Congresswoman Delia Ramirez Statement on Appointment to Veterans Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement on the announcement that she will serve on the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and the House Committee on Homeland Security. 

“It is an honor to be appointed to the Veterans Affairs Committee as well as the Homeland Security Committee. Protecting and building upon important improvements to the VA that my Democratic colleagues and President Biden delivered in the last four years is critical to meaningfully support Illinois veterans’ housing, immigration, healthcare, education, and more,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “The reality that working class immigrants can serve this country – that they are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice – and can still face deportation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is fundamentally unacceptable. I’m committed to working closely with my colleagues across both committees’ jurisdictions to remedy this policy failure and ensure it doesn’t happen again. I am focused on uplifting the civil rights and the basic human rights of all, regardless of their citizenship status or their income level. At a time of increasing corporate greed and a climate crisis that threatens our collective well-being, it’s essential that our emergency preparedness is aligned with a global, comprehensive Green New Deal. I look forward to working in partnership with Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA) on the Veterans Affairs Committee and Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) on the Homeland Affairs Committee.” 

"I'm pleased to welcome Rep. Ramirez to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs," said Ranking Member Takano. "Her experience as a state legislator and focus on working families and affordable housing will serve her well as we work to protect the progress made for veterans during the past four years and focus on delivering a VA for all veterans."

The House Veterans Affairs Committee is the authorizing committee for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Its jurisdiction includes all matters relating to veterans’ health, disability assistance, economic opportunity, housing, education, and more. 

The House Homeland Security Committee is the authorizing committee for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Its jurisdiction includes border security, cybersecurity, emergency preparedness, transportation security, and more. 

“I warmly welcome Congresswoman Ramirez to the Committee on Homeland Security,” said Ranking Member Thompson.” I know her experience and background will be essential in our ongoing work to protect the homeland while respecting the dignity and civil rights of all. I am excited to start our work together on behalf of the American people.”

Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (IL-03) represents the Third Congressional District of Illinois, which includes the northwest side of Chicago, parts of Cook County, and parts of DuPage County. She is the first-ever Latina elected to Congress from the State of Illinois and the Midwest. Prior to serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congresswoman Ramirez served in the Illinois State General Assembly where she co-founded the Illinois House Progressive Caucus and was the Assistant Majority Leader.