The Serrano Report, Volume XI, #11
On Capitol Hill
Serrano Helps Pass "Borinqueneers Bill"
On Tuesday, Congressman José E. Serrano helped to pass legislation, H.R. 1726, awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to honor the service and legacy of the “Borinqueneers” or 65th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army. The regiment, which was the last segregated unit composed of Hispanic soldiers, was noted for its bravery and service—particularly in the Korean War. The bill, co-authored by Puerto Rico’s Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi, passed the House unanimously, was passed by the Senate on Thursday, and now awaits the President's signature.
A video of Congressman Serrano’s speech on this bill can be seen here: http://youtu.be/EM8kRxvFf1s
“This week the U.S. House of Representatives voted to award the highest Congressional honor to the Borinqueneers,” said Congressman Serrano. “I was proud to speak in favor of this bill, and to help my friend Pedro Pierluisi pass it. The Borinqueneers are legendary for their bravery, and this honor is overdue. The men that comprised this regiment, from its formation in 1899 until it was realigned in the 1950s, were all Hispanic, and largely Puerto Rican. They fought with valor in defense of our nation in all the wars of that time period. These soldiers often came from humble backgrounds, but they all understood that they were fighting for something larger than themselves: they were fighting for the democratic ideals on which our nation is built.”
During the Korean War, soldiers in the 65th Infantry earned a total of nine Distinguished Service Crosses, about 250 Silver Stars, over 600 Bronze Stars, and more than 2,700 Purple Hearts.
“The U.S. House took an important step in honoring a unit within the Army that helped the larger public to understand the need for equality for all citizens. The racial ideas that plagued our country often were built on fallacies, and what better way to strike them down than to serve with distinction and honor. The Borinqueneers showed the depth of patriotism of the Hispanic American in times when this wasn’t always appreciated. For that service we owe them a deep debt of gratitude that not even this Congressional Gold Medal can fully convey.”
On March 18, 2014, President Obama granted Master Sergeant Juan E. Negrón Martínez (who served with the 65th Infantry Regiment) the Medal of Honor, which is the Nation’s highest award for military valor, for courageous actions taken in Korea on April 28, 1951.
“During the debate I took the opportunity to say to the Borinqueneers that your service is appreciated and your trailblazing for Latinos has been a source of pride and admiration. We thank you for all you did, and for all that you represented. With the Medal, we honor you in the best way the Congress is able—but the real honor is out in our nation, where Latinos are accepted for who they are and what they can be.”
Serrano Speaks Out Against Funding Shortage for Housing Programs
On Wednesday at the Appropriations Committee's consideration of the Fiscal Year 2015 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill, Congressman Serrano spoke out against the insufficient funding levels for the Public Housing Capital Fund, which funds capital and management activities including development, financing, and modernization of public housing projects. The underfunding will particularly affect the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), which is the largest public housing authority in the nation.
“Public Housing Authorities across the country have significant capital needs, and a further reduction in funding is unsustainable. NYCHA has an estimated backlog of $6 billion in unmet capital needs, which is estimated to increase to $13 billion within the next 4 years,” said Serrano. “It is not possible for NYCHA to address urgent capital needs of its public housing unless the federal commitment is renewed with a long-term program of investment.”
The bill underfunds critical programs such as Section 8, the Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships, McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance, and Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly. Congressman Serrano voted against passage of the bill. Unfortunately, the bill passed by a vote of 28-21, and will move on to consideration by the full House of Representatives.
Congressman Serrano Meets with African Immigration Groups
Congressman Serrano with the delegation
This week, Congressman Serrano met with members of Pottal Fii Bhantal Fouta Djallon, the Cameroon American Council, and the Congressional African Immigrant Institute to discuss the need for comprehensive immigration reform. These groups were visiting Washington from his Congressional district in the Bronx. They discussed the problems that the current immigration system has created for the diverse African immigrant communities in the Bronx and throughout New York City, and to advocate for Congressional action in the House of Representatives. Their used their visit to highlight the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform.
Congressman Serrano, Staff Run Charity Race
On Wednesday Congressman Serrano and members of his staff ran in the 33rd annual Capital Challenge 3-mile running race for charity. This year the proceeds of the race went to the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, which trains and places guide dogs with visually impaired people. The race features Members of Congress, members of the media, Federal Judges, members of the Executive Branch and military.
"I love combining active events with charity, which gives us a chance to advocate for both," said Congressman Serrano. "By staying active we stay healthy, and by supporting the guide dog foundation we enable the visually impaired to lead active lives. This year was a great race and a great charity."
Congressman Serrano With His Staff at the Charity Race
In the Bronx
Congressman Serrano Joins Commemoration of Historic Slave Burial Ground
Last week, Congressman Serrano joined the New York City Parks Department, NY State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, various community groups, and students from PS 48 for the unveiling of a park sign commemorating a recent discovered slave burial ground in the Hunts Point area. With help from the National Action Network, Partnership for Parks, and the NAACP, students from the local middle school were able to do research and discovered that the area’s unmarked graves belong to former slaves who lived in the area more than one hundred years ago.
“I am so pleased that the young people in our community are so eager to learn, explore, and educate all of us” said Congressman Serrano. “Learning a new part of our community’s history through the work of these students is so incredible. This type of learning is something that must be supported and celebrated. I am happy to see the Parks department honoring these students and their work, and of course bringing deserved recognition to the former slaves' lives and burial place.”
Serrano Speaks at the Ceremony
Serrano at the Unveiling of Plaque at the Slave Burial Ground
Grant Announcement
Community Connect Program Grant
Deadline: July 7, 2014.
The United States Department of Agriculture has made funds available through the Community Connect Grant Program in order to support organizations that will provide broadband service to currently underserved areas. The Community Connect Program grant seeks to fund groups who will use expanded broadband service to foster economic growth and enhanced educational, health, and public safety opportunities in underserved communities. Please refer to the announcement, for additional submission information.
Please follow this link for the full grant announcement: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=255775 . For more information about other federal grants please visit http://www.grants.gov.