TUCSON— Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva issued the following statement after the announcement of California Attorney General Xavier Becerra as President-elect Biden’s choice to lead the Department of Health and Human Services: 

 

“My friend Xavier Becerra will make an excellent Secretary of Health and Human Services. As a Latino child of immigrants, he’s lived the American experience and will bring his diverse background and experiences to help HHS realize its full capabilities to serve our nation. Working alongside him throughout his time in Congress, I saw firsthand his compassion for disadvantaged communities, health reform, and progressive priorities. As Attorney General of California, he has managed the largest state Department of Justice in the country and fought tirelessly to defend the dignity of all Californians, stop the Trump Administration’s environmental rollbacks, protect immigrant communities, and safeguard access to affordable healthcare. Without a doubt, I know he will bring those same qualities to the Department of Health and Human Services as he plays a critical role in battling the COVID-19 pandemic. I congratulate my friend on his historic nomination and look forward to working with the full Biden-Harris health team on combatting the pandemic and fighting for a health system that works for all of us.”