Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize June as National Portuguese Heritage Month. Representative Cox and I have introduced legislation, along with the Portuguese Caucus, to officially recognize the key role that Portuguese Americans have played in the growth of our Nation and highlight their valuable and significant contributions to our society. Portugal was the first neutral nation to establish diplomatic ties with the United States over 240 years ago. They have contributed to every facet of American society, from manning the early whaling ships in New England to the introduction of agriculture throughout the country. They have served with distinction and proudly in our military and have been leaders in government at every level in our country. In 1979, Tony Coelho, my friend from California, was elected as the first American of Portuguese descent to the United States House of Representatives. In addition to lawmaking, Portuguese Americans have made lasting contributions to science, music, and in other areas of business, through people like former Secretary of Energy and nuclear physicist Ernest Moniz and the famous March King, John Philip Sousa, who wrote the iconic song ``Stars and Stripes Forever'' as he headed the Marine Corps band. They are also leaders in agriculture throughout our Nation--in California, most notably in the dairy industry.…”