[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 134 (Tuesday, October 9, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H6442-H6449]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 3, 2001, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes) is recognized for 
60 minutes as the designee of the minority leader.


                             General Leave

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on the subject of this Special Order.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Texas?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, during this difficult period in our Nation's 
history, the Members of this Congress, like Americans all across this 
country and like many people around the world, have grieved the loss of 
many lives taken by the evil acts of enemies of our country and of 
freedom-loving people all across the world. In the past days and weeks, 
Americans have demonstrated a spirit of unity and solidarity not only 
to assist in every possible way the recovery efforts taking place in 
New York and Washington, but also to ease the pain of the thousands of 
people directly and indirectly affected by this tragedy, and also to 
show that we, as Americans, stand together as a Nation.
  Together, Americans all over the country and across the world have 
cried, Americans have held vigils, and have searched for ways to make 
sense out of these senseless acts. Together, over the past few weeks, 
we have made an effort to resume our way of life, and slowly but surely 
we are getting back to work. As one Nation, and as partners with other 
countries around the world, we now seek those responsible for the 
terrible events of September 11; and we will stick together to bring 
those responsible to justice. Just as we have been united in our grief 
and efforts to help the victims of September 11, we now are united in 
supporting our troops as they take the necessary steps to defend our 
freedom and our security.
  Mr. Speaker, one of many remarkable things that we have witnessed 
during these past weeks has been the striking and spontaneous display 
of unity among the people of this great Nation. Individuals from every 
race, ethnicity, and spiritual belief have joined as one to wear the 
red, white and blue and fly our flag and sing our national anthem. It 
has been noted in news reports and a number of interviews that it is 
remarkable how quickly our differences have been put aside to tackle 
this Nation's tragedy.

[[Page H6443]]

  And as remarkable and moving as these displays have been, as a Nation 
we must remain steadfast in respecting and upholding the American 
principles that make our Nation unique in the world. Just as most of us 
have stood together to remember those who have fallen, to remember 
their families and their friends, we have sadly witnessed some terrible 
attempts from individuals resulting from misguided prejudice and anger. 
I am referring, of course, to the increased acts of violence that have 
been perpetrated against Arab Americans, Muslims, and Sikhs living in 
our own country.
  Like all Members of Congress, and particularly the Members of the 
Congressional Hispanic Caucus, we condemn these actions and call on 
every American to celebrate, and not undermine, the principles that 
have made this country great. To celebrate the richness of our country, 
it is with honor that Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus take 
the floor of the people's House tonight to pay tribute to every single 
American and to highlight the contributions in particular of Hispanic 
Americans during this Hispanic Heritage Month.
  During the next hour, my fellow members of the Congressional Hispanic 
Caucus will speak about Hispanic Americans and highlight their many 
contributions to our great country. We will do this not to create 
division among Americans, but to celebrate the very strength and 
richness which makes our country great.
  Every year America celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month from September 
15 through October 15. During this time, we highlight the growth and 
the spirit of the vibrant Latino community of the United States. As 
leaders of a community that today numbers 40 million-plus, the members 
of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus continue to work for America and 
for Americans so that everyone in this country has access to the best 
education, the best health care, and the best jobs that will result in 
an even stronger and vibrant country.
  Mr. Speaker, tonight the members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus 
will raise issues such as education, law enforcement, business, 
economic development, health care, and many other issues. But before I 
yield to my colleagues, I want to conclude my opening remarks by saying 
that by taking the floor of the House tonight and honoring the 
diversity of America, the members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus 
send a loud, clear, strong signal to those in our country and abroad 
who wrongfully believe that freedom and diversity are a weakness.
  From this building, which one month ago was a target of hatred and 
evil, tonight stands proud as a symbol of this great Nation and of her 
great people, we, the members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, 
want to say that as a Nation we have the will, we have the strength, 
and we have the resolve to continue to live by the guiding light and 
civil liberties set forth by our Founding Fathers.

                              {time}  2000

  Mr. Speaker, tonight let me start by recognizing a good friend and 
critical member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, my colleague from 
the 15th District of Texas.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Hispanic 
Heritage Month. Indeed, our Hispanic language, culture and history is 
recognized and appreciated worldwide by millions of people. I am 
pleased that the President has again designated September 15 through 
October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month.
  Today, Hispanics make up the largest and fastest growing minority 
group in the country. We have produced scholars, entrepreneurs, 
scientists, musicians, philosophers, and Nobel Prize laureates.
  Approximately 500 years ago, our ancestors led the way in the great 
rediscovery of the Americas, including the ground we now know as the 
United States of America.
  Today, however, my remarks will focus on the education of Hispanic 
Americans. Our education history parallels the development of the 
public schools and the treatment of other minority groups in our 
educational system.
  Because time does not permit, I will only go back a few years to make 
my point regarding the treatment of Hispanics in our society. Twenty-
four years before the renowned Brown v. Board of Education Supreme 
Court decision, the League of United Latin American Citizens filed 
class action suits on behalf of Hispanic children who were the victims 
of discrimination of public schools.
  I, myself, would have been forced to walk to a segregated school far 
from my home if not for the resolve of my brother, a Korean war hero, 
who demanded that the nearby white elementary school accept me and my 
brothers. In the rest of the country, all through the 1930s, 1940s and 
1950s, the education of Hispanic children was dependent on decisions 
made by our judicial system.
  Finally, in 1965 Congress began to respond to decades of inaction 
with the creation of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The 
ESEA has helped to galvanize local and national civil rights and 
educational organizations to rally and support Hispanic students in 
public schools. Throughout the years we have enjoyed the support of the 
National Council of LaRaza, the Mexican-American Legal Defense and 
Education Fund, the National Association of Bilingual Education, as 
well as hundreds of other organizations who monitor the treatment of 
Hispanic children and young adults in our Nation's educational system.
  In 1965, our low-income Hispanic children were finally targeted for 
special assistance in local schools. Hispanics were included in the 
title I population for economic reasons. However, it was not until the 
mid-1990s that limited English proficient children were identified as 
being in need of academic programs to improve their academic 
achievement. Today, title I, as it is commonly known, serves more 
Hispanic children than any other ethnic group in the country.
  The fight is by no means won. Even today, we are concerned that 
because of funding, the pending Elementary and Secondary Education Act 
reauthorization will not allow the full participation of all children 
and limited-English proficient children.
  In addition, critical programs that help limited English migrant 
children, such as the National Bilingual Education Act, have been 
slated for drastic policy and administrative changes by the 
administration and are severely underfunded. Yet, Hispanics continue to 
have the highest dropout rates in the Nation. Exacerbating this problem 
is the acute shortage of qualified teachers teaching in their major of 
study. The Department of Education has indicated that we need an 
additional 50,000 new qualified bilingual teachers now. This is 
important because by 2025, one in every four public school students is 
projected to be Hispanic.
  Students who have post secondary aspirations face limited, but 
significant choices in selecting colleges and universities. Sixty 
percent of all Hispanics in higher education are enrolled in Hispanic-
serving colleges and universities, better known as HSIs. These 
institutions produce most of the baccalaureate and graduate degrees 
from Hispanics nationwide.
  Mr. Speaker, we in the Hispanic Congressional Caucus are committed 
for increasing educational opportunities for Hispanic students. The 
conferees on the education bill have received our suggestions for 
improving the ESEA so it responds directly to our concerns. We will 
continue to advocate for Pell Grants, for GEAR UP, for TRIO, more 
funding for Head Start, and Hispanic-serving institutions, and all of 
the exemplary programs that enhance equal educational opportunities for 
our children, youth and adults.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, I am asking my colleagues for their support 
in joining with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to write a new and 
more positive history and heritage for Hispanics in our Nation using 
education as our cornerstone. Let our legacy be not only assisting 
Hispanic children, youth and adults to avail themselves of educational 
opportunities, but in helping to create the future leaders of this 
great country. Hispanics have contributed a large share of medals of 
honor winners in defending America.

  Mr. Speaker, I invite all of my colleagues to join me in ensuring 
that those lives lost for our great country are honored through new 
educational opportunities for millions of our children.

[[Page H6444]]

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. 
Hinojosa) for his leadership not only in education, but on many border 
issues for a region of the country that has been largely ignored.
  Mr. Speaker, I recognize the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Rodriguez), 
who has done great work for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and as a 
member of our Border Caucus, in many areas, in particular health, 
health care, identifying the diseases that disproportionately affect 
Latino communities.
  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. 
Reyes) for providing this opportunity for us to be here today to speak 
on Hispanic Heritage Month and the contributions that Hispanics have 
played throughout the country.
  I also want to congratulate the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) 
on his efforts in education. There is no doubt that the issue of 
education has been one of the main issues from the beginning. Most 
Hispanics, no matter what, always recognize that that is one of the few 
issues that we see, one of the few ways of fulfilling the American 
dream, and the dream of being able to go forward, and education allows 
an opportunity to make that happen. Once again, I congratulate the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) for playing a significant role in 
the area of education and LULAC.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to express my deepest 
sympathy to the families of those lost in the attacks on the World 
Trade Center and the Pentagon. On September 11, agents of evil and 
hatred declared war against our country, seeking to use terror as a 
weapon in cowardly attacks.
  By targeting symbols of American strength and success, the terrorists 
intended not only to destroy the bricks and mortar that hold our Nation 
together, but also to assault the core values and the civil liberties 
at the foundation of our democracy. We face new challenges for which we 
are not fully prepared, and we recognize that we have also failed in 
not being up to the challenge. Part of this challenge also is a recent 
rash of violence against other Americans and immigrants solely because 
of the fact that they might be Arab or Muslims.
  This is an affront to all Americans and to American civil liberties, 
exactly what the terrorists would want us to do. This is the time for 
us to unite and to have better understanding. It is a time to embrace 
the very diversity that is the source of our national pride for so many 
Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, I stand here also very proud because I see people 
reaching out and reading books on Islam, reading material, trying to 
educate themselves on Muslims and the different religions, and that is 
going to be important for us to be able to grasp what we are 
confronting, as well as having a better understanding of different 
people.
  Mr. Speaker, September 15 through October 15 is Hispanic Heritage 
Month. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the 
contribution and achievements of our Hispanic community. We are 
Puertorriquenos, Cubanos, Chicanos, Dominicanos, and Mexican Americans. 
We are from Central America, South America. We come from Florida, 
California, Texas, and the other 50 States. We come from New York and 
Washington, D.C. also. We are Americanos. We represent a broad spectrum 
of color, cultural values and political beliefs. We have strength in 
the numbers and our desire to better our communities. Our goals are one 
and the same with the rest of America.
  I want to take this opportunity to talk about three special Americans 
that we feel very strongly about, three Mexican Americans. These three 
are Medal of Honor recipients, and I want to take this opportunity to 
talk about them and their history and their accomplishments.
  In so doing, I also want to add that Mexican Americans and Hispanics 
in general have over 37 Medal of Honor recipients within our ranks. We 
take pride during these times of difficulty, our people have been there 
to stand for America.
  It was beautiful this past weekend to go to a meeting in Pearsall, 
Texas, a little community where over 250 people were giving a 
collection of food for the needy. There was a veteran there over 80 
years old. He came to me and in all sincerity said, I am 81 years old, 
but if you need me to go to Afghanistan, I am ready. Tears almost came 
to my eyes as he said that. He meant it, and I know that we have a lot 
of Hispanics out there willing to give of themselves.

  In that same light, let me talk about a man, a hero of ours, Cleto 
Rodriguez, who we have named a school in San Antonio after, Cleto 
Rodriguez Elementary, as well as a highway. He was a rifleman. His unit 
was attacked, and he strongly defended the Paco Railroad Station in 
Manila in the Philippine Islands.
  While making a frontal assault across the open field, his platoon was 
halted 100 yards from the station by intense enemy fire. On his own 
initiative, Cleto Rodriguez left the platoon. He went on his own 
accompanied by one of his friends and continued forward to a house that 
was 60 yards from the objective. Although under constant enemy 
observations, the two men remained in this position for over an hour 
targeting and firing at the people that were there.
  It was estimated that they killed over 35 hostile soldiers and 
wounded many others in that specific scrimmage. As they moved closer to 
the station, discovering a group of Japanese replacements, they 
attempted to reach the pill box. They opened heavy fire, killing an 
additional 40 enemy soldiers and stopped subsequent attempts for the 
men to be able to get replacements again.
  As the two went forward, the story is they kept on firing and were 
able to kill the machine gun people. The figures are shown and 
reflected in the numbers as the recipient of the Medal of Honor. The 
enemy fire became even more intense as they advanced within 20 yards of 
the station. Then covered by his companion, Private Rodriguez boldly 
moved to the building and threw five grenades one at a time through the 
doorway killing an additional seven Japanese, destroying a 20-
millimeter gun as well as wrecking a heavy machine gun.

                              {time}  2015

  With their ammunition running low, by that time they did not have any 
more bullets or very few, the two men started to return back to the 
American lines, providing cover for each other as they withdrew. During 
this movement, Private Rodriguez' companion was killed. In 2\1/2\ hours 
of fierce fighting, the team of two killed, it is estimated, over 82 
Japanese, completely disorganized their defense and paved the way for 
the subsequent overwhelming defeat of the enemy at this particular 
point.
  Two days later, Private Rodriguez again enabled his comrades to 
advance when he single-handedly killed six Japanese and destroyed a 
well-placed 20-millimeter gun by his outstanding skill with his 
weapons, gallant determination to destroy the enemy, and heroic courage 
in the face of tremendous odds. Private Rodriguez, on two occasions, 
materially aided the advance of our troops in Manila. That is the story 
of Cleto Rodriguez and the beautiful work that he did in behalf of all 
of us.
  I also want to take this opportunity to talk about Roy Benavidez, 
another Mexican American from our area. Cleto was from San Marcos, 
Texas, and lived in San Antonio, where he joined the military and where 
the school is named after him.
  Roy Benavidez, also a Texan who also lived in the San Antonio area, I 
want you to know that the late Roy Benavidez, who received the Medal of 
Honor in 1981 for valor in Vietnam, is the latest soldier whose name 
will be borne on a Navy ship. Navy Secretary Richard Danzig announced 
September 15 that the next in a series of resupply ships will be named 
the U.S. Naval Ship Benavidez. The retired Army master sergeant died at 
age 63 on November 29, 1998 in San Antonio. He was buried with full 
military honors at Fort Sam Houston there in San Antonio.
  ``Our Bob Hope class of ships are resolute assets that are always 
quietly there in the background providing our needs,'' Secretary Danzig 
said in his announcement. They are capable of coming forward in a vital 
way when America calls for reinforcement of its combat needs around the 
world. Roy Benavidez personified that same spirit throughout his life, 
and most powerfully during a single action that saved lives in 
combat.''

[[Page H6445]]

  The Benavidez is scheduled to be launched next summer. It is the 
seventh in a class of 950-foot-long roll-on/roll-off sealift ships. The 
diesel-powered ships are 106 feet abeam, displace about 62,000 long 
tons and can sail at a sustained 24 knots.
  I want to mention to you a little briefly on Roy Benavidez and his 
background and his history. Mr. Benavidez was in the Army and was also 
a special forces soldier. He was of Mexican descent and also part Yaqui 
Indian ancestry. He also coauthored a book, ``Medal of Honor, a Vietnam 
Warrior's Story.''
  ``Roy was a soldier to be emulated by those wearing the uniform and 
an example of a self-made person, a real hero to our community and to 
all Americans. He was a role model to many young Hispanics and made a 
lot of public appearances at schools,'' said retired Army Master 
Sergeant Charlie Hoffman, who had commented about his friend. He 
enjoyed the fact that Roy Benavidez took his time to talk to our kids.
  Benavidez' destiny took him to Vietnam where as a member of 
Detachment B56, 5th Special Forces Group Airborne, 1st Special Forces, 
he challenged death on May 2, 1968.
  A staff sergeant at the time, Benavidez distinguished himself by 
gallantry. The citation credits him with helping to save the lives of 
eight of his special forces comrades during helicopter evacuations 
during a firefight with North Vietnamese regular forces there in 
Vietnam.
  Benavidez suffered a broken jaw, 37 bullets as well as a bayonet. I 
will repeat that again. He suffered not only a broken jaw, 37 bullets 
in his body, but he was also bayonetted. He was also mauled so bad that 
his officers were going to give him the Distinguished Service Cross 
because that could come quicker because they assumed he was going to 
die. But he did not. He was later awarded the Medal of Honor. The story 
is he knew his troops were out there and there were eight of them that 
had been isolated and hurt, and he asked to go and be dropped. The 
story is that as they let him go, he said, ``What do you need?'' He 
says, ``I'm a special forces guy. I don't need anything. Just drop me 
there.'' The story is that they dropped him there and he was able to 
get some guns from some of the ones who had already been killed and he 
was able to fight off a large number of the enemy there as he fought 
and helped the lives of those individuals.
  Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez was a true American hero, rising from 
humble origins in south Texas to become an Army legend. The Navy's 
recognition of his selfless service is truly an appropriate tribute to 
Master Sergeant Benavidez' memory and to the ideals of our Nation that 
he epitomized. He is only one of 37 Hispanics that have received this 
honor.

  I want to take this opportunity to also mention one additional Medal 
of Honor recipient. He is a close friend of mine, a good friend that 
continues to work in San Antonio, to work with young people to keep 
them off of drugs, to work on a variety of different projects with 
veterans, to making sure that he reaches out to those veterans that are 
homeless in helping in a lot of ways, and, that is, the Medal of Honor 
recipient Louis Ricardo Rocco from San Antonio. Louis Ricardo Rocco, a 
warrant officer, distinguished himself when he volunteered to accompany 
a medical evacuation team on an urgent mission to evacuate eight 
critically wounded Army of the Republic of Vietnam personnel. As the 
helicopter approached the landing zone, it became the target for 
intensive enemy automatic weapons fire. Disregarding his own safety, 
Warrant Officer Rocco identified and placed accurate suppressive fire 
on the enemy positions as the aircraft descended toward the landing 
zone. Sustaining major damage from the enemy fire, the aircraft was 
forced to crash land, causing Warrant Officer Rocco to sustain a 
fractured wrist and hip and severely bruised back.
  Ignoring his injuries, he extracted the survivors from the burning 
wreckage. He sustained burns to his own body. Despite intensive enemy 
fire, Warrant Officer Rocco carried each unconscious man across 
approximately 20 meters of exposed terrain to the Army of the Republic 
of Vietnam perimeter. On each trip, he went for each one, not once but 
eight times. His severely burned hands and broken wrist caused 
excruciating pain, but the lives of the unconscious crash survivors 
were more important to him than his personal discomfort. He continued 
his rescue efforts. Once inside the friendly position, Warrant Officer 
Rocco helped administer first aid to his wounded comrades until his 
wounds and burns caused him to also collapse and finally lose 
consciousness. His bravery under fire and intense devotion to duty were 
directly responsible for saving these men and others. His unparalleled 
bravery in the face of enemy fire, his complete disregard for his own 
pain and injuries and his performance were far above and beyond the 
call of duty and were in keeping with the highest traditions of self-
sacrifice and courage of the military service. And so I am real proud 
because I have the distinct pleasure of knowing Louis Ricardo Rocco, a 
man who not only during the time of war was there for those people that 
are in need but continues to be there now in the service as he reaches 
out to young people, young Hispanics in San Antonio and throughout 
south Texas and wherever he goes as he talks about the importance of 
staying in school and staying off of drugs. I take pride in just 
mentioning those three, but there are many more Hispanic Medal of Honor 
recipients that have taken the call of duty.
  I also want to take this opportunity to talk a little bit about the 
issues that confront Hispanics. We are concerned as Hispanics about 
education, as the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) talked about. We 
are concerned about our schools and our children and where they attend. 
We are concerned about vital resources for our seniors who face 
illness, poverty and challenges to their quality of life. We are also 
concerned about access to quality health care. It is unacceptable that 
Hispanics account for one-fourth, 25 percent, of the 44 million 
uninsured but make up only 12.5 percent of the population in the United 
States. So you see the disproportional issues that we still need to 
confront.
  Our poor access to quality health care services and education results 
in our community being disproportionately affected by disease such as 
diabetes and HIV/AIDS. As we make gains in the area of HIV/AIDS, we 
also see the disproportionate numbers of those people that are impacted 
by AIDS. As we look at the issue of diabetes, we also see that 
Hispanics are disproportionately also hit on diabetes. For those at the 
forefront of health care and health care policy, this fact is not new 
and we recognize the troubling issues.
  We have certainly come a long way since the time of Dr. Hector Perez 
Garcia, founder of the American GI Forum in 1948. He had a goal of 
providing good health care for veterans who needed it and for everyone. 
Dr. Garcia in his formation of the GI Forum pushed forward the issue of 
health care and the importance. His admittance into medical school 8 
years earlier was incredible, to say the least. This was an era when 
the University of Texas Medical School in Galveston admitted only one 
Mexican American per year, and at that time that seemed to be the 
quota. I am proud to say that we have come a long way from that era.
  Recently we had Dr. Francisco Cigarroa, who became the first Hispanic 
president of the medical school at the Health Science Center in San 
Antonio, the first of its kind in this country. Hopefully we will have 
a lot more Dr. Francisco Cigarroas as we move forward and as we allow 
for opportunities for young qualified doctors to be able to not only 
get their degrees but to be able to rise in their positions.

  In the area of health care, as chairman of the Hispanic Caucus on 
Health, I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Elena Rios, 
President of the National Hispanic Association, who has done tremendous 
work in the area of health care, and people at home like Charlene Doria 
Ortiz, Director of the Center for Health Policies, who continues to 
look at the issues of health and making sure that the needs of 
Hispanics and Latinos are met and who have dedicated their lives to 
improving the Latino community.
  I would like to also take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank 
all the individuals who have worked so tirelessly to improve the lives 
and the health of Latinos and to promote the importance of nurses, 
doctors and

[[Page H6446]]

health advocates. In the area of health care, we recognize that there 
is a big gap there. When it comes to nurses, we have a large, 
disproportionate number that are needed. We look forward to making sure 
that we make some advances in those areas.
  I want to thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes) for allowing me 
the opportunity to say a few words. I want to thank him for the work he 
has provided.
  Mr. REYES. I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Rodriguez) for his 
leadership and his dedication and also for chronicling the Medal of 
Honor winners, three of 37 Medal of Honor winners that come from the 
Hispanic community. We are blessed, Mr. Speaker, in our caucus, in the 
Congressional Hispanic Caucus, with having Members of our caucus that 
have diverse backgrounds, diverse interests, much like other Members of 
Congress that focus their attention on issues that they feel should be 
a priority for this Congress.
  Next, the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Napolitano) has a small 
business and an economic empowerment background. With that, I yield to 
the gentlewoman from California.

                              {time}  2030

  Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I come to this floor today to honor and pay tribute to 
all fellow Hispanic Americans and to highlight some of their excellent 
contributions made to us here in the United States. Hispanic Americans 
have helped shape all aspects of the American experience and have 
greatly influenced America's culture and our society.
  Hispanic Americans have played an integral part in our country's 
exceptional story of success. We have served heroically in every 
American conflict. You just heard my colleague indicate there were 37 
Hispanic Americans who earned the Nation's highest military decoration, 
the Medal of Honor. I believe there were 38. I will settle for 37, but 
I think it was 38.
  The United States academic and scientific communities have benefited 
from the contributions of Hispanic Americans, like physicist Luis 
Walter Alvarez, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1986, 
while business leader Roberto Goizueta, chairman of Coca-Cola and a 
Cuban-American business leader is very well recognized and coined the 
phrase ``Coke is it.''
  These are only two of the many examples of Latinos that have made 
invaluable contributions in the United States. I can name some of the 
sports figures, but that is not my bag. There are others. There is our 
Lieutenant Governor in California, Cruz Bustamante. In entertainment, 
we have Edward James Olmos, to name one of the many. In health in 
California, we have Diana Banta, who heads the State Health System.
  Latinos are no longer a new immigrant population. Rather, they are 
now the legislators, the business people, the nurses, the teachers, the 
construction workers that keep our communities running.
  They were among those who passed away in the horrific tragedy on 
Tuesday, September 11. They were also among the finest who participated 
in their rescue efforts this past month. My own Norwalk constituent 
Macolvio ``Joe'' Lopez, Jr., a dedicated construction worker, a Little 
League volunteer and a family man, was among those who tragically died 
on United Airlines Flight 175, the second plane to hit the second tower 
of the World Trade Center.
  Hardworking Hispanic Americans have made tremendous invaluable 
contributions to economic development to the United States. Hispanic 
business generates nearly $200 billion annually and employs over 1.5 
million Americans, which makes a tremendous significant impact on our 
national economy. Latino business has grown by 30 percent in the past 7 
years, five times faster than the average United States business; and 
we are very proud that Latino-owned businesses are the second fastest-
growing segment of small business, right behind women-owned business. 
These numbers, though they show how strong our influence is, still face 
challenges such as lack of access to capital, and this keeps them from 
developing and growing, expanding their business.
  While America benefits from the fruits of Hispanic labor, we, too, 
should be able to gain access to the American dream and its credit 
system. Credit extended to women all over the world has been credited 
to have had a great effect on economic development at the local level.
  Unique to this business community is the extremely high number of 
Hispanic female entrepreneurs, ``Latina-Style,'' the magazine that was 
started by a young woman in California, Anna Maria Arias, who 
unfortunately died last week, was one of the new entrepreneurs who 
found a niche and created a much-needed vehicle to give information 
about Latino leaders and to be able to give information and show the 
business world that Latinas were very much in the business economy.
  We have 382,400 Latina-owned business firms in the United States 
which generated $67.3 billion, a 534 percent increase since 1987, 
compared to only 120 percent increase for all business. So you can see 
the relationship. We are the new entrepreneurs. Revenue earned by 
Latinas will show direct results in the development of Hispanic 
communities in the United States. They employ women who need a hand. 
This increased revenue in the hands of Hispanic mothers can and will 
improve the quality of child care and education provided to our 
country's most vulnerable population.
  The potential of Latina-owned businesses, by women, must be embraced 
and expanded to our international markets. I will tell you why. Women 
work harder and they work smarter, and we are inclusive, and we show 
our capability because we will continue to make it work. It is inherent 
in who we are and what we are about. To be able to include and be able 
to find a way to generate more business is part of what we as women are 
all about.
  Success of Hispanic American businesses will also lead to an increase 
in home ownership rate. Many people do not realize that there is a 
nexus. The number of Latinos who own homes just in Southern California 
alone has surged 51.4 percent in the last decade. Much of this growth 
is due to the success of Latino business.
  Hispanic Americans have a great love for the United States and a 
conviction to make the United States their home. Many times, two whole 
families will pool their resources to purchase a home, unlike most 
other non-Latino buyers. Yet while these hardworking Latinos, these 
ones who are pooling their money and struggling to get credit, are 
trying to find a way to get credit to buy their home, the difference 
between the home ownership rate of Latinos and other groups still 
remains 25 percent points different.
  Considering all the contributions the Latinos have made and are 
continuing to make in this country, we have earned access to these 
loans. Our goals and dreams are the same as all Americans, to share in 
the American dream, a home of our own, educational opportunities for 
our children and our grandchildren, and a chance to prosper, and, of 
course, to gain respect.
  Congratulations, America. You have opened the door for many. Those 
many who came, among them Hispanics, have contributed to your 
greatness, to your world leadership.
  God bless America.
  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman. I want to thank her 
for her leadership.
  As members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I want you, Mr. 
Speaker, to know that we are not satisfied with having 18 Members. We 
are working aggressively to expand our caucus. I want to thank the 
gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Napolitano) and our next speaker for 
their tireless efforts to identify great Latino candidates that can 
join our caucus, we hope, in the next election.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Baca), who, himself a veteran, tonight wants to discuss the 
contributions of Hispanics to the Armed Services. He is an individual 
that as a veteran knows, understands, and appreciates the challenge 
that our men and women in uniform are currently facing in Afghanistan 
and other parts of the world.
  (Mr. BACA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to recognize the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes) for creating

[[Page H6447]]

this opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of Hispanics to this 
great Nation in the area of education, the area of business, the area 
of media, the area of veterans, the area of civil rights, individuals 
like Cesar Chavez and Delores Huerta of the United Farm Workers, who 
fought for equality and justice for all. I want to thank our Chair for 
taking the lead in having this.
  There are many individuals whose names will not even come out right 
now, but it is important for us to look at the contributions that 
Hispanics have made to this great Nation, from the time that we were 
here to the time that we will exist, and as we look at the growth in 
the population, we will continue to contribute to this great country, 
because we believe in this country, we live in this country, we are 
proud of this country.
  Last month, the sanity of our Nation was violated on our own soil. 
Our Hispanic sons and daughters are amongst the victims of this 
monstrous act of terrorism. With their patriotic hearts, our Hispanic 
sons and daughters are now rising to our Nation's defense.
  I state that our Hispanic sons and daughters are now rising to our 
national Hispanic defense. The Hispanic community understands freedom 
is not free, that freedom does not come without a price.
  Historically, as a community, we have militarily invested our hearts 
and soul in securing the peace for our abuelas, for our hijas, for our 
families. If asked, more than 85,000 Hispanics currently in active 
military duty will once again step up to the plate for our country; and 
I state step up once again to the plate for our country along with many 
other men and women serving our country.
  It is fitting, therefore, that we use this Hispanic Heritage Month to 
commemorate the military contributions of our courageous Hispanic 
community, for our culture is rich in its heritage, traditions and 
customs. We are proud people, willing to serve this great country.
  From the American Revolution to today's voluntary service, over 1 
million Hispanic veterans have served our country with honor and 
courage. Hispanic Americans answered the call of duty every time during 
the wars throughout the Nation's history.
  As many as 500,000 Hispanics fought for the United States in World 
War II. Thirty-eight, and I state, 38 have received the Congressional 
Medal of Honor, the highest award of valor. One individual from my 
area, Joseph Rodriguez, a sergeant from San Bernardino, received such a 
valor and high award and prestige. We were the second largest American 
minority in Vietnam, with over 19 percent of our numbers killed and 
wounded.
  As we move forward in our latest defense of freedom, freedom from 
terrorism, we will fight, and I state, we will fight to recapture the 
American peace. Mothers and fathers across the Nation will experience 
sleepless nights, worried about the possibility of a draft, worried 
about the possibility that their hijos will once again be called to 
duty. I know, because my mother was worried during the time that I 
served during the Vietnam era war. When I had to serve, every night she 
had a candle that she lit, she put up, and prayed every night that I 
would return home. And, yes, I did return home.
  We must not be afraid to step forward, to let our hijos step forward 
to make that choice, for if we are, we will have allowed them to win. 
We must have the courage to pay the price for our precious freedom.
  Through our military contributions we have seen and we will see 
notable reflections of the Hispanic commitment to the family, respect 
for others, and love of this country, all virtues transcending 
ethnicity, all virtues reflecting the American spirit.
  The Hispanic military community will step forward again with 
selflessness and bravery in response to our national call. We must be 
willing to step forward with them. As the first chair of the 
Congressional Hispanic Caucus' Veterans Task Force, I am working to 
secure a voice for Hispanic veterans in Congress, a voice for 
recognizing, a voice for understanding.
  Let us today acknowledge and give thanks to the Hispanic military 
community that will preserve the peace, so that future generations of 
Hispanics will be able to freely contribute to our Nation's economic, 
artistic, legal, and political communities, as more than 30 million 
Hispanic Americans do every day.
  This is in essence a Hispanic heritage. This is what it is to be an 
American. We are all proud Americans. We love to serve our country.
  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Baca) for his role, his very active role in our caucus.
  Next, Mr. Speaker, we have got the newest member of our Caucus. But 
when people talk about a real dynamo, the gentlewoman from California 
(Ms. Solis) comes to my mind. Although she is the newest member of our 
Caucus, she has engaged herself in many areas that are important to our 
community, like education, labor, technology, the digital divide, all 
of those things that are important that we address in this People's 
House.

                              {time}  2045

  So with that, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Solis).
  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased and honored to be here also to 
join with my colleagues, colleagues that are not here this evening with 
us, but the millions of people who are watching us, and understanding 
that today is a very significant time for us. We are commemorating 
Hispanic Heritage Month; but we also, as Members of Congress, just 
voted out of this House today to authorize the printing of a pamphlet 
to honor Hispanic Americans who serve in this Congress and who have 
served in this Congress. Let us not forget that all of us from across 
this country have made great, great contributions and strides to this 
government.
  I am proud to be one of the newest Members and one of the few Latinos 
to serve in the House of Representatives. I am one of six, and I am 
proud to say that the district that I represent is made up largely of 
Hispanic Americans who vote, who participate in our government, and who 
serve us in our government through different segments, whether it be as 
public servants, whether it be in the military, or whether it be here 
before our colleagues as Members of Congress. I am proud to be a part 
of my community, most of which I want to talk about education, because 
education is really where it counts for many of us.
  Without educational opportunities, I know I would not be here 
standing as a congressional member before my colleagues here today. 
Part of those important aspects of education came to me in the form of 
government programs, Federal-sponsored programs, the Pell grant 
program, financial aid programs, that helped to provide incentives for 
families like mine who could not afford to send their children to 
college. Without those kinds of support, I know that many Latinos, many 
like myself, would not be able to have the kind of professional careers 
that we now lead. So I want to underscore how important it is to 
continue funding of education; and especially because now, as we find 
ourselves in a situation where many people are now out of work or 
having to work two or three jobs trying to make ends meet, it becomes 
even more difficult for them to obtain assistance to continue their 
career, whether it be at a university or at a community college.
  I want to mention that one of my first opportunities to serve in 
public office was as the first Latino elected to the Rio Hondo 
Community College Board, which is known by the Federal Government and 
recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution. What that means is that 
25 percent of the student population there, the undergraduates 
enrolled, have to be of Hispanic dissent. Well, Rio Hondo Community 
College is far beyond that; it is about 50 to 60 percent. I am proud to 
say that that is one of the institutions that has just been recognized 
for sending and graduating more Latinos to go on, after receiving their 
2-year degree there, to go on to a 4-year institution. So I am proud to 
have been a part of the successes that that college now realizes, and I 
am happy that this government now supports them through Federal funding 
through the Hispanic-serving institution accounts.
  There are over 203 of these Hispanic-serving institutions nationwide, 
and in California we represent 28 percent of

[[Page H6448]]

those 57 Hispanic-serving institutions, to be more exact. In my 
congressional district we have several, some of which I have mentioned: 
Rio Hondo Community College, East Los Angeles College, California State 
University Long Beach, and Los Angeles. Also, two districts in my 
congressional district, Los Angeles Unified School District and El 
Monte Union School District, have some of the highest concentrations of 
Latino students in the United States. Today, Latino children are the 
largest group of minority children in our country.
  Despite our growing numbers, Latinos remain the most educationally 
disadvantaged amongst our public school students. The dropout rate is 
atrocious for Latinos. It is about 20 percent nationally, three times 
the rate of that of African American or Anglo students. Mr. Speaker, 
1.3 million Latinos drop out of high school each year. This is 
atrocious, and only about 55 percent of Hispanics 25 years and older 
have completed a high school diploma, compared to 84 percent of Anglos 
and 76 percent of African Americans. Also, only 11 percent of Latinos 
have obtained a bachelor's degree or more, compared to other groups.
  Yes, the challenges we face as Latinos are daunting; but they are not 
insurmountable. Believe me, we are making educational gains. Latinos 
currently represent about 14.5 percent of the total traditional 
college-age population; and we hope that in the year 2025 that we will 
represent well over 22 percent of that population. Between 1976 and 
1996, the number of Latinos enrolled in undergraduate education 
actually increased by 202 percent. Although our enrollment numbers may 
be low, we are on the rise. More and more of us are working to obtain 
higher education. Increasingly, Latino students are more likely to be 
forced to work part-time, as I said earlier, having to make ends meet 
just to acquire that ability to go on to college.
  Therefore, I will, as my colleagues here before us, support funding 
such as the 21st Century Higher Education Act, which would allow for 
more students of Hispanic backgrounds to have access to quality higher 
education. This would mean an allocation for more money and programs 
such as the GEAR UP program, which helps junior high students become 
college-ready; and it would increase funding for the TRIO programs like 
Upward Bound and Talent Search, which help Latinos prepare for college. 
I continue to support these programs myself and know that as the old 
saying goes: ``La educacion es la clave para un futuro mejor.'' That is 
to say our future lies in education.
  I support legislation that will help working men and women of our 
country also achieve the American dream. The Hispanic labor force is 
growing quickly. We comprise about 12.7 percent of the total labor 
force. This is an increase of 10.4 percent since 1998. Hispanic women 
are one of the fastest growing groups of women in the United States. 
Their total employment increased by 65 percent over the last 10 years. 
Hispanics are more likely than any other minority group to be heavily 
concentrated in the service occupations and almost twice as likely to 
be employed as operators and laborers.
  The majority of Hispanic women in the workforce are employed in the 
technical, sales, and administrative support and service jobs. This 
means that an increase in the minimum wage is especially critical to 
Latinos overall, but particularly Latinas. Our Nation's workers deserve 
a fair day's pay for a fair day's work, and our national minimum wage 
simply does not represent a fair day's pay. In fact, the national 
minimum wage is not even enough to lift a family of three above the 
poverty level, which is $13,290 annually. A full-time year-round worker 
who supports a family of three would have to earn $6.39 an hour just to 
reach the poverty level, far above what we currently offer now at the 
Federal level, which is $5.15 per hour.
  I have no doubt that as Latinos working together we can make an 
increase in the minimum wage a reality. I hope that we can see that 
before we end our session this year. Because we can work together as a 
community, I know there is no end to the kinds of achievement and goals 
that we can obtain.
  Mr. Speaker, I salute my fellow Latinos during Hispanic Heritage 
Month, and I want to also recite to them this: ``Recuerden que en la 
unidad esta la fuerza,'' or remember that the power rests in unity.
  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for her comments and 
for her leadership in many different areas of our caucus.
  Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity this evening to let this 
country know of the great contributions of Hispanics and Latinos across 
the country.
  I want to close, Mr. Speaker, by relaying a story that actually 
happened to one of my daughters. They were talking about identifying a 
hero; and in her class one identified a great inventor as their special 
hero, another one identified a great athlete, another one a great 
leader, another one a great doctor. When it came to a classmate of 
hers, a Hispanic, the individual, the little boy said, it is my dad, 
because every day he gets up and he goes to work, whether he is feeling 
good or he is feeling ill. When the car breaks down, he fixes it. He 
gives us everything that we need.
  Latinos are like that. Every day across this country people get up 
and go to work and do the things that are important for this great 
country of ours. They possess great patriotism, as we have heard this 
evening, great dedication, great concern for the things that are 
important to all of us as Americans.
  So, Mr. Speaker, with that I want to express my appreciation for the 
opportunity to share the Hispanic contributions with this great country 
in this great people's House.
  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, while the past weeks have broken our hearts 
an steeled our spines, it is still important to take the time to 
celebrate our unique heritage as Hispanics. At the same time, we all 
appreciate that now, more than ever, Americans are one people. Since 
the attack, we have all come together. Americans of all sorts died 
together, we cried together . . . and we will fight together.
  Hispanic Heritage Month, and the war in which we are currently 
engaged, serves to remind us of the extraordinary role Hispanics have 
played in the history and the defense of our Nation. Today, it is 
appropriate to begin in the present day and grieve for the Americans 
who died in hijacked planes, at the Pentagon and in New York City--a 
great many of whom were Hispanics from around the Americas.
  The rescue workers, a number of which are also Hispanic, have labored 
24 hours a day since the attack to find victims. We have never lived 
through a tragedy of similar nature, but already Americans have shown 
the world we are one nation and one people, now stirred to great anger.
  Today we want to honor our forefathers who played a large part in 
making--and then keeping--the United States free and democratic. For as 
long as there has been a United States, Hispanics have played major 
roles in building our country and defending it.
  From the American Revolution that freed the United States from 
England--to the Persian Gulf war and today's operation against 
terrorism--Hispanics proudly and bravely served the United States. When 
the colonies on the east coast of what is now the United States 
rebelled against England, Hispanics played a pivotal role.
  As Governor of the Louisiana Territory, General Benardo de Galvez 
sent money, gunpowder, rifles, and other supplies to General George 
Washington to aid in the revolution. He later served gallantly in the 
War for Independence by capturing both Mobile and Pensacola--at a 
pivotal point in the war.
  Captain Jorge Farragut came to the United States to seek his fortune 
by fighting the British--first in the Revolution, then in the War of 
1812--as part of the U.S. Navy. Hispanics also raised special 
collections and taxes to aid the fight for independence. After the 
Revolution was won, Mexican pesos aided in the construction of St. 
Peter's Church in New York City to celebrate the end of the war.
  As in the Revolution, Hispanics served proudly in each war and 
conflict in which the United States participated. In the course of that 
service, 38 Hispanics have been awarded the Congressional Medal of 
Honor, our country's highest award for military bravery and service.
  In the Civil War, David Glasgow Farragut, son of Jorge Farragut, won 
fame as a Union hero by blockading Southern ports, destroying Rebel 
ships anchored in New Orleans, and by capturing Mobile for the Union. 
His contributions prompted Congress to create the title of rear admiral 
to reward him as the first man to ever hold that rank. Farragut was 
commissioned vice admiral in 1864, then admiral in 1866.

  Federico Fermandez Cavada, a Lieutenant Colonel for the Union Army, 
fought bravely at Gettysburg. Rafael Chacon also served with

[[Page H6449]]

the Union Army, and attained the rank of major. Santos Benavides--
originally from Laredo--fought for the Confederacy. His rank of colonel 
was the highest of any Mexican-American Army officer in the Civil War.
  Major Manuel Antonio Chavez forced the Confederate Army to retreat 
down the Rio Grande, preventing the rebels from carrying out their 
plans to seize the gold mines of New Mexico and California. Lieutenant 
Colonel Jose Francisco Chaves of the Union Army assisted in recapturing 
Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
  One of the most interesting soldiers in the Confederacy was Loretta 
Janet Velazquez, who fought disguised as a man. Upon discovery and 
discharge, she continued her service as a Confederate spy.
  I wanted to concentrate mostly on those who served in the U.S. 
military prior to this century, because not near enough has been said 
about them throughout the course of history. Part of the purpose of 
having Hispanic Heritage Month is to commemorate those Hispanics who 
have gone before us--people who are not often included in the history 
books.
  In 1973, Lieutenant Colonel Mercedes Cubria retired from the Army--
she was the first Hispanic woman to achieve that rank. Hispanics served 
bravely for the cause of freedom and democracy in World War I, World 
War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
  More than 400,000 Hispanics served the United States during World War 
II and about 25,000 Hispanics served in the Persian Gulf war.
  In the years to come, when the military service of Hispanics is 
viewed through the prism of history, there are certainly a number of 
young Hispanics whose service to this Nation in this new war will 
distinguish themselves among great U.S. warriors in the 21st century.
  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of National 
Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate the contributions Latinos have 
made and continue to make to our richly diverse national culture.
  From agriculture to commerce, from the arts to sports, from 
government to medicine, Latinos are a significant part of everyday life 
in the United States.
  Latinos contribute to the vitality of our Nation's economy through 
traditional work in the field of agriculture, to jobs in the 
manufacturing arena, to service in Federal, State, and local 
governments. Latinos are leaders in our labor unions, and in 
government, and are among America's most successful entrepreneurs and 
business leaders.
  One clear example of the economic contributions of Latinos to America 
is illustrated by the Census Bureau's most recent report, which found 
that Latinos own the largest share of minority-owned businesses in the 
country--1.2 million to be exact.
  As some of our Nation's most ardent patriots, Latinos have served 
proudly and with distinction in every major U.S. military conflict and 
in all branches of our armed services. One of the greatest sources of 
pride among the Latino community is the 39 Medals of Honor awarded to 
Latinos in recognition of their valor. They are the largest single 
ethnic group, in proportion to the number of who served, to earn this 
prestigious award.
  Latinos have a long history of leadership in support of the rights of 
the oppressed: supporting civil rights leaders, to helping influence 
policies that seek to ensure fair and equal treatment for all persons 
in our Nation. They have been leaders in extending the Voting Rights 
Act to areas where Latinos and others have historically been 
discouraged from voting as a result of discriminatory practices. During 
the latter half of the 20th century, Latinos joined other Americans in 
advocating for the desegregation of our nation's schools; today Latinos 
are fighting for our Nation's children to receive a quality education.

  Over the years, Latinos have served their country in the halls of 
local State and Federal Government. For example, Florida sent the first 
Latino to Congress in 1822, by electing Joseph Marion. In my home State 
of California, Romualdo Pacheco served as the first native-born 
Governor in 1875. Currently, Latinos hold over 5,000 elected positions 
nationwide.
  In closing, it is important to note the tremendous contributions 
Latino women have made to our country. Contributions like that of Luisa 
Capetillo and Lucia Gonzalez Parson who fought with Susan B. Anthony, 
Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and other suffragettes to secure a woman's 
right to vote; and contributions like that of Delores Huerta who was 
instrumental in helping Cesar Chavez organize migrant farm workers in 
California in the 1960s; Dolores is still a leader in the United Farm 
Workers of America in California. Let's not forget the contributions of 
Ellen Ochoa who became the first Latina astronaut in 1990; and Antonia 
Novello our Nation's first female Latina Surgeon General. Also, let us 
not forget the countless other Latinas, who with women of all races, 
are the silent heroines working everyday to keep families centered and 
strong in their roles as, wife, caregiver, provider, mother, and 
grandmothers.
  I am proud of the diversity of the 33rd District of California, and I 
am proud to represent one of the largest concentrations of Latinos in 
the entire country. Encompassing downtown Los Angeles and a number of 
municipalities in southeast Los Angeles County, my district is 
representative of the wealth of diversity within the Latino community. 
My constituents' roots stem from all over Latin America and the 
Caribbean, including Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and 
Cuba. Coupled with the other wonderful races and groups I represent, 
this wonderful kaleidoscope of cultures contributes to making 
California the most diverse State in the union an integral component of 
our great country.
  During Hispanic Heritage Month, we proudly recognize Latinos for 
their contributions to this great country; not only for the 
contributions of today, but also for those accomplished throughout 
American history. Now and long ago, Latinos have taken their place 
among the leadership in family, business, politics, education, sports, 
science, and the arts. As a result, our Latino heritage is a thread 
interwoven into the fabric of a greater America.

                          ____________________