Washington, DC (May 4, 2006) – Today, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) released the following statement on the celebration of Cinco de Mayo:

“This year, Cinco de Mayo may be especially poignant as we witness millions of Hispanic immigrants take to the streets to make their voices heard during the current immigration debate.

“In December, the House of Representatives passed an immigration bill that does nothing to address our broken immigration system.  It would be devastating for our economy, is not based in reality and is far from being comprehensive.  It is my hope that the Senate will take a different course and will pass legislation that really reforms our system and is truly comprehensive.  

“Cinco de Mayo symbolizes Hispanic unity and patriotism.  Cinco de Mayo celebrates the contributions that Mexicans and Mexican-Americans make to our culture and heritage – we owe to them, on this day, to recognize all they do for our communities.

“As a Hispanic member of Congress, it is of the utmost importance to me to represent the interests of my constituents and of Hispanic-Americans.  As part of the largest growing minority group in the country, Hispanics are an influential economic, political and social force.  Something we have all witnessed over the past few weeks and months.

“Hispanics want what all Americans want: a quality education for their children, the opportunity to succeed, a safe and secure retirement, and access to health care.  Unfortunately, many Hispanics are being left behind.  We need to work to increase high school graduation rates, expand the opportunities for graduate degree attainment at our institutions of higher learning, create opportunities for economic growth and success, and maintain services that provide for health care needs in all our communities. 

“This Cinco de Mayo, we celebrate the contributions of Hispanic-Americans to our communities and recognize that much more needs to be done.”