[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6083]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   COMMEMORATING CINCO DE MAYO AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF LATINO AMERICANS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 7, 2012

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, May 5 is the 150th anniversary of Cinco 
de Mayo which marks the historic triumph of the Mexican people over the 
French Army in Puebla. This holiday commemorates the Battle of Puebla 
where General Zaragoza and his ragtag band of patriots fought off the 
powerful and large French Army for their independence.
  This battle and victory is an example of the many common bonds 
Mexicans and Americans have, such as, liberty and democracy.
  This is also an example of the Mexican people's positive influence on 
the American people and culture through their continuous struggle for 
freedom. Today, young Mexican women and men serve in the Armed Forces 
defending our country from those who would do us harm.
  Mr. Speaker, there are over 44 million Mexican-Americans living and 
contributing to the United States through their tenacious work ethic, 
positive energy and love for this country. As a representative of the 
37th Congressional District of California which is home to over 300,000 
constituents with Mexican and Latino heritage, it is my honor to rise 
in celebration of the Mexican and Latino people's struggles and 
achievements.
  I am proud that Latinos have risen to leadership roles in every 
sector of American life--politics, law, medicine, entertainment, the 
media, sports, business, and the arts. Today there are 30 Latino 
Members of the United States Congress, including 7 California 
Democrats. I am privileged to serve with them in our fight to create 
jobs for Latinos and Latinas; make college more affordable for Latino 
young people, including by preventing interest rates on need-based 
student loans from doubling in July; and protecting Social Security and 
Medicare for the millions of Latino seniors who rely on these programs.
  So on this glorious day let me wish my constituents, and all 
Americans, a very Happy Cinco de Mayo.

                          ____________________