BALTIMORE – On the occasion of the Lunar New Year, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement in celebration of the Year of the Monkey: 

“I want to express my best wishes to the millions of people in the United States and around the world who are gathering with family and friends to celebrate the 2016 Lunar New Year. 

“The Asian-American community is rich and diverse, and has contributed greatly to the cultural fabric of the United States.  The Lunar New Year celebration is a time to for Asian-Americans and those who celebrate with them to recognize family, share a meal, and pay respect to traditions that form a significant part of America’s heritage.  

“The Asia-Pacific region is an important partner of the United States, and the bonds between Americans and our Asian-Pacific friends are growing ever stronger. There is much to look forward to, from the close cultural ties we are forging to opportunities for shared economic success.”