WASHINGTON, May 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, which begins today:

"Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is celebrated in May, and I am pleased to use this month to reflect on the accomplishments and influence of Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) across the nation.

"As the 111th Congress passes the 100-day mark of legislative business, I reflect on the contributions we have been able to give back to the AAPI community. In February, Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to turn around our economy and create millions of jobs. Within this legislation, funds were allocated to compensate World War II Filipino War veterans, who were never officially recognized for their service more than 60 years ago in the Pacific Theater. This long-awaited formal acknowledgment of brave veterans who fought along side American soldiers to defend American's cause during World War II. I have long advocated for and am thrilled to see it passed into law and signed by President Obama.

"Leadership in this country is also drawing from the AAPI community and gathering the best minds and forces to guide them. With President Obama's appointments to his Cabinet of Secretary Steven Chu to the Energy Department, Secretary Eric Shinseki to the Veterans Affairs Department, and Secretary Gary Locke to the Commerce Department, we now have represented AAPIs as key decision-makers. Their heritage will add a key dimension in America's history of leaders and how they shaped this country.

"I also want to acknowledge San Francisco's 8th Congressional District, which I have proudly represented for more than 20 years as a prime example of the beauty in diversity of culture and background that is America. The AAPI community is a significant part of what makes San Francisco special and a privilege to represent in Congress.

"The beauty is in the mix, and this is not just recognized during Asian Pacific Islander Heritage month but year-round. The AAPI community continues to make contributions in making a better America for generations to come."

SOURCE Office of the Speaker of the House

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