[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 16]
[Senate]
[Pages 21612-21613]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    SENATE RESOLUTION 268--RECOGNIZING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH AND 
 CELEBRATING THE HERITAGE AND CULTURE OF LATINOS IN THE UNITED STATES 
             AND THEIR IMMENSE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NATION

  Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Mr. Reid, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. 
Durbin, Mr. Schumer, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Udall of New Mexico, Mr. Begich, 
Mr. Brown, Mr. Cardin, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Kerry, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. 
Lautenberg, Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Gillibrand, Mr. Nelson of Florida, Mrs. 
Boxer, Mr. Kaufman, Mr. Cornyn, and Mrs. Feinstein) submitted the 
following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 268

       Whereas from September 15, 2009, through October 15, 2009, 
     the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month;
       Whereas the Census Bureau estimates the Hispanic population 
     in the United States at almost 47,800,000 people, making 
     Hispanic Americans the largest ethnic minority within the 
     United States;
       Whereas 1 in 3 United States public school students is 
     Hispanic, and the total number of Hispanic students enrolled 
     in our Nation's public schools is expected to reach 
     28,000,000 by 2050;
       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 firms in the United 
     States, supporting more than 1,500,000 employees nationwide 
     and greatly contributing to the economic sector, especially 
     retail trade, wholesale trade, and construction;
       Whereas Hispanic Americans serve in all branches of the 
     Armed Forces and bravely fought in every war in United States 
     history;
       Whereas more than 29,000 Hispanics have served 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 individuals 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 as of September 11, 2009, approximately 11 percent 
     of the more than 4,329 United States military fatalities in 
     Iraq have been Hispanic;
       Whereas there are more than 1,100,000 Hispanic veterans of 
     the Armed Forces;
       Whereas 43 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 
     1 seat in the Senate, 28 seats in the House of 
     Representatives, 2 seats in the Cabinet, and 1 seat on the 
     Supreme Court; 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, 2009, through October 15, 2009;
       (2) esteems the integral role of Latinos and their manifold 
     heritage in the American economy, culture, and identity; and
       (3) urges the people of the United States to observe 
     Hispanic Heritage Month with appropriate programs and 
     activities that appreciate the cultural contributions of 
     Latinos to American life.

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