Hispanic Caucus Turns 35, Blasts Senate GOP While at It

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus is celebrating its 35th birthday today.  They will roll out a Congressional red carpet of sorts on Capitol Hill later this evening.  Politic365 will be there to cover it, with some follow-up and comments later in the week.

The Statuary Hall program will feature CHCI/CHC Chair Rep. Charles A. Gonzalez (D-TX) (who is, by the way, retiring), Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), former CHCI/CHC Chairs Reps. José Serrano (D-NY) and Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), and other special guests.

Here’s the CHC: “In December 1976, five visionary Hispanic members of Congress formed the CHC to combat the lack of Latinos working on Capitol Hill and in public service.  A year later, members of the CHC organized the first Hispanic Heritage Month awards gala that helped establish CHCI on the promise of education, opportunity, and leadership.  On December 7, CHCI salutes and celebrates its founders and all members of the CHC for their ongoing dedication to public service over the past 35 years and their commitment to securing a bright future for next generations to thrive.”

Meanwhile, in other news, the CHC is taking on Republican Senators over the confirmation of Carmen Aponte as Ambassador to El Salvador.  Reports Jordy Yager in The Hill:

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus slammed Republicans on Tuesday for blocking President Obama’s nomination of the U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador, and cast it as an attack on the Latino community.

Republican senators have vowed to oppose confirmation of Ambassador Mari Carmen Aponte, who is serving as the result of a recess appointment. A vote to keep her in that office could be held this week.

The White House and lawmakers argue a “no” vote would hurt U.S. prestige in Central America, and Democrats on Tuesday said it could also hurt Republicans with the fastest-growing group of voters in the U.S. 

Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.) called it “an attack on the entire Latino community,” while Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) pointed to the Republican opposition to Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s nomination. By rejecting Aponte’s nomination, the GOP would be telling millions of young Hispanic girls that they would oppose their appointment as well, he said.

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