Press Releases
Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) joined colleagues today in introducing legislation to restore the rights of all legally married couples, including same-sex couples, ensuring they receive all benefits of marriage under federal law. The bill, the Respect for Marriage Act (RMA), would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, a discriminatory law Congress passed in 1996.
Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) joined colleagues today in introducing legislation to restore the rights of all legally married couples, including same-sex couples, ensuring they receive all benefits of marriage under federal law. The bill, the Respect for Marriage Act (RMA), would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, a discriminatory law Congress passed in 1996.
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding the regarding the passing of former Governor Mario Cuomo:
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding the announcement today that the President is charting a new course in U.S.-Cuba relations:
"The President's announcement is an important step in the right direction and I strongly commend him for adopting this new approach. It is my hope that these steps will help lead to a freer, more prosperous Cuba."
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Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding the beginning of Hanukkah:
"As the sun goes down tonight and Hanukkah begins, I wish all my neighbors joy and smiles during this year’s festival of lights.”
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Washington, DC – The U.S. House of Representatives today approved legislation authored by Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez that would help women-owned businesses secure federal contracts. The “Women's Procurement Program Equalization Act” passed the House as part of the Fiscal Year 2015 Defense Authorization bill on Thursday.
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) made the following remarks regarding news that a Grand Jury in New York had failed to make an indictment in the Eric Garner case:
Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) made the following comments regarding President Obama's immigration Executive Order announcement:
Washington, DC – The House Democratic Caucus today named Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Small Business. The Committee has jurisdiction over the Small Business Administration (SBA) as well as government procurement policy. Velázquez pledged to continue working to expand economic opportunity, by unlocking capital for entrepreneurs, enhancing technical assistance and other initiatives and fighting to ensure small firms receive their fair share of federal contracts.
New York, NY – Today, the GAO released a report requested by Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) on the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) response to Hurricane Sandy. The GAO found that SBA was unprepared for the significant number of applications it received after Sandy and as a result, many small businesses faced substantial delays for assistance.
“We all remember what it was like right after Sandy and businesses required immediate help,” Velázquez stated. “They needed financial assistance in days, not months.”