Press Releases

Washington, DC – While Congress recently moved to help employee-owned firms utilize the Small Business Administration's (SBA) lending programs, lawmakers are raising red flags that the way the rules are being drafted could create additional barriers. Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), the top Democrat on the House Small Business Committee, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) have written the Small Business Administration (SBA) expressing concerns over how the agency is implementing the new law.

Say Future Aid Shouldn't be Used for Debt Repayment

Washington, DC – In the wake of President Trump's statement calling for "no more Puerto Rico relief funds," Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ), the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and six additional Members of Congress have written the President condemning his comment, saying pulling federal relief aid would have a "catastrophic effect on the Island's already fragile recovery."

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today released the following statement:

Bill Would Award the Congressional Gold Medal to Rabbi Michoel Ber Weissmandl

Washington, DC –This evening, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass legislation authored by Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) to award a Congressional gold medal to Rabbi Michoel Ber Weissmandl, whose heroic actions saved countless lives during the Holocaust.

Velázquez Calls for Liver Cancer Prevention, Treatment Resources

Washington, DC –As the nation observes Liver Cancer Awareness Month, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today unveiled legislation to increase federal assistance to study, prevent and treat liver cancer.

Leads 81 Members of Congress in Introducing Legislation to Expand VA Resources

Washington, DC –As the nation recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today unveiled legislation to target assistance to domestic violence survivors in the veteran's and military community. The "Violence Against Women Veterans Act," H.R. 6869, would improve services for women veterans experiencing domestic abuse.

Washington, DC –As the "Me Too" era draws badly needed attention to the longstanding problem of sexual misconduct, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has introduced legislation to combat sexual harassment related to housing. The "Sexual Harassment Awareness and Prevention Act" would ensure the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) proactively works with other agencies to collect information on sexual harassment and abuse claims related to housing.

"COUNT Act" Will Set Federal Standards for Death Counts

Passage Follows Controversy Surrounding Maria Mortality Rate in Puerto Rico