New York, NY- Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement today commemorating Asian Pacific Americans.

"I am proud to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month this May. Now numbering 18.5 million people, the APA community has increased 46 percent in the past decade – more than any other major racial group. Our growing APA community has contributed immensely to making our nation stronger. From helping to build our nation’s Transcontinental Railroad, to serving in our Armed Services and creating over 1.5 million small businesses today, the contributions of the APA community continue to make our nation a more perfect union.

This year’s APA Heritage month theme is ‘Striving for Excellence in Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion’ – three important values to reflect throughout the month of May. I am proud to represent a portion of the 1.1 million people in New York City, which has the largest Asian American population in the nation. From our great City, Jeremy Lin emerged as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Being the first Asian American to make a splash in the basketball arena, he is a shining symbol of the American Dream and how hard work shows no bounds in success. We can also look to our community leaders as examples, such as New York City Comptroller John Liu who has secured hundreds of thousands of dollars in capital funds for public schools and helped reform New York City Pension Funds. The recent ascendency of Jim Yong Kim to president of the World Bank was yet another significant stride for the Asian American community. From this position, Mr. Kim will be in a prime position to help spur the development of countries around the world.

America's APA community is rich and diverse– representing over 30 ethnicities and speaking more than 100 languages. Therefore, I am a proud co-sponsor of H.RES.621, to recognize the significance of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. The resolution also celebrates the contributions of the community throughout our nation's history. As my Democratic Colleagues and I work to create broader opportunities for all, we know we can count on the support of the Asian American community. Together we know we are capable of making the American Dream into reality.