Press Releases
Washington, DC – An important Small Business Administration (SBA) lending program is likely to meet its statutory lending cap in the next few weeks, meaning American entrepreneurs seeking capital to grow their operations will be turned away, costing the U.S. economy significant job growth. Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), the Ranking Democrat of the House Committee on Small Business, introduced legislation (H.R. 3132) today that would raise the cap, allowing the initiative to continue functioning and helping meet small firms’ financing needs.
Washington, DC – The U.S. House of Representatives today approved legislation authored by Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) to improve the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) disaster lending initiative. Among other changes, the bill, H.R. 208, “The Superstorm Sandy Relief Act” 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) delivered the following remarks today at a hearing of the House Small Business Committee, titled, "The Calm Before the Storm: Oversight of SBA's Disaster Loan Program":
"Natural disasters profoundly disrupt our lives and affect tens of thousands of households every year. These unanticipated events leave families and small businesses facing significant costs when rebuilding.
Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) wrote the following letter to the President today regarding Puerto Rico’s debt crisis:
July 6, 2015
The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
Dear Mr. President:
Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) made the following statement regarding the Puerto Rico fiscal crisis:
"Since taking office, Governor García Padilla has worked tirelessly to address the Commonwealth's fiscal crisis – focusing on its immediate needs as well as its deep-seated roots.
Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) made the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling on same-sex marriage:
“Today’s ruling is a monumental step forward not only for the LGBTQ community, but for all Americans. The Court has unequivocally recognized the constitutional right of Americans to marry the person they love regardless of sexual orientation.
Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) commented today on a hearing being held in the U.S. House Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs titled “Examining procedures regarding Puerto Rico’s political status and economic outlook.” The Congresswoman noted that by focusing on the issue of Puerto Rico’s political status, the hearing would likely fail to make progress in addressing significant economic, health and environmental issues facing the island.
Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) made the following statement regarding the Supreme Court's ruling upholding the Affordable Care Act:
Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) delivered the following remarks today on the House floor in opposition to "Fast Track" trade legislation:
"Mr. Speaker, once again we are being asked to vote for an agreement that will cost jobs, undermine environmental protections and erode workers' rights -- all in the name of so-called "Free Trade."
Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today released the following statement regarding a photograph that ran in the New York Daily News’ coverage of the Puerto Rican Day Parade, which showed exposed women with the headline “Rear View on Parade”:
“The New York Daily News owes a sincere apology to New York’s Puerto Rican community for this offensive coverage, which misrepresented and mischaracterized the parade.