[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 144 (Monday, September 26, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S5989]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise today to join in the 
celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and to recognize the many 
invaluable contributions that have been made by the Hispanic-American 
community.
  For generations, a vibrant Hispanic community has worked tirelessly 
to enrich and strengthen our Nation.
  With ancestors coming to the U.S. from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, 
and Central and South America, the Hispanic community's rich culture 
has enhanced the great diversity of the United States.
  According to the latest census numbers, there are more than 54 
million people of Hispanic heritage living in the United States, 
including 4 million in Puerto Rico alone.
  All across America, a vibrant Hispanic-American community is 
contributing to all sectors of our economy and is playing a key role as 
small business entrepreneurs and government leaders on the Federal, 
State and local levels.
  This is especially true in California, my home State, which boasts 
over 1,000 publicly elected officials of Hispanic heritage. These 
dedicated public officials serve as Members of the U.S. Congress, the 
California State Legislature, and hold numerous positions on the city 
and county levels of government.
  This year, I was proud to support the nomination of Yvonne Gonzalez 
Rogers to serve as a U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of 
California. Her nomination is historic, as she would be the first 
Latina judge to serve on that court.
  Judge Gonzalez represents an American success story, as her path in 
life has been extraordinary. Of her parents, her sixteen aunts and 
uncles, and their children, Judge Gonzalez Rogers is one of only three 
family members to attend college.
  She has been able to rise from modest beginnings to graduate from two 
of the best universities in the country.
  It is my hope that many more young people will follow Judge 
Gonzalez's journey. That is why I believe it is in America's best 
interest to give talented young adults who have good moral character 
and are dedicated to serving the United States the opportunity to 
succeed. The DREAM Act embodies the values of hard work that make this 
country great and I will continue to support this important 
legislation.
  I believe it is also important to recognize the 1.1 million Hispanic 
Americans 18 years or older who are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. 
Americans of Hispanic descent have defended and served our country with 
valor in every conflict since the Revolutionary War.
  Forty-one Hispanic Americans have received the Congressional Medal of 
Honor, the highest military award presented by the United States.
  I commend our Hispanic-American veterans, as well as those on active 
duty, who have risked and given their lives for the safety and well-
being of our Nation.
  It is my hope that more of today's young people, including those of 
Hispanic heritage, will soon have the opportunity to pursue their 
dreams of obtaining a higher education degree or serving in the U.S. 
military.
  On the larger front, we must continue to strive towards reforming our 
broken immigration system, which is crucial to the future success of 
the Nation's economy.
  This country was built by people who risked everything because they 
believed in the promise and opportunities available in America. Part of 
the American dream is that anyone with a desire and a will to work can 
make a life for themselves here.
  As the current generation of Hispanic Americans continues to strive 
to fulfill the American dream, I am pleased to celebrate their past 
accomplishments as well as their future achievements that will continue 
to make this country great.

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