Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C.—On April 22, 2021, Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Jeffrey Zients listing further steps and recommendations that can be taken to better address COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccine equity in Hispanic and immigrant communities. The letter outlines actions that can be taken to reduce the barriers that Hispanic and immigrant communities face to receive these life-saving services, including a lack of reliable information in their languages, misinformation, and fear of deportations.

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Tonight, President Biden delivered a Joint Address to Congress where he unveiled the American Families Plan and touched on key priorities of his administration. Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-36) released the following statement in response to the speech:

"Tonight, President Biden spoke directly to the highest aspirations of American families by delivering a vision of hope and optimism for our future," said Chair Dr. Ruiz. "The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) is proud to see President Biden build on the success of the American Rescue Plan by extending key tax cuts, including the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, which will help lift millions more Hispanic children out of poverty.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), led by Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-CA), and the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC), led by Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), released a new report that explores why immigrants are vital to the U.S. economy—both now (i.e. economic recovery) and in the future (i.e. economic growth)—despite being among the hardest hit by the health and economic effects of the coronavirus.

WASHINGTON, D.C.— The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) has endorsed two bills introduced by Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC): The National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act, introduced by CAPAC Chair Judy Chu (CA-27) and The Access to Counsel Act, introduced by Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07).

The NO BAN Act strengthens the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of religion and restores the separation of powers by limiting overly broad executive authority to issue future travel bans. The Access to Counsel Act ensures that U.S. citizens, green card holders, and other individuals with legal status are able to consult with an attorney to help them understand their rights when detained by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at borders and ports of entry.

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Statement Denouncing Attacks Against CHC Member Congresswoman Norma J. Torres

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Last week, in a series of tweets, El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele attacked Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Member Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35). CHC Members released the following statement condemning the attacks:

"The Congressional Hispanic Caucus strongly denounces recent attacks against our Member, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres," said the Members.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, at the start of National Farmworkers Week (March 25-31), U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) announced legislation to ensure the safety and health of workers who are exposed to dangerous heat conditions in the workplace. The senators' bill, the Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness and Fatality Prevention Act, is named in honor of Asunción Valdivia who died in 2004 after picking grapes for ten hours straight in 105-degree temperatures. Mr. Valdivia fell unconscious and instead of calling an ambulance, his employer told Mr. Valdivia's son to drive his father home. On his way home, he died of heat stroke at the age of 53. Mr. Valdivia's death was completely preventable, yet his story is not unique.

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) COVID-19 Task Force met with pharmacy executives from Albertsons, Southeastern Grocers, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Programs & Services/AmerisourceBergen, Ahold Delhaize Pharmacy Brands, and LeaderNET and The Medicine Shoppe/Cardinal Health to learn about the pharmacies' efforts to ensure an equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Last month, the CHC met with major pharmacy executives from CVS, Kroger, Rite Aid, Walgreens, and Walmart. Following the meeting with the small chain pharmacies, CHC Chairman Raul Ruiz, M.D. released the statement below:

WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Tuesday, March 16th, Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) sent a letter to Department of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressing concerns about reports of right-wing radicalism and white supremacy extremism within U.S. military ranks.