Rep. Salazar Co-Leads Bipartisan Resolution to Spotlight Spanish-Language Media During Hispanic Heritage Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, Congresswoman Maria Salazar (R-FL), Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (D-CA), and Congressman Rob Menendez (D-NJ) introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing the vital role of Spanish-language media in strengthening American democracy and connecting communities across the nation.

Spanish-language media provides millions of Spanish-speaking Americans in the United States with essential information on elections, public health, and emergency preparedness, while also serving as a lifeline for civic engagement, cultural identity, and community empowerment. Today, more than 41 million Americans speak Spanish at home, relying on these outlets as a trusted bridge to news, opportunity, and participation in public life.

Rep. Salazar brings a unique perspective to Congress as a former award-winning journalist and veteran of Spanish-language television, having worked for every major U.S. Spanish-language broadcasting network: Telemundo, Univision, AmericaTeVe, MegaTV, and CNN en Español. Drawing from her years in journalism, she continues to champion the importance of media access, representation, and trust for the millions of Americans who depend on Spanish-language news.

"As someone who spent her entire journalism career in Spanish-language television before coming to Congress, I know the power of these outlets. They are the heartbeat of our community. Millions of Hispanics rely on them every day to stay informed, remain connected to their roots and navigate life in this country," said Rep. Salazar. "Spanish-language media is not just information, it's identity, opportunity, and empowerment. I'm proud to co-lead this resolution recognizing its vital role in keeping our community engaged and part of the American dream."

"Spanish-language media is more than just information delivered in Spanish - it is a means of cross-cultural connection, a celebration of Latino culture, and empowerment for Spanish speakers to engage with their communities and government," said Rep. Barragán. "I am honored to introduce this resolution alongside Rep. Menendez and Rep. Salazar during Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the key role that Spanish-language media plays in community engagement and visibility for Latinos."

"Sharing news and cultural content in Spanish is crucial to empowering our Hispanic communities in New Jersey and beyond," said Rep. Menendez. "As a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the proud representative of Hispanic-majority district, I understand how important it is to have accessible news for everyone in our community. I am proud to support this resolution that commends Spanish-language journalists, broadcasters, and entertainers for their contributions to American democracy and society."

Spanish-language media not only informs but uplifts. It amplifies Latino contributions to the arts, creates jobs in journalism and entertainment, and strengthens our democracy by ensuring that every community has access to reliable information in the language they understand. By breaking down language barriers, Spanish-language outlets empower families, celebrate cultural identity, and ensure all Americans have a voice in shaping the nation's future.

"Our stories matter," said Axel Caballero, CEO, Latino Film Institute. "Not just on screen, but in every part of our cultural fabric. The Latino Film Institute proudly supports Representatives Barragán, Menendez, and Salazar's resolution honoring the impact and presence of Latinos in entertainment and news media, and we remain committed to building pathways that empower our voices and shape the future of the industry."

"Spanish-language media is not just a communication tool," said Javier Palomarez, President and CEO, United States Hispanic Business Council. "It's a cornerstone of American democracy. For millions of families, it is their trusted source of news, culture, and connection. This resolution rightly recognizes the vital role these outlets play in informing, empowering, and uniting our communities. I strongly commend Congresswoman Barragán, Congressman Menendez, and Congresswoman Salazar for their leadership. At a time when millions of bilingual households are losing access to Spanish-language networks like Univision due to corporate greed, this resolution is a timely reminder that access to culturally relevant news and programming is not a luxury. It's a necessity. Spanish-language media isn't just about equity. It's about strengthening the democratic and cultural fabric of our nation."

"A healthy democracy centers the lived experiences of all its people," said Claudia Ruiz, Senior Policy Advisor for Civil Rights, Unidos U.S. "Spanish-language media makes that promise real. It's how 41 million people access emergency information, stay informed about their rights, and see their experiences celebrated and authentically represented. With misinformation rampant and our fastest-growing communities in need of trusted sources more than ever, Spanish-language media empowers and protects communities. UnidosUS is proud to support Representative Barragán's resolution recognizing what our communities have always known: we deserve to be informed, celebrated, and heard."

"Spanish language media is essential to provide the US Latino community with reliable and trusted news, emergency information, culturally relevant content and a showcase for Latino talent," said Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation. "At a time when the Latino community is now over 68 million-fully 20% of the US population-it is vital that content providers ensure their line-up includes quality Spanish language media offerings that reflect the needs and interests of the fastest growing segment of their audience."

"HTTP (Hispanic Technology and Telecommunications Partnerships) proudly supports this bipartisan resolution recognizing the essential need for Spanish-language media in the United States," said JudeAnne Heath, Executive Director, HTTP. "Today more than ever Spanish language media, along with diverse voices, are not just desirable-they are vital for a functioning democracy, consumer fairness, and community resilience. Spanish language media serves as a cornerstone for millions of Americans, providing them with reliable news, emergency information, and opportunities for democratic participation. Moreover, it empowers youth through authentic storytelling inspiring them to pursue education, careers, and leadership. It is imperative that we strive for dignified representation for all individuals within the United States."

"The National Association of Hispanic Publications supports this resolution recognizing the essential role of Spanish-language media in our democracy," said Alvaro Gurdián, President, National Association of Hispanic Publications. "For decades, our publications have been the trusted bridge connecting millions to the information they need, in the language they understand, in an authentic voice. At a time when the truth is not always clear, our members provide the local, reliable information our audiences need to navigate the issues shaping their lives as well as their families."

"Media is a bedrock of our democracy, at its best helping people make sense of the world across regions, cultures, and languages. Free Press Action is honored to support this resolution highlighting the fundamental role Spanish-language media plays in ensuring communities have access to trusted news and vital information. This resolution is particularly critical this Hispanic Heritage Month when we should embrace cultural visibility and linguistic representation for Latinos throughout the United States," said Jessica J. González, Co-CEO of Free Press Action.

In addition to the co-leads, this resolution is co-sponsored by more than a dozen Members of Congress from across the country, including Rep. Yasamin Ansari (D-AZ), Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL), Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Rep. Nellie Pou (D-NJ), Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Rep. Juan Vargas (D-CA), Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA), Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY), Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA), Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Rep. Timothy Kennedy (D-NY), Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), and Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA).

The resolution has received strong support from leading Latino and media organizations, including the Latino Film Institute, United States Hispanic Business Council, Unidos US, Hispanic Federation, HTTP, National Association of Hispanic Publications, and Free Press Action.

To view the text of the resolution, click HERE.