[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 16]
[House]
[Page 21671]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

  (Ms. Chu asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker and distinguished colleagues, the rich heritage 
of our Hispanic citizens has enriched the fabric of our culture since 
before there was a United States of America. From the old Spanish forts 
of Florida to today's vibrant communities of East Los Angeles in my own 
district, Latino culture has been, and continues to be, an important 
part of our national identity.
  Our diversity is the key to our strength, and America would not be 
the great Nation it is without the passion, ingenuity, and perseverance 
of the millions of immigrants who have come to our shores looking for a 
better life.
  The values of our Hispanic communities, those of hard work, strength 
of character, commitment to family and country, are also American 
values. And today the entrepreneurial spirit of our 47.5 million 
Hispanic Americans is an integral part of our economic recovery.
  So I ask my fellow colleagues to join me today as we recognize the 
beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month and to stand proudly with me in 
acknowledging that the Hispanic Dream and the American Dream are one 
and the same.

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