CAPAC Members Celebrate Filipino American History Month
Washington, D.C. — Today, members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) celebrated the start of Filipino American History Month, which recognizes the countless cultural and historical contributions made by Filipino American communities nationwide. In recognition of the Filipino American community, CAPAC Members released the following statements:
CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27):
“I am so excited to be kicking off Filipino American History Month—a time when we honor and recognize the countless contributions of Filipino American communities across our nation. Filipino Americans play an integral role in our nation as our soldiers, teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs, essential workers, and healthcare workers who have fought tirelessly against the COVID-19 virus. As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), I am proud to celebrate their history, culture, accomplishments, and joy, especially throughout the month of October.”
CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06):
“This October, I am delighted to celebrate the 30th Filipino American History Month. Filipino Americans have made invaluable contributions to this country, including as frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and as social justice leaders in key civil and labor rights movements throughout our history. We especially honor the sacrifices of the 250,000 Filipino Americans who fought for freedom and democracy during World War II. I am proud to uplift the vibrant history, culture, and achievements of Filipino Americans and thank them for all that they have done and continue to do for our nation.”
CAPAC Second Vice-Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41):
“This month, we celebrate the vast contributions of the Filipino American community. As the second largest Asian American group in the United States, their unique experience, culture, and long-standing military service deserve recognition. During World War II, more than 200,000 Filipino veterans served with courage and honor. Countless others continue to serve our country today. As Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I’m committed to honoring their service and sacrifice to our nation.”
CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-33):
“To the Filipino American communities in my district and across the country, Happy Filipino American History Month! This month we celebrate the countless contributions Filipino Americans have made to our nation. As an immigrant myself, I strongly believe that what makes our country great is our inherent diversity. I’m pleased to come together with my CAPAC colleagues this month as we learn about and celebrate Filipino American history.”
Rep. Ed Case (HI-01):
“As a proud member of the Executive Board of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), I am grateful to join with my colleagues to once again commemorate this October as Filipino American History Month. In my Hawai‘i, we are home to 361,597 Filipinos, fully a quarter of the total population in the islands, by far the largest percentage of any state or territory.
The first Filipinos who arrived in Hawai‘i beginning in 1906 came seeking a better life for them and their families. They endured much hardship as they planted and harvested sugar and pineapple and helped to make agriculture the dominant industry in the islands for more than a century. But like their brothers and sisters who also settled elsewhere in America, Filipinos found what separates America from other countries – a land that afforded them the fundamental rights and civil liberties guaranteed to all citizens under our Constitution. America was the land of opportunity, which enabled anyone to realize their potential and turn their dreams into reality. Filipinos would eventually make their mark in all sectors of life in America, proudly contributing to their new homeland as Filipino-Americans.”
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07):
“October marks the beginning of Filipino American History Month, a moment for us to recognize and celebrate the enormous contributions that Filipino Americans have made to our society. As immigrants, they have risen against incredible strife and prejudice, in my home district of Seattle and across the country, to become an indelible part of our nation's fabric. I am proud to join my colleagues in celebrating our Filipino American community and to continue our work in lifting up their victories and accomplishments.”
Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-03):
“During Filipino American History Month, we honor our Filipino American communities and all they’ve given to our nation. We are always stronger when we celebrate the diverse histories and cultures who make our country better. From serving in our armed forces to sharing their rich culture and traditions, Filipino Americans’ vast contributions have helped shape our collective story and identity as a nation. This month is an opportunity to celebrate Filipino Americans and recommit to fighting for their needs and freedoms.”
Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-06):
“This month, we celebrate the Filipino communities in Sacramento and across the country and honor the contributions that they have made to our country’s history and culture. Along with enhancing America’s diversity, Filipino Americans have served our country in uniform, have strengthened our economy as small business owners and entrepreneurs, and have healed our communities as nurses and doctors. I am proud to represent the Filipino American communities in Sacramento who have enriched our region and helped those in need. We must continue to uplift the voices of Filipino Americans and share their stories — and I am looking forward to seeing the wonderful contributions that this community will make for years and years to come.”
Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-03):
“As the only currently serving member of Congress with Filipino ancestry and co-chair of the U.S.-Philippines Friendship Caucus, I join my colleagues in CAPAC and the Filipino community in celebrating Filipino American History Month. Filipino Americans have contributed significantly to our nation through military service, the arts and sciences, health care and so much more. I am also proud to represent the Hampton Roads, Virginia region in Congress, which is home to a large and vibrant community of Filipino Americans, many of whom have served our nation in uniform. The ties between the United States and the Philippines could not be stronger. And I was honored to witness those strong ties firsthand this summer, when I attended the Inauguration of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr. as part of the Presidential Delegation led by Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff. I hope all Americans join us in celebrating the rich contributions made to our nation by Filipino Americans.”
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01):
“Filipino Americans are an important part of Oregon and our country, and this Filipino American History Month we recognize their rich heritage, culture, and history. Filipino Americans are small business owners, health care workers, educators, and service members. Our country benefits from their contributions. I’m glad to join my Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus colleagues from across the country in celebrating our vibrant Filipino American communities.”
Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09):
“30 years ago, the United States first celebrated Filipino American History Month and every year since, the month of October has been a time to commemorate the rich history and legacy of the Filipino American community. Filipino Americans have played an important role in American history and continue to be a vital part of our work to build a better country for all. I’m grateful for the immense contributions that Filipino Americans have made to the success of communities across the country – including Washington’s Ninth – and I’m proud to stand with this valued community this month and always.”