Velázquez on President Biden’s State of the Union Address

Washington, D.C.—Tonight, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement in response to President Biden's State of the Union address.

"Tonight, from facing the economic recovery to the COVID-19 pandemic to the horrific war in Ukraine, President Biden affirmed that no matter how dire the circumstances, a government by and for the people will always prevail. Under the President's leadership, we passed the sweeping American Rescue Plan, which helped lead the economy to the most robust job growth in American history and the fastest economic growth in nearly 40 years. With measures like the expanded Child Tax Credit, we helped to dramatically cut child poverty. With historic small business relief programs, we aided millions of small businesses in staying afloat during tough times. In tackling the greatest public health crisis in a century, we have gotten vaccines in the arms of nearly three quarters of the population. Congress has passed the largest transportation spending bill and commitment to green infrastructure in history. We are on the right path towards a fairer, more just America for all.

"Yet, despite all we have accomplished under the President's leadership, there remain deep systemic inequalities that continue to plague too many working families in my district and in communities throughout America. That is why we have a moral imperative to do more to expand the social safety net—including fully funding repairs to our public housing, fight the climate crisis with a focus on environmental justice communities, cancel the student debt crushing millions of Americans, create a more humane immigration system, reduce gun violence, and support the rights of all people to live free of discrimination and prejudice.

"So let us carry President Biden's words of possibility, strength, and inspiration tonight in continuing the work to build an America that leaves no one behind."