CAPAC Members and Congressional Leaders Celebrate Lunar New Year
Washington, D.C. – Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements to welcome the Lunar New Year:
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:
“The Lunar New Year is a joyous time. It’s a time to celebrate our rich cultural heritage as we gather with family and friends to reflect on the past and look forward to the year ahead. Whether you are celebrating the Year of the Ram, Sheep, or Goat, may this year bring good health, fortune, and success to you and your loved ones!”
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA-12):
"As Asian Americans and families around the world celebrate the Lunar New Year, we welcome the Year of the Ram by expressing gratitude and sharing warm wishes of prosperity, opportunity, and joy. In the streets of San Francisco and across America, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities remind us that the beauty is in the mix.
“America’s cultural wealth is enriched by vibrant communities that illustrate our founding credo – ‘E Pluribus Unum: out of many, one’ – and, as a new lunar year begins, we will continue to fight for comprehensive immigration reform that honors our values and our heritage as a safe haven for people from around the globe.
“In the Year of the Ram, may all our families be blessed with the warmth of good company, the security of good health, and the joy of good fortune.”
Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA-34), Chair of the House Democratic Caucus:
“It’s a great pleasure to join Asian American communities here in Los Angeles and across the country in celebrating the Lunar New Year. I’m honored to represent California’s 34th District where for generations Asian Americans have enriched America with their cultural heritage and traditions. May you enjoy a prosperous, peaceful and healthy year!”
Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus:
“Happy Year of the Sheep, everyone! The Lunar New Year is a time for family and friends to celebrate and reflect on the year past, and plan for the year ahead. Let’s use this year to dedicate ourselves to working towards equality, justice, and peace for everyone. Here’s to a year of good fortune!”
Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Whip:
“This year, as we celebrate 2015 as the Year of the Goat, I would like to send my warmest wishes to all who will be celebrating the Lunar New Year. My hope is that this year brings peace and prosperity for you and your families. Gung Hay Fat Choy!”
Senator Brian Schatz (HI):
“As we celebrate the Lunar New Year around the world, let us recognize the vibrant traditions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities that mark this very special time. In Hawai‘i, where celebrating diverse cultures is part of our daily lives, the year of the Sheep inspires community-building and strengthens relationships. Best wishes to all for a happy and prosperous new year.”
Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08):
"As the daughter of a Chinese-Thai immigrant, I am proud to celebrate the Lunar New Year with so many of the Asian Americans that contribute to our economy, culture, and communities. All around the world and at home, we will ring in the Year of the Ram. It is my hope that in the coming year Asian Americans will continue to grow their voice on the issues that are so important to our community, such as immigration reform."
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02):
“The contributions of the AAPI community to our nation continue to grow, and have been passed down through generations: from creating jobs and opening small business to contributing to the melting pot of American culture. I wish everyone celebrating the Lunar New Year good health, progress, and prosperity. Aloha!”
Congressman Al Green (TX-09):
“Xin Nian Kuai Le—Happy Lunar New Year! I wish you and yours a healthy and wealthy new year.”
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):
“A very happy New Year to those in the East Bay, California and around the world celebrating the beginning of the Year of the Goat. The Year of the Goat has long been seen as a year of promise and prosperity. At the start of this new year, I wish all a happy year filled with good health, prosperity, good fortune, and peace.”
Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33):
“In a nation with almost 17 million Asian American & Pacific Islanders, the Lunar New Year is largely celebrated by many Americans across the country. California, rich in its diversity, is home to many who celebrate this holiday. From my family to yours, we wish you all a prosperous, healthy and happy New Year and Year of the Sheep.”
Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06):
“I am extremely pleased to convey my very best wishes to the millions of people celebrating Lunar New Year. The Asian-American community has become an important part of America’s fabric, and I am excited and proud to celebrate the customs, vibrancy and contributions of Asian-Americans during the most important time of year for those of Asian descent. This is an exciting time for Lunar New Year. A bill I championed aimed at getting New York City to close its schools on the holiday is now the law of the land in my home state. And I'll be shepherding a measure through Congress that calls on the House and Senate to recognize Lunar New Year. With the popularity of Lunar New Year continuing to grow, it’s time for Congress to acknowledge this important holiday. I wish everybody peace, prosperity, good health and happiness in the year ahead.”
Congressman Mark Takai (HI-01):
“I would like to extend a warm Aloha and Kung Hee Fat Choy to the Asian-American community as we celebrate the New Lunar Year. As we move into the Year of the Goat, it is worth noting that the Goat traditionally stands for peace, harmonious co-existence and tranquility. I hope we will keep in mind the virtues of the Goat as we move into more tumultuous times. I wish you all good fortune and good health in the year ahead!"
Congressman Alan Lowenthal (CA-47):
“I want to extend my warmest wishes to everyone this Lunar New Year. As we welcome the Year of the Goat, we look forward to a new year filled with happiness, good health, and good fortune. The Lunar New Year brings together many of the unique and diverse communities in the 47th District in celebration, from Cambodia Town in Long Beach and the Korean Business District in Garden Grove to the Vietnamese American community in Orange Country. Let us all share this time of festivity with our families, friends, and loved ones as we celebrate the history and tradition the Lunar New Year symbolizes.”
Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52):
“I want to wish my district a prosperous Lunar New Year filled with happiness, good health, and good fortune. Here in San Diego, the Asian Pacific American community has made significant contributions to our nation’s diverse cultural heritage and enriches our region’s history. As a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I am proud to help represent this growing community in Washington, D.C. and look forward to our future work together. Happy Year of the Sheep!”
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09):
“I join the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in the 9th District in Washington State and across our country in celebrating Lunar New Year. This holiday reminds us of the rich culture and important contributions that the AAPI community has made to our society as community leaders, business owners, and members of our Armed Services. I wish you and your families prosperity, health, and a Happy Lunar New Year!”
###
The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.