Meng Introduces Resolution Urging House of Representatives to Recognize Lunar New Year
Feb 15, 2018
Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the Asian American community celebrating Lunar New Year on Friday, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) introduced a resolution today that urges the House of Representatives to officially recognize the holiday.
The measure encourages the House to recognize the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year in the year 2018. It also expresses the deepest respect for Asian Americans and all individuals throughout the world who celebrate the holiday. In addition, the resolution details the history and customs of Lunar New Year, and wishes Asian Americans and all who observe the Lunar celebration a happy and prosperous new year.
“For the Asian American community, Lunar New Year is the most important holiday of the year and it’s also a time to celebrate the important heritage of Asian Americans,” said Meng. “As Lunar New Year continues to grow in popularity, it is important that more to be done to acknowledge this annual observance, and official recognition by the House would go a long way towards further appreciating the holiday. I look forward to this resolution passing soon and I wish a happy, healthy, prosperous and peaceful New Year to all who celebrate the Year of the Dog.”
In addition to the resolution, Meng marked the anniversary of Lunar New Year becoming a school holiday in New York City, a school holiday that she played a role in creating in 2016. The Congresswoman first proposed closing New York City schools for Lunar New Year when she was a member of the New York State Legislature in 2009.
Meng’s resolution has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform where it is awaiting further action.
Original cosponsors include: Reps. Judy Chu (D-CA), Al Green (D-TX), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Joe Crowley (D-NY), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Susan Davis (D-CA), Jerry McNerny (D-CA), Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), Scott Peters (D-CA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Mark Takano (D-CA), Jackie Speier (D-CA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Colleen Hanabusa (D-HI).
A copy of the resolution can be viewed here.