Senate Unanimously Passes Hirono-Led Effort To Recognize Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

WASHINGTON, D.C.- The U.S. Senate today passed a bipartisan resolution lead by Senator Mazie K. Hirono to recognize May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. S.Res. 481 celebrates the contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community to American history.

“Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is a time for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community to reflect on and celebrate the significant role our communities will play in shaping our nation’s future,” said Senator Hirono. “Mahalo to my colleagues from both sides of the aisle for joining me in celebrating pioneers like Hawaii’s own Daniel K. Inouye, Daniel K. Akaka, Patsy Mink, and Hiram Fong, and for recognizing the contributions that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders make to our country every day.”

The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Harry Reid (D-NV), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), Robert Casey (D-PA), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Al Franken (D-MN), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Dean Heller (R-NV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Edward Markey (D-MA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patty Murray (D-WA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR).

2016 marks several significant milestones for the AAPI community, including the 40^th anniversary of President Ford rescinding the Executive Order that led to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and the 40^th anniversary of the traditional Hawaiian voyaging canoe Hokulea’s first voyage to Tahiti. Click here to read the full resolution.