Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Introduces Legislation to Recognize the Beginning of Ramadan

Washington, DC – (Tuesday, July 9, 2013) –  Yesterday evening, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson introduced a resolution in honor of the commencement of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, in conjunction with Congressman Keith Ellison (MN-5) and Congressman André Carson (IN-7). The resolution, H.Res. 289, recognizes Ramadan and commends Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith. Ramadan began last night at sunset and will end on August 6th. For many Muslim Americans and Muslims around the world, Ramadan is a time of heightened spiritual awareness, family bonding, communal service and worship, and self-renewal.

Congresswoman Johnson said, “We are blessed to live in a Nation that protects the right to religious freedom, embraces religious diversity, and promotes interfaith understanding. Muslim American communities contribute tremendously to the vibrancy of American society and culture. I strongly believe that the American ideals of diversity, unity, and democracy are reaffirmed and strengthened by the everyday contributions of Muslim Americans.”

Congressman Ellison said, "Ramadan is a time for spiritual renewal, charity and family bonding. I hope it will also be an opportunity for greater interfaith understanding. People should use this special time to better get to know their friends and neighbors who are celebrating Ramadan this month. Ramadan Kareem to all."

Congressman Carson said, “For Muslims all over the world, Ramadan is an important time of reflection, charity, prayer and fasting.  We refocus our attention to strengthening the bonds of family and friendship and living with purpose and conviction.  But more than that, it is also a time to recognize our collective journey and to reinvigorate our work to make our cities, states, and nations stronger and more responsive to the needs of their people.”

The resolution currently has 13 original and 2 additional co-sponsors.

###

  U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and a Ranking member of the Science Committee. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Kessler Park, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, South Dallas & South Oak Cliff; all of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Ferris, Glenn Heights, South Grand Prairie, Oak Lawn, Ovilla, Uptown/Victory Park and West Dallas.