Press Releases

Washington D.C. – Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.-07) along with U.S.

Washington, DC - Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding the passing of Lower East Side community leader Michael Steel:

Washington, DC – After a significant portion of Chinatown's business district was arbitrarily excluded from critical assistance due to their zip code, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has addressed a letter to Commissioner Jonnel Doris of the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) asking the Department to qualifying the area's businesses for loans. The SBS' Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) storefront program offers financial assistance to businesses suffering from a lack of revenue due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Washington, DC –Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement following the attacks and riots at the U.S. Capitol today:

"Today, America's highest ideals were shattered by a President who incited an act of domestic terrorism. This was an insurrection and direct attack on our Democracy, and tragically resulted in the loss of a life. All involved in today's attacks must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Amid Pandemic, Proposes Bold Federal Investment to Repair Damaged Housing

Washington, DC – As the COVID-19 crisis continues to penetrate neighborhoods across America, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has introduced legislation that would allocate $70 billion in funding for public housing capital repairs and upgrades throughout the country. As damaged living conditions threaten the health and safety of public housing residents, this bill would facilitate a bold response to address maintenance and repair backlogs nationwide.

Washington, DC – To open the first legislative week of the 117^th Congress, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has unveiled the COVID-19 Prevention and Awareness Act (CPAA), a bill that would allocate $2.12 billion in funding for grants to help community health centers prevent and address the pandemic for New Yorkers who have underlying health conditions, and are therefore more susceptible to the coronavirus.

Washington,DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement on the House passage of the Omnibus and Coronavirus Relief bill.

"Over 315,000 Americans are dead. 3 out of every 4 small businesses have seen their revenues fall, and thousands have shut their doors for good. Food insecurity has doubled for families with children, and millions of Americans are turning to food banks for the first time. In most states, 1 in 5 households are behind on rent. More than 10 million people are unemployed.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement following the passing of Roberto Napoleon, who served as the Lower East Side's Baruch Houses Resident Association president of over 50 years:

"The Lower East Side has lost a giant in Roberto Napoleon. Arriving to the neighborhood from Puerto Rico when he was just fourteen years old, Roberto spent his life advocating for his fellow tenants, neighbors, and community.