Washington, DC – The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) and the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) today express anger over the U.S. Senate’s failure to pass a resolution commemorating the birthday and honoring the legacy of noted labor and civil rights leader Cesar Chavez. The measure was blocked by Republican Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-KY) objection to the resolution.

“Cesar Chavez is an icon in the Latino community, a World War II veteran, and a hero to many other Americans for his tireless efforts to bring dignity and respect to all workers, especially those who toil in our fields. He deserves to receive the highest honors and recognition this nation can provide, not to be the subject of political gamesmanship,” stated Janet Murguía, NCLR President and CEO and John Trasviña, MALDEF President.

Noting the Republican Leader’s request to include language on Chavez’s involvement in a 1969 march against growers’ importation of illegal immigrant labor to thwart the United Farm Workers of America’s organizing efforts, Murguía and Trasviña continued, “The inclusion of such language suggests that Cesar Chavez would not have been appalled and outraged by today’s anti-immigrant sentiment and policies, which not only is offensive but dead wrong. There is a time and place to debate the immigration issue, but to deny a great leader this congressional honor is a slap in the face to his family, to the Latino community, and to the millions in the U.S. and around the world who continue his work and legacy today.”

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