Second Hispanic American to Lead Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice

Last week, the Senate confirmed the nomination of Thomas Perez to be the Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. Perez is a leading advocate for civil rights issues, including immigration, discrimination, and health care. He was confirmed by a vote of 72-22.

According to a Senate Democratic Communications press release, "Thomas Perez brings a wealth of experience to his new position as Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice...I applaud President Obama’s appointment of Secretary Perez and look forward to adding his voice and leadership to the Department of Justice," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said.

Perez, a Dominican descendant, chaired the interagency Worker Exploitation Task Force, served as Special Counsel to Senator Edward Kennedy, and as the Director of the Office for Civil Rights at the Department of Health and Human Services. After graduating from Brown University, Harvard Law School and the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Perez has served his entire career in Public Service.

We congratulate President Obama for his wise choice of public servant.