[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 14, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 14, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

  Mr. RIEGLE. Mr. President, I rise today to commemorate National 
Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated every year from September 
15 through October 15. This event is intended as a tribute to the 
diverse Hispanic-Americans community--hailing from Mexico, Latin 
America, the Caribbean, and Spain. More than 25 million Hispanic-
Americans live in the United States, accounting for approximately 10 
percent of our population. It is my hope that throughout this month, 
Americans of every ethnic background will join me in commemorating the 
important social and cultural contributions Hispanic-Americans have 
made to this country.
  The diverse Hispanic-American community is bound together by commonly 
held values which include family ties, religious faith, hard work, and 
education. Equally important throughout these communities is the need 
to preserve their Hispanic heritage. As a nation, we take pride in the 
traditional value system embodied by this culture, and respect the 
desire of Hispanic-Americans to assimilate themselves into American 
life without losing the language and culture of their origins. But even 
as we commemorate the special bonds that unite Hispanic-Americans, we 
must also confront the problems they collectively face.
  It is estimated that one in every four Hispanic-American families 
lives in poverty. Only about half of the adults hold high school 
diplomas and fewer than 10 percent have graduated from college. And at 
a time when U.S. concern over illegal immigration is high, Hispanic-
Americans are frequently the targets of racial discrimination. Many 
Hispanic immigrants encounter obstacles with respect to language; 
adults often have difficulty finding employment due to limited English 
skills, and many children and teenagers struggle through schools which 
are unequipped to deal with their special needs. Although steps have 
been taken in some cities with large Hispanic populations to provide 
bilingual education and other services, many Americans are resistant to 
what they perceive as a takeover of the English language by Spanish, 
and these attitudes further foster racial tension.
  But despite the challenges confronting Hispanic-Americans, their 
social and cultural contributions are prevalent in American life. From 
musicians and artists to some of the most noted writers of our time, 
from activists and volunteers to government officials at all levels. 
Hispanic-Americans have contributed to every facet of the American 
experience.
  This month in particular, it is my hope that all Americans will take 
advantage of this opportunity to deepen their understanding and 
appreciation of Hispanic culture and heritage. Events will be staged 
all over the country to celebrate the achievements and contributions 
that Hispanic-Americans have made to the United States. Diversity is at 
the very foundation of American civilization, and by celebrating our 
differences we can deepen our national unity based on mutual 
understanding and respect. It is in this spirit of national unity that 
I join you in commemorating National Hispanic Heritage Month.

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