Recognizing Filipino American Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of Filipino Americans and their immense contributions to the Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about a resolution that I have just introduced along with Congressmen Honda, Issa, and Bobby Scott, my colleagues on the

U.S.-Philippines Friendship Caucus, H. Res. 1523. This resolution recognizes Filipino American Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of Filipino Americans and their immense contributions to our Nation.

The Filipino American National Historical Society established Filipino American History Month in 1988 but I was surprised to learn that the House of Representatives has never recognized this month, which is long overdue! We are pleased to honor the Filipino American community and pay tribute to the extraordinary contributions that Filipinos make to this Nation. Filipino Americans have been part of the American experience, confronting many difficult challenges while being resolute and steadfast in their cultural heritage.

We honor the Filipino Americans, from the farm workers to nurses and doctors and to the brave and courageous soldiers who fought shoulder to shoulder with American servicemen. This country is indebted to the Filipino veterans of World War II for their extraordinary sacrifices. We promise that we will not give up. Equity and recognition for World War II Veterans is a moral imperative!

I invite my colleagues to join with me in honoring the history, culture, and contribution of Filipino Americans in the United States, by supporting this important resolution, H. Res. 1523.