Meng urges US House to recognize Lunar New Year as holiday

Chinese Americans celebrate the Lunar New Year on Friday, and US Representative Grace Meng on Thursday introduced a resolution that urges the House of Representatives to officially recognize it as a holiday.

The measure encourages the House to recognize the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year in the year 2018.

"For the Asian American community, Lunar New Year is the most important holiday of the year and it's also a time to celebrate the important heritage of Asian Americans," said Meng, the Democrat who represents the New York City borough of Queens, in a statement.

"As Lunar New Year continues to grow in popularity, it is important that more to be done to acknowledge this annual observance, and official recognition by the House would go a long way towards further appreciating the holiday. I look forward to this resolution passing soon and I wish a happy, healthy, prosperous and peaceful New Year to all who celebrate the Year of the Dog," she said.

Meng's resolution has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform where it is awaiting further action.