Press Release by National Iranian American Council (NIAC)

Washington, DC - This March, as millions of Iranians and Iranian Americans celebrate Norooz, they may be joined by an unlikely group: the United States Congress.  H.Res.267, the Norooz Resolution, was unanimously approved today (January 27) by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and now awaits final passage before the House of Representatives.  For the first time ever, Congress is now poised to officially recognize Norooz and the rich cultural traditions of Iranian Americans.

Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA) introduced the Norooz Resolution last spring, stating "Norooz embodies the principle that each individual's thinking, speaking, and conduct should always be virtuous.  It promotes compassion for our fellow human beings irrespective of ethnicity or religion."

When news broke last Friday that Congress was considering moving forward with the Norooz Resolution, NIAC issued a call to Iranian Americans to write to their Representatives to tell them to immediately bring the resolution up for a Committee vote.  NIAC members immediately responded, sending out nearly 1,000 letters in just 5 days and spurring the Committee to take up and pass the resolution.

H.Res.267 celebrates Norooz and wishes Iranian Americans and the Iranian people a prosperous new year.  The resolution recognizes Iran's rich cultural traditions while expressing appreciation to Iranian Americans for their contributions to society.  With the Norooz Resolution closer than ever to passing Congress, the Iranian American community may have a new achievement to celebrate as they begin the New Year.

... Payvand News - 01/28/10 ... --