Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today in recognition of the end of the 100 hour legislative agenda and its impact on Hispanics:
“In the first 100 legislative hours of the 110th Congress, House Democrats passed key measures that will directly benefit the Latino community. New ethics rules were passed to end favoring the special interests and lobbyists over creating opportunity for Hispanic families, such as the repeal of Big Oil subsidies and investment in renewable fuels. No family should ever have to be faced with choosing between groceries and gas. That is why the minimum wage increase sponsored by House Democrats will directly benefit an estimated 2.3 million hard-working Hispanic families.
“House Democrats also voted to protect the well-being of all Americans. We voted to implement the bipartisan 9/11 Commission recommendations, resulting in more funds for high risk cities with large Latino populations. Key health measures were also passed such as permitting stem cell research, which could impact the lives of those living with life-threatening diseases, such as the 2.5 million Hispanic diabetics. More than 3 million Latino seniors will also benefit from legislation passed that will lower drug prices.
“Democrats are investing in the future of America by investing in the education of the Latino community, the country’s largest and fastest growing minority. This week, Democrats made college more affordable by cutting student loan interest rates in half for more than 5.5 million hardworking students, primarily impacting the low- and middle -income students and their families.
“Democrats have taken this country in a New Direction in the first 100 hours and will continue to build on our commitment to Hispanic families in the 110th Congress. This is just the beginning.”
