[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 16, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10447-S10448]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

 Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to the 
Latino community. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, I want to 
recognize the contributions made by millions of Latinos in our nation. 
New Jersey is a truly multi-cultural state and I am honored to help 
represent this vigorous community in the United States Senate.
  Mr. President, this month we celebrate a community with leadership 
which is notable in every facet of our society; which continually 
commits to family, education and business; and which is a vital force 
in our economy. Latinos have persevered, often under difficult 
situations, yet remain hopeful even as they strive for change. Hispanic 
elected officials and community leaders work to increase involvement in 
the electoral process, break the cycle of poverty and improve people's 
lives. Many Latino soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice in giving 
their lives for the common good of our country. Today, I want to honor 
these brave Americans and their families. And I also want to honor 
Latina/o heroes and heroines like the late Julia de Burgos, Arturo 
Alphonso Schomburg, Cesar Chavez, Roberto Clemente, Puerto Bibliophile 
and Don Pedro Albizu Campos among others. These teachers, advocates, 
athletes, and activists have brought pride to their community, enriched 
our country, and provided role models for all of us to emulate.
  I commend the Latino community for its courage and persistence and

[[Page S10448]]

want to warmly acknowledge the talent and vitality its expanding 
population brings to our nation. I thank the community for leading by 
example, and for promoting a national policy agenda which highlights 
very basic human necessities that should be the right of every 
American.
  Mr. President, a democratic and prosperous society, such as ours, 
should not step back from a national commitment to provide assistance 
to those who strive to achieve the American dream, despite the odds. In 
particular, I want to emphasize the importance of a quality education 
for the success of Latino children. Our Latino young people are a great 
source of strength and hope for the future and they should be able to 
participate fully in the American experience. We should not cut off 
benefits to children, the elderly, and disabled immigrants who entered 
our country legally and may have no other means of survival. Quality 
child care, early childhood development and work training initiatives 
are also critical investments that can make all the difference to 
Latino children.
  Mr. President, I am proud to honor New Jersey's Hispanic community 
today and to have the opportunity to ensure that Latino contributions, 
insights and sacrifices do not go unnoticed.

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