Recognizing the cultural and historical significance of Nowruz.
H. Res. 244 is a non-binding House of Representatives resolution recognizing Nowruz, the traditional Iranian New Year with origins in ancient Persia dating back over 3,000 years. Introduced March 24, 2025 and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the measure expresses appreciation for Iranian Americans and their contributions, and articulates U.S. support for human rights, religious tolerance, freedom of assembly and expression, and access to the internet. It also underscores the importance of Nowruz as a time of renewal and community, and it calls for the observance of Nowruz in both the United States and Iran while wishing a prosperous new year. While it emphasizes internet freedom and rights for Iranians, the resolution does not authorize funding or create new legal obligations.
Key Points
- 1Recognizes the cultural and historical significance of Nowruz as the traditional Iranian New Year originating in ancient Persia and celebrated at the vernal equinox.
- 2Expresses appreciation for the contributions of Iranian Americans to U.S. society in observance of Nowruz.
- 3Recognizes the hopes and aspirations of all people, including those in Iran, for human rights, religious tolerance, open access to the internet, and freedom as reflected in the spirit of Nowruz.
- 4Commends the observance of Nowruz in both the United States and Iran and strongly supports the rights of Iranians to freedom of assembly, expression, and speech.
- 5Wishes Iranian Americans and the people of Iran, and all observers of Nowruz, a prosperous new year.