[Pages S1894-S1895]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 113--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE THAT THE 
 CITIZENS' STAMP ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHOULD RECOMMEND THE ISSUANCE OF, 
  AND THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE SHOULD ISSUE, A COMMEMORATIVE 
                STAMP IN HONOR OF THE HOLIDAY OF DIWALI

  Mr. WARNER (for himself and Mr. Cornyn) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security 
and Governmental Affairs:

                              S. Res. 113

       Whereas Diwali, also referred to as the ``festival of 
     lights'', is an Indian holiday that marks the beginning of 
     the Hindu New Year;
       Whereas Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil, 
     the awareness of one's inner light, the dispelling of 
     ignorance, and bringing peace and joy through the awakening 
     gained from a higher knowledge;
       Whereas Diwali is observed in the United States, and across 
     the globe, by Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, and 
     Buddhists;
       Whereas as one of the world's oldest religious holidays, 
     Diwali serves not only as a time for celebration, but also as 
     a time for communities and families to come together in 
     spiritual enlightenment;
       Whereas the practice of celebrating Diwali has survived 
     political, economic, and social changes throughout history, 
     while always carrying the universal symbolism of the victory 
     of light, goodness, knowledge, and truth;
       Whereas the United States Postal Service, in accordance 
     with recommendations of the

[[Page S1895]]

     Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee, has issued stamps for 
     other popular holidays in the United States, including 
     Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Eid al-Fitr;
       Whereas the United States Postal Service has yet to issue a 
     stamp in honor of Diwali; and
       Whereas issuing a postage stamp honoring Diwali is fitting 
     and proper: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that--
       (1) the United States Postal Service should issue a postage 
     stamp honoring the holiday of Diwali; and
       (2) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend 
     to the Postmaster General that such a stamp be issued.

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