Report on Asian, Pacific Americans hailed
Congressman Robert A. Underwood commended the report of the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, which was recently unveiled at the White House in the nation’s capital.
Established by President Bill Clinton last summer, the nine-member Commission, which includes former University of Guam President Dr. Wilfred Leon Guerrero, was tasked to assess the condition of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in American life and to make recommendations for improvement.
“It was a galvanizing commission in the sense that it’s the first step that’s been attempted; this is the first nationwide attempt to provide a conduit for input from Asian Americans and Pacific Islander communities, and in many ways, it represents the maturation of a community come of age,” Mr. Underwood said.
“It was a very complex endeavor, since Asian American and Pacific Island communities represent about 50 different ethnic groups,” he added.
The Commission report identifies five “crosscutting” issues:
(1) improve data collection, analysis and dissemination;
(2) ensure access, especially linguistic access and cultural competence;
(3) protect civil rights and equal opportunity;
(4) strengthen and sustain Asian American and Pacific Islander community capacity;
(5) and recognize and include Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in federal programs and services, and outlines several recommendations for improvements and better focus.
“The sheer complexities of all of the communities presented a monumental challenge. And that’s why I think Dr. Leon Guerrero’s leadership came across very strongly. I am very proud of his efforts,” Mr. Underwood said.
In addition to addressing several general issues, such as health care and education, the Commission’s report also specifically addresses two important issues faced by the people of the Marianas.
“It comes out strongly in support of Chamorro self-determination and for the return of federal lands to the people of Guam as quickly as possible,” he added.
“I am a little concerned about whether the commission will continue under the Bush Administration. We certainly hope that it will, and that it will receive some support,” he said.
There have been many indications in the Bush Transition Team that they have an interest in reaching out to minority communities, considered a positive sign that the Commission might continue and be supported by the new administration.
