[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 2288]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     SENATE RESOLUTION 80--RECOGNIZING THE CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL 
                     SIGNIFICANCE OF LUNAR NEW YEAR

  Mr. COONS (for himself, Mr. Cornyn, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Kirk, Mr. Cardin, 
Mr. Reid, and Mr. Rubio) submitted the following resolution; which was 
considered and agreed to:

                               S. Res. 80

       Whereas Lunar New Year begins on the second new moon 
     following the winter solstice, or the first day of the new 
     year according to the lunisolar calendar, and extends until 
     the full moon 15 days later;
       Whereas February 19, 2015, marks the first day of Lunar New 
     Year for calendar year 2015;
       Whereas the 15th day of the new year, according to the 
     lunisolar calendar, is called the Lantern Festival;
       Whereas Lunar New Year is often referred to as ``Spring 
     Festival'' in various Asian countries;
       Whereas many religious and ethnic communities use lunar-
     based calendars;
       Whereas Lunar New Year began in China more than 4,000 years 
     ago and is widely celebrated in East and Southeast Asia;
       Whereas the Asian diaspora has expanded the Lunar New Year 
     celebration into an annual worldwide event;
       Whereas Lunar New Year is celebrated by millions of Asian 
     Americans, and by many non-Asian Americans, in the United 
     States;
       Whereas Lunar New Year is celebrated with community 
     activities and cultural performances;
       Whereas participants celebrating Lunar New Year travel to 
     spend the holiday reuniting with family and friends; and
       Whereas Lunar New Year is traditionally a time to wish upon 
     others good fortune, health, prosperity, and happiness: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes the cultural and historical significance of 
     Lunar New Year;
       (2) in observance of Lunar New Year, expresses its deepest 
     respect for Asian Americans and all individuals throughout 
     the world who celebrate this significant occasion; and
       (3) wishes Asian Americans and all individuals who observe 
     this holiday a happy and prosperous new year.

                          ____________________