WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congressman Charles Rangel issued the following statement in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which recognizes the impact and continued success of the Hispanic community in America from September 15 to October 15, 2011:

"I am happy to join my Hispanic friends to celebrate the National Hispanic Heritage Month to remember the vast accomplishments of the Hispanic community in the United States. We honor their dedication to making important economic, social, and political contributions to our great state of New York and throughout the nation.

The Hispanic community has successfully integrated thousands of professionals ranging from award winning athletes, to doctors, soldiers, lawyers, and public servants into American society. With Hispanics making up approximately half of our Congressional District in Manhattan, I am proud to celebrate the ongoing positive roles they have played in our community, as small business owners, veterans, journalists, and educators among many others.

Our District is blessed to have numerous advocacy groups that work hard to empower the Hispanic community. Among the organizations include: Alianza Dominicana, the Mexican Community Center (CECOMEX), Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriquena, Inc., Institute for the Puerto Rican and Hispanic Elderly, El Museo del Barrio, Julio de Burgos Cultural Center, Casabe House Development Fund, Inc., the Dominican Women's Development Center, El Centro Civico Cultural Dominicano, Inc., the PR Dream, Boriken Neighborhood Health Center, Dominican Sunday, Inc., The Dominican Bar Association, the Hispanic Community Organization for Life, El Asociacion Tepeyac de New York, New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the New York State Federation of Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. I am grateful for the invaluable services they provide for all my constituents.

My Democratic colleagues and I will continue to fight for various issues that are most important to Hispanic families, including immigration reform and passing the DREAM Act to provide a pathway to citizenship for many talented Hispanic students in our district. We will ensure that all Hispanics in our country, like all Americans, can have a meaningful opportunity to improve their lives and succeed in pursuing the American Dream."