[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 136 (Wednesday, September 14, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5628-S5629]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 267--RECOGNIZING THE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH AND 
 CELEBRATING THE HERITAGE AND CULTURE OF LATINOS IN THE UNITED STATES 
     AND THE IMMENSE CONTRIBUTIONS OF LATINOS TO THE UNITED STATES

  Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Reid of Nevada, Mr.

[[Page S5629]]

Whitehouse, Mr. Udall of New Mexico, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Begich, Mr. 
Lautenberg, Mr. Nelson of Florida, Mr. Schumer, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. 
Bingaman, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Inouye, Mr. Reed of Rhode Island, Mr. Brown 
of Ohio, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Udall of Colorado, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Merkley, Mr. 
Akaka, Mrs. Hagan, Mr. Casey, and Mr. Crapo) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 267

       Whereas beginning on September 15, 2011, through October 
     15, 2011, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage 
     Month;
       Whereas the Census Bureau estimates the Hispanic population 
     in the United States at almost 50,500,000 people, making 
     Hispanic Americans the largest ethnic minority within the 
     United States;
       Whereas 1 in 5 United States public school students is 
     Hispanic, and the total number of Hispanic students enrolled 
     in public schools in the United States is expected to reach 
     28,000,000 by 2050;
       Whereas the purchasing power of Hispanic Americans is 
     nearly $1,000,000,000,000, and there are more than 2,300,000 
     Hispanic-owned firms in the United States, supporting 
     millions of employees nationwide and greatly contributing to 
     the economic sector, especially retail trade, wholesale 
     trade, food services, and construction;
       Whereas Hispanic Americans serve in all branches of the 
     Armed Forces and have bravely fought in every war in the 
     history of the United States;
       Whereas, as of May 31, 2011, there are 29,204 Hispanics 
     serving with distinction in Afghanistan and Iraq;
       Whereas 140,000 Hispanic soldiers served in the Korean War;
       Whereas more than 80,000 Hispanics served in the Vietnam 
     War, representing 5.5 percent of individuals who made the 
     ultimate sacrifice for their country in that conflict even 
     though Hispanics comprised only 4.5 percent of the United 
     States population at the time;
       Whereas, as of May 31, 2011, 605 United States military 
     fatalities in Iraq and Afghanistan have been Hispanic;
       Whereas, as of September 30, 2009, there were approximately 
     1,332,033 Hispanic veterans of the United States Armed 
     Forces;
       Whereas 41 Hispanic Americans have received the 
     Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor in 
     action against an enemy force that can be bestowed upon an 
     individual serving in the United States Armed Forces;
       Whereas Hispanic Americans are dedicated public servants, 
     holding posts at the highest levels of government, including 
     1 seat on the Supreme Court, 2 seats in the Senate, 24 seats 
     in the House of Representatives, and 2 seats in the Cabinet; 
     and
       Whereas Hispanic Americans harbor a deep commitment to 
     family and community, an enduring work ethic, and a 
     perseverance to succeed and contribute to society: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month 
     from September 15, 2011, through October 15, 2011;
       (2) esteems the integral role of Latinos and the manifold 
     heritage of Latinos in the economy, culture, and identity of 
     the United States; and
       (3) urges the people of the United States to observe 
     Hispanic Heritage Month with appropriate programs and 
     activities that appreciate the cultural contributions of 
     Latinos to American life.

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