Hoyer: Latino Contributions Have Made America Safer, Stronger, More Democratic, More Economically Competitive

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released a video today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which began on September 15 and runs through October 15. Below are his remarks and a link to the video. To read Whip Hoyer’s statement marking Hispanic Heritage Month, click here. 

Click here to watch the video.

“Hi, I’m Congressman Steny Hoyer of Maryland, and I’m the Democratic Whip in the House of Representatives.

“I’m excited to be celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and the tremendous contributions Latinos have made to this country throughout its history.

“From the days of the American revolution, Latinos have fought courageously in defense of the United States and its ideals.

“Latino entrepreneurs continue to innovate and create jobs from Spanish Harlem to Silicon Valley.

“Musicians, poets, and writers like Isabel Allende and Juan Felipe Herrera have contributed to richness of American literature and the arts.

“Latino researchers and scientists have won Nobel Prizes in physics, chemistry, and medicine for discoveries that advanced our understanding of the world and of ourselves.

“And I’m proud to serve alongside long-time leaders in Congress like Democratic Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra of California, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Dean José Serrano of New York, and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Linda Sánchez of California, as well as exciting new Members from across the country.

“Because of the contributions by Latinos throughout our history, America is safer, stronger, and more democratic and more economically competitive.

“As we mark this Hispanic Heritage Month together, let us recommit ourselves to the work of not only recognizing and paying tribute to Latino history in America but also to the unfinished work of making sure our country always upholds the principles of tolerance, equality, and opportunity.

“This includes a continued push to protect the right to vote, expand access to quality health care, and to make college more affordable for all students.

“And it means keeping up the pressure to pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation that keeps families together, creates a pathway to citizenship, and makes it easier for immigrants who are seeking opportunity and a better life to come to America.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with organizations like the National Council of La Raza, MALDEF, LULAC, and Casa de Maryland to achieve these goals and make it easier for Latinos to secure a place in our middle class.

“I want to send my best wishes for a joyful and meaningful Hispanic Heritage Month in 2015 as millions of Americans celebrate the proud achievements and culture of Latino communities across this great nation.”