Press Releases

Washington, D.C.­­ –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) commented today on House passage of Emergency Supplemental appropriations legislation, which includes funding for Puerto Rico.

"While I'm relieved Republicans finally saw reason and allowed this badly needed aid to move forward, it is shameful that it took so long to approve emergency assistance the House approved months ago. The funding included for Puerto Rico in this bill is desperately needed for our fellow citizens who have suffered tremendously for so long.

Dream & Promise Act Would Aid Dreamers, TPS & DED Beneficiaries

Washington, D.C.­­ – The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation authored by Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) that would protect recipients of Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure from deportation and provide those communities with a path to citizenship. Velázquez's bill, the "American Promise Act" passed as part of H.R. 6, House Democrats' flagship immigration bill, which also protects Dreamers.

Washington, D.C.­­ –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) spoke today on the House floor in support of H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act of 2019. Velázquez authored the American Promise Act, legislation to protect recipients of Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure from deportation and provide them a path to citizenship.

Video of her remarks are online here. Text of her remarks are below.

New York, NY – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and Councilman Carlos Menchaca (D-Red Hook) issued the following statement today regarding the Lidgerwood Building in Red Hook:

"We are pleased that after significant discussion with us, UPS's chief engineer ordered a new engineering analysis, informed by community desires to preserve a portion of the south façade of the Lidgerwood building. While the analysis is taking place, UPS has said no additional demolition of the Coffey Street façade side will take place, though demolition will continue on other parts of the site.

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.