Press Releases

Washington, DC –President Barack Obama today signed into law sweeping new rules that will bring greater transparency and accountability to U.S. financial institutions. Among other changes, the new law will establish the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a consumer watchdog devoted to protecting Americans from unfair and abusive financial practices. Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) praised the landmark act, saying it would add needed stability to the U.S. financial system, preventing future crises in the capital markets.

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement on the violence at Puerto Rico’s capitol:

“The violent images that are being circulated through the Internet cannot bring anything but sorrow for the people injured and concern for the democratic values that the Puerto Rican society has historically cherished.

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) commented today on news that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR), the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and the Department of Housing Development and Preservation (HPD) have reached an agreement that will ensure thousands of New York City families are able to keep their housing. The following is Velázquez’s statement:

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today submitted testimony to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing being held on H.R. 2499, legislation related to Puerto Rico’s political status. Following is Velázquez’s testimony:

“Thank you, Chairman Bingaman, for holding this important hearing. As one of the four Puerto Rican Members of Congress, I am personally invested in the status of Puerto Rico. I appreciate the opportunity to provide my views on H.R. 2499 and its impact on Puerto Rico and the United States.

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives today during debate on H.R. 2499, legislation related to Puerto Rico’s political status. Following are her remarks as prepared for delivery:

New York, NY –Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) presented Comunilife, Inc. with $167,000 in federal resources for a suicide prevention program for Latina teens and their families, Saturday. The funds will support the Life Is Precious initiative, which arms Hispanic girls with the tools needed to manage stress and combat depression. With suicide rates significantly higher among teenage Latinas than other ethnic groups, the Life Is Precious program is critical to making sure New York City youth live full, healthy lives.

Washington, DC –The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is receiving a short term emergency funding infusion of $23.5 million from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) announced today. The funds will be used to help cover a $45 million shortfall in the agency’s Section 8 program that has put 10,000 tenants’ rental assistance vouchers at risk of being revoked.

Washington, DC –A Puerto Rican television station that repeatedly aired anti-gay language while discussing the coming out of singer Ricky Martin has apologized after Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) asked for the Federal Communications Commission to investigate the matter. In a letter to Velázquez, WAPA TV said that its performers had apologized on-air and that it was launching a Public Service Campaign to raise awareness about inappropriate language.