Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Celebrates Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-06) a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and its Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and Global Environment released the following statement calling on all Americans to join in celebrating Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, which began on May 1:

“This month is a special opportunity to pay tribute to the valuable contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community and to address the challenges still facing this community.

“AAPI men and women are leaders in all areas of American life – business and government, science and medicine, the arts and our military, education and sports. While we celebrate these successes, we must remember that many AAPI communities continue to struggle to overcome disparities in education, employment, housing, and health care.

“Democrats are fighting to create jobs for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders; make college more affordable for AAPI young people, including by preventing interest rates on need-based student loans from doubling in July; and protect Social Security and Medicare for the nearly one million AAPI seniors who rely on these programs.
“The Asian-Pacific American legacy of seeking justice, equality, inclusion, and full participation in America’s economy, and culture, continues to strengthen American democracy. I along with my Democratic colleagues in Congress will continue to work to reignite the American dream for all Americans, including Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, by strengthening the pillars that have always made our economy strong: small businesses, entrepreneurs, and an all-inclusive and thriving middle class,” Rep. Meeks concluded.
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