Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution for the United States to promote respect for and full application of the provisions of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, consistent with U.S. law.

That Declaration is a landmark instrument outlining the rights of the world's 370 million indigenous peoples in 70 countries. A non-binding text comparable to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples sets out the individual and collective rights of indigenous peoples, as well as their rights to culture, identity, language, employment, health and education.

The United States was one of only four member states of the United Nations to vote against the declaration in 2007, while 143 voted in favor. Three of the four states who initially voted against it have already reversed their opposition to the Declaration or are in the process of doing so. Meanwhile, the U.S. Government has launched a formal review of the Declaration to determine whether the United States will change its stance.

Today, indigenous peoples face disproportionate discrimination, inadequate health care, violent crime, poverty, unemployment and environmental degradation even as they struggle to maintain their own institutions, cultures and traditions.

The United States has taken great steps to improve the condition of indigenous peoples, including hosting a historic meeting of nearly 500 tribal leaders last year and President Obama's issuance of an Executive Order on Consultation and Coordination with Tribal Governments. Yet, as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice has said, ``far more must be done--at home and abroad--to tackle'' the challenges facing indigenous peoples.

The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples provides an important framework for addressing indigenous issues globally. To further U.S. leadership in improving the conditions faced by indigenous people, the United States should promote respect for and full application of the provisions of the Declaration as soon as possible.

I urge all my colleagues to join me and Representatives Ellison, Barbara Lee, Christensen, Grijalva, Hastings, Delahunt, Honda, John Lewis and George Miller in supporting this resolution and moving it toward speedy adoption.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today before you, expressing my strong support for H. Con. Res. 284, appreciating the work and recognizing the special education teachers of our nation.

First, I would like to thank Congressman Pete Sessions of Texas and all of the co-sponsors, for recognizing these important people in our education system. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Chairman George Miller and Ranking Member John Kline of the Committee on Education & Labor for supporting this resolution. This bill recognizes the profound dedication that these teachers have for their students, and the general community.

I would like to commend our special education teachers for continuing a phenomenal job. Not only do I respect their enduring patience and commitment, I applaud them on how much they have contributed to their local education systems. On a daily basis, these individuals must be able to motivate their students and push them past their limitations, and at the same time help them to mature and become productive members of society.

Not only have these teachers helped the many special needs students to achieve in school, but they have also formed a support system for the many parents and families. They are the warm counsel to the students and their loved ones. They are entrusted to help the students succeed in their education. These teachers continue to encompass a genuine and dedicated work ethic.

In American Samoa's education system, we have implemented a significant amount of special education programs into our schools. Importantly, we have integrated the special needs students in the mainstream education system. I would personally like to commend those teachers, for their enthusiasm and effort with our children. We, as the Congress, must continue to provide the tools and support for the special needs teachers and their students, especially during these times of economic strife.

We are reminded that in 1972 the United States Supreme Court granted children with disabilities with the same right to receive `quality' education. Without our special education teachers and the efforts of many others to provide for the children with special needs, this clearly would not have been possible.

Even as these individuals are faced with maybe, the most emotional and mentally stressful challenges, their continuous work in fostering and assisting our children is inspiring.

I strongly urge my colleagues to pass this resolution.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5297, the Small Business Lending Fund Act of 2010. First I want to thank President Barack Obama for his foresight and recognizing the crucial function small businesses serve in our economy. I also want to thank Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Chairman of the House Financial Service Committee, Mr. Barney Frank, for their leadership on this issue. This piece of legislation embodies a certain commitment to increase access to capital investments by a vital sector of the economy.

As a major source of employment, increasing lending to small businesses is essential to achieve full economic recovery. Data shows that small businesses created about two out of every three new jobs across the country and I am pleased that small businesses in the Territories are eligible for the Federal programs created under H.R. 5297.

Under Title I of H.R. 5297, the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to establish a $30 billion Small Business Lending Fund (fund) to make capital investments in eligible banks. Eligibility is limited to community banks with total assets equal or less than $10 billion and according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) call report data for banks in American Samoa, ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank (AS Bank), with $132.884 million in total assets is a potential candidate.

Based on criteria specified in the legislation, the AS Bank is eligible to receive up to 5 percent of its risk-weighted assets, or about $5 million. Instead of the 7 percent London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), AS Bank will pay a lesser rate of 5 percent, to be reduced further to 1 percent if AS Bank increases its small business lending by 10 percent or more.

In addition, under Title II of H.R. 5297, the American Samoa Government (ASG) is eligible to apply for a grant of no less than $18 million to create a capital access program for small businesses in the Territory. As part of the grant application, ASG is to submit a proposal to the U.S. Treasury for approval that includes designs of a loan program and also designate a local agency to administer the program.

Mr. Speaker, as our economy continues to slump under the strains of unemployment and the loss of revenue, this piece of legislation will provide much-needed capital investments to increase lines of credit available to small businesses across the country.

I am pleased that the Federal programs will inject critical capital into the economy for small businesses to capitalize on. This legislation will go a long way to open up the flow of credit for small businesses that will help create more jobs not only across the country but also in the territories.

I urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 5297.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of a young woman who has risen above very challenging circumstances, has attained an outstanding achievement, and serves as an example for other young people to follow.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 86) recognizing the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and reaffirming the United States-Korea alliance, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this joint resolution, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.

This resolution before us today, House Joint Resolution 86, recognizes the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and reaffirms the strong United States-Republic of Korea alliance. This resolution will help ensure that the bonds we forged in blood during the Korean War will never be forgotten.

Today, the United States and Republic of Korea relationship is stronger than ever, encompassing social, cultural, economic, security and diplomatic relations. Last year's joint vision statement between our two nations provided an important reminder to the importance of the bilateral relationship between our two countries. Our two countries are working as closely as ever on the problems of North Korea, which is critically important since North Korea continues its provocations, including nuclear and missile tests and just recently the sinking of the South Korean ship, the Cheonan, which resulted in the deaths of some 46 sailors from this tragedy.

With President Lee chairing the G-20 meeting this year in South Korea, this is certainly indicative of South Korea's prominence in international trade and economic development. For our part, Madam Speaker, I have long supported the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement to further such growth. I continue to hope that the Congress will also pass this free trade agreement as soon as possible because it will reinforce U.S.-Korean ties and create American jobs. And for the benefit of my colleagues, I want to note that this free trade agreement with South Korea will provide somewhere between $11 billion and $20 billion in export trade between our two countries which will be of tremendous benefit to both our countries.

I also want to thank my dear friend, the gentleman from New York, Congressman Charles Rangel, for his service to our country during the Korean War, for his long and able service in the House of Representatives, and for his authorship of this important resolution. I also want to note our other colleagues who are also veterans of the Korean War, Congressman John Conyers of Michigan, Congressman Samuel Johnson of Texas, and Congressman Howard Coble of North Carolina. My apologies if I may have left out other Members. It was certainly not intentional, Madam Speaker, but I also want to thank them as well.

Congressman Rangel fought in the Korean War from 1950 to 1952 as a member of the 503rd Battalion, an all-black artillery unit, in the 2nd Infantry Division. In late November 1950, his unit was engaged in heavy fighting in North Korea; and at the Battle of Kunu-ri, Congressman Rangel was part of a vehicle column that was trapped and attacked by the Chinese Army.

During that attack, he was injured in the back by shrapnel from a Chinese bomb shell. In subzero weather, members of the 503rd Battalion looked to Rangel, then just a private first class, for his leadership. During 3 days of freezing weather, he led approximately 40 men from his unit out of the Chinese encirclement.

When asked about his experience in battle, Congressman Rangel commented, ``That was the coldest place, ever, in the whole world. We lost a lot of guys who froze to death in their sleeping bags.'' Nearly half of the 503rd Battalion were killed in the overall battle. And might I mention, a battalion is composed of about 600 soldiers. So you can imagine if 50 percent of the 503rd Battalion were killed in the Korean War.

Congressman Rangel was later recognized for his courage and awarded a Purple Heart for his wounds and the Bronze Star for Valor for his heroic efforts. In addition, he was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation and three battle stars.

In summing up his experience, Congressman Rangel once said, ``Since Kunu-Ri--and I mean it with all my heart--I have never, never had a bad day.''

I might also note, Congressman John Conyers from Michigan served for 2 years in the Michigan National Guard starting in 1950. With the onset of the Korean War, he joined the U.S. Army and fought for 1 year as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. For his service, he was awarded both combat and merit citations.

Congressman Sam Johnson began his 29-year career in the U.S. Air Force at the early age of 20. During the Korean War, he was stationed just 25 miles away from the front lines and flew 62 combat missions in his F-86 Saber jet fighter. In his plane, Shirley's Texas Tornado, named after his dear wife, Congressman Johnson scored one MiG fighter kill, one probable kill and one damaged. He flew on combat missions with Buzz Aldrin and John Glenn, and when he shot down the Russian MiG, he was so low on fuel that he actually had to glide back to Seoul. He went on to continue his outstanding military career through the Vietnam War as director of the Air Force Fighter Weapons School, known as Top Gun, and was one of the two authors of the air tactics manual revolutionizing military air dominance by incorporating three- dimensional flight.

Our good friend, Congressman Howard Coble, meanwhile, served in the Coast Guard from September 1952 until September 1956, and was deployed to Korean waters during the war.

I ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring the sacrifices of these gentlemen, our colleagues, Congressman Rangel, Congressman Conyers, Congressman Johnson, and Congressman Coble, and the sacrifices of all of the other 1.8 million Americans who fought in the Korean War, as well as in recognizing the vital importance of the U.S.-Korean alliance by supporting this resolution; and also noting as a matter of history that over 30,000 of our soldiers died from that terrible conflict in South Korea.

Committee on Armed Services,

U.S. House of Representatives,

Washington, DC, June 15, 2010.

Hon. Howard Berman,

Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of

Representatives, Rayburn House Office Building,

Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Berman: I am writing to you concerning H.J.

Res. 86, recognizing the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of

the Korean War and reaffirming the United States-Korea

alliance. This measure was referred to the Committee on

Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed

Services, and Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be

subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for

consideration of such provisions as fall within the

jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Our Committee recognizes the importance of H.J. Res 86, and

the need for the legislation to move expeditiously.

Therefore, while we have a valid claim to jurisdiction over

this legislation, the Committee on Armed Services will waive

further consideration of H.J. Res 86. I do so with the

understanding that by waiving consideration of the

resolution, the Committee on Armed Services does not waive

any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters

contained in the resolution which fall within its Rule X

jurisdiction.

Please place this letter and a copy of your response into

the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure

on the

House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which

you have worked regarding this matter and others between our

respective committees.

Very truly yours,

Ike Skelton,

Chairman.

Madam Speaker, as a veteran of the Vietnam War, I am deeply honored to yield all the time he needs to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel), the author of this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, how much time do I have left on this side?

Madam Speaker, I would like to certainly compliment and thank our distinguished veterans of the Korean War, now Members, our colleagues here in this institution, for not only sharing with us their experiences, but the fact that this close relationship that we have with the Republic of Korea should never be lessened in any way.

It's been my privilege over the years to have visited the Republic of Korea, visited with their leaders. And the outstanding results of now South Korea becoming one of the great economic powers of Southeast Asia, I might say, is mainly because of our close economic ties. I also want to note the fact that the number one electronic company in the world is in South Korea. Also, the number one shipbuilding company is in South Korea.

I sincerely hope that in the coming months we will be able to continue to negotiate successfully the proposed free trade agreement that was done previously by the previous administration and negotiators. It's my understanding that as a result of this proposed free trade agreement we stand to gain at least somewhere between $11 to $20 billion in exports of our products to South Korea if we get an approval of this proposed agreement.

I also want to note, as a matter of a little history, and complement what my friend from New York has stated about the people and the good leaders of South Korea. My own personal experience while serving in Vietnam, I tell you, you really know who your real friends are. The fact that there were 50,000 South Korean soldiers fighting alongside American soldiers in Vietnam, now that is where you really know who your real friends are. The leaders and the people of South Korea came and joined us in that terrible conflict that our Nation was confronted with in fighting communism.

It's also my understanding that in the coming months, the President of Korea will be presiding over the G-20 meeting of 20 of the most prominent countries economically, and hopefully there will be better solutions given to the economic demise that not only the world is faced with now, especially the contributions that the 20 countries can offer in solving some of the serious economic problems that we are confronted with today.

I gladly yield to the gentleman from New York.

I thank the gentleman for his comments.

I might also note, Madam Speaker, that out of some 15 million Asian Pacific Americans, we have well over 2 million Korean Americans as part of the fiber of our great democracy that have made tremendous contributions to our country. I wanted to just note that for the record.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, but I do want to say for the record again, on behalf of a grateful Nation, to extend our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the gentleman from New York, Mr. Rangel, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Coble, and Mr. Conyers for their contributions, and especially as veterans of the Korean War.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

I do want to thank my good friend and colleague from Texas as well as our friend from the State of Hawaii for managing this important resolution.

Madam Speaker, it is ironic that we just got through considering a resolution which commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Korean War. Four of our colleagues were veterans of that terrible conflict: Congressman Rangel, Congressman Sam Johnson of Texas, Congressman John Conyers of Michigan, and Congressman Howard Coble of North Carolina. The Korean War took 30,000 of our soldiers' lives. Let us not forget their sacrifice as we honor the celebration of the 235th birthday of the U.S. Army.

It was my honor to have served as a member of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam conflict, Madam Speaker. I recall the time of the Revolutionary War and of George Washington, with some 12,000 soldiers who were not very well trained. They had to go up against some 30,000 British Redcoats, which was the most powerful military organization at that time, but we had to fight it. We won the war, giving credit to General George Washington and to those who were able to assist him.

Madam Speaker, as a matter of history of the U.S. Army, during World War II, some 100,000 Japanese Americans were incarcerated in concentration camps. Despite all the discrimination, all the hatred, and all the racism that was heaped upon the Japanese Americans, they volunteered and organized the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry brigade, which was sent to Europe. These two military organizations became among the most decorated ever in the history of the U.S. Army.

As I recall distinctly of the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry, some 18,000 individual decorations were given to the men who served, these Japanese Americans. Some 9,000 Purple Hearts were awarded, some 560 Silver Stars and 52 Distinguished Service Crosses--and ironically, only one Medal of Honor. Well, we corrected that. As a result of again reviewing the value and the courage of these Japanese American soldiers who fought during that time, 19 additional Medals of Honor were awarded because of what they had done during the war. I just wanted to note that as a matter of history.

I want to commend the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Edwards) for his authorship of this resolution. I sincerely thank my good friend, Congressman Ortiz, for allowing me to say a few words in celebrating the 235th birthday of the U.S. Army.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 286, celebrating the 235th birthday of the United States Army.

First, I would like to thank Chairman Skelton and Ranking Member McKeon of the Committee on Armed Services for bringing the resolution to the floor today. I also want to commend my good friend, Congressman Chet Edwards of Texas, for introducing this resolution as well as all of the other cosponsors for their rapid and strong support.

The freedoms that this great country was built on were not formed out of peace and diplomacy, but out of necessity for war. The United States Army has ensured the safety and continuance of the freedoms won since the Revolutionary War that declared our independence from Great Britain. In 1775, the Continental Army was formed representing the thirteen American colonies consisting of a few thousand soldiers. Today, according to the Department of Defense, there are over 2 million personnel serving in our Armed Forces while 675,000 are either active duty or reserve in the U.S. Army.

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely give my thanks to all the men and women who have served and are serving in the U.S. Army. As a Vietnam veteran, I appreciate the dedication and service of all those who have volunteered. The United States military is an essential component of our country's success and we owe them a debt of gratitude. Given that the average age of a soldier in the U.S. Army today is 22 years old, I would like to recognize the young men and women of this country for devoting themselves to maintaining the freedoms and rights enumerated by our founding fathers since 1776.

The United States Army personnel, as well as all branches of the military, deserve not only our respect, but our recognition. Our United States military today is the strongest and fiercest volunteer force dedicated to protecting and defending our great nation. For this reason I would like to recognize all U.S. military personnel serving in our homeland and throughout the world.

For their service, valor and commitment, we must honor the United States Army. I urge my colleagues to pass H. Con. Res. 286.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation to ensure that the flags of the several States, the District of Columbia, and the Territories of the United States encircle the Washington Monument.

Standing at 555 feet and 5\1/8\ inches tall, the Washington Monument is the most prominent structure in the nation's capital and is the world's tallest stone structure and the world's tallest obelisk. Completed in 1884, it memorializes the first President of the United States, President George Washington, who led our country to independence and helped shaped the role of the presidency and the course of our democracy in its early days. It was most fitting then that Congress in 1833 established the Washington National Monument Society to create a monument in honor of the Father of our Country.

Today, the Washington Monument serves as a reminder of the greatness of this Nation, as an object of pride to the American people and of admiration to all who see it.

The legislation I am proposing directs the U.S. National Park Service through the Secretary of Interior, to ensure that the flags of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the Territories of the United States encircle the Washington Monument. As an object of pride to the American people, I think it is most fitting that the flags of all States, DC and U.S. Territories are flown at the Washington Monument.

Yesterday, we celebrated our national Flag Day by commemorating the adoption of the national flag of the United States as proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson on June 14, 1916. As such, a public display of State and Territory flags at the Washington Monument will be an opportunity for each State and Territory to share its own uniqueness through its icons and figures representing the traditions, values, and local histories that collectively have made the United States.

Flags have always been a part of our history and traditions. This legislation will ensure that every American will be part of one of our great national treasures.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 989, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should adopt national policies and pursue international agreements to prevent ocean acidification, to study the impacts of ocean acidification, and to address the effects of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems and coastal economies.

We know ocean acidification occurs as a consequence of high levels of man-made carbon dioxide emissions. But we do not know the full ramifications of ocean acidification. As H. Res. 989 suggests, the United States should pursue national and international activities and agreements to develop a full body of scientific research in addition to the work that will be done by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as part of the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2009.

H. Res. 989 emphasizes that we must do more monitoring and research on ocean acidification in order to protect and preserve the ocean, which serves as a source of food, income and cultural identity for hundreds of millions people living in the United States and around the world.

As Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee for Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment, I know firsthand how important it is for the U.S. Congress to act as a primary supporter of efforts aimed at curbing climate change and its consequences, including ocean acidification. And in representing a district whose livelihood and heritage were shaped by the South Pacific, preserving the ocean environment will always be one of my paramount concerns. I urge my colleagues to join with the 53 Members who have already cosponsored H. Res. 989 and support its passage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 518, legislation honoring the life of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, explorer, researcher, and pioneer in the field of marine conservation.

First I want to thank the chief architect, the gentle lady from Florida, Ms. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, for her leadership on this important resolution. I also want to thank the gentle lady from Guam, Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife, my good friend Madeleine Bordallo, and all my colleagues on the Natural Resources Committee for their support on H. Res. 518.

This house resolution enjoys bi-partisan support as well as the blessings of the Cousteau family. And it is most fitting that we approve this measure to recognize the life and accomplishments of Jacques Cousteau on the 100th anniversary of his birth on June 11, 1910.

Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 518 recognizes an exceptional individual that has left an indelible mark on marine science, research and conservation. Over the span of his career, Mr. Cousteau produced over 120 films, authored or contributed to 50 books, invented the skin diving gear, and was awarded the prestigious United Nations International Environmental prize as well as the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Ronald Reagan.

In 1952-53, Mr. Cousteau sailed to the Red Sea on the Calypso and filmed the first color footage ever taken at 150 feet depth. Called ``The Silent World'', the documentary won the Academy Award for the Best Documentary Feature in the United States and was also awarded the top honor award at the Cannes Films Festival in 1956.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to know that the legacy of Cousteau lives on with his family. An article by Shelly Banjo in today's edition of the Wall Street Journal highlighted the works of Fabien Cousteau, grandson of Jacques Cousteau. Following the footsteps of his grandfather, the younger Cousteau is pursuing marine conservation projects to restore and protect bodies of water around the world. These efforts are not only important to sustain our oceans and marine resources, but they would also teach and educate everyone on the value of our oceans and aquatic life.

At the time when our nation is facing one of its worst oil spills in our history, the legacy of Cousteau continues to serve as a reminder to all of us about the importance and values in marine conservation and about managing our natural resources.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 518.

Madam Speaker, I rise to bring to your attention an amendment that I proposed to H.R. 5136, the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2011, but unfortunately was not included for Floor consideration.

This proposed measure would amend the appropriate section of the Non- Foreign Area Retirement Equity Assurance Act of 2009, Subtitle B of Title XIX of Public Law 111-84, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, to allow otherwise eligible workers in American Samoa to be paid territorial cost of living adjustment (TCOLA) rates that match the now frozen TCOLA rates applying to Guam.

Madam Speaker, just a year ago, the Non-Foreign Area Retirement Equity Assurance Act (NAREAA) was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 or Public Law 111-84. In essence, COLA would be phased out and locality pay would be phased in over 3 years for all current and future Federal employees, regardless of whether or not they received COLA payments.

Before last year, American Samoa was the only non-foreign area in which Federal employees did not receive COLA. Notwithstanding that by law, Federal employees in the U.S. Territory of American Samoa were eligible to receive COLA payments, OPM decided not to create a separate non-foreign COLA-designated area for American Samoa.

This was especially frustrating given that American Samoa faces many of the same issues, driving higher prices for goods, services, and travel that face other territories in similar situations, and its seemed discriminatory that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has chosen not to provide COLA to Federal employees in American Samoa.

These were the concerns that I continued to raise with OPM over the years but to no avail until last year and I want to thank my good friend from Hawaii, Senator Daniel Akaka for his leadership and efforts on this issue. As a result of NAREAA, GS and white-collar Federal employees in American Samoa are now receiving locality-pay.

Madam Speaker, the enactment of Public Law 111-84 has made more glaring the discrepancy that continue to exist for USPS workers in American Samoa that were not receiving territorial cost of living adjustments (TCOLA) rates.

Only Postal Inspectors and employees of the Postal Service Offfice Inspector General in non-goreign areas are receiving locality pay like other federal employees in the non-foreign areas. The rest of the USPS employees would continue to receive TCOLA payments.

Unfortunately, USPS workers in American Samoa did not receive any adjustments called for under Public Law 111-84 as OPM has never designated American Samoa to receive TCOLA rates. Despite the fact that American Samoa by statute is eligible to receive TCOLA payments, OPM continues to deny American Samoa COLA-designation.

Now that COLA is being phased out and we are now in the 10th pay period since locality pay kicked in and COLA rates have been frozen, it is highly unlikely OPM would ever establish American Samoa as a COLA area because there is not more COLA per se and other GS and white- collar Federal employees in American Samoa are now receiving locality pay.

Therefore, the intent of my amendment is to give the USPS employees in American Samoa the same TCOLA treatment accorded to USPS employees in Guam.

Madam Speaker, as I have been saying throughout all these years, it seems unreasonable that OPM asserts that the cost of living in American Samoa is not high enough to justify payment of COLA when no survey has even been conducted in American Samoa. Especially, American Samoa is about 8,000 miles away from Washington, DC with unique economic challenges and issues.

Madam Speaker, while my amendment was not accepted by the U.S. House Committee on Rules, nevertheless, I will continue to pursue a solution to this critical issue for the people of American Samoa.the people of American Samoa.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my fellow members of Congress who join us today in honoring Asian Pacific Heritage Month and I thank the gentleman from California, Mr. Honda, for sponsoring this resolution to recognize and honor the contributions of our Asian Pacific American community to this great nation. I also thank my colleagues

who are members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and all those who continue to address the issues facing the Asian Pacific American community, and ensure that our community has access to resources and a voice in government.

Originally, Congress in 1978 designated the first week of May to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants and the completion of the transcontinental railroad that was built by the Chinese laborers. Every year since then, the President would issue an Executive proclamation from the White House to honor this month and direct all federal agencies and military installations throughout the country to conduct special events and ceremonies to honor our Asian- Pacific American communities throughout our country.

The achievements and successes of Asian-Pacific Americans demonstrate, above all, that the greatness of our nation lies in its diversity and ability to accept peoples from all over world, as they pledge themselves to become fellow citizens of this great nation.

Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander descent, over 16 million strong, are among the fastest growing demographic groups in the United States today, even though they make up only 9 percent of our nation's population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community is comprised of over 45 distinct ethnicities and over 28 language groups. In recent years, the Asian-Pacific American population has more than doubled and this rapid growth is expected to continue in the years to come--reaching 40.6 million by 2050, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

There are an unprecedented number of Asian-Pacific Americans in the fields of medicine, business, sports, academia, entertainment, and government, just to name a few. As Asian Pacific Americans serve in their respective fields, they share vast knowledge, experience and viewpoints that their unique backgrounds have contributed to.

When I envision America, I don't see a melting pot designed to reduce and remove racial differences. The America I see is a brilliant rainbow--a rainbow of ethnicities, cultures, religions and languages with each person proudly contributing in their own distinctive and unique way for a better America. Asian-Pacific Americans wish to find a just and equitable place in our society that will allow them--like all Americans--to grow, to succeed, to achieve and to contribute to the advancement of this great nation.

Surely Asian Pacific Americans have achieved many important milestones in the history of this nation. Yet while there remains much to be done, I am hopeful that the character of this great nation will ensure equity and access to all of our fellow American citizens from every racial, cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic background.

I would like to close my remarks by asking all of us here--what is America all about? I think it could not have been said better than on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in that summer of 1963 when an African American minister by the name of Martin Luther King Jr., poured out his heart and soul to every American who could hear his voice, when he uttered these profound words, ``I have a dream. My dream is that one day my four little children will be judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.''

That is what I believe America is all about. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1385, to recognize and honor the courage and sacrifice of the members of the Armed Forces and veterans for their service to the people of the United States.

First I want to thank Chairman Ike Skelton, and Ranking Member Howard ``Buck'' McKeon, of the Armed Services Committee, for their leadership and for championing the cause of our military men and women and our veterans. In this month of May known as National Military Appreciation Month, it is important to take time from our busy schedule to recognize and celebrate the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces and veterans, and again I commend Chairman Skelton and Ranking Member McKeon for introducing this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, as a Vietnam veteran, I want to thank all members of the Armed Forces and veterans for their service to this great nation. I especially want to recognize the service and sacrifice made by the sons and daughters of American Samoa to protect this great nation. I am most proud to state for the record that American Samoa's sons and daughters have served in record number in every U.S. military engagement from WWII to the present. Indeed, located some 3000 miles from Hawaii, the American Samoa reserve unit is under the only remaining infantry unit of the U.S. Army Reserve, the 100th battalion of the 442nd Infantry Regiment, or the ``Purple Heart Battalion'' based at Fort Shafter, Hawaii.

As a true testament to the sacrifice made by our brave warriors from American Samoa, I am always reminded of retired Command Sergeant Major Falaniko and his late son Private Jonathan I. Falaniko. PVT Falaniko attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, in May 2003 and was later deployed to Iraq in August 2003. He was then assigned to the 70th Engineer Battalion under the 1st Armored Division, Engineers Brigade of which his father, CSM Ioakimo Falaniko, was the Command Sergeant Major of the brigade and was the most senior enlisted soldier.

On October 27, 2003 PVT Falaniko was killed by a rocket-propelled grenade attack. Twenty-year-old Jonathan Falaniko had been in the U.S. Army for less than 6 months. He was laid to rest with all the other brave men and women that have served this great nation, at the National Cemetery in Arlington. Jonathan's story is only one of thousands of the many Americans who have given the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is customary in the Samoan culture to recognize great deeds and exceptional feats in speeches, songs and storytelling so that they are memorialized and imbedded in the hearts and minds of generations to come. Therefore, I rise today with great honor in support of H. Res. 1385 to recognize the service and courage of all our servicemen and women and veterans. Let us honor their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice so much to bring about peace and freedom in a troubled world. To our veterans and current service members, and especially to American Samoa's Reserve unit scattered throughout the Middle East, I would like to close by saying how honored and proud I am of your service to this great nation and I commend you for your courage.

May God bless you and may God continue to bless the United States of America. I strongly urge my fellow colleagues to pass this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1382) expressing sympathy to the families of those killed by North Korea in the sinking of the Republic of Korea Ship Cheonan, and solidarity with the Republic of Korea in the aftermath of this tragic incident.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the resolution under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, on March 26, 2010, a South Korean naval ship, the Cheonan, was on a routine mission in waters off the west coast of South Korea. At 9:22 p.m., an explosion ripped through the Cheonan's hull. The ship tilted 90 degrees to starboard and it sank. Of the 104 members of the crew on board, 46 sailors died that evening.

Madam Speaker, our hearts go out for the 46 brave Korean soldiers who lost their lives in this tragedy. Again, we express our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families and loved ones of these 46 brave sailors, and may their families be comforted with the fact that my colleagues here in this Chamber share their pain and sorrow. And we remember well what the Lord said in his Sermon on the Mount: ``Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.''

Madam Speaker, despite the immediate suspicion that North Korea was responsible for the attack and the shocking loss of life, the Republic of South Korea reacted calmly and deliberately. As the country mourned its dead, the government formed a Joint Civilian-Military Investigation Group to assess the cause of the explosion. The 74-member team, which included 24 experts from the United States, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Australia, spent several weeks examining the evidence as objectively and scientifically as possible.

On May 20, 2010, Madam Speaker, the group released its final report, concluding unanimously that ``the Cheonan was attacked and sunk by a torpedo that was launched from a small North Korean submarine.'' On the day of the report's release, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Howard Berman; and the committee's ranking member, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen; chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, Congressman Gary Ackerman; and the ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment, Congressman Don Manzullo; and I introduced House Resolution 1382, the legislation which is now before us.

We did so to demonstrate America's strong solidarity with the Republic of Korea and to call for an appropriate and coordinated international response to North Korea's unprovoked and deadly attack. We also sought to express our condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed, to reaffirm our enduring commitment to the U.S.- Republic of Korea alliance, and to the security of all good people of the Republic of Korea.

In addition, Madam Speaker, our resolution calls for an apology from North Korea for its actions and a commitment by Pyongyang never to violate the Korean War Armistice Agreement again. It urges the international community to fully implement all United Nations Security Council resolutions pertaining to security on the Korean Peninsula, including Resolutions 1695, 1718, and 1874. Finally, the resolution calls for the United States, in coordination with its allies and partners, to take appropriate steps in response to other hostile acts perpetrated by North Korea.

The sinking of the Cheonan was one of the worst violations of the Korean war armistice since the end of the Korean war. It took place in the wake of other recent North Korean provocations, such as an attempted sale of weapons to Hamas and Hezbollah late last year. Fortunately, our close friend and strong ally, Thailand, seized the plane containing the arms shipment to the Middle East. Last month, South Korea also arrested two North Korean agents sent to Seoul to assassinate Hwang Jang-yop, the highest ranking North Korean official who defected to South Korea.

Today, South Korea's President Lee Myung-bak said in an address to his nation that in responding to the sinking of the Cheonan: ``The overriding goal of the Republic of Korea is not military confrontation. Our goal has always been the attainment of real peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula.'' The President went on to say that ``North Korea will pay a price corresponding to its provocative acts.'' That price will include stopping all trade and most investments with North Korea, as well as closing South Korea's sea lanes to North Korean ships.

Madam Speaker, House Resolution 1382 shares President Lee's goals and his call for a calibrated response to North Korea's provocations. No one wants tensions to escalate to the point where another Korean war breaks out, but North Korea must understand that its actions have consequences, that it cannot violate the armistice, break international law, and kill innocent people with impunity. That is why my colleagues and I introduced the resolution, and why we now call on all Members of this body to join us in supporting it.

Madam Speaker, I strongly support this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I do want to compliment my good friend from California for his most eloquent statement, most insightful. And I could not agree better with the gentleman's suggestion that we should take this matter directly to the Security Council of the United Nations with such evidence to show--not to embarrass anybody, but to bear the facts out that, I think, this is an act--it's an act of war, Madam Speaker. There's no other way that you can look at this. And I want to commend my good friend from California for making this suggestion.

It should be brought before the Security Council. There should be full deliberations, and let the nations of the world see and witness for themselves what this conduct has become. The killing of 46 sailors, just unbelievable.

I gladly yield to my good friend from California.

Madam Speaker, I just want to note also that over the years it has been my privilege in dealing and working with the good people and the leaders of South Korea, and I, for one, over the years have always said that the principles underlying the Sunshine Policy, as it was enunciated and tried, I believe, thankfully, by the late President Kim Dae Jung in his efforts to see about bettering relationships between North and South Korea.

I know that there were flaws and shortcomings of the Sunshine Policy. And it's to the point now, how much further do we need to show our friendship and goodwill to the people and to the leaders of North Korea? This act of conduct on the part of North Korea is, no question, without excuse.

I gladly thank my good friend from California for his statement.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1382) expressing sympathy to the families of those killed by North Korea in the sinking of the Republic of Korea Ship Cheonan, and solidarity with the Republic of Korea in the aftermath of this tragic incident.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the resolution under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, on March 26, 2010, a South Korean naval ship, the Cheonan, was on a routine mission in waters off the west coast of South Korea. At 9:22 p.m., an explosion ripped through the Cheonan's hull. The ship tilted 90 degrees to starboard and it sank. Of the 104 members of the crew on board, 46 sailors died that evening.

Madam Speaker, our hearts go out for the 46 brave Korean soldiers who lost their lives in this tragedy. Again, we express our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families and loved ones of these 46 brave sailors, and may their families be comforted with the fact that my colleagues here in this Chamber share their pain and sorrow. And we remember well what the Lord said in his Sermon on the Mount: ``Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.''

Madam Speaker, despite the immediate suspicion that North Korea was responsible for the attack and the shocking loss of life, the Republic of South Korea reacted calmly and deliberately. As the country mourned its dead, the government formed a Joint Civilian-Military Investigation Group to assess the cause of the explosion. The 74-member team, which included 24 experts from the United States, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Australia, spent several weeks examining the evidence as objectively and scientifically as possible.

On May 20, 2010, Madam Speaker, the group released its final report, concluding unanimously that ``the Cheonan was attacked and sunk by a torpedo that was launched from a small North Korean submarine.'' On the day of the report's release, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Howard Berman; and the committee's ranking member, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen; chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, Congressman Gary Ackerman; and the ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment, Congressman Don Manzullo; and I introduced House Resolution 1382, the legislation which is now before us.

We did so to demonstrate America's strong solidarity with the Republic of Korea and to call for an appropriate and coordinated international response to North Korea's unprovoked and deadly attack. We also sought to express our condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed, to reaffirm our enduring commitment to the U.S.- Republic of Korea alliance, and to the security of all good people of the Republic of Korea.

In addition, Madam Speaker, our resolution calls for an apology from North Korea for its actions and a commitment by Pyongyang never to violate the Korean War Armistice Agreement again. It urges the international community to fully implement all United Nations Security Council resolutions pertaining to security on the Korean Peninsula, including Resolutions 1695, 1718, and 1874. Finally, the resolution calls for the United States, in coordination with its allies and partners, to take appropriate steps in response to other hostile acts perpetrated by North Korea.

The sinking of the Cheonan was one of the worst violations of the Korean war armistice since the end of the Korean war. It took place in the wake of other recent North Korean provocations, such as an attempted sale of weapons to Hamas and Hezbollah late last year. Fortunately, our close friend and strong ally, Thailand, seized the plane containing the arms shipment to the Middle East. Last month, South Korea also arrested two North Korean agents sent to Seoul to assassinate Hwang Jang-yop, the highest ranking North Korean official who defected to South Korea.

Today, South Korea's President Lee Myung-bak said in an address to his nation that in responding to the sinking of the Cheonan: ``The overriding goal of the Republic of Korea is not military confrontation. Our goal has always been the attainment of real peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula.'' The President went on to say that ``North Korea will pay a price corresponding to its provocative acts.'' That price will include stopping all trade and most investments with North Korea, as well as closing South Korea's sea lanes to North Korean ships.

Madam Speaker, House Resolution 1382 shares President Lee's goals and his call for a calibrated response to North Korea's provocations. No one wants tensions to escalate to the point where another Korean war breaks out, but North Korea must understand that its actions have consequences, that it cannot violate the armistice, break international law, and kill innocent people with impunity. That is why my colleagues and I introduced the resolution, and why we now call on all Members of this body to join us in supporting it.

Madam Speaker, I strongly support this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I do want to compliment my good friend from California for his most eloquent statement, most insightful. And I could not agree better with the gentleman's suggestion that we should take this matter directly to the Security Council of the United Nations with such evidence to show--not to embarrass anybody, but to bear the facts out that, I think, this is an act--it's an act of war, Madam Speaker. There's no other way that you can look at this. And I want to commend my good friend from California for making this suggestion.

It should be brought before the Security Council. There should be full deliberations, and let the nations of the world see and witness for themselves what this conduct has become. The killing of 46 sailors, just unbelievable.

I gladly yield to my good friend from California.

Madam Speaker, I just want to note also that over the years it has been my privilege in dealing and working with the good people and the leaders of South Korea, and I, for one, over the years have always said that the principles underlying the Sunshine Policy, as it was enunciated and tried, I believe, thankfully, by the late President Kim Dae Jung in his efforts to see about bettering relationships between North and South Korea.

I know that there were flaws and shortcomings of the Sunshine Policy. And it's to the point now, how much further do we need to show our friendship and goodwill to the people and to the leaders of North Korea? This act of conduct on the part of North Korea is, no question, without excuse.

I gladly thank my good friend from California for his statement.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, how much time do we have left?

I thank the gentleman for yielding. I am very respectful of my dear friend here. Mr. Speaker, I thank my fellow Members of Congress who join us today in honoring Asia Pacific Heritage Month. I especially want to thank the gentleman from California, my colleague, Mr. Honda, for his leadership as chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and in requesting this Special Order to allow members of this institution to pay tribute and to recognize the contributions of the Asian Pacific American community to our Nation.

Founded in 1994 by then-Congressmen and my dear friend and former colleague, Congressman Norman Mineta, this caucus has been a strong advocate for the Asian Pacific American community on critical issues such as housing, health care, immigration, civil rights, economic development, and education, just to name a few. And so it is fitting that we are gathered here today to advocate as advocates of our community to acknowledge the wide-ranging contributions that Asian Pacific Americans have made in the history of our great Nation.

It's been 18 years now that Congress has given authorization that our Nation pay special tribute in the month of May to the contributions of our Asian Pacific American community. I will try and elaborate on the achievements and successes of Asian Pacific Americans to highlight our rich legacy and diversity but, more importantly, to demonstrate that the greatness of our Nation lies in its diversity and ability to accept people from all over the world as they pledge themselves to become fellow citizens of this great Nation.

Americans of Asian Pacific descent, over 16 million of us, make up about 8 or 9 percent of our Nation's population. In recent years, the Asian Pacific American population has more than doubled. There are some predictions that it is now considered the most active and rapidly growing group in our country.

Time will not permit me to share with you the names and contributions of many of our prominent Asian Pacific American leaders in the fields of law, business, and finance. Too many to mention. One only needs to read today's newspapers or a magazine to know that Asian Pacific American students both in secondary schools and universities are among the brightest minds our Nation offers to the world. I fully expect these students now and in the future will contribute their talents and their expertise to solve major issues and problems confronting our Nation and the world.

Many of our prominent business leaders and entrepreneurs are of Asian Pacific descent. For example, many of the popular brands and icons that we know today were created by the brilliant minds of Asian Pacific Americans. For example, the Bose Corporation, which specializes in audio equipment used by historical venues and facilities such as the Sistine Chapel, the Space Shuttle, and the Olympic Stadium, is headed by Amar Bose, an Indian American. Steve Chen, a Chinese American, and Jawed Karim, a Bangladeshi American, were the co-creators of the popular video-sharing Web site YouTube. Vera Wang, a Chinese American fashion designer and model, established herself as an icon by dressing celebrities and creating one of the most fashionable clothing lines for women in the world today.

In the realm of sports, Asian Pacific Americans have come to the forefront. Five Asian Pacific Americans competed for Team USA in the recent Winter Olympics, including short-track skaters J.R. Celski, Apolo Ohno, and Simon Cho, and snowboarder Graham Watanabe. Chinese American Julie Chu, who helped lead the U.S. women's ice hockey team to a silver medal, is the first Asian Pacific American to play for the U.S. Olympic women's ice hockey team. Ms. Chu is also the former team captain at Harvard University, where she became the all-time NCAA leading scorer for women's ice hockey.

Before I share the accomplishments of other Asian Pacific Americans in the Olympics, I must first recognize the pioneer of them all, in my humble opinion. It's a native Hawaiian by the name of Duke Kahanamoku, the first Asian Pacific American ever to win Olympic gold for the U.S. in the 1912 games. Duke went on to win two more golds and two more silver medals for the United States. Also considered the ``father of modern surfing,'' Duke was the first person to be inducted to both the Swimming Hall of Fame and the Surfing Hall of Fame.

Other prominent Olympians include Kevin Tan, a Chinese American who was selected as captain of the U.S. men's gymnastics team in the 2008 Summer games; high-diver Greg Louganis, of Samoan descent, who won three gold medals in the 1980s; and a high-diver by the name of Sammy Lee, the first Korean American to win a gold medal for the United States in the 1948 games. Four years after his historic feat, Lee also won his second gold medal at age 32, becoming the oldest person to win a gold medal in diving and the first male diver ever to win back-to- back gold medals.

A very, very interesting story about Dr. Sammy Lee. At that time, the U.S. diving team for the Olympics would not even allow Dr. Sammy Lee to practice with them because he was a Korean American. So he had to be somewhat innovative and creative, diving off the cliffs just to try to get himself practice to prepare for the Olympics. Guess what? Despite all the difficulties that he was confronted with, he still won the gold medals for Uncle Sam.

I remember years ago when I attended the 1988 Olympics in Korea and I ran into Dr. Sammy Lee, and I asked him why the Samoan American named Greg Louganis was so good in high-diving. He said, Eni, look at his legs. Greg Louganis has Samoan legs. The reason for this is because of the strength that he gets from his legs. It allows him to jump higher than any of the other divers to do more difficult tricks. I said, Oh, that's a very interesting thing to know.

I've also mentioned many of our young Asian Pacific Americans in the NFL. Today, in the 2010 NFL draft there were seven young men: four Samoans, one Tongan, and one Hawaiian. Probably even more were selected to seven different teams across the Nation.

Sometimes, Mr. Speaker, I usually have to give a lesson in geography when people ask where I'm from--Samoa, not Somalia. But when I mention Troy Polamalu and Junior Seau, they say, Oh, those guys. They're Samoans. They're Asian Pacific Americans. I must also mention that Asian Pacific Americans excelled in the sport of rugby. Many of you may have heard world-renowned New Zealand All Blacks team, whose name, I might add, describes the color of their uniforms and not the skin of the people that play the game. Some of the world's most famous rugby players are of Samoan descent. And the All Blacks team includes Brian Williams, Va'aiga Tuigamala, Tana Umaga, and Michael Jones.

Also of note, a history of discrimination. At the time of apartheid, New Zealand having one of the most powerful rugby national teams, when the South African Springbok team found out there may be a Samoan or Maori that was included in the All Blacks team, they refused to play them because they did not want to associate with these Polynesians or Asian Americans that made up the All Blacks team in New Zealand.

I must also mention in the sport of sumo, as the gentleman from California had alluded to earlier, yes, Asian Pacific Americans also excel in the sport of sumo. I can only mention that the gentleman that started it was a native Hawaiian named Jesse Kuhaulua, whose wrestling name was Takamiyama. He, in turn, trained a Samoan kid by the name of Saleva'a Atisanoa, whose name later became Konishiki. Of course, Konishiki weighed only 570 pounds after they trained him. And, of course, he was able to bench 600 pounds.

And then we have native Hawaiian Akebono, whose name was Chad Rowen. He was about 6'8'' and weighed 500 pounds. Another Samoan Tongan sumo wrestler, also a Yokozuna national champion, by the name of Musashimaru.

As I shared this with my colleagues, I just wanted to mention, Mr. Speaker, in terms of the achievements of these Asian Pacific Americans, in the field of martial arts, the late Chinese American kung fu martial artist Bruce Lee

captivated movie audiences all over the world by destroying the common stereotype of the passive, quiet Asian Pacific American male. The tradition continues today with Jackie Chan and Jet Li.

Mr. Speaker, recently I had the privilege of presenting the Congressional Horizon Award to someone else of interesting making, a gentleman by the name of Dwayne Johnson, commonly known as the Rock. The Rock was featured in movies such as ``The Scorpion King,'' ``Rundown,'' ``Get Smart,'' ``Grid Iron Gang,'' ``Race to Witch Mountain,'' and most recently the comedy fantasy film ``Tooth Fairy.''

The unique thing about Dwayne Johnson is his father is part African American European and Native American, but his mother is pure Samoan. Now, just about every Samoan alive claims to be related to the Rock, including myself. Recently I had the privilege of presenting the Congressional Horizon Award to Dwayne Johnson for his contributions and volunteer work in enriching the lives of children worldwide. Dwayne Johnson has made numerous contributions, especially towards terminally ill children through his Rock Foundation.

There are also an unprecedented number of Asian Pacific Americans in top government positions, and I think many already may have been mentioned. For example, President Obama appointed Dr. Steven Chu, a Chinese American to be Secretary of Energy. Secretary Chu's extensive work in physics and molecular biology has earned him many accolades. Most notably, he won a Nobel Prize for his work in physics by developing methods to cool and trap atoms in laser light. I don't know what that means, Mr. Speaker, but it must have been something very important.

Dr. Chu's dedication to physics led him to the academic side of research as a teacher of physics and molecular and cellular biology at Stanford University and also U.C. Berkeley University. Concerning global warming, Secretary Chu has been a leading advocate for the research of finding alternative sources of energy, steering away our dependence on fossil fuels. Secretary Chu is the first person ever appointed to a Presidential Cabinet after receiving a Nobel Prize.

Also, another member of the President's Cabinet, Secretary of Veteran Affairs, my dear and good friend, former General Eric Shinseki, a Japanese American born in Hawaii, a graduate of West Point and a decorated veteran who fought in two combat tours in Vietnam. General Shinseki, wounded from his last tour in Vietnam, understands from personal experience the plight of veterans and the support those veterans and their families really need. General Shinseki is also the only Japanese American and Asian American to be promoted to the Army's top position as Chief of Staff of the Army. He was the first 4-star general of Asian descent in the history of our U.S. military.

I can remember well when General Shinseki was asked how many soldiers would it take to take control of Iraq. Strictly from a purely professional opinion as a soldier, not as a politician, he said something in the order of several hundred thousand soldiers. For that he was vilified and severely criticized by civilian authority, namely, former Secretary Rumsfeld and former Deputy Secretary Wolfowitz in saying this is outrageous and not true. And guess what, Mr. Speaker, everything that General Shinseki said was absolutely true. And what did we do? We operated a war in Iraq on the cheap and that is why we have spent 8 years there, costing many more lives simply because of mismanagement and not taking more serious advice from people who know what it means to be in war.

Another Cabinet member of the Obama administration who exemplifies that through hard work the American Dream can come true, is former Governor of the State of Washington, Gary Locke, a Chinese American. Secretary Locke grew up in public housing, put himself through Yale University with loans and scholarships and the money he earned working part-time jobs. After earning his law degree, Locke broke many glass ceilings. In 1993 he became the first Chinese American to be elected to his county as county executive in the State of Washington, city of Seattle. And, of course, he served two terms as Governor of the State of Washington.

As a Vietnam veteran, Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I did not say something to honor and respect the hundreds of thousands of Asian Pacific Americans who served then and now in all branches of the armed services to our Nation. As a former member of the U.S. Army Reserve Unit known today as the 100 Battalion 442nd Combat Infantry Group, I would be remiss if I did not share with you the contributions of the tens of thousands of Japanese American soldiers who volunteered to fight our Nation's enemies in Europe during World War II.

As you probably know, after the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, there was such an outrage and outcry for an all-out war against Japan, and days afterwards President Roosevelt right here in this Chamber and the Congress formally declared war against Japan. But out of this retaliation against Japan, over 100,000 Japanese Americans--men, women and children--were caught in the crossfire. Our national government immediately implemented a policy whereby these Japanese Americans were forced to live in what they called relocation camps, but they were actually concentration camps. Their lands, homes, their properties were confiscated without any due process.

My former colleague and former Secretary of Transportation, Norman Mineta, and the late Congressman Bob Matsui from Sacramento spent their early years in these concentration camps. Secretary Mineta shared with us an interesting feature. In the camps they had machine gun nests posted all over the camp. And everyone in the camp was told that the machine guns were necessary to protect them against rioters and others who wanted to harm them. But Secretary Mineta observed if the machine guns were posted to guard and protect us, why is that they are all directed and aimed inside the prison camp compound and not outside.

Mr. Speaker, I submit it was a time in our Nation's history when there was so much hatred and bigotry and racism against our Japanese American community. Despite all this, tens of thousands of Japanese American men volunteered to join the Army, thus leaving their wives, their parents, brothers and sisters behind barbed wire fences to go train in order to fight America's enemies in Europe. As a result of such volunteerism, two combat units were organized. The 100th Battalion and the 422nd Infantry Combat Group were created and immediately sent to fight in Europe. History speaks for itself, Mr. Speaker, documenting that none have shed their blood more valiantly for our Nation than the Japanese American soldiers who served in these two combat units while fighting enemy forces in Europe during World War II.

The military records of the 100th Battalion and the 442nd Infantry are without equal in suffering, in my humble opinion. These Japanese American units suffered an unprecedented casualty rate of 314 percent and received over 18,000 individual decorations, many awarded posthumously for bravery and courage in the field of battle. For your information, 53 Distinguished Service Crosses were awarded for the bravery of these Japanese soldiers; 560 Silver Stars; 9,486 Purple Hearts; and seven Presidential Unit Citations, and I find it unusual that only one Medal of Honor was awarded at that time. Nonetheless, it is noted that the 442nd Infantry Group emerged as the most decorated combat unit of its size ever in the military history of the United States.

President Truman was so moved by the bravery in the field of battle, not only by Japanese Americans but African Americans during World War II, that he issued an executive order to finally desegregate all branches of the armed services. And I am proud to say that Senators Daniel Inouye and the late Senator Spark Matsunaga were members of the original units of the 100th Battalion and 442nd Infantry.

I was very, very happy that the House made a change, reinvestigated and as a result of the investigation in 1999, 19 additional Congressional Medals of Honor were given to these Japanese Americans who were members of these combat groups. Senator Inouye was one of the recipients, and I was

privileged to witness this historic moment at a ceremony at the White House.

Mr. Speaker, looking back on history, I submit to you today that the wholesale and arbitrary abolishment of the constitutional rights of these loyal Japanese Americans should forever serve as a reminder and testament that this must never be allowed to occur again. When this miscarriage of justice unfolded during World War II, Americans of German and Italian ancestry were not similarly jailed en masse. Some declare the incident as an example of outright racism and bigotry in its ugliest form.

After visiting the Holocaust museums in both Washington, D.C. and in Jerusalem, I understand, Mr. Speaker, better why the genocide of some 6 million Jews has prompted the cry, ``never again.'' Likewise, I sincerely hope that the mass internments on the basis of race will never darken the history of our great Nation.

Bruce Yamashita, a Japanese American from Hawaii, was discharged from his training as an officer in the Marine Corps. Marine Corps superiors taunted Bruce with ethnic slurs and told him: We don't want your kind around; go back to your own country.

The situation was made worse when the commandant of the Marine Corps, who appeared on ``60 Minutes,'' said marine officers who are minorities do not shoot, swim or use compasses as well as white officers. Well, the general apologized, but it was too late. After research and investigations, Mr. Yamashita was vindicated and finally commissioned as an officer in the Marine Corps.

Mr. Speaker, when I envision America, I don't see a melting pot designed to reduce and remove racial differences. No, the America I see is a brilliant rainbow, a rainbow of ethnicities, of cultures, different religions and languages with each person proudly contributing in his own distinctive and unique way for a better America.

Asian Pacific Americans wish to find a just and equitable place in our society that would allow them, like all Americans, to grow, to succeed, to achieve, and to contribute to the advancement of this great Nation.

I would like to close my remarks by asking all of us here, my colleagues, and the American people: What is America all about? I think it could not have been said better than on the steps on the Lincoln Memorial in the summer of 1963 when an African American minister by the name of Martin Luther King, Jr., poured out his heart and soul to every American who could hear his voice, when he uttered these profound words: ``I have a dream. My dream is that one day my four little children will be judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.''

That is what I believe America is all about and that is what I firmly believe that the 16 million Asian Pacific Americans that are a part and fabric of our great Nation, that it will make us even a greater country, by looking at the characters of the people and judging them accordingly and not because of race.

I sincerely hope my colleagues will remember this month of May has been dedicated. It has been my privilege to visit several installations over the course of the 20 years I have been here, to share with the American people the contributions that Asian Pacific Americans have made to our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my fellow members of Congress who join us today in honoring Asian Pacific Heritage Month. I also thank the gentleman from California, Mr. Honda, for his leadership as Chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, CAPAC, and in requesting this Special Order to allow Members of this institution to pay tribute to and recognize the contributions of the Asian Pacific American community to our nation.

Founded in 1994 by then-Congressman and my dear friend, Norman Mineta, CAPAC has been a strong advocate for the Asian Pacific American community on critical issues such as housing, healthcare, immigration, civil rights, economic development, and education, just to name a few. And so it is fitting that we are gathered here today as advocates for our community to acknowledge the wide-ranging contributions Asian Pacific Americans have made in the history of this great nation.

In 1992, Congress passed a joint Congressional Resolution to designate the month of May to give special recognition of the contributions of our Asian-Pacific American community to our nation. Originally, Congress in 1978 designated the first week of May to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants and the completion of the transcontinental railroad that was built by the Chinese laborers. Every year since then, the President would issue an Executive proclamation from the White House to honor this month and direct all federal agencies and military installations throughout the country to conduct special events and ceremonies to honor our Asian- Pacific American communities throughout our country.

I will try and elaborate on the achievements and successes of Asian- Pacific Americans to highlight our rich legacy and diversity but, more importantly, to demonstrate that the greatness of our nation lies in its diversity and ability to accept peoples from all over world, as they pledge themselves to become fellow citizens of this great nation.

Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander descent, over 16 million strong, are among the fastest growing demographic groups in the United States today, even though they make up only 9 percent of our nation's population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community is comprised of over 45 distinct ethnicities and over 28 language groups. In recent years, the Asian-Pacific American population has more than doubled and this rapid growth is expected to continue in the years to come--reaching 40.6 million by 2050, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Time will not permit me to share with you the names and contributions of many of our prominent Asian-Pacific American leaders in the fields of law, business, finance, and too many to mention. One only needs to read today's newspaper or a magazine to know that Asian-Pacific American students--both in secondary schools and universities--are among the brightest minds our nation offers to the world. I fully expect that these students--now and in the future--will contribute their talents and expertise to solve major issues and problems confronting our nation and the world.

Many of our prominent business leaders and entrepreneurs are of Asian-Pacific descent. In fact, many of the popular brands and icons that we know today were created by the brilliant minds of Asian-Pacific Americans. For example, the Bose Corporation (note: one syllable, pronounced Boze), which specializes in audio equipment used by historical venues and facilities, such as the Sistine Chapel, the Space Shuttle, and the Olympic stadiums, is currently headed by its founder, Amar Bose--an Indian American. Steve Chen, a Chinese American, and Jawed Karim, a Bangladeshi American, were the co-creators of the popular video sharing Web site, ``YouTube.'' Vera Wang, a Chinese American fashion designer and mogul, established herself as an icon by dressing celebrities and creating one of the most fashionable clothing lines for women in the world.

In the realm of sports, Asian-Pacific Americans have come to the forefront. Of the five Asian-Pacific Americans who competed with Team USA in the recent Winter Olympics--including short track skaters J.R. Celski, Apolo Ohno, and Simon Cho, and snowboarder Graham Watanabe-- Chinese American Julie Chu, who helped lead the U.S. women's ice hockey team to a silver medal, is the first Asian American to play for the U.S. Olympic women's ice hockey team. Chu is also the former team captain at Harvard where she became the all-time NCAA leading scorer for women's ice hockey.

Before I share the accomplishments of other Asian-Pacific Americans of Olympic fame, I must first recognize the pioneer of them all--Native Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku, the first Asian-Pacific American ever to win Olympic gold for the U.S. in the 1912 games. Duke went on to win two more gold and two silver medals. Also considered the ``father of modern surfing,'' Duke was the first person to be inducted to both the Swimming Hall of Fame and the Surfing Hall of Fame.

Other prominent Olympians include: Kevin Tan, a Chinese American who was selected as captain of the U.S. men's gymnastics team in the 2008 summer games; high-diver Greg Louganis, of Samoan descent, who won three gold medals in the 1980s; and high-diver Dr. Sammy Lee, the first Asian-American ever to win Olympic gold for the U.S. in the 1948 Games. Four years after his historic feat, Lee won his second gold medal at age 32, becoming the oldest person to win a gold medal in diving, and the first male diver to win back-to-back gold medals.

As a Korean-American living before the Civil Rights movement, Sammy had to overcome much discrimination to attain his goals. Even finding a place to practice was a struggle. For example, the Brookside pool in Dr. Lee's town would only allow non-Whites to use the pool once a week. Sammy described that at closing, the pool was emptied, and fresh water was brought in the next day. On other days, he would often practice his diving form by jumping onto a sand pile.

After attaining his goals of becoming both an Olympic diver and a medical doctor--which he promised his father--Sammy turned to coaching and not surprisingly, met with great success. He coached one of his most famous students, then sixteen-year old Greg Louganis, to a silver medal in 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal.

I remember years ago when I attended the 1988 Olympics in Korea and I ran into Dr. Sammy Lee. I asked him why this Samoan-American named Louganis was so good in the art of diving. He said, ``Look at his legs, they are Samoan.'' The reason for this is it gives him the ability to jump higher than any of his Olympic competitors. He could jump higher than anybody. That's what gives him the opportunity to do flips more difficult than any of the others to accomplish.

Asian-Pacific Americans are more prevalent in American sports now than ever before. We have Yao Ming, a Chinese basketball player, playing for the Houston Rockets; Daisuke Matsuzaka, a Japanese baseball player, playing for the Boston Red Sox; and Yutaka Fukufuji, the first Japanese to play for the National Hockey League, who played for the Los Angeles Kings.

I have to also mention our young Asian-Pacific Americans in the NFL. In the 2010 NFL draft, seven young men--four Samoans, one Tongan and one Hawaiian--were selected by seven different teams across the nation. These young men are ambassadors of goodwill and represent the Asian- Pacific Americans of past and present NFL fame--from pioneers such as Al Lolotai who played for the Washington Redskins in 1945, Charles Ane and Rockne Freitas of Detroit Lions, to the likes of Junior Seau of the New England Patriots and Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

I must also mention Polynesians' first love which is rugby. Many of you may have heard of the world-renown New Zealand All Blacks team, whose name--I might add--describes the color of their uniforms and not their skin. Some of our famous Samoan rugby legends of the All Blacks include Bryan Williams, Va'aiga Tuigamala, Tana Umaga, and Michael Jones.

Michael Jones, who was noted for his refusal to play on Sundays (including major semifinal matches) due to his strong Christian beliefs, was once asked how a Christian such as himself could be such an uncompromising tackler. In reply, he quoted a scripture from the Bible saying, ``It is better to give than receive.''

Also to note is the history of discrimination that the All Blacks faced in international rugby--most notably, while playing the South Africa Springboks. During a time when the white South African government's apartheid views regarded the black majority as second- class citizens, the South African Rugby Union demanded Maori players be excluded from All Blacks teams. Just recently--in fact, last month-- South African rugby has given its first indication that it is willing to apologize to the Maori for this discriminatory practice which occurred decades ago.

Asian-Pacific Americans have also made their name in American rugby teams. I must also mention the successes of a young Samoan-American rugby player by the name of Thretton Palamo, who made his World Cup debut in 2007, becoming the youngest player ever to appear in a World Cup match, eight days after his 19th birthday. Palamo, a strong advocate for the sport, was additionally named as captain for the USA Sevens team at the 2009 World Games in Taiwan.

I must also mention our internationally renown Asian-Pacific Americans who excelled in Japan's most revered and ancient sport-- sumo--including: Takmiyama (Native Hawaiian), Konishiki (Samoan), Akebono (Native Hawaiian), and Musashimaru (Samoan-Tongan).

Years ago, an eighteen year old Samoan kid named Saleva'a Atisanoa-- then weighing only 384 poinds and an all-state football player intending to play college football--was walking along Waikiki Beach with his buddies when he caught the attention of the famous Native Hawaiian sumo wrestler and teacher, Jesse Kuhaulua or, as he was known as throughout Japan, Takamiyama.

After convincing Salevaa's parents to have their son try sumo wrestling as an optional sport, Takamiyama brought this young man only with a lavalava and a t-shirt on his back, to start a training program so rigorous and demanding that very few foreigners could endure the first six months.

Saleva'a told me that during his six to seven hours of training every day--in which he didn't understand the language--his body would take about every form of pain and physical punishment including hours of stretching, pushing, and pulling. If you want to know how conditioned a sumo wrestler has to be in order to be successful in this ancient sport, he must be able to do the splits just like a seasoned ballerina dancer at an opera concert.

Salevaa's name was changed to Konishiki and weighing in at only 570 pounds and standing 6 feet tall, he took the entire sumo wrestling world to a different level. His success in winning matches within two years usually would take most sumo wrestlers five years to, achieve. Although he achieved the second highest level in sumo, which was Oyeki, Konishiki became a household name throughout Japan, and was forerunner to two other Polynesian sumo wrestlers who eventually became Yokozuna, or grand champions.

Indeed, these two sumo wrestlers scaled even greater heights by attaining the highest status in this ancient Japanese sport. A native Hawaiian, Chad Rowen or Akebono as he is known in Japan became Yokozuna. Of course, he weighed about 500 pounds and stood 6 feet 8 inches tall. The other was Samoan-Tongan American Fiamalu Penitani, also known as Musashimaru who tipped the scale at 550 pounds and stood 6 feet 4 inches.

In the field of martial arts, the late Chinese-American kung-fu martial arts expert Bruce Lee captivated the movie audiences all over the world by destroying the common stereotype of the passive, quiet Asian-Pacific American male, and the tradition continues today with Jackie Chan and Jet Li.

Now, another sports and movie icon moving his way through the movie industry--and believed to be the heir apparent to Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger--is none other than the former World Wrestling Entertainment champion wrestler, Dwayne Johnson, or commonly known as the Rock. The Rock was featured in movies such as the Scorpion King, Rundown, Get Smart, Grid Iron Gang, Race to Witch Mountain, and most recently the comedy fantasy film Tooth Fairy.

The thing unique about Dwayne Johnson is that his father is of African, European, and Native American descent, but his mother is pure Samoan. Now, just about every Samoan alive claims to be related to the Rock, including myself.

Recently I had the privilege of presenting the Congressional Horizon Award to Chief Seiuli Dwayne ``The Rock'' Johnson for his contributions and volunteer work in enriching the lives of children worldwide. Dwayne Johnson has made numerous contributions--especially towards terminally- ill children--through The Rock Foundation.

There are also an unprecedented number of Asian-Pacific Americans in top government positions, and these leaders were not appointed to their positions because of their race and heritage but because they bring vast knowledge, experience and different viewpoints that their APA backgrounds have contributed to.

For example, President Obama appointed Steven Chu, a Chinese American, to be the Secretary of Energy. Secretary Chu's extensive work in physics and molecular biology has earned him accolades and achievements throughout the world--most notably he won a Nobel Prize for his work in physics by developing methods ``to cool and trap atoms with laser light.''

Chu's dedication to physics led him to the academic side of research, as a teacher of physics and molecular and cellular biology at Stanford and UC Berkley. Concerning global warming, Secretary Chu has been a leading advocate for the research of finding alternative sources of energy, and steering away from our dependence on fossil fuels. Secretary Chu is the first person ever appointed to the Cabinet after receiving a Nobel Prize.

Our newest Secretary of Veteran Affairs, my good friend General Eric Shinseki, is a Japanese American born in Hawaii, a graduate of West Point, and is a decorated veteran who fought in two combat tours in Vietnam. Secretary Shinseki, wounded from his last tour in Vietnam, understands from personal experience the plight of veterans and the support those veterans and their families need. General Shinseki is also the only Japanese American and Asian American to be promoted to the Army's top position, and was the first four-star general of Asian descent in the history of our U.S. military.

As the Army Chief of Staff during the beginning stages of the war in Iraq, Shinseki publicly clashed with Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld over how many troops the U.S. would need to keep in postwar Iraq. Shinseki testified to the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee that ``something in the order of several hundred thousand soldiers'' would probably be required for postwar Iraq, an estimate far higher than the figure being proposed by Secretary Rumsfeld.

As many of you know, Shinseki's counsel was ultimately rejected in strong language by both Rumsfeld and his Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz and when the insurgency took hold, his comments and their public rejection were often cited by those who felt the Bush administration deployed too few troops. In his November 2006 testimony before Congress, CENTCOM Commander Gen. John Abizaid stated that General Shinseki had in fact been correct that more troops were needed.

Another cabinet member in Obama's Administration, who has exemplified that with hard

work the American dream can come true, is former Governor of the State of Washington Gary Locke, a Chinese American. Locke grew up in public housing and put himself through Yale University with loans, scholarships and the money he earned working part-time jobs. After earning his law degree, Locke broke many glass ceilings. In 1993, he became the first Chinese American to be elected his county's County Executive, and in 1996, he became the first Chinese American to be governor of a state, serving the maximum of two terms.

Secretary Locke's family history is also an important one to emphasize, as it is one of many hardships that our Asian-Pacific American communities have faced. In an interview, Locke mentioned that his grandfather might have claimed that he was born in the U.S. and that the documents were destroyed. Some of you may know that in 1882 our government institutionalized racial discrimination against Chinese immigrants where they were banned from entering the United States. The Chinese people living in the U.S. at the time were excluded from becoming American citizens. And because of the restrictions of this law, it was nearly impossible for Chinese families to reunite. This Exclusion Act was repealed only 66 years ago. Locke's grandfather could have been one of the few Chinese immigrants who managed to get into the Untied States through ruses of lost documentation, while the immigration of people from all over Europe was unlimited.

Another prominent Obama appointee is Harold Koh, a Korean American, who currently serves as Chief Legal Counsel for the Department of State. What's interesting about Koh's background is that his father, a legal scholar and diplomat, was granted asylum in the U.S. after a military coup in Korea. Moving their family to Connecticut, he and Koh's mother soon became the first Asian Americans to teach at Yale University.

As a Vietnam veteran, I would be remiss if I do not say something to honor and respect the hundreds of thousands of Asian-Pacific Americans who served then and now in all branches of the armed services of our Nation.

As a former member of the U.S. Army's Reserve unit, known today as the 100th Battalion and 442nd Infantry Combat group, I would be remiss if I did not share with you the contributions of the tens of thousands of Japanese American soldiers who volunteered to fight our Nation's enemies in Europe during World War II.

As you probably know, after the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, there was such an outrage and cry for an all out war against Japan and days afterwards our President and the Congress formally declared war. Out of this retaliation against Japan, over 100,000 Japanese Americans were caught in the crossfire.

Our national government immediately implemented a policy whereby these Japanese-Americans were forced to live in what were called relocation camps, but were actually more like prison or concentration camps. Their lands, homes and properties were confiscated by the military without due process of law.

My former colleague and former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Norman Mineta, and the late Congressman Bob Matsui from Sacramento spent the early years of their lives in these prison camps. Secretary Mineta shared one of the interesting features of these prison camps was the many machine gun nests posted all around.

Everyone in the camps was told that these machine guns were necessary to protect them against rioters or others who wanted to harm them. But then-Secretary Mineta observed, ``If these machine guns are posted to guard and protect us, why is it that they are all directed and aimed inside the prison camp compound and not outside?''

It was a time in our Nation's history when there was so much hatred, bigotry and racism against our Japanese American community. Despite all this, the White House accepted the request of tens of thousands of the Japanese Americans to volunteer to join the Army, thus leaving their wives, parents, brothers and sisters behind barbed wire fences. As a result of such volunteerism, two combat units were organized. The 100th Battalion and the 442nd Infantry Combat Group were created and immediately were sent to fight in Europe.

In my humble opinion, history speaks for itself in documenting that none have shed their blood more valiantly for our Nation than the Japanese American soldiers who served in these two combat units while fighting enemy forces in Europe during World War II. The military records of the 100th Battalion and 442nd Infantry are without equal in suffering. These Japanese American units suffered an unprecedented casualty rate of 31.4%, and received over 18,000 individual decorations, many awarded posthumously, for bravery and courage in the field of battle.

For your information, 53 Distinguished Service Crosses, (the second highest medal given for heroism in combat), 560 Silver Stars (third highest medal), 9,486 Purple Hearts, and 7 Presidential Unit Citations, the Nation's top award for combat units, were awarded to the Japanese American soldiers of the 100th Battalion and 442nd Infantry Group. I find it unusual however, that only one Medal of Honor was awarded at the time. Nonetheless, the 442nd Infantry Group emerged as the most decorated combat unit of its size in the history of the United States Army.

President Truman was so moved by their bravery in the field of battle, as well as that of African American soldiers during World War II, that he issued an Executive Order to finally desegregate all branches of the Armed Services.

I am proud to say that we must recognize Senator Daniel K. Inouye and the late, highly respected Senator Spark Matsunaga of Hawaii, who distinguished themselves in battle as soldiers with the 100th Battalion and 442nd Infantry.

It was while fighting in Europe that Senator Inouye lost his arm while engaged in his personal battle against two German machine gun posts. For his heroism, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. As a result of a Congressional mandate that was passed in 1999 to review the military records of these two combat units, President Clinton presented 19 Congressional Medals of Honor to the Japanese Americans who were members of these two combat groups. Senator Inouye was one of those recipients of the Medal of Honor and I was privileged to witness this historical moment at a White House ceremony.

Just last May, the House unanimously passed H.R. 347, thus granting the Congressional gold medal, collectively, to the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, United States Army, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II.

Looking back on history, I submit to you today, that the wholesale and arbitrary abolishment of the constitutional rights of these loyal Japanese Americans should forever serve as a reminder and testament that this must never be allowed to occur again. When this miscarriage of justice unfolded during World War II, Americans of German and Italian ancestry were not similarly jailed en masse. Some declare the incident as an example of outright racism and bigotry in its ugliest form.

After visiting the Holocaust museums in both Washington, DC and in Jerusalem, I understand better why the genocide of 6 million Jews has prompted the cry, ``Never Again.'' Likewise, I sincerely hope that mass internments on the basis of race will never again darken the history of our great Nation.

To those who say, well, that occurred decades ago, I say we must continue to be vigilant in guarding against such evil today.

Not long ago we had the case of Bruce Yamashita, a Japanese American from Hawaii who was discharged from the Marine Corps officer training program in an ugly display of racial discrimination. Marine Corps superiors taunted Yamashita with ethnic slurs and told him, ``We don't want your kind around here. Go back to your own country.'' The situation was made worse by the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Carl E. Mundy, who appeared on television's ``Sixty Minutes'' and stated, ``Marine officers who are minorities do not shoot, swim or use compasses as well as white officers.''

After years of perseverance and appeals, Mr. Yamashita was vindicated after proving he was the target of vicious racial harassment during his officer training program. The Secretary of the Navy's investigation into whether minorities were deliberately being discouraged from becoming officers resulted in Bruce Yamashita receiving his commission as a captain in the Marine Corps.

When I envision America, I don't see a melting pot designed to reduce and remove racial differences. The America I see is a brilliant rainbow--a rainbow of ethnicities, cultures, religions and languages with each person proudly contributing in their own distinctive and unique way for a better America. Asian-Pacific Americans wish to find a just and equitable place in our society that will allow them--like all Americans--to grow, to succeed, to achieve and to contribute to the advancement of this great Nation.

I would like to close my remarks by asking all of us here--what is America all about? I think it could not have been said better than on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in that summer of 1963 when an African American minister by the name of Martin Luther King, Jr. poured out his heart and soul to every American who could hear his voice, when he uttered these profound words, ``I have a dream. My dream is that one day my four little children will be judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.''

That is what I believe America is all about.

Will the gentleman yield?

I just want to again offer my commendation to the gentleman for his tireless service and also for his leadership in moving so very many important issues affecting the needs of our Asian Pacific American community in the course of the numbers of years that you have served as chairman. And I speak, I'm sure, on behalf of our colleagues and members of our Asian Pacific Congressional Caucus in doing such a splendid job.

My understanding, I think Monday the President's going to invite us to the White House to honor, this month, all the Asian Pacific Americans. And as you said earlier, President Obama is a Hawaiian. He's a Pacific Islander, the first President who at least knows where the Pacific Ocean is.