[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 137 (Tuesday, October 12, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S12428]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

 Mr. CLELAND. This great nation, which was born as a nation of 
immigrants, is quickly becoming even more one of many faces, many 
voices, and many ideas, and it is this diversity which is one of our 
greatest assets. One of the fastest growing populations in our Nation 
today is the Hispanic American population. I rise before my colleagues 
today to bring attention to and celebrate the occasion of Hispanic 
Heritage Month.
  This month of recognition is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the 
wide-ranging achievements and contributions of the Hispanic American 
population. This is a community with leadership which is notable in 
every facet of our society, a community filled with courage and 
persistence who have continually shown a commitment to family, business 
and education, and economic growth.
  America's diverse and vibrant Hispanic population has made an 
enormous contribution to the building and strengthening of our nation, 
its culture, and its economic prowess. As the 21st century approaches, 
Hispanic Americans are poised to play an increasingly prominent role in 
our Nation's political, economic, and cultural life.
  Look no further than Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson; or Small 
Business Administration head, Aida Alvarez; Chicago Cub Sammy Sosa; or 
entertainers Ricky Martin and Jennifer Lopez; or business leaders like 
Sal Diaz-Verson of Columbus, Georgia or the late Roberto Goizueta. 
Hispanic Americans offer a valuable and vital social, intellectual, and 
artistic component of American society and their culture deeply 
enriches the vast American landscape.
  What unites Hispanic Americans is a fundamental respect for the 
traditions and values of their native lands combined with a strong 
commitment to the American dream. In return, we in the Congress must 
show a commitment to a legislative agenda that addresses the needs and 
priorities of Hispanic American families, which are in fact the same as 
the those of most Americans. We must continue the policies that have 
laid the foundation for the longest peacetime expansion of the economy, 
improve and strengthen our education system, provide access to quality 
healthcare, and protect this nation's children from crime and drugs.
  Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
valuable contributions of the Hispanic American population and honoring 
Hispanic Heritage Month.

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