[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 134 (Thursday, September 17, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1315]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING THE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH AND THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE 
                            LATINO COMMUNITY

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 17, 2015

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, since 1968, America celebrates the National 
Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th, 2015, to 
recognize the legacy of those whose ancestors came from Latin America 
and Spain. The beginning of the National Hispanic Heritage Month is 
very important because it is also the anniversary of independence for 
some Central American countries such as: Guatemala, Honduras, 
Nicaragua, and El Salvador. Also, Mexico and Chile celebrate their 
independence days on September 16th and September 18th respectively.
  We are fortunate to have in our district so many dedicated community 
leaders and organizations, such as CUNY Dominican Studies Institute, 
Dominican American National Roundtable, Hispanic Federation, Dominican 
Women Development Center, Mirabal Sisters Cultural and Community 
Center, Dominican Medical Association DMA, National Dominican Women 
Caucus, Dominican Bar Association, Latino Leadership Institute, East 
Harlem Preservation, Inc., Falu Foundation, El Museo del Barrio, Little 
Sisters of the Assumption Family Health Service, East Harlem Council 
for Community Improvement, Inc., Friendly Hands Ministry, VIDA Family 
Services, Inc., N.E.R.V.E., Inc., Teatro Moderno Puertorriqueno, Inc., 
Casabe Houses Development Fund, Company, Inc., Julia de Burgos Cultural 
Center, Latino Justice PRLDEF, Hispanic Federation, La Casa de la 
Herencia Cultural Puertorriquena, Boriken Health Center, Nuevo Caribe 
Democratic Club of El Barrio and Catano Gardens and the Association of 
Progressive Dominicans, working tirelessly to improve the lives of 
people living in East Harlem, Inwood, Washington Heights and the Bronx. 
Pioneers such as Secretary Thomas Perez, America's first Cabinet 
Secretary of Dominican descent and Justice Sonia Sotomayor who is of 
Puerto Rican descent and is the country's first Hispanic to be 
appointed to the Supreme Court, are not only role models for youths in 
our congressional district, but also symbols of the American Dream. 
They remind us that willingness to strive can help us to achieve great 
success, not only for ourselves but for America as a country.
  Like all Americans, Latino families aspire to own a home, save for 
their children's higher education, and put aside enough money for a 
secure retirement. We need comprehensive immigration reform that will 
fix our broken system and allow millions of aspiring Americans to come 
out of the shadows. Every day we delay the issue of immigration reform 
is another day that our economy, our businesses, and our families lose 
out. I will continue to fight for comprehensive immigration reform and 
for the policies that will strengthen the Latino community and expand 
their opportunities to achieve the American Dream.
  The United States of America is greater, thanks to the contributions 
of the Latino community, which is 55.4 million strong, and continues to 
grow and make a great impact throughout our country. Happy Hispanic 
Heritage Month.

                          ____________________