Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA-34), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, released the following statement in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which starts on September 15, 2015:
"During Hispanic Heritage Month, we reflect on how the Latino community's values and hard work have strengthened our country.
"Latinos' contributions to this great nation are rich and diverse, from my father who never got past the sixth grade but built the Californian roads we travel on today to Jose Garcia, a Dreamer from Los Angeles who lived in the shadows prior to qualifying for President Obama's deferred action program and now studies at Harvard University.
"The contributions of so many Americans of Latino descent deserve to be remembered by our country's future generations. This is why I continue my efforts to establish a National Museum of the American Latino in our nation's capital on the National Mall. We owe it to all who build and protect the United States to celebrate and share their stories, service and sacrifice.
"Perhaps the best way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month in 2015 would be to finally make progress on an issue which Latinos and the American people all agree has waited far too long -- comprehensive immigration reform. For our economy, our families and our security, it's time for Congress to finally get it done and honor our history as a nation of immigrants."