Press Releases
SBA Disaster Loans Would be Made Available for Virus-Impacted Firms
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), the Chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), the Chairwoman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), and Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), First Vice Chair of CAPAC, have introduced legislation aimed at assisting small businesses that suffer economic harm from the coronavirus outbreak.
Washington, D.C. –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has authored legislation, the Blast Exposure Protection Act, to extend health care benefits to veterans who suffered blast injuries and hearing impairment while in the line of duty, helping close a gap in our medical care system for those who served in conflicts abroad.
"Our veterans risk their lives for the rest of us," said Velázquez. "We must honor their service with not just lip service, but tangible actions. Congress must work to ensure our veterans receive the care they deserve."
Washington, DC – Led by Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), thirteen Members of Congress have written the Fiscal Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico, calling for it to amend the fiscal plan for the Island's Power Authority. Citing the earthquakes that struck Puerto Rico in late December and earlier this month, the lawmakers contend that the Puerto Rico Electrical Power Authority's Fiscal Plan needs to be changed to take into account lost capacity and the economic affects of the earthquakes.
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding news reports that the Trump Administration would lift a hold on long delayed disaster relief funds for Puerto Rico from the Department of Housing and Urban Development:
"While it is a welcome development that the Administration has released its hold on these funds, this step is inexcusably overdue. Congress approved this disaster relief almost two years ago and these ongoing delays speak to the Administration's disdain for the people of Puerto Rico.
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) have led more than forty Members of Congress in calling for a meeting with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in light of the agency's ongoing refusal to release previously approved disaster relief funds. The letter notes that following earthquakes that struck Puerto Rico last week and over the weekend, the Island needs all the help it can get. However, HUD has refused to release funds that Congress approved as early as 2018 in response to Hurricane Maria.