[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 146 (Saturday, October 8, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
      PRINTING OF BOOK ENTITLED ``HISPANIC AMERICANS IN CONGRESS''

                                 ______


                               speech of

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 1994

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Congressional Hispanic 
Caucus, I proudly rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 299, a 
resolution authorizing the printing of ``Hispanic Americans in 
Congress.'' I had the honor of introducing this legislation on behalf 
of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus on September 27 of this year.
  I must extend my deep thanks to Chairman Rose and Chairman Manton for 
their leadership in guiding this important bill to the floor.
  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 their 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 passage 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 19th century.
  Hispanics have represented the congressional districts in the States 
of Florida, New Mexico, California, Louisiana, New York, Texas, 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 United States 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 U.S. 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 firsthand knowledge of the needs and concerns 
of the Hispanic community.
  Mr. Speaker, I must thank my colleagues in the Hispanic Caucus for 
their support of this project. Without their support and guidance, the 
book, ``Hispanic Americans in Congress,'' could never have become a 
reality.
  Thus it is in the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs 
through October 15, that I support this important concurrent resolution 
to authorize printing of the book, ``Hispanic Americans in Congress'' 
and urge my colleagues to vote aye.

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