Velazquez Opposes GOP Budget

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) voted against House Republicans’ budget. Velázquez spoke in opposition to the budget yesterday. Her floor statement is below:

“I rise in opposition to this ill-conceived budget. For working families, this budget could mean a tax hit of $2,000, making it harder for struggling New Yorkers to afford rent and put food on the table.

“The GOP plan also shortchanges seniors, ending Medicare in ten years. Equally problematic, the Affordable Care Act would be repealed reducing health care assistance to 176,000 families in my district and preventing 68,000 young people in my part of New York from staying on their parents’ insurance.

“We can also expect our economy to take a hit - with 2 million jobs vanishing next year alone. And for small businesses– this budget would mean losses. 16,000 small firms in my district would lose tax assistance when purchasing health care. And thousands of would-be entrepreneurs around the country will see technical assistance and other services dry up, preventing the creation of new startups and blocking job creation.

“Mr. Speaker, budgets should be about priorities. The American people rejected these flawed priorities last year when they voted to reelect President Obama. I urge my colleagues to vote no so we can approve a budget that moves our nation forward, together. I yield back.”