Retirement announcement marks the close of a historic congressional career defined by barrier-breaking leadership.
WASHINGTON, DC — The Congressional Hispanic Caucus honors Representative Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07) for a lifetime of service that reshaped what is possible for our communities and for the nation.
For more than thirty years, she has been a force for New York, Puerto Rico, and every community too often pushed to the margins. Her leadership has driven major policy gains for immigrants, women, working families, and small businesses, and her record stands as one of the most consequential of her generation.
As the first Puerto Rican woman to serve in Congress, she opened doors that had been closed for far too long and set a standard that continues to guide future leaders. During her tenure as CHC Chair, she helped secure a historic milestone with the confirmation of the first Latina Justice to the United States Supreme Court, a breakthrough that strengthened both the Court and the country.
For more than a quarter century, Representative Velázquez has led Democrats in the House Committee on Small Business, elevating Latino representation in a policy area that’s critical for millions of entrepreneurs and their families.
Representative Velázquez leaves a legacy that will endure for decades. The CHC extends our deep gratitude and admiration, and we wish her every success as she begins the next chapter of her remarkable journey.
Congressional Hispanic Caucus leadership:
Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)
Deputy Chair Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09)
Whip Rep. Sylvia García (TX-29)
Vice Chair of Diversity and Inclusion Rep. Joaquín Castro (TX-20)
Vice Chair of Communications Rep. Norma Torres (CA-35)
Vice Chair of Policy Rep. Rob Menendez (NJ-8)
Vice Chair of Member Engagement Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06)
Freshman Representative Rep. Gil Cisneros (CA-31)
About the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC)
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) is 43 members strong. The CHC serves as a forum for the Hispanic Members of Congress to coalesce around a collective legislative agenda. The Caucus is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. For more information, please visit chc.house.gov.
