[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 136 (Tuesday, August 15, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E775]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





INTRODUCTION OF HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE CHICANO/CHICANA HERITAGE 
                                 MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. LUIS CORREA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 15, 2023

  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a resolution I 
proudly introduced earlier this month to recognize Chicano/Chicana 
Heritage Month.
  Although the term ``Chicano'' was previously used as a derogatory 
term for Mexican Americans, today the Mexican American community has 
reclaimed ``Chicano'' and ``Chicana'' to empower and uplift the Mexican 
American identity.
  Chicanos and Chicanas from all over--my district in Orange County, 
the State of California, and the United States as a whole--have 
significantly contributed to the advancement of our society. Chicanos 
have aided in scientific advancement, such as the co-invention of the 
X-ray reflection microscope by Albert Vinicio Baez. Chicanos have 
pushed the limits of space exploration, like Ellen Ochoa did as the 
first Hispanic female astronaut. And Chicanos, like Emigido Vasquez and 
Selena Quintanilla Perez, have added color through our lives through 
art, music, and fashion.
  Chicanos and Chicanas have also served proudly in our Nation's 
military. These brave patriots fought and sacrificed for our Nation's 
freedoms. Almost 20 percent of American casualties in the Vietnam War 
were Chicano and Chicana.
  As of 2021, over 37,000,000 Chicanos and Chicanas reside in the 
United States and make up about 60 percent of America's Latino 
population. The Chicano population alone makes up almost 12 percent of 
this country, making Chicano culture an important part of the fabric of 
our Nation.
  In my district, Chicanos and Chicanas make up over 70 percent of the 
city of Santa Ana--the first major city to recognize August as Chicano 
Heritage Month last year. This year, I am proud that Anaheim will join 
the celebrations and commemorate Chicano Heritage all month long.
  Mexican Americans in the United States deserve recognition for their 
achievements and contributions to our country. In that spirit, I was 
honored to have introduced the Chicano/Chicana Heritage Month 
Resolution. This resolution would recognize August as Chicano/Chicana 
Heritage Month and acknowledge the role Chicanos and Chicanas have 
played in our Nation's biggest triumphs.

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