WASHINGTON, DC (TIP): The bipartisan American Sikh Congressional Caucus announced, May 22, the appointment of Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA- 03) and Patrick Meehan (R-PA-07) as co-chairs of the Caucus. They will serve as leaders of the Caucus with the current co-chairs Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA-27) and Congressman David Valadao (R-CA-21). The selection of Garamendi and Meehan was made official through a letter to the House Committee on Administration. Garamendi has worked with the California Sikh community for decades.

His Congressional District is home to tens of thousands of Sikhs and many Sikh run farms. “It is an honor to be selected as cochair of the bipartisan American Sikh Caucus. I am proud to take this next step in my work with Sikh-Americans to defend civil rights, fight discrimination, and educate Members of Congress and the public about the community,” said Garamendi. “I commend the community on their industriousness and entrepreneurship. I also want to thank them for their democratic civic engagement – for speaking up for their rights and beliefs.

Regardless of background, we all want a good environment to raise a family. I will work in a bipartisan fashion to achieve this.” Last year, Congressman Garamendi joined a coalition that successfully persuaded the FBI to track hate crimes against Sikh, Hindu, and Arab- Americans through a letter signed by over 100 Members of Congress and by advocating for this cause through interviews with the press. Garamendi also introduced House Resolution 550 to wish the Sikh- American community a joyous spring festival of Vaisakhi.