IV 111th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 1774 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES December 16, 2010 Ms. Ros-Lehtinen (for herself, Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida, Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida, and Mr. Sires) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform RESOLUTION Recognizing Cuban-Americans in the United States.

Whereas the presence of Cuban-Americans in North America predates the founding of the United States, and their descendants have had a profound and lasting influence on the history, values, and culture of the United States; Whereas since the arrival of the earliest Cuban settlers more than 400 years ago in St. Augustine, Florida, hundreds of thousands of Cuban men and women have come to the United States, in search of freedom, peace, and opportunity; Whereas the bonds of friendship between Cubans and United States citizens date back to before the founding of the Republic, when Cuban women donated their jewelry to help finance the American Revolution; Whereas the United States Cuban population began its rapid growth during the 1960s, as a result of the communist takeover of Cuba in 1959; Whereas Cuban-Americans have contributed to the prosperity and cultural enrichment of the United States; Whereas according to the Bureau of the Census, the Cuban-American population is 1,600,000, comprising nearly 1 percent of the Nation’s total population; Whereas according to the last Census, there are 152,000 Cuban-American owned business operating in areas including construction, finance, insurance, retail, and wholesale trade that generated $74,000,000; Whereas Cuban-Americans serve in all branches of the United States Armed Forces and have fought honorably in many wars; Whereas many Cuban-Americans are dedicated public servants, holding posts at the highest levels of government, including Cabinet Secretaries, Members of the House of Representatives, the Senate, and State and local governments; and Whereas Cuban-Americans have a deep commitment to faith, family, and community, a vigorous work ethic, and a perseverance to succeed: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives celebrates the vast contributions of Cuban-Americans to the strength and culture of the United States.