Government & Politics

Washington, DC--(HISPANIC PR WIRE)--December 5, 2006--The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the largest and most influential advocate for its 200 local chambers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico and nation’s two million Hispanic-owned businesses, releases the following statement from USHCC Board of Directors Chairman David C. Lizarraga and USHCC President and CEO Michael L. Barrera regarding the appointment of Rep. Silvestre Reyes to serve as Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.

“On behalf of more than two million Hispanic owned businesses, we wish to congratulate Rep. Reyes in his appointment. We are proud of Rep. Reyes’ accomplishments and that Speaker-elect Pelosi has chosen such a strong leader to guard our nation’s security. We are also proud that Rep. Reyes would become the first Hispanic Chair of this critical committee.

Rep. Reyes’ appointment and continuing success as an advocate for small businesses, strong national security and opportunities for minority contracting demonstrates his commitment to the business community. We are confident that the House Intelligence Committee will reach new heights under his leadership.

After serving his country in Vietnam, Rep. Reyes has devoted his life to public service. Beginning as a U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) agent in the U.S. Border Patrol, he rose through the ranks to become Sector Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol. His effective and innovative programs continue to be used today and are credited with increased apprehensions of drug smugglers and other criminals with limited law enforcement resources.

Since elected to Congress, Rep. Reyes has been a leader for the Hispanic business community. Indeed, he collaborated closely with the USHCC during his tenure as Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and in return he was awarded the Chairman’s Award in 2002 and both the regional and national Government Business Advocate of the Year Awards.

Again, we offer our most sincere congratulations and look forward to finding avenues for collaboration in the years to come.”

The USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of more than two million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, which earn more than $350 billion annually. It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers nationwide and in Mexico.