Attorney General James and the Hispanic Federation Issue Joint Statement on the Appointment of California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James and Frankie Miranda, president and CEO of the Hispanic Federation, released the following statement on the appointment of California Attorney General Xavier Becerra as a member of President-elect Joe Biden’s cabinet, as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS):

“Congratulations to Attorney General Becerra on the honor of being the first Latino nominated to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Attorney General Becerra has a track record of fighting for underserved communities and for expanding access to quality, affordable health care. In fact, while serving in Congress, he helped drive the passage of the Affordable Care Act, and as Attorney General of California, he has fought to protect it.

“As Hispanics and other communities of color have been most affected by this pandemic, there is no one we have more confidence in to right this wrong than Xavier Becerra. His sensitivity to this issue and proximity to the communities that will need the most support in the coming months make him a wise choice.

“We commend President-elect Joe Biden for selecting a capable and compassionate leader to help him steer our ship through these uncertain times.”