Bill Summary
This legislation, titled "Recognizing the historical, cultural, and religious significance of Sikh Americans, and for other purposes," acknowledges and celebrates the contributions of Sikh Americans to American society. It recognizes the long history of Sikh Americans in the United States, dating back over 120 years, and their diverse contributions to various industries such as agriculture, technology, and the military. Additionally, it acknowledges important dates in the Sikh calendar and highlights notable Sikh Americans who have made significant achievements. The legislation also acknowledges the discrimination faced by Sikh Americans and expresses respect for their faith. Overall, it serves to promote religious diversity, tolerance, and understanding, and seeks to educate citizens about Sikhism and the importance of reducing violence.
Possible Impacts
1. This legislation could potentially improve the recognition and understanding of Sikh Americans and their contributions to American society, leading to a decrease in discrimination and prejudice against the Sikh community.
2. It could also raise awareness about important Sikh holidays and traditions, such as Guru Nanak's Gurpurab and Vaisakhi, promoting cultural diversity and mutual understanding among different religious groups.
3. Additionally, the resolution may inspire and encourage Sikh Americans to continue pursuing diverse professions and making significant contributions to the United States, leading to a more vibrant and inclusive society.
[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 538 Introduced in House (IH)]
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116th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 538
Recognizing the historical, cultural, and religious significance of
Sikh Americans, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
August 6, 2019
Mr. Cox of California (for himself, Mr. Garamendi, Ms. Stevens, Mr.
Yoho, and Ms. Lofgren) submitted the following resolution; which was
referred to the Committee on Oversight and Reform
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Recognizing the historical, cultural, and religious significance of
Sikh Americans, and for other purposes.
Whereas Sikhs have been living in the United States for more than 120 years, and
during the early 20th century thousands of Sikh Americans worked on
farms, in lumber mills and mines, and on the Oregon, Pacific, and
Eastern Railroad;
Whereas Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world, there are more than
25,000,000 Sikhs worldwide, and more than 750,000 Sikh Americans;
Whereas 2019 is the 550th birthday of the first of ten gurus and founders of
Sikhism, Guru Nanak, and Guru Nanak's Gurpurab, which is one of the most
important dates in the Sikh calendar, is celebrated across this nation
and worldwide;
Whereas Vaisakhi, which is one of the most historically significant days of the
year for Sikhs, is celebrated every April;
Whereas Sikh men and women have notably contributed to American society since
their arrival in the late 1800s;
Whereas Sikh Americans pursue diverse professions that add to the social,
cultural, and economic vibrancy of the United States, including service
as members of the United States Armed Forces and making significant
contributions to our great nation in agriculture, information
technology, small businesses, the hospitality industry, trucking,
medicine, and technology;
Whereas Sikh Americans, like Bhagat Singh Thind, served in the United States
military during the World Wars and the first Asian American Congressman,
Dalip Singh Saund, was a Sikh American elected to office in 1957;
Whereas the inventor of fiber optics, Dr. Narinder Kapany, is a Sikh American,
as is the Country's largest peach grower, Didar Singh Bains;
Whereas Sikh-American women continue to make diverse contributions, such as
Grammy-winning artist Snatam Kaur, New York Police Department police
officer Gursoach Kaur, and University of California, Berkeley professor
Supreet Kaur;
Whereas Sikh Americans distinguish themselves by fostering respect among all
people through faith and service;
Whereas the United States House of Representatives is committed to educating
citizens about the world's religions, the value of religious diversity,
tolerance grounded in First Amendment principles, a culture of mutual
understanding, and the importance of reducing violence;
Whereas the United States House of Representatives seeks to further the
diversity of its community and afford all residents the opportunity to
better understand, recognize, and appreciate the rich history and shared
experiences of Sikh Americans: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes the historical, cultural, and religious
significance of Guru Nanak's 550th birthday;
(2) recognizes the contributions and sacrifices made by
Sikh Americans;
(3) recognizes the discrimination that Sikh Americans have
faced in the United States and around the world; and
(4) expresses its respect for all Sikhs who practice their
faith.
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