SENS. MENENDEZ AND SALAZAR, CO-CHAIRS OF SEN. DEMOCRATIC HISPANIC TASK FORCE, CELEBRATE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

“U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Ken Salazar (D-CO), Co-chairs of the Democratic Hispanic Task Force issued the following statements to mark the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated September 15 through October 15. Senators Menendez and Salazar are the only Latino Democrats in the U.S. Senate.

Sen. Menendez said:

“As a Latino, it gives me great pride and joy to celebrate the contributions of the more than 44 million Hispanics to the fabric of our country. The entrepreneurs, the journalists, the farmworkers, the entertainers, the teachers and the brave servicemen and women that are serving courageously in our Armed Forces are all an integral part of this nation.

“It is critical that we not just celebrate our shared heritage this Hispanic Heritage Month but remember that there is still much work to be done to improve the quality of life for Latinos. That is why Senate Democrats pledge to continue to fight for the issues that are a priority to the Hispanic community: better access to education, improved health care and a change of course in Iraq. I, along with my colleague Sen. Salazar, will continue to bring those issues to the attention of our Senate leaders in our roles as Co-chairs of the Hispanic Task Force.

“Our country is absolutely blessed with the rich cultural legacy and heritage of Hispanics in the United States. We have contributed to this country through our entrepreneurship, our artistic abilities, our work ethic, our cuisine and most of all, our human potential.”

Sen. Salazar said:

“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.”

“Recognizing that Latinos are an integral part of our nation means that we must advance initiatives that support empowerment for all. We are committed to an agenda which reflects our commitment that America should work for everyone – not just those at the top – by building opportunity and prosperity for all.

“As we honor the achievements of Hispanic Americans, 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 be working with my colleague, Senator Menendez to ensure that the voice of the Hispanic community is heard in the United States Senate.””

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