Expressing support for the recognition of April as "National Arab American Heritage Month" (NAAHM) and celebrating the heritage and culture of Arab Americans in the United States.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 351
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Arts, Culture, Religion
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-24: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-21T15:24:35Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 351) aims to express congressional support for designating April as "National Arab American Heritage Month" (NAAHM). It celebrates the heritage, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans to the United States, while promoting public awareness to combat misconceptions, racism, and discrimination against this community.
Key Provisions
- Historical and Demographic Context: Recognizes approximately 3.7 million Arab Americans from 22 Arabic-speaking countries, with diverse faiths including Christianity and Islam. It highlights their arrival starting in the 1850s and early immigrants like Antonio Bishallany and Dr. Joseph Arbeeley.
- Contributions to Society: Details Arab Americans' impacts in various fields, including:
- Economy: From early peddlers to entrepreneurs founding companies like Farah and Haggar clothing.
- Public Service: Service as first responders, public servants, senators (e.g., James Abourezk), ambassadors, and military members.
- Social Justice: Involvement in civil rights, labor organizing, Black Lives Matter, and ceasefire movements for Palestinians.
- Science and Innovation: Achievements by figures like Nobel laureates Elias James Corey and Ahmed Zewail, inventor Mohamed Atalla (key to modern electronics), and others in medicine, engineering, and architecture.
- Arts and Media: Contributions in sports (e.g., Doug Flutie), entertainment (e.g., Danny Thomas, Tony Shalhoub), literature (e.g., Khalil Gibran, author of The Prophet), and journalism (e.g., Helen Thomas).
- Women Leaders: Highlights role models like Donna Shalala (former Secretary of Health and Human Services) and Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha (lead poisoning advocate in Flint, Michigan).
- Existing Recognitions: Notes that NAAHM was established in 2017 by Arab America; the White House recognized it in 2021 and proclaimed it in 2023. At least 48 states and numerous cities/counties (e.g., Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles) have passed resolutions or proclamations. Four states (Illinois, Oregon, Virginia, California) have permanent laws designating April as NAAHM, with others considering similar measures.
- Resolution Actions:
- Supports the designation of NAAHM.
- Acknowledges Arab Americans' integral role in the U.S. economy, culture, and identity.
- Urges Americans to observe the month with programs and activities celebrating Arab American contributions.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to statutes or enforceable laws. It builds on voluntary recognitions at state, local, and federal levels (e.g., White House proclamations) by adding congressional endorsement, potentially encouraging further adoptions without altering legal frameworks.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Promotes cultural education and awareness, which could reduce anti-Arab discrimination and foster inclusivity. It encourages community events, school programs, and public discussions to highlight Arab American achievements, benefiting the estimated 3.7 million Arab Americans and the broader public.
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, as it is symbolic; however, it may inspire federal agencies (e.g., education or cultural departments) to incorporate NAAHM into outreach or diversity initiatives. No budgetary or operational mandates.
- On International Relations: Indirectly positive for U.S. ties with Arabic-speaking countries by affirming the value of their diaspora's contributions, but no specific foreign policy effects.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Arab American Community: Primary beneficiaries, gaining visibility for their history and accomplishments to address stereotypes and promote cultural competence in policies and society.
- General Public and Educational Institutions: Encouraged to participate in awareness activities, potentially influencing schools, media, and community organizations.
- State and Local Governments: Builds on their existing recognitions (48 states and 92+ cities/counties listed), possibly motivating more permanent legislation in states like Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan.
- Congress and Federal Government: Signals bipartisan support (introduced by a diverse group of representatives) for cultural recognition, affecting future resolutions on similar heritage months.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: None substantive, as resolutions like this are expressions of opinion without the force of law (unlike bills that become statutes). It aligns with First Amendment protections for free speech and cultural expression.
- Constitutional: Supports equal protection under the 14th Amendment by promoting awareness of minority contributions, without infringing on rights.
- Political: Demonstrates congressional commitment to diversity and inclusion, potentially aiding bipartisan efforts on immigration, civil rights, and anti-discrimination policies. It could influence public discourse on social justice issues mentioned (e.g., Palestinian rights), but remains neutral and celebratory in tone. The referral to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform suggests focus on federal recognition of cultural matters.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (13)
Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Fletcher, Lizzie [D-TX-7]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-24: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-04-24: Submitted in House
- 2025-04-24: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the recognition of April as "National Arab American Heritage Month" (NAAHM) and celebrating the heritage and culture of Arab Americans in the United States. — issued 2025-04-24 — PDF (10 pages)