[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Pages 18523-18525]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

  Mrs. CLINTON. Mr. President, I rise in recognition of the start of 
Hispanic Heritage Month. As we embark on this month-long festivity, I 
am pleased to take this opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary 
contributions to our country that the Hispanic community embodies.
  Today it is clear to all of us that Hispanic Americans are 
flourishing in every State in our Nation. The diversity of the 
population is such a tribute to the freedom and opportunity America 
promises.
  Hispanic Americans are starting growing businesses, contributing to 
the safety and security of our Nation through their service in the 
Armed Forces, going on to college in high rates, and making a real 
difference in every part of American life. So there is much to 
celebrate during Hispanic Heritage Month 2004.
  There are also serious concerns that should involve all of us--not 
only those who themselves are of Hispanic heritage or those like myself 
who are privileged to represent a very vibrant, dynamic Latino 
community in New York, but for all Americans--because the issues facing 
Hispanic Americans are the same ones that are important to every 
American.
  I have been concerned because I think on so many fronts the record of 
the current administration is one that by any objective analysis is 
found wanting. Time and time again, the administration has promised or 
told us one thing, only to proceed to do something else and to 
establish a record of broken promises.
  For example, on health care, Hispanic Americans, as all Americans, 
are dependent in their older years on Medicare. Medicare provides vital 
services to Hispanic seniors. They were listening last year as 
President Bush claimed his Medicare bill would benefit them. He 
repeated that claim in his speech at his party's political convention. 
And the next day, what did we see? The largest increase in Medicare 
premiums in history.
  While Hispanic parents, like all parents, look to our public schools 
to help their children acquire the tools to be successful in our very 
competitive global economy, again, the Bush administration has proposed 
over and over in its budget to cut key programs such as bilingual 
education, dropout prevention, migrant and seasonal Head Start, and 
Hispanic Serving Institutions that do so much in every community across 
our Nation. Yet in the fiscal year 2005 budget, all of these programs 
are targeted for dramatic cuts. This is happening at the same time that 
we know the administration has continued to underfund the No Child Left 
Behind Act.
  In New York City, we have the largest school district in the country, 
with a million students. That seems shocking to some of my colleagues 
who come from States that don't even have a million people. In very 
difficult circumstances, that school district is struggling to deal 
with the obligations imposed upon it by the No Child Left Behind Act. 
Among the obligations is to provide testing to children in their native 
language. Yet we know that is still not being fulfilled by the 
administration. We know there are all kinds of issues with overcrowding 
because we are letting people move from school to school under the 
transfer provision, but we don't have adequate space for them to move 
into. Because of the very highly concentrated Hispanic population in 
New York, that falls disproportionately on the children I represent. I 
worry that what was held out as a great promise under No Child Left 
Behind, because of a broken promise and a failure to fund what had been 
promised, the burdens of complying with that act are falling on those 
least able to bear them.
  Perhaps most alarmingly, the President continues to tell us, against 
the evidence we see with our own eyes, that the economy is strong and 
that the budget deficit, estimated to be at least $422 billion--and 
more likely $445 billion--is not to be worried about. In fact, 
recently, on a national news program, the President was asked whether 
he thought the budget deficit--the highest in our history--was pretty 
good. The President answered, ``Yes, I do, I do.'' Well, I could not 
disagree more. There is nothing pretty good about a record budget 
surplus in 2001 being transformed into a record budget deficit. All the 
while, the number of Americans without health care goes up, the number 
of Americans in the middle class falling into poverty goes up.
  Since the President took office, the number of Americans living in 
poverty has increased by more than 4.3 million men, women, and 
children. Median household income for families is down 3.4 percent. 
However, the picture for Hispanic Americans is even bleaker because so 
many of them start at the bottom of the economic ladder, where they 
work and strive and accomplish so much to lift themselves and their 
children out of poverty. So while 11.7 percent of all Americans live in 
poverty, 21.4 percent of Hispanics live in poverty. Last year, median 
income fell, on average, $63 nationally, but it dropped $864 for 
Hispanic families.
  The list goes on and on because so many of the pillars of the 
American middle-class dream--a dream that sustained my family, that 
motivated me, that has brought many of us to this Chamber--are 
beginning to erode. What does it mean if the income you get from a job 
is not enough to sustain yourself and your family? What does it mean 
for a minimum wage when you work 40 hours a week and you remain mired 
in poverty? What does it mean if you can get a job but it doesn't have 
health care benefits? What does it mean if your pension is at risk and 
the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, the Federal Government's 
promise to try to guarantee those pensions, is tottering as well?
  Mark my words, we are on a path that will undermine the economic 
viability not only of American businesses in this competitive global 
economy but of Americans, American families, and traditionally 
disadvantaged communities will suffer disproportionately.
  When people sort of dismiss the importance of the Federal budget 
deficit, I don't know what economic text they have been studying. We 
know that it is inevitable that interest rates will rise, capital will 
be squeezed as the Government takes more and more. But what is even 
worse is we become increasingly dependent on foreign lenders. I for one 
am not enthusiastic about the fact that we borrow tens of billions of 
dollars from the Governments of Japan, China, and South Korea. How can 
we look ourselves in the mirror and know we are now the world's biggest 
debtor nation, and among our creditors are nations we built, we saved, 
we economically propped up or are our competitors strategically and 
economically for the future? We are

[[Page 18524]]

setting up a house of cards. When it will begin to totter adequately 
for all to see, I cannot predict, but I know we are living on both 
borrowed money and borrowed time.
  I do not wish to dampen the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, 
but none of this sounds pretty good to me. The Latino community has 
made so many contributions to our history, our culture, our economy, 
and our society. I wish every one of my colleagues could march with me 
in the many parades we hold in New York, celebrating the various 
diverse heritages that make New York the most dynamic, extraordinary 
place on this wonderful planet of ours. Just to see and hear the 
excitement, the music, the color, and the vivacity would lift your 
spirit.
  I am so proud and honored to represent the most diverse Hispanic 
community in our Nation. Yet I worry that if we don't focus on what is 
happening in our health care system, our education system, and our 
economy, all Americans will wake up to find that the future is not as 
bright as it should be, that the promise we all feel is part of our 
birthright--those of us born here and those of us who came here--has 
somehow been undermined.
  It gives me great pleasure to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month but 
to ask that we do more, to ask that we pass legislation such as AgJobs, 
ask that we pass the DREAM Act and continue to do everything we can to 
ensure the promise of the American dream for Hispanic Americans and 
every American.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise to commemorate an occasion that is 
becoming more important with every passing year.
  In 1968, Congress designated the week of September 15 Hispanic 
Heritage Week. The celebration was subsequently extended to include the 
entire month from September 15 to October 15.
  September 15 was chosen as the opening of Hispanic Heritage Month to 
honor the independence day of several Latin American countries 
including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. 
The nations of Mexico and Chile also gained their independence on 
September 16 and 18, respectively.
  Today, Hispanic Heritage Month not only recognizes and celebrates the 
important contributions that Latinos make to our Nation's cultural, 
economic, and political life, it also reminds us of the strength we 
draw from diversity.
  People all over the world have flocked to America in search of 
freedom and opportunity. This has made us one of the most diverse 
countries on earth, and Latinos are an important part of that 
diversity.
  Hispanics in the United States are not one monolithic, homogeneous 
group. In fact, they come from many different cultural and ethnic 
backgrounds.
  Latinos in the United States can trace their ancestry to more than 20 
countries and territories, spanning an area of thousands of miles, from 
as far north as Puerto Rico to as far south as Argentina, and 
encompassing a wide array of cultures and histories.
  The families of some Hispanics have been in this land since the 16th 
Century. Others are newcomers to our Nation, drawn by the same sense of 
hope that has always made America a beacon for immigrants.
  Some Latinos speak Spanish. Others speak only English, and many are 
conversant in both languages.
  But taken as a whole, Latinos in the United States reflect the 
diversity and breadth of Hispanic culture and history.
  Today, Latinos are not simply a small isolated minority group in our 
country; rather they take part in every aspect of American life.
  Many prominent American citizens are Latinos.
  People like Cesar Chavez, founder of the United Farm Workers 
Association; Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico; Julia Alvarez, 
internationally recognized author of ``In the Time of the 
Butterflies;'' and John Leguizamo, actor and 2004 recipient of the 
Hispanic Heritage Award in the Arts have made great social, political 
and artistic contributions to this Nation.
  Latinos are also active in every facet of business.
  They are the entrepreneurs of family companies and the CEOs of large 
corporations. They are bankers and builders, manufacturers and 
marketers.
  So there is no way to stereotype Hispanics, they are simply too 
diverse.
  But beneath that diversity, I believe there are some strong values 
that are shared not only by Americans with Hispanic heritage, but by 
Americans of all backgrounds.
  We all believe in opportunity.
  Every person should have a chance to realize his or her dreams.
  The power of that idea has propelled the United States from an 
upstart nation to the most powerful country on earth. And it is just as 
powerful today as it was 228 years ago.
  We all believe in hard work. Every individual deserves an 
opportunity, but then it is up to the individual to make the most of 
that opportunity.
  And we all know that our families are a source of strength and 
inspiration. The love of our families sustains us, and drives us to 
make the world better for our children and grandchildren.
  Nevada has a particularly strong historical connection to Hispanic 
culture. Latinos have been in my State since long before the United 
States gained independence.
  In fact, there were Mexicans working in some of the oldest mining 
claims in the State and they contributed greatly to Nevada's mining 
industry.
  One of the richest silver mines in the world, the Comstock Mine near 
Virgina City, was first discovered by Ignacio Paredes from the State of 
Sonora in Mexico.
  It was Sonoran miners who introduced the use of a pan for creek bed 
mining, and the process known as ``dry digging'' that facilitates 
mining in areas where water is scarce.
  Hispanics also played a role in the early days of the hospitality 
industry in Nevada. A man of Mexican decent by the name of Bony Aguilar 
is considered one of the pioneers of the tourism and entertainment 
industry in my State.
  Originally a miner, Bony Aguilar settled in Silver Peak Marsh in 
1870, where he built a resort and saloon along with a bathhouse that 
utilized the natural hot springs at the site.
  The resort prospered and people came from across the State to enjoy 
the hot springs, hear Mr. Aguilar's stories, and stay at the resort.
  Mexican workers played an integral role in the construction of the 
San Pedro, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake Railroad that gave the city of 
Las Vegas its beginnings.
  And Mexicans were among some of the first residents of Las Vegas.
  Hispanics were also involved in early ranching in Nevada. The Altube 
brothers, although of Spanish decent, came to Nevada via South America.
  They established the Spanish Ranch in northeastern Nevada and 
employed many Mexican cowboys, who were known to be some of the best in 
the State.
  The Spanish Ranch became one of the largest ranches in the history of 
Nevada, encompassing 60,000 acres.
  The important role of Latinos in Nevada has continued right up to 
this day. In 1976 a small group of Cuban Americans established the 
Latin Chamber of Commerce in Las Vegas with the goal of promoting the 
economic advancement of the Latino community and the State of Nevada.
  Since then the Latin Chamber of Commerce has played an important role 
in Nevada's Hispanic community. Its members have successfully advocated 
for educational equality and equal government hiring practices.
  In the Reno area, the Northern Nevada Hispanic Chamber is also a 
strong force for progress.
  These are just a few of the contributions that Hispanics have made to 
Nevada.
  As you can see, Hispanics have been in Nevada since before it became 
a State, and they continue to play an important role today both in my 
State and throughout the country.
  I would like to commend Dr. M. L. Miranda for his pioneering 
scholarship

[[Page 18525]]

of Hispanics in Nevada. Without his original research, there would be 
little acknowledgement of the influence of Hispanics throughout 
Nevada's history.
  I would also like to acknowledge the many Hispanics serving in our 
armed forces.
  This is a critical time in our Nation's history, and our troops are 
deployed all around the world. Many Latinos have followed the call to 
service, and they risk their lives every day in defense of our freedom 
at home.
  I am sincerely grateful to all those who leave their families behind 
to serve their country.
  On this, the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month, I am honored to 
have been able to share with you the stories of some of the Hispanics 
that helped establish the ``Battle-Born state,'' and to pay tribute to 
the diversity of this great Nation.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Smith). The Senator from Idaho is 
recognized.
  Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I come to the Senate floor on another topic 
at this moment, but I want to reflect briefly on what my colleague from 
New York said about the Hispanic community of New York. I would like to 
speak about the ones of Idaho. They are some of the most upwardly 
mobile, achieving communities in my State today, with great successes. 
They are out to become Americans, or are becoming Americans, by their 
ingenuity, creativity, and their energy. While I don't think they are 
looking for a handout, they are certainly looking for a hand up, and 
they are getting that. I am proud of them, and they have every reason 
to be proud of themselves during this month as we celebrate their 
heritage.

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