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HR 4653

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Peter Abbarno and 97 co-sponsors

Ceremonial, non-binding House resolution honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and designates November 22 as Kimchi Day in Washington, with no legal or budget impact.

Adopted.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 4653

Summary — H.R. 4653 (House Resolution)

Status: Adopted (resolution).
Classification: House resolution (non‑binding).
Primary sponsor (metadata): Shomari Figures.

Note up front: the public text and procedural history provided include two distinct resolution texts under the same bill number. One text is a resolution honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (introduced and adopted January 15, 2024). The other recognizes “Kimchi Day” and calls for celebrating November 22 (introduced July 23, 2025). Both are listed as H.R. 4653 in the supplied material. This summary therefore treats each version separately and notes procedural dates below. Please consult the official legislative clerk or website for authoritative versioning.

Purpose and intent

  • MLK resolution: To formally recognize and honor the life, legacy, and civil‑rights leadership of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and to reaffirm commitment to equality, nonviolence, and economic and civil rights.
  • Kimchi Day resolution: To recognize the cultural and nutritional importance of kimchi, acknowledge its Korean heritage (including UNESCO recognition of “Kimjang”), and to celebrate November 22 as “Kimchi Day” in recognition of the dish’s history and the contributions of the Korean American community in Washington State.

Key provisions

  • MLK resolution

    • Recites Dr. King’s biography and major achievements (birthdate, marriage, Nobel Peace Prize 1964).
    • Cites his nonviolent philosophy and seminal writings (e.g., Letter from Birmingham Jail).
    • Notes the role of Dr. King and the civil rights movement in passage of the Civil Rights Act (1964) and Voting Rights Act (1965).
    • Concludes by recognizing the importance of Dr. King’s life and urging embrace of equality and equity.

  • Kimchi Day resolution

    • Describes kimchi’s 2,000+ year history and the UNESCO designation of “Kimjang” as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    • Highlights kimchi’s nutritional profile and emerging popularity in U.S. markets.
    • Notes Washington state’s relatively large Korean American population (fifth highest concentration in the U.S.).
    • Resolves that the House celebrate November 22 as Kimchi Day, acknowledging its introduction in Washington state by the Korean American community.

Who is affected

  • Both texts are symbolic expressions of the legislative body and do not create legal obligations, funding, or regulatory changes.
  • Primary effects are cultural and declaratory: public recognition, awareness, and possible local observances (e.g., commemorative events, educational programming).

Procedural and timeline notes

  • MLK resolution: Introduced and adopted January 15, 2024 (text lists many co‑sponsors across parties).
  • Kimchi Day resolution: Introduced July 23, 2025; same day referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means (per supplied actions). Sponsors listed for this version include Representatives Ryu, Scott, Thai, Santos, Bronoske, Leavitt, and Peterson.
  • The presence of multiple “introduced” and “adopted” dates (2024, 2025, April 8, 2025) suggests multiple versions or reprints under the same bill number. Confirm the final enrolled text and adoption date with the legislative clerk.

Impact and implications

  • Purely ceremonial/resolutionary — no statutory or budgetary effect.
  • May increase public awareness, support community cultural recognition, and prompt commemorative events or educational activities in Washington state (and potentially beyond).
  • The MLK resolution reinforces longstanding recognition of Dr. King and his civic legacy; the Kimchi resolution emphasizes multicultural exchange and recognition of Korean American cultural contributions.

Recommendation

Because the supplied materials contain multiple texts and dates under the same bill number, verify the official version and legislative history on the House clerk’s website or legislative information system to confirm which text is the enacted/adopted resolution and for any final amendments or sponsor clarifications.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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