[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 268 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

111th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 268

 Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and 
culture of Latinos in the United States and their immense contributions 
                             to the Nation.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           September 15, 2009

 Mr. Menendez (for himself, Mr. Reid, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. 
Durbin, Mr. Schumer, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Udall of New Mexico, Mr. Begich, 
  Mr. Brown, Mr. Cardin, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Kerry, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. 
 Lautenberg, Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Gillibrand, Mr. Nelson of Florida, Mrs. 
   Boxer, Mr. Kaufman, Mr. Cornyn, and Mrs. Feinstein) submitted the 
        following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and 
culture of Latinos in the United States and their immense contributions 
                             to the Nation.

Whereas from September 15, 2009, through October 15, 2009, the United States 
        celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month;
Whereas the Census Bureau estimates the Hispanic population in the United States 
        at almost 47,800,000 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 is projected to reach 
        $1,000,000,000,000 by 2010 and there are more than 1,600,000 Hispanic-
        owned firms in the United States, supporting more than 1,500,000 
        employees nationwide and greatly contributing to the economic sector, 
        especially retail trade, wholesale trade, and construction;
Whereas Hispanic Americans serve in all branches of the Armed Forces and bravely 
        fought in every war in United States history;
Whereas more than 29,000 Hispanics have served 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 individuals 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 September 11, 2009, approximately 11 percent of the more than 
        4,329 United States military fatalities in Iraq have been Hispanic;
Whereas there are more than 1,100,000 Hispanic veterans of the 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 1 seat in the Senate, 28 seats 
        in the House of Representatives, 2 seats in the Cabinet, and 1 seat on 
        the Supreme Court; 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, 2009, through October 15, 2009;
            (2) esteems the integral role of Latinos and their manifold 
        heritage in the American economy, culture, and identity; and
            (3) urges the people of the United States to observe 
        Hispanic Heritage Month with appropriate programs and 
        activities that appreciate the cultural contributions of 
        Latinos to American life.
                                 <all>