[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 19]
[Senate]
[Page 26161]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 342, submitted 
earlier today.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 342) recognizing Hispanic Heritage 
     Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of Hispanic 
     Americans and their immense contributions to the Nation.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. BROWN. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, 
the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid on the 
table, en bloc; and any statements relating thereto be printed in the 
Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 342) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 342

       Whereas from September 15, 2007, through October 15, 2007, 
     the country celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month;
       Whereas the Census Bureau estimates the Hispanic population 
     in the United States at 44,300,000 people, making Hispanic 
     Americans the largest ethnic minority within the United 
     States;
       Whereas 1 in every 3 children under the age of 18 in the 
     United States is Hispanic, and there are now more than 
     14,000,000 Hispanic children living in the United States;
       Whereas the purchasing power of Hispanic Americans is 
     projected to reach $1,000,000,000,000 by 2010 and there are 
     more than 1,600,000 Hispanic-owned businesses in the United 
     States, representing the economic contributions and spirit of 
     entrepreneurship of the Hispanic community;
       Whereas Hispanic Americans serve in all branches of the 
     Armed Forces, bravely fought in every war in United States 
     history, and continue to serve with distinction in 
     Afghanistan and Iraq;
       Whereas 140,000 Hispanic soldiers served in the Korean War;
       Whereas more than 80,000 Hispanics served in the Vietnam 
     War, representing 5.5 percent of those who made the ultimate 
     sacrifice for their country in that conflict although they 
     comprised only 4.5 percent of the United States population at 
     the time;
       Whereas approximately 11 percent, the largest percentage of 
     any ethnic or racial group, of the more than 3,700 United 
     States military fatalities in Iraq have been Hispanic;
       Whereas there are more than 1,100,000 Hispanic veterans of 
     the United States Armed Forces;
       Whereas 41 Hispanic Americans have received the 
     Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor in 
     action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an 
     individual serving in the United States Armed Forces;
       Whereas Hispanic Americans are dedicated public servants, 
     holding posts at the highest levels of government, including 
     3 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 and contribute to society: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month 
     from September 15, 2007, through October 15, 2007;
       (2) honors the heritage and culture of Hispanic Americans 
     and their immense contributions to the life of the Nation; 
     and
       (3) urges the people of the United States to observe 
     Hispanic Heritage Month with appropriate programs and 
     activities.

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