[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 146 (Thursday, September 19, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H5451-H5452]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Ciscomani) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Hispanic 
Heritage Month and to celebrate the countless contributions the Latino 
community has given to the United States.
  Whether you are an immigrant like me, a Hispanic American like many 
others, or have been in this country for generations, the Latino 
community is deeply interwoven within the fabric of America.
  Many came to the United States and went through a long process in 
search of the American Dream and embodied the hopes and possibilities 
our Nation has to offer. America is a unique Nation where anyone, no 
matter their background, can climb as far as they can dream and achieve 
extraordinary things.
  My story is just one example. When I was young, my family and I 
immigrated to the United States in search of our American Dream. We set 
up roots in southern Arizona and embraced the opportunities this 
amazing Nation has to offer. My parents taught me the value of hard 
work and perseverance, values that drove me all the way here to the 
United States Congress.
  As the first naturalized citizen from Mexico elected to represent 
Arizona in any Federal office, it is my honor and privilege to work to 
give back to the community where my family and I are living our 
American Dream.
  As co-chair of the Hispanic-Serving Institutions Caucus, I was proud 
to co-lead a resolution designating the week of September 9, 2024, as 
National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week.
  This week also marks another special occasion, Citizenship Day. Madam 
Speaker, 18 years ago this week, I received the honor of a lifetime, 
becoming a United States citizen. I will never forget the pride I felt 
that day when I raised my right hand and recited the oath of 
citizenship.
  This reminds me of a story where my dad talked to me right before I 
launched this effort, and he said: Son, where else in the world could 
we have our story? We come to this country, immerse in the culture, 
learn English, go through the long process of becoming U.S. citizens.
  My dad said: I drive a bus my whole life, and now my son has the 
opportunity to be a United States Congressman. Where else in the world 
could we have this story?
  Friends, the answer is simple: Only in America could we have that 
story.


                 Congratulating Utterback Middle School

  Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of my 
former middle school, Utterback Middle School in Tucson, Arizona.
  Utterback Middle School recently made an incredible achievement. The 
Arizona State Board of Education graded them as a B school. Since 2018, 
this school has improved two whole letter grades, an outstanding 
achievement that reflects the unwavering dedication our teachers and 
educators have for our students.
  During the August work period, I had the privilege of visiting 
Utterback Middle School and was extremely impressed with the school's 
program and staff, particularly the principal, Ms. Sanders.
  Rising to a B ranking is largely due to the efforts of Principal 
Sanders, who worked with staff and community partners to turn the 
school around. She even recently received the Stellar Principal Award 
for her incredible work.
  Utterback offers nine different electives and two intervention 
classes that include drama, dance, Lego technology, and computer 
literacy to keep students engaged in a variety of ways.
  They also provide a class called AVID, Advancement Via Individual 
Determination, a unique readiness program that gives the students the 
opportunity to prepare for life beyond the classroom.
  Thanks to the outstanding work of Principal Sanders and her team, 
Utterback Middle School provides unique opportunities for students to 
engage in the classroom in a variety of ways. They should be an example 
for other schools around the country.

[[Page H5452]]

  I thank Utterback Middle School for providing an incredible learning 
opportunity to the students in Tucson, and I thank Principal Sanders 
and her team for all their great work. Go Unicorns.


                       Honoring the Constitution

  Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of our Nation's 
founding document and to recognize Constitution Week, a time to 
celebrate the wisdom and foresight of our Founding Fathers and recommit 
ourselves to the values that define America.
  I also recognize the Tombstone Chapter of the Daughters of the 
American Revolution for all of their work promoting Constitution Week 
across southern Arizona.
  This week, 247 years ago, our Constitution was ratified, giving birth 
to a nation conceived in the ideals of freedom and democracy, governed 
by the consent of we the people, not the whims of an overseas monarch.

  It established the United States as a nation of laws, where 
institutions are respected and all citizens are afforded a presumption 
of innocence and the right to a fair and speedy trial. It gave us 
separation of power between branches of government, preventing the 
concentration and abuse of power by any single entity.
  Our Constitution is our cornerstone and our roadmap. As Americans, we 
have a responsibility to uphold these values and ideals to ensure it 
continues guiding us for generations to come.
  On this Constitution Week, let us reflect on the principles of 
liberty and democracy enshrined in the Constitution and recommit 
ourselves to the ideals that make America truly exceptional.
  God bless the United States of America.

                          ____________________