WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, over a hundred national leaders and lawmakers joined together with the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), the nation’s leading Latino leadership foundation, in honoring Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia the Edward R. Roybal Award for Outstanding Public Service.

“NALEO - thank you for this honor, to be a part of Edward Roybal’s legacy,” Congresswoman Garcia said during her remarks. “It is truly amazing to see the progress that has been made over our lifetimes, the legacy that will help future generations push progress forward.”

At the ceremony, national leaders spoke of Congresswoman Garcia’s hard work and years of public service.

“She is a voice for voiceless – dedicating herself to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community, as a social worker, legal aid worker, and as a leader who has served at every level of government, said US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in her tribute. “In the Congress, she is a pioneer for progress.”

“I’m proud to know that I can always say “Ella es mi amiga,” said Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03), a Republican. Reps. Garcia and Taylor previously served together in the Texas Senate before both were elected to the US House of Representatives for the 116th Congress.

At the end of her remarks, Congresswoman Garcia called for a renewal of Latino leadership in today’s divisive political environment.

“We cannot lose sight of what’s important: Family, community, opportunity. The American Dream. That’s why we are all here, after all,” Congresswoman Garcia said during her remarks. “America’s strength is its diversity and as Latinos, our growing chorus of voices must continue to lead the call that America’s best days are still ahead… That’s what NALEO is all about.”