[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 118 (Wednesday, September 18, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1602]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF LATINAS

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                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 18, 2002

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, as we begin to celebrate Hispanic Heritage 
month, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Latinas across our 
nation and highlight their contributions.
  Today there are over sixteen million Hispanic women living in the 
United States. Latinas have been contributing members of our society 
since its inception. We are writers, scientists, community organizers, 
and business leaders. Latinas have made inroads in all facets of 
society and today I stand, as a Latina Member of the U.S. House of 
Representatives, to honor the often overlooked achievements of this 
population.
  We are recipients of the MacArthur ``Genius'' Award--like writer and 
poet Sandra Cisneros, and immigration advocate Cecilia Munoz;
  We are recipients of NASA's Exceptional Service Medal--like astronaut 
and scientist Ellen Ochoa;
  We are part of the National Women's Hall of Fame--like the co-founder 
of the United Farm Workers Union, Dolores Huerta, and Antonia Novello, 
the first female and first Hispanic Surgeon General of the United 
States.
  In the face of societal obstacles like unequal pay, educational 
disadvantages, unmet health care needs, and civil rights struggles, 
Latinas have already accomplished so much. Yet we know we can do much 
more. During Hispanic Heritage Month we celebrate our success, but we 
must be more aware of helping, Latinas maximize their great potential 
all year-round.
  Recuerda que el exito se alcanza convertiendo cada paso en una meta y 
cada meta en un paso. Hoy es el dia de realizar nuestros suenos. 
(Remember that success is achieved by taking each step as a goal and 
each goal as a step. Today is the day to realize our dreams.)

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