Bill Introduced to Honor Filipino American History Month

WASHINGTON — Rep. Mike Honda (D-Santa Clara) and Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) on Oct. 8 introduced a bicameral and bipartisan resolution to recognize October 2015 as Filipino American History Month.

Rep. Mike Honda

Hirono represents the only Asian American Pacific Islander majority state in the country, and Honda represents the only AAPI-majority district in the continental U.S.

“When we talk about diversity strengthening the fabric of our nation, the contributions of Filipino Americans come to mind,” said Honda. “Every day in Silicon Valley, I see evidence of the continued courage, innovation, and hard work that Filipino Americans have displayed throughout American history as labor leaders, service members, artists, and business owners. As we celebrate and honor this culture, we also must take pause to recommit ourselves to reuniting Filipino veterans with their children and honoring the promises made to the World War II veterans who served side-by-side with American troops.”

Sen. Mazie Hirono

“Recognizing Filipino American History Month in Congress is a testament to the countless contributions that Filipino Americans have made to our country,” said Hirono. “As we celebrate Filipino American heritage, we must also renew our commitment to recognizing Filipino World War II veterans for their service to our country, and continue to work toward comprehensive immigration reform that would reunite many Filipino American families.”

The resolution honors the earliest documented Filipino presence in the continental U.S., the very first permanent Filipino settlement in the nation, and the economic, cultural, and social contributions of Filipino Americans.

Currently, there are nearly 3.5 million Filipino Americans. Some 260,000 World War II Filipino and Filipino American veterans fought under the American flag at the request of President Franklin Roosevelt.