Title: 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.
Policy area: Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues

Summary:
This resolution recognizes the contributions and sacrifices made by Sikhs of the United States and expresses respect for all Sikhs who practice their faith.
The resolution also recognizes the historical, cultural, and religious significance of Guru Nanak's 550th birthday.
Additionally, the resolution recognizes the discrimination Sikhs of the United States have faced.

[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 680 Introduced in House (IH)]

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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 
Indiana, 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 contributions 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 Railroad;
Whereas Sikhism is a monotheistic religion and the fifth largest religion in the 
        world, with--

    (1) more than 25,000,000 Sikhs worldwide; and

    (2) almost 1,000,000 Sikhs in the United States;

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 worldwide;

Whereas Vaisakhi, which is one of the most historically significant 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 tradition 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 community kitchen in 
        every Gurdwara, known as the ``Langar'', where food is served, free of 
        charge, to all visitors to the Gurdwara regardless of faith, religion, 
        or background;
Whereas Sikh men and women have contributed to the society 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 professions that add to the 
        social, cultural, and economic vibrancy of the United States, 
        including--

    (1) by serving as members of the Armed Forces; and

    (2) by making significant contributions to agriculture, information 
technology, other technology, small businesses, the hospitality industry, 
trucking, and medicine;

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 business 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 providing 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 diversity in the House of 
        Representatives community and afford all people of the United States the 
        opportunity to better understand, recognize, and appreciate the rich 
        history and shared experiences of Sikhs of the United States: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (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.
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