Puerto Rico

Congresswoman Velázque at NYC National P.R. Day Parade

When she was sworn into Congress in 1993, Congresswoman Velázquez made history as the first Puerto Rican woman to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. A native of Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, the Island and its people have long been dear to her heart.

In addition, many residents of New York's 7th District hail from Puerto Rico and have family or other close ties to the Island. From working to solve the Puerto Rican debt crisis to bolstering small businesses on the Island, the Congresswoman has been a longtime champion for Puerto Rico.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Congresswoman Velázquez has been at the forefront of recovery efforts. From traveling to the Island to assess the damage to demanding an immediate supplemental funding package, to calling for a more robust and effective response from the Trump Administration, she is urging Washington to provide swift and sustainable relief aid.

For a list of the relief efforts the Congresswoman is supporting, please click here.

 

Rep. Nydia Velazquez at Puerto Rico

The Congresswoman in Sunset Park, Brooklyn organizing relief aid for Hurricane Maria victims.

More on Puerto Rico

House Approves Velazquez Puerto Rico Amendments to Disaster Funding Bill
January 16, 2019
Press Release

Washington, DC – The House of Representatives has approved two proposals authored by Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) aimed at assisting Puerto Rico, as the troubled island continues recovering from economic hardship and historically catastrophic hurricanes. The amendments were approved as part of H.R. 268, a supplemental spending bill that appropriates additional funding for disaster assistance.

Issues: Climate Change and Environment Puerto Rico
Velazquez Comments on Proposal to Pay for Wall from Puerto Rico Recovery Fund
January 10, 2019
Press Release

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) responded today to media reports that Trump Administration officials are discussing taking funds from disaster recovery to pay for a border wall:

Issues: Puerto Rico
Velazquez Starts 116th Congress with Slate of Bills
January 7, 2019
Press Release

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) marked the first day of the 116th Congress by introducing a range of bills meant to benefit New York's working families, students, entrepreneurs, seniors and others.

"With a new Democratic Majority comes renewed opportunity to advance policies that benefit New Yorkers and working people throughout the nation," Velázquez said. "I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to advance these commonsense proposals in the new Congress."

Issues: Economy Climate Change and Environment Housing Puerto Rico Small Business
Velázquez Seeks Crackdown on PROMESA Consultants’ Conflict of Interest
December 20, 2018
Press Release

Washington, DC- Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has introduced the "Puerto Rico Recovery Accuracy in Disclosures Act," legislation that extends to firms working on Puerto Rico's debt restructuring the same disclosure requirements that apply to companies involved in other bankruptcies. Recent news reports have documented how McKinsey & Company is advising Puerto Rico on the Island's debt restructuring at the same time that it holds bonds issued by Puerto Rico.

Issues: Puerto Rico
Velázquez Comments on Harvard, Yale Protests on Puerto Rico Debt
December 6, 2018
Press Release

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) commented today on protests and campaigns at both Harvard and Yale regarding the institutions' relationships with hedge funds that have invested in Puerto Rico's debt:

Issues: Puerto Rico
Velázquez on Gender-Based Violence Protests in Puerto Rico
November 26, 2018
Press Release

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement today regarding protests taking place in San Juan this week to call for action to address gender-based violence on the Island:

Issues: Puerto Rico
Lawmakers Challenge Trump’s Call to Cut Federal Aid to Puerto Rico
November 19, 2018
Press Release

Say Future Aid Shouldn't be Used for Debt Repayment

Washington, DC – In the wake of President Trump's statement calling for "no more Puerto Rico relief funds," Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ), the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and six additional Members of Congress have written the President condemning his comment, saying pulling federal relief aid would have a "catastrophic effect on the Island's already fragile recovery."

Issues: Puerto Rico
House Set to Approve Velázquez Death Toll Bill Wednesday
September 25, 2018
Press Release

"COUNT Act" Will Set Federal Standards for Death Counts

Passage Follows Controversy Surrounding Maria Mortality Rate in Puerto Rico

Issues: Puerto Rico
Velázquez Remarks on Puerto Rico One Year Post-Maria
September 20, 2018
Press Release

Washington, DC – On the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Maria's landfall in Puerto Rico, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) held a press event in New York City. Below are her remarks, as prepared for delivery.

"Thank you all for coming. Let me especially thank Mayor De Blasio for joining us.

Issues: Puerto Rico
Velázquez to Treasury: Release Housing Assistance for Puerto Rico
September 19, 2018
Press Release

Washington, DC –According to Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), a federal program to assist homeowners facing foreclosure is not being fully utilized. In a letter to the Treasury Department, Velázquez is urging Secretary Mnuchin to tap into the "Hardest Hit Fund," and to allow Puerto Rico to apply. Established in 2010, the Hardest Hit Fund contains federal funding for local housing agencies to carry out foreclosure prevention and relief solutions.

Issues: Puerto Rico