Representative Roybal spent his career fighting for and protecting the rights of the underprivileged. Through his leadership in Los Angeles. he advocated for an end to discrimination against MexicanAmericans in housing. employment. and education. On the national level. Representative Roybal fought for funding for civil rights. health programs. and education initiatives. In 1967. he introduced and won approval for the first federal bilingual education law. which established English classes for migrant children and others. Representative Roybal was also one of the first members of Congress to press for HIV/AIDS research funding. In addition. he fought for the elderly. campaigning for funding for senior programs and successfully maintaining Meals on Wheels.