A resolution recognizing the cultural and historical significance of the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to consideration of S. Res. 457.

Mr. President, I come to the floor today with the distinct honor of supporting a resolution recognizing the cultural and historical significance of the Chinese New Year, held annually on the first day of the first lunar month of the Chinese calendar.

For the approximately 3.5 million Chinese-Americans currently living in the United States, the Chinese New Year represents one of the most important times for families and friends to get together and celebrate their rich cultural history. In my home county, Clark County, NV, thousands of Chinese-Americans, and Asian-Americans of various nationalities and ethnicities, recently celebrated the inception of the Year of the Rat.

In fact, February 7, 2008, of our calendar, the date on which the Year of the Rat began, marked the beginning of year 4705 of the Chinese calendar. I am so proud to recognize and offer my best wishes to all those Nevadans and Americans who have followed in the footsteps of so many past generations to observe this 2-week long festival, which culminates in the Lantern Festival to be held on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month.

Throughout this 15-day celebration, many members of Nevada's Chinese- American community will take this opportunity to spend time with their families and engage in traditional activities, such as the dragon and lion dances. To all of my friends back in Clark County, and throughout Nevada as a whole who observe this holiday, I wish you a joyous and prosperous New Year.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, and any statements related to the resolution be printed in the Record.