[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 17243]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, although September is coming to a close, we 
are right in the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month. Every fall we 
recognize how the invaluable contributions America's 47 million 
Latinos--Americans with roots in dozens of nations--strengthen our own 
Nation, and the way their rich cultures enrich our country.
  It is a special time every year. But this Hispanic Heritage Month is 
even more exciting than most. This year we are also celebrating the 
bicentennials of four great nations' independence: Argentina, Chile, 
Colombia and Mexico. More than 200 million people in these great 
countries are commemorating 200 years of freedom, liberty and 
opportunity, and the United States of America celebrates alongside our 
global neighbors.
  It is no secret, though, that the past year's challenges have tested 
our communities and our resolve closer to home. It has been tougher on 
Nevada than any other State, and tougher on Hispanics than any other 
group.
  But in the year that has passed between last Hispanic Heritage Month 
and this one, we have achieved so much:
  We affirmed the promise that affording to live a healthy life in 
America is the right of every citizen--not just a privilege for the 
wealthy few.
  We cleaned up Wall Street so this kind of recession can never happen 
again, and ended the era of big-bank bailouts. That law also brings 
transparency to the remittance industry, which saves customers and 
their families millions of dollars.
  We cracked down on mortgage fraud, including funding Spanish-language 
ads to stop scammers from preying on Latino homebuyers. I directed my 
staff to help Hispanic families in danger of foreclosure, and my office 
has held a number of housing workshops to help Latino homeowners avoid 
mortgage scams and stay out of foreclosure.
  Important credit card reforms went into effect this summer that 
protect consumers from crippling late fees, protect college students 
from predatory lenders, and protect families from having to pay a fee 
to simply pay a bill.
  And just a week before last year's Hispanic Heritage Month started, 
Sonia Sotomayor heard her first case as a Supreme Court Justice.
  We're going to make this year even better. Hispanic Heritage Month is 
as much about the past as it is about the future. It is as much about 
honoring tradition as it is securing a legacy of honor for the next 
generation.
  I will continue fighting for tough, fair and practical immigration 
reforms, including giving the children of immigrants the opportunity to 
serve America--the only nation they have ever called home--and to earn 
an education and contribute to our society.
  I believe that everyone who grows up as an American and wants a 
quality American education should have the chance to pursue it. And I 
know our economy will not recover if we don't give everyone the 
opportunity to repair it.

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