Press Releases

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY-07) released the following statement following the New York City Council Land Use Committee’s vote on the Mayor’s Rezoning Plan for East New York:

“I am grateful to see that this plan has been revised from previous versions to take into account a number of concerns voiced by the local community. In March, I wrote the City Council to draw attention to several provisions in the plan that I felt needed correcting in order to protect tenants’ and working families’ interests.

Washington, DC – The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) changed its automated customer phone system today to offer Asian language options including Mandarin and Cantonese. The agency’s announcement comes a week after Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) wrote a letter to NYCHA asking that the system add these languages to its system.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY-07) has written the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) calling for improvements to the agency’s Customer Contact Center automated system. In her letter, Velázquez, who represents Manhattan’s Chinatown and Sunset Park, noted that the automated phone system does not sufficiently meet the needs of Asian-language speakers. The system provides audio instructions in English and in Spanish, while providing English language instructions for all other callers.

Washington, DC - Representatives Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY-7) and José E. Serrano (D-NY-15) issued the following statement regarding the public release of legislation affecting Puerto Rico:

"We thank Chairman Bishop for his efforts to draft legislation to address the financial crisis in Puerto Rico. We recognize this is a challenging process and that there are many stakeholders with different priorities. Our hope is that we can see our way through this and come together to give Puerto Rico a path forward.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding Purim 2016:

“Purim is one of the most joyous holidays observed by the Jewish people. In commemorating the story of Esther, it also celebrates the strength of the Jewish people who have survived so many challenges over the centuries.

Washington, DC – The House Committee on Small Business today approved two pieces of legislation aimed at helping entrepreneurs to succeed. The measures would strengthen and reform federal Entrepreneurial Development (ED) programs, which target training and technical counseling to business owners and prospective entrepreneurs. A second bill would reform the Small Business Innovation Reform (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, which bring R&D funding to small businesses. Rep. Nydia M.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding the President’s trip to Cuba:

“The President’s visit to Cuba is another historic step toward normalizing relations between our two countries. Engaging with Cuba in a manner that helps open the country economically and politically is long overdue and I applaud the President for moving U.S. policy in that direction.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY-07) released the following statement regarding news today that federal prosecutors are investigating elevated blood lead levels, in public housing and homeless shelters: