Hirono leads bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing Filipino American History Month

US Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) led her colleagues in introducing a bipartisan, bicameral resolution commemorating October as Filipino American History Month. The resolution celebrates Filipino Americans’ rich history and the many contributions they have made to the United States, including as members of the US Armed Forces, officials in federal and state governments, and leaders of labor movements.

A companion resolution was introduced in the US House of Representatives by Reps. Ed Case (D-HI), Bobby Scott (D-VA), and James Moylan (R-GU).

“From the first Filipino contract laborers who arrived in Hawaii seeking a better life, to today’s leaders in business, healthcare, and our Armed Forces, the Filipino American community has contributed to our country’s diversity and helped to shape our national identity,” said Hirono. “As the Trump regime continues to attack minority communities, celebrating diversity is especially critical. This October, I am proud to honor Filipino American culture and history, and to continue uplifting Filipino Americans voices in Hawaii and nationwide.”

“I continue to be deeply honored to represent our Hawaii’s and country’s some 4.6 million Filipino Americans, and very proud to once again join my colleagues to commemorate this October as Filipino American History month,” said Congressman Ed Case, whose district is home to more Filipino Americans than any other congressional district nationwide. “In doing so, we remember and honor the sacrifices and contributions of generations past and present, the embodiment of the best of America that Filipino Americans represent, and the continued advancement and promise of future generations.”

The resolution is cosponsored by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

“This month, we celebrate the culture, values, and history of the Filipino American community. More than a century ago, the first Filipino sakadas came to Hawai‘i to work on the sugar plantations, laying roots for generations of Filipino families who would call Hawai‘i home. Their hard work and contributions have helped shape our communities and the Hawai‘i we know today,” said Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaiʻi.

“From serving in our Armed Forces to leading some of America’s most important labor movements, Filipino Americans have shaped our nation’s identity for the better,” said Senator Duckworth. “During Filipino American History Month, our resolution makes it clear: Illinois and our country will always be stronger because of our Filipino American community.”

Hirono reports she has long advocated on behalf of the Filipino American community in Hawaiʻi and across the country.

This May, in honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, she partnered with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) to present a two-week poster exhibition exploring the migration of Filipinos to Hawaiʻi in the early 20^th century in the Russell Senate Office building rotunda. The collaboration marked the third consecutive partnering between Hirono and APAC to highlight the contributions AANHPI communities have made to the US.

Senator Hirono also introduced similar resolutions to recognize Filipino American History Month and honor Filipino Americans’ contributions to the US during past Congresses. Since 2013, she has led the introduction of the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act, legislation that would speed up the visa process for children of Filipino World War II veterans. Following years of advocacy from Hirono and the Hawaiʻi Congressional Delegation, in October 2017, Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the Filipino Veterans of World War II.