Democrats have recommended one of their own to become the first Latina to serve as a Ranking Member or Chair on an appropriations subcommittee in the House of Representatives.

House Appropriations Committee Democrats recommended Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-Calif., to serve as the top Democrat for the House's Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee for the new 114th Congress. Although Roybal-Allard's recommendation needs approval from the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, she would be the first Latina as a Ranking Member or Chair of an appropriations subcommittee.

"As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard will lead Democrats' efforts to ensure our federal agencies have the resources needed to keep our families safe and our country secure," said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi in a statement.

According to Pelosi, Congress can be strong if it recognizes the "full diversity of perspectives, experiences and backgrounds" represented in the U.S.

"As the original author of the DREAM Act, Congresswoman Roybal-Allard has been a consistent champion for restoring compassion and accountability to our broken immigration system and for the security of the American people," said Pelosi. "We look forward to having her expertise and excellence fighting for the values and priorities of the American people in this critical position."

Roybal-Allard said it is a privilege to be the first Latina to serve the recommended role and is committed to ensuring Homeland Security personnel have the appropriate resources to secure the country.

"As Ranking Member, I would look forward to continuing to work with my colleague, Subcommittee Chairman John Carter, to make sensible and bipartisan choices about America's security priorities," said Roybal-Allard. "I am confident Democrats and Republicans on our Subcommittee can work together to strengthen our Coast Guard, bolster aviation security, enhance cybersecurity, and ensure our Secret Service has the resources it needs to protect our nation's leaders.

Roybal-Allard also commented on immigration. She said the new role would help enable her to work on reforming the broken immigration system. Roybal-Allard also defended President Barack Obama's immigration executive actions.

"Notably, I would do all I can to help implement President Obama's immigration executive actions, and to advocate for bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform that focuses on deporting those who threaten national security, keeps families together, and better secures our borders," said Royal-Allard. "But I would also work with my Republican colleagues to ensure the Obama Administration is fully transparent about its immigration efforts, and is operating in full accordance with the law."

If approved, Roybal-Allard would succeed Rep. David Price, D-N.C. He was recommended to be the Ranking Member of the House Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD) Appropriations Subcommittee, which will also require approval from the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee.

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