Hispanic Dems announce task forces for 116th Congress
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) announced Monday its issue-based task forces for the current Congress.
The CHC will have 13 task forces, up from 11 during last Congress, as the group has grown in number and reach. The CHC currently recognizes 38 members, compared to 32 last Congress.
{mosads}The new task forces are Arts and Technology, chaired by Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-Calif.), and a Women’s Task Force chaired by freshman Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-Fla.).
“I’m also proud to announce the establishment of two new CHC Task Forces: the Women’s Task Force and the Arts and Technology Task Force—which will lead efforts to empower and uplift Latinas across the country, fight for women’s education, healthcare, and civil rights, and lead the way for innovation and increased opportunities in the STEAM sectors,” said Castro.
The CHC’s largest task force will be Immigration and Border Issues, which will include 12 members, including Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.). It will be chaired by Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.).
“CHC Task Forces will be instrumental in crafting and advancing policy priorities and legislation,” said Rep. Joaquín Castro (D-Texas), chairman of the CHC.
“Further, CHC Task Forces will work to hold the Administration accountable for its failed responses to the crisis in Puerto Rico, finding the best possible framework for comprehensive immigration reform, and increasing diversity across all sectors,” he added in a statement.
The CHC task force on Puerto Rico will have three co-chairs, New York Democratic Reps. Nydia Velázquez and José Serrano, and Rep. Darren Soto (D), the first Floridian federal lawmaker of Puerto Rican origin.
The CHC has gained prominence as Hispanics are disproportionately affected by issues of national interest such as immigration.
In response to a CHC letter in December, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif) pledged to pass a version of the Dream Act through the House.
The CHC’s buy-in will be crucial for any immigration legislation, and the CHC’s four representatives in the House Judiciary Committee — in charge of immigration bills — are also part of the CHC immigration task force.
The task forces align with other official assignments as well.
Rep. Albio Sires (D-N.J.), for instance, is the head of the CHC Latin America and Foreign Affairs task force, and the chairman of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee on Foreign Affairs.
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