Congressional Hispanic Caucus Slams Rove For Divisive Comments

Washington, DC
, June 23, 2005—Today, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) unanimously condemned White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove’s comments made at a Republican fundraiser in
New York City
last night.  The Members of the Caucus called on President Bush to repudiate Rove’s remarks and demanded an apology from Rove. 

At the fundraiser, Rove accused Democrats of staging a weak response to the terrorist attacks of 9/11, claiming that while conservatives “saw the savagery of 9/11 in the attacks and prepared for war” liberals wanted to “offer therapy and understanding for our attackers.”  He also attacked Democrats for calling for ''moderation and restraint'' after the terrorist attacks.  The CHC expressed its outrage at Rove’s cheap attempt at politicizing the tragedy of 9/11, and quickly reminded Rove that there was no partisan divide in the nation’s post-9/11 response, when the House of Representatives authorized a swift and potent military response by a vote of 434-1.  The Caucus also reiterated its long-standing support for troops and its commitment to provide adequate support for our national security including support for first responders.

Hispanic Americans and Hispanic immigrants died in the tragedy of 9/11.  Their deaths, and the deaths of thousands of others, were a tragedy mourned throughout the world. Today, Hispanics are fighting alongside other Americans, bravely defending this country with their lives on the front lines of and .  To politicize their sacrifices and the sacrifices of all our troops is unacceptable. 

“That Karl Rove would travel to New York City, of all places, to trash-talk and question our commitment to America’s defense is repugnant; that he would mock Democrats’ efforts to protect the fundamental principles upon which our country was founded—free speech, civil liberties, and respect for human dignity—is downright embarrassing for him and the Administration,” said New Yorker and Caucus member Congressman José E. Serrano.  “His tasteless partisanship attempts to reap cheap political gain from a profound national tragedy.  He should be ashamed of himself, and he needs to immediately apologize to the families of the victims of September 11th for politicizing their loss.”

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus stands with all Americans in support of the 9/11 families and with all those engaged in the fight against terrorism. To use these events for political and financial gain is a reprehensible act that cannot be ignored.  The Caucus calls for an unequivocal retraction, and suggests that Rove drop his divisive rhetoric and join Members of Congress in working to protect the fundamental principles of our country while we continue to prosecute the war on terrorism.