Washington, D.C. – Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month by introducing a bipartisan resolution recognizing September 15th through October 15th as a month to celebrate and honor the heritage, culture, and many contributions of Hispanic Americans throughout the history of the United States. This bipartisan resolution was also co-sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid and 18 other senators. The Senate is expected to approve this bipartisan resolution tonight by Unanimous Consent.

“Latinos have been part of the American tapestry, the American experience, the history of this nation for hundreds of years,” said Sen. Menendez, Chairman of the Hispanic Task Force and the only Latino Democrat in the United States Senate. “And today, as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and our proud history and contributions to this country, we also celebrate the ideals and principles that have welcomed millions of immigrants who have helped make this nation great and all who have added to the rich and colorful patchwork quilt of American democracy. With so much currently at stake, let us use this important resolution to celebrate not only Hispanic Heritage Month in America, but the role Latinos will continue to play in making the 21st century another American century.”

“Texas is enriched by diversity from all corners of the world, but our mutual history, intertwined culture, and shared values with the Hispanic community are especially significant for our state. Today more than one in three Texans identify as Hispanic, and I’m proud to honor National Hispanic Heritage Month in the U.S. Senate,” said Sen. Cornyn.

“During Hispanic Heritage Month we celebrate the incredible contributions that Latino communities across the country have made to our economy, society, and culture. I am proud to again co-sponsor the Senate’s Hispanic Heritage Month resolution,” said Senator Reid. “Hispanic Americans enrich our nation, and we must do our part to ensure they have a fair shot at getting ahead. This month, and every month, we should reaffirm our commitment to fighting for issues of importance to the Latino community, including affordable health care, a higher minimum wage and immigration reform. Hispanic Americans in Nevada and across the country deserve nothing less.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are currently over 56 million Latinos in the United States, representing the largest minority in the country. Nearly one in four public school students in the United States is Latino and that number is expected to rise to nearly 30 percent in the next decade. With an annual purchasing power of $1.5 trillion, Hispanic Americans own more than 4,700,000 businesses that support millions of jobs and contribute more than six trillion in revenue to the economy of the United States.

Senator Menendez also used the occasion to invite New Jersey's Latino community to attend his Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Sunday, October 9th at Union City High School in Union City, NJ. Featuring world-renown Chef Jose Andres as keynote speaker, this event will gather hundreds of community members to celebrate the contributions of Latinos and Latinas to the United States. Attendees should RSVP at https://www.menendez.senate.gov/hispanic-heritage-month-2016.