PAAIA

April 30, 2009, Washington, D.C. - This week six additional members of Congress have become cosponsors of H.Res.267, bringing the total number of cosponsors to 38. Sponsored by Congressman Michael Honda (D-15th/CA), H. Res. 267 is the first measure ever introduced into the United States Congress that recognizes the cultural and historical significance of the Iranian New Year. Furthermore, the bipartisan resolution expresses appreciation to Iranian Americans for their numerous contributions to American society and wishes Iranian Americans, the people of Iran, and all those who celebrate the holiday a prosperous new year.

Introduced on March 19, 2009, H.Res.267 was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Cosponsors include, but are not limited to, Representatives John Conyers (MI-14th), Suzanne Kosmas (FL-24th), Zoe Lofgren (CA-16th), Carolyn Maloney (NY-14th), John Mica (FL-7th), James Moran (VA-8th), Jerrold Nadler (NY-8th), Dana Rohrabacher (CA-46th), Linda Sanchez (CA-39th), Robert Wexler (FL-19th), and Frank Wolf (VA-10th).

Instrumental to the resolution’s success are the efforts of Congressman Honda to recruit cosponsors and encourage its passage by Nowruz of 2010. “I continue to urge my colleagues to cosponsor H.Res.267, a resolution I introduced which congratulates Iranian Americans and the people of Iran on the celebration of Nowruz,” said Congressman Honda. “Just this week, six more of my colleagues signed on as cosponsors. I look forward to working with the Iranian American community to continue this momentum, so that we may ultimately pass H.Res.267 and honor the community and Nowruz on the House floor.”

PAAIA urged the introduction of the Nowruz resolution as a part of its broader efforts to foster greater understanding of the Iranian culture and heritage as well as projecting an accurate and positive image of the Iranian American community that truly reflects our values and achievements.

Take Action on the Nowruz Resolution!
If your Representative is already a cosponsor, take the time to thank him or her. If your member of Congress is not a cosponsor, educate them about the Iranian New Year and ask him or her to sign on.