CHC ON "HISPANIC AMERICANS IN CONGRESS" BOOK RELEASE

Washington, DC- Today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) and Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus issued the following statements following the Hispanic Americans in Congress book release. The publication was produced by the Committee on House Administration, in conjunction with the Office of the Historian and the Office of the Clerk. Containing rare photos and essays, the book chronicles the 91 Hispanic Americans who have served in Congress from 1822 to 2012.

"Hispanic Americans have always been part of the American story. Our presence in Congress is an untold piece of that story that is finally being shared. The remarkable advancement Hispanics in Congress have made is clear: there are 91 Hispanic representatives profiled in this book dating back to 1822 and there are currently 27 Members serving in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. This publication gives voice to America's diversity and is a national treasure for our students, Hispanic community, and country at large," said CHC Chairman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15).

“Hispanic lawmakers have contributed greatly to the Congress and to the success of our country. This in-depth look at past and present Hispanic members of Congress displays the important role that they have played over the years. It shares the history of those whose shoulders we now stand on, and of those who broke down barriers to serve their communities and their country. I look forward to reading this book that I know will inform, and I hope inspire the next generation of Hispanics to pursue public service," said CHC First Vice Chair Ben Ray Luján (NM-3).

“Hispanic Americans in Congress continues to be an invaluable resource for anyone interested in learning about the long history of Hispanic Americans in federally elected office. I join my colleagues in celebrating the book’s release and the achievements of the 91 elected Hispanic members of Congress who have served in our nation’s Capital," said CHC Second Vice Chair Linda Sánchez (CA-38).

“When my bill authorizing the printing of this book passed in 1994, Hispanic Americans were a much smaller and less powerful group, in both Congress and the nation,” said Congressman José E. Serrano (NY-15). “As our power and influence has grown, this book has been a useful reminder of our history in Congress and a guide towards what we should expect for the future. It is a celebration and a commemoration and the book being released today is a great update in that tradition.”

“I commend the publication of the newly released Hispanic Americans in Congress, 1822-2012, which is a fitting tribute to the countless contributions that Hispanic Americans have made to Congress,” said House Administration Committee Member Juan Vargas (CA-51). “Their work and sacrifice have shaped our nation and helped us to become the great country we are today. I am extremely proud of the legacy of those who came before me and I look forward to building upon their foundation of excellence, diversity and inclusivity.”

The Hispanic Americans in Congress book is the third in a series authorized in the 107th Congress, and follows the Women in Congress and Black Americans in Congress publications. The book is designed to help students, researchers, and the general public learn about Hispanic-American lawmakers and the historic contributions they have made over the past two centuries. On the cover is Henry B. Gonzales, the longest serving Hispanic American and father of Congressman Charlie Gonzalez.

The Office of the Historian will launch a web exhibition tomorrow to accompany the book. An eBook will also be available for free download on the Government Printing Office's website in the coming weeks.