Statement by US Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis on Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement regarding Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month:

"As your secretary of labor, it is an honor to commemorate and celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

"Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have faced challenges and struggles here in the United States. Many of them encountered racial, social and religious discrimination. These brave men and women stood up for what they believed to be right, and our country is better for it.

"People of Asian and Pacific Islander descent have made valuable contributions to our country in the fields of the arts, education, science, language and so many others.

"As a member of Congress, I represented a diverse constituency – many of whom were Asian – and I was proud to be a member of the Asian Pacific American Caucus. That is why, to this day, I continue to work hard for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community because I truly believe that good jobs are for everyone, and that is my commitment as your secretary of labor.

"My staff and I at the Department of Labor honor this month of May as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month."