Bipartisan Cárdenas Resolution Recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month, Citizenship Day
Bipartisan Cárdenas Resolution Recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month, Citizenship Day
(Washington, DC ) -- Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and honoring Citizenship Day, U.S. Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-San Fernando Valley, Calif.) today joined U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) in introducing commemorative resolutions in the U.S. House and Senate.
Cárdenas’ resolution is bipartisan, with more than 50 House members signed on as original co-sponsors.
“Hispanic-American citizens are being attacked on the street because of the incendiary rhetoric of nativist political candidates, so I believe it is important to recognize the incredible contributions made to our society by Latinos,” said Cárdenas. “We are the largest minority group in this nation and have been integral to creating the America we know today.”
Each year, the President designates September 15th to October 15th as Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating the heritage and culture of Latinos in the United States and the immense contributions of Latinos to our nation. Latinos currently comprise 17 percent of the population, a number expected to grow to more than 30 percent by 2060.
Cárdenas’ resolution notes that Hispanic-Americans invest more than $1.3 trillion in the United States economy, more than the GDP of all but the top 15 nations in the world. There are more than 3.2 million firms owned by Hispanics in America, producing more than $468 billion in value.
Hispanic-Americans also serve in all branches of the military and have bravely fought in every war in the history of the United States. As of July 31, 2014, more than 164,000 Hispanic active duty service members served with distinction in the military of the United States.
61 Hispanic-Americans have received the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be bestowed on an individual serving in the Armed Forces of the United States.
Democrats, including Cárdenas, continue fighting for bold, concrete initiatives to jump-start the middle class and those working to get into the middle class, including millions of Hispanic families. This includes rebuilding America’s infrastructure, making higher education more affordable, increasing the minimum wage and ensuring equal pay for equal work for women, including Latinas who make 55 cents for every dollar earned by a man.