[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 106 (Friday, July 1, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 1, 2016

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak today on the 
importance of Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM.)
  American society today embraces a remarkable breadth of cultures, and 
Hispanics are an integral part of this diversity.
  The Hispanic American community is a beautiful array of distinct 
groups, including people with roots in Central and South America, 
Mexico, the Caribbean, and Spain.
  In 1968 President Lyndon Johnson designated a National Hispanic 
Heritage Week because of the growing impact of the Latin American 
culture in shaping the nation and society.
  The week was expanded in 1988 to a 31-day period to provide all 
Americans the opportunity to participate and commemorate the 
contributions of the Hispanic culture to mainstream America.
  Today in communities across the nation millions of American families 
come together to celebrate in this facet of American culture and 
participate in traditional comidas and fiestas.
  There are over 54 million Hispanics living in the U.S. and Hispanics 
continue to be the fastest growing ethnic group.
  Harris County has the second largest Hispanic population in the 
United States.
  In 2010, 43.8 percent of the Houston population identified as 
Hispanic or Latino in the Census.
  On behalf of my constituents and in my duties as a U.S. 
Representative, I am committed to speaking up for the rights of 
Hispanics and confronting the issues that affect them.
  From lowering the uninsured rates and fighting to make higher 
education more affordable, to championing an increase in the minimum 
wage and addressing the economic challenges facing working women and 
families, my colleagues and I will continue working for the Latino 
community's top priorities.
  Devoted to family, faith, country, and hard work, Hispanic Americans 
bring unique and bountiful perspectives and experiences to our national 
community and character.
  The vibrant Hispanic influence can be seen in all aspects of American 
life and culture, from distinctive cuisine to colorful festivals, and 
from the rhythms and melodies of traditional music to the contagious 
beat of today's most popular songs.
  The Hispanic community has persevered in the face of discrimination 
and hardships.
  While significant barriers still stand in our way, I will continue 
fighting with a strong commitment, to achieve comprehensive immigration 
reform and to support an inclusive and unified country.