Press Releases
Measure Would Tax Guns, Clamp Down on Missing, Stolen Weapons
New York, NY –Flanked by other elected officials, advocacy groups and families impacted by gun violence, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today unveiled new legislation aimed at reducing the number of guns in circulation, bolstering anti-violence and mental health programs and addressing the issue of lost and stolen firearms.
"We are incredibly disturbed by the images depicted in a video that was recently released by El Grito De Sunset Park that depicts the use of excessive force by on-and-off-duty uniformed individuals--including some members of the New York City Police Department.
Washington, DC –The U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship today approved legislation to assist small businesses impacted by Hurricane Sandy. The bill, S. 1811, is largely based on a measure authored by Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) that was approved by the U.S. House in July. Both bills would make a number of improvements to the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) disaster lending initiative. Most notably, these measures would give firms impacted by Hurricane Sandy the opportunity to reapply for a disaster loan from the agency.
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today introduced legislation aimed at fueling local economic growth through the use of Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding. H.R. HR 3697, the "Section 3 Modernization and Improvement Act of 2015", would ensure that residents of public and HUD-assisted housing benefit from job opportunities created by federal housing funds.
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding a hearing being held today in the Senate Finance Committee on Puerto Rico’s economic crisis:
“Today’s hearing demonstrated that now is the time for the House to do right by 3.5 million American citizens and provide Puerto Rico with bankruptcy protection.”
As part of the United States, Puerto Rico deserves equal treatment – and Congress must stop treating the island’s residents like second-class citizens.”
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Bill Would Close Decades-Old Loophole Allowing Conflict of Interest
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) led nine of her colleagues from the New York City Congressional delegation in calling on the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to document how many residents are hired for jobs created through spending on Sandy reconstruction projects. In a letter to NYCHA Chair Shola Olatoye, Velázquez and her colleagues pressed the agency to begin documenting how many NYCHA residents are employed through Sandy spending.
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) made the following remarks regarding H.R. 3134, legislation debated today on the House floor that would defund Planned Parenthood:
"Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this brazen assault on women's health, which would harm lower income women around this nation.
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) led seven other Latino Members of Congress today in calling for the U.S. Department of Treasury to take a more active role in assisting Puerto Rico during the Commonwealth's financial crisis. In a letter to Treasury Secretary Lew, the lawmakers asked that Treasury engage with the Chairs of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees to push for passage of legislation extending Chapter 9 bankruptcy protections to Puerto Rico.
Washington, DC – Legislation introduced today by Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) would help small and emerging manufacturers access capital to grow their operations, fuel innovation and, ultimately create new, well-paying jobs. The "Scale Up Manufacturing Investment Company Act", H.R. 3468, would create a new initiative at the Small Business Administration (SBA), channeling investment capital to small manufacturing firms.