Skip to main content

Press Releases

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.


December 1, 2017

Washington, DC –Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) applauded the New York City Council for passing "Certification of No Harassment" (CONH) legislation, which will require building owners with plans to demolish or make significant alterations to their building to prove they have not engaged in harassment of current tenants before their permits are approved.


November 29, 2017

Introduces Legislation to Name Local Post Office after Mabel Lee

Washington, DC –Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) announced new legislation to honor the groundbreaking life of Mabel Lee by naming a Chinatown post office in Lee's memory. A pioneering figure, Lee was a dedicated champion for women's rights and the Chinese-American community. As the first Chinese woman to receive a PhD from Columbia University, Lee spent her life fighting for women's suffrage, Chinatown's residents and the greater New York community.


November 28, 2017

Three Puerto Rican Members Have Served Together in the House for Decades

Washington, D.C – Today, Puerto Rican Representatives José E. Serrano and Nydia M. Velazquez released the following statement in response to Representative Gutierrez's announcement that he will retire next years after 25 years in Congress.


November 28, 2017

Washington, DC - Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) commented today on news that FEMA awarded and later rescinded a $30 million contract for delivery of tarps in Puerto Rico to a company with no meaningful federal contracting experience: