Hoyer Celebrates Cinco de Mayo

Hoyer Celebrates Cinco de Mayo

Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) released the following statement today in celebration of Cinco de Mayo and in recognition of the notable contributions of Mexican Americans to our country:

"Today, millions of Americans will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo and commemorating the Mexican Army's victory in the battle of Puebla in 1862. Yet Cinco de Mayo also affords us the opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural heritage that Mexican Americans have brought to our country, and the vital and enduring contributions of our Hispanic community to American life.

"With a population of more than 41 million, Hispanics are the fastest-growing minority group in the United States. And, the 1.6 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States contribute more than $200 billion to our nation's economy. I am proud that we have such strong and vibrant Hispanic representation in the Democratic Caucus. In fact, our former Caucus Chairman Bob Menendez, who is now serving the state of New Jersey in the United States Senate, was the highest ranking Hispanic in Congressional History.

"I join with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and indeed with all Americans, in celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Today is a day for recognizing what makes America the great democracy that it is: our appreciation of diversity, our commitment to family and community, and our determination to continually make America a better place for generations to come."

http://democraticwhip.house.gov/in_the_news/press_releases/index.cfm?pressReleaseID=1423