The US House of Representatives has passed a resolution recognizing the contributions of people of Indian origin to the US and the benefits of Washington working with New Delhi towards peace.
The Concurrent Resolution, sponsored by Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald, was passed 415-2 May 12. Congressmen Sam Johnson and Ron Paul voted against the resolution.
The resolution outlines how much Indian Americans have contributed to all fields, and how valuable the community has been to the nation. Additionally, the resolution advances several reasons why the India-US relationship is important.
The Concurrent Resolution is a proclamation of the Congress and does not contain the force of law.
However, the resolution is a public and official acknowledgement and recognition of the vast role Indian Americans have played in science, technology, business development and public service, to social justice, philanthropy, literature and the arts, to name a few.
Congressman Tom Lantos, the ranking member of the House International Relations Committee, lauded the contributions of the Indian American community on the House floor during the debate of the resolution.
He said: "It is hard to think of an ethnic group that has made such an enormous contribution to our nation in such a short period of time as America's more than a million and a half citizens of Indian descent."
{{/usCountry}}He said: "It is hard to think of an ethnic group that has made such an enormous contribution to our nation in such a short period of time as America's more than a million and a half citizens of Indian descent."
{{/usCountry}}Congressman Joseph Crowley, in his speech, praised "the Indian American community for making a great contribution to the US and I know this first hand because of my close relationship with my constituents."
The Indian American Center for Political Awareness (IACPA) commended the members of the House who worked tirelessly to pass the resolution.
IACPA president Bhupi Patel said: "The passage of this bill is an important milestone for the Indian American community. The Senate needs to follow suit and pass a similar resolution."
IACPA is a national non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the participation of the Indian American community in public policy and the political process.