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Press Releases

January 9, 2015

Washington, DC – With the start of the 114th Congress, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has authored two new pieces of legislation aimed at helping New York’s small businesses thrive and grow. The measures, introduced on Tuesday, the first day of the new Congress, would give companies impacted by Sandy another chance to apply for assistance and improve local entrepreneurial development initiatives.


January 7, 2015

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.


January 6, 2015

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.


January 2, 2015

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding the regarding the passing of former Governor Mario Cuomo:


December 17, 2014

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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December 16, 2014

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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December 4, 2014

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.


December 3, 2014

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:


November 21, 2014

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) made the following comments regarding President Obama's immigration Executive Order announcement:


November 20, 2014

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.