Some in All-Democrat Group Think Congressman Curbelo’s Intentions are Politically Motivated

It is more than ironic that the Democrats, who run and control the Congressional “Hispanic” Caucus, recently denied Florida Republican Congressman Carlos Curbelo’s membership application. They denied Cong. Curbelo because, they said, “They don’t hold the same values”.

Which values are they talking about?

Some members of the Congressional “Hispanic” Caucus (CHC) are apparently concerned about Curbelo’s stance on immigration. The all-Democrat Caucus, currently made up of 30 members, took a vote after Curbelo was asked to appear in front of them make his pitch.

CHC Chairwoman Michelle Lujan Grisham said Curbelo’s voting record factored into the decision to deny his membership. “He made a presentation, and it was a good presentation,” Grisham Lujan, a New Mexico Democrat (obviously,) said. “We discussed several items, healthcare, the tax bill, relief for Puerto Rico,” said Grisham Lujan.

Some members of the all-Democrat Caucus questioned whether Cong. Curbelo’s intentions were politically motivated or not.

Excuse, me? Are not ALL of them POLITICALLY motivated to be part of a Congressional “HISPANIC” Caucus? Or, do they join a caucus to just sit there and smile without any type of motive or objective?

According to their website,

“The function of the Caucus is to serve as a forum for the Hispanic Members of Congress to coalesce around a collective legislative agenda.

“The Caucus is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands”

Why does the Congressional “Hispanic” Caucus think that they will be unable to accommodate Cong. Curbelo’s voice in advancing issues affecting Hispanics? Curbelo has long been a champion for Hispanics, and the State of Florida.

The Democrat-controlled “Hispanic” Caucus believes they are the sole group who cares for Hispanics, which is patently and extremely false. But Cong. Curbelo represents a Latino-heavy district in Miami, which is a top target for the Democrats in 2018.

Politically, the Democrat members of the Congressional “Hispanic” Caucus are afraid to let him in.

“I think it was pre-cooked,” said Curbelo.

“It’s truly shameful the Congressional Hispanic Caucus has decided to build a wall around the organization to exclude Hispanic-Americans who are not registered in the Democratic Party.

“This sends a powerful and harmful message of discrimination, bigotry and division.

“Unbelievably, petty partisan interests have led the CHC to formally endorse the segregation of American Hispanics. However, this only strengthens my commitment…

“It is a dark day on Capitol Hill,” Curbelo said.

Some CHC members said they do not like the fact that Cong. Curbelo has refused to cosponsor the DREAM Act, granting legal status to the “dreamers” registered in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program, or DACA. But Curbelo assured the caucus he would vote in favor of any proposal to help undocumented young people who came to the U.S. as children should it come to the House floor.

CHC Chairwoman Michelle Lujan Grisham (left,) said the group’s decision was not based solely on the Dream Act, but also on Curbelo’s support of the GOP Tax Cut bill, and Republican’s efforts to repeal Obamacare.

This is completely wrong and short-sighted, as there are many Hispanics who have actually been hurt by Obamacare and by the high taxes they have to face. They are actually for the repeal of Obamacare and are for the GOP tax cut bill.

Yet not a single Democrat voted for the Republican-backed tax cut plans in either the House or the Senate, as Democrats have stood united against President Trump’s signature tax cut initiative.

I think the CHC should rename their group the “Democratic Congressional Hispanic Caucus,” and then Republicans need to begin the RCHC. Curbelo’s and others could join.

We need more Latino Republicans in Congress. Hopefully the 21st Congressional District seat being vacated in Texas will be taken by a capable Hispanic Republican. They are some  very qualified Hispanics running for that seat, among them former US Congressman Francisco Quico Canseco and Austin Attorney Ivan Andarza