A resolution recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of Latinos in the United States and the immense contributions of Latinos to the United States.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 428
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Arts, Culture, Religion
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-30: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6882; text: CR S6879-6880)
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-16T15:03:48Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 428) aims to formally recognize Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 through October 15, 2025, and to celebrate the rich heritage, culture, and significant contributions of Latinos (a term referring to people of Latin American descent) to the United States. It highlights the demographic, economic, educational, military, and civic roles of Hispanic Americans through a series of factual statements.
Key Provisions
- Demographic Highlights: Notes that Hispanics make up over 68 million people, or about 20% of the U.S. population, as the largest racial or ethnic minority group. It details population growth (e.g., 1.8% increase from 2022-2024, accounting for over half of U.S. population growth from 2010-2022), projections (nearly 8% growth by 2060), and concentrations in states like California, Texas, and Florida, plus Puerto Rico.
- Education and Youth Statistics: Emphasizes that 26% of U.S. children are Hispanic, 29% of public school students are Latino, and projections show a 16% increase in Hispanic high school graduates by 2041. It also covers higher education, with 21% of Latinos aged 25+ holding bachelor's degrees and 20% of postsecondary students being Latino.
- Economic Contributions: States that Hispanic purchasing power reached $3.4 trillion in 2023, ranking their economy as the world's fifth largest by GDP measure. Latinos contributed $4.1 trillion to U.S. GDP in 2023 (31% of growth since 2019), own 7.9% of employer businesses (up 44.4% from 2017-2022), and created nearly two-thirds of new U.S. jobs, with over $100 billion in annual payroll.
- Labor Force Participation: Highlights that Latinos represent 19.1% of the civilian labor force (67.1% participation rate in 2025), with growth expected due to population trends. It notes Latino representation in professions like 6.3% of CEOs, 9.7% of lawyers, and 11.4% of civil engineers.
- Civic and Military Service: Reports high voter turnout (51% of eligible Hispanics voted in 2024, with projections of 77 million eligible by 2060). It praises military contributions, including over 257,000 active-duty Hispanic service members and 1.3 million veterans in 2024; historical units like the Borinqueneers; and 60 Congressional Medals of Honor awarded to Hispanics. Also mentions public service, with Hispanics holding key government roles (e.g., 1 Supreme Court Justice, 6 Senators, 50 House members).
- Cultural Recognition: References the establishment of the National Museum of the American Latino in 2020 and underscores Hispanic values like family commitment, work ethic, and community perseverance.
- Resolved Actions: The Senate (1) recognizes the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month; (2) honors the essential role of Latinos in U.S. economy, culture, and identity; and (3) encourages Americans to participate in programs and activities celebrating Latino contributions.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic expression of Senate sentiment rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Promotes greater awareness and appreciation of Hispanic culture and achievements, potentially fostering inclusivity and community events during the observance period. It may inspire educational and civic programs that highlight Latino history and contributions.
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, though it could encourage federal agencies (e.g., Census Bureau, Department of Defense) to reference or support related initiatives. The mention of the National Museum of the American Latino indirectly supports cultural preservation efforts.
- On International Relations: None directly, but it reinforces the U.S.'s recognition of its diverse population, which includes ties to Latin American countries through heritage.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Hispanic/Latino Communities: Primary beneficiaries, as the resolution validates their demographic size, economic power, and societal roles, potentially boosting pride and visibility.
- General U.S. Public: Encouraged to engage in celebrations, promoting broader cultural understanding.
- Government and Elected Officials: The Senate (with bipartisan cosponsors including Democrats and Republicans) demonstrates unified support; it affects lawmakers by signaling priorities for future policies on diversity and inclusion.
- Educational and Business Sectors: Institutions and companies with significant Latino populations or workforces may use this for outreach, hiring, or programming.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: No binding legal effects or challenges to the Constitution; resolutions like this are common congressional tools for expressing values without altering rights or laws.
- Political: Highlights strong bipartisan backing (over 40 cosponsors from both parties), underscoring political recognition of Latino voters' growing influence (e.g., high turnout and projected eligibility). It may influence future legislation on immigration, education, or economic equity, while advancing cultural equity in a diverse society.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
Cosponsors (37)
Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT], Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA], Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA], Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM], Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. Warner, Mark R. [D-VA], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA], Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN], Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Moody, Ashley [R-FL], Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH], Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Ossoff, Jon [D-GA], Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-30: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6882; text: CR S6879-6880)
- 2025-09-30: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-09-30: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of Latinos in the United States and the immense contributions of Latinos to the United States. — issued 2025-09-30 — PDF (6 pages)