Pennsylvania HR 476: A Resolution recognizing the month of May 2026 as "Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 3163
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 476
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY VENKAT, KHAN, LEADBETER, RIVERA, MALAGARI,
DAVIDSON, PICKETT, HOHENSTEIN, CARROLL, ISAACSON, PIELLI,
WAXMAN, SANCHEZ, HILL-EVANS, N. NELSON, PROBST, McNEILL,
SCHLOSSBERG, BRENNAN, STEELE, VITALI, NEILSON, DONAHUE,
HOWARD, DOUGHERTY, FREEMAN AND SHUSTERMAN, APRIL 9, 2026
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON TOURISM, RECREATION AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT, APRIL 9, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of May 2026 as "Asian-American and Pacific
Islander Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, The month of May is significant in Asian-American
and Pacific Islander history, as it commemorates the arrival of
the first Japanese immigrant, a 14-year-old boy named Manjiro,
to the United States on May 7, 1843; and
WHEREAS, In 1992, the Congress of the United States honored
Manjiro's arrival by establishing May as "Asian-American and
Pacific Islander Heritage Month" in the United States; and
WHEREAS, The first transcontinental railroad was completed on
May 10, 1869, with the aid of 15,000 to 20,000 Chinese
immigrants, whose labor was vital in paving the way to the
American West; and
WHEREAS, More than 600,000 individuals in this Commonwealth
can trace their roots to Asia and the islands of the Pacific;
and
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WHEREAS, The legacies of the Asian-American and Pacific
Islander communities have enriched American culture and society
while simultaneously building and uniting our nation; and
WHEREAS, With substantial contributions to the arts, health
care, law, the military, public service, science and technology,
as well as a myriad of other professional contributions, Asian-
American and Pacific Islander communities are deeply ingrained
in the history of the United States; and
WHEREAS, "Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month"
is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate the accomplishments
and recognize the hardships of Asian-American and Pacific
Islander communities in the past and to this day; therefore be
it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
month of May 2026 as "Asian-American and Pacific Islander
Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives encourage all
residents of this Commonwealth to learn and explore the rich and
significant heritage of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
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