[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 134 (Tuesday, October 9, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H6425-H6427]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1415
  AUTHORIZING PRINTING OF REVISED VERSION OF ``HISPANIC AMERICANS IN 
                               CONGRESS''

  Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 90) authorizing the printing of a 
revised and updated version of the House document entitled ``Hispanic 
Americans in Congress,'' as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 90

       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), 

     SECTION 1. PRINTING OF REVISED VERSION OF ``HISPANIC 
                   AMERICANS IN CONGRESS''.

       (a) In General.--An updated version of House Document 103-
     299, entitled ``Hispanic Americans in Congress'' (as revised 
     by the Library of Congress), shall be printed as a House 
     document by the Public Printer, with illustrations and 
     suitable binding, under the direction of the Committee on 
     House Administration of the House of Representatives.
       (b) Number of Copies.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), in 
     addition to the usual number, there shall be printed 30,700 
     copies of the document referred to in subsection (a), of 
     which--
       (A) 25,000 shall be for the use of the Committee on House 
     Administration of the House of Representatives; and
       (B) 5,700 shall be for the use of the Committee on Rules 
     and Administration of the Senate.
       (2) Alternative number.--If the total printing and 
     production costs of the number of copies provided under 
     paragraph (1) exceed $220,000, there shall be printed the 
     maximum number of copies of the document referred to in 
     subsection (a) for which such total costs do not exceed 
     $220,000, with distribution allocated in the same proportion 
     as in paragraph (1).

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Petri). Pursuant to the rule, the 
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Serrano) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney).
  Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this is House Concurrent Resolution 90 authorizing the 
printing of a revised and updated version of the House document 
entitled ``Hispanic Americans in Congress,'' and it is an honor to be 
here today with my colleague from New York to present this resolution 
authorizing the printing of the impressive history of Hispanic 
Americans in Congress.
  It is also a good time as we now have a number of Hispanic Americans 
serving in the 107th Congress. Seventy Hispanic Members have served in 
the United States Congress from 1822 to the present. Currently, 21 
serve as Members in the House of Representatives.
  There has been a long and rich history of Hispanic Americans in 
Congress. The first Hispanic Member, Joseph Hernandez, elected by the 
territory of Florida, served in 1822-1823. Between the 1850s and the 
end of the 19th century the Hispanic Members who served hailed from the 
territory of Louisiana. By the 1960s, more Hispanics were elected to 
office than in the previous 140 years.
  These numbers reflected the increase in the Hispanic population 
throughout the United States with the newly elected Members 
representing such States as Texas, California, New York, Colorado, and 
others. To date, Hispanics have served in Congress from 10 States in 
addition to Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.
  The Hispanic membership in Congress promises to grow even more 
rapidly as the United States enters the 21st century. Since Joseph 
Hernandez was first elected, the membership has always reflected the 
diversity in the Hispanic community, which gives reason for us to be 
proud of the contributions Hispanic Americans have made to our country, 
to its history.
  This underscores the importance of documenting, in detail and with 
illustrations, the invaluable contributions that Hispanic Americans 
have made for many years as Members of Congress. Each has made and 
continues to make a tremendous contribution to their country and to the 
constituents whom they serve. Each has made an important difference to 
Congress as an institution in itself and to the many issues which they 
have advocated before this body and also before the Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the sponsor of this resolution, the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Serrano), with whom I proudly serve. 
Additionally, I want to thank all who supported this resolution and 
have worked hard to bring it to the floor today.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 90, a 
resolution authorizing the printing of a revised and updated version of 
the House document entitled ``Hispanic Americans in Congress.'' I have 
a copy here, and this was something that was done a few years ago. It 
needs to be updated now, and that is the reason we have the resolution 
on the floor today.
  From September 15 to October 15 of every year since 1988, millions of 
Americans have celebrated the contributions of Hispanic Americans. This 
is a time for us to learn of and celebrate the many ways that Hispanic 
cultures have enriched American society. Beyond the most commonly 
recognized contributions such as cuisine, music, and language, 
Hispanics have left undeniable

[[Page H6426]]

marks in the worlds of science, literature, sports, the Armed Forces, 
and politics.
  Mr. Speaker, in 1994 I asked the House to support legislation to 
produce a publication that commemorated Hispanic men and women who have 
served in the United States Congress. These House Members understood 
that Hispanic Americans in Congress would enrich the lives of those 
seeking knowledge of Hispanic American history and agreed to pass the 
bill.
  This book serves as a record of history that documents political 
contributions and accomplishments of individuals from various Hispanic 
cultures. With such a publication available from the Library of 
Congress and on the Internet, a student writing a paper on Hispanics in 
American politics has access to a comprehensive reference book. Not 
enough publications exist that provide information about specific 
cultures, and that is just one reason why this publication is so 
necessary.
  Mr. Speaker, that was 7 years ago, and history made each day since 
has not been documented. In order to maintain the integrity of such a 
publication, it must be updated. I introduced H. Con. Res. 90 to 
correct some typographical errors in the premier issue and to add new 
entries to commemorate new Hispanic American Members of Congress.
  Because typical public school curriculum largely focuses on European 
and European American history, our children are too often denied 
valuable knowledge of their own or their classmates' cultures and 
histories. Hispanic Heritage Month and publications like Hispanic 
Americans in Congress present opportunities to impart knowledge to 
Americans of all ages who may not be aware of the impact and richness 
of such cultures.
  Mr. Speaker, I must thank my colleagues for their continued support 
of this project. It is because of them that Hispanic Americans in 
Congress became a reality.
  I want to thank my colleagues, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) and 
the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), for their support and for the 
opportunity for me to update my picture in the book.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, we were also pleased to help the gentleman from 
New York (Mr. Serrano) update that picture, although we felt it was 
fine as it was.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he might consume to 
the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa).
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support of H. Con. 
Res. 90 which will authorize the reprinting and updating of a 
publication entitled, ``Hispanic Americans in Congress.''
  Hispanics and Hispanic Americans have played a fundamental role in 
U.S. history. From the early Spanish explorers, to the founding of the 
oldest city in the U.S. in St. Augustine, Florida, Hispanics have been 
a part of our history from its earliest beginnings.
  The first Hispanic Members of Congress were elected from Florida, New 
Mexico, and California in the early 19th century. My home State of 
Texas elected its first Hispanic Representative in 1961, when it sent 
our friend, Henry B. Gonzalez, to Washington. Today, there are 21 
Hispanic Members of Congress representing seven States, two 
territories, and coming from all walks of life. Hispanics still remain 
under-represented in Congress.
  The 2000 Census figures show that Hispanics are now the largest 
minority group comprising 12.5 percent of the population, yet they make 
up only 4.8 percent of Congress. If Hispanic representation is to grow, 
we need young Hispanics to run for public office.
  This publication will teach Hispanic students that no matter their 
background, they, too, can serve this country by becoming Members of 
Congress. I believe the most important gift we can give our children is 
to inspire them to reach beyond themselves and dream as big as they can 
dream.
  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution that will help give 
rise to the next generation of Hispanic leaders.
  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  This has the support of our chairman of the Hispanic Caucus, the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes), and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. 
Hinojosa), all Members, and certain Members on both sides.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to support this concurrent 
resolution, introduced by my distinguished friend from New York (Mr. 
Serrano).
  During his more than 11 years in the House, the gentleman from New 
York has consistently led on issues of interest to Hispanic-Americans. 
I have admired his leadership and appreciated his counsel during the 
time we have served together.
  It was through the work of the gentleman from New York and others 
that this handsome volume was orginially compiled. It was also my 
friend from New York who, as chairman of the Congressional Hispanic 
Caucus during the 103rd Congress, introduced the resolution that 
provided for the book's publication.
  My friend from New York recognized, as should we all, that Hispanics 
and Hispanic-Americans have played a fundamental role in the history of 
the United States. Hispanics have every reason to be proud of their 
role. Christopher Columbus may have been born an Italian, but he was in 
the service of the King and Queen of Spain when he discovered the New 
World.
  A Spaniard led the first European exploration of lands now part of 
the continental United States, in what is now Florida. Other Spanish 
explorers pushed still further into American territory.
  Indeed, as Americans fought for independence from Great Britain on 
the east coast of this continent, The Spanish were exploring and 
settling the west coast. Barely 2 months after the signing of the 
Declaration of Independence in 1776, the Spanish founded a little 
settlement that we know today as San Francisco, CA.
  Hispanics have also played a tremendous role in the history of this 
institution, And they continue to do so today.
  Mr. Speaker, the first Hispanic-American to serve in Congress, 
Delegate Joseph Martin Hernandez, represented the newly acquired 
Florida territory in the House during the 17th Congress.
  The first Hispanic-American Senator, Octaviano Larrazolo, represented 
New Mexico in the 70th Congress after a public career that included 
service as Governor of his State.
  From 1822 to 1995, a total of 63 distinguished Hispanic-Americans 
served in the two Houses. Since then, 9 more distinguished Hispanic-
Americans have served, all of whom continue serving today. Biographies 
of the newest Hispanic-American Members, and updated biographies of 
others, will be included in the new edition as appropriate.
  Mr. Speaker, of the more than 11,600 individuals who have served in 
the two Houses since 1789, fewer than three-fifths of 1 percent have 
been Hispanic-Americans. In the Congresses of the 21st century and 
beyond, there is no doubt that many more Hispanic-Americans will have 
the honor of taking seats in the House and Senate.
  There is every reason to be proud of the contributions of the 
Hispanic-Americans who have served to date, which is why it is so 
important to chronicle those contributions.
  Mr. Speaker, as we enter the 21st century, we must continue to mark 
the service and record the substantial contributions that Hispanic-
Americans are making to the deliberations of the most democratic 
legislative body on Earth.
  A new edition of Hispanic-Americans in Congress will gather, in one 
updated volume, useful historical information for teachers, students, 
and others, describing the careers of the Hispanic-American men and 
women who have served in Congress.
  I am certain the new volume, like the first edition, will quickly 
become a tremendous resource, inspiring young Hispanic-Americans, and 
indeed all young Americans, to pursue careers that could eventually 
bring them to Washington to represent their neighbors in Congress.
  I urge the House to support the concurrent resolution. I thank the 
distinguished chairman for bringing it to the floor.
  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the House leadership 
for bringing House Concurrent Resolution 90 onto the floor today. This 
bill, offered by my colleague and former chair of the Congressional 
Hispanic Caucus Jose Serrano, would authorize the printing of an 
updated version of the book Hispanic Americans in Congress, 1822 to 
1995. This book, by Carmen Enciso, Tracy North, and the Hispanic 
Division at the Library of Congress, was originally published in 1995 
by the Government Printing Office under the direction of the Joint 
Committee on Printing.
  This book, Hispanic Americans in Congress, has been the most 
comprehensive publication documenting

[[Page H6427]]

the service of every Hispanic American who has served in the U.S. 
Congress. Through its compilation of brief biographies of every 
Hispanic Member, from Joseph Marion Hernandez, elected to represent 
Florida in 1822, to our colleagues elected in the 1990s, this book will 
impress any reader with the diversity of Hispanic lawmakers and the 
contributions we have made to the country as a whole.
  In reading this book, you will learn about the key leadership role 
played by Hispanic Members of Congress, from all parties, in advancing 
civil rights, assisting farmers and migrant farmworkers, feeding and 
housing the indigent, enhancing bilingual education, providing a voice 
for immigrant communities, serving our veterans, advocating democracy 
and development in Latin America, supporting small businesses, 
revitalizing our urban economies, and protecting our environment.
  It is fitting that during Hispanic Heritage Month, the Congress act 
to direct the publication of an updated version of Hispanic Americans 
in Congress. Since it was published in 1995, nine additional Hispanic 
Americans have been elected to Congress. Anyone who reads this book 
today will find no mention of half of the current membership of the 
Congressional Hispanic Caucus. I therefore urge all my colleagues to 
join me in supporting House Concurrent Resolution 90 so that we can 
have an up to date and appropriate record of the service of Hispanic 
Americans in the Congress of this great Nation.
  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
this noncontroversial resolution and urge its immediate passage. It is 
most appropriate that we are considering this measure during the waning 
days of Hispanic Heritage Month.
  My home state of New Mexico has sent 17 Hispanic-Americans to 
Congress--that is a record. New Mexico is also the only state that has 
ever elected two Hispanic-Americans to the United States Senate.
  The presence of Hispanics predates the founding of our Nation, and, 
as among the first to settle on this continent, Hispanics and their 
descendants have had a profound and lasting influence on American 
history, values and culture. Since the arrival of the earliest Spanish 
settlers more than 400 years ago, these Americans have contributed 
immensely to our peace, freedom and legacy.
  I am honored to represent a state that has one of the largest 
percentages of Hispanic-Americans. This month, as we remember with 
special gratitude the gifts that Hispanics bring to every aspect of our 
country, I urge Hispanic-Americans, and, indeed, all New Mexicans, to 
take great pride in their heritage. Mr. Speaker, for these and 
countless other reasons, I ask that we pass this measure at once to 
celebrate the contributions that Hispanic-Americans have made in the 
United States Congress.
  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I support House Concurrent Resolution 90, 
which authorizes the revision and reprinting of the book, ``Hispanic 
Americans in Congress.''
  Within the pages of ``Hispanic Americans in Congress'' you will find 
inspirational stories of bravery, commitment, dedication, and 
selflessness. Such examples include Congressman ``Ed'' Roybal. Since 
Romualdo Pacheco in 1876, the state of California had not had a Latino 
Representative to Congress. Congressman Edward Roybal became part of 
history in 1962 by becoming the second ever Latino Member of Congress 
from California. ``Ed'' Roybal has been an inspiration to countless 
numbers of Latino citizens, community activists and elected leaders. 
Congressman Roybal is one of the many examples of Latino leadership 
that will inspire our leaders of tomorrow.
  Since 1960, more Hispanics have been elected to Congress than in the 
previous 140 years. We have reason to be proud of the contributions 
Latinos have made to our country. The future grows brighter everyday 
for Latinos. Latinos buying power is over one-third of a trillion 
dollars and every day a hard working American of Latino origin is 
setting up a business or buying a house. Little by little, Latinos have 
worked their way to recognition. This book will help inspire that joy 
of recognition, will serve history, and will motivate our youth with 
positive role models.
  Mr. Speaker, I please ask that we pass H. Con. Res. 90, so we may 
recognize Latino achievement and inspire new generations of Latino 
Members of Congress. Let us commemorate Congressman Roybal and the many 
others that have helped our community prosper.
  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) that the House suspend the rules and 
agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 90, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution, as 
amended, was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________