[Congressional Bills 112th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 267 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

112th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 267

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


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           September 14, 2011

 Mr. Menendez (for himself, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Reid, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. 
Udall of New Mexico, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Begich, Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. Nelson 
 of Florida, Mr. Schumer, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Bennet, Mr. 
Inouye, Mr. Reed, Mr. Brown of Ohio, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Udall of Colorado, 
   Mr. Wyden, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Akaka, Mrs. Hagan, Mr. Casey, and Mr. 
  Crapo) 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 the immense contributions 
                    of Latinos to the United States.

Whereas beginning on September 15, 2011, through October 15, 2011, the United 
        States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month;
Whereas the Census Bureau estimates the Hispanic population in the United States 
        at almost 50,500,000 people, making Hispanic Americans the largest 
        ethnic minority within the United States;
Whereas 1 in 5 United States public school students is Hispanic, and the total 
        number of Hispanic students enrolled in public schools in the United 
        States is expected to reach 28,000,000 by 2050;
Whereas the purchasing power of Hispanic Americans is nearly $1,000,000,000,000, 
        and there are more than 2,300,000 Hispanic-owned firms in the United 
        States, supporting millions of employees nationwide and greatly 
        contributing to the economic sector, especially retail trade, wholesale 
        trade, food services, and construction;
Whereas Hispanic Americans serve in all branches of the Armed Forces and have 
        bravely fought in every war in the history of the United States;
Whereas, as of May 31, 2011, there are 29,204 Hispanics serving 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 even though Hispanics comprised only 4.5 percent of the 
        United States population at the time;
Whereas, as of May 31, 2011, 605 United States military fatalities in Iraq and 
        Afghanistan have been Hispanic;
Whereas, as of September 30, 2009, there were approximately 1,332,033 Hispanic 
        veterans of the United States Armed Forces;
Whereas 41 Hispanic Americans have received the Congressional Medal of Honor, 
        the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that 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 on the Supreme Court, 2 
        seats in the Senate, 24 seats in the House of Representatives, and 2 
        seats in the Cabinet; 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, 2011, through October 15, 2011;
            (2) esteems the integral role of Latinos and the manifold 
        heritage of Latinos in the economy, culture, and identity of 
        the United States; 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>