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.
H. Res. 400 is a non-binding House resolution introduced to officially recognize the importance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI Heritage Month). It emphasizes celebrating the significant contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to U.S. history and society, acknowledges the diversity and breadth of the AANHPI communities, and highlights ongoing challenges such as hate crimes and discrimination. The measure also notes related historical milestones, existing federal designations and programs (including the May designation in law and the President’s proclamations), and various anniversaries in 2025 that reflect the broader history and contributions of these communities. As a ceremonial resolution, it expresses support for observing the month but does not create new policy, funding, or mandatory actions. The resolution cites notable individuals and contributions across government and public life, underscores the presence and impact of AANHPI communities in federal and state levels, and calls for continued access to resources and voice within the federal government. It serves to publicly affirm recognition and educate the public about the history, achievements, and ongoing challenges of AANHPI communities.
Key Points
- 1Recognizes the significance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and supports its observation as an important time to celebrate contributions to U.S. history.
- 2Highlights the diversity of the AANHPI community (more than 70 ethnicities and over 100 language dialects) and provides population context and growth trends.
- 3Documents notable historical contributions and figures from the AANHPI communities (e.g., landmark political and civil rights milestones and firsts in U.S. government and judiciary).
- 4Acknowledges ongoing challenges, including hate crimes against Asian Americans and the need for access to resources and voices within the federal government, and references related federal actions (e.g., COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, a commission to study a national museum, and commemorative Mint programs).
- 5References statutory basis for May as a heritage month (36 U.S.C. 102) and the President’s annual proclamation, reinforcing that the resolution is a reaffirmation of existing observances rather than a new policy or funding measure.