For Immediate Release
September 17, 2007


Capps Celebrates Hispanic American Heritage Month


WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Capps issued the following statement in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15 every year.
“I am proud to stand with my Congressional colleagues and my constituents in honoring our country’s rich Hispanic heritage and celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

“Hispanic Heritage Month provides us with a special opportunity to recognize and respect the valuable contributions that the Hispanic community makes to America all year long. The 44 million Hispanic-Americans make up the fastest growing group in our country and through their hard work and perseverance Hispanics have made significant cultural, political, and economic contributions to the Central and South Coasts and the nation.

“The Democratic-led Congress continues to push our ambitious agenda that provides a new direction for all Americans, including Hispanics. Our commitment to ensuring that all Americans have access to the American Dream is reflected in our legislative priorities. Already this year, we have taken important steps to restore the American Dream and grow our economy by raising the minimum wage, enacting our Innovation Agenda of math and science education and basic research to ensure our ability to compete in a global economy, and making college more affordable by cutting the interest rate on student loans in half and increasing the size of Pell Grants.

“Despite continued opposition from Congressional Republicans, Democrats are fighting to provide affordable health care for millions of Hispanic children, to strengthen the successful Head Start childhood education program, and to fix our broken immigration laws by passing comprehensive immigration reform that is comprehensive and compassionate.

“As we remember the important contributions of Hispanic Americans this month, I look forward to working with my colleagues and my constituents to continue to provide a new direction for our country by pursuing the shared priorities of all Americans.â€