[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 141 (Wednesday, September 21, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1673]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 21, 2011

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Hispanic 
Heritage Month and celebrating the vast contributions of Hispanic 
Americans to the culture of the United States.
  Today, Hispanics make up 16.3% of the total United States' 
population--that's nearly 50.5 million people.
  Their buying power was $1 trillion in 2010, and is expected to reach 
$1.5 trillion by 2015.
  Hispanic-owned business grew between 2002 and 2007 by 44%--and these 
businesses generated $345.2 billion in sales in 2007 alone.
  Hispanics are involved with every aspect of our culture--from 
science, to sports, business, government, and the arts.
  They will continue to contribute to our nation economically, 
culturally, and politically.
  This is why it's vital to make the correct choices when it comes to 
immigration.
  Here in Washington, we need a bipartisan effort to make comprehensive 
immigration reform a reality.
  As Members of Congress, we must work for a stronger United States--a 
nation that recognizes diversity and embraces it.

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