CHC ON JULIÁN CASTRO CONFIRMATION

Washington, DC- Today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) and Members of the CHC released the following statements on the Senate's confirmation of San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro to serve as the next Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Senate confirmed Mr. Castro with a final vote of 71 to 26.

CHC Chairman Rubén Hinojosa: "Today's confirmation vote is a proud moment for our state of Texas, the Latino community, and our entire country. Mayor Castro will soon become the third Cabinet-level Latino, joining Secretary of Labor Tom Perez and Small Business Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet. We congratulate Mayor Castro and his family on today's vote and look forward to his swearing-in ceremony."

CHC First Vice Chair, Congressman Ben Ray Luján (NM-03): "I congratulate Julián Castro and applaud the Senate for taking action on his nomination to serve as Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Julián Castro’s strong record of leadership and commitment to expanding opportunity for hard-working families will serve him well in this important role. He brings a passion for public service and will be a fierce advocate for the middle class as he works to implement policies that build stronger communities across our country."

CHC Whip, Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grishman (NM-01): “Congratulations to Secretary Castro on his appointment to HUD. Throughout his career, he has been a tireless advocate for fair and affordable housing who understands the role of diversity in urban development, and I look forward to him bringing that same level of excellence to HUD. Many in my home state of New Mexico are still struggling with the impacts of the housing crisis that triggered the recession, and I look forward to working with Secretary Castro to help homeowners stay in their homes and develop our communities."

Congresswoman Lucille Roybal- Allard (CA-40): “I was honored to be present in the U.S. Senate today to witness the confirmation of Julián Castro as our nation’s new Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. As the mayor of a large American city and as a Latino, Secretary Castro will bring a unique perspective to the important housing and economic development issues facing our nation in the ongoing recovery. I am confident Secretary Castro will be a thoughtful and effective manager of these housing and economic challenges, as well as a superb advocate for the needs of Latinos, and all Americans, in the President’s Cabinet.”

Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07): “Mayor Castro brings to HUD the background, vision and skills necessary to advance the agency’s mission of making housing more affordable and our communities more livable.”

Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano (CA-32): "We congratulate Secretary Julián Castro on his spectacular achievements and look forward to working with him to address our nation's housing needs, including veterans' homelessness. Secretary Castro will be a welcome addition to the Administration and our nation."

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28): "I congratulate Mayor Castro for his successful confirmation as our next Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. I am pleased to see a fellow Texan join the Administration and I know Mayor Castro will serve with distinction. I look forward to working with him here in Washington and wish him all the best."

Congressman Tony Cárdenas (CA-29): “Mayor Castro has been given a tremendous task, and I am confident that he is the right man to handle it. As a former real estate broker, I fully understand the challenges present in our housing market. Housing drives our economy and creates tremendous numbers of jobs, but it also can be a light shone into the shadows of our nation. Too many Americans live in fear, unsure where they will sleep each night. I trust that Mayor Castro will work with his department to not only improve the housing situation in this nation, but to help encourage a solution to the poverty and homelessness that has laid low so many Americans.”

Congressman Joe Garcia (FL-26): “Mayor Julian Castro is well-deserving of this appointment and will be an invaluable member of the President’s Cabinet. Over the last several years, Julian has proven his ability to successfully lead his community and I have no doubt he will do the same in his new post.”

Congressman Pete P. Gallego (TX-23): “Today, Julian Castro proves to little boys and girls, Latino and non-Latino alike, that dreams can come true. Congratulations, Mr. Secretary, and best of luck. As my mom would say, ‘Que dios te bendiga.’”