[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 134 (Thursday, September 17, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S6802]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH AND HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTIONS WEEK

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, earlier this week I introduced two 
bipartisan resolutions that were adopted by unanimous consent: S. Res. 
254, recognizing September 15 to October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month, 
and S. Res. 255, designating the week of September 14, 2015 as National 
Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week.
  These resolutions celebrate the immense contributions of Hispanic 
Americans to our great Nation and honor the critical work of more than 
400 non-profit Hispanic-Serving Institutions for their important role 
in educating and empowering Hispanic youth.
  Latinos have a long and decorated history in the United States, full 
of extraordinary contributions to America's past, present, and future. 
Latinos have proudly served, helped build, and defended our country for 
hundreds of years, honorably serving in every action since before the 
founding of the Nation.
  Hispanics fought alongside patriots in the American Revolution and 
rallied in the Civil War, serving bravely in both the Union and 
Confederate armies. Latinos rode in Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders 
during the Spanish-American War, received Congressional Medals of Honor 
in both World Wars, and made the ultimate sacrifice for our country in 
Korea and Vietnam. As of July 31, 2015, more than 164,000 Hispanic 
Americans are actively serving with distinction in the United States 
Armed Forces.
  Just as Latinos have defended our Nation, we have also helped shape 
and build it. That is why I also wish to recognize the exemplary 
institutions that are making vital investments in the next generation 
of Latino leaders.
  Hispanic-Serving Institutions are colleges or universities where 
total Hispanic enrollment constitutes a minimum of 25 percent of the 
student body, and they serve more than half of all Latino students in 
the United States. As a product of a Hispanic-Serving Institution in my 
home State of New Jersey, my experience is a living testimony of the 
important role that HSIs play in expanding opportunities for Latino 
students in 21 States across the U.S. and in Puerto Rico.
  With these resolutions, we celebrate the contributions of all Latinos 
and the institutions that serve and enrich the Latino community in the 
United States. I look forward to celebrating the heritage and culture 
of Hispanic Americans who have and will continue to positively 
influence and enrich our Nation--not only during this special month and 
week, but throughout the year.

                          ____________________