October 03, 2023

REPS. CORREA, SALINAS INTRODUCE RESOLUTION HONORING LATINA CONTRIBUTIONS TO UNITED STATES

Members Lead Nearly 50 Colleagues Introducing Resolution To Close Out Hispanic Heritage Month, Spotlight Need For Policy That Supports Latinas

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representatives Lou Correa (CA-46) and Andrea Salinas (OR-06) 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 Hispanic Heritage Month, it has never been more important to shine a light on Latinas and all the incredible—and often unrecognized—contributions they make to our great nation. They are not only mothers, daughters, and sisters, but they are our entrepreneurs, scientists, and leaders,” Correa said. “It’s past time that Congress put forward policies to recognize Latinas—and as a proud Chicano, I’m honored to join Rep. Salinas in leading this resolution to recognize the power and promise of those Latinas who make our communities stronger.” 

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.

“As one of the first Latinas to represent Oregon in Congress, I am proud to highlight the contributions and sacrifices of Latinas everywhere,” Salinas said. “We are one of the fastest-growing groups in America with the power to shape our country’s economic, social, and political future. At the same time, Latinas face disproportionate barriers that prevent them from realizing their full potential. I will keep working to address these disparities and ensure Latinas get the recognition and appreciation they deserve.”

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, co-sponsors of this resolution include Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Eleanor Holmes Norton  (D.C.-At Large), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Grace Napolitano (CA-31), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Jeff Jackson (FL-14), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04), Jim Costa (CA-31), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), John Garamendi (CA-08), Juan Vargas  (CA-52), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Raúl Grijalva (AZ-07), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Salud Carbajal  (CA-24), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), Troy Carter (LA-02), Yadira Caraveo (CO-08), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Grace Meng (NY-06), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Norma Torres (CA-35), Greg Casar (TX-04), Darren Soto (FL-09), André Carson (IN-07), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Adriano Espaillat  (NY-13), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), and Rob Menendez (NJ-08).

You can find the full text of the resolution HERE. 

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