Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. I am proud to honor the diverse Asian Pacific American community I represent in San Francisco, which includes people whose heritage spans the globe--including Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, Thai and Hmong.
The Asian Pacific American population is growing at rapid rates nationally and this trend has been particularly significant in the Eighth Congressional District of California. The Asian Pacific American population in San Francisco has increased by 5.3% during the 1990's. The District I am honored to represent now has the fourth highest Asian Pacific American population of any U.S. congressional district.
While we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we must redouble our commitment to fighting discrimination. Recent studies have documented a troubling increase in negative attitudes toward and hostile acts against Asian Pacific Americans by portions of the American public. There are legitimate concerns about the governmental policies of some Asian countries. These concerns, however, do not and should not reflect on Asian Pacific Americans.
San Francisco became a magnificent cosmopolitan success story because of its diversity. As we celebrate Asian Pacific Islanders Month, let us renew our commitment to overcoming misperceptions of Asian Pacific American people and culture, so that the inspiring and fascinating culture that I experience everyday in my congressional district can be known and celebrated by all.