November 19, 2008: Hispanic Caucus Elects Leadership for the 111th Congress

Washington, DC - Today, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) announced the election of its leadership for the 111th Congress.  In elections held today, the CHC unanimously elected Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez (NY-12) as Chair, Congressman Charles A. Gonzalez (TX-20) as 1st Vice Chair, Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (CA-32) as 2nd Vice Chair, and Congressman John Salazar (CO-3) as Whip. "This is an important time for the Latino community, and this leadership team we have elected will push our priorities within this new Congress, and with President-elect Obama's administration," said Congressman Joe Baca, the current Chair of the CHC. "It is an honor to be chosen to lead the Congressional Hispanic Caucus for the 111th Congress," said Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, the Chair-elect of the CHC.  "By tapping into the strength of Hispanic communities and organizations across the country, I will work with my colleagues in the CHC to create measurable change." "The current environment poses many challenges for Latinos, from the foreclosure crisis and immigration to accessing quality health care and education," Congresswoman Velázquez added. "Strengthening resources for the Hispanic community is not just good for Hispanics; it's good for the entire country.  By supporting the growing number of innovative business owners in the Latino community, we will start to rebuild the economy and bolster the nation as a whole." "With our economy in peril, our healthcare system broken, and educational opportunities dwindling for America's youth, the need for us to come together to find common sense solutions to these challenges couldn't be greater, particularly for Latino families who often suffer greater consequences because of economic disparities. I'm committed to that brand of leadership and am honored that my colleagues have entrusted me with this responsibility," said Congressman Charles A. Gonzalez, the current 2nd Vice Chair and now 1st Vice Chair-elect for the 111th Congress.  "I look forward to serving the Hispanic Caucus and the United States House of Representatives in the 111th Congress in this capacity and to working to address the many challenges facing Hispanic families across America." "The 111th Congress will shepherd in with it a new Administration under President-elect Obama and provide new opportunities to advance the economic security, health care, and education of our Latino families. It will also bring with it new challenges in the fight for economic and social justice in the Latino community," said Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis, 2nd Vice Chair-elect. "I am prepared to tackle these challenges directly. I am honored and thank my colleagues for their support and look forward to working with them as 2nd Vice Chair to improve the lives of Latino families." Congressman John Salazar, the Whip-elect, added, "I am honored to serve as the Whip for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.  With a new administration, we are better equipped to deal with the issues facing the Hispanic community today.  I look forward to bringing the values of rural Colorado to the table when considering solutions to our nation's troubles." The CHC also congratulated Congressman Xavier Becerra on his election as Vice-Chair of the House Democratic Caucus yesterday.  Becerra had served as Assistant to the Speaker in the 110th Congress, and previously served as Chair of the CHC in the 105th Congress. "Congressman Becerra is one of the hardest working Members of the House and the CHC, and we know that he will continue to do so as the highest-ranking Latino in the House leadership," said Congressman Baca. ###