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[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 571 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

109th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 571

     Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the vast 
contributions of Hispanic Americans to the strength and culture of the 
                             United States.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           September 14, 2006

   Mr. Frist (for himself, Mr. Reid, Mr. Martinez, Mr. Salazar, Mr. 
 Santorum, Mrs. Hutchison, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. 
   Lieberman, Mr. Menendez, and Mr. Nelson of Florida) submitted the 
        following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
     Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the vast 
contributions of Hispanic Americans to the strength and culture of the 
                             United States.

Whereas from September 15, 2006, through October 15, 2006, the United States 
        celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month;
Whereas the presence of Hispanics in North America predates the founding of the 
        United States, and, as among the first to settle in the New World, 
        Hispanics and their descendants have had a profound and lasting 
        influence on the history, values, and culture of the United States;
Whereas, since the arrival of the earliest Spanish settlers more than 400 years 
        ago, millions of Hispanic men and women have come to the United States 
        from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and other Caribbean regions, Central 
        America, South America, and Spain, in search of freedom, peace, and 
        opportunity;
Whereas Hispanic Americans have contributed throughout the ages to the 
        prosperity and culture of the United States;
Whereas the Bureau of the Census now lists Hispanic Americans as the largest 
        ethnic minority within the United States;
Whereas Hispanic Americans serve in all branches of the Armed Forces and have 
        fought valiantly in every war in the history of the United States;
Whereas the Medal of Honor is the highest United States military distinction, 
        awarded since the Civil War for ``conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity 
        at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty'';
Whereas 41 men of Hispanic origin have earned this distinction, including 21 
        such men who sacrificed their lives;
Whereas many Hispanic Americans who served in the Armed Forces have continued 
        their service to the United States;
Whereas many Hispanic Americans are dedicated public servants, holding posts at 
        the highest levels of government, including 3 current seats in the 
        United States Senate; and
Whereas Hispanic Americans have a deep commitment to faith, family, and 
        community, an enduring work ethic, and a perseverance to succeed: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) recognizes September 15, 2006, through October 15, 
        2006, as Hispanic Heritage Month;
            (2) celebrates the vast contributions of Hispanic Americans 
        to the strength and culture of the United States; and
            (3) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
        Hispanic Heritage Month with appropriate programs and 
        activities.
                                 <all>
```