Press Releases
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.
Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding news that Hector Figueroa had passed:
"I was truly heartbroken to hear of Hector's passing. Hector was a giant in the labor movement, a tireless voice for the people of Puerto Rico and a passionate advocate for working people everywhere. To me, he was a dear friend, an inspiration and a personified reminder of why we fight. I counted on Hector for wise advice and counsel from my earliest days in New York politics.
The Trump Administration has threatened to conduct deportation raids of immigrants on Sunday, July 14th. Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) wants to make sure New York's immigrant communities are aware of their rights.
To learn you rights with ICE in English, click here.
To learn your rights with ICE in Spanish (Español), click here.
Washington, DC – As the Trump Administration continues threatening immigration raids and mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) is working to prohibit immigration officers from wearing any clothing bearing the word "police". Her bill, H.R. 3498 would apply to entities like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP).
Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) announced that an education center within New York's 7th Congressional District has received federal grants to continue its Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
"I am proud to announce that Grand Street Settlement, Inc. will receive federal funding to continue educating our New Yorkers of all ages, income levels and abilities," said Velázquez. "This is a very generous grant and demonstrates that our government recognizes the amazing work being done by this organization."
Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has led five of her colleagues in writing to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Inspector General, asking that that watchdog investigate why previously approved nutritional assistance funding has not reached Puerto Rico.
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has written to the Secretary of Agriculture, expressing concerns that taxpayer-funded climate research is being suppressed. The letter is online here and the full text is below.
June 27, 2019
The Honorable Sonny Perdue
Secretary
United States Department of Agriculture
US Department of Agriculture
1280 Maryland Ave SW,
Washington, DC 20250
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement after voting for H.R. 3401, the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act: