WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman TJ Cox (D-CA), Vice-Chair of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, introduced a bipartisan resolution along with his colleagues, Congressmembers John Garamendi (D-CA), Haley Stevens (D-MI), Ted Yoho (R-FL), and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) in recognition of the historical, cultural, and religious significance of the Sikh community and their many contributions to America.
“I’m proud to have introduced the first ever resolution in the United States House of Representatives honoring the significant contributions Sikh Americans have made to our country and American culture,” said Congressman TJ Cox. “Today, the influence of Sikh Americans is reflected in every facet of American life, including the Central Valley’s agriculture industry. My district alone is home to more than 25,000 Sikhs and seven of the largest Gurdwaras in our country. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Sikh Caucus to advance this important resolution.”
“Resolutions like this are a key part of ongoing efforts to engage our elected officials,” said the Sikh Coalition. “Raising awareness of the contributions of Sikh Americans as well as the cultural and historical significance of our religion is a critical component in the larger fight to ensure our civil rights are protected and respected.”
“We sincerely appreciate Congressman Cox's efforts in recognizing the Sikh American community and its contributions to this great nation,” said the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund.
There are close to 500,000 Sikhs living in the United States and about half of this population resides in California. Sikh Americans have worked on farms, lumber mills, mines, and on the Oregon, Pacific, and Eastern Railroads. Sikh Americans have pursued diverse professions from serving in the U.S. Armed Forces to opening numerous small businesses, and have contributed to the fields of agriculture, information technology, the hospitality industry, trucking, and medicine.
The resolution has been endorsed by the Sikh Coalition and Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund.
