[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 101 (Friday, June 14, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E639-E640]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION FOR EID DAY ACT

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                           HON. ANDRE CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 14, 2024

  Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Eid 
Day Act, which would create a federal holiday for Eid. I thank Rep. 
Grace Meng and my other House colleagues that joined me to support this 
bill. Eid al-Adha is an Islamic holiday which commemorates Abraham's 
symbolic sacrifice of his son to God, as referenced in the Quran, Old 
Testament, and New Testament. Eid al-Adha also marks the annual 
pilgrimage to Mecca, called Hajj. Eid al-Fitr is an Islamic holiday 
which commemorates the sighting of the new moon, signifying a month-
long end to fasting and reflection for all Muslim followers.
  Eid is a holiday of great importance to over 3.5 million American 
Muslims. Whether it be in the military, government, health, business or 
other leadership positions, Muslim Americans have always contributed to 
our country. Eid is a meaningful occasion for the Muslim community to 
reflect and celebrate on the importance of faith, sacrifice, freedom, 
and justice--the same values that all Americans hold dear. This year, 
Eid al-Adha will be celebrated on June 16th. We must continually strive 
to create a more inclusive nation and honor the diverse tapestry that 
makes up this country. Muslim Americans have meaningfully contributed 
to the American society since the nation's early history. They cherish 
American values, take pride in the country's pluralism, 
multiculturalism, and its embodiment as the land of liberty and 
opportunity.
  Recognizing Eid as a Federal Holiday will allow them to not only 
freely practice their faith, but also help them feel more at home and 
connect better with America's spirit as a religious minority. This bill 
is particularly timely given the alienation that parts of the Muslim 
American community feel after years of anti-Muslim sentiments as well 
as recent developments in the Middle-East. As Members of Congress, we 
need to uphold the values that our nation was founded on, including 
freedom of religion and equality for all.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing and 
uplifting this important cultural and historical celebration by making 
Eid a federal holiday.

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