[Page H1196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      CELEBRATING PERSIAN NEW YEAR

  (Ms. ANSARI asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. ANSARI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions 
of the Iranian-American community and all those who celebrate Nowruz, 
the Persian New Year.
  Alongside Congresswoman Lofgren, I am proud to introduce two pieces 
of legislation today, one which designates March as Iranian-American 
Heritage Month and the other to provide congressional recognition of 
Nowruz.
  At the same time, I recognize the fear and pain in many communities 
about the Trump administration's war on immigrants and refugees. I was 
proud to lead a letter of over 30 Democrats to the President urging him 
to reconsider an immoral and harmful potential travel ban.
  Each year, millions of people around the world join together in 
celebration of the Persian New Year. The roots lie in ancient, secular 
Persian traditions and an annual celebration of rebirth, renewal, and 
community.
  I am proud to host perhaps the first Haft Seen table in the Halls of 
Congress outside of my office, and I thank the many individuals who 
helped put it together, especially Mitra Ghahramani and Parisa 
Bahadoran of Designs by Mitra.
  This is such a meaningful time for me, as the daughter of Iranian 
immigrants, and I am honored to be celebrating our community in this 
special way.

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