Pelosi Statement on César Chávez Day

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement in honor of César Chávez Day, which commemorates the civil and labor rights leader's birthday, March 31, 1927:

"Today, Californians and all Americans honor César Chávez, a fearless champion for justice and a tireless civil rights activist. Chávez was an icon of the modern labor movement, leading the United Farm Workers' fight for better pay and protections against exploitation. His courageous vision for a fairer future helped improve the lives of countless working families and continues to invigorate the struggle for progress today.

"Building on Chávez's legendary advocacy, the House has taken action to ensure that nobody who works to feed our country is limited to permanent second class status, twice passing the bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act to provide a path to legalization for more than one million currently undocumented farmworkers. As Democrats advance this bill through Congress, state lawmakers must also take action to safeguard farmworkers' collective bargaining rights.

"House Democrats have also twice passed the Richard L. Trumka PRO Act to reform our nation's outdated labor laws and strengthen Americans' right to join a union. While Democrats continue fighting to enact these urgently needed reforms, our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering historic investments to communities across the country – creating good-paying union jobs with Davis-Bacon prevailing wage protections.

"As Americans celebrate César Chávez's remarkable achievements, let his example inspire our shared fight to defend the fundamental rights and dignities of working people. Congressional Democrats know that the middle class is the backbone of our democracy – and that the middle class has a union label on it. Today, and every day, we proudly stand with our partners in the labor movement as we work to Build a Better America."