A resolution recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the vast contributions of Hispanic Americans to the strength and culture of the United States.

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the month-long celebration beginning today honoring the heritage of Hispanic Americans.

Every year, we set aside a month to pay special regard to the contributions of Hispanic Americans.

The tradition began nearly 40 years ago, when Congress authorized President Lyndon Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week. Two decades later, President Ronald Reagan expanded the celebration to 4 weeks--today's National Hispanic Heritage Month.

While the celebration has begun only recently, Hispanics have always defined America.

The history of Europeans in what is now the United States, in fact, begins with the voyage of a Spanish explorer named Ponce de Leon who landed on Florida's west coast in 1521.

Since then, Hispanic Americans have infuenced every aspect of our history and culture. Let me discuss just a few:

David Glasgow Farragut, a proud Tennessean of Spanish descent, proved the North's most able naval commander during the Civil War. He becamd the first admiral of the U.S. Navy.

Severo Ochoa, a Nobel Prize recipient, revolutionized modern medical science when he discovered RNA, ribonucleic acid, one of the chemical building blocks of life.

Celia Cruz, a singer, introduced salsa music to the United States through her recordings and performances.

Louis and Walter Alverez, both research scientists, originated the once-controversial theory that asteroid impacts can explain the periodic mass extinctions that have shaped the history of life on Earth.

Roberto Goizueta, Oscar Hijuelos, Benjamin Cardozo, Alberto Gonzalez, Rita Hayworth, Roberto Clemente--entrepreneurs, artists, public servants, athletes, scientists, scholars--these names stand out, but many others move America forward every day. We cannot name all of the countless heroes who have fought in wars, treated the sick, taught our children, and devoted themselves to public service.

Through continuing migration to our shores, Hispanic Americans continue to strengthen American culture. Foods, music, and artistic forms considered unalterably ``foreign'' just a few short years ago have now become firm parts of the American identity.

Today, as we begin a month-long celebration of Hispanic hereitage, I join with all Americans in recognizing the invaluable role of Hispanic Americans in shaping and enriching these United States.

Mr. President, today I wish to voice my support for the Senate resolution designating September 16, 2006, through October 16, 2006, as Hispanic Heritage Month. Hispanic Americans are our largest ethnic minority, and I am a cosponsor of this resolution because I believe it is an appropriate way to recognize the contributions made by our Hispanic American community.

Hispanics have migrated to the United States from all over the world. They have added to our national security by serving valiantly in the U.S. Armed Forces; many have paid the ultimate price and sacrificed their lives for freedom.

In my home State of Texas, Hispanic women and men shaped our Republic in its early years, and to this day, subsequent generation of Texans continue to enjoy the liberty for which our Texan and American ancestors fought so courageously.

Americans of Hispanic origin have contributed to the econmy with their notable work ethic and have served honorably at all levels of government. Three of my Senate colleagues find their roots in Hispanic origins.

It is because of these contributions and their love of equality, justice, and independence that I am proud to support the distinguished majority leader, Senator Frist, and my other Senate colleagues in designating September 16, 2006, through October 16, 2006, as Hispanic Heritage Month.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the Senate now proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 571, which was submitted earlier today.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table.