Press Releases

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) spoke on the floor of the House today regarding legislation to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. Velázquez criticized the House amendment to the bill for weakening the legislation and failing to protect all victims equally. Following are Velázquez's remarks:

"Mr. Speaker, twice in two decades Members of both parties crossed party lines to reauthorize the 'Violence Against Women Act.' Yet, this week, we are considering a partisan bill that excludes some victims based on sexual orientation or immigration status.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez released the following statement in reaction to the President’s State of the Union speech tonight:

“Tonight, President Obama laid out a bold vision for making our nation stronger, safer and more prosperous. As he said, it is critical that we renew the agreement that served this nation well for so long by promising economic security for those who work hard and play by the rules.

Washington, DC – As a potentially historic storm bears down on New York City, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) urged residents to prepare:

"If Sandy taught us anything, it is the importance of preparing for extreme weather. I urge all New Yorkers to take prudent steps that will ensure they can ride the blizzard out safely. Equally important, we must all watch out for one another. In that regard, we should all check on our neighbors and ensure they have what they need, especially if they are elderly.

Washington, DC – President Obama signed into law a $50 billion aid package for states impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) praised the enactment of the bill, saying the funds were necessary to facilitate New York City's recovery.

"This measure is badly needed," Velázquez said. "These funds will help our small businesses recover from economic damage, rebuild our transportation system and assist struggling homeowners and residents who have borne the brunt of this catastrophe."

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement regarding the President’s second term:

“The re-election and second inauguration of President Obama provides us with great opportunity to address many of the challenges facing New Yorkers. By working together, I am confident we can improve health care for working families, reduce gun violence in our communities, accelerate our economic recovery and create well-paying jobs.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez released the following statement regarding the President’s new initiative to reduce gun violence. Velázquez also spoke today at a Democratic Steering and Policy Committee on the topic.

“For those of us in New York’s 7th Congressional district, the tragedy of gun violence recently hit home with the death of Raphael Ward, a sixteen year old boy who was fatally shot in the Lower East Side.

Washington, DC –New Yorkers affected by Hurricane Sandy will soon receive badly needed resources from the federal government as last night the House of Representatives approved $9.7 billion in relief funding. Included with these resources were two policy initiatives advocated by Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY).

Washington, DC –Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) delivered the following remarks today on the House floor, calling for an extension of unemployment insurance benefits:

"Mr. Speaker, because of the House Republican Leadership's inaction, three days after Christmas, 127,000 New Yorkers were cut off from their jobless benefits. Every week in 2014, another 5,100 working families in New York lose unemployment compensation. These families are struggling to make ends meet and put food on the table.