Three Major Caucus Leaders On How They Are Helping People Across The U.S.

Introduction: A Meeting of Minds

Ladies and gentlemen, today we find ourselves in the company of three remarkable leaders, each at the helm of the most influential American coalitions representing the rich tapestry of our nation. We have with us Congresswoman Judy Chu, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus; Congresswoman Nanette Barragan, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus; and Congressman Stephen Horsford, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. Their collective influence within Congress stands at a staggering 28%, a force to be reckoned with. The decisions they make ripple through our land, impacting us all. The question we pose is this: how do they view their responsibility in inspiring and educating us about the importance of full participation in our democratic process and how to tackle the threats that loom over it?

The Bedrock of Democracy

I firmly believe that the strength of our foundation lies in the robustness of our citizenry, and our communities represent the power of America. It's abundantly clear that, given the threats we've faced, not only to our leadership but also to our institutions in the wake of the January 6th attack, the importance of the act of voting cannot be overstated. This is why we've united our efforts to safeguard the right to vote, ensuring we're working to pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. We understand that when people cast their votes, our democracy can stand as strong as it possibly can. As for our work with the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and other bills, we've been in this together from day one.

Ensuring access to information in multiple languages is crucial, especially for the Asian Pacific American community, where nearly one-third of our population isn't fluent in English. We're also embarking on a cross-country tour, visiting various community locales to engage in discussions. We want to connect with the heart of America, to ignite the flames of participation and encourage every citizen to exercise their right to vote.

The Importance of Healthcare Access

The American Care Act is a milestone in healthcare legislation, and as we celebrate its 13th anniversary this week, it's an opportune time to shed light on its significance. In our press conference, we emphasized that if someone loses their health insurance coverage through Medicaid or the ACA, they will still end up in the emergency room, putting a burden on taxpayers. What's worse, it disconnects them from their healthcare providers, jeopardizing their continuity of care. So, yes, we implore Secretary Becerra to exercise his authority, but we also urge every state and local government to fulfill their duty in keeping families and constituents connected to healthcare services. It's in their best interest to do so. If not, explain to your constituents why you are trying to dismantle healthcare coverage that this Administration and Democratic Congress have painstakingly worked to build over the past few years.

The American Dream Through the Eyes of Immigrants

Before we wrap up, I want to touch on something fundamental. When we talk about America, we talk about all of us. One unifying thread that binds us together is that we are all either immigrants or the children of immigrants. Congresswoman Judy Chu's mother hails from China, and she proudly stands as the first Chinese-American woman to serve in Congress. My own mother comes from Trinidad, and both of her parents are of Mexican descent. I am the youngest of eleven siblings. Yes, quite the accident. They were busy folks.

The immigrant experience, whether personally lived or inherited, shapes our perception of the American dream and the opportunities it offers. It's all about opportunity. For my parents, it meant a chance to provide their children with a better life.

In a nation founded on the dreams and aspirations of immigrants, these three leaders exemplify the very essence of what it means to be American. They champion democracy, fight for our right to vote, and tirelessly work to ensure that the promise of a better life endures for all, regardless of where they come from.

As we embrace democracy, let us remember that it is the collective power of the people that fuels its brilliance, and it's up to us to make our voices heard. Together, we can build a more inclusive and vibrant America for all.