[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 138 (Thursday, October 2, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1961]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 2, 2003

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage 
Month, commemorating the extraordinary contributions that Hispanic-
Americans have made to our country throughout history. During this one-
month period of celebration and tribute, we honor the culture and 
achievements of the Hispanic community, all of which have played a 
historic role in our Nation.
  I am proud, honored and privileged to represent a region in Congress 
that is extraordinarily diverse and home to many citizens who are of 
Hispanic heritage. To commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, I would like 
to highlight the remarkable accomplishments of an organization in my 
district committed to serving its neighbors.
  Founded in 1946, La Casa de San Gabriel Community Center is a family 
community ministry serving 5,800 clients per year, ranging from infants 
to the elderly. La Casa is unique in that it is a centrally located 
facility addressing the multicultural needs and interests of its 
diverse community--primarily Hispanic and Native American working 
poor--in their efforts to overcome the barriers of underemployment, 
poverty, inadequate housing, limited education, and lack of medical 
care. These efforts on behalf of the community have been extraordinary.
  Today, with an estimated Hispanic population of over 38 million in 
our country, we must also recognize that our efforts to commemorate 
Hispanic culture should not be limited merely to a one-month period.
  In addition to recognizing great accomplishments, we must also 
demonstrate our commitment to ensuring equality of opportunity for all 
Americans. Specifically, we must ensure that educational resources are 
readily available to all Americans. Since the future of our children is 
perhaps one of our most vital priorities, educational programs such as 
Head Start need to be supported and funded, rather than cut from our 
minority communities. We must also support economic empowerment and 
provide economic security for all Americans and work to ensure access 
to health care for the uninsured and underserved.
  Cesar Chavez once said, ``We need to help students and parents 
cherish and preserve the ethnic and cultural diversity that nourishes 
and strengthens this community and this Nation.'' As we reflect on Mr. 
Chavez's words and on this month of festivities and celebrations to 
honor Hispanic-Americans, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to 
civil rights for all Americans and promote increased representation in 
Government from all facets of our diverse country.

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