Reps. Garcia, Vargas, Espaillat, Randall Introduce Resolution to Commemorate Cinco de Mayo

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representatives Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29), Juan Vargas (D-CA-52), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13), and Emily Randall (D-WA-06) led their colleagues in introducing a resolution to commemorate Cinco de Mayo. The resolution recognizes the historical significance of the 1862 Battle of Puebla and the courage of the Mexican people in their fight for freedom, independence, and democracy.

"¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Today, we honor the courage of the Mexican people at the Battle of Puebla and the resilience that defines our shared history. Cinco de Mayo is more than a date. It is a reminder of what's possible when people stand up to oppression and defend their future," said Rep. Garcia. "At a time when so many are trying to divide us, we celebrate the strength, culture, and lasting contributions of Mexican Americans across this country. I'm proud to co-lead this resolution and uplift a community that continues to shape our nation for the better."

"Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico's historic victory at the Battle of Puebla, one of the many battles won in their long and courageous fight for independence and self-determination, " said Rep. Vargas. "Now more than ever, we celebrate this rich heritage and recognize the countless contributions of generations of Mexican-Americans that have always made this country stronger."

"Shortly after the battle of Puebla, Mexican-Americans in California and Nevada set up Juntas Patrióticas to help fund the war effort against the French in Mexico -- and against the Confederacy in the U.S. Civil War," said CHC Chairman Rep. Espaillat. "Cinco de Mayo is the foundational Mexican-American holiday and celebrates a binational culture of principle, civic participation and love for liberty that Mexican-Americans embody. It is in this spirit, today and every day, we honor the resilience, culture, and contributions of the Mexican-American community to our nation."

"This is a celebration of the diversity, resilience, and enduring contributions of the Mexican-American community," said Rep. Randall. "I'm honored to lead this resolution alongside Reps. Espaillat, Vargas, and Garcia to recognize the generations of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans who have helped shape the fabric of our nation. I will always be a fierce advocate for honoring immigrants, queer people, and all those across our communities whose strength, creativity, and perseverance make America stronger. We are here, we have always been here, and we are not going anywhere."

The resolution is also cosponsored by Reps. Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44), Jesús "Chuy" García (D-IL-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-At-Large), Rob Menendez (D-NJ-08), Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), Darren Soto (D-FL-09), and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12).