Wyden, Merkley Join Colleagues to Introduce Resolution Marking May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they have introduced a resolution marking May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The resolution highlights the contributions to our country by generations of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.

“This month, we celebrate the heritage, culture, and contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in Oregon and nationwide,” Wyden said. “As anti-Asian hate crimes are on the rise, it’s even more crucial that all Americans recognize and condemn the discrimination AAPI communities continue to face, while lifting up the immense value AAPI individuals bring to the nation. I’m proud to stand alongside my colleagues in support of our AAPI neighbors with this resolution.”

“Throughout the past year, we’ve seen a sharp rise in hate crimes against the AAPI community—disturbing acts of violence that have taken lives and attacked the vision of America as a country of freedom and equality for all. We must stand united and unequivocally condemn these disturbing hate crimes, and confront racism in our country,” Merkley said. “This month—and every month—we must recognize and celebrate the countless contributions and achievements of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, and reaffirm our commitment to dismantling bigotry and hatred in our communities.”

Joining Wyden and Merkley on the bill, led by Senator Mazie K. Hirono, D-Hawaii, were U.S. Sens. Tammy Baldwin D-Wis., Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Richard Blumenthal D-Conn., Cory Booker D-N.J., Sherrod Brown D-Ohio, Maria Cantwell D-Wash., Ben Cardin D-Md., Tom Carper D-Del., Bob Casey D-Pa., Chris Coons D-Del., Catherine Cortez Masto D-Nev., Tammy Duckworth D-Ill., Dick Durbin D-Ill., Dianne Feinstein D-Calif., Maggie Hassan D-N.H., Tim Kaine D-Va., Mark Kelly D-Ariz., Amy Klobuchar D-Minn., Ed Markey D-Mass., Bob Menendez D-N.J., Alex Padilla D-Calif., Jacky Rosen D-Nev., Brian Schatz D-Hawaii, Jeanne Shaheen D-N.H., Tina Smith D-Minn., Chris Van Hollen D-Md., Mark Warner D-Va., and Elizabeth Warren D-Mass.