Congressional representatives' statements on Filipino American History Month

The mural in Los Angeles' Filipinotown depicts Filipino American history. It can be viewed at 1644-48 Beverly Blvd.

ON THE FIRST OF OCTOBER, Monday, members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements in recognition of Filipino American History Month, which is celebrated throughout the month:

Rep. Judy Chu, D-CA, CAPAC Chair:

“Filipino American History Month is an important time to celebrate the rich heritage and significant contributions Filipino Americans have made to our nation since the arrival of the first Filipino immigrants in 1587 on what is now considered U.S. soil. Since then, Filipino Americans have contributed greatly to the diverse tapestry of America, serving as laborers, health care providers, educators, entrepreneurs, elected officials, and military service members. Last year, I proudly joined my congressional colleagues to recognize over 200,000 Filipino and Filipino American World War II veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor that Congress can bestow. As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I will continue to fight for the Filipino American community all across our nation and ensure that we honor and uplift their contributions for generations to come.”

Senator Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill:

“During Filipino American History Month, we celebrate the incredible contributions and sacrifices Filipino Americans have made to our great nation over many years. From serving in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II, to strengthening our economy by helping to shape emerging technology and health care industries, the Filipino American community has overcome prejudice and discrimination to thrive and become a vital part of the American story.”

Senator Brian Schatz, D-HI:

“This month, we celebrate the vibrant culture, hard work, and strong values of the Filipino American community. For generations, Filipinos have made Hawai‘i and the United States their home. From labor to business to arts and education, Filipinos have helped write the history of our state and our country. Some of the most significant contributions came from the more than 200,000 Filipinos who fought alongside American service members during World War II. Far too many of them have still not received the basic veterans’ rights they earned. As we celebrate Filipino American History Month, we must continue our efforts to honor those brave Filipino veterans and their families by finally giving them the benefits and recognition they deserve.”

Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-CA:

“As the Representative of Historic Filipinotown in Los Angeles, I’m proud to celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Filipino American community. From World War II veterans to farmworker organizers, the Filipino American community has played an instrumental role in shaping the trajectory of our nation. The everyday contributions of Filipino Americans in Los Angeles – from business, to entertainment, to public service – continues to make our city one of the most vibrant in the nation. I am honored to join my colleagues in recognizing the Filipino American community’s achievements and serve as their champion in Congress.”

Rep. Al Green, D_TX:

“From culture to innovation, the labor movement, civil rights, and intellectual prowess, Filipino Americans have continuously been in the arena of change and justice in the United States. As we celebrate Filipino American History Month, I am proud to serve and advocate for the second largest Asian American population in the nation as a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.”

Rep. Barbara Lee, D-CA:

“Every October we mark Filipino American History Month. This is an important time for our nation to reflect on the history and culture of Filipino Americans, who have served proudly in our armed forces, started small businesses and excelled in the arts and sciences. These contributions help enrich our East Bay culture and values. I am proud to join in marking this month with our community in the East Bay and across the country. As a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and co-chair of the CAPAC Health Care Task Force, I will keep fighting in Congress for policies that uplift and empower all members of our AAPI and Filipino American community.”

Rep. Grace Meng, D-NY:

“I am proud to salute the tremendous accomplishments made by Filipino Americans and I thank the Filipino American community for contributing enormously to our nation. Last year, Filipino World War II veterans were finally awarded with the Congressional Gold Medal, an overdue honor for which I was proud to advocate. They put their lives on the line to preserve and protect our democracy. Presenting them with Congress’ highest civilian honor finally provided these veterans with the recognition they long deserved. I continue to applaud their service and I am honored to celebrate the achievements, heritage and values of all Filipino Americans. I send my warmest wishes for a happy Filipino American History Month to all who celebrate.”

Rep. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, D-MI:

“In honor of Filipino American History Month, we reflect on the struggles and victories of our brothers and sisters from the Philippines over the centuries. We remember the first immigrants from the Philippines who sweated in the fisheries of Louisiana and the pineapple plantations of Hawaii. We thank the Filipino farmworkers who advanced our labor rights from the grape fields of Delano. We honor the Filipino soldiers who fought in World War II and all the wars that followed. And we recognize the Filipino artists whose talents enliven our culture every day. In my home district of the Northern Marianas, Filipinos are an indelible part of the community. They teach our children. They care for our sick and our elderly. And they provide much needed labor to expand our economy. As we reflect on Filipino Americans’ contributions to our society, let us also pause to recognize the sacrifices they have made to build and defend our country.”

Rep. Bobby Scott, D-VA:

“I am pleased to celebrate Filipino American History Month, and I am honored to be the only currently serving Member of Congress with Filipino ancestry. Filipino Americans have made fundamental contributions to society, from music to union strikes; from education to serving in our Armed Forces, they have served unselfishly for the greater good of our society. As we celebrate this special month, let us remember the innumerable contributions made by Filipino Americans, especially the sacrifice of those who served in military during World War II.”

Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52):

“It’s an honor to represent the almost 200,000 Filipino-Americans that call San Diego home and join them in celebrating Filipino American History Month. San Diego is proud of our military history and cultural roots, which were largely shaped by our Filipino community. Since World War II, Filipino-Americans have courageously served in the Navy, which increased Filipino immigration to San Diego and built the communities we have today. As a member of CAPAC, I’m working to make sure our Filipino community is represented and their veterans get the care and support they earned.”

Kick the alt-right out of the White House, say AAPI, black and Latino lawmakers

This photo went viral in the Asian American community.

WHAT'S NEXT after Donald Trump belatedly condemned the KKK, neo-Nazis and white supremacists for the violence that broke out in Charlottesville, Va. over the weekend?
Charlottesville may very well be the "turning point" in America, but not the way meant by David Duke, former KKK leader.

The Trump administration has initiated a litany of policies and initiatives that would turn back the clock to when privilege and power were limited only to whites, including:

• Attacking affirmative action
• Initiating barriers to voting
• Restricting Muslims traveling to the U.S.
• Reducing legal immigration by half
• Criminalizing immigrants
• Trying to kick transgender military personnel out of the armed forces
• Assaulting civil rights

The same day  (Aug. 15) that Donald Trump gave one of the most off-the-wall press conferences about the events in Charlottesville, Va., the leadership of the Congressional Quad-Caucus – which is composed of chairs of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) – and Representatives Barbara Lee and David Cicilline sent a letter to Donald Trump calling for the immediate removal of Steve Bannon, Sebastian Gorka and Stephen Miller from the White House. Bannon, Gorka and Miller, all with ties to the alt-right or have espoused white nationalists'  world view,  serve as senior advisors to the President.

The Congressional Quad-Caucus leadership along with Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statements upon release of the letter. Full text of the letter can be found here.

“President Trump's delayed denunciation of white supremacists and their violent actions in Charlottesville, Virginia this past weekend cannot be separated from this Administration's ongoing assault on racial and religious minorities," said CAPAC Chairwoman Judy Chu, D-Calif. 

"This is not surprising, as the President has filled his inner circle with known supporters of white supremacists, including Steve Bannon, Stephen Miller, and Sebastian Gorka. Their continued presence in the White House is not only an affront to communities across this nation that were threatened and attacked by the violent protests over the weekend, but is a direct contradiction to President Trump's own delayed condemnation of white supremacists, neo-Nazis, and the KKK. Actions speak louder than words. I join my colleagues and call upon President Trump to remove these white supremacists from office, and take action to defeat hate.”

“The white supremacists who descended upon Charlottesville have brought vile racism, hatred and bigotry to the forefront of our political discourse once again. We cannot address the dangerous spread of white supremacy in America without honestly examining its influence on the Oval Office," agreed Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif. 

"President Trump has elevated hate and discrimination to the highest levels of our government. From the Muslim Ban, to raids on immigrant communities, a ban on transgender Americans serving in our military, attempts to revive the failed war on drugs and an all-out assault on civil and human rights, the influence of the alt-right is clear in the Trump Administration’s policy agenda."

“Steve Bannon, Sebastian Gorka and Stephen Miller have long embraced the views of white supremacists, white nationalists and Neo-Nazis. These prejudiced ideologies have no place in the highest office in our land. I urge President Trump to remove Steve Bannon, Stephen Miller and Sebastian Gorka from the White House without delay.”

What can we, the people do to affect the direction of our country?

Speak up: Talk to your neighbors, your family, and your friends. Have a dialogue about what’s happening in our country and what we can do about it. Acknowledge where there are injustices in your community and organize together to reform the system and fix them.

Show up: Prepare for 2018 when the mid-term elections will be held for our congressional represenatives. Make sure those friends and relatives who are eligible to vote is registered. We need to replace those lawmakers who have given Trump a blank check and choose party over country. When it comes time to vote, get out and vote.

Act up: Take action and do something important. There will be rallies, lawmakers' town halls and marches in the future that you can join. Don’t give in to, as Martin Luther King, Jr. would say, “the appalling silence of good people.”

______________________________________________________________________________