[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 125 (Monday, September 24, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9736-S9737]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

 Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, today I rise in recognition of 
Hispanic Heritage Month. Each year, from September 15 through October 
15, we recognize the contributions that Hispanic Americans bring to the 
United States. During this Hispanic Heritage Month, our Nation is in 
the process of coming to terms with the unspeakably savage attacks of 
September 11th and bracing for what may follow. Yet, in the wake of 
these heinous terrorist acts, we have demonstrated one of our greatest

[[Page S9737]]

strengths, the ability to unite in times of crises. A major element of 
that unity is recognizing and embracing our diversity. This month we do 
so by showing our respect and appreciation for the rich cultural 
heritage Hispanic Americans bring to our Nation.
  Recent census figures show that there are more than 35 million 
Hispanic Americans in this country. Their ranks have increased 58 
percent through the last decade. Hispanic Americans will soon be the 
largest minority group in the United States, making up 24 percent of 
the population by 2050. In my State of Maryland, the number of 
Hispanics grew more than 82 percent since 1990, making up more than 4 
percent of the population statewide. I know that Hispanic Americans 
will continue to bring great contributions to Maryland's culture and 
economy.
  Like America, the Hispanic culture within our country is diverse. 
Whether we look to the large Puerto Rican community in New York, the 
influx of Central Americans to the Washington Metropolitan region, 
Mexican Americans who have a long history in California, or Cuban 
Americans who have made South Florida their home, Hispanic American 
culture reflects the breadth and depth of the cultures of their nations 
of origin. Hispanic Americans are changing the face of America, 
challenging our tendency to view the world in terms of black and white 
and teaching us to accept ethnic diversity as well as racial 
differences.
  I strongly believe that we will live up to the ideals of our Nation's 
founding only when all Americans have equal access to the building 
blocks of a strong society, education, employment, health care, housing 
and political participation. We must make sure that basic services and 
opportunities are available to Hispanic Americans. And, as this segment 
of the population grows, it will be increasingly important for 
educators, hospitals, civil services, and financial institutions to be 
able to communicate effectively, provide bilingual materials where 
appropriate, and be aware of cultural differences when delivering 
services. Hispanic Americans deserve to take full part in their 
communities and language barriers should not prevent them from doing 
so.
  Throughout our history, different groups have come to this country 
contributing their culture, values and strengths to make the United 
States the strong diverse country that it is. The story of immigrants 
searching for a better life is a story that has been replayed countless 
times throughout our history, sustaining the growth of America since 
her beginning. Hispanic Americans continue this tradition and I am 
proud to have the opportunity to recognize their heritage this 
month.

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