Title: Recognizing the historical, cultural, and religious significance of Sikh Americans, and for other purposes.
Policy area: Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues

Summary:
This resolution recognizes the contributions and sacrifices made by Sikh Americans 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 Sikh Americans have faced.

[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 538 Introduced in House (IH)]

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116th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 538

  Recognizing the historical, cultural, and religious significance of 
                Sikh Americans, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             August 6, 2019

  Mr. Cox of California (for himself, Mr. Garamendi, Ms. Stevens, Mr. 
 Yoho, and Ms. Lofgren) submitted the following resolution; which was 
           referred to the Committee on Oversight and Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Recognizing the historical, cultural, and religious significance of 
                Sikh Americans, and for other purposes.

Whereas Sikhs have been living in the United States for more than 120 years, and 
        during the early 20th century thousands of Sikh Americans worked on 
        farms, in lumber mills and mines, and on the Oregon, Pacific, and 
        Eastern Railroad;
Whereas Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world, there are more than 
        25,000,000 Sikhs worldwide, and more than 750,000 Sikh Americans;
Whereas 2019 is the 550th birthday of the first of ten gurus and founders of 
        Sikhism, Guru Nanak, and Guru Nanak's Gurpurab, which is one of the most 
        important dates in the Sikh calendar, is celebrated across this nation 
        and worldwide;
Whereas Vaisakhi, which is one of the most historically significant days of the 
        year for Sikhs, is celebrated every April;
Whereas Sikh men and women have notably contributed to American society since 
        their arrival in the late 1800s;
Whereas Sikh Americans pursue diverse professions that add to the social, 
        cultural, and economic vibrancy of the United States, including service 
        as members of the United States Armed Forces and making significant 
        contributions to our great nation in agriculture, information 
        technology, small businesses, the hospitality industry, trucking, 
        medicine, and technology;
Whereas Sikh Americans, like Bhagat Singh Thind, served in the United States 
        military during the World Wars and the first Asian American Congressman, 
        Dalip Singh Saund, was a Sikh American elected to office in 1957;
Whereas the inventor of fiber optics, Dr. Narinder Kapany, is a Sikh American, 
        as is the Country's largest peach grower, Didar Singh Bains;
Whereas Sikh-American women continue to make diverse contributions, such as 
        Grammy-winning artist Snatam Kaur, New York Police Department police 
        officer Gursoach Kaur, and University of California, Berkeley professor 
        Supreet Kaur;
Whereas Sikh Americans distinguish themselves by fostering respect among all 
        people through faith and service;
Whereas the United States House of Representatives is committed to educating 
        citizens about the world's religions, the value of religious diversity, 
        tolerance grounded in First Amendment principles, a culture of mutual 
        understanding, and the importance of reducing violence;
Whereas the United States House of Representatives seeks to further the 
        diversity of its community and afford all residents the opportunity to 
        better understand, recognize, and appreciate the rich history and shared 
        experiences of Sikh Americans: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the historical, cultural, and religious 
        significance of Guru Nanak's 550th birthday;
            (2) recognizes the contributions and sacrifices made by 
        Sikh Americans;
            (3) recognizes the discrimination that Sikh Americans have 
        faced in the United States and around the world; and
            (4) expresses its respect for all Sikhs who practice their 
        faith.
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