HispanicBusiness

House Speaker-elect Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., today named fellow Californian Rep. Xavier Becerra to the senior leadership position of assistant to the speaker.

Rep. Becerra, a 14-year veteran of Congress, is a former chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and a member of the influential House Ways and Means Committee.

"Congressman Xavier Becerra's keen intellect and substantive policy expertise will be crucial in charting a new course for America's working families. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, he has been a strong leader in mapping out a new direction on trade, Social Security, and federal taxes. As former Chair of the Hispanic Caucus, he has proven himself a national leader on issues of importance to the Latino community and his appointment to the new Democratic Leadership will strengthen the voices of Latinos across the country."

Added Mr. Becerra, "I want to thank the speaker for her trust and confidence in me as we all begin this new, exciting journey."

The position of assistant to the speaker has to be ratified by Democratic members of the House. Legislators will meet in early January to confirm Mr. Becerra's nomination to the Democratic leadership post.