IV 
108TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. CON. RES. 182
Recognizing that the United States draws its strength from its incredible 
diversity of racial and ethnic groups, recognizing that the Asian Pacific 
American community is a thriving and integral part of American society 
and culture, supporting the goals and ideals of Asian Pacific American 
Heritage Month, and recognizing the contributions of Asian Pacific 
Americans to the United States. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
MAY 14, 2003
Mr. WU (for himself, Mr. ABERCROMBIE, Mr. HONDA, Mr. CASE, Mr. MAT-
SUI, Mr. INSLEE, Mr. BECERRA, Ms. BORDALLO, Mr. SANDLIN, Mr. 
FALEOMAVAEGA, Ms. SOLIS, Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD, Mr. SCHIFF, 
and Ms. LEE) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was 
referred to the Committee on Government Reform 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 
Recognizing that the United States draws its strength from 
its incredible diversity of racial and ethnic groups, recog-
nizing that the Asian Pacific American community is 
a thriving and integral part of American society and 
culture, supporting the goals and ideals of Asian Pacific 
American Heritage Month, and recognizing the contribu-
tions of Asian Pacific Americans to the United States.
Whereas section 102 of title 36, United States Code, officially 
designated each May as Asian Pacific American Heritage 
Month and requested the President to issue a proclama-
tion calling on the people of the United States to observe
•HCON 182 IH 
the month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and 
activities; 
Whereas the selection of May as the month for Asian Pacific 
American Heritage Month was significant because of two 
historical events that occurred in May: first, May 7, 
1843, when the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the 
United States, and second, May 10, 1869, when, with 
substantial contributions from Chinese immigrants, the 
first transcontinental railroad was completed; 
Whereas Asian Pacific American Heritage Month provides 
the people of the United States with an opportunity to 
recognize the achievements, contributions, history, and 
concerns of Asian Pacific Americans; 
Whereas according to the Census Bureau, an estimated 12.5 
million United States residents trace their ethnic herit-
age, in full or in part, to Asia or the Pacific Islands; 
Whereas Asian Pacific Americans have made many innovative 
contributions to the United States, ranging from the first 
transcontinental railroad to the internet; 
Whereas in the late 18th century Filipino sailors formed the 
first Asian Pacific Americans communities in the bayous 
of Louisiana; 
Whereas Asian Pacific Americans have added to the vast cul-
tural wealth of the United States; and 
Whereas Americans of Asian Pacific heritage, who include 
immigrant and indigenous populations, have honorably 
served in the Armed Forces in the defense of the United 
States during times of armed conflict from the Civil War 
to Operation Iraqi Freedom: Now, therefore, be it
•HCON 182 IH 
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
concurring), That Congress—
(1) recognizes that the United States draws its 
strength from its incredible diversity of different ra-
cial and ethnic groups, including Asian Pacific 
Americans; 
(2) recognizes that the Asian Pacific American 
community is a thriving and integral part of Amer-
ican society and culture; 
(3) supports the goals and ideals of Asian Pa-
cific American Heritage Month; and 
(4) recognizes the contributions of Asian Pacific 
Americans to the United States.
Æ