IV 
116TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 680 
Recognizing the historical, cultural, and religious significance of the 550th 
birthday of Guru Nanak and the contributions and sacrifices made by 
Sikhs of the United States. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
NOVEMBER 8, 2019 
Mr. PENCE (for himself, Mr. VISCLOSKY, Mr. BANKS, Mrs. BROOKS of Indi-
ana, Mr. CARSON of Indiana, and Mr. BAIRD) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Reform 
RESOLUTION 
Recognizing the historical, cultural, and religious significance 
of the 550th birthday of Guru Nanak and the contribu-
tions and sacrifices made by Sikhs of the United States. 
Whereas Sikhs have been living in the United States for more 
than 120 years; 
Whereas, during the early 20th Century, thousands of Sikhs 
of the United States worked on farms, in lumber mills 
and mines, and on the Oregon, Pacific, and Eastern Rail-
road; 
Whereas Sikhism is a monotheistic religion and the fifth larg-
est religion in the world, with— 
(1) more than 25,000,000 Sikhs worldwide; and 
(2) almost 1,000,000 Sikhs in the United States; 
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•HRES 680 IH 
Whereas 2019 is the year of the 550th birthday of Guru 
Nanak, the first of 10 gurus and founders of Sikhism; 
Whereas the Gurpurab of Guru Nanak— 
(1) is one of the most important dates on the Sikh 
calendar; and 
(2) is celebrated across the United States and world-
wide; 
Whereas Vaisakhi, which is one of the most historically sig-
nificant days of the year for Sikhs— 
(1) is celebrated on April 14; and 
(2) is the day on which Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 
10th Guru of Sikhism, created the Warrior Saint tradi-
tion of the volunteer soldier known as ‘‘Khalsa’’; 
Whereas the Sikh place of worship is known as Gurdwara 
Sahib, and there are more than 500 Gurdwaras Sahib 
across the United States; 
Whereas a hallmark of Sikh values and tradition is the com-
munity kitchen in every Gurdwara, known as the 
‘‘Langar’’, where food is served, free of charge, to all visi-
tors to the Gurdwara regardless of faith, religion, or 
background; 
Whereas Sikh men and women have contributed to the soci-
ety of the United States since the initial arrival of Sikhs 
in the United States in the late 1800s; 
Whereas Sikhs of the United States pursue diverse profes-
sions that add to the social, cultural, and economic vi-
brancy of the United States, including— 
(1) by serving as members of the Armed Forces; and 
(2) by making significant contributions to agri-
culture, information technology, other technology, small 
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•HRES 680 IH 
businesses, the hospitality industry, trucking, and medi-
cine; 
Whereas Sikhs of the United States served in the United 
States military during the World Wars; 
Whereas Sikhs stand for— 
(1) equality of gender; 
(2) equality of race; and 
(3) freedom of faith; 
Whereas Hoosier Sikhs are one of the fastest growing busi-
ness communities in Indiana; 
Whereas Sikhs of the United States distinguish themselves by 
fostering respect among all people through faith and 
service; 
Whereas Sikhism preaches a message of devotion, truthful 
living, equality of mankind, and social justice; 
Whereas the House of Representatives is committed to pro-
viding education to the people of the United States 
about— 
(1) the religions of the world; 
(2) the value of religious diversity; 
(3) tolerance grounded in the principles of the First 
Amendment to the Constitution of the United States; 
(4) a culture of mutual understanding; and 
(5) the importance of reducing violence; and 
Whereas the House of Representatives seeks to further diver-
sity in the House of Representatives community and af-
ford all people of the United States the opportunity to 
better understand, recognize, and appreciate the rich his-
tory and shared experiences of Sikhs of the United 
States: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
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•HRES 680 IH 
(1) recognizes— 
(A) the historical, cultural, and religious 
significance of the 550th birthday of Guru 
Nanak; 
(B) the contributions and sacrifices made 
by Sikhs of the United States; and 
(C) the discrimination that Sikhs of the 
United States have faced in the United States 
and around the world; and 
(2) expresses respect for all Sikhs who practice 
their faith. 
Æ 
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