[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2528-E2529]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH 2009

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 14, 2009

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the observance 
of National Hispanic Heritage Month 2009.
  Since the birth of this country, Hispanics have played a tremendous 
role in the nation's social, economic, and political movements. Today, 
more than 47 million people of Hispanic origin live in the United 
States and represent the nation's fastest growing ethnic population. At 
this time, more than half a million Hispanic men and women reside in my 
home state of New York.
  During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich 
history and culture of Hispanic Americans. Hispanic Americans from all 
50 states and territories are honored for their contributions to our 
society, which make up a critical part of America's identity and 
background. Hispanic Americans continue to share in the sacrifice and 
civic duties of their fellow U.S. citizens, and in fact, the Puerto 
Rican military participation rate is the second highest in the country.
  Last month, I was joined by Representatives Pierluisi, Wasserman 
Shultz and Mica in co-sponsoring legislation, H.R. 3718, to make 
residents of Puerto Rico fully eligible for the refundable portion of 
the child tax credit. The bill broadens the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986 that currently excludes from the child tax credit Puerto Rican 
families with less than three children. At this time, the child tax 
credit is available to U.S. citizens in the 50 states, including 
residents of Puerto Rico who move to a state.
  Expanding the child tax credit to Puerto Rican families with one 
child or more will inject critical funds into Puerto Rico's economy by 
directly boosting the incomes of the island's working families. Puerto 
Rico has been in an official recession for over three years, and its 
unemployment rate is 15.1 percent, which is significantly higher than 
the national average of 9.8 percent. Denying Puerto Rican families' 
access to proven United States economic recovery measures is 
unproductive and unjust, and it is time to afford U.S. citizens who are 
living in Puerto Rico the benefits of the child tax credit.
  In conclusion, National Hispanic Heritage Month 2009 is marked by 
President Obama's

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successful appointment of the first Hispanic Associate Justice to the 
United States Supreme Court, the Honorable Sonia Sotomayor. The 
nomination and appointment of our fellow New Yorker to the Supreme 
Court earlier this year is one in which our nation should take pride--
for it broke down ethnic and gender barriers that will forever open the 
doors to future generations of Americans. I congratulate Justice 
Sotomayor on her appointment.
  As this year's National Hispanic Heritage Month comes to an end, 
please join me in proudly honoring Hispanic Americans for their 
countless contributions to our nation.

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