May 27, 2021

Duckworth, Durbin Join Hirono, Colleagues To Introduce Resolution Marking May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and their Senate colleagues in introducing a resolution marking May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The resolution highlights the contributions to our country by generations of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

“As prejudice toward and violence against the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community have tragically been on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic began, it’s as important as ever that we spend this Asian Pacific American Heritage Month reflecting on the countless ways the AANHPI community has shaped our nation’s history and take pride in the continued contributions of our children and our children’s children,” said Senator Duckworth. “As Asian Pacific American Heritage Month comes to a close, we must continue to work for progress for our community and ensure the American Dream remains within reach for all.”

“I’m proud to join my Senate colleagues today in introducing this resolution to recognize the numerous contributions and achievements of the Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, as well as the hardships they have faced. As a diverse nation, we are made stronger by celebrating the heritage and traditions of Asian Americans and uplifting their stories,” said Senator Durbin. “In standing with the AAPI community, this month, and each day, it is also our responsibility to condemn and combat racism and discrimination targeting Asian Americans.”

“This Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is particularly meaningful. As we celebrate the rich diversity and contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in our country, these very communities have been under attack throughout the pandemic. We must take this opportunity to stand together with these communities and continue our work to advance civil rights and equal treatment for all Americans,” said Senator Hirono.

Along with Duckworth, Durbin and Hirono, the resolution is also co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tom Carper (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The full resolution text is available here.

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