[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Page 4415]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 113--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE THAT THE 
 CITIZENS' STAMP ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHOULD RECOMMEND THE ISSUANCE OF, 
  AND THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE SHOULD ISSUE, A COMMEMORATIVE 
                STAMP IN HONOR OF THE HOLIDAY OF DIWALI

  Mr. WARNER (for himself and Mr. Cornyn) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security 
and Governmental Affairs:

                              S. Res. 113

       Whereas Diwali, also referred to as the ``festival of 
     lights'', is an Indian holiday that marks the beginning of 
     the Hindu New Year;
       Whereas Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil, 
     the awareness of one's inner light, the dispelling of 
     ignorance, and bringing peace and joy through the awakening 
     gained from a higher knowledge;
       Whereas Diwali is observed in the United States, and across 
     the globe, by Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, and 
     Buddhists;
       Whereas as one of the world's oldest religious holidays, 
     Diwali serves not only as a time for celebration, but also as 
     a time for communities and families to come together in 
     spiritual enlightenment;
       Whereas the practice of celebrating Diwali has survived 
     political, economic, and social changes throughout history, 
     while always carrying the universal symbolism of the victory 
     of light, goodness, knowledge, and truth;
       Whereas the United States Postal Service, in accordance 
     with recommendations of the Citizens' Stamp Advisory 
     Committee, has issued stamps for other popular holidays in 
     the United States, including Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, 
     and Eid al-Fitr;
       Whereas the United States Postal Service has yet to issue a 
     stamp in honor of Diwali; and
       Whereas issuing a postage stamp honoring Diwali is fitting 
     and proper: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that--
       (1) the United States Postal Service should issue a postage 
     stamp honoring the holiday of Diwali; and
       (2) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend 
     to the Postmaster General that such a stamp be issued.

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