Suozzi Continues Strong Advocacy On Behalf Of Indian American Community

Washington, D.C.— Congressman Suozzi recently introduced the Bipartisan Indian American  Heritage Resolution to celebrate the rich history and contributions of the Indian American community on Long Island and across the nation. Suozzi also wrote a letter to Secretary Hegseth raising concerns from his constituents, including Sikh Americans, regarding beards in the  military. 

The resolution, led alongside Republican Congresswoman Young Kim (R-CA), acknowledges  the strong people-to-people ties between the United States and India, recognizes the  accomplishments of Indian Americans and their contributions to the strength of America, and  condemns acts of hate, discrimination, and violence against Indian Americans and the broader  South Asian community, including those targeted for their Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Muslim, or other  religious or cultural identity. 

“I have a large and vibrant Indian American community in my district,” Suozzi said. “This  resolution helps honor the rich history and profound influence that generations of this  community in my district, not to mention the 5.2 Indian Americans in the U.S., have had throughout the country.” 

“Indian Americans are an integral part of our community in Southern California and across the United States. Their success stories reflect the very best of the American Dream," said Rep. Young Kim. “I’m proud to stand with the Indian American community as we introduce this resolution just in time for Diwali—a moment to honor their achievements and the values that light the way for our nation.”

  This resolution was introduced to mark the celebration of Diwali, the “Festival of Lights,”     observed by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists.  

Suozzi also penned a letter to Secretary Hegseth regarding the Secretary’s recent comments  about members of the military being mandated to shave their beards. This policy, if implemented,  would affect many Americans, including Sikhs, who wish to serve, but feel a religious obligation  to maintain their beards. 

In the letter, Suozzi writes that “While I strongly support your mission to restore professionalism  and uniformity, these remarks have raised questions among otherwise highly motivated  Americans whose faith or medical conditions require the maintenance of facial hair…For Sikhs,  serving one’s nation is a sacred duty, an embodiment of the Sant-Sipahi (saint- soldier) ideal that  blends faith and service. The Sikh religion requires adherents to maintain uncut hair and beards  as a symbol of devotion and equality before God. Sikhs have courageously fought alongside  American troops for generations, including in both World Wars.” 

Click here or read below for the full text of the letter. Also, click here to read the text of the  Bipartisan Indian American Heritage Resolution. 

----- 

The Honorable Pete Hegseth 

Secretary of War 

U.S. Department of War 

1000 Defense Pentagon 

Washington, D.C. 20301 

Dear Secretary Hegseth,  

I write to share the concerns of some of my Sikh, Muslim, and African American constituents  regarding recent comments that could be interpreted as requiring all service members to shave  their beards. Some fear that a “beard ban,” if implemented without religious, cultural, or  medical exemptions, could inadvertently prevent them from serving their country in uniform.  

During your September 30^th address to the nation’s general and flag officers, you stated:  

“We’re going to cut our hair, shave our beards, and adhere to standards… The era of  unprofessional appearance is over. No more beardos.”  

While I strongly support your mission to restore professionalism and uniformity, these remarks  have raised questions among otherwise highly motivated Americans whose faith or medical  conditions require the maintenance of facial hair. I believe it is entirely possible to uphold the  highest standards while also preserving reasonable, case-by-case accommodations — ensuring  that those willing to serve can do so without compromising their deeply held beliefs. 

For Sikhs, serving one’s nation is a sacred duty, an embodiment of the Sant-Sipahi (saint-soldier)  ideal that blends faith and service. The Sikh religion requires adherents to maintain uncut hair  and beards as a symbol of devotion and equality before God. Sikhs have courageously fought  alongside American troops for generations, including in both World Wars.  

Muslim Americans, too, have proudly worn the uniform and served with distinction throughout  this nation’s history. For many Muslim men, maintaining a beard is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah — a  deeply recommended religious practice symbolizing modesty and devotion to God.  

African Americans have also long answered the call to serve. For many, hair is deeply tied to  cultural identity and heritage. Additionally, shaving can pose serious medical challenges due to  natural hair texture, often causing pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) — a chronic and painful skin  condition disproportionately affecting Black service members, who represent nearly one-fifth of  all enlisted personnel.  

Congress enacted the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) to ensure that the federal  government does not “substantially burden” a person’s exercise of religion unless there is a  compelling government interest pursued through the least restrictive means. Recognizing this  balance, the Department of the Army determined in 2016 that soldiers could maintain neat and  conservative beards for religious or medical reasons while performing non-hazardous duties.  

I am confident your Department can continue maintaining the high standards of appearance and  discipline you have rightly emphasized while preserving these longstanding accommodations  under RFRA and related Department of War policies. Such a balanced approach will ensure that  those who are both patriotic and devout can continue to serve honorably, without being forced to  choose between faith and country.  

These men and women are both patriots and people of conscience. They help ensure that the  United States maintains the most lethal fighting force the world has ever known — and they  should never have to choose between their faith, culture, or country. By reaffirming that balance,  your Department will further strengthen both readiness and unity of purpose.  

Thank you for your leadership and for your continued service to the Armed Forces and the  nation. 

Sincerely, 

_____________________ 

Thomas R. Suozzi  

Member of Congress