[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 185 (Thursday, October 21, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H5730]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH AND LATINA EQUAL PAY DAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Georgia (Ms. Bourdeaux) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. BOURDEAUX. Madam Speaker, I rise today, October 21, to recognize 
Latina Equal Pay Day, the day when the pay for Latina women catches up 
to that of White men from the previous year. Latinas typically earn 
only 57 cents for every dollar earned by White men.
  This disparity harms women, their families, and the communities that 
depend on their wages for survival. This inequity is why I am a proud 
cosponsor of H.R. 7, the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would close 
loopholes in the Equal Pay Act in an effort to break the patterns of 
pay discrimination and strengthen workforce protections for women, 
especially women of color.
  I would also like to take this time on Latina Equal Pay Day to 
acknowledge the recent conclusion of Hispanic Heritage Month and to 
recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and 
extensive histories of the American Hispanic community and the over 60 
million Americans who identify as Hispanic or Latino.
  I am proud to represent one of the most diverse districts in the 
United States and the more than 170,000 Hispanic Americans who call 
Georgia's Seventh District home.
  One of my most significant legislative accomplishments was borne out 
of conversations with Tony Rodriguez, CEO and president of the Aurora 
Theater in Lawrenceville. My conversations with him encouraged me to 
introduce the Paycheck Protection Program Extension Act, which extended 
the deadline to apply for forgivable PPP loans from March 31 to May 31 
and gave small businesses more time to access this critical assistance.
  I would also like to recognize Antonio Molina, chair of the board of 
Georgia's Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, for his hard work ensuring 
Hispanic small business owners have the resources they need to be 
successful.
  I also recognize Santiago Marquez, the executive director of the 
Latin American Association, which provides a critical safety net 
service for so many in the Seventh District.
  I would also like to thank two Hispanic members of the Cabinet: 
Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra and SBA 
Administrator Isabel Guzman, who visited Georgia's Seventh District 
this year. It was an honor to host each of them and introduce them to 
the wonderful place we call home.
  Finally, I would like to acknowledge my chief of staff, Estefania 
``Stefy'' Rodriguez, for her work leading my staff to serve the great 
people of the Seventh District.
  As I host and attend events across my district, I am struck by the 
vibrancy of the Hispanic communities.
  Recently, I visited with the Latino Lions Club of Norcross, the Latin 
American Association, the Hispanic Health Coalition of Georgia, and 
Latino Community Services to discuss how we can work together to 
address the issues that matter most to our community.
  We all benefit from the contributions Hispanic Americans have made 
and will continue to make. The inclusion of their voices and values in 
our community make my district and the United States so much stronger.
  They are the scientists, doctors, nurses, and essential workers who 
have helped us get through the COVID-19 pandemic; the teachers who 
educate the next generation of Americans; the artists who grace our 
television screens and our stages; the small business owners who drive 
our economy; and the many Hispanic elected officials, some who walk 
these very halls, who work every day to make a positive difference for 
our community.
  I am a proud cosponsor of critical legislation, such as H.R. 6, the 
American Dream and Promise Act, and H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce 
Modernization Act, which extends the American Dream to millions of 
people who already call this great Nation home.
  Today, on Latina Equal Pay Day, and following the conclusion of 
Hispanic Heritage Month, I reaffirm my commitment to always work to 
support and strengthen our vibrant Hispanic communities.

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