Press Releases

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and Rep. Steve Stivers (R-OH) have introduced H.R. 4074, the Clarifying Law Around Insurance Marijuana (CLAIM) Act, which would help businesses operating in the rapidly growing cannabis sector to obtain insurance products.

"Due to discrepancies in federal and state law, insurers are understandably reluctant to provide coverage to legitimate, cannabis-based businesses," said Velázquez. "Without casualty, property and title insurance coverage, the growth of this industry will be impeded if not blocked entirely."

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has written to the New York City Council's newly formed Taxi Medallion Sale Prices Task Force, encouraging it to explore ways to provide monetary assistance to thousands of medallion holders.

The letter was signed by nine other Members of the New York City Congressional delegation. The letter is online here and the full text is below.

July 25, 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.), Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Congressman Steve Stivers (R-Ohio) introduced bicameral, bipartisan legislation, the Inventor Diversity for Economic Advancement Act ("IDEA Act") of 2019. The IDEA Act is designed to help close the gap faced by women, minorities, and others when it comes to procuring patent rights in the United States.

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement on the resignation of Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello:

"We should be clear – it is the people of Puerto Rico who exercised their will to achieve this outcome and hold their own government accountable. Now that this step has been taken, it is my hope that the Island can at long last turn the page and the American citizens living there will finally be treated with the fairness and decency they deserve.

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has introduced legislation aimed at providing crucial health benefits for veterans injured while fighting for our country. Specifically, the legislation would help veterans suffering from tinnitus or hearing loss obtain medical care through the Veterans Administration (VA).

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) commented today on the situation in Puerto Rico:

"I have thought long and hard on the crisis of governance in Puerto Rico, both as a Puerto Rican woman and as a U.S. Member of Congress. I have a profound respect both for the institutions of democracy and for the sovereignty of the Island's people.

"I have long held – and continue to believe - that the Governor should be held accountable by the people of Puerto Rico and that they must exercise their power in determining the path forward.

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has authored legislation to ban Paraquat, a toxic herbicide currently used in the United States. A wealth of scientific evidence has linked the chemical to Parkinson's disease, thyroid conditions, respiratory problems and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), one small sip of Paraquat can be fatal to humans and there is no antidote. The herbicide's toxicity has raised concerns about its exposure to humans, particularly agriculture workers.

The New York City Emergency Management and the Health Department have advised New Yorkers to prepare for extreme heat. According to the National Weather Service, the heat streak will continue through the weekend and reach temperatures above 100 degrees. People at risk are those who do not have access to air condition and who have chronic medical conditions, take certain medicines that affect body temperature, have limited mobility or are unable to leave their homes, are obese, and/or misuse alcohol or drugs.