Press Releases
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.
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today unveiled legislation to provide public housing residents with training and certification needed to secure new jobs. The bill would help residents of public housing agencies, such as the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), to receive training in home healthcare and then assist them in securing employment with elderly or disabled individuals.
Washington, DC –Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement today announcing that she would vote in favor of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear program: