Rep. Chu and Rep. Valadao Mark 1st Anniversary of American Sikh Congressional Caucus

Washington, D.C. – Today marks the first anniversary of the founding of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus. The Caucus advocates for values important to the American Sikh community and continues to make efforts in combating domestic issues related to racial profiling, employment discrimination, and hate crimes. Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27) and Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21), American Sikh Congressional Caucus Co-Chairs, issued the following statements:

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), Chair:

“The contributions of the American Sikh community have been an essential component of our nation’s progress and development. One year ago, the Caucus was formed to promote bipartisan leadership to address the challenges faced by American Sikhs. As a result of misconception and a lack of understanding of this culture, many American Sikhs have been subject to discrimination, bullying and even bias-motivated violence from misguided individuals connecting them to acts of terrorism. We remain a united front in our fight to preserve religious freedom and on issues that affect the American Sikh community. ”

Congressman David Valadao (CA-21), Chair:“American Sikhs have contributed to the strength and diversity of the United States for 130 years, starting businesses and becoming active leaders in our local communities. The Central Valley, of which I represent, is home to more than 25,000 American Sikhs, one of the largest Sikh populations in the United States. Every day, I witnesses evidence that America truly is a nation of immigrants, united by our commitment to freedom, tolerance, and opportunity. It has been a great honor to represent my American Sikh constituents from the Central Valley in Washington over the last year and I look forward to continuing to work on their behalf.”

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