Recognizing Filipino American History Month and celebrating the history and culture of Filipino Americans and their immense contributions to the United States.

Whereas the earliest documented Filipino presence in the continental United States was October 18, 1587, when the first Luzones Indios Whereas the Filipino American National Historical Society recognizes 1763 as the year in which the first permanent Filipino settlement in the United States was established in St. Malo, Louisiana; Whereas the recognition of the first permanent Filipino settlement in the United States adds a new perspective to United States history by bringing attention to the economic, cultural, social, and other notable contributions made by Filipino Americans to the development of the United States; Whereas, with a population of approximately 3,898,739 individuals, the Filipino American community is the second largest Asian American and Pacific Islander group in the United States; Whereas, from the Civil War to the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, Filipino American servicemen and servicewomen have a longstanding history of serving in the Armed Forces; Whereas more than 250,000 Filipinos fought under the United States flag during World War II to protect and defend the United States in the Pacific theater; Whereas, as of June 2016, certain family members of Filipino World War II veterans who are United States citizens or lawful permanent residents may apply through the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for parole into the United States to reunite with their families before their immigrant visas become available; Whereas, in July 2016, the Senate passed by unanimous consent S. 1555 (114th Congress), a bill to award to Filipino veterans who fought alongside United States troops in World War II the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress, a recognition for which Filipino World War II veterans have waited more than 70 years; Whereas Filipino Americans continue to demonstrate a commendable sense of patriotism and honor; Whereas nine Filipino Americans have received the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be bestowed on an individual serving in the Armed Forces; Whereas the late Thelma Garcia Buchholdt, born in Claveria, Cagayan, on the island of Luzon in the Philippines— (1) moved with her family to Alaska in 1965; (2) was elected to the House of Representatives of Alaska in 1974; (3) was the first Filipino woman elected to a State legislature; and (4) authored a comprehensive history book entitled Filipinos in Alaska: 1788–1958 Whereas Filipino American farm workers and labor leaders, such as Philip Vera Cruz and Larry Itliong, played an integral role in the multiethnic United Farm Workers movement alongside Cesar Chávez, Dolores Huerta, and other Latino workers; Whereas Filipino Americans play an integral role in the United States healthcare system as nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals; Whereas Filipino Americans have contributed greatly to music, dance, literature, education, business, journalism, sports, fashion, politics, government, science, technology, the fine arts, and other fields that enrich the landscape of the United States; Whereas, as mandated in the mission statement of the Filipino American National Historical Society, efforts should continue to promote the study of Filipino American history and culture because the roles of Filipino Americans and other people of color have largely been overlooked in the writing, teaching, and learning of United States history; Whereas it is imperative for Filipino American youth to have positive role models to instill in Filipino American youth— (1) the significance of education, complemented by the richness of Filipino American ethnicity; and (2) the value of the Filipino American legacy; and Whereas it is essential to promote the understanding, education, and appreciation of the history and culture of Filipino Americans in the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives— (1) recognizes the celebration of Filipino American History Month as— (A) a study of the advancement of Filipino Americans; (B) a time to reflect on and remember the many notable contributions that Filipino Americans have made to the United States; and (C) a time to renew efforts toward the research and examination of history and culture so as to provide an opportunity for all people of the United States to learn more about Filipino Americans and to appreciate the historic contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States; and (2) urges the people of the United States to observe Filipino American History Month with appropriate programs and activities.

Summary: Recognizes the celebration of Filipino American History Month as: a study of the advancement of Filipino Americans; and a time to renew efforts toward the research and examination of history and culture so as to provide an opportunity for all people of the United States to learn more about Filipino Americans, and to appreciate the historic contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States.