Recognizing the significance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as an important time to celebrate the significant contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history of the United States.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1243
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Native Americans
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-30: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-08T19:22:45Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 1243) formally recognizes Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month in May as a key time to celebrate the history, achievements, and contributions of AANHPI communities to the United States.
Key Provisions
- Historical and demographic context: Highlights AANHPI diversity (over 70 ethnicities, 100+ languages), rapid population growth (Asians up 55.5% from 2010-2020; Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders up 30.8%), and total population exceeding 26 million (over 10% of U.S. residents).
- Origins of the month: Notes May's selection due to events like Japanese immigrants' arrival (1843) and Chinese contributions to the transcontinental railroad (1869); references federal law (36 U.S.C. § 102) designating it and urging presidential proclamations.
- 2026 anniversaries: Marks events like the U.S.'s 250th anniversary, rescission of Japanese American internment order, first Asian American in Congress, immigration law changes, and more.
- Contributions highlighted: Lists notable figures (e.g., Dalip Singh Saund, Daniel K. Inouye, Patsy Mink) in government, military, and culture; current representation (25 AANHPI Members in 119th Congress, record state legislators).
- Challenges addressed: Discusses history of discrimination (e.g., Page Act, Chinese Exclusion Act, WWII internment, recent hate crimes) and responses like the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act and museum study commission.
- Resolved clauses:
- Recognizes AANHPI Heritage Month's importance in celebrating contributions.
- Affirms AANHPI communities enrich U.S. diversity and strength.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- None. This is a non-binding resolution (a formal House statement expressing opinion, not creating enforceable law or policy).
Potential Impacts
- Symbolic and cultural: Promotes awareness, education, and observance through programs/ceremonies; may encourage public events but has no legal mandates.
- Minimal on government/citizens: No funding, regulations, or requirements for agencies or individuals.
- No international effects: Focuses on domestic history and communities.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- AANHPI communities: Primary beneficiaries through recognition of history, contributions, and challenges.
- Congress and caucuses: Cosponsored by 50+ Members (bipartisan); supports Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.
- Federal employees/judges: Notes their representation (8%+ of judges, many staffers).
- General public: Encourages broader understanding of AANHPI role in U.S. history.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Purely expressive; aligns with existing heritage month designation but adds no new authority.
- Constitutional: Fits Congress's power to issue resolutions on national observances (Article I).
- Political: Demonstrates cross-party support for diversity recognition; underscores ongoing issues like hate crimes amid historical context, potentially influencing cultural policy or public sentiment without controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (62)
Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17], Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3], Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4], Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12], Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Gomez, Jimmy [D-CA-34], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray [D-CA-31], Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35], Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large], Rep. Fletcher, Lizzie [D-TX-7], Rep. Bera, Ami [D-CA-6], Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7], Rep. Scott, Robert C. "Bobby" [D-VA-3], Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4], Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32], Rep. Dexter, Maxine [D-OR-3] and 12 more
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-30: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2026-04-30: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the significance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as an important time to celebrate the significant contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history of the United States. — issued 2026-04-30 — PDF (8 pages)