CONGRESSWOMAN JOHNSON CELEBRATES CINCO DE MAYO, HISPANIC CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NATION
 
EL CONGRESIST JOHNSON CELEBRA EL CINCO DE MAYO Y LAS CONTRIBUCIONES DE LOS HISPANOS A LA NACIÓN
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Thursday May 5, 2011) – Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson joins millions of Americans in celebrating Cinco de Mayo. This day marks the historic triumph of the Mexican people over the French Army in the battle of Puebla in 1862.  
 
“Today, we celebrate the importance of Hispanics in this country, specifically the contributions Mexican Americans have made and continue to make and how their achievements strengthen our nation,” said Congresswoman Johnson.  “This date is of special significance because it reminds us that all peoples -- regardless of their race or color -- need freedom, liberty and self-determination and that all cultures are worthy of respect. For Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has become a symbol of unity and patriotism in its history. In the United States, it is also a celebration of the rich cultural heritage Mexican Americans have brought with them.” "Hispanics share with other Americans the common goals of freedom, opportunity, and a chance to build a better life. Today, we say gracias for making our economy stronger and our culture more vibrant; and gracias for helping to improve our society” Congresswoman Johnson added.
Latinos are the fastest-growing minority group in the United States, Congresswoman Johnson noted. They are leading a record number of small businesses -- 1.2 million, with annual revenues of nearly $200 billion. The fastest-growing small business sector is Latina-owned firms.  The beginning of the 112th Congress equals the largest number of Latinos in history, with 31 members in the House and the Senate, the same number that entered the 111th Congress.

 
                                                                                                                           ###


U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. She is also the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas that includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Oak Lawn, Turtle Creek, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, & South Oak Cliff; all of Balch Springs, DeSoto, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Ferris, Glenn Heights and Ovilla.