Washington, D.C. - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved House Resolution 721  (H. Res. 721), legislation authored by Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (CA-32) to support the goals and ideals of Salvadoran-American Day (El Día del Salvadoreño).  Solis authored this legislation to recognize Salvadoran Americans for their hard work, dedication and contribution to the stability and well-being of the United States.

“I am proud that Congress recognized and honored Salvadoran Americans for their economic and cultural contributions to the United States,” said Congresswoman Solis. “Forty years of internal political turmoil forced individuals from the Republic of El Salvador to flee the country and seek peace and security in the United States. I urge my colleagues to continue to remember that our nation was built by people from many nations and cultures whose lives and work have contributed to the greatness of our nation.”

H. Res. 721 has been endorsed by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the Salvadoran American National Association (SANA), and the SHARE Foundation.  51 Members of Congress are cosponsors.

Currently, there are more than 900,000 Salvadoran Americans living in the United States, with the majority of them living in California, the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, and New York.  In the Los Angeles metropolitan area alone there are nearly 400,000 Salvadoran Americans.

In California, El Día del Salvadoreño is celebrated among the Latino community.  This celebration of Salvadoran traditions dates back to 1525 when the city of Villa De San Salvador was founded.  August 6 also marks the date when Salvadorans around the United States celebrate “Fiestas Agostinas” (August Holidays). 

Solis, whose mother was born in Nicaragua, is the only member of Congress of Central-American descent.