Congressman Garamendi Joins Bipartisan American Sikh Congressional Caucus

WASHINGTON, DC – Today at a U.S. Capitol press conference, Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, CA) joined other Representatives and national Sikh leaders in announcing the start of the bipartisan American Sikh Congressional Caucus. The Caucus will educate Members of Congress and the general public about American Sikh issues and support the community in Congress.

“I have had the pleasure of working with the Sikh community for decades,” said Congressman John Garamendi. “The challenges outlined at today’s press conference –preventing deplorable hate crimes, fighting discrimination, and ending misconceptions in the public – are very real. I am confident that through the American Sikh Caucus, the wide array of Sikh civil rights organizations, and like-minded groups, we can overcome these challenges and create a more just America.”

Garamendi added, “Despite facing widespread prejudice, the Sikh community has worked hard for their American Dream. I am proud to serve on the American Sikh Caucus, where I can amplify the voice of my many Sikh constituents and work to ensure every American has an equal opportunity to succeed.”

Congressman Garamendi’s Northern California district includes the cities of Yuba City, Fairfield, and Davis. Last month, the Congressman helped form a coalition encouraging the FBI to track hate crimes against Sikh, Hindu, and Arab-Americans with a letter signed by over 100 Members of Congress. This month, he introduced legislation honoring the Sikh community’s celebration of the Vaisakhi festival.

The following Members of Congress have joined the American Sikh Congressional Caucus: Rep. Karen Bass (CA-37), Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27), Rep. Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Rep. John Conyers (MI-13), Rep. Jim Costa (CA-16), Rep. Jeff Denham (CA-10), Rep. John Garamendi (CA-3), Rep. Raul Grijalva (AZ-3), Rep. Joe Heck (NV-3), Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12), Rep. Mike Honda (CA-12), Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-4), Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA-1), Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-19), Rep. Tom McClintock (CA-4), Rep. Jerry McNerney (CA-9), Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY-12), Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-6), Rep. George Miller (CA-11), Rep. Devin Nunes (CA-22), Rep. Frank Pallone (NJ-6), Rep. Bill Pascrell (NJ-9), Rep. Gary Peters (MI-14), Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27), Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-9), Rep. Jackie Speier (CA-14), Rep. David Valadao (CA-21), Rep. Chris Van Hollen (MD-8)