The Politics of Hilda Solis

According to Associated Press, President-elect Barack Obama has chosen California Congresswoman Hilda Solis (D) to be the next Secretary of Labor. This appointment comes as a blow to Gay and Lesbian rights activists because it was expected that President-elect Obama would appoint Mary Beth Maxwell to the Labor Secretary post. Mary Beth Maxwell would have been the first openly lesbian cabinet secretary. Clearly, such an accomplishment would be a milestone for the entire Gay and Lesbian community.

The United States Secretary of Labor is responsible for the administration of the Department of Labor. The position will allow the appointee to influence workplace and union practices. Virtually all businesses, and every legal worker in the United States may be affected by the influence of the Secretary of Labor. Because of the importance of this Presidential appointment, it is a good idea for us to get familiar with Hilda Solis' political record. The following is a brief overview of the congresswoman's voting trends; this information should provide insight into the Politics of Hilda Solis:

Since 2005, Congresswoman Solis has voted FOR the following key pieces of legislation:

Bills for State Children's Health Insurance Programs and an Increase in the Federal Minimum Wage (Vote 906: H R 976, Vote 18: H R 2).

Bills requiring the Timely Removal of most U.S. Troops from Iraq (Vote 265: H R 1591, Vote 624: H R 2956, Vote 186 H R 1591).

Bills to Lower Student Loan Interest Rates, Lower Prescription Drug Prices for Medicare recipients, and Ban Degrading Treatment of U.S. forces held detainees. Vote 32: H R 5, Vote 23: H R 4, Vote 18 H R 2:, Vote 18 H R 2).

Since 2005, Congresswoman Solis has voted AGAINST the following key pieces of legislation:

Bills which would potentially Threaten Civil Liberties and Fourth Amendment Rights (Vote 836: S 1927H R 5825). &

Bills which would only benefit America's Wealthiest Individuals, and give Tax Breaks to Energy Companies (Vote 445: H R 6, Vote 135: H R 4297).

Bills which would Significantly Cut Child Support programs, Cut Student Loans, and Cut Social Welfare programs. Plus, she voted no to a bill which would tighten Immigration Laws without extending any opportunity for Illegal Immigrants to Become Legal (Vote 661: H R 4437, Vote 4: H RES 653).

Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis is currently serving her fourth term in the United States House of Representatives. She graduated with an M.P.A. from the University of Southern California, and she is the first Latina to become elected to the California Senate.

*Click Here to examine Hilda Solis' official stance on labor specific issues.