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A Resolution to Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

This resolution recognizes the significance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as an important time to celebrate the significant contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history of the United States. It also acknowledges that these communities enhance and strengthen the diversity of and the United States.

This resolution was introduced in Congress on [no date] with the following text:

S. Res. 214 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES Two Years After the Start of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Expressing Concern for Violence Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders June 10, 2023

By Ms. Murkowski (for herself and Ms. Warren) and Mr. Sandoval, Introduced by Mr. Sandoval, Read twice in the Senate of the United States; referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; and referred to the Select Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic June 10, 2023

Respectfully submitted by

The Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs             This resolution recognizes that anti-Asian hate crimes have increased throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. It also acknowledges the importance of celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to promote awareness and understanding of the achievements and challenges faced by these communities. In celebration of this heritage month, Congress passed the Commission To Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act (Public Law 117–140; 136 Stat. 1259) to establish a commission to study the creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture. The United States Mint has also issued commemorative quarters honoring the contributions of Chinese American film star Anna May Wong, Native Hawaiian composer and cultural advocate Edith Kanaka‘ole, Japanese American Congresswoman Patsy Mink, and Korean American disability justice advocate Stacey Park Milbern. Additionally, a commemorative $1 coin was issued to honor Mary Kawena Pukui, a renowned Native Hawaiian scholar and preservationist.

References

S. Res. 214 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES Two Years After the Start of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Expressing Concern for Violence Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders June 10, 2023

By Ms. Murkowski (for herself and Ms. Warren) and Mr. Sandoval, Introduced by Mr. Sandoval, Read twice in the Senate of the United States; referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; and referred to the Select Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic June 10, 2023

Legislative History

This resolution was passed in response to the increase in anti-Asian hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The United States government has taken steps to address this issue, including the passage of the COVID–19 Hate Crimes Act (Public Law 117–13; 135 Stat. 265), which provides federal law enforcement agencies with the authority to investigate and prosecute hate crimes based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or religion.

Commemorative Coins The United States Mint has issued commemorative coins honoring the contributions of various Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. These coins include:

1. A Chinese American film star, Anna May Wong
2. A Native Hawaiian composer and cultural advocate, Edith Kanaka‘ole
3. A Japanese American Congresswoman, Patsy Mink
4. A Korean American disability justice advocate, Stacey Park Milbern  A commemorative $1 coin was also issued to honor Mary Kawena Pukui, a renowned Native Hawaiian scholar and preservationist.

Access to Resources While this resolution acknowledges the importance of celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, it also recognizes that there remains much work to be done to ensure these communities have access to resources and a voice in the Federal Government. This includes:

1. Advancing in the political landscape of the United States  The resolution concludes by encouraging all Americans to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with respect, dignity, and inclusivity.

Public Law 117–140

This public law was passed on October 10, 2022. It establishes a commission to study the potential creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture.

Public Law 117–13

This public law was passed on March 11, 2021. It provides federal law enforcement agencies with the authority to investigate and prosecute hate crimes based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or religion. ```