Thursday, April 25, 2024

Xavier Becerra to deliver Spanish-language SOTU response

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra (D) was chosen yesterday to give the Spanish-language Democratic response to President Trump’s State of the Union speech on Feb. 5.

“I’m looking forward to addressing my fellow Americans on a day when truth, candor and unity should be the order of the day,” Becerra said in a statement. Becerra, a former lawmaker who served in Congress for 24 years, has used his position as attorney general to challenge many of Trump’s policy initiatives, particularly on immigration, health care and the environment.

As a member of Congress, Becerra rose to chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, and was the highest-ever ranking Latino member at the time. Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) claimed that distinction this year, as he was named assistant Speaker by Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

As California’s first Latino attorney general, Becerra has sued the Trump administration 45 times, breaking the record for lawsuits by a single state against any one federal administration. Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who chose Becerra for the address, praised Becerra’s tenure as attorney general.

“[Becerra’s] moral and vigilant leadership on behalf of hardworking families is a critical marker for all who believe that our country’s best days are still ahead of us,” said Schumer.

THE HILL