A bipartisan resolution introduced on June 4 by U.S. Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) would designate June as Portuguese National Heritage Month.
Rep. Valadao signed on as the lead original cosponsor of House Resolution (H.Res.) 459 with sponsor Jim Costa (D-CA). If enacted, the resolution also would identify the accomplishments of Portuguese Americans and the role they’ve played in shaping American culture, according to a summary provided by Rep. Valadao’s staff.
“As a Portuguese American, I am incredibly honored to be a member of a community that has contributed so much to the United States,” Rep. Valadao said. “The story of my family’s emigration from the Azores Islands of Portugal is truly one of the American Dream, and the over one million Portuguese Americans across the nation share a unique heritage rooted in community, perseverance and pride.
“I am pleased to celebrate this heritage alongside my colleagues in the House of Representatives,” added the congressman, who co-chairs the congressional Portuguese American Caucus.
H.Res. 459 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Oversight and Reform Committee.
“Portuguese-Americans have helped shape American culture and economic growth and I’m proud of their influence on our country,” added Rep. Costa. “As the grandson of Portuguese immigrants, I know firsthand the dedication to family, hard work and commitment to tradition that they hold so dear, values that we all share as Americans.”