They Lead Over 25 Colleagues Introducing Resolution To Celebrate Women’s History Month, Spotlight Need For Policy That Supports Latinas
WASHINGTON — Today, Representatives Lou Correa (D-CA) and Andrea Salinas (D-OR), alongside Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced a resolution recognizing the heritage, culture, and contributions of Latinas in the United States. Latinas represent 1 in 6 women and own 18% of all women-owned companies. The resolution highlights the countless contributions made by Latinas and the need for policy that supports and invests in their collective future.
“As America celebrates Women’s History Month, let’s shine a light on Latinas and all the incredible contributions they make to our great nation. They are our mothers, daughters, and sisters. They are our entrepreneurs, scientists, and leaders,” Correa said. “More importantly, they are the strength of our families and our communities. They are the unsung heroes. Congress must recognize Latinas—and as a proud Chicano, I’m honored to join Rep. Salinas and Sen. Cortez Masto in leading this resolution to recognize the power and promise of those Latinas who make our communities stronger.”
“In honor of Women's History Month and as the only Latina Member of Congress from Oregon, I am proud to celebrate the many contributions of Latinas to our state and nation,” Salinas said. “Whether we are serving in the military, teaching America’s children, or researching cures to chronic diseases, Latinas are essential to our country’s success — yet too many are underpaid and underappreciated for their hard work. It’s my honor to reintroduce this resolution today, and I will continue working with my colleagues to make sure that Latinas get the full support and recognition they deserve.”
“While I may the first Latina Senator, I know I won’t be the last,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I stand on the shoulders of giants – Latinas who, through their contributions in arts, culture, science and technology, have had an impact on our nation. That’s why I’m proud to introduce this resolution that celebrates Latinas’ immeasurable contributions to our society and recommits this Congress to building a better future for the next generation.”
There are around 30 million Latinas in the United States, and they make up over 45,000 of the active duty servicemembers in our Armed Forces, own over 2 million businesses, and are leaders in space travel, politics, STEM, and other industries. From world-class athletes and award-winning performers to essential workers that served at the front lines during the COVID-19, Latinas are an under-represented community that have and will continue to shape American society. This resolution would officially acknowledge the contributions of Latinas in the United States, as well as recognize that changes must be made to ensure that Latinas can realize their full potential in our society.
BACKGROUND: Although Latinas are crucial economic drivers across the country, they are only paid, on average, 57 cents for every dollar paid to White, non-Hispanic men for similar jobs. This trend is not set to correct itself for another 432 years. Latinas are also more likely to be uninsured than white, non-Hispanic women, and are more likely to work jobs with irregular work schedules.
Latinas are projected to make up 25% of the female population in the United States by 2060, but continue to face disproportionate representation in both the private and public sector. In a moment where prejudices against Latinos are increasing, this resolution seeks to celebrate the contributions they have made to the United States and reaffirm the need for policies that address the disparities they face.
Led by Reps. Correa and Salinas in the House, co-sponsors of this resolution include Representatives Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY), Nanette Diaz Barragan (D-CA), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Henry C. "Hank" Johnson Jr. (D-GA), John Garamendi (D-CA), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Robert Garcia (D-CA), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Maxwell Frost (D-FL), Dr. Raul Ruiz M.D. (D-CA), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Troy A. Carter (D-LA), Darren Soto (D-FL), Teresa Leger-Fernandez (D-NM), Norma J. Torres (D-CA), Luz M. Rivas (D-CA), Gilbert R. Cisneros Jr. (D-CA), and Resident Commissioner Pablo Hernández Rivera (D-PR).
You can find the full text of the resolution HERE.
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