 |
“ Democratic priorities are clear: we will fight to get the economy back on track, we will create jobs, and we will help unemployed workers. ” |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
Pelosi Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Washington, D.C. – Today, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on the occasion of the National Hispanic Heritage Month, which starts today and lasts until October 15th. Pelosi also spoke today at the 6th Annual Hispanic Leadership Summit hosted by House and Senate Democrats.
“Hispanic values – faith, family, love of country – are American values. The Hispanic dream – the hope of a better future – is the American Dream. During Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the Hispanic community and pay tribute to the extraordinary contributions that Hispanics make to America year-round.
“There are more than 41 million Hispanic-Americans, the fastest growing group in our country. Their hard work, deep faith and closely-knit families have made America a better and stronger country. Hispanic purchasing power is more than $600 billion. Hispanic influence on popular culture is immediately evident in music, film, food, and other areas. Economically, culturally, and politically, Latinos are an integral part of our nation.
“As we pay tribute and appreciation for the Hispanic culture during the National Hispanic Heritage Month, our thoughts and prayers are with the thousands of families who have been affected by the impact of Hurricane Katrina. During this time of national disaster, Hispanic-Americans have made enormous contributions to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina, as has the Mexican government. There were at least 140,000 Hispanic immigrants in the Gulf Coast area. Because of language barriers and immigration status issues, Spanish-speaking American citizens and immigrants may not be receiving the emergency aid they so desperately need. We must work together in a non-partisan way to expedite relief to all of the victims of this disaster.
“We must overturn the Bush Administration’s policy, which gives no-bid contracts to big companies and shuts out small minority-owned businesses in the rebuilding of the Gulf Coast region. We cannot allow the Administration to turn its back on affirmative action so that women and minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans are not given some special opportunity to participate in recreating their communities and rebuilding their cities and farmlands.
“Recognizing that Latinos are an integral part of our nation means that we must advance initiatives that support empowerment and opportunity for all. House Democrats have introduced an agenda, the New Partnership for America’s Future, which reflects our commitment to safety and national security, prosperity, community, fairness, accountability and opportunity for all Latino families. We have also proposed a minority health bill that would address the fundamental disparities that our Hispanic community faces, and a bill to provide for earned legalization of immigrants who have proven that they want to contribute to this nation.
“As we honor achievements of Hispanics, we know that celebrating the Hispanic community for one month a year is not enough. All Latinos deserve a real opportunity to achieve the American Dream, whether they have been here for generations or just arrived to our shores. That’s why I am proud to partner with my Democratic colleagues to promote a real opportunity agenda for all Americans.”
“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi
