King Charles III Speaks to Joint Session of Congress  

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata

Headline: King Charles III Speaks to Joint Session of Congress  

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting Tuesday’s speech by King Charles III of the United Kingdom to a Joint Session of Congress, held in the House of Representatives chamber. The event is historic, as the only other English monarch to speak to a Joint Session in the U.S. was in 1991 when Queen Elizabeth II gave an address during the administration of President George H.W. Bush. 

This Joint Session of Congress commemorates the upcoming 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, and affirmation of the “special relationship” between the two allied nations. King Charles is in the U.S. for a four-day royal visit that includes a bilateral meeting at the White House with President Trump. With King Charles and Queen Camilla as guests of honor, the White House events included music and a cannon salute, and speeches by the President and King Charles that highlight references to shared history between the two nations and shared roots in the development in systems of justice and democratic government dating back to the Magna Charta. The schedule includes a state dinner and other stops in the United States. Arriving in Congress, he was greeted by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson for their walk through the U.S. Capitol’s Statuary Hall. 

“The modern US-UK alliance has been one of the world’s strongest and longest-lasting alliances, especially during and since World War II,” said Congresswoman Amata. “This unique alliance was called a ‘special relationship’ by Winston Churchill and has been known by that phrase ever since. The US-UK alliance is of importance to our region as part of our Pacific partnerships encompassing security, trade and diplomacy including Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, Japan, South Korea and many nations. One of those agreements, AUKUS, involves security and technology among Australia, the UK, and the US, and American Samoa’s location is a key part of the U.S. strategic outlook for the South Pacific. I’ve had the humbling opportunity to visit our Veterans’ cemeteries in the U.K. and recognize that the ‘special relationship’ includes the sacrifices of heroes in the cause of freedom.”

“I appreciate that King Charles included the U.S. territories in his welcoming remarks to Congress today,” concluded Aumua Amata. “It is meaningful to the enduring bond between our nations that he included us in his thoughts of the special relationship between all of the United States and its territories and Great Britain. He closed his speech with an eloquent call to ‘the selfless service of our people and of all the peoples of the world.’”

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Case Opposes Fiscal Year 2027 Foreign Affairs Funding Bill That He Says Further Weakens Country’s Global Leadership Role

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) reported that his Appropriations Committee approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 National Security, Department of State and Related Programs (NSRP) funding measure.  

The measure would provide $47.3 billion, a $2.7 billion decrease from current enacted levels, for U.S. foreign policy efforts executed by the Department of State, U.S. contributions to the United Nations and its agencies and more.  

“I voted against this measure because while it did fund some critical Hawai‘i, Indo-Pacific and global priorities I requested, the bill as a whole weakens our global leadership when the world most needs our continued full engagement,” said Case.

Case, while opposing the overall funding reductions, welcomed support in the bill for several of his requests including $830 million for the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), $1 billion for the Development Finance Corporation (DFC), $87 million for the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), $20 million for the Asia Foundation and significant support for the Philippines including $200 million in Foreign Military Financing and $100 million under National Security Investment Programs.

He also welcomed support for his specific requests related to Hawai‘i and the Indo-Pacific, especially $16.7 million for the East-West Center in Honolulu, which was proposed to be zeroed out by President Trump in his budget request to Congress. While this funding is a meaningful improvement over a proposed elimination of Congressional support, it still represents a $5.3 million reduction from last fiscal year, underscoring that significant work remains to be done to fully restore support for the Center.

“Continued funding for our East-West Center and other world-leading institutions in Hawai‘i supports our country’s standing in an area widely seen as the most dynamic and critical on earth. As strategic competition intensifies and partnerships across the Indo-Pacific grow ever more important, this bill also secures key investments to strengthen regional stability, deepen our alliances and ensure the United States remains a leading and reliable presence in the region.”

Other bill provisions requested by Case, who continues as co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Pacific Islands Caucus that advocated collectively for Pacific programs, include:

·      $1.8 billion for the implementation of the Indo-Pacific Strategy, which promotes peace, prosperity and democracy in the region.

·      $175 million in assistance for the Pacific Islands region, the same as FY 2026 enacted levels.

·      $2.5 million for partnering with Pacific Island nations and regional organizations to build capacity to oversee coastal fisheries management, combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and address transnational organized crime.

·      $3 million for the Advancing Port Enhancement and Customs Security Program in the Pacific Islands.  

·      Funding for the Pacific Islands Forum’s Pacific Resilience Facility, a Pacific-led and member-owned financial institution designed to support Pacific Islands nations facing climate change and disaster risks.

·      Funding for commitments made by Deputy Secretary Landau to Pacific Island nations in his February 2026 trip, including to support subsea cable branching units for Tonga and Samoa, containing life-threatening disease outbreaks in Fiji, Foreign Military Financing for Fiji and the migration of Tongan government data assets to trusted cloud infrastructure.

·      Report language directing the DFC and USTDA to prioritize the Pacific Islands in financing for projects.

·      Report language supporting the Peace Corps’ expansion in the Pacific.

·      Language requiring a report on ways to strengthen U.S. trade and investment with the Pacific Islands.  

·      Funding for unexploded ordinance removal in the Pacific Islands, including Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.

The report also included a provision that Case had requested repeatedly in previous years that the State Department better utilize faith-based organizations in aid implementation which is particularly effective in regions like the Pacific Islands where such organizations play a significant role in civil societ

“As we continue to focus on the growing influence of the PRC in the Indo-Pacific, our national security interests must also include diplomatic engagement and assistance to promote peace and diplomacy in the region,” said Case. “Ultimately, I had to vote against this measure since it falls short of doing just that.” 

The bill funds several foreign policy programs supported by Case at unacceptably low levels. Among them are: 

·      $310.2 million for contributions to international organizations, a decrease of $1.1 billion from FY 2026. 

·      $489.5 million to support international peacekeeping activities, a decrease of $741 million from FY 2026. 

·      $5 billion for International Humanitarian Assistance, a decrease of $400 million from FY 2026.

·      $235 million for Security Sector Programs (previously known as Peacekeeping Operations), a decrease of $100.5 million from FY 2026. 

·      $647 million for educational and cultural exchange programs, which include the Fulbright programs and other exchange programs that benefit Hawaii’s education institutions, a decrease of $20 million from FY 2026. 

·      $410.5 million for the Peace Corps, the same as FY 2026 but a $20 million cut from FY 2025. 

The bill also completely zeroes out funding for the U.S. Institute for Peace and International Organizations and Programs, the account that funds U.S. contributions to critical multilateral development organizations like UNICEF, UN Women and UN Development Program. It rescinds an additional $1 billion for humanitarian assistance and includes harmful partisan policy riders that endanger women’s health by prohibiting funding to the UN Population Fund, fail to address the climate crisis by prohibiting funding to implement the Paris Agreement and codify the expanded Global Gag Rules that will further hinder U.S. foreign assistance efforts.

The measure is the third of the twelve bills to be taken up by the House Appropriations Committee that will collectively fund the federal government for FY 2027 (commencing October 1, 2026). 

The bill now moves on to the full House of Representatives for its consideration. 

A summary of the FY 2027 NSRP bill is available here.

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Maryland Delegation Members Statement on Key Bridge Construction

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD), and U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) released the following statement on the termination of the contract for the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore:

“The Key Bridge was a gateway to the Port of Baltimore and a vital artery for commerce in the Mid-Atlantic. Its collapse impacted not only our region but our entire nation. Replacing the Key Bridge is an economic imperative, which is why Federal Team Maryland fought to deliver a 100 percent federal cost match for the reconstruction – giving our state the certainty it needed to move forward. This is a critical infrastructure project requiring significant resources, and responsible stewardship of those resources is essential. As a matter of national significance, it must move forward efficiently so we are encouraged that the early stages of reconstruction work will continue while the state seeks a more cost-effective contract. We will continue to do all we can to support the construction of a stronger and safer bridge over the Patapsco.”

Hoyer: A Defeat for Putin is a Victory for America and for All Free People Around the World

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks at the House Committee on Appropriations Full Committee Markup of the FY 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Bill on his amendment to provide $500 million to support Ukraine. Below are videos and transcripts of his remarks:

Click here to watch a video of his first set of remarks.
Click here to watch a video of his second set of remarks.

First Set of Remarks

“Mr. Chairman, as I started to say, at the beginning [of] I think maybe it was this session or our last session of Congress the majority renamed the name of this committee as the National Security Committee, I think that’s accurate. I think this does deal with the national security – I think this amendment deals directly with the national security of this country. And I want to thank the Ranking Member for her leadership and strong support on this issue, as well as my colleague, Representative Kaptur and Mr. Quigley, who are very strongly in favor of Ukraine. I also want to thank the Subcommittee for including the important language in Section 7047, which I believe has been carried before. That language says that we will not support any country that aids and abets the illegal takeover of Crimea and such other territories, as they have taken over in Ukraine. Our failure in the West to respond decisively to the taking of Crimea initially – and I say the West, not just the United States – was, in my opinion, the mother of this war in Ukraine today.

“When Vladimir Putin’s forces invaded the sovereign nation of Ukraine four years ago, Russian media predicted its democratic government would fall in three days. Now, 1,524 days later, Ukraine is still holding the line and even making gains to [liberate] territory. The nation’s military is fighting not only Ukraine’s war for independence, it is fighting for all who believe in freedom, self-determination, and international law. Ukrainians have developed ingenious military technologies and are leading on drone technology on their own behalf, some of which is now helping our forces become more capable and better prepared. Mr. Chairman, Ukraine is surviving and holding its own. [In] no small part because of the military and financial support of its allies, including the United States.

“Since the war began, we have appropriated money towards Ukraine’s battle for freedom. This included both direct aid to Ukraine as well as funding for associated U.S. military operations in Europe. When we enacted the last supplemental appropriation – now hear me, ladies and gentlemen – it was April 23rd [2024]. We have not acted for 24 months on appropriating funds for Ukraine. In fact, [on] over 12 votes that we’ve had – on every vote that we’ve had to support Ukraine, we’ve had over 300 votes. And on almost every one of those votes, the majority of Republicans and the unanimous, unanimous Democrats voted to support Ukraine financially and in every other way. In fact, [in] over 12 votes, 80% of the members have voted to support Ukraine. There’s an [undeniable] bipartisan will to stand with the people of Ukraine in their fight for freedom.  Now, in the FY 2027 defense authorization bill, we have put $800 million for Ukraine to be allocated in [Fiscal Years] 2026 and 2027. This bill allocates – that was an authorization – this appropriates $500 million, which – I will point out to the Chairman – is not more money in the bill. It is a portion of the National Security Investment Program of $6.9 billion, of which about $700 million is allocated in the bill, leaving some five point plus billion dollars available. This is $500 million, for Ukraine.

“America needs to speak. It needs to speak for those troops that are in the field. It needs to speak for those 28,000 people in the military who have been either injured or killed since April 23rd of 2024. In FY 2026, our committee allocated $6.76 billion to [the] National Security Investment Program. It is now at $6.9 billion, and I suggest to you this is a critical action for the United States of America to take. We have been silent, voiceless on any additional resources to Ukraine for 24 months. Is that sending a signal to the world of America’s leadership on behalf of freedom and security? I think not. It is an uncertain trumpet that we have been sounding. We must remain steadfast on behalf of Ukraine. Make no mistake: a defeat for Putin is a victory for America and for all free people around the world, and a victory for Ukraine is a reminder to those who would use violence to seize territory that it is a [losing] proposition, because the free world stands together on behalf of Ukraine.

“For 1,524 days, I’ve worn this pin [of the] Ukrainian flag as a signal of my continuing support. This is a [signal] of our continuing support of the Congress of the United States for freedom, international law, and democracy. I pray that you will make an exception to unanimous opposition to amendments and support this amendment for our country, for the Ukrainian men and women who are bravely fighting for their freedom and their national integrity. I yield back.”

Second Set of Remarks

“Republicans voted to authorize an additional $800 million 197 to 18. That really didn’t do anything other than say we’re going to authorize some expenditures. From that point to this, 24 months have gone by, and we have not done that. What that has done to the morale of the Ukrainians, I can’t quantify, but it hasn’t been good. I came to Congress in 1981, and I stood with Ronald Reagan against many of the people in my district for the MX missile, for the deployment of armor in Europe that the Russians didn’t think we would do. I stood with the gentleman from Florida, my good friend, on behalf of democracy in Cuba. My friend is shaking his head ‘Yes.’ I believe in standing up for freedom here and around the world, and I believe that 24 months of inaction is not doing so. Again, 197 to 18, you voted for this authorization. Was that an empty promise to the people of Ukraine and to the world on behalf of our security? I hope not. 12 votes, over 300 members of the Congress, the House of Representatives said, ‘Yes, we are going to support freedom, democracy and oppose the breaking of international law and Putin’s authoritarianism.’ I know I’ve gone over time; 24 months waiting is over time.

“Do not make this a partisan vote. Do not make this a vote that says, no, we’re not going to follow up on that which we voted 197 to 18 on your side of the aisle. I plead with you for the people of Ukraine and for the United States being a partner that can be counted on. Mr. Chairman, this committee needs to speak. The Congress needs to speak for democracy, for freedom, and not in a partisan way. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, $500 million, and I – with all due respect to the Chairman of the [subcommittee], I would say in your report, you set aside $517 million for certain objectives set up for Jordan. This will not adversely affect that because you have clearly enough money for half $1 billion. And ladies and gentlemen, a half $1 billion is one day’s expenditure – half of one day’s expenditure in Iran. This is not enough, but it is at least the Congress saying, ‘We’re still with you.’ Please vote for Ukraine. Vote for American reliability. I yield back.”

Congressman Cohen Welcomes King Charles’ Invocation of U.S.-U.K. Shared Values

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) attended an address by Britain’s King Charles III to a joint session of Congress today and made the following statement:

“King Charles underscored the shared values of our two countries while invoking our long history of mutual aid and consistent moral support. I found it particularly helpful that the King reminded his audience of our nations’ decades-long commitment to a strong NATO alliance. It was important for some in the Chamber to hear him confirm Britain’s and our continued strong support for Ukraine in its war against the genocidal threat from our common Russian foe. It was encouraging to hear the King use his considerable influence as an advocate for the environment that serves us all to call attention to the need to address climate change. It was refreshing to hear his endorsement of our common dedication to protections for peoples of all faiths or no faith, and for his respect for the American people.”

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THOMPSON ANNOUNCES 2026 NAPA COUNTY CLIMATE CRISIS CHAMPION

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

St. Helena, CA – Sunday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that Christina Benz was chosen as the 2026 Napa County Climate Crisis Champion. Each year, Rep. Thompson recognizes community members across California’s Fourth Congressional District to honor for their outstanding efforts to address our ongoing climate crisis.

“Ms. Benz has made a real impact on our community through her work strengthening and building organizations dedicated to sustainability,” said Thompson. “Ms. Benz helps to organize and plan the Napa Climate Summit each year, regularly contributes to the Napa Valley Register’s Climate Connections column to inform our community of ways to take action, and even drafted part of the Climate Change and Sustainability provision in the 2040 City of Napa General Plan. I am honored to name Chris Benz a  Climate Crisis Champion.”

Rep. Thompson was honored to award this year’s Climate Crisis Champions across each of our five counties in the 4th District: Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo. Champions are selected for their significant efforts to combat our continuing climate crisis and protect our environment at home in our communities. Through their advocacy, Climate Crisis Champions are helping to build a more sustainable future for all. 

This year’s venue, Crocker & Starr, is an industry leader in environmental awareness and winery sustainability. Being a Napa Certified Green Winery is at the core of Crocker & Starr as they have always strived to be good stewards of the land.

A complete list of 2026 Climate Crisis Champions include:

  • Luis Santana – Lake County Climate Crisis Champion
  • Christina Benz – Napa County Climate Crisis Champion
  • Sean McNamara – Solano County Climate Crisis Champion
  • Richard Dale – Sonoma County Climate Crisis Champion
  • Dr. Ruihong Zhang – Yolo County Climate Crisis Champion 

THOMPSON ANNOUNCES 2026 LAKE COUNTY CLIMATE CRISIS CHAMPION

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

St. Helena, CA – Sunday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that Luis Santana was chosen as the 2026 Lake County Climate Crisis Champion. Each year, Rep. Thompson recognizes community members across California’s Fourth Congressional District to honor for their outstanding efforts to address our ongoing climate crisis.

“Mr. Santana is the definition of a climate champion,” said Thompson. “In his role as Fish and Wildlife Director of Robinson Rancheria Danoxa Fish and Wildlife Department, Mr. Santana has secured millions of dollars of funding and thousands of hours in human resources to ensure that Lake County remains sustainable and healthy. He’s successfully integrated traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific approaches and works with everyone from tribal partners and property owners to government agencies and academic institutions to help protect our environment. I am honored to name Luis Santana a Climate Crisis Champion.”

Rep. Thompson was honored to award this year’s Climate Crisis Champions across each of our five counties in the 4th District: Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo. Champions are selected for their significant efforts to combat our continuing climate crisis and protect our environment at home in our communities. Through their advocacy, Climate Crisis Champions are helping to build a more sustainable future for all. 

This year’s venue, Crocker & Starr, is an industry leader in environmental awareness and winery sustainability. Being a Napa Certified Green Winery is at the core of Crocker & Starr as they have always strived to be good stewards of the land.

A complete list of 2026 Climate Crisis Champions include:

  • Luis Santana – Lake County Climate Crisis Champion
  • Christina Benz – Napa County Climate Crisis Champion
  • Sean McNamara – Solano County Climate Crisis Champion
  • Richard Dale – Sonoma County Climate Crisis Champion
  • Dr. Ruihong Zhang – Yolo County Climate Crisis Champion 

THOMPSON ANNOUNCES 2026 SOLANO COUNTY CLIMATE CRISIS CHAMPION

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

St. Helena, CA – Sunday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that Sean McNamara was chosen as the 2026 Solano County Climate Crisis Champion. Each year, Rep. Thompson recognizes community members across California’s Fourth Congressional District to honor for their outstanding efforts to address our ongoing climate crisis.

“Mr. McNamara is a real leader when it comes to regenerative farming,” said Thompson. “Mr. McNamara manages Sierra Orchards, the largest regenerative organic walnut farm in the world, where he’s integrated new, sustainable farming methods like using sheep grazing instead of relying on pesticides, creating an orchard recycling program in lieu of open burning, and composting agricultural waste instead of discarding it. Under his leadership, Sierra Orchards uses 30 percent less water and 50 percent less diesel than conventionally farmed walnut operations. I am honored to name Mr. McNamara a Climate Crisis Champion.”

Rep. Thompson was honored to award this year’s Climate Crisis Champions across each of our five counties in the 4th District: Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo. Champions are selected for their significant efforts to combat our continuing climate crisis and protect our environment at home in our communities. Through their advocacy, Climate Crisis Champions are helping to build a more sustainable future for all. 

This year’s venue, Crocker & Starr, is an industry leader in environmental awareness and winery sustainability. Being a Napa Certified Green Winery is at the core of Crocker & Starr as they have always strived to be good stewards of the land.

A complete list of 2026 Climate Crisis Champions include:

  • Luis Santana – Lake County Climate Crisis Champion
  • Christina Benz – Napa County Climate Crisis Champion
  • Sean McNamara – Solano County Climate Crisis Champion
  • Richard Dale – Sonoma County Climate Crisis Champion
  • Dr. Ruihong Zhang – Yolo County Climate Crisis Champion 

THOMPSON ANNOUNCES 2026 YOLO COUNTY CLIMATE CRISIS CHAMPION

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

St. Helena, CA – Sunday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that Dr. Ruihong Zhang was chosen as the 2026 Yolo County Climate Crisis Champion. Each year, Rep. Thompson recognizes community members across California’s Fourth Congressional District to honor for their outstanding efforts to address our ongoing climate crisis.

“Dr. Zhang has helped transform the ecological health of Yolo County through her research,” said Thompson. “Dr. Zhang led the charge to develop the UC Davis Renewable Energy Anaerobic Digester (READ) which converts 20 to 50 tons of waste into renewable energy and biofertilizers every day, diverting 20,000 tons of waste from local landfills each year. Through her work developing READ, Dr. Zhang has helped to both protect our climate by disposing of waste sustainably and benefit our economy by providing cheap electricity, fuel, and fertilizer. I am honored to name Dr. Ruihong Zhang a Climate Crisis Champion.”

Rep. Thompson was honored to award this year’s Climate Crisis Champions across each of our five counties in the 4th District: Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo. Champions are selected for their significant efforts to combat our continuing climate crisis and protect our environment at home in our communities. Through their advocacy, Climate Crisis Champions are helping to build a more sustainable future for all.

This year’s venue, Crocker & Starr, is an industry leader in environmental awareness and winery sustainability. Being a Napa Certified Green Winery is at the core of Crocker & Starr as they have always strived to be good stewards of the land.

A complete list of 2026 Climate Crisis Champions include:

  • Luis Santana – Lake County Climate Crisis Champion
  • Christina Benz – Napa County Climate Crisis Champion
  • Sean McNamara – Solano County Climate Crisis Champion
  • Richard Dale – Sonoma County Climate Crisis Champion
  • Dr. Ruihong Zhang – Yolo County Climate Crisis Champion

Congressman Valadao Joins Bipartisan Delegation to Honor Sikh History Month

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Judy Chu (CA-28), and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) to introduce a resolution to formally recognize April as Sikh History Month. This bipartisan resolution honors Sikh Americans’ faith, heritage, service, and contributions to our nation. April is a particularly meaningful time for this recognition, as it often coincides with Vaisakhi, a major observance commemorating the founding of the Khalsa in 1699.

“As co-founder and co-chair of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, I’m honored to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan resolution to designate April as Sikh History Month,” said Congressman Valadao. “This effort is an important opportunity to highlight the core principles of the Sikh faith—earning an honest living, remembering God, and sharing with others—while also recognizing the strong tradition of service that defines the Sikh community. This resolution is an important step toward religious tolerance for all, and I’m proud to support it.”

“Sikh Americans have strengthened this nation through faith, service, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to human dignity,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “In working with Dr. Bakhshish Singh Sandhu of Bensalem and members of our PA-1 Sikh community, I have seen how deeply Sikh principles of equality, religious freedom, honest work, courage, and service reflect the best of the American spirit. This resolution is about honoring that legacy, deepening understanding, and ensuring the Sikh American story is told with the accuracy, respect, and gratitude it deserves—as an essential part of the American story.”

“As the founder of the Congressional American Sikh Caucus, I am proud to help lead this bipartisan resolution recognizing April as Sikh History Month,” said CAPAC Chair Emerita Judy Chu. “The Sikh principles of equality, social justice, and community service inspire me as a public servant, and should guide us all as we embrace the diversity of our country and strive to create a more peaceful world. By uplifting the Sikh community and faith, we can continue to fight against harmful religious misunderstanding and discrimination through understanding and education.”

“The Sikh community embodies the core values of both Jersey and the United States — equality, justice, and service to others — while making significant contributions across business, technology, education, the arts, the military, and public service,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer. “I’m proud to co-introduce the Sikh History Month resolution to recognize this community’s heritage and contributions to our great nation.”

This resolution advances several key goals, including:

  1. Recognizing the history, culture, heritage, and contributions of the Sikh community;
  2. Highlighting Sikhism’s core principles of equality, social justice, community service, and human dignity;
  3. Promoting education about Sikh identity, history, and articles of faith;
  4. Encouraging public programs, classroom discussions, and cultural events to foster awareness and respect;
  5. Honoring Sikh Americans’ contributions through military service, entrepreneurship, humanitarian relief, civic leadership, and advocacy for human rights; and
  6. Reaffirming America’s commitment to religious liberty, pluralism, and the freedom of all people to live their faith openly and with dignity. 

This resolution is supported by American Sikh Caucus Committee, American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, United Sikhs, Sikh Coordination Committee East Coast, Sikh Youth Alliance Inc (NJ), Sikhs for Justice, and Jakara Movement.

“We thank the American Sikh Congressional Caucus and especially Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Congressman David Valadao, Congresswoman Judy Chu, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer for their leadership on this important resolution. Sikh Americans deeply cherish the economic, religious, and political freedoms that this country extends to all. The founding of the Khalsa is a reminder of the duty to stand for liberty, serve others, and keep working together to build a more perfect Union. This resolution honors the contributions Sikh Americans have made for generations and affirms that our community’s history, service, and aspirations are an enduring part of the American promise,” said Dr. Pritpal Singh, American Sikh Caucus Committee.

“In April, Sikhs in Gurdwaras across the world commemorate the founding of the Khalsa, when our tenth Guru codified enduring values of equality, freedom, justice, self-reliance, and service. We are deeply thankful to live in the United States, where we are free to practice these principles and pass them to future generations. We are grateful to Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Congressman David Valadao, Congresswoman Judy Chu, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer for advancing this resolution and for recognizing that Sikh Americans—who have been here since the late 1800s—have long served this nation with distinction in the military, in federal and state law enforcement, in farming, in medicine, in business, and in our neighborhoods. We pray that people of all faiths, including members of our community around the world, may enjoy the same freedoms and dignity that we cherish here in America,” said Gurdev Singh Nannan, American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (AGPC).

“We appreciate Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Congressman David Valadao, Congresswoman Judy Chu, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer for championing this resolution and recognizing the place of Sikh Americans in the life of this nation. Sikh values call us to serve humanity, and that commitment has guided humanitarian relief efforts, community support, and advocacy for those in need across the United States and around the world. This resolution is a meaningful acknowledgment of a community that is proud to be American, grateful for this country’s freedoms, and committed to serving all people with compassion and dignity,” said Hardayal Singh, United Sikhs.

“This resolution affirms what Sikh Americans have known for generations: our history is part of the American story, and we are profoundly grateful for the freedom to live our faith, serve our neighbors, and contribute to this country we proudly call home,” said Himmat Singh, Sikh Coordination Committee East Coast.

“Education, awareness and dialogue on culture, history and heritage are central to combat ignorance, bigotry and discrimination against the Sikh community. I commend Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick for introducing this landmark resolution for designating the month of April as ‘Sikh History Month’ as it holds special significance on the birth of Sikh identity. By designating April as Sikh History Month, the awareness and education about the contribution of Sikhs through service, entrepreneurship, military service, advocacy of human rights and the awareness on culture, history and heritage through schools, universities and public institutions, can be included in the broader narrative of American society,” said Bhupindar Singh, Sikh Youth Alliance Inc (NJ).

“Sikhism is a monotheistic egalitarian religion, its teachings promote equal rights, religious freedom, human equality, with emphasis on gender equality.  Sikhism’s three fundamental principles are remembering God, working hard, and sharing with and caring for others, as well as community service and ending the caste system. It believes in protecting the weak and stopping the tyrants. Sikhs in their daily prayer wish for the wellness of the whole human race. I would like to thank Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Congressman David Valadao, Congresswoman Judy Chu, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer for leading this important legislation,” said Bakhshish Singh Sandhu, MD, co-founder of Sikhs for Justice, and President of the Council of Khalistan.

“We are grateful to Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Congressman David Valadao, Congresswoman Judy Chu, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer for introducing this important resolution and for helping elevate Sikh American history and identity. At Jakara, we see every day how education, youth engagement, and interfaith outreach can build stronger bridges across communities. Sikh History Month is an opportunity not only to recognize the contributions of Sikh Americans, but also to deepen mutual understanding and bring people of different backgrounds together in a spirit of respect, service, and shared citizenship,” said Gurjit Singh, Jakara Movement.

Read the full text of the resolution here.

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