Pelosi Announces Jaime Zapata as Reading Clerk for the House of Representatives - First Hispanic Ever in This Role

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi today announced that Clerk of the House Lorraine Miller has named Jaime Zapata as the new Reading Clerk for the House of Representatives, the first Hispanic to serve in that role. Zapata, who currently serves as Communications Director for the House Committee on Small Business, will begin his new duties on July 28.

As Reading Clerk for the House, Zapata will be responsible for ensuring that legislative measures debated in the House are clearly articulated to Members of Congress, the American people, and around the world.

"As Reading Clerk, Jaime will be the voice of the House of Representatives and will play an integral role in the daily operations of Congress," Speaker Pelosi said.  "One of my highest priorities as Speaker is to promote the tremendous diversity and talent of the Members and staff of the House Democratic Caucus."

Miller was appointed by Speaker Pelosi in 2007 as the first African-American Clerk of the House, and first minority officer in the history of the House.

"Jaime will be an incredible asset to the Clerk's office," Miller said.  "His talent and experience in communications is a perfect fit for this critical position."

"It is a historic moment for Hispanics across the country, as they will now have a sense of pride when they tune in to C-SPAN and see someone from our community playing an integral part in the proceedings of the United States Congress," said Congressman Joe Baca, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.  "I applaud Speaker Pelosi for her leadership within the Latino community, and commend her for setting an example in the U.S. House that has led to this appointment."

Congressman Xavier Becerra, Assistant to the Speaker, said: "When Speaker Pelosi appointed Lorraine Miller, the first African American to serve as Clerk, it was a sign that Congress, at all levels, was growing more representative.  The appointment of Jaime Zapata as Reading Clerk demonstrates further proof of the Speaker's commitment to ensuring that the highly qualified staff members serving in the people's house come from all the diverse communities represented by Congress."

Zapata earned a bachelor's degree in International Relations degree from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and a master's degree in Media and Public Affairs from the George Washington University's Graduate School of Media and Public Affairs.

Zapata succeeds Mary "Kevie" Niland, who was recently promoted to Deputy Chief of Legislative Operations in the Clerk's office.