Reid Statement on Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Statement

Nevada Senator Harry Reid today released the following statement on Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

"Each May is an opportunity to reflect upon the countless contributions the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community has made to Nevada and the United States, and to celebrate the community's many accomplishments. Members of this community have helped steer America's progress and prosperity--as farmers, railroad workers, labor and civil rights activists, scientists and health professionals, actors and artists, business owners and entrepreneurs, military service members and government officials. Despite the terrible injustices that have at times been faced by the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community, they have persevered, and our nation is stronger and richer because of their dynamic cultures and traditions.

"Last year, the Senate passed a bipartisan immigration reform bill that fixes our broken system, creates a pathway to citizenship, addresses the visa backlog, and keeps families together. While the Senate also passed an unemployment insurance extension, Republicans have obstructed its passage in the House, and continue to balk at commonsense bills that raise the minimum wage and guarantee equal pay for women. As I join millions of fellow citizens in commemorating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this May, I call upon Speaker Boehner and Congressional Republicans to support Democratic efforts that provide relief to the middle class, fix the immigration system and ensure that America continues to be the land of equal opportunity."

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