Press Releases
Washington D.C.: Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) , Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC):
"Today's swearing in ceremony marks an historic day for Congress. We now have an unprecedented 26 members in our caucus, including a U.S. Senator, representing our diverse Latino population. I'm very excited by the enthusiasm of our incoming freshmen members. They electrified this past election with their contagious energy and inspiring stories. Together with our standing members, they bring decades of experience, new ideas, passion and commitment and they will be invaluable to the success of the CHC.
Principios para la Reforma Migratoria Integral del
Caucus Hispano del Congreso
Nuestras leyes de inmigración deben reflejar nuestros intereses y nuestros valores como estadounidenses y creemos que estos principios están de acuerdo con el compromiso de nuestra nación con la justicia y la igualdad. Por eso, nos comprometemos a luchar por una reforma migratoria integral que:
1. Requiere que los 11 millones de inmigrantes indocumentados se registren con el gobierno federal, se sometan a tomar sus huellas digitales y verificar antecedentes, aprendan inglés, y paguen impuestos para obtener un camino a la residencia permanente y a la ciudadanía;
Washington D.C.: Chairman Charles A. Gonzalez (TX 20) released this statement regarding Ross Douthat’s op-ed column “The Liberal Gloat,” which ran Nov. 17th, 2012, in the New York Times.
“Ross Douthat's column is a rambling piece which reflects his lack of understanding of the diverse Latino community and reaffirms the obvious reasons that Republicans lost Latino support. Hispanics are not a separate part of America. We are engaged in every facet of American society and successful Latinos ensure a more prosperous America.
“To say that Latinos are assimilating downward is to ignore the obvious facts. According to the Pew Hispanic Center, last year Hispanics became the largest minority group on American college campuses. In 2011, there were more than 2 million young Latinos enrolled in college, making up 16.5% of all college enrollments.
Washington D.C.: Chairman Charles A. Gonzalez (TX 20) released this statement following the election of Rep. Rubén Hinojosa (TX 15) as CHC Chairman for the 113th Congress, Rep. Ben Ray Luján (NM03) as First Vice Chair, Rep. Linda Sanchez (CA39) as Second Vice Chair and Congresswoman-elect Michelle Luján Grisham (NM01) as Whip.
Chairman Charles A. Gonzalez (TX 20):
“It has been an honor to serve as CHC Chairman alongside Congressman Hinojosa and I’m certain that his extensive experience as a legislator and an advocate for Hispanic issues will greatly benefit the CHC of the 113th Congress.
Washington D.C.: Chairman Charles A. Gonzalez (TX 20) released this statement after Congressional Black Caucus unanimously elected Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (OH-11) to serve as Chair during the 113th Congress.
The Caucus also elected G.K. Butterfield (NC-01) to serve as First Vice Chair, Yvette Clarke (NY-11) as Second Vice Chair, Rep. André Carson (IN-07) as Secretary and Rep. Karen Bass (CA-33) as Whip.
"The CBC has a rich history of exceptional chairs and Marcia Fudge will be a great addition to this legacy. Congresswoman Fudge will bring her extensive experience serving Ohio and as an advocate for the most vulnerable in our communities to continue pushing towards the CBC’s legislative goals. I look forward to opportunities that I can work with her and the CBC Executive Board to make the American dream accessible to all Americans."
Washington D.C.: Chairman Charles A. Gonzalez (TX 20) released the following statement regarding President Obama’s establishment of César Estrada Chávez National Monument in Keene, California.
Chairman Charles Gonzalez:
“César Chávez is an American hero and I’m so glad his legacy is being honored with this monument. The monument has an even more special meaning since site was the headquarters of the United Farm Workers (UFW) and the Chávez family home.
Chavez’s vision and leadership at UFW was not just important for the Hispanic community, but rather, Chavez was champion for the living wage and the dignity due to all workers. Anyone facing adversity and speaking truth to power can find inspiration in his story.
Washington D.C.: Chairman Charles A. Gonzalez (TX 20) released the following statement regarding Kennedy Center President Michael Kaiser’s response to criticism by National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts Chairman Felix Sanchez. Mr. Sanchez has been working to increase the number of Hispanics recognized by the Kennedy Center Honors.
“Mr. Kaiser’s language was a shocking, intemperate and inappropriate response to a genuine request by Mr. Sanchez, who was merely pointing out a concern, shared by many, about the lack of Hispanic award recipients.
It shows a profound disrespect for Mr. Sanchez and makes it more difficult to come to an understanding about including Latinos in one of our country’s highest cultural honors. This issue merits a civil and professional response, which we continue to await.”
Chairman Charles Gonzalez (TX-20): “Even though all Americans do not share a common heritage, we share a common dream and therefore we are bound by a common destiny. During Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the incredible contributions that Hispanics have made throughout our history and recognize the promise the Hispanic community holds for our country’s future. While we celebrate our unique and rich heritage, the Hispanic community derives its inspiration from being an indivisible and indispensible part of this great country.”