Meng Introduces Resolution Calling on Congress to Recognize Lunar New Year

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that she has introduced a resolution calling on the House of Representatives to officially recognize Lunar New Year in 2017.

The measure (H. Res. 63) encourages the House to recognize the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year in the year 2017. 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.

"The popularity of Lunar New Year continues to grow in New York and throughout the country, and it's time for Congress to acknowledge and appreciate this special and important holiday that celebrates the customs and culture of Asian Americans," said Meng. "Given the increased recognition of the holiday – which is celebrated by millions of Asian Americans and many non-Asian Americans all across the U.S. – I am hopeful that my colleagues will act to pass this measure, and I look forward to that happening in the very near future."

Meng also hailed the first anniversary of New York City schools closing for Lunar New Year. The Congresswoman, who worked with New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio to create the school holiday, first proposed the change to the school calendar in 2009, when she was a member of the New York State Legislature. Schools will not be closed this year because the holiday falls on a weekend.

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. Ed Royce (R-CA), Judy Chu (D-CA), Joseph Crowley (D-NY), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), John Conyers (D-MI), Susan Davis (D-CA), Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), Al Green (D-TX), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Colleen Hanabusa (D-HI), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Jerry McNerney (D-CA), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Scott Peters (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Jackie Speier (D-CA), Mark Takano (D-CA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Juan Vargas (D-CA) and Nydia Velazquez (D-NY).

A copy of the resolution can be found here.