Press Releases

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) participated in a Democratic Steering and Policy Committee hearing on “Expiring Unemployment Insurance: A Financial Cliff Facing 1.3 Million Americans.” Following are her prepared remarks:

“I’d like to thank you for holding this hearing today to bring attention to the coming expiration of unemployment benefits and the effects this program cut will have on working families.

Washington, DC – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed legislation that would allow an expansion of the Lower East Side (LES) Tenement Museum. Authored by Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), H.R. 1846, the "Lower East Side Tenement National Historic Site Amendments Act", would allow the museum's expansion at 103 Orchard Street, enabling the local landmark to better serve visitors.

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) delivered the following remarks on the House floor today in opposition to H.R. 3350, the latest Republican attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act:

“Mr. Speaker, let’s be clear about the bill before us today. This bill is not an attempt to help Americans keep their insurance plans. The President already announced a plan to help address that goal. Instead, this bill takes a meat cleaver approach – allowing insurance companies to market inadequate policies to new enrollees.

Washington, DC – The House Committee on Natural Resources today approved legislation to allow an expansion of the Lower East Side (LES) Tenement Museum. Authored by Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), H.R. 1846, the “Lower East Side Tenement National Historic Site Amendments Act”, would allow the museum’s expansion at 103 Orchard Street, enabling the local landmark to better serve visitors.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) spoke on the House floor today in opposition to H.R. 3102, Republican legislation that would cut the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Following are her remarks:

"Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the rule and this unconscionable legislation. Make no mistake -- if you support this bill you are voting to take food from the mouths of almost 4 million of our fellow citizens, next year.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding the twelve year anniversary of 9/11:

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding Syria:

"The use of chemical weapons by Syrian leaders is unconscionable, deplorable and must be condemned. However, just as I have forcefully opposed previous military actions, I oppose this one. Before the Administration takes further action, it must seek explicit Congressional authorization as prescribed under the War Powers Act."

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) delivered the following remarks during debate on Republican legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the bill before us today. Sadly, we find ourselves in another redundant and unproductive debate over the Affordable Care Act. The estimated cost of today’s vote is over $1 million – paid by hardworking taxpayers. But instead of focusing on jobs and economic growth, we are wasting time and money on denying health coverage to small businesses and their employees.