By PAAIA Editorial Staff

March 12, 2010, Washington, D.C. – House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer’s office today informed PAAIA that the House Leadership is placing the Nowruz resolution (H.Res.267) on the legislative calendar on Monday, March 15, when it will hopefully be voted on. This news follows PAAIA’s letter of March 9 to Majority Leader Hoyer urging him to place the resolution for a vote in time for the Nowruz holiday.
 
PAAIA would like to thank the House Leadership for its cooperation.

The Nowruz resolution is a part of PAAIA’s broader efforts to foster greater understanding of Iranian culture and heritage as well as to project an accurate and positive image of the Iranian American community that reflects our true values and achievements. PAAIA has worked with Congressman Michael Honda’s (CA-15th) office over this past year to promote the Nowruz resolution and gain co-sponsors. To date, the resolution has 56 cosponsors. Iranian Americans around the country have also voiced their support for the Nowruz resolution directly to their member of Congress throughout the past year.

The resolution 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.

If passed, it would be the first time that the U.S. Congress has officially recognized the Iranian New Year.