Linda Sánchez J.D. '95

Two-term Congresswoman Linda Sánchez J.D. '95 has traveled the world and fought battles close to home serving her country and California's 39th congressional district. When first elected in 2003, Sánchez and her sister, Congresswoman Loretta Sánchez (47th California District) made history by becoming the first sisters to serve simultaneously in the U.S. House of Representatives.

In early 2005, Sánchez traveled to Colombo, Sri Lanka, one of the areas hit hardest by the tsunami in December 2004. As part of an official congressional delegation, Sánchez surveyed the region in an effort to assess how best to offer aid from the U.S. and the United Nations.

“As a result of this disaster many women will have to take on new responsibilities including becoming the breadwinners for their families and in many instances being the only caretaker for children, the injured, sick, and elderly,” said Sánchez. “This can cause physical and mental health implications that are often overlooked. It is critical that women receive both financial and physiological support to help them rebuild their lives.”

Sánchez traveled to Rome in April 2005. She was one of 21 members of congress selected to represent the U.S. at the papal installation of Benedict XVI.

“I view this as a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent the thousands of Catholics in conveying our best wishes to the Pope as he takes on this enormous responsibility,” Sánchez said as she prepared for the trip. “I remember being a little girl and listening to my grandmother talk about what the Catholic Church meant to her. It meant helping the less fortunate, protecting the most vulnerable members of out our society and creating opportunity for all people to share in the blessings of America. This is what faith still means to me.”

Sánchez, who was re-elected last November with 61% of the vote, is the first Latina to ever serve on the House Committee on the Judiciary. She also sits on the House Small Business Committee; Committee on Government Reform; Criminal Justice, Drug Policies and Human Resources Subcommittee; Immigration, Border Security and Claims Subcommittee; and the National Security, Emerging Threats and International Relations Subcommittee.

Bruins also may recognize her as a presenter from the 2005 UCLA Women's Conference, held last January and cosponsored by the UCLA Alumni Association.