[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 137 (Tuesday, September 27, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 27, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
 INTRODUCTION OF A RESOLUTION TO PRINT A BOOK ON HISPANICS IN CONGRESS

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                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 27, 1994

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Congressional Hispanic 
Caucus, I proudly rise to introduce a concurrent resolution authorizing 
the printing of ``Hispanic Americans in Congress.''
  The contributions of Hispanics to the culture, society, and economy 
of this Nation are as varied as they are numerous. From the Southwest 
to the Northeast and many points in between, Hispanics have performed 
and excelled in the major industries and pursuits that have helped to 
make America what it is today. In fact, Hispanics have earned more 
Congressional Medals of Honor, per capita, than any other race or 
ethnic group in U.S. history.
  With introduction of this resolution, members of the Congressional 
Hispanic Caucus hope to reveal to the Nation the little known history 
of Hispanic-Americans in Congress. Hispanics have a long and 
illustrious history of service in the U.S. Congress, dating back to the 
beginning of the 19 century. Hispanics have represented the 
congressional districts in the State of Florida, New Mexico, 
California, Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, Arizona, Illinois, and the 
territories of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. In addition, 
there have been three hispanics, all from New Mexico, who have served 
in the U.S. Senate: Octaviano Larrazolo, Dennis Chavez, and Joseph 
Montoya.
  ``Hispanic Americans in Congress'' would parallel two other books--
one on African-Americans and the other on women--in scope and content. 
Taken together, these three books offer role models from yesterday and 
today that might inspire future Hispanics, African-Americans and women 
to run for service in the Nation's highest legislative body.
  It is my hope and expectation that this important publication will 
chronicle the first of many chapters of Hispanic participation in the 
Congress. Indeed, according to the Bureau of the Census, Hispanics will 
be the largest minority in the United States early in the next century. 
Already, there are more Hispanic children, and future voters, than 
there are children of any other minority group. As long as the 
constitutionally guaranteed voting rights of Hispanics are protected, 
there will be more and more Hispanic Members of Congress, offering 
their first-hand knowledge of the needs and concerns of the Hispanic 
community.
  One member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, in particular, must 
be thanked for his work in preparing ``Hispanic Americans in 
Congress''; Congressman Solomon P. Oritiz, His hard work deserves much 
praise.
  Thus it is the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through 
October 15, that I introduce this important concurrent resolution to 
authorize printing of the book, ``Hispanic Americans in Congress.'' I 
urge my colleagues to support it.

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