[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 145 (Tuesday, September 15, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

  Mr. LATIMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today as we begin Hispanic 
Heritage Month, a time for members of the Hispanic community to honor 
their culture and to join together for traditions and gatherings.
  Hispanic Heritage Month starts today, September 15, as we commemorate 
the fight for independence of five Central American countries: Costa 
Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
  Celebrations across Westchester and the Bronx will take place, 
including a community-wide event honoring the past, present, and future 
of the Hispanic community in New Rochelle, with events as well in Port 
Chester, Yonkers, Elmsford, White Plains, and in Wakefield and 
Edenwald.
  A gathering with Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins in 
September will occur at the Westchester County office building, as well 
as many other events celebrating Latino-owned small businesses and 
cultural organizations, such as 100 Hispanic Women National, 
Incorporated; El Centro Hispano; Neighbors Link; and others.
  I look forward to celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with our 
flourishing Latino communities across my district.


                         Defending Vote By Mail

  Mr. LATIMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to defend against attacks on 
a cornerstone of our free and fair elections: our right as Americans to 
vote by mail.
  The first large-scale absentee voting took place during the Civil 
War, under the direct order of President Lincoln, to ensure those who 
were bravely serving our country were still represented. It was a 
nation divided but then still committed to the democratic principles 
upon which the Nation was founded.
  For over a century, those ballots have allowed rural, disabled, and 
elderly voters to participate in our democratic process.
  Today, mail-in voting is facing unprecedented attacks by President 
Trump, seeking to prevent hardworking Americans across the country from 
being represented at the polls. We will not allow Federal overreach, 
bureaucracy, and conflict to impede our democratic principles.
  I implore my colleagues to acknowledge the great benefit vote by mail 
has brought to our democracy and to do everything in our power to 
protect it.


                         Rising Cost of Living

  Mr. LATIMER. Madam Speaker, 49 percent of Americans cannot afford the 
true cost of living in our Nation. The Consumer Price Index is on a 
steady incline, and threats of new tariffs mean even pricier receipts 
when shopping for everyday goods.
  Hardworking families worry about how they will survive until the next 
payday. Our elderly go without care. Young people cannot afford their 
future. This is not the American Dream we were promised.
  However, hope to return to an affordable Nation is on the horizon. 
The goal is simple: lower costs, rein in executive overreach, and 
restore trust in those in Washington that are working for you, no 
matter where you are in this country.
  It is time to put the financial stability of everyday Americans ahead 
of partisan agendas. I call on my colleagues in Congress to use this 
time to chart a path to a better, more affordable future for the 
American people.

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