CONGRESSIONAL HISPANIC CONFERENCE

Washington, Sep 14 -

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 14, 2012

Contact:  Karina Valdes (Diaz-Balart) (202) 225-4211 Kyler Arnold (Canseco) (202) 225-4511

Washington, D.C. – The Congressional Hispanic Conference (CHC) is proud to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month. Beginning in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson as Hispanic Heritage Week, it was later expanded to cover a 30-day period in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan.  This month honors the diverse influences brought by Hispanics to the United States, and their vital role in American culture and society.

Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart said: “The Hispanic community has made a tremendous impact on the United States. From areas like business and journalism, to the arts and politics, Hispanic Americans have contributed a piece of their rich culture. Their positive contributions help this great nation flourish every day. I am proud of how much the Hispanic community has achieved, and excited for how much lies ahead.”

"Ours is a nation full of freedom and opportunity where anyone can have a chance to achieve success through hard work and dedication, regardless of where you come from in life.  This is the promise of the American Dream, which has attracted immigrants to our shores for generations.  Every group of immigrants that have come to the United States have contributed to our nation, helping make it into what it is today.  Hispanics have made significant contributions to our nation and Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate them," said Vice Chairman Francisco "Quico" Canseco.

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen said: “This month we celebrate the story and history of Hispanic-Americans being an integral part of the rich tapestry of this nation. With our culture and heritage we leave an indelible mark to better the greatest nation on earth. As the first Hispanic woman and first Cuban American elected to Congress, I am proud to see ever more Hispanics in the Halls of Congress serving with dignity and pride. Hispanics are now in greater numbers in the public and private sectors and throughout our military proudly serving the nation that took them in and that they now call home.  Our successes are America’s triumphs and our contributions to our nation are enduring and noteworthy.”

“For generations, Americans of Hispanic descent have worked hard to achieve the American dream—making important and valuable contributions to the United States in the process.  The Hispanic-American community understands—better than most—how exceptional this country truly is.  Now, as we begin the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we should acknowledge the positive contributions made by Hispanic-Americans, and it is vital that we focus our efforts on preserving our nation’s prosperity, freedom and opportunities for future generations of all Americans,” said Congressman David Rivera.

Congressional Hispanic Conference members include: Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-21), Vice Chairman Francisco “Quico” Canseco (TX-23), Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-18), Rep. Devin Nunes (CA-21), Rep. Jaime Herrera-Beutler (WA-3), Rep. Bill Flores (TX-17), and Rep. David Rivera (FL-25). The conference is also open to non-Hispanic "associate" members.