Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Isabel Guzman as Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA). Guzman will be the first Latina to serve in President Biden's cabinet. Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) released the following statement in reaction to her confirmation:

WASHINGTON D.C.—Today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairman Dr. Raul Ruiz formally announced the Chairs and Membership of five CHC Task Forces that have already been working this Congress to advance CHC's bold legislative agenda in parallel with Congressional leaders and President Biden's agenda. These five CHC Task Forces have been focused on CHC's 100-day policy priorities aimed at addressing issues facing Hispanic communities as we work to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and build back better. The CHC will be announcing more Task Forces in the weeks to come to advance the Caucus' work in other key policy areas in the 117th Congress.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Rescue Plan Act, the $1.9 trillion bill put forward by President Biden and Democrats in Congress to address the continuing economic and health crises caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus voted unanimously for the bill, which will now head to President Biden's desk to be signed into law. Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) issued the following statement:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On February 2, 2021, the President issued Executive Order 14,012, directing the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to review the implementation of the public charge ground of inadmissibility. As part of its review, DHS determined that continuing to defend the Trump's public charge rule was neither in the public interest nor an efficient use of limited government resources. Therefore, yesterday, the Biden Administration dropped its litigation defense of the Trump Administration's public charge regulations. As a result, federal courts dismissed the appeals, ending the 2019 policy. Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) issued the following statement after the announcement:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. The PRO Act is the most comprehensive workers' rights legislation since the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Yesterday, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas designated Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, until September 2022. The move comes as Venezuela's living conditions have revealed a country in turmoil. The designation would provide Venezuelan nationals—who can demonstrate continuous residence—protection from deportation and an opportunity to apply for work authorization. Individuals desiring TPS must file an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within a 180-day registration period. All individuals applying for TPS undergo security and background checks as part of determining eligibility.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) celebrates the introduction of two immigration bills that the CHC has endorsed: The Dream and Promise Act of 2021 (H.R. 6), introduced by CHC Member and Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee Chairwoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40) and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, introduced by Immigration and Citizenship Judiciary Subcommittee Chairperson Zoe Lofgren (CA-19).

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) has endorsed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021, introduced by Congresswoman Karen Bass (CA-37). The bill takes bold steps in implementing policing reforms and holding police departments accountable while also providing a path for law enforcement to build back trust with the communities they serve. The legislation is identical to the version that was endorsed by the CHC and passed the House with unanimous Democratic support during the 116^th Congress. Following the endorsement, CHC Chairman Raul Ruiz released the statement below.