Press Releases

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding news reports that the Administration is preparing a new round of deportation raids targeting immigrant families:

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding news reports that residents of 83 and 85 Bowery had reached a tentative agreement with their landlord that would allow building repairs to occur without permanently dislocating residents:

“If it holds, this deal has great promise for ensuring these residents will keep their homes, while necessary improvements are made to the buildings.”

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has written the owner of two buildings at 83 and 85 Bowery, where the landlord has failed to make necessary repairs and is now attempting to evict 27 families from their homes.

“All of us must stand united in opposing landlord abuses,” Velázquez noted. “If this is another instance of a landlord behaving unscrupulously to turn a quick profit, we need to work together and ensure these tenants’ rights are protected, necessary repairs are made and the residents are allowed to stay in their homes.”

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding Cinco de Mayo:

"On Cinco de Mayo we pay tribute to the heritage of Mexican Americans and the victory of those Mexicans who fought to defend their nation against the French army.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding news that Puerto Rico would today default on a $422 million debt payment:

“This unfortunate news only underscores the need for Congress to act swiftly. The Puerto Rico financial crisis is rapidly becoming a humanitarian crisis and this most recent default is only the tip of the iceberg. We need to quickly enact legislation that allows for meaningful restructuring of Puerto Rico’s debts before the situation deteriorates further.”

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Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding Asian Pacific American Month, which is observed in May:

“Those of us from New York City know that our diversity is our strength -- and Asian Americans are an important part of our nation’s beautiful cultural tapestry.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement regarding news reports of a brutal attack in Chinatown in which, according to media reports, a restaurant owner was beaten after defending a waitress:

"Like the rest of our community, I am shocked and saddened by this horrifying attack. Our City must speak as one in condemning violent acts like these. I urge the authorities to fully investigate and prosecute this unprovoked act of violence, including determining whether prejudice played a role and if this would therefore qualify as a hate crime."

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today applauded new Department of Justice rules providing greater oversight on investigations related to national security. The new rules come after several high profile cases in which Chinese American scientists were wrongfully accused of espionage. Those charges were subsequently dropped.