Torres, CAPAC Members Celebrate Lunar New Year 2023
Washington, D.C. — Today, CAPAC Members released the following statements to welcome the Lunar New Year, which begins on Sunday, January 22, marking the start of Year of the Rabbit in the Chinese zodiac and the Year of the Cat in the Vietnamese zodiac:
Rep. Norma Torres (CA-35):
"Lunar New Year is a joyous time for many Californians and people across the United States. In Congress, I am proud to support legislation to recognize the cultural and historical importance of this celebration, which brings together our vibrant communities. Wishing all those who celebrate a happy Year of the Rabbit and Year of the Cat!"
CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28):
"Lunar New Year is such a significant and joyous occasion celebrated by many East and Southeast Asian cultures, including Asian American communities throughout my own district and across the country. This holiday is marked by different traditions and meanings — some shared and others unique across cultures — and often involving family, food, and festivities. As we welcome the Year of the Rabbit and the Year of the Cat, I wish a happy Lunar New Year full of good fortune, prosperity, and togetherness to all those who celebrate."
CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06):
"This Sunday will mark the beginning of Lunar New Year and the Year of the Rabbit in the Chinese zodiac and Year of the Cat in the Vietnamese zodiac. Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays of the year for many Asian Americans, marking an occasion to gather with loved ones, engage in family traditions, and connect with a long cultural heritage that is thousands of years old. I am proud to lead the congressional efforts to commemorate this important holiday. Every year that I have been in Congress, I have sponsored a resolution recognizing the significance of Lunar New Year and this is the second year I will be introducing my Lunar New Year Day Act, a bill to designate Lunar New Year as an official federal holiday. Asian Americans are an essential part of American diversity and our culture and traditions are America's culture and traditions. I wish all those celebrating in Queens, across the country, and around the globe a happy Lunar New Year and a healthy, prosperous, and lucky Year of the Rabbit and Cat!"
CAPAC Second Vice-Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39):
"Happy Lunar New Year to everyone celebrating in my district and around the world. This holiday gives us an opportunity to reflect our lives, prepare for new beginnings with friends and family, and recommit to the work of building a brighter future for generations to come! As we welcome the Year of the Rabbit, I wish everyone a year of good fortune, peace, and prosperity."
CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36):
"Happy Lunar New Year to those celebrating in Los Angeles County and around the country! The Lunar New Year is a wonderful opportunity to gather with family and friends, celebrate a fresh start, and enjoy cherished traditions both old and new. This year, the year of the rabbit in the Chinese lunar calendar and the year of the cat in the Vietnamese lunar calendar, is predicted to be one of longevity, peace, and prosperity. From my family to yours, best wishes for a happy and safe Lunar New Year!"
CAPAC Freshman Representative Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02):
"Happy Lunar New Year to everyone celebrating in Hawai?i and across the world! As we welcome the Year of the Rabbit— which represents longevity, peace, prosperity, and cleverness— let's also celebrate the rich cultural heritage and traditions of our diverse Asian American community. Lunar New Year is a time when we come together with family, friends, and neighbors in hopes of good health and success. May this year bring peace and prosperity for all."
Rep. Ed Case (HI-01):
"The Lunar New Year celebration in my state of Hawai‘i, with the largest percentage of Asian Americans of any part of our country, transforms the islands into a festive place where lions and dragons take to the streets to dance, traditional foods are shared with everyone, red envelopes with ‘lucky money' are gifted to children, and fireworks are set off to celebrate the coming Spring. I recently joined the festivities as I marched in our first parade on ‘main street' through Honolulu's Chinatown for the first in three years since the onset of the pandemic, with thousands along to watch and participate in the celebration. Kung Hee Fat Choy!"
Rep. Al Green (TX-09):
"Happy Lunar New Year to my Asian American and Pacific Islander friends in the Ninth Congressional District of Texas, across our great nation, and around the world. As we move into the Year of the Rabbit, let us revel in what matters the most: family, friends, and community. May this Year of the Rabbit bring much luck, prosperity, and good health to all."
Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17):
"Happy Lunar New Year to everyone celebrating! Whether you are welcoming the Year of the Rabbit or the Cat, there is so much promise and hope for our country as we renew our efforts on climate, human rights, and protecting our democracy. Wishing everyone in CA-17 a prosperous and healthy year ahead."
Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-03):
"Happy Lunar New Year to all the families and loved ones celebrating in New Jersey and across the world. May this new year bring you renewed hope and new opportunities for success and togetherness. I hope you can celebrate with friends and family as you begin a happy, peaceful, and prosperous year."
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08):
"Happy Lunar New Year to all who celebrate! As we welcome in the Year of the Rabbit, I hope that everyone finds good health, fortune, and success this year. As a proud cosponsor of the 2023 Lunar New Year resolution, I am honored to stand with my fellow members of the AAPI community celebrating this holiday, and wish everyone a Happy Lunar New Year!"
Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10):
"Happy Lunar New Year to all celebrating in WA-10 and across the world. I hope this year, the year of the Rabbit, will bring peace and patience to you all as you celebrate with your family, friends, and loved ones."
Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13):
"As a new member of Congress and the latest addition to an incredible group of Asian American law makers I am happy to celebrate this Lunar New Year with them and I look forward to getting to work for the American people. The American dream is alive when an immigrant from India can come to this country, earn a degree, become a citizen, start a business, and be elected by the people to represent them in the Michigan State House and the United States House of Representatives. I hope to join the other CAPAC Representatives in growing our historic representation in Congress by inspiring future generations."
Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33):
"Happy Lunar New Year to all who are celebrating in the Inland Empire, across the country and around the world! May the Year of the Rabbit bring you and your loved ones good health, prosperity and happiness."
Rep. Nanette Barragán (CA-44):
"Happy Lunar New Year to everyone celebrating in Los Angeles County and across the country! As we spend time with friends and family, we reflect on and celebrate the contributions of the Asian American community and their diverse traditions. As we welcome the Year of the Rabbit and the Year of the Cat, I wish you and your loved ones a healthy, prosperous, and happy new year!"
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01):
"Happy Lunar New Year to all who celebrate! No matter what traditions you observe, Lunar New Year is a time for gratitude and hope in the new year. I wish everyone celebrating in NW Oregon and across our country joy and prosperity in the coming days."
Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24):
"Happy Lunar New Year! Today we celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Hare, and the values it symbolizes: peace, prosperity, and hope. This new year is an opportunity to renew our commitment to protecting the peace and in our communities by standing united against hatred and violence, and look forward to all that is to come in the future. May your new year be filled with fortune and joy."
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10):
"Happy Lunar New Year to all those celebrating in California's 10th Congressional District, across the country, and around the world. At this time of celebration and reflection, I wish you all a year of peace, good health, and joy."
Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07):
"I am glad to join the many families in Texas' Seventh Congressional District in celebrating the Lunar New Year. As a proud member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I send warm wishes for a Happy Lunar New Year to all who celebrate. May this year bring joy, patience, and luck!"
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05):
"I wish a happy Lunar New Year to the millions celebrating across North Jersey, across our great nation, and throughout the world. I hope the Year of the Rabbit brings you peace, longevity, and prosperity, and I hope everyone celebrating the Vietnamese Year of the Cat has a year full of good luck. A key part of North Jersey's strength continues to be our proud Asian American and Pacific Islander community — which includes so many incredible local leaders, small business owners, and residents who work day in and day out to make our state an even better place to live. It's a key priority of mine to work with the AAPI community to ensure that they always know their voices are heard. I will continue to fight to make sure that our small businesses have the resources they need to thrive, that we're making life more affordable for families, that we're standing up to fight hate crimes, and that we're investing in local law enforcement to keep all our communities safe."
Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51):
"Happy Lunar New Year to all those who celebrate in San Diego and across the country! I'm so proud to represent a vibrant district that welcomes and celebrates people from all over the world, including AAPI communities. This new year is an opportunity for us to celebrate the diversity of our communities and ensure that everyone is treated equally and with respect – no matter where they come from. Wishing everyone a healthy, happy, and prosperous new year."
Rep. Grace Napolitano (CA-31):
"Happy Lunar New Year and a Xin nian kuai le to everyone celebrating in our San Gabriel Valley and around the world! As we welcome the Year of the Rabbit, I hope we hop into things with the confidence and strength of the rabbit, and move toward our goals without hesitation. May this year of hope bring everyone happiness, prosperity, and good health. Gong Xi Fa Cai!"
Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-38):
"I am honored to join AAPI communities across Southern California in celebrating Lunar New Year. Each Lunar New Year marks a period of reflection, optimism, and hope. It is also a time to embrace new beginnings and new opportunities. As your Congresswoman, I offer my warmest wishes to you, your loved ones, and your neighbors today. May we all find good fortune and prosperity in the coming year."
Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-52):
"Happy Lunar New Year to all those celebrating in California's 52nd district and beyond! I hope the Year of the Rabbit brings peace, 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 Pacific American community."