[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 158 (Thursday, September 29, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S5535]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, as we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage 
Month, we join together to acknowledge and express our appreciation for 
Hispanic communities across America and their innumerable gifts to our 
diverse Nation. Hispanic individuals have been critical in making this 
country a more inclusive and pluralistic union. In Maryland, Hispanics 
are the second-largest minority group, comprising more than 12 percent 
of our population, according to the 2020 Census. Hispanics in every 
corner of our State continue to engage in and strengthen our economy, 
educational and cultural institutions, and government.
  National Hispanic Heritage Month, first established in 1968, 
recognizes these achievements while encouraging the pursuit of new 
ones. This year, we particularly recognize the sacrifices made by 
Hispanic educators, essential workers, and healthcare professionals 
during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also honor those 
Hispanic veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and 
honorably protected the values and ideals that we hold so dear.
  While acknowledging Hispanic contributions to American history, 
culture, and identity, we also pledge to combat xenophobia and 
ignorance in all its manifestations. We support Hispanics as they seek 
fair access to equitable healthcare, affordable education and housing, 
and equal representation and in the private and public sectors. We also 
renew our commitment to pursuing comprehensive immigration reform and 
to protecting immigrant populations who call this Nation their home, 
including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals--DACA--and Temporary 
Protected Status--TPS--recipients. As Americans, we all share a 
responsibility to treat one another with respect, decency, and 
compassion. Moreover, as we approach the 2022 midterm elections, we 
must recognize the need to address the disproportionate targeting of 
Hispanic voters with election-related disinformation.
  During the remainder of National Hispanic Heritage Month and 
throughout the year, let us renew our commitments to a diverse society 
and mark the unique contributions Hispanics have made in every area of 
American life, culture, and history. Let us continually celebrate these 
achievements with appreciation and joy.

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