NCLR Thanks Retiring Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart for His Dedication to the Latino Community and Leadershp in Congress

NCLR (National Council of La Raza), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, today lauded Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R–FL), who announced his retirement on Thursday, for his leadership and support of the Latino community during his tenure in Congress.

“Throughout his distinguished career, Congressman Diaz-Balart has demonstrated extraordinary courage and commitment and emerged as one of our community’s strongest champions. He has worked diligently with members of both parties on legislation affecting all Americans and put the needs of his constituents and the Latino community ahead of political partisanship,” stated Janet Murguia, NCLR President and CEO.

Congressman Diaz-Balart was first elected to serve in the House of Representatives in 1991, where he has provided a strong voice for immigrants and all Latinos. For more than a decade, he has fought for legislation to ensure access to health care for legal immigrant children and pregnant women. He has also been a driving force in providing safe haven to immigrants who face dangerous conditions in their home countries, beginning with the landmark bill, the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) in 1997.

“He was among the first members of Congress to step forward and demand fairness for hundreds of thousands of legal immigrants who lost access to public health care and other services in 1996 as a result of welfare reform and to provide temporary protected status to vulnerable immigrants from Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Haiti,” said NCLR President and CEO Janet Murguía.

Congressman Diaz-Balart has also been a strong supporter of bipartisan legislation to increase educational opportunities. He has been a chief sponsor of the “American Dream Act,” which would provide immigrant students with the chance to attend college and he has worked tirelessly to open the doors of opportunity for thousands of immigrant students.

“While many members of Congress are stuck in partisan battles, Congressman Diaz-Balart has always focused on finding solutions to our nation’s challenges,” said Murguía. “For nearly a quarter of a century, he has been the kind of bipartisan leader and reasoned voice on important policy issues that is needed in Congress and that the American people are currently seeking.”

“We will miss Congressman Diaz-Balart’s leadership in Congress and wish him well in his future endeavors,” concluded Murguía.”

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