CHC ON PRESIDENT'S NOMINATION OF MARIA ECHAVESTE

Washington, DC- Today, Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) released the following statements following President Obama's nomination of Maria Echaveste to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to Mexico.  The President's announcement was made yesterday.

CHC Chairman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15): "The CHC applauds President Obama's nomination of Maria Echaveste to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to Mexico.  Her nomination is a great source of pride for the Latino community, as she is the daughter of Mexican immigrants and served as Deputy Chief of Staff during the Clinton Administration.  We extend our congratulations to Maria Echaveste and will continue to support her as her nomination moves forward in the Senate."

Congressman Ben Ray Luján, CHC First Vice Chair and Diversity Task Force Chair (NM-03):
“I congratulate Maria Echaveste on being nominated to serve as the next Ambassador to Mexico.  She will bring to this important post a distinguished record from her time working in the White House to her experience in the private sector.  Her work on critical policy issues such, as immigration and education, along with her commitment to public service will serve her and our nation well.  I hope the Senate will move without delay to confirm Ms. Echaveste as the first woman to serve as Ambassador to Mexico.”

House Democratic Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra (CA-34): “I applaud President Obama on his wise selection of Maria Echaveste to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. Maria has extensive experience working on international affairs in Latin America and has been instrumental in encouraging partnerships with Mexico at every level. She has skillfully directed a 1,500-person agency, advised Presidents, and ably represented our government at home and abroad during times of stress. The daughter of Mexican immigrants, Maria would be the first woman to serve in this position. Given her unique qualifications, I urge the Senate to act swiftly to confirm Maria Echaveste for the critical post of U.S. Ambassador to Mexico.”

Congressman José Serrano (NY-15):“I am confident President Obama has made the right decision in selecting Maria Echaveste to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, our next door neighbors and our largest trading partner. I have known her for many years and have nothing but the utmost respect - both personally and professionally. I applaud President Obama’s decision to nominate this eminently qualified Hispanic woman for such an important post.”

Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40): “I’m thrilled the President has nominated Maria Echaveste to be America’s next Ambassador to Mexico.  As the first Mexican-American woman elected to Congress, I applaud the selection of a fellow Mexican-American – and the first woman – to serve in this important post.  A strong and mutually beneficial relationship between the United States and Mexico has always been important, but rarely more so than today.  Our nations must work together to reform America’s broken immigration system, secure the U.S.-Mexico border, and make our trade practices more fair and equitable.  Maria’s decades of experience in the public and private sectors – including at the highest levels of our government – make her an excellent choice to serve as America’s chief representative to our Mexican friends.  I urge the Senate to act expeditiously on her nomination.”

Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07): “Maria Echaveste brings a wealth of talent and expertise to this role. I am confident she will positively impact relations between our countries, promoting our shared prosperity, while ensuring collaboration on common problems.”

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28): “I congratulate Maria Echaveste on her nomination as the next American Ambassador to Mexico.  I welcome the nomination of a fellow Texan as the Ambassador to Mexico, one of our strongest friends and partners in Latin America and the rest of the world.  Our relationship with Mexico is a special and strong one and I urge quick action on the confirmation of Maria Echaveste to further foster our enduring friendship.”

Congressman Joe Garcia (FL-26): “It is important to have a strong, capable and proficient leader that will serve both nations well in facilitating solid working relationships to protect human rights, strengthen our borders, and help immigrants seeking to be reunited with their families. I look forward to seeing Maria fill this role.”  

Congressman Pete Gallego (TX-23): "Maria Echaveste is among the best and the brightest that our community has to offer. Her roots are in Texas and California - two states who understand well the importance of the U.S.-Mexico relationship. She'll be an excellent ambassador."

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