[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 2311]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    SENATE RESOLUTION 457--RECOGNIZING THE CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL 
        SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CHINESE NEW YEAR OR SPRING FESTIVAL

  Mr. REID submitted the following resolution; which was considered and 
agreed to:

                              S. Res. 457

       Whereas the Chinese New Year is celebrated on the second 
     new moon following the winter solstice;
       Whereas February 7, 2008, marks the first day of the 
     Chinese New Year for 2008, also known as the Year of the Rat 
     or the Year of Wu Zi;
       Whereas the Chinese New Year festivities begin on the first 
     day of the first lunar month and end 15 days later with the 
     celebration of the Lantern Festival;
       Whereas there are approximately 3,500,000 Chinese-Americans 
     in the United States, many of whom will be commemorating this 
     important occasion;
       Whereas this day will be marked by celebrations throughout 
     our country as Chinese-Americans gather to watch the dragon 
     and lion dances; and
       Whereas the United States Postal Service will debut a new 
     stamp series for the 12 animals in the Chinese calendar on 
     February 9, 2008, with the series continuing through 2019: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes the cultural and historical significance of 
     the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival;
       (2) in observance of the Chinese New Year, expresses its 
     deepest respect for Chinese-Americans and all those 
     throughout the world who will be celebrating this significant 
     occasion; and
       (3) wishes Chinese-Americans and all those who observe this 
     holiday a happy and prosperous new year.

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