Congresswoman Sutton Statement Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

I'm happy to be here on the floor this evening during Hispanic Heritage Month, to honor the Hispanic community and pay tribute to the extraordinary contributions that Hispanics have made and continue to make to our great nation.

There are 45.5 million Hispanics in America, whose hard work, strong faith and closely-knit families have made America a better and stronger country.

That is why I would like to honor some Hispanic leaders in my Congressional District who selflessly serve our communities with diligence and passion.

Leaders including, Joel Arredondo, President of the Lorain City Council and President of the Coalition of Hispanic Issues in Progress.

Joel is an active leader in our community and as a result, last year the Lorain County Urban League honored him as the Community Leader of the year.

Pastor Gilbert Silva is the Pastor at House of Praise in Lorain, Ohio. Pastor Silva has touched the lives of many people through his thoughtful sermons and one on one interaction with his parishioners.

Celestino Rivera, Chief of Police for the City of Lorain. Chief Rivera serves in his position with professionalism and integrity in his mission to protect and serve our community.

And First Sergeant Sam Obechi, who teaches the Honor Guard at the Southview School Army Jr. ROTC.

Not only has Sgt. Obechi selflessly served our country, he serves our community and nation by teaching young men and women how to prepare for college and the armed services.

And Victor Leandry, Director of El Centro Social Services, which is a regional affiliate for the National Council of La Raza.

His commitment to our community is evident through his work in civil rights, social justice, community development and education.

And Nellie Carraballo is a member of Steelworkers Local 1104. I had the honor of serving on a panel with Nellie recently to discuss the "so-called" U.S.-Columbia Free Trade Agreement.

Nellie has helped educate many in our community by sharing the worker's rights violations that she witnessed while on a trip to Columbia.

Laura Rios, Director of a community grassroots organization in my district called Reclaim Lorain. Laura and her group have energized the community through their local initiatives, such as their campaign encouraging people to vote.

The individuals I mentioned are only a few of the many Hispanic leaders in Ohio and across our country who are fighting to improve our communities and our neighborhoods.

As the largest ethnic group in our nation, the Hispanic community is a vital part of our nation economically, culturally and politically.

The 110th Democratic Congress has been successful in enacting key initiatives to help revitalize our economy and renew the American dream for millions of America's Hispanic families.

We increased the minimum wage, benefiting 2.3 million Hispanics over the next several years - the first increase in a decade.

We have twice passed legislation to provide healthcare coverage for 10 million children in need, including millions of Hispanic children.

Unfortunately, President Bush vetoed these measures, preventing children from receiving the healthcare they need.

In addition, this Congress has extended unemployment benefits - at a time when the Hispanic unemployment rate stands at 8.0%.

Finally, this Congress has passed landmark measures to improve the lives of America's veterans - including the 1.1 million veterans who are Hispanic.

It is imperative that Congress continue to focus on expanding economic opportunities for our Hispanic working families and communities.

I will continue to fight to ensure that Hispanics in my district have a voice in Washington DC. And once again, I am proud to recognize our Hispanic leaders in my district, in Ohio, and all across our great nation.

I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and recognize all the accomplishments of the Hispanic community.

Thank you.