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CAPAC Members and Congressional Leaders Celebrate Lunar New Year

February 4, 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, 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 February 5, 2019 and marks the Year of the Pig:

CAPAC Leadership

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“Happy Lunar New Year to the millions in the United States and around the world who are celebrating today! As we welcome the Year of the Pig – a symbol of wealth, compassion, diligence, and generosity – let us also celebrate the rich heritage of our diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander communities and their many contributions to our great nation. May this new year bring peace, prosperity, health, and good fortune to all!”

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06), CAPAC First Vice Chair:

“Happy Lunar New Year! It is an honor to extend my warmest greetings to everyone celebrating the holiday. With the continued growth of the Asian American community in the United States, Lunar New Year is now observed by millions of people and their families across this nation. This is the fourth year since New York City recognized the significance of Lunar New Year by establishing it as a public school holiday – a recognition that I was proud to have played a role in creating. I am now working to have the U.S. House of Representatives officially acknowledge this special day, and I’ve reintroduced a resolution that aims to make that happen. As we welcome the Year of the Pig, I wish everybody a year of happiness, good fortune, health and prosperity.”

Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33), CAPAC Whip:

“Happy Lunar New Year! I love this holiday because it’s a chance for families and communities to join together to celebrate the coming year. It’s a joyous occasion – marked by delicious food and lively festivities – that my family and many people in our community look forward to celebrating each year. May this year, the Year of the Pig, be one of happiness, good health and prosperity for all.”

Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03), CAPAC Freshman Representative:

“Happy Lunar New Year to all celebrating across New Jersey’s 3rd District and around the world. This holiday is an important time for friends and families to come together and reflect on our time-honored traditions. May this new year bring peace and prosperity to all!”

House Leadership

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA-12):

“The Lunar New Year is a joyous time of reflection, celebration and optimism for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities across the country and around the world. In San Francisco, home to one of the largest AAPI communities in America, we draw strength and inspiration from the remarkable contributions that AAPI families have made to our city and the beautiful tapestry of traditions and cultures that enriches our lives.  As we join our AAPI community to celebrate the Year of the Pig – characterized by prosperity and good fortune – we commit ourselves to advancing progress and ensuring the blessings of family, community and equal opportunity are shared by all Americans.  In that spirit, I offer my warmest wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.” 

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD-05):

“I join in wishing a joyous and meaningful New Year to all who are celebrating the arrival of the Year of the Pig. May it be a year filled with blessings and prosperity, happiness, and good health. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus to celebrate the cultural heritage of Asian-American communities and pursue policies that expand equality, opportunity, and justice for all.”

House Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Katherine Clark (MA-05):

“Happy Lunar New Year! As we begin the Year of the Pig, let us celebrate the wealth of perspective that defines our democracy and the diversity that strengthens our country. Wishing everyone a year of peace, prosperity, and happiness!”

House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee Co-Chair Barbara Lee (CA-13): 

“Today, I’m proud to join the East Bay and people around the country in celebrating the Lunar New Year. Wishing everyone an auspicious, peaceful and healthy Year of the Pig!”

House Democratic Caucus Leadership Representative Jamie Raskin (MD-08):

“Happy Lunar New Year to everyone celebrating the Year of the Pig in 2019. Lunar New Year is a special time for families and friends to come together to celebrate with delicious food, music, and performance art. Maryland’s 8th District is home to a vibrant Asian American community—one of the biggest in our country—and it has enriched our region immeasurably. I wish everyone a prosperous and auspicious New Year filled with peace, joy and well-being.”

CAPAC Executive Board Members

Congressman Ed Case (HI-01):

“From all of us in Hawai‘i, which proudly lays claim to our country’s earliest Chinese communities dating back to the late 1700s, our first Chinese-American U.S. Senator, Hiram Fong, and his successor, Daniel Akaka, and the largest percentage of Chinese Americans, we extend our sincere appreciation to Chinese Americans everywhere and our very best wishes for happiness and prosperity in this Year of the Earth Pig!”

Congressman Gil Cisneros (CA-39): 

“I want to wish the residents of the 39th district and the international community a happy Lunar New Year filled with good fortune, good health, and prosperity. In Southern California, the AAPI community continues to make significant contributions to our diverse cultural heritage and enriches our region’s history. My district is home to one of America’s largest AAPI communities and I am proud to represent such a hard-working, diverse, and caring group of people.

“As a leader born in the Year of the Pig: honesty, reliability, and dedication are recurring themes with this zodiac sign, and I hope to embody those traits as a Member of Congress. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and it is an honor to represent this thriving community in Washington, D.C.”

Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34): 

“In this Year of the Pig, I wish everyone celebrating in Los Angeles and around the world a healthy and prosperous Lunar New Year! Asian American immigrants have enhanced our country’s culture and shaped America into a better and stronger nation. Let’s take this time to learn and appreciate the rich cultural contributions that the Asian American community has made to American life.”

Congressman Al Green (TX-09): 

“To all who celebrate in my district, in our diverse country, and across the world, Happy Lunar New Year! Wishing that the Year of the Pig brings success, new opportunities, and prosperity for all. Have an auspicious new year."

Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17):

“Happy Lunar New Year to all those celebrating in my district and around the world! I hope everyone has a chance to spend time with family and remembers that our nation is strengthen by diversity. In the Year of the Pig, I wish everyone a prosperous year!”

Congressman Michael San Nicolas (GU):

“This Lunar New Year is the Year of the Golden Pig, a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, and is being celebrated by diverse cultures in America’s Asian Pacific Islander community. It is a time to reflect on how diversity has contributed to not only America’s cultural vitality but also played an important role in building America from Filipino settlers during the Colonial period, to the Chinese immigrant workers on the Transcontinental Railroad, to the Vietnamese refugees in the 1970s. Together, we celebrate family, community, and a prosperous Lunar New Year for all.”

CAPAC Associate Members

Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12):

“I wish everyone celebrating a very Happy Lunar New Year. May the new year bring success, prosperity and happiness for you, your families, and friends. 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 welcome the Year of the Boar. The boar is a social animal, so as families gather to mark this joyous occasion, it is my hope we continue in this spirit of coming together in dialogue in the year ahead. May this year also be filled with good health, peace, and prosperity. Gong Xi Fa Cai!”

Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52):

“I want to wish families in San Diego and across the country a happy and healthy Lunar New Year and Year of the Pig—a year of logic and problem solving. I am committed to these same principles this year—to work for our Asian-Pacific American communities, which strengthen San Diego through their diversity, heritage, and traditions. May the new year bring your families good fortune and happiness.”

Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-45):

“As we head into the Year of the Pig, I hope that all those celebrating will enjoy a festive Lunar New Year with family and friends. I wish everyone prosperity and good health in the year ahead.”

Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40):

“Gung hay fat choy!  To all who are celebrating the Lunar New Year in California's 40th District and around the world, I send my very best wishes.  The traditions and ideals of Asian Americans are essential elements of our diverse district, making it a stronger and better community for all its residents. So to everyone celebrating the Year of the Pig, I say: May this be a year of good health, prosperity, and joy for you and your loved ones.”

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09):

“Happy Lunar New Year to those celebrating in the U.S. and around the world! Today, we welcome the Year of the Pig alongside our Asian and Pacific Islander communities. I am proud to represent the Asian community in my district and recognize that the diversity in our region is our greatest strength. Let us honor the contributions made by our AAPI community that continue to shape America into a stronger nation. I wish all celebrating this joyous occasion a year of peace, good health, happiness and prosperity.”

Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51):

"Happy Lunar New Year to all those celebrating in California’s 51st district and around the world! I hope the Year of the Pig brings health, happiness, and prosperity to you and your loved ones. I’m thankful for the diversity of our nation, and I’m honored to celebrate the cultural traditions of our Asian-American community."

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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.