Gonzalez moves up ranks of Hispanic caucus

Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus unanimously elected U.S. Rep. Charlie Gonzalez as 1st vice chair of the caucus Wednesday. The election was a promotion for Gonzalez. The San Antonio Democrat had previously served as the caucus' 2nd vice chair.

"With our economy in peril, our healthcare system broken, and educational opportunities dwindling for America's youth, the need for us to come together to find common sense solutions to these challenges couldn't be greater, particularly for Latino families who often suffer greater consequences because of economic disparities," Gonzalez  said in a statement.  "I'm committed to that brand of leadership and am honored that my colleagues have entrusted me with this responsibility."

The caucus elected U.S. Rep. Nydia Velasquez (D-N.Y.) as caucus chair. U.S. Rep. Hilda Solis (D-Ca.) will assume Gonzalez's role as 2nd vice chair. Also filling the ranks is U.S. Rep. John Salazar (D-Co.), who will serve as Whip.