[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 121 (Thursday, September 16, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11064-S11065]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

 Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, as Co-Chair of the Senate 
Republican Task Force on Hispanic Affairs, I am pleased to note 
Hispanic Heritage month which began on September 15. During the month, 
we will focus on the vibrant Hispanic community that has made 
tremendous contributions to our nation and to my state of Arizona for 
many generations.
  Projected to soon be the country's largest minority, this colorful 
and proud community is incredibly rich in culture and diverse in 
backgrounds. All too often, the various groups that make up 
``Hispanics'' are lumped together and some forget the dynamic 
differences between Mexicans and Puerto Ricans, or Salvadorans and 
Chileans, for example. But when Hispanics come together--tied by social 
and cultural similarities--they form a powerful group to whom we must 
listen.
  Much has been said lately about the Hispanics' burgeoning economic 
and political power. This group's contribution to the economy is 
significant. Their buying power has increased at an annual rate of 5.5 
percent, far out-distancing inflation. This has resulted in an 
explosion of Hispanic advertising dollars. According to Hispanic 
Business Magazine, from 1997 to 1998, ad budgets targeting the Hispanic 
market jumped 21 percent to $1.71 billion. And study after study 
indicate that Hispanic businesses are the fastest growing segment of 
the small business community.
  Politically, Hispanics are becoming a great force. They are voting in 
ever-larger numbers, projected as high as 5.5 million in the 2000 
elections, up from 4.2 million in 1992. Currently, however, only one in 
every 20 votes is cast by a Hispanic, even though one in nine Americans 
is Hispanic. Unfortunately, low voter turnout, because of political 
cynicism, is a trend that is not only affecting the Hispanic community.
  It is important that the political voice of Hispanics is not drowned 
out by money from special interests. When I look down the list of soft 
money donors to both political parties, I see corporate giants; I see 
large labor unions; I see the Fortune 500. I don't see the name of my 
friend Victor Flores, who started a small bakery in the town of 
Guadalupe, Arizona, and labored hard for years to feed the community 
and support his family. I don't see Victor's name or, frankly, the 
majority of Americans who deserve the attention, access and priority 
representation that only a select few can afford under today's corrupt 
campaign finance system. I will continue to fight for campaign finance 
reform, because without it, we will not achieve the other reforms that 
have a direct bearing on better quality of life for Hispanic Americans 
and all who make up the great American tapestry.
  In today's global economy, education is essential for success. If the 
Hispanic high school dropout rate remains stubbornly high, resulting in 
a lack of needed job skills for the 21st century, income gaps will grow 
and our poverty rates will rise. This is bad for America. We must work 
harder on these issues.
  Knowledge of English is as important as education in order to 
succeed. However, I will consistently oppose positions that are 
divisive, such as ``English-Only'' laws. There is no need to abandon 
the language of your birth to learn the language of your future. 
Hispanics should use and cherish both.
  Finally, I wish to recognize the outstanding contributions Americans 
of Hispanic descent have made to our national defense. In 1997, I was 
pleased to successfully co-sponsor legislation to

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grant a Federal charter to the American G.I. Forum, the largest 
association of Hispanic veterans in the United States. I remain 
terribly proud that our Armed Forces, in which I was privileged to 
serve many years ago, today reflect the composition of American society 
better than any other institution. Hispanic Americans have sacrificed 
enormously to secure the liberties many of us take for granted today; 
their service honors all of us.
  Hispanic Americans are honest, hard working patriots, who want and 
deserve the equal opportunity that is our nation's promise. Hispanics 
have distinguished themselves in every walk of life. This month, let's 
recognize their contributions that exemplify the American 
Dream.

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