Remarks to NALEO Conference

Pelosi Remarks to NALEO Conference

Friday, June 25, 2004

Washington, D.C.-House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi spoke this morning to more than 600 Hispanic elected officials at the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) 21st Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. Below are Pelosi's remarks:

"Thank you Arturo Vargas, for that gracious introduction and your great leadership of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials.

"To all the members of NALEO, thank you for your tireless work to help Latinos participate fully in the political process.

"I am pleased to be here to bring the greetings of House Democrats, and I am proud that John Kerry, the next President of the United States, will be here tomorrow to share his vision for the future.

"The Democratic caucus is the only diverse caucus in the House-with our great Hispanic Caucus, our Congressional Black Caucus, our Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, our Women's Caucus.

"Whether in Congress or across the country, our diversity is our strength. As we say in California, the beauty is in the mix.

"There are more Hispanics serving in the House of Representatives now than at any time in American history. And after this election, there will be even more-when John Salazar of Colorado and Richard Romero of New Mexico are elected to Congress!

"Congratulations to Bob Menendez, the Chair of the Democratic Caucus, on receiving the Premio Ohtli today for your work on behalf of Mexicans living in the U.S. and abroad. Bob is the first Latino in history elected to the Leadership in Congress.

"The Hispanic dream - the hope of a better future - is the American Dream. Hispanics values - family, love of country, community - are American values. And when you enter public office, you bring those values with you.

"The more that tables of power reflect the beautiful diversity of our country, the sooner our policies will reflect the aspirations of all of the American people.

"Because of your commitment to family, increasing the number of Latinos in office is critical to giving our children the best possible education. Education is the key to success and the best investment that we can make. That is why Democrats are fighting to fully fund No Child Left Behind.

"Because of your love of our country, electing more Latinos is vital for real immigration reform. A temporary worker program is no substitute for an immigration initiative that has a meaningful pathway to citizenship.

"And because of your commitment to your communities, having more Latinos in office will bring us closer to the day when we do not have to fend off anti-Hispanic attacks.

"Recently, a majority of Republicans voted for a bill by Congressman Tom Tancredo of Colorado that tried to take away homeland security funds from localities that do not act as immigration agents. A majority of Republicans voted with Tom Tancredo on this. Fortunately, we defeated it.

"And Republicans tried to make hospitals into immigration stations and force doctors to deport patients who came to their emergency rooms. But 100 percent of Democrats voted against that bill.

"As House Democratic Leader, I am proud to tell you that because of extraordinary Democratic unity and the leadership of Bob Menendez, Ciro Rodriguez, and the Hispanic Caucus - we defeated these bills!

"For a clear example of why we need more Latinos in office, look no further than what happened yesterday on the House floor.

"Democrats introduced a bill to reduce future tax cuts for people making more than $1 million per year and instead to make critical investments in homeland security, veterans, education, and health care, while reducing the deficit.

"Republicans defeated our bill on a party-line vote.

"That vote did not honor our families, our country, or our communities.

"Willie Velasquez said "Su voto es su voz" - Your vote is your voice - and he dreamed of the day when Hispanics would have real political influence. Willie's dream is coming true: Hispanics have long been influential culturally and economically, and now you are decisive politically.

"10 million Hispanics will be registered to vote by this November. Know thy power, and use it.

"Together, we can give everyone in this nation - whether they have been here for generations or just arrived to our shores - the opportunity to realize the American dream.

"God bless you. God bless NALEO. And God bless the United States of America."