The Serrano Report, Vol. VIII, #30

On Capitol Hill

Serrano Calls on Senate to Confirm Ambassador Aponte

This week, Congressman Serrano joined other members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) to call for the confirmation of Ambassador Mari Carmen Aponte. Aponte, who has been serving as temporary ambassador to El Salvador since September 2010, has had her permanent appointment to the position blocked by Senate Republicans.

Some Republicans claim that in the past she has had inappropriate ties to Cuban diplomats and argue that she should not have written a pro-gay rights op-ed in a Salvadoran newspaper while acting as ambassador. However, the charges that she had ties to Cuba have been investigated by the FBI and were found to be without justification, and the op-ed she wrote in support of gay rights reflects current US policy.

At the press conference, Serrano and the CHC called for Ambassador Aponte’s immediate confirmation by the Senate, citing her impeccable qualifications and her proven track record as an excellent ambassador to El Salvador.

“The Republicans’ shameful blocking of Ambassador Aponte’s nomination must end,” said Serrano. “She is well-qualified and talented, and their arguments against her have been repeatedly debunked. We need people like Ambassador Aponte representing our nation abroad, not stuck in limbo because of a baseless political attack.”

Reps. Charles Gonzalez, Pedro Pierluisi, Nydia Velázquez, and Luis Gutierrez listen while Congressman Serrano speaks at the press conference in support of confirming Ambassador Aponte

In the Bronx

Serrano Celebrates Arthur Avenue Tree-Lighting

This past Saturday, Congressman Serrano participated in a tree lighting ceremony in the Little Italy neighborhood of the Bronx. The event was held in Ciccarone Park on historic Arthur Avenue to celebrate the holiday season “It was a wonderful event, and it was great to see so many members of the community coming together to celebrate," said Serrano. "This was the first year it was held and I hope this new tradition continues for a long time to come."

Serrano at the tree lighting

Grant

Housing Counseling Grant

Deadline: January 12, 2011

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced the availability of funding under its Housing Counseling program to help groups provide advice to home-buyers, renters, and the homeless. The purpose of the program is to raise financial literacy, provide information about access to low-cost housing, and to help people remain in their homes. HUD approved housing counseling agencies, state housing financing agencies, and multi-state organizations are encouraged to apply.

For more information about this grant please visit HUD's website.

For more information about other federal grants please visit grants.gov.