[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2536]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

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                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 14, 2009

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Hispanic 
Heritage Month, which runs from September 15, 2009 through October 15, 
2009.
  The earliest Spanish settlers arrived in the United States over 400 
years ago. And since then, millions of Hispanic men and women have 
immigrated to the United States from Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and 
other Caribbean nations, as well as Central America, South America, and 
Spain. These brave men, women, and children have come in search of 
freedom, peace, and opportunity.
  The U.S. Census Bureau currently lists Hispanic Americans as the 
largest ethnic minority within the entire United States with a 
population of 46,900,000 people, making up fifteen percent of our 
nation's total population. Hispanics also comprise the largest ethnic 
minority group in 20 States including my home State of New Jersey.
  Hispanics are a vital cog to our economy and own over 2.5 million 
small businesses in the United States, which have generated more than 
$400 billion in revenue. Among these businesses, Latina-owned entities 
are growing quickly and are currently generating more than $45 billion 
in sales. Hispanic businesses are rapidly expanding growing 31% from 
between 1997 and 2002, over three times the national average during 
that period.
  Within my own Congressional District, the Morris County Hispanic 
Chamber of Commerce is a thriving group that has been recognized with 
distinction. Last year the Morris County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 
was recognized as the best medium Hispanic Chamber in our region, and 
for nearly thirty five years, the community has been served ably by the 
Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs.
  Hispanic Americans have displayed great valor in warfare over the 
course of our nation's history fighting in every war in the history of 
the United States. There are over 1,100,000 Hispanic veterans of the 
United States Armed Forces, with forty-three of them winning the Medal 
of Honor, the highest military distinction in the United States.
  Hispanic Americans have served our nation as dedicated public 
servants, holding positions at the highest level of government, 
including Cabinet Secretaries, Senators, Supreme Court Justices, and 
Members of the House of Representatives.
  Madam Speaker, Hispanic Americans have contributed greatly to our 
country for hundreds of years, and are worthy of recognition. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in honoring Hispanic Heritage Month.

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