Meng Measure Calling on Congress to Recognize Lunar New Year Passed by U.S. Senate

A measure sponsored by U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) calling on Congress to officially recognize Lunar New Year has been unanimously passed by the United States Senate. The measure now awaits a vote in the House of Representatives.

The measure, a Congressional resolution, encourages Congress to recognize the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year and express its deepest respect for Asian-Americans and all individuals throughout the world who celebrate the holiday. The measure also wishes Asian-Americans and all who observe the Lunar celebration a happy and prosperous new year. In addition, it details the history and customs of Lunar New Year.

"Lunar New Year is celebrated by millions of Asian-Americans and by many non-Asian-Americans throughout the United States, and the popularity of the holiday continues to grow," said Meng. "With the holiday observed by so many people, the time has come for Congress to officially recognize it. It simply makes sense. I thank the Senate for approving this resolution, and I am hopeful that my colleagues in the House will soon move forward to pass it."

The Congresswoman's resolution has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the panel with jurisdiction over the issue.

Cosponsors include Reps. Judy Chu (D-CA), Al Green (D-TX), Joe Crowley (D-NY), Charles Rangel (D-NY), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Mike Honda (D-CA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Steve Israel (D-NY), Jackie Speier (D-CA), Scott Peters (D-CA), Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam), Dina Titus (D-NV), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Juan Vargas (D-CA).

The Senate version of Meng's resolution was sponsored by Senator Chris Coons (D-DE).

Meng's measure follows a resolution she introduced last year that encouraged schools serving substantial Asian-American populations in the U.S. to close on Lunar New Year in recognition of the cultural significance of the holiday, and since large numbers of students and teachers are often absent during the celebration.

Meng was also instrumental in creating the new law requiring New York City to consider closing schools on Lunar New Year, having championed the measure when she served in the New York State Assembly.

The Asian-American community celebrates Lunar New Year this month. A copy of Meng's resolution can be found here: https://meng.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/meng-evo.house.gov/files/Meng Lunar New Year Resolution.pdf