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[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1394 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

118th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 1394

  Celebrating the principles of democracy, religious pluralism, human 
rights, and the rule of law shared by both the United States and India, 
 the strong people-to-people ties between the United States and India, 
      and the success of the Indian diaspora in the United States.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             July 30, 2024

  Mr. Suozzi (for himself, Mrs. Kim of California, Mr. Burchett, Mr. 
Carl, Mr. Carter of Georgia, Mr. Cartwright, Mr. Connolly, Mr. Correa, 
Mr. Davis of Illinois, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mr. Fleischmann, Mrs. Foushee, 
Mr. Grothman, Mr. Guthrie, Mr. Khanna, Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Mr. LaHood, 
Mr. Meuser, Mr. Mullin, Mr. Nehls, Mr. Nickel, Mr. Norcross, Mr. Ogles, 
   Mr. Pascrell, Mr. Rose, Ms. Ross, Ms. Sanchez, Mr. Sessions, Mr. 
  Sherman, Mrs. Steel, Mr. Takano, Mr. Thanedar, Mrs. Trahan, Mr. Van 
   Drew, Ms. Van Duyne, Mr. Veasey, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, and Mr. 
 McCormick) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
                    the Committee on Foreign Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
  Celebrating the principles of democracy, religious pluralism, human 
rights, and the rule of law shared by both the United States and India, 
 the strong people-to-people ties between the United States and India, 
      and the success of the Indian diaspora in the United States.

Whereas the partnership between India and the United States stands as one of the 
        most important democratic partnerships in the world;
Whereas the partnership is based on shared principles of democracy, religious 
        pluralism, human rights, freedom, and the rule of law;
Whereas the people-to-people ties between India and the United States are 
        strong, vibrant, and mutually beneficial for both countries;
Whereas the Indian diaspora, a community of over 4,000,000 in the United States, 
        has excelled in all areas of United States life, with 80 percent of 
        Americans of Indian heritage attaining college degrees;
Whereas India has a rich history of religious pluralism, with vibrant Hindu, 
        Sikh, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, and Jain communities;
Whereas 80 percent of Indian immigrants in the United States practice Hinduism, 
        and the United States Hindu population is estimated to be about 1 
        percent of the total population;
Whereas Hinduism is both a religion and a philosophy devoted to peace, good 
        deeds, and integrity;
Whereas BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (``BAPS'') is a worldwide Hindu denomination 
        dedicated to fostering faith, inspiring service, and promoting better 
        living;
Whereas His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016), established the first 
        BAPS Hindu mandir in the United States of America on August 4, 1974, in 
        New York City;
Whereas 2024 marks 50 years of service and faith in the United States for BAPS;
Whereas, over the last 50 years, BAPS has grown to over 100 mandirs across the 
        United States;
Whereas these mandirs offer a welcoming and spiritual space for thousands of 
        families, as well as worship, fellowship, communal meals, education, and 
        activities for young and old, creating a true home for the faithful;
Whereas BAPS mandirs offer youth activities that encourage and mold young people 
        to live lives of integrity and character that reflect our highest 
        ideals;
Whereas BAPS mandirs bring His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj's words, ``In the 
        joy of others lies our own'', to life through support for those in need, 
        through a variety of community efforts such as health fairs, food 
        drives, or disaster relief work;
Whereas following in the example of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the 
        volunteers of BAPS have, time and again, answered the call to serve, 
        humbly, selflessly, and inspirationally;
Whereas BAPS mandirs have a storied history of helping immigrants to the United 
        States retain their connection to their faith but fully embrace and join 
        in United States civic life; and
Whereas BAPS mandirs add to the United States rich tapestry of diversity and 
        contribute to the well-being of their congregants and local communities; 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the importance of the United States-India 
        strategic bilateral relationship;
            (2) celebrates the people-to-people bonds of friendship 
        between India and the United States;
            (3) affirms the commitment to freedom, democracy, the rule 
        of law, and religious pluralism shared by the United States and 
        India; and
            (4) recognizes and celebrates the countless contributions 
        of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and its volunteers over the last 
        50 years in the United States.
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