III 111th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 268 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

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.