The month of May was chosen due to two important milestones in AANHPI history: May 7, 1843, when the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States, and May 10, 1869, when the first transcontinental railroad was completed with substantial contributions from Chinese immigrant workers.

To commemorate AANHPI Heritage Month, members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements:

CAPAC Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06):

“Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have made invaluable contributions to our country and continue to play a crucial role in shaping America for the better. We represent the fastest-growing racial group in our country — made up of over fifty ethnicities and hundreds of languages — and have built the United States into the world leader we are today.

“Yet how many Americans know that the railroad tracks they travel on were built by Chinese laborers, or that Japanese Americans answered the call to serve during World War II, while their families were forced into incarceration camps? How many people know about the Filipino-led Delano Grape Strike that helped workers secure higher wages and safer working conditions, or how young Native Hawaiian students helped establish the largest conservation area in the U.S.?

“The answer is not enough. Our history is American history and deserves to be honored — and this is more important now than ever, especially in the face of recent efforts to erase the AANHPI community’s achievements and sacrifices. That is why I am proud to be leading the effort to establish a national museum dedicated to telling our history, advocating for the inclusion of AANHPI history in school curricula, and seeking federal recognition for holidays that are important to our community, including Lunar New Year, Diwali, and Eid.

“As the chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I will fight to ensure the history and contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders are celebrated not just in May, but year round, and that our stories of triumph, struggle, and resilience are told for future generations to come.”

CAPAC First Vice Chair Mark Takano (CA-39):

“I am excited to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This is an important opportunity to honor the rich diversity, resilience, and shared community of AANHPI peoples. I am proud to be Japanese American, the son of immigrants, and the great-nephew of Mon — who gave his life for this country even as his family suffered incarceration during World War II. His story is one of many sacrifices we remember this month. As the first vice chair of CAPAC, I know our strength lies in our solidarity and resilience, and I am grateful to all who join in honoring this important occasion.”

CAPAC Second Vice Chair Jill Tokuda (HI-02):

“AANHPI Heritage Month is a powerful reminder to honor our history and celebrate our impact. At a time when President Trump has prioritized erasing the contributions of AANHPIs and other communities of color, our voices are more critical than ever. The legacy of our AANHPI communities is inseparable from the American story. As a proud yonsei (fourth-generation) Okinawan American, I know we have a responsibility to speak out, demand change, and protect our stories. As they double down on division and despair, now is the time to rise, reclaim our stories, and lead the fight for a future where every AANHPI voice is seen, heard, and uplifted.”

CAPAC Whip Ami Bera (CA-06):

“Happy AANHPI Heritage Month! This month, we recognize the contributions AANHPI communities have made to the history, culture and strength of our nation.

“As whip of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I am proud to stand with AANHPI communities in Sacramento County and across the country. At a time when too many seek to divide us or erase the stories of our diverse communities, it is more important than ever to lift up the voices, histories and achievements of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

“I remain committed to ensuring every American — no matter where they come from or what they look like — has the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. Together, we will continue working toward a future rooted in opportunity, respect and freedom for all.”

CAPAC Freshman Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10):

“I am thrilled to be marking the start of AANHPI Heritage Month. This May, as our communities come together to honor the cultures, rich histories, and countless contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, let us remember that diversity is one of our country’s great strengths.”

CAPAC Chair Emerita Judy Chu (CA-28):

“As the first Chinese American woman elected to Congress and chair emerita of CAPAC, it is always an honor to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month. Although we must continue to celebrate and advocate for our community all year round, this month serves as a special time to reflect on both the challenges AANHPI communities have faced and the remarkable contributions we have made to our nation's success. With over 23 million people representing more than 70 ethnicities and hundreds of languages, the AANHPI community embodies the rich diversity and resilience that define our country.

“Whether it’s fighting to disaggregate data so our whole community is made visible, protecting immigrants’ rights, or combating hateful and racist policies like the Muslim Ban or China Initiative, I am committed to working with CAPAC this month and every month to ensure that AANHPI voices are heard, honored, and represented.”

Senator Tammy Duckworth (IL):

“Despite what Donald Trump and his Administration say, diversity is our greatest strength — and our Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities have proven that time and again. Every AANHPI Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor the trailblazers who came before us, uplift the diverse stories of our triumphs and celebrate our community as we continue to forge that path toward a better tomorrow where we all have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. AANHPI stories are the American story — from our struggles to our triumphs and everything in between, that’s what we’re celebrating this May and always.”

Senator Mazie Hirono (HI):

“During Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we celebrate the diversity and historic contributions of our communities, while also recognizing the challenges we have overcome. At a time when diversity is under attack, and immigrant communities are being targeted across the country, I am proud to join my colleagues in commemorating AANHPI Heritage Month and reaffirming our commitment in this fight to build a more inclusive and equitable future for all.”

Senator Andy Kim (NJ):

“Each year, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a chance to celebrate and uplift AANHPI communities in our country. AANHPI stories are fundamentally American stories and a part of who we are as a nation. I hope people of all backgrounds can take part to honor accomplishments in our past but also the promise of the future. This month and always, we must stand together above any hate that tries to quell the hope and strength in our diversity and instead shine a light on the incredible voices and cultures around us.”

Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24):

“This Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich cultures and lasting contributions of AANHPI communities to the nation. The first documented arrival of Asians in America happened right here on the Central Coast of California in 1587, when Filipino sailors landed in what is now Morro Bay. Their legacy lives on today, and I’m proud to honor it as we work toward a future of greater inclusion, opportunity, and justice for all.”

Rep. Ed Case (HI-01):

“Aloha! I am truly honored to join my Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus colleagues once again in honoring and commemorating the proud heritage and history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders throughout our country.

“In my Hawai’i we all stand on the broad shoulders of pioneers who contributed and succeeded in so many fields of endeavor, including, in the world of public service alone, George Ariyoshi, the first American of Asian descent elected Governor of any state, Daniel Akaka, the first American of Native Hawaiian descent elected to Congress, Patsy Mink, the first Asian American woman elected to Congress, and Army General Eric Shinseki, the first Asian American to achieve the rank of four-star general.

“We remember them today not simply for their success but especially for their perseverance. Their life stories continue to encourage and inspire all of us to face down the often-unjust challenges that life brings.”

Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34):

“I'm proud to represent diverse AANHPI communities in LA’s Koreatown, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Historic Filipinotown, and Little Bangladesh. Their contributions have shaped the culture, economy, and spirit of LA and our entire country. This month, we celebrate their history, honor their impact, and keep fighting to make sure every community has the opportunity to succeed.”

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07):

“As we begin Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, we come together to recognize the challenges we've faced, the achievements we've made, and the history we've created. As the first South Asian woman ever elected to Congress and an immigrant, I am proud to be a part of this vibrant, diverse community and to have the privilege to advocate for our priorities and to share our stories in government. Let us celebrate the rich history, diverse culture, and vital contributions of AANHPI people, not just in May, but every day of the year. Happy AANHPI Heritage Month!”

Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17):

“AANHPI is an opportunity for us to celebrate the rich heritage and contributions made by the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities across America. I’m proud to join my colleagues in celebrating and reaffirming our commitment to building a more inclusive future where all people are treated with dignity and respect.”

Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-07):

“This month, we celebrate the many ways Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have enriched the fabric of American life. The AA&NHPI community is beautifully diverse, representing a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. At a time when attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion are rising, it is more important than ever to share our stories, honor our traditions, and uplift the contributions our community has made — in the arts, in science, in public service, and beyond. As we celebrate our rich tapestry of cultures, we must also educate and inspire the next generation of AA&NHPI leaders to continue building a stronger, more inclusive America.”

Rep. Dave Min (CA-47):

“As one of only a small number of Asian Americans in Congress, I am honored and excited to be able to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. I’m so proud to represent an incredibly diverse district with a vibrant AANHPI community that makes our local Orange County culture, economy, and society richer and stronger. At a time when so many of our most cherished American values — including diversity, inclusion, immigration, and democracy — are under attack, know that I will continue to stand strong for our shared AANHPI priorities, and that starts by both recognizing the outstanding contributions from our communities and also by striving to improve our representation in leadership across the board – whether in C-suites, directors’ chairs, or among our thin ranks of elected officials.”

Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15):

“This Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we honor the rich history, culture, and countless contributions of AANHPI communities nationwide. I'm proud to represent the vibrant and diverse AANHPI community of California’s 15th District, and I remain deeply committed to uplifting their voices and fighting for equity — not just this month, but every month.”

Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-38):

“During AANHPI Heritage Month, we celebrate the strength, resilience and contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. Their voices and stories are an essential part of our nation’s history and future.”

Rep. Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA-03):

“As a member of the Congressional Asian American Pacific American Caucus, and as the only Member of Congress with Filipino ancestry, I am proud to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month during the Month of May. The AANHPI community has contributed so much to the fabric of our country. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration has moved quickly to dismantle many programs designed to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in the public and private sectors. As we mark and celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month, let us recommit ourselves to the fight for a more just, diverse and equal society.”

Rep. Lateefah Simon (CA-12):

“Happy Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month! I am so honored to represent a vibrant Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander community in California’s 12th Congressional district — your history, communities, cultures, and contributions enrich our district and our nation. AANHPI Heritage is a time to celebrate the AANHPI community and strengthen our commitment to building a safer and more inclusive America.”

Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10):

“I am proud to stand with my colleagues in celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month during May. Our communities continue to make significant contributions across the South Sound and the entire nation. This month, we are celebrating our rich history and diversity while honoring Asian American leaders who have paved the way for us today. As one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress in its 230-year history, I am proud to represent and be an advocate for Asian American communities.”

Rep. Tom Suozzi (NY-03):

“My Congressional District is home to thousands of Chinese American, Korean American, Indian American and Pakistani American families who have made Long Island, Queens, New York and America stronger. I see my families immigrant story in their families. People devoted to their families, their faith, committed to hard work, education and the American Dream. I am excited for our future and moving forward together.”

Rep. Derek T. Tran (CA-45):

“This month and every month, I’m proud to celebrate the countless contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) diasporas to our nation. My parents came to this country as refugees from Vietnam and rebuilt their lives here, becoming fixtures of their community and adding to the melting pot that defines American culture. Today, I am honored to be the first Vietnamese-American Congressman to represent the largest Vietnamese diaspora in the world. AANHPI history is inseparable from American history, and as a member of CAPAC, I look forward to uplifting our community and recognizing the AANHPI leaders that enrich our country every day.”

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12):

“New Jersey's 12th Congressional District is among the most diverse districts in the country. This includes a vibrant Asian American community that contributes much to our great history. I'd like to wish everyone in the 12th District a wonderful Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month.”

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Founded in 1994, the bicameral Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus is composed of 81 members of Congress who advocate on behalf of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. The Caucus is led by Congresswoman Grace Meng, who was elected CAPAC Chair in 2024.