Congressional Hispanic Caucus Statement on Passage of the Heroes Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) issued the following statement on the passage of the Heroes Act:

"The Heroes Act is the federal response we need to overcome the gravest national crisis in a century. The coronavirus pandemic and the Trump administration's failures have resulted in nearly 1.5 million people infected, over 87,000 American deaths, and more than 36 million unemployed workers. Latinos have been hit especially hard in this crisis — one in five are out of work, we are the highest uninsured rate of any group, and also make up millions of essential workers as part of our nation's ‘critical infrastructure.' This bill sends a strong message that we will get through this crisis together as one American family.

"It's disappointing, but not surprising that Republicans tried to block urgent relief by using fear and anti-immigrant falsehoods, and I'm grateful for my Democratic colleagues who stood with American families, including millions of hard-working, tax-paying immigrants.

"CHC members have been aggressively pushing to ensure all taxpayers receive stimulus checks. Over three million mixed-status families — American citizens who have been discriminated against for who they chose to marry — are included in this bill. This past week, we have seen at least two people die after contracting COVID-19 in ICE detention centers, and this legislation will help ensure the safe and swift release of people who do not pose a threat to public safety. This virus does not discriminate based on immigration status, and neither should our government.

"Farmworkers, meatpackers, first responders, delivery drivers, doctors and nurses, and all essential workers deserve not only dignity and respect, but premium hazard pay and enforceable workplace protections — this bill achieves that goal. Latino communities have disproportionately suffered due to existing health and economic disparities and will benefit from expanded testing capacity combined with a national strategic plan, the key to safely and responsibly reopening the economy. The Heroes Act is a major step forward for a more fair COVID-19 response and a more just recovery."

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The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), founded in December 1976, is organized as a Congressional Member organization, governed under the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives. The CHC is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories.