Marking 25 Years of Progress

Marking 25 Years of Progress
On Tuesday, I was honored to join many of my friends at a Chinatown community celebration of the progress we have made for San Francisco, the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community, and our country over the past 25 years. Chinatown was the first place I stopped after declaring my candidacy in 1987 and since then, we have strengthened future generations with the Chinese Student Protection Act of 1992, honored the heritage of the city and community by dedicating the Lim Poon Lee Post Office, and righted the wrongs of history with this year’s passage of a resolution of regret for the Chinese Exclusion Act.

With the help of community leaders over the years, we have fought to secure funding to restore Angel Island, support the Chinese Hospital and Nihonmachi Terrace and, more recently, build the Central Subway. By increasing transportation options between the vibrant heart of Chinatown and the economic engine of downtown, the Central Subway project will promote commerce, improve mobility and reduce air pollution for all of San Francisco.

Despite our collective achievements, there is still more to do. Like millions of Americans, AAPI families face economic hardship, a lack of opportunity, and the lingering effects of our recent downturn. As a community and as a nation, we will keep making progress to reignite the American dream for all, regardless of race, ethnicity or background.

Congresswoman Pelosi receives a plaque from long time friends and event organizers commemorating her 25 years of service to San Francisco.

New Steps towards Energy Independence
On Tuesday, President Obama announced new fuel economy standards for cars and light-duty trucks. The announcement fulfills the promise of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, a bipartisan law designed to increase energy efficiency, save drivers money, reduce pollution, and strengthen our security by making America less dependent on foreign oil. Due to policies like those contained in the 2007 law, dependence on foreign oil has dropped by 25 percent and our domestic oil and gas production is at record levels. Democrats are committed to working with President Obama to continue driving innovation, protecting consumers, and putting Americans back to work in the clean energy jobs of tomorrow.

Revitalizing our Economy
On Labor Day, we renew our commitment to strengthening America’s workforce, expanding job opportunities, and fulfilling the goals at the heart of our economic success: a full day’s pay for an honest day’s work, fair treatment in the workplace, and equal opportunity for all. Democrats have put forward a clear agenda: to strengthen manufacturers and small businesses, to rebuild our roads, bridges, schools, and airports, to invest in innovation and clean energy. Unfortunately, the House Republican majority has failed to pass legislation to create jobs and put Americans back to work. Congress must focus squarely on getting our economy back on track and strengthening the middle class.

Please feel free to forward this information to your family and friends. To learn more about these efforts, to express your views, or to sign up for email updates, please visit my website. I am also on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NancyPelosi.