Political Quotes

“I rise today in recognition of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. This annual recognition offers the opportunity to celebrate the unique impact the Asian American and Pacific Islander community has made and continues to make in the United States. On this heritage month, we reflect on the incredible achievements of this minority community and honor the unique combination of traditions and cultures that create the rich tapestry of the Asian American Pacific Islander diaspora and experience. We also use this time to educate ourselves on the nuances of the AAPI identity and better understand the challenges this community faces. In 1977, then-Representative Frank Horton of New York introduced a resolution to designate the first 10 days in May as AAPI Heritage Week. The month of May was appropriate because of two key anniversaries that occurred in that month. On May 7, 1843, the first Japanese immigrants came to the United States. On May 10, 1869, the first transcontinental railroad was completed, largely due to the backbreaking work of Chinese laborers, some of whom lost their lives in the construction. Congress did not enact Representative Horton's initial resolution. The following year, however, with the persistent help of then- Representative Norman Mineta, Congress enacted a new resolution to designate the 7-day period beginning on May 4 as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Week.…”