Latin Post: Congressional Hispanic Caucus Urges Latinos to Vote

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) held a press conference Thursday morning and urged the Latino community to get involved in the Democratic process.

The news conference was held on Capitol Hill amid Hispanic Heritage Month, which began on Sept. 15 runs through Oct. 15.

While speaking at the event, House Democratic Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra talked about the importance of voting and encouraged young Latinos to become active members in the political process. He also talked about building a Latino museum on the national mall to celebrate extraordinary Latinos.

"We want Latinos to be role models," he said.

U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar of California blasted congressional Republicans for threatening to shut down the government in effort to defund Planned Parenthood.

"[Republicans are] more focused on shutting down the federal government than addressing" the issues that affect Latino Americans," said the congressman.

We want to work on a bipartisan solution to avoid a government shutdown, but Republicans are not willing to compromise or engage in a conversation, he said. He also criticized conservatives for putting their own political agenda ahead of American families.

Meanwhile at the event, the Dean of Hispanic Caucus Jose E. Serrano of New York emphasized the importance of Latino votes in the next election.

"There are many of us that take for granted our ability to make a difference," he said. "You can't complain if you don't vote."

U.S. Rep. Juan C. Vargas gave an impassioned speech, telling the crowd, "If you don't vote, then you don't have voice." He then said Pope Francis is a source of inspiration that should motivate Latinos, saying "Heck, we have a Latino Pope for God's sake! It's time to act!"

In addition, congresswoman Norma Torres delivered a touching address speaking about her journey from Guatamala as a little girl to "living the American dream" as an elected official in the House of Representatives.

Watch video of the conference below.