Apr 3, 2014 - Latino Leaders Condemn Senators For Once-Again Blocking Resolution Honoring Cesar Chavez

PRESS RELEASE
April 2, 2014

Latino Leaders Condemn Senators For Once-Again Blocking Resolution Honoring Cesar Chavez
For Eighth Consecutive Year, Senate Republicans Play Politics, Dishonor American Hero

Washington, D.C. -- The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA), a coalition of 37 of the nation’s preeminent Latino organizations, condemned Senate Republicans whom this week blocked S. Res. 404, a resolution introduced by Senator Robert Menendez (NJ) to honor the achievements and sacrifices of Cesar Chavez and his legacy of "working to better human rights, empower workers, and advance the American Dream." Senators Jeff Sessions (AL) and David Vitter (LA) stood in the way of the resolution, which was supported by NHLA member organizations and has now been blocked anonymously for eight years in a row. Full video of Senator Menendez's floor speech and exchange with Senator Sessions can be found here.

In response to the blocking of the Cesar Chavez resolution, NHLA leaders issued the following statements:

"Senate Republicans dishonored not just an American hero, but all people eager to work hard and support their families in this country. Senator Menendez's resolution asked us to continue Cesar Chavez's legacy and 'ensure equality, justice, and dignity for all people of the United States.' But many Senators continue to demonstrate that they are more interested in petty politics than pursuing those goals. It's time to quit playing partisan games and work to better the lives of struggling Americans--just as Cesar Chavez did," said Hector Sanchez, Chair of NHLA and Executive Director of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA).

“By blocking a resolution to honor the lifelong contributions of a great American like Cesar Chavez, Senators Sessions and Vitter have once again demonstrated that there are no limits to their shameless disposition to sully the reputation of the United States Senate through pandering to the nativist elements in our nation,” stated Thomas A. Saenz, President and General Counsel of MALDEF.

“It’s disappointing that some politicians continue to block the Cesar Chavez resolution, which would provide long overdue recognition for his many contributions to civil rights and our country’s history,” said Jessica González-Rojas, executive director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health. “Chavez dedicated his life to fighting for health, dignity, and justice for migrant farm workers, over 20 percent of whom are Latina. The focus of this resolution should remain on honoring Chavez and his work, rather than on advancing an anti-immigrant political agenda, which would ultimately tarnish his legacy.”

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Established in 1991, the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA) brings together Hispanic leaders to establish policy priorities that address, and raise public awareness of, the major issues affecting the Latino community and the nation as a whole. For more information, please visit www.nationalhispanicleadership.org and follow @NHLAgenda.

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