Press Releases

Following an agreement by U.S. Representatives Nydia Velázquez, Max Rose, and Jerrold Nadler, the House Committee on Appropriations today passed legislation that would bring two-way tolling back to the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge—splitting the toll in half to be paid in both directions which studies have shown would decrease congestion and increase revenue without raising costs on commuters.

Washington, D.C.­­ – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has introduced legislation to prevent the use of a class of toxic pesticides in National Wildlife Refuges. While the Obama Administration had instituted a 2014 ban on the use of neonicotinoid pesticides, commonly called neonics, in Refuges the Trump Administration's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service revoked the ban in August of last year. The ban's revocation comes as mounting evidence suggests the chemical has damaging environmental effects on bees and other pollinators, undermining the national wildlife system.

Introduces Private Bill Protecting NYC Community Advocate from Deportation

Washington, D.C.­­ – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has led Members of the New York City Congressional delegation in calling on the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to withdraw a proposed rule that would make it harder for families with immigrant members to live in public housing or utilize federal housing assistance benefits.

Two Small Navy Yard Firms Receive

National Small Business Week Recognition

Washington, D.C.—As the nation celebrates National Small Business Week, House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) is saluting two small businesses located in New York's 7^th Congressional district that have been recognized as National Small Business Week Awardees by the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) commented today on the passing of Rafael Hernández Colón:

"This morning, Puerto Rico lost one of the giants of its modern political history. Rafael Hernández Colón was a statesman, a brilliant political mind and a tireless fighter for economic and social justice.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement in honor of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month:

"From Manhattan's Chinatown to Sunset Park in Brooklyn, to rapidly growing communities throughout all five boroughs, Asian Americans have long been an integral part of New York City's cultural tapestry.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) testified today before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in support of her legislation that would establish a "9/11-style" commission to examine the federal response to Hurricane Maria. Her full testimony is below.

"Members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify about a very important piece of oversight legislation – H.R. 229, a bill to create a "9/11-style" commission to investigate the federal response to the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.