Civil Rights, Housing, and Voting Rights

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) endorsed the Equality Act, introduced by LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus Chair David Cicilline (RI-01). The bill prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in areas such as employment, education, housing, credit, the jury system, public accommodations and facilities, and federal funding. 29 states across America still lack comprehensive statewide laws against LGBTQ discrimination, leaving large gaps in LGBTQ protections. Following the endorsement, CHC Chairman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) released the statement below.

WASHINGTON—Today, President Joe Biden signed four executive actions to confront systemic racism and advance racial equity. The executive actions will direct the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to take necessary steps to redress racially discriminatory federal housing policies that have contributed to wealth inequality for generations. The executive actions will also end the Justice Department's use of private prisons, recommit the federal government to Tribal sovereignty, and will take steps to combat discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders that has intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) released the following statement in reaction to the issuance:

Washington, D.C.—Today, Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, under the Chairmanship of Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36), released the statement below regarding their support for the impeachment of President Donald J. Trump. All 34 House Members of the CHC have co-sponsored the article of impeachment charging President Trump with incitement of insurrection. The article is co-lead by U.S. Congressmen David Cicilline (RI-01), Ted Lieu (CA-33), and Jamie Raskin (MD-08).

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to end the Census count:

WASHINGTON — Democratic leaders of color are warning that the COVID-19 pandemic risks disproportionately undercounting historically underserved communities. In the letter to Census Bureau Director Dr. Steven Dillingham, the Tri-Caucus Chairs and Native American Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Deb Haaland are requesting immediate action and answers to their questions about census operations impacted by COVID-19, but also critical to a complete count in 2020.

The letter was signed by Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Congressional Black Caucus Chair Karen Bass (CA-37), Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Judy Chu (CA-27), and Congressional Native American Caucus Co-Chair Deb Haaland (NM-1), and CBC Census 2020 Task Force Chair Steven Horsford (NV-04).

SAN ANTONIO—Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), issued the following statement in recognition of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month:

"Every May we recognize Asian Pacific American Heritage Month to celebrate the achievements of the Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. This month was selected because it commemorates the immigration of the first Japanese people to the U.S. on May 7, 1843 and also on May 10, 1869 the Transcontinental Railroad was completed, which was primarily built by Chinese immigrant labor. Generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have contributed to our nation's progress by starting new businesses, creating beautiful art, advancing scientific discovery, and much more.