Brooklyn, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement in celebration of National Hispanic American Heritage Month 2014, which starts today.

“I am proud to join in celebration of National Hispanic American Heritage Month, from September 15 to October 15, when we honor and reflect on the many sacrifices and contributions of the Latino community to the building of our nation. In New York City this year, the City Council elected its very first Latina Speaker. The Honorable Melissa Mark-Viverito, born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, has been a leader on the issues that matter to families and children, issues such as affordable housing, establishing a living wage, and supporting our public schools. In addition, the Honorable Diana Reyna, a former Council Member, a Dominican-American Latina, was appointed the Deputy Borough President of the Borough of Brooklyn. These women represent the progress being made in our nation to become far more inclusive and diverse in the leadership that represents the values, dreams and aspirations of all Americans.

“However, now is not the time to be complacent, much work remains. As I continue to support the priorities of the Latino community, some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle refuse to work with me to solve the problems that hold our economy back from reaching its full potential. It is truly a disgrace that it has been more than a year since the Senate passed comprehensive immigration reform. Yet, Speaker Boehner has refused to permit a vote on this bill even though the votes exist in the House of Representatives to pass the legislation and has bipartisan support. Know that I will continue to fight for comprehensive immigration reform that will unite our families and offer a pathway to citizenship and continue to secure the borders of our nation.”

U.S. Representative Yvette D. Clarke is a member of the House Committee on Small Business, Ethics, and Homeland Security, where she is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies. She represents many neighborhoods in central and southern Brooklyn, NY which include Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Gerritsen Beach, Madison, Midwood, parts of Park Slope and Flatlands, Prospect Heights, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, Sheepshead Bay, and Windsor Terrace.