CAPAC Members and House Democratic Leader Celebrate Lunar New Year
WASHINGTON, D.C. — CAPAC Members and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statements to welcome the Lunar New Year, which begins tomorrow on Saturday, February 10, marking the start of Year of the Dragon:
CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28):
“Happy Lunar New Year to all who are celebrating! For so many people, including those in East Asian, Southeast Asian, and Asian diasporas around the world, this is a joyous occasion to gather with loved ones and renew purpose and energy for the times ahead. For my neighbors in the Monterey Park community, the past year has been one of profound grieving and healing. As we come together to ring in the new year, let us keep those we have lost and those who have been affected in our hearts, and continue our community’s unyielding support for one another. As we welcome the Year of the Dragon, I send my warmest greetings and wish good health, prosperity, and success to you and your families!”
House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08):
“Happy Lunar New Year to all who are celebrating in New York’s 8th Congressional District, the United States and around the world. Lunar New Year is a time to celebrate new beginnings as we prepare for the year ahead. May the Year of the Dragon bring prosperity, health and good fortune to all!”
CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06):
“Wishing the millions of Americans celebrating Lunar New Year across the country a healthy, prosperous, and happy Year of the Dragon! I am proud every year to introduce a resolution that recognizes the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year in the United States. Asian Americans are the fastest growing population in the United States, and our cultures, traditions, and holidays are part of America’s culture. I hope that Congress passes my bill to make Lunar New Year a federal holiday after I played a role in making it a school holiday in New York. By allowing all who celebrate Lunar New Year to both practice old traditions and create new ones, we can honor the diversity that makes our country so beautiful and strong.”
CAPAC Second Vice-Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39):
“As we honor the Lunar New Year, a cherished occasion celebrated across diverse East and Southeast Asian communities, let us recognize its profound cultural and historical significance. This holiday gives us an opportunity to be in community, surrounded by love and family, and renew our efforts to actualize a more prosperous world. I wish you good fortune, health, and happiness as we enter the Year of the Dragon.”
CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36):
“Happy Lunar New Year to all those celebrating in Los Angeles County and around the country! As we mark the Year of the Dragon with honored traditions and cherished reunions, I hope 2024 will be filled with opportunity, prosperity, and peace for all. From my family to yours, best wishes for a happy Lunar New Year!”
CAPAC Freshman Representative Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02):
“Lunar New Year is about family, friends, and community coming together to invite good health, happiness, and prosperity into our lives. My husband and I are both dragons, so 2024 is a most auspicious year for us, and we are looking forward to celebrating the holiday with our sons. As many in our AANHPI community return home to celebrate the New Year, let us remember the responsibility we have to perpetuate and share our culture, and to lift up our community in this year of the dragon.”
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (IL):
“For generations upon generations, the start of Lunar New Year has long represented a chance to say farewell to the challenges that have previously held us back—a chance to remind ourselves of the importance of community and compassion—and an opportunity to refocus our attention on what lies ahead. Over the past few years, the AANHPI community has faced deep unique hardships and now, as we enter the Year of the Dragon—a year that symbolizes power, good fortune and strength—the kind of resilience that our community is known for is as important as ever. It is precisely because of the strength and unity our community has shown throughout these hardships that I have no doubt that the best is yet to come. Happy Lunar New Year!”
Sen. Mazie Hirono (HI):
“To everyone celebrating in Hawaii and across the world, Happy Lunar New Year. As we welcome the Year of the Dragon, I hope this year brings good fortune, health, happiness, and prosperity to you and your loved ones.”
Rep. Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06):
“Happy Lunar New Year to all those celebrating in Sacramento County and beyond! Let us embrace the spirit of strength and good fortune that the Year of the Dragon represents as we continue working together towards a brighter and more prosperous future for our community and our nation.”
Rep. Ed Case (HI-01):
“While there is a mix of cultures and ethnic backgrounds in my Hawaii including from many parts of Asia, we all celebrate the Lunar New Year with the hope that 2024 will signal good luck, success and prosperity. According to the Chinese zodiac, the element for this year is wood, which symbolizes our hope to achieve, progress, grow and expand. In that spirit, the people of my island home extend to all our warmest Aloha and a hearty ‘Gon hei fat choy’ in this auspicious Year of the Dragon.”
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07):
“I want to wish a very happy Lunar New Year to all who celebrate across our country and the world! Lunar New Year is such an important occasion for many Asian American communities, a group that has contributed so much to our country’s traditions, diversity, and culture. As we welcome the Year of the Dragon, I wish everyone a healthy, peaceful, and prosperous year!”
Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17):
“Happy Lunar New Year to everyone celebrating in CA-17 and around the world! The Year of the Dragon symbolizes peace, prosperity, and longevity. I look forward to joining our community in celebrating. I wish everyone a happy and prosperous year ahead.”
Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-03):
“Happy Lunar New Year to everyone celebrating in New Jersey’s 3rd District, across New Jersey, and around the world! I wish you all happiness and peace as friends and family gather to celebrate and welcome in the Year of the Dragon. May the year ahead bring good fortune and prosperity to you and your loved ones.”
Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-12):
“Happy Lunar New Year to all Californians and anyone celebrating around the world! I am proud to support and join the East Bay Asian and Pacific Islander communities in celebrating the Year of the Dragon. Dragons are particularly known for their intelligence, wisdom, and loyalty – qualities that we must strive to embody for the new year. As we embark on the Year of the Dragon, may its fierce spirit inspire us in our fight for justice, equality, and prosperity.”
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10):
“Lunar New Year is an opportunity to gather with loved ones, celebrate traditions, and ring in a new year of joy, prosperity, and peace. As we welcome the Year of the Dragon, I’m wishing a happy Lunar New Year to those celebrating in CA-10 and around the country.”
Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-06):
“Happy Lunar New Year to those celebrating in Southeast Michigan and throughout the world. The Lunar New Year is a time full of celebration and tradition, and this year we welcome the year of the dragon—representing good luck, strength, and wisdom. I hope the new year brings abundance, togetherness, and memorable times with loved ones.”
Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07):
“Happy Lunar New Year! As a proud member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I am glad to join the many families in Texas’ Seventh Congressional District in celebrating the Year of the Dragon. May this year bring luck, strength, and prosperity!”
Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03):
“I’m honored to celebrate the Lunar New Year and I hope the Year of the Dragon brings everyone and their families strength, health, and prosperity. Southern Nevada is incredibly proud of its Asian American communities and the local leaders, small business owners, and hardworking families who make our state an incredible place to live. The Lunar New Year is an amazing opportunity to support our local small businesses and celebrate Asian American culture, food, and entertainment.”
Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15):
“Happy Lunar New Year to all who celebrate in my California Congressional District 15 and across the nation. I’m proud to represent a district with a large and diverse AAPI community. May the Year of the Dragon bring you and your loved ones health, happiness, and prosperity!”
Rep. Grace Napolitano (CA-31):
“Happy Lunar New Year to everyone celebrating across California’s San Gabriel Valley and around the world, as we welcome the year of the Dragon! The dragon is said to be the most auspicious of the 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac and is associated with good fortune, wisdom, and success. May we all have a year filled with good luck and prosperity! Xin nian kuai le!”
Rep. Katie Porter (CA-47):
“Happy Lunar New Year to those celebrating in Orange County, across the state, and around the world! California benefits from the rich heritage and culture of our Asian-American neighbors. As we start the Year of the Dragon, I’m wishing Californians and their families festivities filled with happiness and a renewed sense of hope. May the new year bring the strength, prosperity, and good fortune that the dragon represents.”
Rep. Ayanna Pressley (MA-07):
“Wishing a happy Lunar New Year to all those celebrating in the Massachusetts 7th, across the Commonwealth, and around the world. As a proud CAPAC member, I'm honored to represent such a vibrant AAPI community. May the Year of the Dragon bring peace, joy, and prosperity.”
Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-08):
“Happy Lunar New Year to everyone celebrating in my district, across America and the world! I’m elated to join many AAPI families in ringing in the New Year in our diverse and vibrant Eighth Congressional District. I wish everyone a memorable and joyous celebration with their loved ones. May this new Year of the Dragon bring joy, peace, and prosperity to all.”
Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-38):
“Happy Lunar New Year to all those celebrating in Southern California! I’m proud to represent one of the most diverse AAPI communities and I offer my warmest wishes to all those celebrating the Year of the Dragon. May this year bring you honor, luck, and success!”
Rep. Norma Torres (CA-35):
“Happy Lunar New Year to everyone celebrating in the Inland Empire and across the world! Today we welcome the beginning of the Year of the Dragon and the values it symbolizes: strength, power, good fortune, and success. The Lunar New Year is a time of joyous celebration with family and friends and a time to embrace new beginnings and opportunities. Wishing a happy, prosperous Lunar New Year to all.”
Rep. Ayanna Pressley (MA-07):
“Wishing a happy Lunar New Year to all those celebrating in the Massachusetts 7th, across the Commonwealth, and around the world. As a proud CAPAC member, I'm honored to represent such a vibrant AAPI community. May the Year of the Dragon bring peace, joy, and prosperity.”