WASHINGTON D.C. - Following this morning's weekly Presidential Radio Address, Representative Xavier Becerra (CA - 30) delivered the Democratic Radio Response in Spanish.
Centering on the theme of Hispanic Heritage Month, Rep. Becerra's radio address called on Americans to remember that as we fight terrorism abroad, we must also be vigilant of the battles we face here at home - battles against unemployment, hunger and ill-equipped schools.
An English translation of the text of Rep. Becerra's address is as follows:
"Good morning. This is Congressman Xavier Becerra from Los Angeles, California.
"The events of September 11, 2001, have turned September into a month of remembrance and commemoration in the United States.
"But this month gives us reason not only to remember, but also to celebrate, particularly to Americans of Hispanic Heritage.
"September also marks the struggle for justice and freedom, and the call for independence of the heroes who fought for freedom in eight Latin American countries. That is why we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
"The time has come to raise our voices and remember these battles, because the U.S. Congress is about to adjourn and the basic work of our nation is not completed.
"Jobs, better schools, access to health care. What has been done? Where is the President's voice?
"Of course, we support President Bush in his fight against terrorism, and working with the United Nations, we can face the dilemma that Iraq represents.
"But the war we need to fight is the war against unemployment here in our country, the war against hunger that poor seniors suffer, the war against ill-equipped schools in which our children cannot learn.
"We cannot allow the leaders of the United States to forget that every day, many of our families are fighting a war against criminals and gang members who control the streets of many communities.
"And unfortunately, the President's talk of war seems to have drowned the fight for justice for immigrants. The movement to legalize many of our immigrant brothers and sisters has clashed with the priorities of the Republicans and the President.
"September reminds us that it is time to commemorate. It is time for the people of the United States to raise our voices and defend working families, our children and our immigrant brothers and sisters. Congress and the President cannot say they have done their job until they address these concerns.
"That is our duty as leaders of this nation, and we should all remember that this September.
"This is Congressman Xavier Becerra. Thank you for listening."