WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback last night received the National Council of La Raza Capital Award at the National Council of La Raza Dinner in Washington, D.C.

"This honor is especially meaningful to me because the Latino community represents the best parts of America - a community proud of its immigrant heritage - a community that is family-oriented, religious, and hard-working," Brownback said.

"It is wonderful to see the increasing number of Latinos working in government, industry, and public service.

"After the events of September 11th, it would have been natural to close our door to the world. It would have been easy to scapegoat immigrants and abandon refugees. Yet, I am so pleased to say, our great nation has remained open and true to our values.

"And through it all, we will remember: For every brick torn down by the hands of terrorists, there are a million bricks built up by the hands of immigrants.

"Our lamp is held high. We will continue our efforts to create an immigration system that is orderly and fair — one that brings families together, strengthens our economy, and honors our commitment to the protection of refugees," Brownback said.

The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) is the nation's largest Hispanic civil rights organization. Sens. Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Tom Daschle (D-SD) were honored for their support of the Latino community, in particular, their work on civil rights, immigration, education, and other issue areas affecting Latinos. Newsday was recognized for its editorials on the debate over the growing Latino population on Long Island, New York.

The NCLR Capital Awards annually recognizes members of Congress for their support of public policies benefitting the Hispanic community during their careers. Honorees are selected based on their legislative record, provision of constituent services, and institutional reform.

The NCLR Ceremony took place last night at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.