Rep. TJ Cox to serve as vice chair of the officially chartered American Sikh Caucus

Statement

American Sikh Caucus Co-Chairs Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA) and Congressman Ted Yoho (R-FL), and Vice Chairs Congressman T.J. Cox (D-CA), Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-MI), announced the official chartering of the caucus in the 116th Congress:

"I am honored to be a vice chair of the Sikh Caucus," said Rep. T.J. Cox. "California's 21st District is home to more than 25,000 Sikhs and seven of the largest gurdwaras. Our local library in Kerman, California houses the largest collection of Punjabi books. Sikhs have a very strong presence in our nation and have made great contributions to our society. I look forward to working with the Sikh community and bringing their voice to Congress."

"Sikhism has been a part of the American fabric for more than a century. Today, there are more than 500,000 Sikhs living in the United States, running small businesses, local charities, and making significant contributions to this country. I proudly represent a strong Sikh community in Congress, and I see firsthand every day how the Sikh community has positively influenced our region. When the Oroville Dam--the largest dam in the United States--nearly burst in 2017 countless Sikh temples in the neighboring communities opened their doors to anyone seeking shelter during the evacuation. The American Sikh Caucus ensures the Sikh community has a much-deserved voice in Congress, and I am proud to serve as its Co-Chair," said Rep. John Garamendi.

"I am proud to serve as a co-chair of the Congressional Sikh Caucus during the 116th Congress. The Sikh-American community, which has been in the United States for over 125 years is vibrant and expansive. They share their beliefs and principles of equality, justice and community and are proud of their faith. As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and Nonproliferation, I have made it a priority to promote freedom, equality and security in the Indo-Pacific region -- where the Sikh religion was first founded. It is important to me to stand up for the freedoms of all individuals, in the United States and the Indo-Pacific. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Congressional Sikh Caucus to promote and strengthen the Sikh-American community," said Rep. Ted Yoho.

"I am honored to join the American Sikh Congressional Caucus as a Vice Chair, and I look forward to using my platform to support and advocate for the incredible Sikh community in Michigan's 11th District," said Rep. Haley Stevens. "I am prepared to work with my colleagues on the American Sikh Congressional Caucus to ensure our government continues to meet the needs of Michigan's vibrant Sikh community."

"I am honored to serve as Vice Chair of the American Sikh Caucus during the 116th Congress" said Rep. Lofgren. "California's 19th Congressional district is home to the largest Sikh house of worship, or Sikh Gurdwara, in America, and I have long been inspired by our Bay Area Sikh community. I look forward to joining my colleagues on the American Sikh Caucus to advocate on behalf of the strong and vibrant Sikh-American communities in Santa Clara County and across the United States."