Congressman Cárdenas, Senator Menendez Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Tony Cárdenas (CA-29) and U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) introduced a commemorative resolution in the U.S. House and Senate recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month.
Cárdenas’ resolution is supported by 118 Members of Congress who signed on as original cosponsors.
“Too long have the contributions of Latinos been overlooked and underappreciated,” said Congressman Cárdenas. “At a time when Latinos are attacked by this Administration and in the media, it is more important than ever to recognize the contributions made by Hispanic Americans to this great country. Rather than using our differences to pin Americans against one another, we should celebrate the diversity of America that has historically been one of our greatest strengths.”
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 18 percent of the total U.S. population, a number expected to grow to more than 30 percent by 2060.
In July, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 2420, the National Museum of the American Latino Act. H.R. 2420 would establish a Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino on the National Mall dedicated to honoring the contributions of American Latinos throughout U.S. history.
Cárdenas’ resolution notes that Hispanic-Americans contribute more than $1.7 trillion to the United States economy, more than the GDP of all but the top 17 nations in the world.
Hispanic-Americans serve in all branches of the military and have bravely fought in every war in the history of the United States. As of 2019, there are more than 200,000 Hispanic active duty service members of the Armed Forces, and there were approximately 1,200,000 Hispanic veterans of the Armed Forces, including, 136,000 Latinas. 60 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.
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