Press Releases

Washington, DC- Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) commented today on a new analysis by Harvard University that suggests the death toll from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico could exceed 4,000 people:

Measures Incorporated into Larger Defense Package

Washington, DC – As part of the FY 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, the U.S. House of Representatives today approved three amendments authored by Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY). The Velázquez-authored provisions will help businesses in Puerto Rico by incentivizing federal agencies to award them contracts, focus federal resources on environmental problems in Vieques and help New York businesses that are looking to transition into employee ownership.

Requests Public Hearings, Extension of Public Comment Period

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has written to Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Carson calling for greater public input and transparency in the allocation of Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBGR) funds.

In her letter, Velázquez notes that HUD's current two-week timeframe for public comment on the agency's plan for use of this funding would be insufficient to ensure robust community input.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) commented today on S.2155, a bill that would roll back many elements of the Dodd-Frank Act. While Velázquez opposes S.2155 overall, she noted she was pleased the bill includes her legislation, the U.S. Territories Investor Protection Act.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement regarding the "K2" overdoses that occurred this weekend in Brooklyn:

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement today after the House voted down the GOP Farm Bill:

"SNAP helps over 41 million individuals across the country put food on the table. In my district alone, 65,672 households count on SNAP benefits for nutritional help. This heartless bill would have punished seniors and working families and deprived children of school meals. For these reasons, I voted ‘no.'

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement in honor of the start of Ramadan.

"I send best wishes of peace and renewal for all those observing Ramadan in New York City and around the world. During this time of reflection, let us all recommit to the values of religious freedom and inclusion. To my neighbors and all those who are celebrating around the world, Ramadan Mubarak."

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