Representative Colleen Hanabusa And Senator Mazie Hirono Introduce Resolutions To Recognize October As Filipino American History Month

Press Release

Today, Representative Colleen Hanabusa and Senator Mazie K. Hirono introduced a bicameral resolution recognizing October 2017 as Filipino American History Month. Notably, there is a higher percentage of Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in Hawaii than in any other state.

"Filipino American History Month is a time to celebrate the many and varied contributions of Filipino Americans to our nation and Hawaii," said Congresswoman Hanabusa. "From their significant history in the American labor movement, to a commanding presence in the arts, dance and music, to their heroic service defending Americans' freedom in World War II, Filipino Americans have a proud history in this country and I am honored to recognize their culture and accomplishments."

"Each Filipino American History Month, we celebrate the contributions of Filipino Americans to Hawaii and our nation. It's fitting that tomorrow, we will present Filipino World War II veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal for their service and the adversity they faced in fighting for the benefits they earned. I thank my colleagues from both sides of the aisle for joining me in recognizing the Filipino American community," said Senator Hirono.

"As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the Filipino American History Month resolution introduced by Senator Mazie Hirono and Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa," said Congresswoman Judy Chu. "The rich history of the Filipino community in America predates the formation of the United States and can be traced back to the arrival of the first Filipino immigrants to California in 1587. Since then, the Filipino and Filipino American community have made immeasurable contributions to our great nation. They are labor leaders, educators, entertainers, business professionals, health care providers, military service members, and World War II veterans. There is no doubt that our country has been enriched by the Filipino American community, and I am so proud to join my colleagues in honoring their contributions. "

Filipino Americans are the second largest Asian-American group in the country at approximately 4 million people and are one of the fastest growing immigrant groups in the United States. The Filipino American History Month Resolution recognizes the rich history of Filipino Americans in the United States and their many economic, cultural, and social contributions to our country.

Tomorrow, on October 25, 2017 in the United States Capitol, Filipino World War II veterans will be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in honor of their sacrifices and defense of American freedoms in World War II. This award is a result of the passage of S. 1555 (114th Congress), the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015, which was signed into law by President Obama on December 14, 2016.

The House resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Alan Lowenthal (D-Calif.), Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.), Grace Napolitano (D-Calif.), Scott Peters (D-Calif.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Gregorian Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-CNMI), Bobby Scott (D-Va.), Jackie Speier (D-Calif.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), and Juan Vargas (D-Calif.).

The Senate resolution is cosponsored by Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.)

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