[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 682 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]







110th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 682

 Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and 
 culture of Hispanic Americans and their immense contributions to the 
                                Nation.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

           September 24 (legislative day, September 17), 2008

  Mr. Salazar (for himself, Mr. Menendez, Mr. Martinez, Mr. Reid, Ms. 
Stabenow, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Obama, Mr. Levin, Mrs. Clinton, 
 Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. Schumer, Mr. Dodd, Mr. Feingold, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. 
  Domenici, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Lugar, and Mrs. Hutchison) submitted the 
        following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and 
 culture of Hispanic Americans and their immense contributions to the 
                                Nation.

Whereas from September 15, 2008, through October 15, 2008, the country 
        celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month;
Whereas the Census Bureau estimates the Hispanic population in the United States 
        at 45,500,000 people, making Hispanic Americans the largest ethnic 
        minority within the United States;
Whereas 1 in 3 United States public school students is Hispanic, and the total 
        number of Hispanic students enrolled in our Nation's public schools is 
        expected to reach 28,000,000 by 2050;
Whereas the purchasing power of Hispanic Americans has reached $870,000,000,000 
        by 2008 and there are more than 1,600,000 Hispanic-owned firms in the 
        United States, supporting 1,536,795 employees nationwide;
Whereas Hispanic Americans serve in all branches of the Armed Forces, bravely 
        fought in every war in United States history, and continue to serve with 
        distinction in Afghanistan and Iraq;
Whereas 140,000 Hispanic soldiers served in the Korean War;
Whereas more than 80,000 Hispanics served in the Vietnam War, representing 5.5 
        percent of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country in 
        that conflict although they comprised only 4.5 percent of the United 
        States population at the time;
Whereas, as of August 2, 2008, approximately 11 percent of the more than 4,122 
        United States military fatalities in Iraq have been Hispanic;
Whereas there are more than 1,100,000 Hispanic veterans of the United States 
        Armed Forces;
Whereas 43 Hispanic Americans have received the Congressional Medal of Honor, 
        the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can 
        be bestowed upon an individual serving in the United States Armed 
        Forces;
Whereas Hispanic Americans are dedicated public servants, holding posts at the 
        highest levels of government, including 3 seats in the United States 
        Senate; and
Whereas Hispanic Americans harbor a deep commitment to family and community, an 
        enduring work ethic, and a perseverance to succeed and contribute to 
        society: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) recognizes the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month 
        from September 15, 2008, through October 15, 2008;
            (2) honors the heritage and culture of Hispanic Americans 
        and their immense contributions to the life of the Nation; and
            (3) urges the people of the United States to observe 
        Hispanic Heritage Month with appropriate programs and 
        activities.
                                 <all>