Sens. Menendez, Reid on Republicans Denying Cesar Chavez A Deserving Honor

Statement

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) released the following statement today after Senate Republicans objected to their resolution to honor and commemorate civil rights leader César Estrada Chávez. This is the eighth consecutive time the Resolution has been introduced and blocked.

"Frankly, I don't understand Republican reluctance and obstructionism," said Senator Menendez. How can they look back at the sacrifices Cesar Chavez made for our country and fail to recognize the accomplishments of this great American Hero? Cesar Chavez was a man before his time and he deserves proper recognition. He dedicated his life to fighting for equality, justice, and dignity -- not only for Hispanic farm workers, but for ALL workers in the United States. I will continue fighting to ensure Republican obstructionism does not rebuke the historical contributions of Latinos to our nation and the legacy of Cesar Chavez is not denied the dignified recognition it deserves."

"I'm proud I joined Senator Menendez in paying tribute to an American hero and iconic civil and labor rights leader like Cesar Chavez. However, I was deeply disappointed my Republican colleagues blocked this resolution that sought to honor a great American who fought for fair pay and humane working conditions," said Senator Harry Reid. "Cesar Chavez is no longer with us, but we must carry on his legacy by creating jobs for the middle class, restoring long-term unemployment insurance for those who lost their jobs through no fault of their own and stopping the separation of families by passing immigration reform. It saddens me my colleagues decided to obstruct something so meaningful not only to Hispanics in this country, but all workers in our nation."

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