Press Releases
BROOKLYN, NY – Following reports in the media that a five-year-old child was detained using handcuffs by a New York Police Department (NYPD) school safety agent, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.) today called on NYPD Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly to investigate the incident.
BROOKLYN, NY – Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.) today brought together a panel of housing and finance experts to discuss viable short- and long-term solutions to the mortgage foreclosure crisis threatening New York City homeowners. She will use discussions from the forum to formulate recommendations for Congressional action through the economic stimulus package.
NEW YORK – Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez announced that she secured $3.2 million in federal funding for educational, economic development and environmental projects to benefit the community. The funding was secured in the 2008 Omnibus Appropriations bills.
NEW YORK – Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.) made the following statement after Governor Eliot Spitzer announced he would no longer pursue his driver’s license plan.
Washington, DC –Today, Congressmembers Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and José E. Serrano (D-NY) sent a letter to President Bush urging rapid aid to Haiti and the Dominican Republic, which were hit hard by Tropical Storm Noel. The letter reads as follows.
November 2, 2007
The Honorable George W. Bush
President
United States of America
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Mr. President:
NEW YORK – Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.) sent the following letter to New York County District Attorney Robert Morgenthau, requesting a grand jury investigation into the death of Jayson Tirado at the hands of an off-duty police officer. The letter reads as follows:
October 30, 2007
Honorable Robert Morgenthau
District Attorney - New York County
One Hogan Place
New York, NY 10013
Dear District Attorney Morgenthau:
WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.) expressed her strong objections to H.R. 900, the “Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2007,” which was passed by the House Natural Resources Committee. Puerto Rico needed today a bill that reflected cooperation and compromise between stakeholders, but today’s bill failed to meet that simple goal.
NEW YORK – Today, Representatives Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.) and Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y) discussed the findings of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) study of Newtown Creek, the site of the nation’s largest oil spill. The independent study – the most comprehensive assessment of the area to date – was designed to analyze the recovery process and the health affects on the surrounding area. However, the report failed to address many of the specific health concerns of neighborhood residents, such as the respiratory affects on children.
NEW YORK – Yesterday, Governor Elliot Spitzer signed into law legislation to increase shelter allowance parity between Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and private landlords. This important legislation will increase public housing funding by tens of millions of dollars annually once the measures are fully phased in, helping the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) address its budget deficits and improve public housing in the City.
NEW YORK – Today Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez announced that she secured $2.6 million in federal funding for area medical centers, environmental projects, revitalization efforts, educational and youth programs. The funding was secured in the FY 2008 appropriations bills, which passed through the House of Representatives in July.