[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 130 (Friday, October 7, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S11300]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH, SEPTEMBER 15-OCTOBER 15, 2005

 Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, I rise today to say a few words 
in honor of the Latino communities of the United States. As my 
colleagues know, September 15 to October 15 each year marks Hispanic 
Heritage Month. Throughout this month, the United States celebrates the 
history, culture, and traditions of Latinos as well as their 
contributions to the United States. September 15 was selected as the 
first day for this special month because it marks the anniversary of 
independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and 
Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also commemorate their independence days 
during the month, on September 16 and September 18, respectively.
  As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we must also acknowledge the 
challenges faced by this community. The Latino population is extremely 
vulnerable to economic downturns and experience high poverty rates, 
particularly among working families with children. We must work to 
continue providing the infrastructure to assist families by 
strengthening job training, child care, child nutrition, and 
transportation. Furthermore, we must continue to lift the barriers on 
education. Only 12 percent of Latinos have graduated from college. As 
nearly half of the Latino population is under age 25, it is crucial 
that we provide access to higher educational opportunities. The Latino 
community in the United States strives to succeed in all realms. 
Providing a solid educational foundation for the younger generation 
will ensure continued growth and accomplishments by the community.
  Today, there are 39.9 million Latinos in the United States, which is 
nearly 14 percent of the total population. Latinos live in every State 
and are vital contributors to every aspect of the future of our Nation. 
My State of Washington is home to the 10th largest Latino population in 
the United States. Fourteen percent of Latinos work in managerial and 
professional occupations. Twenty-one percent work as operators and 
laborers, and another 22 percent work in service occupations. Not only 
are Latinos the fastest growing population in the United States, they 
are also the fastest growing group amongst small business owners. In 
the past two decades, the number of Latino-owned businesses has grown 
by over 600 percent.
  Such facts about the achievements about the Latino community should 
not be surprising, as contributions by Latinos can be traced back 
through the history of the United States. On March 27, 1513, Juan Ponce 
de Leon's travels led him to a land he named ``La Florida.'' In 1541, 
Hernando de Soto became the first European to discover the Mississippi 
River. Mexican and Spanish voyagers explored the Pacific Northwest as 
early as 1774. Joseph Marion Hernandez, a member of the Whig party, 
served as the first Latino Congressman between 1822 and 1823. In 1962, 
Cesar Chavez established the National Farm Workers Association, which 
later became the United Farm Workers. These examples further evidence 
that the history of the Latinos in the United States is an integral 
part of our history as a Nation.
  I am pleased to have this opportunity of Hispanic Heritage Month to 
give thanks to and honor the Latino community. The accomplishments by 
Latinos throughout the centuries and their significant influence on our 
Nation today are cause for celebration.

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