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Reid Accepts LULAC National Legislative Award



WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Senate Majority Leader
Harry Reid today addressed the League of United Latin American Citizens
th(LULAC) at their 10 annual National Legislative Awards Gala. Senator Reid
was honored with this year's National Legislative Award for his legislative
service to the Hispanic community. Following is the text of his remarks as
prepared for delivery.
Thank you. It's an honor to be recognized by the League of United Latin
American Citizens. For 78 years, the men and women of LULAC have been
leading the fight for justice and equality for America's Hispanic families.
Over the last seven decades, you have made incredible progress for our
country, and I am proud to stand by your side.
LULAC is a first-class organization, with first-class leadership. I'm a
tremendous fan of your new president, Rosa Rosales. I've been impressed
with her leadership, and look forward to working with her to advance the
causes of the Latino community.
Hispanic-Americans are the fastest growing ethnic group in the United
States. The community is rich in heritage and tradition -- a heritage that
has helped make America vibrant and strong.
The importance of heritage was something I did not always understand.
I was raised in a small, mining town in the middle of the Nevada desert
called Searchlight. For many years, I tried to hide my roots and my
small-town upbringing. Throughout high school, college, law school, and my
career as a lawyer, I didn't want anyone to know where I came from, or
about my hometown.
Then, one day in Reno, I heard Alex Haley --
- the African American
writer -- speak about the importance of heritage. Through his words, I came
to understand that Searchlight was my foundation. The town --
- and the people
there -- made me who I am.
While my heritage is Searchlight, many of you in this room share a
common Hispanic heritage, which is steeped in values such as family,
community, and hard work.
In America today, we must do more to ensure these values -- and your
heritage -- are honored.
For all the contributions Hispanics have made to our nation, the
community still faces too many obstacles.
Health care. Education. And immigration. Each of these issues is a
priority for me, but tonight, let me say a few words about immigration.
Immigration is an issue that is important for Latinos and important for
the nation.
As you know, we passed a solid immigration bill in the Senate last
year. Unfortunately, it fell victim to politics in the House of
Representatives. This issue is too vital to our security and our economy to
fall by the wayside, so we will deal with it again in 2007.
When the Senate opened in January, I made comprehensive immigration
reform thone of my top 10 bills for the 110 Congress. I expect we'll start
debate on the floor in the next few months.
When the debate starts, Democrats will once again fight for
comprehensive immigration reform. There are no quick solutions to this
issue. We need a complete approach. With tough and smart reforms, we can
secure our borders, crack down on enforcement, and lay out a path to earned
legalization for undocumented immigrants.
Cesar Chavez once said:
'If you are outraged at conditions, then you cannot possibly be happy
until you do everything you can to change them.'
Those are words the members of LULAC carry with them each day. You are
doing everything you can to bring ''change'' -- to enhance, promote and
strengthen America's Hispanic community.
In that fight, I -- - and the entire Senate Democratic
Caucus -- -
stand by
your side. Together, we will help give Americans --
- of all heritages -- an
opportunity to achieve the American dream.