Recognizing the contributions of Korean Americans to the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to express my strong support of H. Res. 1036, offered by my colleague from New Jersey, Mr. Garrett, which recognizes the contributions of Korean- Americans in the United States.

I have always believed that the Republic of Korea is one of America's most committed friends and allies, and the warmth and hospitality extended to me and my wife during our visit there last Spring reinforced my belief that the bonds that bind the people of the United States together with the people of South Korea are as strong today as they have ever been. Furthermore, I stand in fervent support of the more than 22 million citizens of North Korea who have suffered political oppression and severe human rights abuses for far too long under the dictatorship of Kim Jong-il and his father Kim it-Sung.

The United States and the Republic of Korea first became partners more than 125 years ago, when we signed a treaty of amity and commerce in 1882. This partnership grew stronger on the battlefield during the Korean War. The South Koreans fought bravely alongside Americans to stay free from the chains of tyranny and communism and have remained a beacon of light and democracy ever since. When countless Koreans were faced with war and poverty, they chose to come to the United States seeking better opportunities.

I believe that one of the reasons this bond has endured for over a century and remained so strong is because of the more than a million and a half people currently living in the United States of Korean descent. As noted in the resolution, these Korean-Americans, like countless others before them, have provided to their American communities by building strong families and becoming valuable members, greatly contributing to the arts, sciences, engineering, medicine, government, military, education and the economy in the United States. In addition to these contributions, these Korean-Americans continue to serve as a reminder of our long history together.

Furthermore, as this matter is of great importance to Korean- Americans, I would like to take this time to draw attention to the Administration's delay in pushing through various free trade agreements, especially the agreement that is pending with South Korea, which is the biggest U.S. trade pact since the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement. I urge this Administration to implement this agreement without any further delay as it is of vital interest to all and will have enormous economic and trade benefits for both the United States and South Korea.

Once again, in accordance with this resolution, and as Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Korea, I would like to both acknowledge and express my gratitude for these important contributions to our society and to this Nation. I look forward to the continued positive role of Korean-Americans in communities all across America, and I look forward to the quick implementation of the free trade agreement with South Korea.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong support for H. Res. 1036, recognizing the contribution of Korean Americans to the United States.

It was indeed back on January 13 that we marked the 107th anniversary of Korean American Day, for it was on that day, 107 years ago, that a boat carrying 102 Korean immigrants arrived in Hawaii. In the years since that time, many Koreans have come to the United States for opportunity, safety, and other reasons. Like the millions of immigrants before them, Korean Americans have made a tremendous contribution to the United States. At the beginning, these immigrants were laborers on farms, worked in mines, railroads, and such. It was their hard labor that literally helped build this country as we have it today. Today, there are over a million Korean Americans across this great country.

This year marks yet another great anniversary for them. The Korean War began 60 years ago this June, impacting the lives of millions of Koreans and, of course, people in this country as well. By the 1960s, Koreans became

one of the top five immigrant groups to the United States, as many Koreans sought hope and freedom and refuge from poverty and violence. The consequences of a divided Korean Peninsula affected the world then, as it does today. We will continue to work for diplomatic relations to resolve this conflict, and a North Korea free from nuclear weapons as well.

These Korean American immigrants have made untold contributions to American society. They have raised strong and good families and built successful businesses, dynamic communities, active civic associations, churches and charities. Thousands of Korean Americans currently serve in our Armed Forces; and many of them deployed overseas today, in harm's way, are keeping our Nation safe from terrorism and other risks.

Whether it's in military or in education, in science, in business or in the arts, Korean Americans have played and continue today to play a vital role in shaping communities throughout this country. So, Mr. Speaker, I come pleased to present this opportunity to recognize the contributions that Korean Americans have made to our Nation and urge all of us here on the floor and my colleagues across this House to support H. Res. 1036.

I would like to say thank you to the gentleman from the other side of the aisle for the past resolutions and this one as well.

I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to add my voice of strong support for H. Res. 1036, introduced by Representative Scott Garrett from New Jersey, which recognizes the invaluable contributions of Korean Americans to the United States of America.

Korean Americans have a long and proud history of serving their country in numerous ways. Military service, teaching our students, serving at high level posts in our current Administration, running Ivy League institutions, and providing quality medical care are just a few examples of how Korean Americans contribute to our society. They have added to the fabric of our culture and education with contributions in the fields of medicine, economy, business, architecture, and the arts.

Mr. Speaker, the history of Korean Americans in the U.S. traces back to January 13, 1903 when a group of 102 Korean men, women and children immigrants arrived in Hawaii after a long journey across the Pacific. The Centennial Committees of Korean Immigration and Korean Americans have designated January 13 of each year as `Korean American Day' to commemorate the first step of the long and prosperous journey of Korean Americans in the United States. In 2005, Congress formally designated this date as Korean American Day. This special day recognizes their American journey to this country as well as their entrepreneurial contributions to American society, culture, and economy.

Today, there are over one million Americans of Korean descent, making it the fifth largest Asian American subgroup. According to the 2006- 2008 American Community Survey, California's fifteenth district, which I represent, is home to nearly 15,000 persons of Korean and Korean American background. Korean Americans are proudly serving the American people in the current Obama Administration, as well as excelling in professional sports such as golf and football.

Mr. Speaker, the United States and Korean peninsula share strong diplomatic and economic ties, dating back to the 1953 Korean War that unfortunately split apart a people with a rich history, culture, and religion. South Korea has blossomed into a beacon of democracy and free-market economy and continues to be one of America's unwavering friends in an increasingly critical region of the world.

Once again, Mr. Speaker, I applaud the introduction of H. Res.1036 and urge colleagues to support this resolution so that we may recognize the contributions of Korean Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1036, recognizing the contributions of Korean Americans to the United States.

There are more than 1 million Korean-Americans living in the United States. From the first hundred who immigrated to the United States in the early 20th century, Koreans have become an integral part of our country. Today, one out of every eight Korean-Americans owns his or her own business.

In my own district, I have had the opportunity to work hand in hand with the Korean community and I have seen their commitment in upholding their own rich heritage. The United States, and California in particular, have been enriched and defined by the contributions of Korean-Americans in a wide variety of fields.

Korean-Americans have invigorated businesses, civic institutions, and academic communities across the country. Korean-owned businesses employ more than 333,000 men and women, generating sales and receipts of over $46 billion. This resolution gives Congress the chance to recognize the importance Korean-Americans play in our communities.

Abroad, our relationship with South Korea has steadily grown and is now better than ever. Our trade relations are strong, and stand to be only further strengthened by the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, a deal that stands to grow both of our economies. In the previous Congress, I was proud to have authored legislation that granted Korea NATO +3 status in terms of military sales. These measures are important, but the strongest bridge between our two societies remains the Korean-American community, which continues to flourish.

In closing, I want to remind my colleagues that it is all too easy to overlook the invaluable contributions that Korean-Americans have made, not just in my home state of California, but to our Nation as a whole. This resolution provides well-deserved recognition to the Korean- American community for the indelible mark they have made upon the diversity and prominence of our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1036) recognizing the contributions of Korean Americans to the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in support of H. Res. 1036, a resolution that will recognize the contributions of Korean Americans to the United States. Korean Americans have contributed significantly to the culture, economy, and success of the United States. January 13, 2010, marked the 107th anniversary of the beginning of Korean immigration into the United States. There are now more than a million and a half people of Korean descent living in the United States. Korean Americans have helped build our communities and our Nation. They have added significantly to the development of the arts, sciences, engineering, medicine, government, military, education, and the economy of the United States.

House Resolution 1036 was introduced by the gentleman from New Jersey, Representative Scott Garrett, on January 22, 2010. The measure was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which ordered it reported by unanimous consent on March 4, 2010. The bill enjoys bipartisan support from over 50 Members of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1036.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, again, I encourage my friends from both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting House Resolution 1036.

I yield back the balance of my time.