[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 158 (Wednesday, October 28, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H11997-H11999]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 783) recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and 
celebrating the vast contributions of Hispanic-Americans to the 
strength and culture of the United States.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 783

       Whereas from September 15, 2009, through October 15, 2009, 
     the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month;
       Whereas the presence of Hispanics in North America predates 
     the founding of the United States, and, as among the first to 
     settle in the New World, Hispanics and their descendants have 
     had a profound and lasting influence on the history, values, 
     and culture of the United States;
       Whereas since the arrival of the earliest Spanish settlers 
     more than 400 years ago, millions of Hispanic men and women 
     have come to the United States from Mexico, Cuba, and other 
     Caribbean regions, Central America, South America, and Spain, 
     in search of freedom, peace, and opportunity;
       Whereas Hispanic-Americans have contributed throughout the 
     ages to the prosperity and culture of the United States;
       Whereas the Bureau of the Census now lists Hispanic-
     Americans as the largest ethnic minority within the United 
     States with a population of 46,900,000, comprising 15 percent 
     of the Nation's total population;
       Whereas according to the Bureau of the Census, 16 States 
     have at least a half-million Hispanic residents, including 
     Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, 
     Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, 
     North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and 
     Washington;
       Whereas according to the Bureau of the Census, Hispanics 
     are the largest minority group in 20 States, including 
     Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, 
     Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, 
     New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, 
     Washington, and Wyoming;
       Whereas according to the Bureau of the Census, there are 
     1,600,000 Hispanic-owned businesses operating in areas 
     including construction, administrative and support, waste 
     management and remediation services, and retail and wholesale 
     trade that generated $222,000,000,000 in revenue in 2002, up 
     19 percent from 1997;
       Whereas according to the Bureau of the Census, the rate of 
     growth of Hispanic-owned businesses between 1997 and 2002 
     tripled to 31 percent compared with the national average of 
     10 percent for all businesses;
       Whereas Hispanic-Americans serve in all branches of the 
     United States Armed Forces and have fought valiantly in every 
     war in the history of the United States;
       Whereas according to the Bureau of the Census, there are 
     1,100,000 Hispanic veterans of the United States Armed 
     Forces;
       Whereas the Medal of Honor is the highest United States 
     military distinction, awarded since the Civil War for 
     ``conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life 
     above and beyond the call of duty'';
       Whereas 43 men of Hispanic origin have earned this 
     distinction;
       Whereas many Hispanic-Americans are dedicated public 
     servants, holding posts at the highest levels of government, 
     including Cabinet Secretaries, Members of the House of 
     Representatives, the Senate, and the Supreme Court; and
       Whereas Hispanic-Americans have a deep commitment to faith, 
     family, and community, an enduring work ethic, and a 
     perseverance to succeed: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month;
       (2) celebrates the vast contributions of Hispanic-Americans 
     to the strength and culture of the United States; and
       (3) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
     Hispanic Heritage Month with appropriate programs and 
     activities.


[[Page H11998]]


  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Jordan) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Massachusetts.


                             General Leave

  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
and add any extraneous materials.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Massachusetts?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as you may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government 
Reform, I am proud to present House Resolution 783 for consideration. 
This resolution recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrates the 
vast contributions of Hispanic Americans to the strength and culture of 
these United States.
  The measure before us was introduced on September 29 by my colleague 
and friend Representative Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida and enjoys the 
support of nearly 60 Members of Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, each year Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage 
Month from September 15 to October 15 in celebration of the many 
contributions of Hispanic Americans to our Nation. This observation 
began in 1968, following President Lyndon Baines Johnson's designation 
of a Hispanic Heritage Week, and was expanded to cover the 30-day 
period of September 15 to October 15 by President Ronald Reagan in 
1988.
  Notably, September 15 marks the anniversary of the independence days 
of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In 
addition, the 30-day period of observance also covers the anniversary 
of the independence days of Mexico and Chile, as well as the 
anniversary of the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas.
  Mr. Speaker, according to the most recent United States Census Bureau 
estimate, the Hispanic American population in the United States is 
roughly 47 million people, which is about 15 percent of the Nation's 
population, making American citizens of Hispanic ancestry our Nation's 
largest ethnic or racial minority. Moreover, the Census Bureau has also 
recognized our Nation's Hispanic population as the fastest-growing 
minority group and notes that 16 States, including California, New 
York, Florida, Texas, and my home State of Massachusetts, currently 
include at least a half million Hispanic residents. The Census Bureau 
additionally estimates that there are approximately 1.1 million 
Hispanic American veterans, proud veterans, of the United States Armed 
Forces.
  Over the course of several generations, American life has been deeply 
enriched by Hispanic contributions in the fields of government, the 
arts, sports, education, and countless other areas. Within the past 2 
years alone, we have witnessed historic firsts for Americans of 
Hispanic heritage that evidence the historical, cultural, and social 
significance of Hispanic Americans as a vital part of our Nation.
  Founded in December 1976, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus currently 
consists of 24 Members of Congress. In August of 2009, the United 
States Senate confirmed Sonia Sotomayor as the first Hispanic American 
to serve on the United States Supreme Court. In February of 2009, the 
United States Senate also confirmed Hilda Solis as the Nation's first 
Hispanic American woman to serve as our Secretary of Labor. And in 
April of 2008, renowned Hispanic American author Junot Diaz became the 
first Dominican American author to receive the Pulitzer Prize for 
fiction and only the second Hispanic American author ever to win the 
prestigious award.
  Hispanic American activists such as Cesar Chavez have fought tooth 
and nail to organize workers and attain the basic rights that all 
Americans deserve. Baseball greats, including Roberto Clemente, Juan 
Marichal, and Rod Carew, have helped to make America's pastime the 
great international sport it is today. Musicians such as Tito Puente 
and Carlos Santana have delighted millions with their music. And actors 
such as Benicio Del Toro and Jimmy Smits continue to entertain us in 
films and television. And celebrated authors, including Richard 
Rodriguez and Sandra Cisneros, continue to advance America's rich 
literary history with their works.
  Mr. Speaker, let us take this opportunity to honor the contributions 
of these and all Americans of Hispanic ancestry to the historical, 
cultural, and social fabric of our Nation through the recognition of 
Hispanic Heritage Month. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting 
House Resolution 783.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1200

  Mr. JORDAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Please join me in recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate 
the lasting influence Hispanic Americans have had throughout the United 
States.
  Mr. Speaker, the United States Census Bureau lists Hispanic Americans 
as the largest ethnic minority. The Hispanic culture has a privileged 
place of influence in the United States history.
  Hispanic Americans have nobly served the United States Government 
throughout our history. They have served with distinction in the U.S. 
military, fighting for our Nation in all major American conflicts.
  A total of 43 Hispanic men have earned the Medal of Honor, the 
highest United States military distinction for their service above and 
beyond the call of duty to our country. Hispanic Americans are members 
of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and with the appointment 
of Justice Sotomayor, the United States Supreme Court.
  The work ethnic of Hispanic Americans have helped make them into 
American entrepreneurs. The number of Hispanic-owned businesses has 
grown into the millions. Between 1997 and 2002, Hispanic-owned 
businesses have increased at an astounding rate of 31 percent.
  Join me in honoring the countless achievements of Hispanic Americans 
that have been instrumental in shaping our Nation into what it is 
today.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, we have no further speakers, and I continue 
to reserve our time.
  Mr. JORDAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I would yield as much time as he may 
consume to my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. 
Mario Diaz-Balart).
  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, a lot has been said, 
but a lot needs to be said. I would like to thank the chairman and 
everyone else for bringing this resolution to the floor. We have heard 
from both of the speakers previously about the great and positive 
impact that Hispanics have had in this country. Yes, it is a large 
population and a growing population. It is important that this 
celebration, which started in 1968 when Congress authorized President 
Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week and was expanded in 
1988 to a month-long celebration. It is important that we recognize and 
celebrate the contributions of this important part of our country.
  The chairman mentioned some notable people who have done so much for 
this country, but you don't need to frankly look too far from Capitol 
Hill, or too far from this room, this Chamber right now, to recognize 
some of those who have done so much for our country.
  One of the families that I greatly admire is the family of the person 
who is Speaker right now, the Salazar brothers, who have given so much 
for this country, generation after generation.
  Previously, Justice Sotomayor was mentioned as another one of the 
those notable Hispanics whose contributions have been felt for many, 
many years, and who will continue to be felt for many, many years. It 
is appropriate that we are here celebrating, and that today Congress 
joins this celebration, this recognition of such an important part of 
the fiber of the United States of America, of the Hispanic community of 
this great country.
  I thank all of you for bringing this forward. I urge my colleagues to 
support this resolution.
  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. 
Res. 783 which recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrates the 
vast contributions that Hispanic

[[Page H11999]]

Americans have made to the United States in the past and that they 
continue to make today.
  One of the most recent contributions of the Hispanic community came 
when Sonia Sotomayor was nominated and confirmed to the Supreme Court, 
becoming the first Latino to serve on our Nation's highest court. Other 
history-making Hispanic Americans include the Secretary of Labor, Hilda 
Solis, and the Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar. By making these 
nominations, President Obama showed his commitment to have executive 
and judicial branches that reflect the diversity of our Nation and 
include the voice of the Hispanic community.
  But the contributions of Hispanic Americans are not limited to the 
executive of judicial branches. Today, we have over 20 Hispanic Members 
of Congress. Nydia Velazquez was the first Puerto Rican elected to 
Congress in 1992 and she has since become the first Hispanic woman to 
chair a full committee. Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard became the 
first Mexican-American woman elected to Congress in 1992. The 111th 
Congress would not be the same diverse, dynamic body without the input 
of its Latino Members.
  Mr. Speaker, we need lot look to the Federal Government for evidence 
of how Hispanic Americans contribute to this country. The 37th 
Congressional District of California, which I am privileged to 
represent, is home to a considerable number of Latinos who are making a 
difference every day.
  My city is a city of heroes, of people who work hard to better 
themselves but who never forget where they come from. I want to share 
an amazing story with you today about one of our local heroes, Leslie 
Jimenez. Leslie overcame adversity and graduated from Compton High 
School, a school that at that time had a very low rate of graduating 
seniors. Not only did Leslie graduate, but she went on to attend and 
graduate from Harvard University, too. This fall, Leslie returned to 
Compton and began teaching advanced placement biology and anatomy and 
physiology through Teach for America. Leslie took her success and chose 
to give back to her community and serve as a role model to other Latino 
students.
  Mr. Speaker, I have much hope for the future because Hispanic 
Americans and all Americans are working together to ensure equality and 
advancement not only of the Latino community, but of all communities. I 
look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of Hispanic Americans 
this year and for years to come.
  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 783, 
resolution recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the vast 
contributions of Hispanic Americans to the culture of the United 
States.
  I'd like to thank my friend Representative Mario Diaz-Balart, for 
sponsoring this important resolution; which I am proud to cosponsor.
  Economically, culturally, and politically, Latinos are a vital part 
of this Nation.
  The Hispanic community in America is over 47.5 million people strong, 
and has an annual purchasing power of well over a trillion dollars.
  From science, to sports, business, government, and the arts, Hispanic 
Americans have made significant contributions that have strengthened 
our Nation and our culture. And earlier this year, the Hispanic 
community continued to make history with the confirmation of Justice 
Sonia Sotomayor as the first Hispanic to serve on the U.S. Supreme 
Court.
  As former chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, it gives me 
great pleasure to see the continued progress and growth of our Hispanic 
American community.
  I urge my colleagues to recognize the importance of the Hispanic 
community to our Nation, and vote in favor of the Hispanic Heritage 
Month resolution.
  Mr. JORDAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, I urge 
the passage of H. Res. 783, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would simply ask that Members 
on both sides of the aisle join with the gentleman from Florida in 
supporting H. Res. 783, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Salazar). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 783.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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