III 110th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 682 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

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.