Press Releases
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) wrote today to the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) regarding a Department of Investigation study that found neglect of smoke alarms and fire protocols at the LaGuardia Houses, and other New York City public housing apartments. The DOI report also found that NYCHA maintenance staff has falsified a number of documents claiming to have performed safety checks when, in fact, they had not.
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding Planned Parenthood reaching its 100th anniversary this Sunday, October 16:
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) wrote today to Mayor Bill de Blasio requesting a meeting to discuss the continued closure of Park Row. Park Row at Chatham Square has been closed to traffic since 9/11, a situation that has isolated Chinatown and caused economic hardship for local businesses.
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding Yom Kippur:
“As members of the Jewish community in New York and across the nation join together to observe Yom Kippur, I wish peace and good blessings for all my Jewish friends and neighbors. This Day of Atonement is a time to reflect on the positive in life -- and on how we have overcome past challenges. In that spirit, I would urge all New Yorkers to reaffirm to caring for one another as we prepare for the year ahead.
“Gmar Chatima Tova!”
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Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) led seventeen of her House colleagues in calling on regulatory agencies to investigate whether Wells Fargo’s unethical cross-selling practices and illegal opening of secret accounts extended to its small business lending division. As the Ranking Democrat of the House Small Business Committee and a senior Member of the Financial Services Committee, Velázquez previously questioned Wells Fargo’s CEO about the topic at a Congressional hearing.
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding the passing of Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson:
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding Hurricane Matthew:
“All of us are praying for those in Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republican impacted by this destructive hurricane. New York has thriving communities of immigrants from all these nations and our hearts break for the victims and their families.
“As Matthew continues moving up the coast, I urge east coast residents to listen to public safety officials and care for one another.
Washington, DC – The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) today released their “Congressional Scorecard”, which rates members of Congress’ voting records on key issues for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community. Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) received a “100%” rating from the organization, underscoring her ongoing support for equality for all Americans.
Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today wrote to the leadership of FOX News Channel decrying a recent segment that demeaned Asian Americans. Velázquez’s district includes Chinatown, where the piece was filmed. The text of the letter is below.
October 6, 2016
Mr. Jack Abernethy and Mr. Bill Shine
Co-Presidents
FOX News Channel
1211 Avenue of the Americas
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10036
Dear Mr. Abernethy and Mr. Shine:
Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez has written the Richmond Police Department regarding the death of Mr. Quan Zheng, a 34-year-old Chinese American who recently relocated from New York City to Chesterfield County, Virginia. Many in New York’s Asian community have suggested that Mr. Zheng may have been attacked due to his ethnicity and some have linked the crime to a popular hip-hop song that encourages the targeting of Chinese homes for burglary.