[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 10]
[House]
[Page 13996]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                A CELEBRATION OF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

  (Mr. HINOJOSA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to say that Democrats in 
Congress continue to work tirelessly to improve the lives of America's 
Latino families. During the 111th Congress, we passed historic 
legislation that made college more accessible and affordable and 
broadened the scope of health care for very many families.
  When Democrats controlled the Congress, we increased the maximum Pell 
Grant, in a bipartisan vote, from $4,050 to the current $5,550, an 
increase of 37 percent. While I was chairman of the Subcommittee on 
Higher Ed, I proudly stood next to President Obama when he signed the 
historic Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 into law. 
This new law increased college aid for the 39 percent of Hispanic 
college students who receive Pell Grants each year. In contrast, the 
proposed Republican budget will cut college aid for nearly 10 million 
students, slashing the maximum Pell Grant award by more than $2,500.
  Today, I stand here with my colleagues in celebration of Hispanic 
Heritage Month to say that we must pass the DREAM Act.
  We cannot turn our backs on these hard working, talented students who 
call America their home. Brought here as children and through no fault 
of their own, DREAM Act students deserve a chance to go to college and 
become U.S. citizens.
  I am proud of my heritage. I am proud of my ancestors who came to 
this country from Mexico over one hundred years ago. I am proud of the 
contributions made by America's growing Latino community.
  Today, I urge my colleagues in Congress to join us in celebrating 
Hispanic Heritage Month. Let us honor our great Nation. Let us all work 
harder to make the American Dream a reality for all.

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