Commentary:
By Rep. Charles A. Gonzalez

Whether as an attorney, judge, or a Member of Congress, public service has always been at the forefront of my life. Serving in Congress has been a great honor, but more importantly, it has been a tremendous opportunity to serve the people of the community that have shaped and contributed to my life. Throughout my time in Washington, I have been honored to work alongside some of the greatest public servants in the entire nation to work on legislation that benefited my community and our country.

During my Congressional career, I have been fortunate to have had a role in legislative efforts to significantly improve our country’s national defense, reform our health care system, and enhance educational opportunities. Additionally, as a member and eventually as Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I have had the opportunity to address issues facing the Hispanic community. While I am proud of the accomplishments of the past few years, there still remain significant issues facing our country.

The Hispanic community is growing and will shape the economic future of this country. We must do all we can to better ensure that all Latinos, like all Americans, have a meaningful opportunity to improve their lives and succeed in pursuing the American dream. Our students are committed to being the next generation of leaders, but it is up to all of us, to provide our schools with the necessary resources and investments to allow their success.

Access to education is a great equalizer. There is no better investment in the success of our people or the financial health of our nation. Now more than ever, we must make investments in education, not just for Latinos, but for all Americans. You see, not all Americans share a common heritage, but we share a common dream and therefore we are bound by a common destiny.

As the Hispanic community continues to grow, influential leaders from within the community are rapidly emerging.

These leaders must be instrumental in creating a community which plays a role in shaping the public policy that impacts them. It is important that these leaders continue to advocate for Latino youth to pursue an education and continue to cultivate their great potential. America’s future is tied to the expansion of educational empowerment for our youth.

It is has been the greatest privilege of my life to follow in the footsteps of my father and many other Latino trailblazers. As the next generation of leaders emerges, I urge them to never forget the honor and responsibility that is inherent in public service, and to view each challenge as an opportunity for a better tomorrow.

Representative Charles A. Gonzalez (TX-20) is currently serving his seventh term in the United States Congress and is the Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus for the 112th Congress. Rep. Gonzalez is retiring, electing not to seek an eighth term in office.