Since 2001, I have introduced legislation that honors and recognizes Cesar Estrada Chavez by authorizing the U.S. Department of the Interior to study significant lands in Chavez's life and movement for inclusion into the National Park Service.
Cesar Chavez was a second-generation American who changed the course of history for Latinos and working families across the nation by empowering them to fight for fair wages, health care coverage, pension benefits, housing improvements, pesticide and health regulations, and countless other protections for their health and well-being. Embodying the very phrase he coined, "Si, se puede", Cesar Chavez made a significant difference in the many lives he touched, inspiring millions to stand up and say, "yes, we can". 
Growing up, the spirit and legacy of Cesar Chavez was an inspiration to me. His commitment to the protection of the health of families, the environment, and worker's rights paved the way for people like me to use my voice to be courageous and fight for greater equality and to bring justice to those who cannot achieve it themselves. It is my sincere hope that through this legislation, future generations of Latinos and Latinas can understand who Cesar Chavez was, why the work he did was important, and know that they too can be courageous and work together to make the world a more fair and equitable place for all.
A testament to the important role the bill will play in protecting our public lands and natural resources, the legislation has broad support. Sixty-five of my colleagues in the House are cosponsors of the bill and Senators McCain and Salazar have introduced this legislation in the Senate. In addition to Latino and civil right organizations, Campaign for America's Wilderness, Defenders of Wildlife, National Wildlife Federation, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, The Wilderness Society and many other environmental organizations have endorsed the bill.
Today, the Natural Resources Committee's Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, under the leadership of Chairman Rahall and Chairman Grijalva, approved this legislation. I thank them for their support and hope that soon this bill can be considered by the full House and Senate, and signed into law, so that future generations of Americans have opportunities to learn about the contributions of Cesar Chavez in our nation's history.