Press Releases
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
Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement today in response to a new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) federal rule proposal that would deny lawful permanent residence to immigrants who participate in public benefits and discourage even U.S. citizens from accessing basic services.
Washington, DC – On the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Maria's landfall in Puerto Rico, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) held a press event in New York City. Below are her remarks, as prepared for delivery.
"Thank you all for coming. Let me especially thank Mayor De Blasio for joining us.
Washington, DC –According to Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), a federal program to assist homeowners facing foreclosure is not being fully utilized. In a letter to the Treasury Department, Velázquez is urging Secretary Mnuchin to tap into the "Hardest Hit Fund," and to allow Puerto Rico to apply. Established in 2010, the Hardest Hit Fund contains federal funding for local housing agencies to carry out foreclosure prevention and relief solutions.
In Bicameral Letter, Lawmakers Demand Apology, Call on President to Acknowledge Official Death Toll and Improve Recovery Efforts in Puerto Rico
Washington, DC – Approaching the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Maria's landfall, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) is fighting to extend the deadline for affected homeowners and small businesses to secure a disaster loan under the Small Business Administration (SBA). To this end, Velázquez has introduced the "Access to Sufficient Capital for Everyone in Natural Disaster Areas Act of 2018," (ASCEND Act) a bill that would extend SBA disaster loan applications for an additional year.