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February 3, 2011
(Washington, DC) – Today, Rep. Charles A. Gonzalez, Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, issued the following statement to mark the annual celebration of February as Black History Month.
“Every February since 1976, our nation celebrates Black History Month and remembers the heroes in the African American community that bravely championed our country’s struggle for civil rights and equality. Heroes such as Dr.
January 25, 2011
(Washington, DC) - Today, Congressman Charles A. Gonzalez (TX-20,) Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, issued the following statement in response to the President’s State of the Union Address:
“In meetings with the President and his staff, and again today in his State of the Union Address, it is clear that the Administration’s priorities- creating jobs, investing in education, and promoting innovation and global competitiveness - are not only what’s best for our country , but what’s best for the Hispanic community.
Latinos in the United States are among the most innovative members of our society. Whether you look at Hispanic-owned small businesses or Hispanic participation in key industries such as the manufacturing or construction industries, their success is intricately tied to our country’s success.
January 19, 2011
(Washington DC) – The Congressional Tri-Caucus—comprised of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus— decried the political grandstanding of Republican leaders to pass the Patients’ Rights Repeal Act. Chairs and members of the Tri-Caucus gathered today at a press conference to highlight the disproportionate harm repeal will have on racial and ethnic minorities across the country.
January 12, 2011
(Washington, DC)- Today, Congressman Charles A. Gonzalez, Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, released the following statement regarding the one-year anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti:
“Today, on the one year anniversary of the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti, we remember the hundreds of thousands who lost their lives and the millions still struggling to regain normalcy. Throughout this tragedy, the people of Haiti have proven how much compassion and unity can help a nation overcome such devastation. And although the United States and the international community as a whole have rallied to support the people of Haiti, much work remains to be done.
January 5, 2011
(Washington, DC)- Today, House Republicans will vote to strip delegates representing Puerto Rico and other US Territories of their voting rights. Congressman Charles Gonzalez (TX-20,) Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, issued the following statement:
“During the last three Democratic Congresses, delegates representing Puerto Rico and other U.S. Territories, were provided with house floor voting rights on amendments. Today, Republicans will move to end these rights and deprive more than 4 million Hispanic-American citizens an official voice in Congress.
The American citizens residing in the United States territories pledge allegiance to the same flag as their fellow Americans, fight our wars, die defending our freedom and are an integral part of the American Family.
November 18, 2010
(Washington D.C.)-Today, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) announced the unanimous election of its leadership for the 112th Congress. In elections held today, the CHC elected Congressman Charles A. Gonzalez (TX-20) as Chair, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) as 1st Vice Chair, Congressman Ben Ray Lujan (NM-03) as 2nd Vice Chair, and Congressman Dennis Cardoza (CA-18) as Whip.
September 30, 2010
(Washington, DC) – On Wednesday, Congressional Hispanic Caucus member Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) introduced The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2010 (S 3932.) The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) fully supports their plan which provides Americans with a real solution to its broken immigration system.
“Senators Menendez and Leahy’s legislation confronts our broken immigration system head-on and lays out a sensible plan to fix it,” said Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Chairwoman of the CHC. “We need a legal immigration system that works, an end to illegal immigration, a secure border, and rules that everyone will follow. S. 3932 is a clear sign that reforming the immigration system is a top priority.
September 27, 2010
(Washington, DC) – Today, Secretary Arne Duncan launched a national campaign aimed at increasing the number, quality and diversity of candidates in the teaching field. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) commends Secretary Duncan’s efforts. We are committed to working alongside him and increasing the awareness of teaching as a valuable profession in our society.
“It is very important that a classrooms’ diversity be reflected in its teachers,” said Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Chairwoman of the CHC. “Only 7% of teachers are Latino, compared with 21% of the student body. As the Administration and Congress focus their efforts on improving America’s education system, campaigns like TEACH are critical to bridging that gap.”
September 21, 2010
(Washington, DC) – Today, by a 56 to 43 vote, the Senate failed to invoke cloture on the National Defense Authorization Act, blocking consideration of the DREAM Act. Despite this setback, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus remains committed to moving immigration reform legislation forward.
“The DREAM Act is a critical measure for thousands of talented young people who love this country and wish to stay here,” said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY), Chairwoman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. “We must redouble our efforts and see that this bill, along with Comprehensive Immigration Reform, is enacted in to law.”
Last week, Senator Reid announced his intentions of offering the DREAM Act as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act.
September 15, 2010
(Washington, DC) - Today, Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) joined together announcing an aggressive fall strategy to move Comprehensive Immigration Reform toward enactment. The unveiled plan involves four key steps this fall:
1) An immediate up or down Senate vote on the DREAM Act with no amendments. Majority Leader Harry Reid indicated Tuesday this would occur in coming weeks;
2) Lawmakers called on the Senate to support the comprehensive immigration reform legislation that Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) will introduce. House Members previously introduced such legislation (H.R.