Meng Brings Texas Congresswoman Veronica Escobar to Queens
March 2, 2020
U.S. Representatives discuss key issues with borough residents
QUEENS, NY – This past weekend, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) brought Texas Congresswoman Veronica Escobar to Queens.
Escobar, a Democrat representing the Lone Star State's 16th Congressional District in El Paso, visited the borough to join Meng in meeting and speaking with local residents about key issues that concern them.
On Saturday afternoon, the two lawmakers took part in Adhikaar's Nari Diwas/Women's Day Celebration where they discussed the need for immigration reform, and the importance – particularly for immigrant communities – of participating in the upcoming census. Adhikaar is a Queens-based advocacy organization that works to empower Nepali-speaking communities.
Meng also hosted a dinner with Queens Latina leaders. The event featured Escobar – one of the first of two Latinas to represent Texas in Congress – as a guest speaker, and took place Saturday night in Elmhurst with nearly two dozen people in attendance.
On Sunday, the Congressmembers met with community activists in Forest Hills where they talked about efforts to combat gun violence, and the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border. Escobar's district runs along the southern border, and it was the site of last year's mass shooting in El Paso which was one of the nation's deadliest mass shootings. Those attending the meeting included numerous individuals from groups that Meng has previously met with including One Queens Indivisible, Moms Demand Action, and the Women's Action Group (WAG) of Forest Hills.
"I thank my friend and colleague Congresswoman Escobar for traveling to Queens to talk with my constituents and area leaders about issues that are important to them," said Meng. "It was an honor to have her visit with us. The remarks, viewpoints, and insights that she shared were extremely informative and well-received, especially the firsthand perspectives she provided about the border, immigration, and gun violence prevention. I am also thrilled that she got a taste of our borough, and experienced the great vibrancy and diversity that exists here. I look forward to her returning in the future."
"I am grateful to Congresswoman Meng for welcoming me to the vibrant and diverse borough of Queens to meet with her constituents and discuss topics like immigration reform, gun violence prevention, and the importance of representation," said Escobar. "Like El Paso, Queens was built on the ingenuity and dedication of hard-working families, and it is an honor to work alongside my colleague Rep. Meng to expand opportunities and renew the American Dream for all."
Escobar took office as member of the House of Representatives on January 3, 2019. Last month, she gave the Democratic Spanish language response to President Trump's State of the Union address. Her full bio can be viewed here.