In Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15-October 15, 2005

IN HONOR OF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH, SEPTEMBER 15-OCTOBER 15, 2005

Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, I rise today to say a few words in honor of the Latino communities of the United States. As my colleagues know, September 15 to October 15 each year marks Hispanic Heritage Month. Throughout this month, the United States celebrates the history, culture, and traditions of Latinos as well as their contributions to the United States. September 15 was selected as the first day for this special month because it marks the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also commemorate their independence days during the month, on September 16 and September 18, respectively.

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we must also acknowledge the challenges faced by this community. The Latino population is extremely vulnerable to economic downturns and experience high poverty rates, particularly among working families with children. We must work to continue providing the infrastructure to assist families by strengthening job training, child care, child nutrition, and transportation. Furthermore, we must continue to lift the barriers on education. Only 12 percent of Latinos have graduated from college. As nearly half of the Latino population is under age 25, it is crucial that we provide access to higher educational opportunities. The Latino community in the United States strives to succeed in all realms. Providing a solid educational foundation for the younger generation will ensure continued growth and accomplishments by the community.

Today, there are 39.9 million Latinos in the United States, which is nearly 14 percent of the total population. Latinos live in every State and are vital contributors to every aspect of the future of our Nation. My State of Washington is home to the 10th largest Latino population in the United States. Fourteen percent of Latinos work in managerial and professional occupations. Twenty-one percent work as operators and laborers, and another 22 percent work in service occupations. Not only are Latinos the fastest growing population in the United States, they are also the fastest growing group amongst small business owners. In the past two decades, the number of Latino-owned businesses has grown by over 600 percent.

Such facts about the achievements about the Latino community should not be surprising, as contributions by Latinos can be traced back through the history of the United States. On March 27, 1513, Juan Ponce de Leon's travels led him to a land he named ``La Florida.'' In 1541, Hernando de Soto became the first European to discover the Mississippi River. Mexican and Spanish voyagers explored the Pacific Northwest as early as 1774. Joseph Marion Hernandez, a member of the Whig party, served as the first Latino Congressman between 1822 and 1823. In 1962, Cesar Chávez established the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers. These examples further evidence that the history of the Latinos in the United States is an integral part of our history as a Nation.

I am pleased to have this opportunity of Hispanic Heritage Month to give thanks to and honor the Latino community. The accomplishments by Latinos throughout the centuries and their significant influence on our Nation today are cause for celebration.

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