Congressional Statements

Wilson Statement on Passage of Diwali Resolution

WASHINGTON, September 27, 2008 – Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement today after the House of Representatives passed a resolution (H.Res. 245) introduced by Congressman Wilson recognizing the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali and instructing the President to issue a proclamation.

“As co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, I am grateful for this opportunity to recognize the Diwali festival which is celebrated by the people of India, the Indian Diaspora around the world, and the nearly two million Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains who call America their home. The partnership between the United States and India continues to grow. Just today we saw passage of not only this resolution but a landmark civilian nuclear agreement between our two nations.

“As strategic and economic allies, India and the United States share a common goal in the pursuit of freedom and democracy. This important festival supports those goals through its celebration of kinship, knowledge, and goodness. I am pleased that President George W. Bush was the first President to honor Diwali with an official function at the White House and has done so for the past six years.

“I am grateful for the support of my colleagues in Congress and our friends in India.”