[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 18634-18635]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 2004

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I 
recognize Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins on September 15, the 
anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries--Costa 
Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Additionally, 
Mexico declared its independence on September 16, and Chile on 
September 18. These are some of the countries that comprise our diverse 
ethnic group, which have enriched our beautiful Nation.
  The 2000 Census found that 35.3 million people identified themselves 
as Hispanic

[[Page 18635]]

Americans. This represents a 58-percent increase from the previous 
Census of 1990. Hispanic Americans continue to thrive and exemplify the 
American dream. A larger percentage of Hispanic Americans are becoming 
proud homeowners. Hispanic-owned companies made up 6 percent of the 
Nation's 20.8 million nonfarm businesses, and earned $186.3 billion in 
revenues. Since 1822, 73 Hispanic Americans have served in this very 
Chamber, in the U.S. House of Representatives.
  In March of last year, the Congressional Hispanic Conference, of 
which I am proud to serve as chair, was inaugurated. We are comprised 
of a group of Representatives of Hispanic and Portuguese descent, as 
well as Members who are interested in promoting policies of importance 
to Americans of Latino descent. The Conference will inform Hispanic 
Americans that their issues and concerns are being listened to and 
acted upon in the U.S. Congress. Lower taxes, affordable health care, 
and the education of our youth are all issues that are imperative to 
our conservative values. We will be strong advocates to ensure that the 
largest minority group in the United States has a loud and powerful 
voice in the Halls of Congress.
  Educational advancement and funding continues to be an important 
issue for all Americans, especially Hispanics. Congress has increased 
funding for Hispanic Serving Institutions by more than 750 percent--
from $10.8 million in 1996 to $92.4 million in 2003. The Bush 
administration has also proposed an additional 5-percent increase in 
funding for minority serving institutions in FY05. This would increase 
funding for Hispanic Serving Institutions to $94 million. This vital 
funding works to advance the educational pursuits of Hispanic Americans 
across our country.
  Congress continues to amend and improve tax policy to the benefit of 
all Americans. H.R. 839, The Renewing the Dream Tax Credit Act, 
modifies the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow an income tax 
credit for the provision of homeownership and community development. 
This bill would create tax incentives for the construction or 
rehabilitation of affordable housing for low-income families. The 
ability to afford and own your own home is a quintessential part of 
living and pursuing the American dream.
  This Congress and our President are committed to ensuring that 
Hispanic Americans continue to seek economic opportunities and achieve 
prosperity. The huge increases in educational funding are unprecedented 
and will continue to serve the needs of the ever-growing Hispanic 
American community. A stronger, smarter, and fairer tax policy will 
continue to serve the needs of all Americans. A vibrant, stronger, and 
more educated Hispanic American population contributes to the greatness 
of this wonderful nation making us competitive for the new global 
economy in this technologically advanced society.

                          ____________________