Historic Statement Becomes only the Fourth Resolution of Regret Passed in 25 Years
The House of Representatives unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution Monday introduced by Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-32), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), that formally expresses the regret of the House of Representatives for the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and other legislation that discriminated against people of Chinese origin in the United States. Congresswoman Chu’s bill, H. Res 683, is only the fourth resolution of regret in the past 25 years to be passed by both houses of the U.S. Congress. Following this historic vote, Chairwoman Chu and the Members of CAPAC released the following statements: “Today the House made history when both chambers of Congress officially and formally acknowledged the ugly and un-American nature of laws that targeted Chinese immigrants. The Chinese Exclusion Act enshrined injustice into our legal code – it stopped the Chinese, and the Chinese alone, from immigrating, from ever becoming naturalized citizens and ever having the right to vote. The last generation of people personally affected by these laws is leaving us, and finally Congress has expressed the sincere regret that Chinese Americans deserve and reaffirmed our commitment to the civil rights of all people. This is only the fourth time that Congress has passed such a resolution of regret in the last 25 years. This makes today a rare moment in history for the Chinese American Community.” Judy Chu said in an email to this newspaper.Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (CA-08), Democratic Leader said “To have moral authority around the world, we must speak out against prejudice at home – and thanks to the leadership of Congresswoman Chu and CAPAC Members, Congress has rightfully expressed regret for the far-reaching injustices of the discriminatory Chinese Exclusion laws. Representing San Francisco, I know that diversity is the strength of our nation’s history. Though this legislation cannot erase the deeds of the past, it reiterates our commitment to equal rights for all Americans, regardless of race, now and in the future.”