Economic Development and Workforce

For Immediate Release

Thursday, June 10, 2021

Contact: Alma Acosta, alma.acosta@mail.house.gov

Washington, D.C. —Today, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) met with Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to discuss job creation and investments in communities, businesses, and workers across the U.S, especially within the Hispanic community. Following the meeting, CHC Chairman Dr. Raul Ruiz released the statement below:

"I would like to thank Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo for meeting with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) today. The pandemic has only exacerbated the economic disparities that Hispanic communities have faced for far too long.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Yesterday, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) met with Department of Labor Secretary Marty Walsh to discuss strengthening the rights and working conditions of workers, including OSHA Emergency Temporary Standards, the status of American Rescue Plan provisions—such as COBRA unemployment benefits—and the importance of having robust Latino representation across the Department of Labor's workforce. The meeting was chaired by Congressional Labor Caucus Co-Chair and CHC Member Linda Sánchez. Following the meeting, Rep. Sánchez released the statement below:

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) met with Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg to discuss the American Jobs Plan and equity in transportation. Following the meeting, CHC Chairman Dr. Raul Ruiz released the statement below:

"I would like to thank Secretary Pete Buttigieg for meeting with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) to discuss the American Jobs Plan," said Chair Dr. Ruiz. "The pandemic has exposed and exacerbated existing racial and ethnic disparities. With the Biden Administration, we now have an opportunity to invest in underserved Hispanic communities as we work to build back better.

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.—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, 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.—On Saturday, over 100 Democratic lawmakers sent a letter led by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to express their commitment to including a pathway to citizenship for essential workers, TPS holders, and Dreamers in the COVID-19 budget reconciliation package.