Washington, D.C. — Thursday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata released the following statement in honor of Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month:

“The United States has an enduring heritage of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander Americans. This rapidly growing influence spans the world and enriches America's history. This month, we specially recognize these combined contributions for Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month.

“Generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have built a strong legacy that is part of the fabric of our Nation. We’re greatly diverse even among our own different communities. We’re blessed to be part of this great country that seeks to value ideas, hard work, character and all types of contributions by everyone as Americans. We cherish that ideal, and work to ensure equality of opportunity, while counting our blessings to be part of this Republic.

“The progress is visible. Several Pacific Islanders serve in Congress, Asian American leaders serve in key positions in the administration, others in Congress, still others in the military, more in business, academics, and medicine. Secretary Elaine Chao has served in the Cabinet at length in multiple administrations. I think of Admiral Harris rising higher in the US military than any Japanese American to date, and now a key Ambassador for our country. But the real news is not those of us serving now; it’s our young people. They will stand on the shoulders of previous generations and achieve wonderful things! Our young people, some of whom come through my office as interns, absolutely fill me with optimism.

“During Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month, we honor the perseverance of those who crossed vast oceans in small vessels. They built family units second to none, and now their descendants bring the best of those values to the United States.

“Today, we face challenging times in this pandemic. In the Pacific islands, we learn to row together. Like one of our beautiful outriggers skimming the surface, I believe we will find that cooperation together. We will overcome these obstacles to our health and economy. We will experience peaceful waters and favorable breezes again.

“So let’s celebrate our Heritage Month! God has a plan, and we all have our roles in it. That starts with caring for each other, and being good neighbors.

“Thank you and may God bless America and our Asian American and Pacific American communities. Soifua.”