Press Releases

Washington, DC – The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business today approved legislation authored by Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) to reform 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) today called on President Obama to release Oscar Lopez Rivera, a Puerto Rican nationalist who has been imprisoned for 34 years. On Saturday, thousands of supporters plan to rally in New York, demanding that the Department of Justice grant Lopez clemency and release him immediately.

"Oscar long ago paid his debt to society. He is not a terrorist and he didn't harm anyone," Velázquez said. "After 34 years, it is long past the time to release Oscar and allow him to return to his home, his family and community."

Washington, DC – On Thursday, May 28th at 7:00 p.m., Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) will host a public community meeting on changes to the National Flood Insurance Program. The discussion will focus on new preliminary flood insurance rate maps recently released by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Velázquez will be joined at the event by representatives from FEMA, the Mayor's office, other community groups and elected officials.

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today wrote the Department of Labor regarding wage abuses in the nail salon industry. The text of the letter is below.

Administrator David Weil
Wage and Hour Division
U.S. Department of Labor
Frances Perkins Building
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20210

Dear Administrator Weil:

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement marking Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month:

Washington, DC – On Wednesday, May 6th at 6:00 p.m.,Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) will host a workshop to help small businesses access capital.

Velázquez will be joined at the event by a range of community groups and small business lenders who can offer insight on programs available to assist New York firms seeking financing.

WHO:

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) wrote to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding Superstorm Sandy and the National Flood Insurance Program. Below is the text of the letter:

April 6, 2015

Craig Fugate
Administrator
FEMA
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Administrator Fugate:

Washington, DC – At a City Hall press conference today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released a report detailing how House Republicans’ budget would impact New York City. Being voted on this week, the budget outlines spending priorities for the next 10 years. Velázquez’s report found that the document would slash funding for New York City by $13.4 billion, reducing services and impacting a wide range of programs that affect housing, transportation, healthcare and education.