Celebrating the CHC's 35th Anniversary
Washington D.C.: Chairman Charles A. Gonzalez (TX 20) released this statement today to commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus
“The CHC has had a great impact on amplifying the voice of Latinos in the halls of Congress and making sure that the needs of the Hispanic community are being addressed. It is both an honor and a responsibility to continue the legacy and advocacy that my father and the four other co-founders, Edward Roybal, Herman Badillo, Baltasar Corrada del Río and Kika de la Garza, established 35 years ago.”
Rep. Ruben Hinojosa (TX 15):
"We came together 35 years ago to help raise awareness on the issues that pertain to the Hispanic community and we remain united in our efforts that, throughout the years, have helped create and support good causes. CHC members will continue to work on important legislation that will guide our great nation for generations to come."
Rep. Ben Ray Luján (NM 03):
“For 35 years, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and its members have helped highlight the concerns and issues of importance to the fastest growing community in the country. Led by its first chairman, Ed Roybal, the CHC established itself as a leading voice for Hispanics. As the Hispanic community has become a larger part of the American community, the work of the CHC has become more important than ever. For more than three decades, the CHC’s efforts – advocating for better opportunities in education, health care, and jobs – have been invaluable to hard-working Hispanic families in search of their piece of the American Dream.”
Senator Robert Menendez (NJ):
"Thirty five years ago five visionary leaders came together to form an unprecedented organization -- the Congressional Hispanic Caucus -- to fight for the interests and needs of the Latino community. Year after year, victory after victory, the Hispanic Caucus has succeeded in advocating for and passing into law legislative proposals that have had an helped our communities prosper. Although the Latino community has made significant progress, much more remains to be done, particularly when it comes to alleviating the impact the economic recession and high unemployment has had on our communities. But we should be proud of what we have achieved as we continue to address these issues and build on our past successes," said Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ).
Rep. Jose Serrano (NY16):
“I am honored to be part of this great organization, which has done so much for the Latino community in its 35 years. Latino issues have moved into the mainstream as a result of the advocacy of the CHC and the strength of the community that it represents. That’s a huge accomplishment. It is clear that the Members and supporters of the CHC can look back on a number of successes and look forward to many more in years to come. ”
Rep. Ed Pastor (AZ 4):
“As a former CHC chair and a current member, I'm proud of the work we've done to put a spotlight on issues that impact the Latino community. We've had many successes, but our work as the advocates and watchdogs for the Hispanic community continues."
Rep. Xavier Becerra (CA 31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus:
“Much has changed since the days when Representatives Edward Roybal, Herman Badillo, Baltasar Corrada del Río, Kika de la Garza, and Henry Gonzalez walked the halls of Congress. CHC's numbers have multiplied, our concerns make it on Congress' radar screen and the glass is only half full for Latinos in America. On this, CHC's 35th anniversary, it is clear that our work has only just begun. But we can look back with pride knowing that our founders' aspirations are becoming a reality.”
Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez (IL 04):
“Just as Latino voters are not a monolithic block, Hispanic Members of Congress are not a monolithic block either. But the CHC has given us common ground to share ideas and strategies so that we raise the visibility of issues with particular impact on the Latino community and to work in partnership with other caucuses of Representatives in the Asian and Black communities, among others. Our collective power and influence helps strengthen the work we do for our constituents back home and for the American people at large. For example, I am proud to count the CHC among my allies on issues related to immigration, immigrants, and citizenship and the CHC's leadership and support has been invaluable.”
Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA 34):
“35 years ago when my father, Congressman Ed Roybal, founded the Congressional Hispanic Caucus he hoped that it would increase awareness among his colleagues in Congress of the issues facing Hispanic Americans and encourage young Latinos to get involved in their government. Tonight, we celebrate the realization of the pioneering work of five visionary founders, and the hard work and dedication of all who came before us. I am proud of our work and believe the future of the CHC is bright.”
Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (NY 12):
“Since its inception thirty five years ago, the CHC has evolved into an effective Congressional voice, making great strides on behalf of the Hispanic community. With the election of more Latinos to public office, we can expect this institution will only become more important in coming years
Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (CA 38):
“Over 35 years, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus has grown from five original members to twenty-one representatives in the House in Senate. We have helped share the diversity America has to offer by bringing new attention to the needs of minorities and helping prepare young Latinos to take their place in our country’s next generation of leaders. This anniversary marks a remarkable achievement, and I look forward to increased diversity and a Congress that represents all of America.”
Rep. Linda T. Sánchez (CA 39):
“The CHC has been vital to advancing the needs of Latinos. With each election, the Latino community makes its voice even louder, which makes the work of the CHC that much more important. I am proud to be a member of the CHC and part of a team that will advocate for issues critical to Latinos and all American families. The fact that is the CHC is celebrating 35 years is testament to its strength and ability to create positive change.”
Rep. Jim Costa (CA 20):
“Thirty-five years ago, five members of Congress founded the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to advocate on behalf of issues affecting the Hispanic Community and encourage participation in public service,” said Costa. “The CHC remains as committed today as it was then on advancing the interests of the Hispanics. As chair of the Agriculture and Rural Community Task Force, I will continue to fight to create greater opportunities for the more than 3 million Hispanics living in rural America.”
###