III
112th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 267
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
September 14, 2011
Mr. Menendez (for himself, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Reid, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Udall of New Mexico, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Begich, Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. Nelson of Florida, Mr. Schumer, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Inouye, Mr. Reed, Mr. Brown of Ohio, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Udall of Colorado, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Akaka, Mrs. Hagan, Mr. Casey, and Mr. Crapo) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to
RESOLUTION
Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of Latinos in the United States and the immense contributions of Latinos to the United States.
Whereas beginning on September 15, 2011, through October 15, 2011, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month;
Whereas the Census Bureau estimates the Hispanic population in the United States at almost 50,500,000 people, making Hispanic Americans the largest ethnic minority within the United States;
Whereas 1 in 5 United States public school students is Hispanic, and the total number of Hispanic students enrolled in public schools in the United States is expected to reach 28,000,000 by 2050;
Whereas the purchasing power of Hispanic Americans is nearly $1,000,000,000,000, and there are more than 2,300,000 Hispanic-owned firms in the United States, supporting millions of employees nationwide and greatly contributing to the economic sector, especially retail trade, wholesale trade, food services, and construction;
Whereas Hispanic Americans serve in all branches of the Armed Forces and have bravely fought in every war in the history of the United States;
Whereas, as of May 31, 2011, there are 29,204 Hispanics serving with distinction in Afghanistan and Iraq;
Whereas 140,000 Hispanic soldiers served in the Korean War;
Whereas more than 80,000 Hispanics served in the Vietnam War, representing 5.5 percent of individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country in that conflict even though Hispanics comprised only 4.5 percent of the United States population at the time;
Whereas, as of May 31, 2011, 605 United States military fatalities in Iraq and Afghanistan have been Hispanic;
Whereas, as of September 30, 2009, there were approximately 1,332,033 Hispanic veterans of the United States Armed Forces;
Whereas 41 Hispanic Americans have received the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the United States Armed Forces;
Whereas Hispanic Americans are dedicated public servants, holding posts at the highest levels of government, including 1 seat on the Supreme Court, 2 seats in the Senate, 24 seats in the House of Representatives, and 2 seats in the Cabinet; and
Whereas Hispanic Americans harbor a deep commitment to family and community, an enduring work ethic, and a perseverance to succeed and contribute to society: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate—
recognizes the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15, 2011, through October 15, 2011;
esteems the integral role of Latinos and the manifold heritage of Latinos in the economy, culture, and identity of the United States; and
urges the people of the United States to observe Hispanic Heritage Month with appropriate programs and activities that appreciate the cultural contributions of Latinos to American life.