Rep. Linda Sánchez Returns to Congressional Hispanic Caucus
January 15, 2009

Washington DC - The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) officially increased it’s membership to twenty-four today, when it welcomed two newly-elected Members of Congress and one returning Member who had previously been part of the CHC. The new Members of the Caucus are Congressman Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico, Congressman Pedro Pierluisi of Puerto Rico, and Congresswoman Linda Sánchez of California. With this addition, the CHC now has twenty-three Members in the House and one in the U.S. Senate.

“The growth of the Latino vote in our nation is reflected in the growth of the CHC,” said Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Chair of the CHC. “I welcome these dynamic individuals to our caucus, and I know that they will help ensure the strength and influence of the Caucus in this new Congress and with the President-elect’s Administration. As Chair, I look forward to working with them to ensure that the CHC continues to be the voice of all Latinos across the country.”

Congressman Pedro Pierluisi stated "I am so proud to join my Hispanic colleagues in Congress and look forward to helping them address the matters of common concern to our constituents, our nation's economy, the health and education of our people and the human rights of our immigrants."

"I'm honored to join the Hispanic Caucus in the 111th Congress," added Congressman Ben Ray Luján. "I look forward to working with the members of the Caucus to advocate for my constituents in New Mexico. We have many challenges ahead, but by working together with my colleagues on the Congressional Hispanic we solve many of the problems facing our constituents and our country."

“With the Latino community making it's voice heard louder than ever in the last election, I look forward to resuming my full membership of the CHC and being part of a team that will advocate for issues important to Latinos and all American families,” said Congresswoman Linda Sánchez.