Sen. Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, delivered a speech on the Senate floor in Spanish on Tuesday as he made his push for the chamber to pass his immigration bill.

Mr. Kaine said he would deliver his remarks in Spanish but said he would put an English translation into the Congressional Record.

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The move highlighted the growing power of Spanish-language speakers in the U.S. Mr. Kaine, whose Spanish is outstanding after spending time as a Catholic missionary in Honduras, has used the language in his outreach to Hispanic voters.

SPECIAL COVERAGE: Immigration Reform

Speaking Spanish in floor speeches is rare, but not unprecedented.

SPECIAL COVERAGE: Immigration Reform

To use another language on the floor requires unanimous consent of the other senators, which Mr. Kaine sought and was granted.

SPECIAL COVERAGE: Immigration Reform