WASHINGTON — May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, which recognizes the history, contributions, and achievements of the AANHPI community.
The month of May was chosen due to two important milestones in AANHPI history: May 7, 1843, when the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the U.S., and May 10, 1869, when the first Transcontinental Railroad was completed with substantial contributions from Chinese immigrant workers.
This year’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month precedes the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
To commemorate AANHPI Heritage Month, the chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) and House Democratic leadership issued the following statements:
CAPAC Chair Rep. Grace Meng (D-N.Y.): “Happy Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! This year’s celebration precedes the 250th anniversary of the United States — a historic milestone and an opportunity to honor the generations of AANHPIs who have helped build and strengthen this nation. Our presence long predates America’s founding, beginning with the first recorded arrival of Filipinos in what is now the continental United States at Morro Bay in 1587.
“Since then, our communities have played a vital role in shaping our nation. From the Asian immigrants who fought in the Revolutionary War to the Indian American astronauts who have pushed the boundaries of space exploration, our contributions can be seen in every facet of society. Our history is American history, and it deserves to be recognized as such — especially at a time when our nation’s leaders seek to diminish or erase it.
“As chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I remain committed to improving the lives of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders across the nation. CAPAC will continue fighting for a future where every person — no matter where they come from, what they look like, or how they pray — can live with dignity, safety, and prosperity.”
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.): “Happy Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! From Brooklyn to the Bay Area and beyond, we celebrate the wide-ranging contributions, rich history and diverse culture of the AANHPI community. Our AANHPI brothers and sisters are an indelible part of the great American journey.
“This month and every month, House Democrats are committed to ending the scourge of anti-Asian hate and fighting back against the extremists who are trying to erase the heroic AANHPI trailblazers who have moved our country closer to becoming the best version of itself.”
House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.): “I am immensely grateful for Chair Meng and CAPAC’s leadership at this crossroads in our history. As we celebrate our AANHPI communities’ rich heritage this month, House Democrats will continue to stand united in fighting for the dignity, safety, and opportunity that are the birthright of all our children. I’m so proud that we have CAPAC leading the way toward that better and kinder future.”
House Democratic Chair Pete Aguilar (D-San Bernardino): “I’m proud to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month alongside my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. This month is a time to honor the culture, achievements and countless contributions of the AANHPI community. The AANHPI community has made America stronger, and the work to ensure they are seen, heard and represented is not over.
“House Democrats remain committed to uplifting and protecting AANHPI communities and we will continue fighting for a more equitable and inclusive future.”
House Democratic Vice Chair Ted Lieu (D-Manhattan Beach): “The history of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities is inseparable from the history of America. Chinese laborers built the Transcontinental Railroad under dangerous conditions and receiving unequal pay, helping transform the nation’s economy. During World War II, as Japanese American families were forcibly incarcerated, Japanese American soldiers became one of the most decorated units in U.S. history. In the 1960s, Filipino farm-workers led efforts that advanced labor rights nationwide. The list goes on.
“This AANHPI Heritage Month, I’m pleased to celebrate the people and contributions that continue to shape our country. In these times of heightened division, I am firmly committed to fighting against the racial, cultural, and religious intolerance that threatens to divide us.”
CAPAC First Vice Chair Mark Takano (D-Riverside): “I am excited to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This is an important opportunity to honor the rich diversity, resilience, and shared community of AANHPI peoples. I am proud to be Japanese American, the son of immigrants, and the great-nephew of Mon — who gave his life for this country even as his family suffered incarceration during World War II. His story is one of many sacrifices we remember this month.
“As the first vice chair of CAPAC, I know our strength lies in our solidarity and resilience, and I am grateful to all who join in honoring this important occasion.”
CAPAC Second Vice Chair Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii): “AANHPI Heritage Month is a powerful reminder to honor our history and celebrate our impact. At a time when President Trump has prioritized erasing the contributions of AANHPIs and other communities of color, our voices are more critical than ever. The legacy of our AANHPI communities is inseparable from the American story.
“As a proud Yonsei (fourth-generation) Okinawan American, I know we have a responsibility to speak out, demand change, and protect our stories. As they double down on division and despair, now is the time to rise, reclaim our stories, and lead the fight for a future where every AANHPI voice is seen, heard, and uplifted.”
CAPAC Whip Ami Bera (D-Sacramento): “Happy AANHPI Heritage Month! This month, we recognize the contributions AANHPI communities have made to the history, culture and strength of our nation.
“As whip of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I am proud to stand with AANHPI communities in Sacramento County and across the country. At a time when too many seek to divide us or erase the stories of our diverse communities, it is more important than ever to lift up the voices, histories and achievements of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.
“I remain committed to ensuring every American — no matter where they come from or what they look like — has the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. Together, we will continue working toward a future rooted in opportunity, respect and freedom for all.”
CAPAC Freshman Representative Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.): “I am thrilled to be marking the start of AANHPI Heritage Month. This May, as our communities come together to honor the cultures, rich histories, and countless contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, let us remember that diversity is one of our country’s great strengths.”
CAPAC Chair Emerita Judy Chu (D-Pasadena): “As the first Chinese American woman elected to Congress and chair emerita of CAPAC, it is always an honor to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month. Although we must continue to celebrate and advocate for our community all year round, this month serves as a special time to reflect on both the challenges AANHPI communities have faced and the remarkable contributions we have made to our nation’s success.
“With over 23 million people representing more than 70 ethnicities and hundreds of languages, the AANHPI community embodies the rich diversity and resilience that define our country.
“Whether it’s fighting to disaggregate data so our whole community is made visible, protecting immigrants’ rights, or combating hateful and racist policies like the Muslim ban or China Initiative, I am committed to working with CAPAC this month and every month to ensure that AANHPI voices are heard, honored, and represented.”
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.): “Despite what Donald Trump and his administration say, diversity is our greatest strength — and our Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities have proven that time and again. Every AANHPI Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor the trailblazers who came before us, uplift the diverse stories of our triumphs and celebrate our community as we continue to forge that path toward a better tomorrow where we all have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.
“AANHPI stories are the American story — from our struggles to our triumphs and everything in between, that’s what we’re celebrating this May and always.”
Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii): “During Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we celebrate the diversity and historic contributions of our communities, while also recognizing the challenges we have overcome. At a time when diversity is under attack, and immigrant communities are being targeted across the country, I am proud to join my colleagues in commemorating AANHPI Heritage Month and reaffirming our commitment in this fight to build a more inclusive and equitable future for all.”
Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.): “Each year, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a chance to celebrate and uplift AANHPI communities in our country. AANHPI stories are fundamentally American stories and a part of who we are as a nation. I hope people of all backgrounds can take part to honor accomplishments in our past but also the promise of the future.
“This month and always, we must stand together above any hate that tries to quell the hope and strength in our diversity and instead shine a light on the incredible voices and cultures around us.”
Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii): “This May, we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month — a time to honor the rich cultures, vibrant histories, and countless contributions of AANHPI communities to Hawai‘i and our nation. From science and the arts to business, public service, and beyond, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have helped shape our state and country’s identity and strengthen its future.
“As we celebrate those accomplishments, we must also recognize the challenges this community continues to face. In recent years and especially during the Trump Administration, many in the AANHPI community endured increased discrimination, xenophobia, and scapegoating. These challenges exposed deep-rooted prejudices and remind us all that the fight for full equality, dignity, and justice is not over.
“This month, we stand with the AANHPI community. We honor their legacy and continue working toward a future where everyone is treated with respect, no matter their background or heritage.”
Rep. Ed Case (D-Hawaii): “Aloha! I am truly honored to join my Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus colleagues once again in honoring and commemorating the proud heritage and history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders throughout our country.
“In my Hawai’i we all stand on the broad shoulders of pioneers who contributed and succeeded in so many fields of endeavor, including, in the world of public service alone, George Ariyoshi, the first American of Asian descent elected governor of any state, Daniel Akaka, the first American of Native Hawaiian descent elected to Congress, Patsy Mink, the first Asian American woman elected to Congress, and Army Gen. Eric Shinseki, the first Asian American to achieve the rank of four-star general.
“We remember them today not simply for their success but especially for their perseverance. Their life stories continue to encourage and inspire all of us to face down the often-unjust challenges that life brings.”
Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-Texas): “As we mark the beginning of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we recognize the contributions these Americans have made to our country and our community — from writer and producer Kevin Kwan from Houston, to astronaut Ellison Onizuka, the first Asian American to fly in space, to the visionary volunteers who established Asian American health coalitions and the international district, where we celebrate this heritage and connection.
“I join my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and neighbors in Houston in celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage, culture, and history. I look forward to continuing to partner with our dynamic Asian American community.”
Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles): “I’m proud to represent diverse AANHPI communities in L.A.’s Koreatown, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Historic Filipinotown, and Little Bangladesh. Their contributions have shaped the culture, economy, and spirit of L.A. and our entire country. This month, we celebrate their history, honor their impact, and keep fighting to make sure every community has the opportunity to succeed.”
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.): “As we begin Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, we come together to recognize the challenges we’ve faced, the achievements we’ve made, and the history we’ve created. As the first South Asian woman ever elected to Congress and an immigrant, I am proud to be a part of this vibrant, diverse community and to have the privilege to advocate for our priorities and to share our stories in government.
“Let us celebrate the rich history, diverse culture, and vital contributions of AANHPI people, not just in May, but every day of the year. Happy AANHPI Heritage Month!”
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Santa Clara): “AANHPI is an opportunity for us to celebrate the rich heritage and contributions made by the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities across America. I’m proud to join my colleagues in celebrating and reaffirming our commitment to building a more inclusive future where all people are treated with dignity and respect.”
Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento): “This month, we celebrate the many ways Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have enriched the fabric of American life. The AA&NHPI community is beautifully diverse, representing a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.
“At a time when attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion are rising, it is more important than ever to share our stories, honor our traditions, and uplift the contributions our community has made — in the arts, in science, in public service, and beyond. As we celebrate our rich tapestry of cultures, we must also educate and inspire the next generation of AA&NHPI leaders to continue building a stronger, more inclusive America.”
Rep. Dave Min (D-Costa Mesa): “As one of only a small number of Asian Americans in Congress, I am honored and excited to be able to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. I’m so proud to represent an incredibly diverse district with a vibrant AANHPI community that makes our local Orange County culture, economy, and society richer and stronger.
“At a time when so many of our most cherished American values – including diversity, inclusion, immigration, and democracy – are under attack, know that I will continue to stand strong for our shared AANHPI priorities, and that starts by both recognizing the outstanding contributions from our communities and also by striving to improve our representation in leadership across the board – whether in C-suites, directors’ chairs, or among our thin ranks of elected officials.”
Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-Va.): “As a member of the Congressional Asian American Pacific American Caucus, and as the only member of Congress with Filipino ancestry, I am proud to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month during the Month of May. The AANHPI community has contributed so much to the fabric of our country.
“Unfortunately, the Trump Administration has moved quickly to dismantle many programs designed to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in the public and private sectors. As we mark and celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month, let us recommit ourselves to the fight for a more just, diverse and equal society.”
Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.): “I am proud to stand with my colleagues in celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month during May. Our communities continue to make significant contributions across the South Sound and the entire nation. This month, we are celebrating our rich history and diversity while honoring Asian American leaders who have paved the way for us today.
“As one of the first Korean American women elected to Congress in its 230-year history, I am proud to represent and be an advocate for Asian American communities.”
Rep. Derek T. Tran (D-Cypress): “This month and every month, I’m proud to celebrate the countless contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) diasporas to our nation. My parents came to this country as refugees from Vietnam and rebuilt their lives here, becoming fixtures of their community and adding to the melting pot that defines American culture. Today, I am honored to be the first Vietnamese American congressman to represent the largest Vietnamese diaspora in the world.
“AANHPI history is inseparable from American history, and as a member of CAPAC, I look forward to uplifting our community and recognizing the AANHPI leaders that enrich our country every day.”