Congressional Hispanic Caucus Stands By Speaker Pelosi

For Immediate Release Contact: Miguel Ayala
May 22, 2009 miguel.ayala@mail.house.gov

CHC Stands By Speaker Pelosi

(Washington DC) -The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) released the following joint statement in support of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi:

"On the same day that the Labor Department revealed that more than 630,000 Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week, some individuals are trying to distract Americans by calling for an investigation of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. These actions only further demonstrate just how woefully out-of-touch they are with the needs of struggling families, particularly with those of Latinos.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus is disappointed by these divisive political tactics, which only detract from the real needs of the American people. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus will continue to move in a new direction and work on behalf of struggling families. We wholeheartedly support Speaker Pelosi's commitment to move forward with a bold agenda to rebuild our economy, create jobs, and reform our health care system to help those who need it most.

Speaker Pelosi has been a careful steward and vigilant watchdog through some of our nation's most turbulent times. One of her primary objectives has been to ensure that our nation's defenders have all the resources they need to get the job done while protecting our civil liberties and preserving our values.

Through her tenure as Ranking Member on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, in her time as the Democratic Leader, and in her service as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi has served with great integrity. She has been a staunch defender of human rights, and she has been unequivocal in her insistence on maintaining the rule of law.

We realize that there are those who feel compelled to place fear over substance and play politics with matters of national security. Those bitter, partisan attacks do not alter our esteem for the Speaker and our respect and gratitude for her work on behalf of Latinos in our country and for all Americans. We will not stand idly by while some launch baseless attacks in a shameful attempt to undermine her leadership. We should be focused on the needs of the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs and our continuing economic crisis, not on frivolous political attacks on the Speaker. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus stands firmly with Speaker of the House to continue meeting the imminent needs of American families."

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