Velazquez on Passing of Former Congressman Robert Garcia

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding the passing of former Bronx Congressman Robert Garcia:

"I was profoundly saddened to hear of the passing of my friend, Congressman Garcia. A steadfast public servant, Bobby served the people of the Bronx tirelessly in the New York State Assembly, the New York State Senate and the U.S. House.

"During his decade in the House of Representatives he secured a number of achievements important to New Yorkers and Latinos. He worked across the aisle to help create the Empowerment Zone program, opening doors of opportunity for thousands of Americans. By working with President Carter to see the term ‘Hispanic' included in the Census, he helped boost political representation in our community. An advocate for equality for all people, he was one of the most forceful advocates for establishing a holiday paying tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"Being one of the first elected officials of Puerto Rican descent in the Bronx, Bobby Garcia was a trailblazer who knocked down doors for many of us who followed in his footsteps. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Jane and his entire family. I hope they take comfort in the many contributions he made throughout his life."