Media

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) voted against House Republicans’ budget. Velázquez spoke in opposition to the budget yesterday. Her floor statement is below:

“I rise in opposition to this ill-conceived budget. For working families, this budget could mean a tax hit of $2,000, making it harder for struggling New Yorkers to afford rent and put food on the table.

Washington, DC - Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding the election of Pope Francis:

“It is a source of pride to see the first election of a Pope from Latin America. Equally important, Pope Francis has a distinguished record of working to comfort and assist the poor, while personally leading a humble life inspired by Christ. Like all Catholics I am excited by his election and join in praying for him as he assumes his new role.”

Washington, DC – According to a report released today by Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), the Ranking Democrat on the House Committee on Small Business, New York City’s small businesses stand to lose $56 million as a result of the sequestration, which went into effect March 1st. For the City’s 150,000 small businesses, this would mean a shortfall in capital and credit, fewer federal contracts, and a drop-off in critical business assistance services.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) joined Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) today at a press conference regarding the impact of sequestration on women. Rep. Velázquez’s remarks focused on the impact of the sequester on women-owned small businesses. Below are the text of her remarks:

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today hailed passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The House approved the legislation after rejecting a Republican amendment that would have prevented members of the LGBT community and undocumented immigrants from receiving assistance.

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.