U.S. Senate Passes Nowruz Resolution

PAAIA would like to extend its deep appreciation to Senators Menendez and Cornyn for their leadership, and to the many Iranian Americans around the country who contacted their Senators to educate them about Nowruz and to express their support for the resolution.

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(WASHINGTON D.C.) - Today, the U.S. Senate passed by unanimous consent the Nowruz resolution sponsored by Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and John Cornyn (R-TX).

A similar resolution was originally introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Michael Honda (CA-15th) and passed on March 15th, 2010. Like the House version, the Senate resolution also recognizes the cultural and historical significance of Nowruz, expresses appreciation to Iranian Americans for their contributions to American society, and wishes Iranian Americans, the people of Iran, and all those who celebrate the holiday a prosperous new year. The Senate version also encourages the peaceful celebration of Nowruz in Iran and supports the right of Iranians to exercise the freedom of assembly, expression, and speech.

"Recognizing the historical and cultural significance of the Persian Nowruz holiday is an important and long-overdue milestone,” said Senator Menendez. “Nowruz is both an ancient Persian ritual and a moment of renewal that celebrates life.”

PAAIA worked with Senators Menendez and Cornyn to promote the Senate resolution and gain cosponsors. Original cosponsors include: Senators Jim Webb (D-VA), Joseph Lieberman (I-CT), Robert Byrd (D-WV), Roland Burris (D-IL), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Ted Kaufman (D-DE), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John McCain (R-AZ), Russell Feingold (D-WI), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Carl Levin (D-MI), Robert Casey (D-PA), and Benjamin Cardin (D-MD).

The Nowruz resolutions in the U.S. Congress are part of PAAIA’s broader efforts to foster greater understanding of Iranian culture and heritage as well as projecting an accurate and positive image of the Iranian American community that truly reflects their values and achievements.

PAAIA would like to extend its deep appreciation to Senators Menendez and Cornyn for their leadership, and to the many Iranian Americans around the country who contacted their Senators to educate them about Nowruz and to express their support for the resolution.

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Source: PAAIA Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans