[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 162 (Tuesday, October 15, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H8140]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

  (Mr. SPANO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National 
Hispanic Heritage Month and to celebrate the many contributions 
Hispanic Americans have made to our Nation.
  From the founding of St. Augustine to the Battle of Yorktown to the 
fight for school integration, Hispanic Americans have served as vital 
cornerstones in the construction of our Republic.
  The State of Florida also has a rich history of strong Hispanic 
influence. In fact, Juan Ponce de Leon, who led the first Spanish 
expedition to Florida, went on to serve as Puerto Rico's first 
Governor.
  To this day, our communities proudly have a strong Hispanic 
representation, with 23 percent of my district having a Hispanic or 
Latino heritage.
  Hispanic organizations play vital roles in our community. The Club 
Hispano de Lakeland hosts the Lakeland Hispanic Festival, where 
Hispanic culture and history is embraced and celebrated.
  The Hispanic Professional Women's Association and the Hispanic 
Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay also lend rich leadership to our 
communities.
  So today, and every day, I say thank you to all Hispanics and 
especially those of Florida 15. You have transformed our language, our 
place names, our diets, and our entire culture. We are a better State 
and country because of you.

                          ____________________