Press Releases
WASHINGTON— Today, the Chairs of the Congressional Tri-Caucus – which is composed of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus – issued the following joint statement in response to recent reports that large corporations, rather than small businesses, received millions and even billions of dollars in loans from major banks participating in the Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
The Tri-Caucus Chairs include Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Congressional Black Caucus Chair Karen Bass (CA-37), and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Judy Chu (CA-27):
WASHINGTON—Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) is calling for improvements to the Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program and additional funding for Economic Injury Disaster Loans and grants to ensure capital actually reaches main street business most in need. In a letter to Secretary Mnuchin and Administrator Carranza, Chairman Castro urges them to set aside at least $65 billion to be channeled through Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI), at least $50 billion in Economic Injury Disaster Loans, $15 billion in disaster grants, and institute mandatory reporting requirements. The request is for a total of at least $130 billion to support unserved businesses with stronger accountability and transparency measures.
WASHINGTON—Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), First Vice Chair Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Second Vice Chair Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Whip Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), and Freshman Representative Veronica Escobar (TX-16) issued the following statement after reports of a half-a-billion-dollar no-bid contract was awarded to major Republican donor for border wall construction:
"This is corruption, and it's unacceptable. As thousands of Americans die from the coronavirus pandemic and over 22 million people filed for unemployment benefits, President Trump is using hardworking taxpayer funds appropriated for real national security needs to stuff the pockets of his friends with billions of dollars of no-bid contracts to build a monument to hate."
WASHINGTON— Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Members calls on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to halt the expulsions of unaccompanied children and follow the safeguards that Congress created to protect children from exploitation and human trafficking.
WASHINGTON—Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) are calling on Congressional leadership to include protection and financial assistance for farmworkers in future legislation to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. In a letter led by Rep. Costa and Rep. Carbajal, CHC Members make key policy recommendations to ensure future coronavirus related legislation includes protections for farmworkers. Support for farmworkers is vital for our food supply and public health.
Over 100 House Democrats Call on DHS to Automatically Extend Work Permits for Immigrants During COVID-19 Crisis
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Requests Information on Lowering the Price of Insulin in Response to COVID19
CHC Members are concerned people living with diabetes are at risk due to unaffordable insulin during the coronavirus pandemic.
WASHINGTON— Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Members called on the three largest insulin manufacturers to answer how they are lowering the price of insulin to ensure this viral life-saving medication is affordable and accessible in during the COVID-19 crisis.
For Immediate Release
Thursday, April 8, 2020
Contact:
Alex Sarabia (202) 760-0802
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Statement on Reports of CBP Abuse of a Pregnant Woman
SAN ANTONIO — Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) issued the following statement demanding that the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security investigate recent reports of gross abuse of a pregnant woman legally seeking asylum in the United States: