[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 20327]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

  Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I now ask unanimous consent that the 
Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 238, which was 
submitted earlier today.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 238) recognizing Hispanic Heritage 
     Month and celebrating the vast contributions of Hispanic 
     Americans to the strength and culture of our Nation.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motion to 
reconsider be laid upon the table.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. There being no objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 238) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 238

       Whereas from September 15, 2005, through October 15, 2005, 
     the country celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month;
       Whereas the presence of Hispanics on this continent 
     predates the founding of our Nation, and, as among the first 
     to settle in the New World, Hispanics and their descendants 
     have had a profound and lasting influence on American 
     history, values, and culture;
       Whereas since the arrival of the earliest Spanish settlers 
     more than 400 years ago, millions of Hispanic men and women 
     have come to the United States from Mexico, Puerto Rico, 
     Cuba, El Salvador and other Caribbean regions, Central 
     America, South America, and Spain, in search of freedom, 
     peace, and opportunity;
       Whereas Hispanic Americans have contributed throughout the 
     ages to the prosperity and culture of our nation;
       Whereas the United States Census Bureau now lists Hispanic 
     Americans as the largest ethnic minority within the United 
     States;
       Whereas Hispanic Americans serve in all branches of the 
     military and have fought valiantly in every war in United 
     States history;
       Whereas the Medal of Honor is the highest United States 
     military distinction, awarded since the Civil War for 
     ``conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life 
     above and beyond the call of duty'';
       Whereas 41 men of Hispanic origin have earned this 
     distinction, including 21 such men who sacrificed their 
     lives;
       Whereas many Hispanic Americans who served in the military 
     have continued their service to our country;
       Whereas Hispanic Americans are dedicated public servants, 
     holding posts at the highest levels of government, including 
     two seats in the United States Senate; and
       Whereas Hispanic Americans harbor a deep commitment to 
     family and community, an enduring work ethic, and a 
     perseverance to succeed: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes September 15, 2005, through October 15, 
     2005, as Hispanic Heritage Month;
       (2) celebrates the vast contributions of Hispanic Americans 
     to the strength and culture of our Nation; and
       (3) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
     Hispanic Heritage Month with appropriate programs and 
     activities.

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