Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-31) released the following statement in response to Pope Francis’ historic speech before a joint meeting of Congress:

“Pope Francis is a global voice and a moral influence on a number of issues facing our world today, including climate change and immigration reform. His vision of bringing the international community together to confront these challenges—to be proactive in protecting our environment and to show humanity and kindness to those seeking a better life in a new world—is one I share with him. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to bear witness to His Holiness’ visit and look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to address these issues.”

Since taking office in January, Rep. Aguilar has been an advocate for strengthened environmental protections and comprehensive immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship. He voted to support the President’s Clean Power Plan to combat climate change, and he was a leading voice for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program when Republicans attempted to shut down the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in an effort to roll back protections for new immigrants. Prior to serving in Congress, he was the Mayor of Redlands, where he resides today with his wife Alisha and two sons.