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Press Releases

December 19, 2017

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement today regarding the recently released disaster supplemental bill:


December 19, 2017

Underscores Devastation Bill will inflict on Hardworking Americans, Puerto Rico

Washington, DC –This morning, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) spoke on the House floor in opposition to HR 1, the GOP Tax Scam. Following are her remarks as prepared for delivery.


December 18, 2017

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) commented today on news that the government of Puerto Rico will review and recount the number of people who died as a result of Hurricane Maria.


December 14, 2017

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement today regarding the Republican Continuing Resolution bill to fund the government:


December 13, 2017
Lawmakers Seek Audit of Maria-Linked Fatalities
Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, wrote the Government Accountability Office (GAO) demanding a review of the official death count in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria. While the latest official death toll stands at 64, recent media reports have suggested the actual loss of life may be much higher, estimating 1,052 deaths can be attributed to Maria.

December 12, 2017

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding the beginning of Hanukkah:

"This evening, neighbors, families and loved ones will gather in New York and throughout all corners of the world as Hanukkah begins. During this festival of lights, I wish nothing but smiles, joy and peace."



December 7, 2017

Washington, D.C. –Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) spoke at a press conference alongside Puerto Rican teachers and health care professionals to call on Congress to pass additional federal recovery assistance for the Island. She was also joined by representatives from the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and SEIU 32BJ.

Additionally, Velázquez highlighted how the Republican "tax scam" will further decimate Puerto Rico's fragile economy. Below are her remarks as prepared for delivery.


December 6, 2017

17 CHC Members Argue Republican Tax Bill Will Further Devastate Puerto Rico's Economy


December 4, 2017

42 Members of Congress Say Altering Oversight Law Would Create Confusion, Slow Hurricane Recovery


December 1, 2017

57 Members of Congress Write Republican Leadership to Secure Medicaid Funds

Washington, DC –As Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands face a growing health care crisis, today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) led 56 fellow members of Congress in writing to Republican Leadership demanding a temporary 100 percent increase to the federal matching rate for Medicaid funds.