Recognizing the Significance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Floor Speech

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Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

This month is an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions of AANHPI communities and the critical role we have played throughout our Nation's history.

From trailblazers like Patsy Mink and Anna May Wong to our own Vice President Harris, members of our community have long been leaders in government, science, business, the arts, and more. But while we celebrate our community, this month is also a reminder of how much work remains to advance equality and equity for our community.

The AANHPI community has long been the target of racism and discrimination in this country. Among other challenges, our communities are still combating anti-Asian violence, suffering from health disparities, and experiencing sex trafficking and violence at alarming rates.

The AANHPI community is the fastest growing demographic group in the United States. In the past 20 years alone, the number of Asian Americans in the United States has nearly doubled.

But we are not a monolith. AANHPI communities come from dozens of countries and speak countless languages. The diversity makes our community and our country stronger. That is why, in a moment, I will seek unanimous consent to pass a resolution recognizing AANHPI Heritage Month.

This resolution highlights many of the leaders of our community throughout history and some of the triumphs and challenges we have faced throughout the years. It affirms the important role our communities continue to play in the story of our Nation and has bipartisan support.

Res. 209.
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