Pelosi Statement on the Lunar New Year

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement in recognition of the Lunar New Year:

"Today, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across our country and communities around the globe mark the beginning of the Lunar New Year: a beautiful time of celebration, reflection and renewed optimism for the future. Each year, these vibrant festivities remind Americans of the precious heritage, rich traditions and essential contributions with which AAPI communities have blessed our nation. May the Year of the Tiger bring us the drive, unity and courage to combat injustice, crush the virus, strengthen our nation and meet the challenges that lie ahead.

"Home to one of the largest and most diverse AAPI communities in the country, San Francisco has long been proof that the beauty is in the mix. Yet, in our City and across the country, our AAPI family, friends and neighbors have experienced an alarming surge of bigoted violence over the last two years. Fueled by dangerous rhetoric, our nation has seen attacks on AAPI seniors, racist bullying in schools, vandalizing of AAPI-owned small businesses and the brutal murders of young AAPI women. That is why, working alongside the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, House Democrats led the charge to enact Congresswoman Grace Meng's COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which has helped to strengthen our defenses against anti-AAPI violence, empowering communities to come forward with multilingual reporting resources, directing federal agencies to raise awareness through community-based organizations and creating a position at the Department of Justice to expedite the review of COVID-19 hate crimes. We will never relent until we put a final end to these injustices and build a brighter, safer future for all of our children.

"It is wonderful that this year, thanks to the life-saving vaccines, many San Franciscans and Americans across the country can once again safely gather to celebrate the Lunar New Year and the joyful promise it brings. On behalf of the Congress, may the year ahead be filled with peace, good health and prosperity to all."