On Capitol Hill
Serrano Applauds Sotomayor Nomination
Last week, Congressman Serrano welcomed President Obama's nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to serve on the Supreme Court. Sotomayor was born and raised in the Bronx, and lived for much of her childhood in the Soundview neighborhood.
“We have always talked about the need for diversity on the Supreme Court, and here we have a nominee who embodies it in so many ways,” said Serrano, who represents the Bronx in Congress, and has known Sotomayor for years. “The unique perspective of a Puerto Rican woman from the Bronx is something from which our Supreme Court will benefit greatly. As a result, our nation will also benefit from this new and refreshing viewpoint on our highest court.”
“I have known Sonia Sotomayor for many years and I consider her a friend. I also believe that she is perhaps the best-qualified candidate that Obama could have selected. She has vast experience deciding tough cases in a fair and impartial manner, with a clear understanding that she, like other judges, is there to protect the rights of the American people, to ensure fairness and justice under the law, and to protect the values enshrined in our Constitution. When she is confirmed to the Supreme Court—which I am certain she will be—I believe that the American people will come to appreciate these qualities in her as well.
“I can’t help but add that the Bronx is bursting with pride to know that one of the kids from the neighborhood, a sister, a daughter, a friend, a Puerto Rican, a Bronxite has been honored with this nomination. We are so very proud today, because we know that Bronx values which center on family, hard work, faith, looking out for your neighbors, and treating people with respect, will now be on display in one of the most powerful positions in the Federal government.”
Sotomayor now needs to be confirmed by the Senate, beginning with a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The White House is pushing for her to be confirmed before Congress leaves for recess in August so that she will be ready to begin work when the Supreme Court starts its session in October.
Serrano Commends OAS Decision on Cuba
On Wednesday, the Organization of American States (OAS) agreed to repeal its 1962 resolution banning Cuba from the group. Congressman Serrano commended the decision of the OAS to take a first step toward allowing Cuba to rejoin. With that impediment out of the way, Cuba may apply for admission.
“Today Latin America clearly said ‘enough’ on our Cuba policy,” said Serrano. “Though Cuba may not choose to ask for admission to the OAS, the hemisphere has spoken of their desire for a new direction for relations with Cuba. Like them, I believe that the Obama Administration is moving in the right direction and should take further steps to change our Cuba policy.
“The very fact that the policy of the OAS was based on a resolution from 1962 is itself very telling and indicates that we must adjust our policies to reflect the realities of 2009, rather than stick to those of the Cold War.
“I urge the Obama Administration to listen and defer to the region on this question and take further steps to normalize relations with Cuba.”
While the door is now technically open to Cuba to apply for membership in the OAS, Cuba has demonstrated little interest in joining or in undergoing the process of applying for membership.
Serrano, Israel and Velázquez Introduce Hate Crimes Legislation
This week, Congressman Serrano, along with Congressman Israel (D- Long Island) and Congresswoman Velázquez (D- Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan), introduced H.R. 2684, the National Hate Crimes Hotline Act of 2009. The bill would establish a national hotline to report hate crimes, a grant program for community based non-profits and faith-based organizations to provide services for victims of hate crimes in areas that currently lack resources, and a grant program for state and local law enforcement if they fully comply with the reporting requirements of the Hate Crimes Statistics Act.
“Today we take a step toward guaranteeing that hate crimes do not go unreported and unpunished,” said Rep. Serrano. “Our bill will help ensure that all victims of hate crimes feel comfortable in reporting them, and will provide new resources to combat and respond to hate crimes in communities across the nation. These new tools will help make our communities safer, and will continue the fight against these atrocious crimes.”
According to a 2005 report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, only 43% of hate crimes are actually reported to the police. The report cites a variety of reasons for the under-reporting of such crimes, but include language barriers, perceived futility, and the fear of discovery of immigration status. The national hotline proposal is designed to provide a safe, additional resource for those who do not feel comfortable reporting these crimes directly to the police.
Read the full text of the legislation here: http://www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.2684:
In the Bronx
Serrano Speaks at Local Graduations
Last week, Congressman Serrano spoke at the commencement ceremonies of Bronx Community College and Lehman College. In his remarks, the Congressman addressed the significant nature of this moment in history and noted the groundbreaking achievement of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor as testament to the power of education.
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Serrano with Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. at Lehman College's Graduation Ceremony |
Grant Opportunities
Neighborhood Stabilization Grant
Application Deadline: July 17, 2009
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced the availability of funding to support neighborhood stabilization initiatives. Through funding made possible by The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) attempts to bring relief to areas that have been negatively impacted by the effects of foreclosure and abandonment by purchasing and redeveloping abandoned and foreclosed properties. State and local governments, and 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations are encouraged to apply.
For more information about this opportunity, please read the full description.
For information on other government grants, please go to: www.grants.gov.
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