The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) to mark May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. The resolution acknowledges the significant contributions that Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities have made to this country. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representative Judy Chu (D-CA), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC).
Senator Hirono stated, “Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebrates the historic contributions made by our communities and recognizes the challenges that we have overcome–from racist legislation to a rise in anti-Asian hate and violence.” She added, “I’m glad the Senate has passed this resolution marking May as AANHPI Heritage Month to celebrate the perseverance of our communities and the role we have played throughout our nation’s history. I join my colleagues in celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month and reaffirming our commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable future where members of the AANHPI community and all people are treated with dignity and respect.”
The resolution is cosponsored by several senators across party lines. Senator Hirono has long advocated on behalf of AANHPI communities in Hawaii, the U.S., and Pacific Island nations and territories. In addition to this recent resolution, she introduced a resolution marking May 10, 2024 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Mental Health Day last week. In September 2023, she introduced a resolution designating a week in late September as Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Week. In May 2023, she introduced legislation aimed at curbing mental health stigma in AANHPI communities.