U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) to mark Hispanic Heritage Month by leading a bipartisan group of senators in introducing a Senate resolution that recognizes September 15th through October 15th, 2022 as a month to celebrate and honor the invaluable contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States.
Senators Heinrich and Luján are also cosponsoring a bipartisan Senate resolution honoring the work and achievements of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The resolution is also led by Senators Menendez and Cornyn, as well as U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). HSIs are defined as degree-granting institutions where the number of Hispanic students enrolled is at least 25 percent of total enrollment.
“During Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize all of the vital contributions that Hispanic and Latino Americans continue to make to our nation’s success,” Heinrich said. “I am honored to support these resolutions to lift up the achievements of our nation’s diverse Hispanic communities and Hispanic-Serving Institutions. I will continue to fight for the issues important to these Americans.”
“This Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate how strong and vibrant the Hispanic community is in New Mexico and across America,” Luján said. “As we also recognize the contributions of Hispanic-Serving Institutions, I am proud to be a graduate of New Mexico Highlands University – just one of New Mexico’s 24 HSIs. During Hispanic Heritage Month and always, I will continue fighting to uplift Hispanic families and preserve our querencia.”
The commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month started in 1968 as ‘Hispanic Heritage Week’ under President Lyndon B. Johnson and President Ronald Reagan subsequently expanded the celebration in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting Sept. 15 and ending Oct. 15. The Senate resolution recognizes the immense contributions of Latinos and Latinas to the economy, culture, and identity of the United States.
Senators Heinrich and Luján are also part of the first-ever Senate HSI Caucus.
