Expressing support for the recognition of January as "Muslim-American Heritage Month" and celebrating the heritage and culture of Muslim Americans in the United States.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 61
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Arts, Culture, Religion
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-01-23: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-30T08:05:38Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 61) aims to express the support of the U.S. House of Representatives for designating January as "Muslim-American Heritage Month." It celebrates the historical and ongoing contributions of Muslim Americans to U.S. society, while promoting cultural awareness and pride in their diverse heritage.
Key Provisions
- Historical Context: Recognizes the long history of Muslim presence in the U.S., starting from indentured workers in the colonial era, enslaved people with Muslim heritage in the 17th–19th centuries, and waves of immigrants in later centuries seeking economic opportunities, social advancement, and religious freedom.
- Contributions Highlighted: Details Muslim Americans' impacts across sectors, including:
- Business and innovation (e.g., entrepreneur Shahid Khan, inventor Ernest Hamwi for the ice cream cone, structural engineer Fazlur Rahman Khan for iconic buildings).
- Public service and government (e.g., first Muslim American Congress members like Keith Ellison, Andre Carson, Rashida Tlaib, and Ilhan Omar; judges like Zahid Quraishi; diplomats like Sada Cumber and Rashad Hussain).
- Medicine and science (e.g., neurosurgeon Ayub Ommaya's intraventricular catheter for brain tumor treatment).
- Military service (e.g., over 4,500 active-duty and 2,300 reserve personnel; historical figures like those in the Revolutionary War and Captain Humayun Khan in Iraq).
- Arts, sports, and civil rights (e.g., Oscar winner Mahershala Ali, athletes like Muhammad Ali and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, leaders like Malcolm X and Imam Warith Deen Mohammed).
- Charity and community work (e.g., providing aid, education, and disaster relief to people of all faiths).
- Demographics and Challenges: Notes the diversity of Muslim Americans (roots in 77+ countries, estimated 3.45 million people, various racial and ethnic identities) and issues like discrimination (nearly 50% report religious bias, rising to 64% for those visibly identifiable, such as women wearing hijabs).
- Call to Action:
- Supports the designation of January as Muslim-American Heritage Month.
- Honors Muslim Americans' role in the U.S. economy, culture, and identity.
- Urges the public to observe the month with ceremonies, programs, and activities celebrating their contributions.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a formal statement of congressional support rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Encourages public education and cultural competence to reduce discrimination and foster inclusivity, potentially benefiting Muslim Americans by highlighting their value and addressing biases. It may inspire community events that promote understanding among diverse groups.
- On Government Agencies: Limited direct impact, but could influence federal or local initiatives on cultural awareness, diversity training, or public observances (e.g., through the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, where it was referred).
- On International Relations: Indirectly positive, as recognizing Muslim American contributions could enhance the U.S. image in Muslim-majority countries by showcasing integration and religious freedom, though it has no formal diplomatic provisions.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Muslim Americans: Primary beneficiaries, as the resolution validates their heritage and contributions, potentially aiding efforts to combat discrimination.
- General Public and Communities: Affected through encouraged observances that promote broader societal awareness and unity.
- Congress and Government Officials: The House of Representatives takes a formal stance; sponsors (e.g., Reps. Carson, Omar, Simon, Tlaib) and committees like Oversight and Government Reform are directly involved.
- Educational and Cultural Organizations: Likely to organize or support related programs, events, and awareness campaigns.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: Aligns with First Amendment protections for religious freedom and free speech by promoting recognition of a religious community's contributions without establishing or favoring any religion. As a resolution, it has no legal force but could serve as precedent for similar symbolic recognitions.
- Political: Signals congressional commitment to diversity and inclusion, potentially influencing bipartisan discussions on immigration, civil rights, and anti-discrimination policies. It may highlight ongoing debates about religious equity in a pluralistic society, without mandating action.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (31)
Rep. Omar, Ilhan [D-MN-5], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Grijalva, Raúl M. [D-AZ-7], Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Alexandria [D-NY-14], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7], Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-14], Rep. Fletcher, Lizzie [D-TX-7], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6], Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6]
Recent Actions
- 2025-01-23: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-01-23: Submitted in House
- 2025-01-23: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E64)
- 2025-01-23: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the recognition of January as "Muslim-American Heritage Month" and celebrating the heritage and culture of Muslim Americans in the United States. — issued 2025-01-23 — PDF (6 pages)