Resolution to Name Post Office for Late Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal Passes House of Representatives
September 14, 2020 — This afternoon, the United States House of Representatives passed H. Res. 5317, which would name the post office at 315 Addicks Howell Road in Houston, Texas the Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal Post Office. The Sikh Coalition, which worked with Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX) in this effort to honor the late Deputy Dhaliwal’s legacy, applauds this bipartisan act and looks forward to the Senate passing the resolution as well.
“My son was beloved by all in his community, and performed his job and participated in seva (selfless service) with respect, dignity, and care,” said Pyara Singh Dhaliwal, Deputy Dhaliwal’s father. “He lived as a symbol of the strength that comes from diversity and unity, and this building will serve as another permanent reminder of how much he meant to our family and the people of Houston. We are so thankful for this effort to honor his legacy and his commitment to our city.”
As a reminder, Deputy Dhaliwal was killed during a traffic stop in northwest Houston, Texas on September 27, 2019. He originally joined the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in 2009; in 2015, he secured a historic, first-of-its-kind accommodation to wear his Sikh articles of faith while serving. Deputy Dhaliwal was widely regarded as a barrier-breaking role model for Sikhs and other religious minorities.
“Deputy Dhaliwal represented the very best of our community: he worked for equality, connection, and community through his life of service to others,” said Congresswoman Fletcher. “The Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal Post Office will serve as a permanent reminder of his service, his sacrifice, and his example for us all. I am grateful that my legislation to honor his memory has passed the House of Representatives today and is one step closer to being signed into law.”
For the past year, the Sikh Coalition has been working alongside Texas lawmakers, Houston community leaders, and the Dhaliwal family to recognize Deputy Dhaliwal’s legacy and impact. On October 28, 2019, a congressional resolution was created in consultation with the Sikh Coalition and introduced in the House honoring him; the Sikh Coalition rallied hundreds of community members across the country to thank their lawmakers for this and Congresswoman Fletcher’s resolution.
“The recognition of Deputy Dhaliwal’s legacy by naming a federal building in his honor is a historic and deeply meaningful acknowledgement for the Dhaliwal family and Sikh community,” said Sim J. Singh, Sikh Coalition Senior Manager of Policy and Advocacy. “We are grateful to work alongside Texas lawmakers in this year-long effort, and trust that this recognition will further help Americans appreciate that diversity and inclusion remain our nation’s greatest strength.”
Following this successful passage in the House, this resolution is expected to now move to the U.S. Senate for a vote and ultimately to the desk of President Trump by the end of the year.