[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 167 (Thursday, October 12, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E965]
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

                       Thursday, October 12, 2023

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I am pleased to speak 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, 
including our neighbors in Mexico and 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 by President Reagan 
to provide all Americans the opportunity to participate and commemorate 
the important 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 63.7 million Hispanics living in the U.S. and 
Hispanics continue to be the fastest growing ethnic group.
  In Harris County, Texas there are 43.1 percent Hispanic, 
approximately 2.02 million people.
  In 2022, 44.5 percent of the Houston population identified as 
Hispanic or Latino in the Census.
  Not only is this a month to celebrate Hispanic culture and 
traditions, but it is also a time to reunite and celebrate the 
importance of keeping traditions alive through family gatherings and 
fiestas.
  Yet, in the time we currently live in many families are separated 
from one another.
  While we must acknowledge the challenges at our border, we should 
never forget that behind the statistics given to us are real families, 
real children, and real people in desperate need.
  One of my own staffers, Amy Arceo, had her grandmother rejected USA 
entry and banned for 10 years due to crossing the border from Mexico, 
when all she wanted to do was to see her family and return home.
  After those 10 long years and an additional 3 years to work her way 
through our immigration system, her grandmother Ma. Esperanza Bugarin 
was finally able to receive her papers to re-enter the USA.
  Her family has been reunited after 13 long years of being separated 
from one another, the ban having forced her to miss many important 
family events.
  During this month, let us reaffirm our commitment to promoting 
diversity, equity, inclusion, and most importantly unity.
  It is essential that we continue working together to break down 
barriers and ensure that all Americans, regardless of their background, 
have equal access to opportunities and the chance to achieve their 
dreams.
  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 healthcare 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, and especially in Houston, Harris County and Texas, 
and 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.