Steven Holt: “this month our nation pays tribute to the contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, including…”

“this month our nation pays tribute to the contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, including immigrants, refugees, and natives. More than 13 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, representing a diverse community of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, make their homes in the United States. Their unique contributions enhance the moral fabric and character of our great country. The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community is a fast- growing minority group in the United States. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are making valuable contributions to every aspect of American life--from business to education to science to the arts. For example, there are now more than 900,000 AAPI-owned small businesses across the country. As we celebrate the significant progress made by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, it is right for us to honor the memory of great leaders of the AAPI community who have passed away recently, and by far one of the greatest was our own Congressman Bob Matsui, who despite imprisonment in an internment camp during World War II, never lost faith in our country, and went on to become a national champion for all of America's seniors. We miss Bob dearly, but the voters of California have blessed us by sending his wife, the Gentlelady from California, Ms. Doris Matsui, to carry on his wonderful legacy in this body.…”