIA and at least 50 percent of its de- and women serving our country in the win an Academy Award for his role in gree-seeking students receive financial military, including the 60,813 APIAs the movie ‘‘Killing Fields’’; assistance. serving on active duty in the U.S. In 1985, Ellison Onizuka, a Japanese As a caucus, we will work to increase American, became the first APIA as- the availability of loan assistance, armed services, as well as the 28,066 in the Reserves and the National Guard. tronaut whose life was lost in a launch- scholarships and programs to allow ing tragedy. APIA students to attend a higher edu- b 2215 In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, the Asian cation institution; to ensure full fund- I also commend and thank the 351,000 American Pacific Islander American ing for teachers and bilingual edu- APIA veterans who fought for this community continues to fight for our cation programs under the No Child country. I would like to highlight and civil liberties and our civil rights as Left Behind law; to support English honor the Filipino veterans as my col- Americans. language learners; and to support full league had done who have not been Even after the internment of the Jap- funding of minority outreach programs compensated and recognized for their anese Americans during World War II, for access to higher education, such as service, which I believe is a national we as a community did not grow embit- the TRIO programs to expand services disservice to these brave veterans. tered or cowed by discrimination; in- to serve APIA students. As a country, it is our duty to ensure Mr. Speaker, a common mispercept- stead, we progressed and moved for- that these veterans have equal access ion of APIAs is that, as a group, we ward. I am proud to be a member of the face fewer health problems than other to all the benefits and treatment that APIA community because we continue racial and ethnic groups. In fact, other veterans receive. We believe that to serve as positive contributors to our APIAs as a group and specific popu- our troops should be taken care of many communities by investing in edu- lations within this group do experience when we send them into battle and cation, business, and cultural opportu- disparities in health and health care. that they should be given the respect nities for all Americans. For example, APIAs have the highest when they return home. Therefore, I In closing, this Asian Pacific Amer- hepatitis B rates of any racial group in stand with my colleagues, Congress- ican Heritage Month we take pride in the United States. APIAs are also five man ISSA and Congressman FILNER, to our history, accomplishments, and the times more likely to develop cervical support their bipartisan legislation, promise of our future as we continue to and liver cancer than any other ethnic H.R. 4574, to restore full benefits to pave the way for a better tomorrow in and racial group. these veterans who fought for our Na- the name of dreams and challenges of According to the Census Bureau, 18 tion during World War II. With Con- Asian Pacific Americans. percent of APIAs went without insur- gressman ISSA taking the lead and Con- Mr. Speaker, the 6 years I have ance for the entire year in 2000. This gressman FILNER in a leadership posi- served here I learned that Asian Ameri- means that the uninsured are not only tion in the Veterans’ Affairs Com- cans have a unique contribution to more likely to go without care for seri- mittee, we have a great chance to get make to this body and to this country, ous medical conditions, they are also this bill to the floor in honor of the and that we because of our history in more likely to go without routine care, centennial celebration of Filipinos in this country uniquely understand and less likely to have a regular source of Hawaii and to keep the word of Con- recognize that our Constitution is care, less likely to use preventive serv- gress that we gave to these brave vet- never tested in times of tranquility. ices and have fewer visits per year. erans of World War II. Our Constitution is always tested in At the same time, without appro- I am proud of our community’s ac- times of trauma, terror, tension and priate language translation services or complishment, Mr. Speaker, and I tragedy. And to the point where we can properly translated materials, limited- would like to recognize many of the internalize the principles of our Bill of English-proficient immigrants cannot APIA firsts in areas of art, film, sports, Rights and our Constitution, and to the receive adequate care, as well as State sciences, academia, and politics. In point where we understand that defend- and Federal benefits for which they each effort, these folks, who were first, ing this Constitution and its people may be eligible. expect that they are not the last: will we be able to face as Members of In the APIA community, 76 percent In 1847, Yung Wing, the first Chinese this body, face overwhelming public of Hmong Americans, 61 percent of Vi- American graduated from Yale Univer- approval which could be wrong and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 13:10 Mar 20, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00226 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BR09MY06.DAT BR09MY06 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE May 9, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 152, Pt. 6 7491 stand up to them, say it is wrong be- I am proud to be a member of this Asian other known as the 442nd Infantry Combat cause it does not follow the Constitu- Pacific American community, a community that Group—both were sent to fight in Europe. tion. has produced so many inspiring individuals in In my humble opinion, history speaks for These are the kinds of heritage and government, the military, the sciences, sports, itself in documenting that none have shed contributions Asian Americans have entertainment, and business. In government, their blood more valiantly for our Nation than made, will make and continue to make for example: from Hawaii the Japanese-Americans soldiers who served in this country so that we may fulfill Senators Hyrum Fong, DANIEL INOUYE, DAN- in these two combat units while fighting enemy the phrase in the preamble of our Con- IEL AKAKA. forces in Europe during World War II. stitution that says ‘‘to form a more Governors George Ariyoshi, John Waihee, The military records of the 100th Battalion perfect union.’’ Ben Cayetano. and 442nd Infantry are without equal. These In the words of Congressman AL Mayors Neal Blaisdell and Mufi Hannemann, Japanese-American units suffered an unprece- GREEN, ‘‘There will be a tomorrow.’’ Lt. Governors Jimmy Kealoha and Duke dented casualty rate of 314 percent and re- Mr. Speaker, I yield to my friend. Aiona. ceived over 18,000 individual decorations, Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, Norm Mineta—my good friend was not only many awarded posthumously, for bravery and how much time do we have remaining? partly responsible for initiating APA Heritage courage in the field of battle. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. ING- Month, but was also the first Asian Pacific For your information Mr, Speaker, 52 Distin- LIS of South Carolina). The gentleman American mayor of a major U.S. city (San guished Service Crosses, 560 Silver Stars, has 3 minutes remaining. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, Jose). He was also the first Asian Pacific and 9,480 Purple Hearts, were awarded to the I would like to offer my closing re- American to be a member of the Presidential Japanese-American soldiers of the 100th Bat- marks. I say, Mr. Speaker, when I envi- Cabinet, when he was appointed as Secretary talion and 442nd Infantry Group. I find it un- sion America I do not see a melting pot of Commerce in 2000 by former President usual; however, that only one Medal of Honor designed to reduce or removal racial Clinton and five years ago Mr. Mineta was ap- was ever given. Nonetheless, the 442nd Com- differences. The America I see is a bril- pointed by President Bush as U.S. Secretary bat Group emerged as the most decorated liant rainbow, a rainbow of ethnicities of Transportation. combat unit of its size in the history of the and cultures with each people proudly Elaine Chao—another first, Secretary Chao United States Army. contributing in their own distinctive is the first female Asian-American cabinet President Truman was so moved by their and unique way a better America for member, appointed Secretary of Labor in bravery in the field of battle, as well as that of generations to come. 2001, also appointed by President Bush. African-American soldiers during World War II, Asian Pacific Americans wish to find Gary Locke—the first Asian-American gov- that he issued an executive order to finally de- a just and equitable place in our soci- ernor on the mainland U.S., elected governor segregate all branches of the Armed Services. ety that will allow, like all Americans, of Washington, 1996. Senator INOUYE lost his arm while engaged to grow, to succeed, to achieve and to Patsy Mink—the first Asian-American female in battle against two German machine gun contribute to the advancements of this elected to Congress, in 1964 from Hawaii. posts and he was awarded the Distinguished great Nation. Bob Matsui—my dear friend and colleague Service Cross. After a Congressional mandate I would like to close my remarks by who inspired me and mentored me throughout to review again the military records of these asking all of us here this evening, What our time together here as a senior member of two combat units 5 years ago—I was privi- is America all about? the House Committee on Ways and Means. leged to attend the White House ceremony I cannot think of it said better than As a Vietnam Veteran, it would be ludicrous where President Clinton presented nineteen on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in for me not to say something to honor the hun- Congressional Medals of Honor to the Japa- the summer of 1963 when an African dreds of thousands of Asian-Pacific Americans nese-American soldiers who were members of American minister by the name of who have and continue to serve in all the 100th Battalion and 442nd Combat Infantry Martin Luther King, Jr., poured out his branches of armed services of our Nation. I group—Senator INOUYE was one of those re- heart and soul to every American who would like to share with you the contributions cipients of the Medal of Honor. could hear his voice when he uttered of the tens of thousands of Japanese-Amer- I submit, Mr. Speaker, these Japanese- these famous words, ‘‘I have a dream. ican soldiers who volunteered to fight our Na- Americans paid their dues in blood to protect My dream is that one day my children tion’s enemies in Europe during World War II. our Nation from its enemies. It is a shameful will be judged not by the color of their Mr. Speaker, we are well aware of the fact mark on the history of our country that when skin, but by the content of their char- that after the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor the patriotic survivors of the 100th Battalion acter.’’ on December 7, 1941, by the Imperial Army of and the 442nd Infantry returned to the United That is what I believe America is all Japan—there was such an outrage and cry for States to be reunited with their families who about, Mr. Speaker. Again, I thank my all-out war against Japan, and days afterward, were locked-up behind barbed wire fences, liv- colleague and my good friend, the gen- our President and the Congress formally de- ing in prison camps—and could not even get tleman from California, for his man- clared war—but caught in this cross-fire were a haircut in downtown San Francisco because agement of this Special Order honoring hundreds of thousands of Americans—Ameri- they all looked Japanese—despite the fact all of the Asian Pacific American com- cans mind you who happened to be of Japa- that they too were Americans. munity in our country and the con- nese ancestry. My former colleague and now U.S. Sec- tributions that they have made to Our national government immediately imple- retary of Transportation, Norman Mineta, and make our country to form a more per- mented a policy whereby over one-hundred the late Congressman Bob Matsui from Sac- fect union. thousand Americans of Japanese ancestry, ramento both spent some of the early years of I rise today in celebration of Asian Pacific were forced to live in what were called reloca- their lives in these prison camps. American Heritage Month, to acknowledge the tions camps—but were actually more like pris- Secretary Mineta told of one of the inter- contributions of our Asian Pacific American in- on or concentration camps. Their lands, esting features of these prison camps were dividuals and communities to the success of homes and properties were confiscated with- postings of machine gun nests all around the our great Nation. out due process of law. camp and everyone was told that these ma- I commend my colleagues who founded this It was also a time in our Nation’s history chine guns were posted to protect them celebration in 1977 by introducing a resolution that there was so much hatred, bigotry and against rioters. calling upon the President to proclaim the first racism against our Japanese-American com- But then Secretary Mineta observed—if ten days in May Asian/Pacific Heritage week— munity—and yet despite all this—leaving their these machine guns are posted to guard us, Representatives Norm Mineta and Frank Hor- wives, their parents, their brothers and sisters why is it that they are all directed inside the ton, and Senators DANIEL K. INOUYE and behind barbed wire fences in these prison prison camp compound and not outside? Spark Matsunaga. camps—the White House accepted the re- I submit, ladies and gentlemen, the whole- The Asian Pacific American community is vi- quest from tens of thousands of the Japanese- sale and arbitrary abolishment of the constitu- brant and growing, with an estimated 14 mil- Americans who volunteered to join the Army. tional rights of these loyal Japanese-Ameri- lion Asian American residents and another And as a result two combat units were orga- cans should forever serve as a reminder and 975,000 Pacific Americans. nized—one was the 100th Battalion and the testament that this must never be allowed to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 13:10 Mar 20, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00227 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BR09MY06.DAT BR09MY06 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE 7492 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 152, Pt. 6 May 9, 2006 occur again. When this miscarriage of justice News, Sports, and Entertainment— to thank Mr. HONDA, the Chairman, unfolded during World War II, Americans of Ellen Nakashima—chief reporter for the and Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA, the Vice German and Italian ancestry were not similarly Washington Post in Southeast Asia. Chairman, of the Congressional Asian jailed en masse. Some declare the incident as Connie Chung—in 1993, became the first Pacific American Caucus for their com- an example of outright racism and bigotry in Asian American to be a nightly news anchor mitment to and leadership of the Cau- its ugliest form. After viewing the Holocaust for a major network. cus and their efforts on behalf of our Museum in Washington, I understand better Keanu Reeves—internationally renown communities. why the genocide of some 6 million Jews has actor. Asian Pacific Islanders are leaders in prompted the cry, ‘‘Never Again, Never Apolo Ohno—Olympic Gold & Silver Med- academia, in the arts, in all levels of Again!’’ Likewise, I sincerely hope that mass alist, speed skating. government and the military, and in internments of the basis of race alone will Jet Li—movie actor. the private sector. They contribute to never again darken the history of our great na- Kristi Yamaguchi—Olympic Gold Medalist, all aspects of American life and, in tion. figure skating. doing so they enrich the lives of Ameri- To those that say, well, that occurred dec- Dwayne Johnson—also known as the cans and make this country stronger. ades ago, I say we must continue to be vigi- ‘‘Rock,’’ professional wrestler and movie star— This month is set aside to honor their lant in guarding against such evil today. Scorpion King, Walking Tell, Doomed. successes and contributions. Not long ago, we had the case of Bruce Dr. Sammy Lee, Olympic gold medalist high As we celebrate Asian Pacific Is- Yamashita, a Japanese-American from Hawaii diver. lander traditions this month, we must who was discharged from the Marine Corps Greg Louganis—Olympic gold. remember those pioneers who forged officer training program in an ugly display of Michelle Kwan: Olympic Silver and Bronze the path on which we walk today. racial discrimination. Marine Corps superiors medalist, Figure skating. Their work, their sacrifices, and the taunted Yamashita with ethnic slurs and told Duke Kahanamokee, gold medalist swim- impacts they made on America pro- him, ‘‘We don’t want your kind around here. mer. vided the foundation of understanding Go back to your own country.’’ The situation Angela Perez Baraquio: First Asian Amer- of Asian and Pacific Islander cultures, was made worse by the Commandant of the ican Miss America 2001 (Miss Hawaii). traditions, and heritage, all of which Marine Corps, a four star general, who ap- Sarah Chang: world famous violinist. have opened doors for current and fu- peared on television’s ‘‘Sixty Minutes’’ and Lucy Liu: Actress. ture generations. True to this record, stated: ‘‘Marine officers who are minorities do Bruce Lee: Martial Artist and Actor. Asian Pacific Islander American not shoot, swim, or use compasses as well as Tiger Woods: Golf Professional. achievements today will inspire and white officers.’’ The Commandant later apolo- Michelle Wie: Professional Golfer. support future generations of Asian Pa- gized for his remarks, but it was a little too Akebono (Chad Rowan): Sumo Wrestler (re- cific Islanders to excel tomorrow. late. tired), yokozuna. This year’s theme is ‘‘Dreams and After years of perseverance and appeals, Konishiki Salevaia Afigaroe: Sumo wrestler, Challenges of Asian Pacific Ameri- Mr. Yamashita was vindicated after proving he oyeki. cans.’’ It is through these strong was the target of vicious racial harassment Musashimaru Peitari, Sumo wrestler, retired, dreams that the Asian Pacific Islander during his officer training program. The Sec- yokozuna. community has progressed. As we come retary of the Navy’s investigation into whether 24 Samoan NFL football players in 2005/ together to celebrate another Asian minorities were deliberately being discouraged 2006 season. Pacific American Heritage Month, I am from becoming officers resulted in Bruce 9 Native Hawaiian NFL football players. reminded of the many contributions Yamashita receiving is commission as a cap- 5 Tongan Americans—NFL football players. and successes of our community. The tain in the Marine Corps. Mr. Speaker, when I envision America, I importance of our community has been The tradition continues today of the thou- don’t see a melting pot designed to reduce recognized by the White House. On May sands of Asian-Pacific Americans who serve and remove racial differences. The America I 13, 2004, President Bush signed Execu- in the armed services. Retired General Eric see is a brilliant rainbow—a rainbow of tive Order 13339, which created the Shinseki was the first Asian-American four-star ethnicities and cultures, with each people President’s Advisory Commission on general who served as U.S. Army Chief of proudly contributing in their own distinctive the White House Initiative on Asian Staff. Our Asian-American and Pacific Island and unique way—a better America for a gen- Americans and Pacific Islanders. This soldiers are fighting for freedom in Iraq even eration of Americans yet unborn. was a significant step in voicing the as I speak. Asian-Pacific Americans wish to find a just Just this past weekend, I was privileged to special needs of the APA community and equitable place in our society that will through the Executive branch of gov- witness the swearing in of the Samoan soldier allow them—like all Americans—to grow, to CSM Iuniasolua Savusa as the Command ernment. One of Guam’s very own was succeed, to achieve and to contribute to the chosen to serve on this Commission. Sergeant Major for U.S. Army Europe and the advancement of this great nation. 7th Army. I am very proud of Command Ser- Martha Cruz Ruth is one of fourteen APAs Mr. Speaker, first as an American, whose appointed by the President to serve on the geant Major Iuni Savusa for his accomplish- roots are from the Asian Pacific Region, I ments. He is an inspiration and a great role President’s Advisory Commission for the would like to close my remarks by asking all White House Initiative on Asian Americans model for our youth and other Asian-Pacific of us here tonight, what is America about? I Americans who currently serving in the mili- and Pacific Islanders. The Commission was think it could not have been said better than chosen based on their history of involvement tary. on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in the Other outstanding Asian-Pacific Americans with the APA community and for their exper- summer of 1963 when an African-American who have made significant contributions to our tise in a specific field. Mrs. Cruz’s specialties minister named Martin Luther King Jr. poured nation: range from media affairs and marketing to Dr. David Ho—pioneered treatment for HIV/ out his heart and soul to every American who local politics, having served a term in Guam’s AIDS and named by Time Magazine as its could hear his voice, when he uttered these Legislature in 1987, and she brings a unique ‘‘Man of the Year’’ in 1996. words: ‘‘I have a dream. My dream is that one voice to this Commission. Dr. Hideyo Noguchi—isolated the syphilis day my children will be judged not by the color Asian Pacific Americans have demonstrated germ in 1911, leading to a cure for the deadly of their skin, but by the content of their char- a long and distinguished history of service to disease. acter.’’ this country. Many have served in our armed Dr. Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar—Nobel That is what I believe America is all about. forces. On Guam, our men and women volun- Prize winner, evolution of stars, led to modern RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF ASIAN teer for military service at higher rates per astrophysics. PACIFIC AMERICANS capita than any state in the union. We owe Ellison Onizuka—the first Asian-American Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise each and every one of these servicemen and astronaut, 1985, Died aboard the Space shut- today in honor of Asian Pacific Amer- women a debt of gratitude for their service tle Challenger in 1986. ican Heritage Month and to recognize and sacrifice. Kalpana Chawla—Astronaut, first Indian the role that Asian and Pacific Islander Through hard work and dedication, Asian- American woman in space. Americans play in our nation. I want Pacific Americans have risen through the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 13:10 Mar 20, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00228 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BR09MY06.DAT BR09MY06 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE May 9, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 152, Pt. 6 7493 ranks to the top levels of military leadership. made by Asian Americans, the United States Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to General Eric K. Shinseki, holds the distinction would not be the world leader that it is. celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage of being the highest-ranking APA in the U.S. During this special month we have the op- Month. I want to congratulate my good friend Army. Major General Antonio Taguba, who portunity to acknowledge and pay tribute to and colleague, Mr. HONDA, for arranging this served as the chief investigator during the Abu the contributions of the 15-million strong Asian special order so that we can celebrate Asian Ghraib prison scandal, is only the second Fili- Pacific American community—from I. M. Pei, Pacific American Heritage Month and acknowl- pino American to rise to the position of Gen- Maya Lin, and astronaut Ellison Onizuka, to edge the important contributions of Asian eral in the U.S. Army. Brigadier General Amy Tan, Yo Yo Ma, and General Eric Americans. This year’s theme, ‘‘Dreams and Vicente Tomas (Ben) Blaz, of Guam, had a Shinseki. Our Nation would not be what it is Challenges of Asian Pacific Americans,’’ re- distinguished career with the U.S. Marine today without their immeasurable input. Their flects the Asian and Pacific Islander American Corps, and he made our island proud when he unique contributions enhance the moral fabric community’s commitment to fairness and was promoted to Brigadier General in 1977. In and character of this great Nation. equality. 1984, after retiring from the Marines, General As we celebrate the contributions of Asian I represent California’s 33rd congressional Blaz came here to our nation’s capital to serve Americans and Pacific Islanders to the whole district. It is one of the most ethnically and cul- as Guam’s Delegate to the U.S. House of of the Nation, we must rededicate our efforts turally diverse congressional districts in the Representatives and served in that capacity to ensuring equality and opportunities so that U.S. It is emblematic of the emerging ‘‘majority for eight years. all Americans have a chance to reach their full minority’’ demographic of the state of Cali- Among those who have served in the mili- potential. Together, we can make the Amer- fornia. tary, I especially want to remember those who ican dream a reality for all Americans. California is home to the largest Korean- have given their lives to protect our freedom, Mr. CASE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to American population in the country. More peo- including those who lost their lives in the Glob- join Chairman HONDA and other members of ple of Korean heritage live and work in Los al War on Terrorism. Specialist Christopher the Congressional Asian Pacific American Angeles than in any place in the world outside Jude Rivera Wesley, Lieutenant Michael Caucus in commemorating Asian Pacific Korea; and more Korean-Americans live and American Heritage Month. Aguon Vega, Specialist Jonathan Pangelinan work in the 33rd congressional district than in I am even more pleased that several Asian Santos, Specialist Richard DeGracia Naputi, any other congressional district in California. Pacific American organizations or govern- I want to comment briefly on the recent and, Jr., and Specialist Kasper Alan Camacho mental initiatives are holding their annual con- in many ways, historic visit of Super Bowl Dudkiewicz are five of Guam’s sons who were ventions in Hawaii this month. This includes MVP Hines Ward to Korea last month. His killed in Iraq. In addition, the Micronesian re- the Federal Asian Pacific American Council visit, I believe, embodies this year’s theme of gion has lost six of its own sons. Though their and the White House Initiative on Asian Amer- fairness and equality. The NFL hero, who is of deaths sadden us, their courage reminds us icans and Pacific Islanders. that freedom is never free. There are also several Filipino American or- mixed Korean and African-American ancestry, The Asian Pacific American communities ganizations that will be hosting events this traveled to his native country to express pride have embraced America as our home and year in Hawaii, including the National Federa- in his Korean roots even though he shunned have thrived through the limitless opportunities tion of Filipino American Associations, as 2006 that side of his heritage after he faced preju- this country has to offer. marks the centennial of sustained immigration dice as a child. His Korean mother accom- Today, as we go forward celebrating from the Philippines to the United States. panied him. ‘‘Dreams and Challenges of Asian Pacific The Filipino Centennial Celebration Com- By all accounts, South Korea warmly em- Americans,’’ let us celebrate the unique his- mission in Hawaii, led by Elias Beniga, and braced Hines Ward and received him as a tories and stories of our people. the Smithsonian Filipino American Centennial hero. The government made him an honorary This year the people of Guam will com- Commemoration have done a wonderful job in citizen. Moreover, his visit not only galvanized memorate the 62nd anniversary of our libera- providing commemorative activities across the the Korean community but also brought atten- tion from enemy occupation by U.S. armed country, including in Hawaii and Washington, tion to the plight of Koreans of mixed ancestry. forces during World War II. As the only Amer- D.C. Korea has 35,000 people of mixed race, ican territory with a civilian population occu- I was pleased that Congress passed in De- and many are subjected to discrimination. 22 pied by the enemy during World War II, the cember, H. Con. Res. 218, my resolution rec- percent are unemployed, and only 2 percent people of Guam risked their lives to protect ognizing the centennial and acknowledging the have administrative jobs. The rest are labor- American servicemen from capture and en- contributions of Filipino-Americans to the ers. Statistics suggest that 9.8 percent of dured great hardships and suffering. I want to United States. mixed-race Koreans leave primary school and recognize the people of Guam for their stead- While there are many issues of importance, 17.5 percent middle school. The average fast loyalty during these trying times. a timely issue I believe should be considered drop-out rate for Korean middle school stu- Guam continues to play an important role in by Congress is the inclusion of my bill, H.R. dents is 1.1 percent. The Pearl Buck Founda- our nation’s relations with Asian countries. Re- 901, into any comprehensive immigration re- tion notes that international marriages be- cently, Secretary Donald Rumsfeld announced form bill moving through Congress. tween Koreans and non-Koreans are on the the re-location of marines from Okinawa to H.R. 901 would prioritize the permanent im- rise and that the mixed-race population in Guam as part of a major realignment of forces migration petitions of the sons and daughters Korea is estimated to grow to 2 million by in Japan. With the impending arrival of 8,000 of Filipino World War II Veterans who were 2020. Marines from Okinawa, our island is planning extended U.S. citizenship under the Immigra- My home state of California is a leader in for a period of tremendous growth. We look tion and Nationality Act of 1990. Most recently, the growth of mixed-race populations in the forward to making a significant contribution to I wrote to President Bush and Congressional U.S. In the 2000 Census, 7 million people self- peace and security in the western Pacific and leaders urging their inclusion of this provision identified themselves as multiracial. Histori- Asia, and we hope that the realignment of in immigration reform legislation. cally, the West has always been very multira- forces will strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance. I believe my bill fulfills one of the bedrock cial due to high immigration levels, the rich As we celebrate Asian Pacific American principles of our federal immigration policy— mix of different ethnic groups, and the histor- Heritage Month, let us honor the contributions family reunification—and warrants special con- ical absence of legal barriers to interracial of all Asian and Pacific Islander Americans. sideration given the unique history between marriage. Much work, however, remains to be Let us ensure that their stories are known to the United States and the Philippines, as well done as mixed-race children in the U.S. and the younger generation. Let us celebrate the as the contributions of our Filipino World War their counterparts overseas suffer from beauty of our cultures and the richness of our II veterans to our country and to U.S. national sleights and discrimination. heritage. And let us celebrate how we help security interests. Hines Ward’s visit to Korea has made a make America the great country it is. As we commemorate Asian Pacific Amer- positive difference. The government and the Dangkulo na Si Yu’os Ma’ase. ican Heritage Month, I celebrate the contribu- ruling Uri Party recently agreed to grant for the Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, this month we tions of all Asian Americans and Pacific Is- first time legal status to people having mixed- continue a nearly three decade tradition of landers who call our country home, and I con- race backgrounds and their families. The Min- Asian Pacific American Heritage. Without the gratulate the Filipino American community for istry of Justice is now reviewing a plan to sacrifices and contributions that have been their centennial celebrations this year! grant citizenship or residency status to those

VerDate Sep 11 2014 13:10 Mar 20, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00229 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BR09MY06.DAT BR09MY06 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE 7494 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 152, Pt. 6 May 9, 2006 who marry Koreans. All acknowledge the im- I am proud to honor the Asian Pacific Amer- Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. pact and importance of Hines Ward’s visit. ican community today not only for their per- Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Asian Pa- I want to congratulate Mr. Ward on his tri- sistence, but also for their accomplishments, cific American Heritage Month and to pay trib- umphal return to his homeland. He has used contributions, and leadership. ute to the struggles and enormous contribu- his celebrity status to bring attention to an Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. tions of Asian Pacific Americans to our Na- issue of mutual importance to both the U.S. Speaker, I’d like to thank the gentleman from tion’s culture. and Korea. I also want to congratulate the Ko- California for putting together this Special It is an honor to pay tribute to the many rean government for taking positive steps to Order to celebrate Asian Pacific American achievements and honor the countless unique address an issue that until now has been Heritage Month. contributions to the United States made by largely ignored. Mr. Speaker, I proudly represent one of the Asian Pacific Americans across our Nation. Finally, Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Asian largest Vietnamese communities in the world May commemorates the arrival of the first Pacific Heritage Month, let us not overlook outside of Vietnam in Orange County, Cali- Japanese immigrants in 1843. Therefore, it is those Asian-Americans of mixed race who fornia. appropriate that during the month of May we have also made significant contributions to our Many of them came to the United States recognize the contributions made by Asian Pa- nation. only about thirty years ago, seeking refuge cific Americans to our communities. Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in cele- from an oppressive regime in an unknown May 10, 1869 marks the completion of the bration of Asian Pacific American Heritage land and facing an uncertain future. transcontinental railroad and its completion is Month and to honor the more than 14 million These individuals risked everything for a greatly credited to the labor of the Chinese im- Asian Pacific Americans that contribute to the chance to live freely and provide better oppor- migrants. Today, there are over 14 million success of tour great nation. tunities for their children and for their families. Asian Pacific Americans living in the United I am proud to be a Representative from the Since their arrival, these Vietnamese refu- States and this represents 5 percent of the great state of California, which is home to the gees have become Americans in the finest population. largest Asian/Pacific Islander American (API) and truest sense of the word—hard working The rich history associated with the Asian community in the United States. I truly believe people trying to create a better future for Pacific American population has been a great diversity is what makes our country great and themselves and their families. contribution to the culture of the United States. California benefits greatly from the API com- One success story that I love to mention is Over the years, the Asian Pacific American munity’s presence there. that of Mr. Chieu Le, founder and chief execu- communities have made significant contribu- The theme for this year’s Asian Pacific tive officer of Lee’s Sandwiches in Orange tions to Texas’s diverse culture. American Heritage Month is ‘‘Dreams and County, California. The United States is a land of immigrants, Challenges of Asian Pacific Americans’’ and it In 1981, one year after immigrating to the and the history reflects a Nation that has is an idea that resonates especially for those United States from Vietnam, Mr. Le and his greatly benefited from the many contributions of us from the Golden State. Indeed, much of family bought their first catering truck and of its immigrants. California’s earliest infrastructure and railways began serving sandwiches in the community. The Greater Dallas Asian American Cham- were built by the sweat and labor of Chinese Twenty years later, they opened the first ber of Commerce (GDAACC) is the largest and Japanese immigrants. Despite grueling Lee’s Sandwich Shop in Garden Grove, Cali- Asian American Chamber in the United States work and harsh discrimination, these workers fornia. with 1,200 members currently enrolled. played a vital role in developing California’s Today, Lee’s Sandwiches is the fastest- Located in the Asian Trade District in North- early economy and today, Chinese and Japa- growing restaurant chain in the West, with west Dallas, GDAACC, is the focal point of nese Americans are among the largest, most over 35 stores in operation or development. Asian American economic development and successful API groups in the state. And Mr. Le and his family have given back cultural exchange. The API community has also been at the to the community as well, raising hundreds of In recent years, due to great efforts to ex- heart of some of California’s saddest and thousands of dollars for victims of the 9/11 at- pand the number of programs that provide as- darkest hours. During World War II, our state tacks and the South Asia tsunami. sistance to members, sponsors and partners, was home to most of the internment camps But Mr. Le and his family are only one ex- the GDAACC initiated the Asian Festival and that unjustly imprisoned more than 112,000 ample. Dr. Nguyen-Lam Kim Oanh of the Gar- approximately 15,000 people were in attend- Japanese Americans between 1942 and 1948. den Grove Unified School District is the first ance. Government-sanctioned racism forced many of Vietnamese-American woman elected to a GDAACC is also responsible for initiating these law abiding citizens to lose everything school board in Orange County. the Leadership Tomorrow Program; the Multi- they owned and many families remain seared Or actress Kieu Chinh, who has appeared in Ethnic Education and Economic Development by the memory of this injustice. numerous movies and TV shows including Center; and the Texas Asian American Busi- However, the suffering and struggle of the E.R. and The Joy Luck Club, and was the ness Symposium in Dallas, Texas. API community didn’t stop there. As recently subject of the Emmy-award winning 1996 doc- The Asian Pacific American community is as 1992, Americans witnessed a milestone in umentary ‘‘Kieu Chinh: A Journey Home.’’ well deserving of the many accolades they re- Asian Pacific American history as the streets And groups such as the Union of Viet- ceive because their contributions have greatly of Koreatown exploded in violence during the namese Student Associations—a non-profit, enriched the culture and history of our Nation. Los Angeles Riots. Thousands of Korean volunteer-run organization that puts together Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, May is Americans watched their American Dream go the annual Tet Festival in Orange County, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and I up in flames and they, too, had no choice but which draws twenty to thirty thousand rise to proudly recognize and honor over to rebuild and rise again. attendees. 78,000 Asian Pacific Americans who live in my And the list goes on. America is the home Or the Orange County Asian and Pacific Is- 7th Congressional District in Washington of Vietnamese, Cambodian, Hmong, Filipino, lander Community Alliance—the largest Pan- State. They are the largest minority group in Thai, Malaysian, Native Hawaiian or other API Asian Pacific Islander organization in Orange my district, embracing over 13 percent of the communities. Each of these groups has over- County. Their health outreach programs, after- population. They are Japanese, Asian Indian, come heartache, oppression, discrimination, school programs, and policy advocacy pro- Korean, Chinese, Filipino, Cambodian, Lao- and intolerance to achieve their goals in Amer- grams make a real difference in the lives of tian, Hmong, Vietnamese, Pacific Islanders, as ica. They are proud to be Americans and Orange County residents. well as other Asian American cultures. Their grateful for the opportunity to live freely and Through their hard work and dedication, Vi- contributions have helped to make Seattle a pursue their dreams. etnamese Americans and other Asian-Pacific richly textured weave of cultures and people. The API community is among the fastest individuals and groups like these have be- We all benefit as a result. growing minority groups in our country and is come an integral part of the Orange County Beginning in the late 19th century, Asian succeeding in every arena. Asian Pacific family—as entrepreneurs, as community lead- Americans immigrated to the United States to Americans proudly serve in our military; they ers, and as activists for worthy causes at work hard and make a better life for them- are among some of the most successful entre- home and abroad. On behalf of all my col- selves and their families. Many faced preju- preneurs; and some of them are my esteemed leagues in the House, I offer them our praise dice, racial injustice, and discrimination, but colleagues here in the halls of Congress. and our gratitude. these new immigrants believed in America,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 13:10 Mar 20, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00230 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BR09MY06.DAT BR09MY06 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE May 9, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 152, Pt. 6 7495 and they made our Nation stronger by fighting nese immigrants on May 7, 1843 and contribu- conviction, which a Federal court overturned for American values like equality. As our Na- tions of Chinese workers to the building of the acknowledging that the Government’s case at tion again debates the importance and role of transcontinental railroad, completed on May the time had been based on misleading and immigration in the early 21st Century, we 10, 1869. In 1992, Congress expanded the racially biased information. President Bill Clin- should consider the contributions that Asian- observance for the entirety of May. ton awarded Mr. Korematsu the Presidential Americans have made, and continue to make, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is Medal of Freedom in 1998, honoring Mr. to our Nation, becoming leaders in public and celebrated with community festivals, govern- Korematsu for fighting for human rights and social service, business and industry. ment-sponsored activities, and educational ac- ensuring the very liberties that created this In Seattle, I am proud to have introduced tivities for students. This year’s theme is great Nation. the legislation that renamed a United States ‘‘Freedom for All—A Nation We Call Our Today, the legacy of Asian Pacific American Courthouse as the William Kenzo Nakamura Own.’’ leaders such as Ms. Tan and Mr. Korematsu United States Courthouse in honor of a Japa- Mr. Speaker, Asian/Pacific Americans are is apparent in the numerous remarkable pro- nese American who was posthumously award- leaders in public service, business, govern- grams and initiatives in APA communities ed the Congressional Medal of Honor for his ment, science, law, education, athletics, the throughout my district. There are several that courage under fire in World War II. Mr. arts, and many other areas. Their love of fam- I would like to recognize, including Oakland Nakamura made the ultimate sacrifice in serv- ily, community, and hard work has helped to Asian Students Educational Services also ice to the country he loved, an honor made uphold our Nation for many generations. known as OASES. As the city of Oakland is more poignant by the fact that William and his Asian/Pacific American entrepreneurs are one of three cities in the Bay Area that has family were forcibly relocated to a federal in- helping to strengthen our economy and our the lowest high school graduation rates for ternment camp at the beginning of the war. communities through their hard work and inge- Asian students, this organization works to de- Today, we proudly celebrate Asian Pacific nuity, and they inspire a new generation of crease cultural gaps in education. OASES American culture and heritage, from the Viet- American innovation through their example. reaches out to all youth with limited resources namese Tet in Seattle Lunar New Year cele- More than 14 million Americans of Asian or and limited educational opportunities, particu- bration to other local cultural festivals. We also Pacific Island Heritage contribute to the vital- larly children of Asian Pacific Islander families. honor Asian Pacific Americans by preserving ity, success, and prosperity of our Nation. I would also like to recognize the Oakland the ethnic heritage of our citizens. Places like Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to cele- Asian Cultural Center. This center works by the Wing Luke Asian Museum, the Seattle brate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. employing the belief that upholding cultural Asian Art Museum, the Filipino American Na- I would like to thank Congressman HONDA and tradition and honoring cultural heritage are at tional Historical Society, and Densho: The the Asian Pacific American Caucus for orga- the core of maintaining healthy and lively com- Japanese American Legacy Project keep us in nizing a special order tonight to honor Asian munities. The center presents a variety of cul- touch with the roots of our neighbors. Pacific Americans and the great contributions tural festivities and artistic expression in Our pride in and recognition of many Asian they have made to our Nation. I would also dance, literature, music and visual arts. The American role models has earned Washington like to say that I am very proud to be a mem- center is an excellent resource for under- State a global awareness. Just last month Chi- ber of the Tri-Caucus, which unites the Con- standing the legacy of Asian and Pacific Island nese President Hu Jintao chose Seattle for his gressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, Americans and their great influence on the inaugural visit to the United States as head of Congressional Hispanic Caucus and Congres- cultural identities of our communities. state, touring a Boeing plant and Microsoft sional Black Caucus. Mr. Speaker, I strongly My district is also home to several of the na- headquarters and noting the ‘‘good coopera- believe in the importance of honoring all of our tion’s leading health care providers for APA tive relations’’ between China and Washington country’s unique cultures, and it is truly a privi- communities. Asian Community Mental Health State. One out of every four jobs in Wash- lege to participate in this special order. Services, for example, is an organization that ington State is directly tied to international Asian Pacific Americans have played a tre- offers access to and increases community ac- trade, and we have a strong and growing trad- mendous role in the development of our Na- ceptance of mental healthcare, which in many ing relationship with the Asia Pacific region. tion. I would first like to acknowledge the late APA communities remains taboo. Asian Health This relationship has been established, ex- Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink, our Services is another organization that works to panded, and nurtured largely through cultural first woman of color to serve in the U.S. ensure that members of APA communities can awareness first developed in the region by House of Representatives. She was a trail- overcome challenges to obtaining high-quality, Asian-American immigrants. We all benefit blazer for Asian Pacific Americans, and it is affordable healthcare due to language bar- from the contributions Asian Pacific Americans wonderful to see that her impact is still felt and riers, income, lack of insurance coverage and make to our community and country. that her legacy continues. cultural differences. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is a As Representative of California’s Ninth U.S. Lastly, I would like to bring special attention celebration of the American spirit. We are a Congressional District, APA Heritage month is to Asian Communities for Reproductive Justice nation of immigrants, and by honoring Asian especially important to me. Asian and Pacific (ACRJ) and its Executive Director, Ms. Eveline Pacific Americans, we honor all cultures. Island American culture has a very large im- Shen. Founded in 1989, ACRJ has been a Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in celebra- pact in the cities of my district. longtime leader in ensuring that APA women tion of Asian/Pacific Americans and their innu- My district is the birthplace of Amy Tan, a and girls are equipped with the tools to make merable contributions to our Nation. The fabric Chinese-American woman and New York important decisions about their reproductive of American society has benefited from the tal- Times bestselling author best known for her health. Under the leadership of Ms. Shen, ent, dedication and enthusiasm of Asian/Pa- novel The Joy Luck Club, and it’s subsequent ACRJ places reproductive health and freedom cific Americans. The month of May is des- film adaptation. She has received countless at the center of promoting social and eco- ignated as a time when we all can appreciate acknowledgments including the Bay Area nomic freedom for APA women in the shad- and observe diversity in America by high- Book Reviewer’s Award. Today, Ms. Tan’s ows of patriarchal cultures. During her nearly lighting the contributions of Asian/Pacific novels and short stories are a part of high two decades of community organizing and Americans. schools and universities’ literary curricula na- eight years at ACRJ, Ms. Shen has become a In June 1977, Representative Frank Horton tionwide. leader in building a social justice movement in of New York and Norman Y. Mineta of Cali- My district is also the birthplace of Fred APA communities, which is one of the fastest fornia introduced a House Resolution that Korematsu, born in Oakland to Japanese im- growing constituencies in California and in my called upon the President to designate the first migrants, who challenged the World War II in- district. I commend Ms. Shen and ACRJ’s ten days of May as Asian/Pacific Heritage ternment of Japanese American citizens. As dedication to assisting APA women to obtain Week. Subsequently, Senators DANIEL INOUYE an American citizen Mr. Korematsu refused to the American promise of ‘‘liberty and justice and Spark Matsunaga introduced a similar bill go to an internment camp, but he was ar- for all.’’ in the Senate. Both House and Senate Bills rested, sent to one in 1942 and branded a spy As our Nation is home to so many people were passed. The first 10 days of May were by newspapers. He opposed the internment from all over the world, it is important that we chosen to coincide with two important mile- policy in the Supreme Court, but in its ignoble continue to bring attention to the issues that stones in Asian/Pacific American history. The 1944 decision the Supreme Court upheld the affect all communities. It is our responsibility to arrival in the United States of the first Japa- policy. In 1983 Mr. Korematsu appealed his ensure that no one is ignored and that equal

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And so I had gone down to the border come together to celebrate the accomplish- Hundreds of thousands of Asian Pacific about a year ago and spent a long ments of the many leaders throughout Americans have also loyally served our Nation weekend down there, at least 3 days on Ameican history, who have embodied excel- in the military willing to give their life for the the ground and in the air, as a guest of lence in advancing the principles of democ- United States of America. Asian Pacific Amer- the Border Patrol and some of the racy, freedom and justice for all of our com- ican veterans of the Armed Forces number other agencies that operate the secu- munities and strengthening the foundation of 312,700. rity along the border. And I was given America. In sports, Asian Pacific Americans have a very good tour and a few rides in hel- Mr. Speaker, again I would like to thank Mr. helped bring home Olympic gold medals for icopters at night and also in the day- HONDA and the APA Caucus for inviting me to the United States, including the first woman to time, shining the night sun down along participate in this special order. Let us con- win gold medals in the ten and three meter our border to identify where there tinue to unite, pay tribute to Asian Pacific diving events—Filipina American Victoria might be illegals that have come Americans and remember the importance their Manalo Draves. across or future illegals preparing to outstanding contributions to our Nation. Although it is important for us to celebrate come across. And I stopped and visited Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. Asian Pacific American heritage this month, some of the stations and their equip- Speaker, today and throughout the month of we must not forget the plight that Asian Pacific ment and talked to the men. I was im- May, we celebrate the many contributions Americans endure despite the community’s pressed with the quality of the team Asian Pacific Americans have made to the many accomplishments. people that they had assembled, the fabric of our communities and to this Nation as The pitfalls of immigration law and the back- equipment they had assembled, and the a whole. log of immigration applications continue to pre- tactics they had. Yet in that full long More than 100 Members of Congress work vent many Asian Pacific American families weekend, I did not actually see activity together in the Congressional Asian Pacific from reuniting for several years. which would indicate to a reasonable American Caucus to promote Asian Pacific We must also not forget that the APA com- person that there was not activity to American issues and concerns, and I’m munity suffers from greater poverty than non- be seen. pleased that we are led by my long-time friend Hispanic Whites, especially in the Hmong, La- In spite all of those hours in the air and colleague, Congressman MIKE HONDA. otian, Cambodian, and Vietnamese American and the hours on the ground and the Congressman HONDA and I are proud to communities. night vision equipment, I did not again represent San Jose, California and sur- We must work to ensure that Asian Pacific see any illegal activities, although I rounding areas, a community blessed with di- Americans are appropriately counted when our got many reports of the success of the versity and culture from around the world, in- government collects data that will be used to interdiction of our border patrol and cluding close to 350,000 Asian Pacific Ameri- understand the needs of the APA community. our other agencies. cans. We must make every effort to invite Asian Well, as I listen to the debate here in Some notable Asian Pacific Americans from Pacific Americans to participate in government the House of Representatives, Mr. our area include Norman Mineta, the longest to ensure that our government meets the Speaker, and the testimony that comes serving Secretary in the history of the U.S. needs of the APA community. before the immigration subcommittee Department of Transportation, the first Asian In commemoration of Asian Pacific Amer- which I sit upon, and I sit in those American mayor of a major U.S. city, and the ican Heritage Month, I honor the contributions hearings two, three, even four times a first Asian American Cabinet member during of millions of Asian Pacific Americans who week and we will have four, sometimes the Clinton Administration. have contributed to our Nation and who I am eight witnesses giving us credible data San Jose Councilmember Madison Nguyen sure will continue to contribute in the future. and good well-informed information on is another extraordinary Asian Pacific Amer- But while I celebrate this month, I also renew this issue from both sides of the issue, ican. She is the first Vietnamese American my pledge to address the issues affecting Mr. Speaker, and always the years, the woman elected to office in the State of Cali- Asian Pacific Americans around the country. cumulative information has built in fornia. f me after those years of sitting on the Another distinguished Asian Pacific Amer- immigration subcommittee, I began to ican from the San Jose area is Dr. Allan Seid IMMIGRATION REFORM think that I have a pretty decent broad who founded Asian Americans for Community The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under background on the subject. And yet Involvement (AACI), the largest social services the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- there was a gap, Mr. Speaker, there nonprofit organization serving the Asian Pa- uary 4, 2005, the gentleman from Iowa was a gap in that subject because I had cific American community in Santa Clara (Mr. KING) is recognized for half the not gone down and spent time on the County. time remaining before midnight. border more or less unguided, more or Vinod Khosla has contributed immensely to Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, as al- less outside the scope of the Border Pa- Silicon Valley as a distinguished venture capi- ways, I very much appreciate the privi- trol, but gone ahead and gone down to talist and a co-founder of Sun Microsystems, lege to address you, Mr. Speaker, and the border and looked under all the headquartered in Santa Clara, California, a in so doing addressing this great stones and met with the people that company that has grown into one of the larg- United States of America House of were actually more likely to be more est providers of computers, computer compo- Representatives. frank with me. nents, software, and information-technology I am a bit breathless because I So that was my mission this past services. hustled over here to arrive at the ap- weekend where I spent perhaps as In this Congress, there are five Asian Pacific pointed time; and I thank my col- much as 4 days on the ground in Ari- Americans serving our Nation and their com- leagues, hopefully, they filibustered a zona. And the goal was to meet with munities as members of the House of Rep- few minutes on my behalf as good the people that are enforcing our laws resentatives, as well as one delegate from friends likely would. down there, the ones that are out in American Samoa and two Asian Pacific Ameri- Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak to the night and those people who have cans serving in the Senate. I am proud that you about a few issues about border seen this bleeding, this hemorrhaging the California Democratic Delegation includes control especially on the southern bor- at our border firsthand, that can de- two of these Representatives from the Asian der and primarily on the southern bor- scribe to me the scope of the bleeding Pacific American community. der. I have long spoken about the pol- in our southern border. In the field of science and technology, Asian icy that I think we need to have with Mr. Speaker, I am here to say to- Pacific Americans have long contributed to our regard to the immigration policy night that it is astonishing. It is far country, from Ellison Onizuka, the first Asian- across the Nation, about domestic en- worse than I had imagined and my American in space, to Flossi Wong-Staal and forcement and shutting off the jobs imagination was fairly strong. My pre- Dr. David D. Ho, for their work on HIV and magnet, and also about the need to dictions and the numbers that I put out

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