Trone, CAPAC Members Celebrate Lunar New Year
For Immediate Release
Trone, CAPAC Members Celebrate Lunar New Year
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. David Trone (MD-06), Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), and House Congressional Leaders released the following statements ahead of the Lunar New Year, which begins on January 25, 2020 and marks the Year of the Rat:
Congressman David Trone (MD-06):
“The Lunar New Year is an important time to celebrate the contributions and heritage of the Asian American community. I’m wishing everyone a happy and peaceful new year to come.”
CAPAC Leadership
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:
“Happy Lunar New Year to everyone in my district and across the United States who is celebrating this joyous holiday! In Chinese culture, the Year of the Rat marks the start of the 12-year zodiac cycle and is associated with new beginnings, vitality, and wealth. As families here in the United States and across the world gather to welcome the Year of the Rat, I wish everyone a healthy, prosperous, and happy new year!”
Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06), CAPAC First Vice Chair:
“I extend my warm wishes for a happy Lunar New Year to all who are celebrating this holiday. As we mark this year’s Year of the Rat, I am proud to introduce a resolution to recognize the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year in 2020. This tradition that began in China more than 4,000 years ago, is now widely celebrated in East and Southeast Asia, and across the world. In addition, with Asian Americans being the fastest growing population in the United States, Lunar New Year is now observed by millions of Asian Americans and many non-Asian Americans in the nation. Referred to as Spring Festival in various Asian countries, Lunar New Year is celebrated with community activities and cultural performances. This is especially a joyous time for families to come together and celebrate the occasion. So to everyone celebrating in my district in Queens, and across the United States and around the world, I wish you and your families good fortune, health, prosperity, and happiness.”
Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Second Vice-Chair:
“Happy Lunar New Year to everyone celebrating in my district and around the world. This holiday gives us an opportunity to reflect on the year and prepare for new beginnings with friends and family. As we welcome the Year of the Rat, I wish everyone a year of health, happiness, and prosperity.”
Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33), CAPAC Whip:
“Happy Lunar New Year! I am excited to join my family and fellow members of the AAPI community in celebrating this new year – the Year of the Rat. The Lunar New Year is a joyous occasion that is observed by millions of people across the nation who come together to enjoy food, music and culture. It’s my pleasure to welcome this new Year of the Rat – may it be a year of success, optimism and great progress.”
Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03), CAPAC Freshman Representative:
“Happy Lunar New Year to all celebrating across Burlington and Ocean Counties, and around the world. This is not only a time to come together with friends and family to reflect on the past year, but to dedicate ourselves to a happy and prosperous year ahead. May this new year bring peace and good fortune to all!”
CAPAC Executive Board Members
Senator Tammy Duckworth (IL):
“Happy Lunar New Year! For all those celebrating, I hope the Year of the Rat brings you prosperity and luck. Let’s also take this day to recognize and honor the many ways Asian Americans have contributed to and strengthened our nation for generations.”
Congressman Ami Bera (CA-07):
“Happy Lunar New Year to all those celebrating in Sacramento, around the country, and around the world! As we begin the Year of the Rat, let us celebrate the new year, as well as the diversity and culture that our Asian Pacific American neighbors bring to our country. I wish everyone a joyful and healthy new year spent with family and friends.”
Congressman Ed Case (HI-01):
“In Hawai‘i we welcome each Chinese New Year celebrating traditional festivities, nurturing the narcissus flower bulbs, and enjoying bowls of monk food or jai along with youngsters hoping for the gift of a little red envelope or ‘li see’ stashed with money. In all this we join the largest percentage of Chinese Americans in the country and one of our oldest and broadest Chinese American communities and heritages in a celebration that has truly become all of ours. In that spirit, the people of Hawai‘i extend to all our warmest Aloha and a hearty ‘Gong hei fat choy’ in this auspicious Year of the Rat!”
Congressman Gil Cisneros (CA-39):
“Happy Lunar New Year to all those celebrating in California’s 39th District and across the county. Every day, I’m proud to represent our district’s vibrant Asian American and Pacific Islander community, one of the largest and most diverse in the country, and recognize their many significant contributions to the 39th District. In celebrating the Year of the Rat, I hope this new year is filled with good fortune, health, and prosperity for AAPI families everywhere.”
Congressman TJ Cox (CA-21):
“I am happy to join my colleagues and friends from the Central Valley in wishing everyone a happy Lunar New Year! Today is a day to celebrate new beginnings with loved ones and look forward to all the new year has to offer. It’s also a great time to reflect on the importance that diversity has in making the United States a vibrant country. I wish a happy and healthy Year of the Rat to all who celebrate the Lunar New Year!”
Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34):
“I’d like to wish a Happy Lunar New Year to everyone celebrating in Los Angeles and across the world! I’m excited to celebrate the Asian American community’s diverse heritage and culture by welcoming the Year of the Rat and the new beginnings it represents. May the new year bring our constituents and their loved ones exciting opportunities for growth and prosperity.”
Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17):
“Happy Lunar New Year to everyone celebrating across CA-17 today. As the red envelopes, meals, and firecrackers are being prepared, we remember that this holiday is fundamentally a time to come together and honor family. The Year of the Rat gives us all a moment to reflect on ways to be more kind and optimistic in the year to come. We all have to push toward a better and brighter future.”
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):
“Happy Lunar New Year! I hope that everyone is able to reflect on their accomplishments and celebrate this new beginning with their family and community. Wishing the East Bay and people around the world a healthy, peaceful, and prosperous Year of the Rat!”
CAPAC Associate Members
Congresswoman Katherine Clark (MA-05):
“Happy Lunar New Year to all those observing in Massachusetts and across the United States! As we welcome the Year of the Rat, we celebrate the wealth of opportunity, inclusion, and new beginnings that have come to define our country. Wishing everyone a year of peace, prosperity, good health, and happiness!”
Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03):
“I want to wish a happy and fulfilling Lunar New Year to the Asian American community and all those celebrating around the world. I hope the year brings good health and prosperity for you and your family. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus in the coming year to make sure southern Nevada’s Asian American and Pacific Islander community have a say in our democracy. Happy New Year and best wishes in the Year of the Rat!”
Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12):
“I hope everyone celebrating has a very Happy Lunar New Year. May the Year of the Rat bring success, prosperity and happiness. In this nation, our diversity is our strength and this is another wonderful celebration of the Asian American community in New York City and around the country.”
Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (CA-32):
“Happy Lunar New Year to everyone celebrating across California’s San Gabriel Valley and around the world, as we enter the Year of the Rat. The Rat is said to be the first animal on the Chinese zodiac, so as we welcome in new beginnings, let this be the start of something great. May this year be filled with peace, happiness, prosperity, and good health. Xin Nian Kuai Le!”
Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52):
“I want to wish San Diego a happy and healthy Lunar New Year and Year of the Rat—the rat embodies leadership, intelligence, independence, and hard work. I am committed to these same principles in 2020: to continue to work hard for our Asian-Pacific American communities, which strengthen San Diego through their diversity, heritage, and traditions. May the new year and new decade bring your families good fortune and happiness.”
Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-45):
“Happy Lunar New Year to everyone celebrating in Orange County and around the world! As we spend time with friends and family, let us reflect on the contributions of our AAPI community and embrace the flourishing of diversity in our own backyard. I wish you and your loved ones health, happiness, and prosperity during this Year of the Rat.”
Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51):
“The year of the rat brings opportunities to pursue new projects and personal endeavors. I wish all of those celebrating in California’s 51st district, and around the world, a Happy Lunar New Year! May the days ahead be filled with immense joy and success.”
###
The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.
