Media

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.) expressed her strong objections to H.R. 900, the “Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2007,” which was passed by the House Natural Resources Committee. Puerto Rico needed today a bill that reflected cooperation and compromise between stakeholders, but today’s bill failed to meet that simple goal.

NEW YORK – Today, Representatives Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.) and Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y) discussed the findings of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) study of Newtown Creek, the site of the nation’s largest oil spill. The independent study – the most comprehensive assessment of the area to date – was designed to analyze the recovery process and the health affects on the surrounding area. However, the report failed to address many of the specific health concerns of neighborhood residents, such as the respiratory affects on children.

NEW YORK – Yesterday, Governor Elliot Spitzer signed into law legislation to increase shelter allowance parity between Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and private landlords. This important legislation will increase public housing funding by tens of millions of dollars annually once the measures are fully phased in, helping the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) address its budget deficits and improve public housing in the City.

NEW YORK – Today Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez announced that she secured $2.6 million in federal funding for area medical centers, environmental projects, revitalization efforts, educational and youth programs. The funding was secured in the FY 2008 appropriations bills, which passed through the House of Representatives in July.

August 9, 2007

Steven C. Preston
Administrator
Small Business Administration
409 Third Street, S.W. Suite 7000
Washington D.C., 20416

Dear Administrator Preston:

NEW YORK – With the country moving into the fifth year of the conflict in Iraq and Americans, particularly New Yorkers, becoming increasingly frustrated with a war that has no end in sight, new legislation was introduced to end the fighting. Even while the American death toll nears 4,000 – including over 150 from New York – the Bush Administration continues to refuse to listen to calls for a withdrawal. Today, Congresswoman Nydia M.

NEW YORK – Last evening, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1851 The Section 8 Housing Voucher Reform Act, which included an amendment introduced by Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.). The measure promotes greater safety for survivors of domestic violence, by providing security against eviction resulting from domestic disturbances, and improved confidentiality for the abused. Domestic violence is a major problem across the country, with 71 family related deaths in New York City alone last year.

NEW YORK – Yesterday, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.) joined Members of Congress to pass H.R. 2669, the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007. The bill will provide the single largest investment in higher education since the GI bill, which was signed into law in 1944. The legislation allows for significant investments in minority communities, for students and their families