Expressing support for designating Iranian American Heritage Month.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 243 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 243

  Expressing support for designating Iranian American Heritage Month.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 24, 2025

 Ms. Ansari (for herself, Mr. Sherman, Mr. Min, Ms. Kamlager-Dove, Ms. 
    Lofgren, Mrs. McBath, Mr. Costa, and Mr. Carson) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight 
                         and Government Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Expressing support for designating Iranian American Heritage Month.

Whereas the United States Census Bureau estimates there to be over 540,000 
        individuals of Iranian descent residing in the United States;
Whereas the United States is home to the largest diaspora community of Iranian 
        Americans in the world, with the largest hub located in Los Angeles, 
        California;
Whereas Iranian Americans have established deep roots in communities across the 
        United States, from Los Angeles, to Phoenix, to New York, and enriched 
        our social, economic, political, and cultural tapestry;
Whereas the Iranian New Year ``Nowruz'', which translates to ``new day'', is 
        celebrated on the Spring Equinox by thousands of Americans and 
        symbolizes renewal, hope, and harmony with nature;
Whereas Iranian Americans have made significant contributions to the United 
        States in fields such as science, medicine, technology, business, 
        academia, public service, and the arts;
Whereas two members of the Iranian-American community currently serve in the 
        United States Congress;
Whereas a 2010 study by the Small Business Administration found that Iranian 
        Americans are among the top 20 immigrant groups with the highest rate of 
        business ownership, owning over 33,000 businesses and generating 
        billions in net income;
Whereas the Iranian people have contributed to modern civilization for 
        millennia, bringing forth the Cyrus Cylinder as the world's first human 
        rights document and the Bani Adam poem by Sa'adi Shirazi describing all 
        humans as part of one equal body which is inscribed on the entrance to 
        the United Nations;
Whereas Iranian Americans have served in senior capacities in both Republican 
        and Democratic administrations, and have held elected positions in State 
        and local governments across the United States;
Whereas Iranian Americans have and continue to serve with distinction in the 
        United States military and law enforcement, upholding the Constitution 
        and safeguarding national security;
Whereas the Iranian American Contributions Project estimates that Iranian-
        American publications have been cited over 2,000,000 times, and Iranian-
        American inventors have filed for over 4,000 patents;
Whereas the Iranian-American community is religiously diverse, including Jewish, 
        Muslim, Christian, Zoroastrian, and other faiths, contributing to the 
        rich cultural mosaic of the United States;
Whereas many Iranian Americans have overcome significant hardships as immigrants 
        and refugees fleeing the brutal and dictatorial Islamic Republic;
Whereas the Iranian-American community has turned adversity into action, with 
        thousands taking part in the peaceful ``Woman, Life, Freedom'' protests 
        across the United States to demand an end to the Islamic Republic's 
        violence, including against Iranian women and ethnic minorities and 
        repression of the Iranian people;
Whereas, on January 26, 2023, the United States House of Representatives passed 
        House Concurrent Resolution 7, commending the bravery, courage, and 
        resolve of the Iranian people; and
Whereas the Iranian-American community is an integral part of American society, 
        and their contributions, culture, and spirit have made our Nation a 
        better place: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the designation of Iranian American Heritage 
        Month;
            (2) acknowledges the significant contributions Iranian 
        Americans have made to our Nation's culture, economy, and 
        developments in the fields of science, medicine, and 
        technology;
            (3) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
        Iranian American Heritage Month with appropriate programs, 
        activities, and celebrations, such as the ``Nowruz'' new year 
        celebration; and
            (4) continues to stand with Iranian Americans and the 
        Iranian people in their fight for a free and democratic Iran.
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