Media

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez joined other local officials and members of the business community today in announcing the commencement of renovation work on Federal Building #2 in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The former federal facility has sat dormant for years, but, thanks to a new public-private partnership, is being redeveloped into a light manufacturing and retail business space. Velázquez hailed the project as an important step that will result in greater local economic opportunity.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today announced new legislation that would expand employment options for Americans residing in public housing. The "Affordable Communities Employment Act" (ACE Act) would improve how public housing agencies use funds they receive from the federal government, maximizing employment for public housing residents. With the unemployment rate for public housing residents reaching 27% (according to the Community Service Society), Velázquez noted that the legislation would be vital in restoring prosperity to New York.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today introduced new legislation, H.R. 3161, that would help raise awareness about ovarian and cervical cancers. The “Ovarian Cervical Cancer Awareness Act of 2011,” would focus educational efforts for gynecological cancers on these two most deadly conditions, empowering women with information to help protect their health.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today introduced new legislation, H.R. 3114, which would provide disadvantaged youth with the opportunity to serve their communities and acquire valuable job skills. The bill, the “Civic Corps Jobs Act of 2011,” would reduce recidivism among juvenile offenders by empowering them to serve their communities and acquire training for use in a future career.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) delivered the following remarks today on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives regarding the official end of the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy:

"Mr. Speaker, two decades after its enactment, 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is finally no more. At last, gay men and women can now openly serve in our military, without having to hide who they are.

Washington, DC – Joined on the steps of City Hall by New York City advocacy groups, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today called on the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (or "Super Committee") to protect federal housing programs that provide thousands of New Yorkers with affordable housing, while creating economic opportunity throughout the country. At today's event, Velázquez announced she is sending a letter to her colleagues on the deficit panel, asking them to spare housing programs from draconian cuts.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today unveiled a new report detailing how the President's recently proposed "American Jobs Act" would boost job growth in New York City. Compiled from a range of data sources, the report finds New York City could gain 70,000 jobs through passage of the "American Jobs Act." Such a rise in employment would cut New York City's unemployment rate from the current 8.7 percent to 7 percent.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) delivered the following statement today during House floor debate on H.R. 2560 :

“As we debate how to avert the default crisis, we should acknowledge what got us into the current mess. The real reason that the United States faces this dilemma dates back to a series of irresponsible tax cuts. $2.5 trillion in tax giveaways -- that were unpaid for and went disproportionately to the wealthiest Americans -- put us on an unsustainable path.