Media

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement on the passing of Judge Juan R. Torruella of the U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals:

"Today, we lost a giant of our legal system, a trailblazer, a native son of San Juan, and a fierce defender of Puerto Rico. Judge Torruella has made Puerto Ricans living on the Island and on the Mainland proud through a distinguished career as the first Puerto Rican judge to serve on the U.S. First Circuit.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has sent a letter to the United States Postal Inspection Service's (USPIS) Chief Postal Inspector regarding an arrest this morning in Sunset Park. The incident has raised questions over the handling of the arrest including the level of force pursued and the heavy police presence in the immediate area.

BROOKLYN, NY – Today, Representatives Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) and Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07) each introduced legislation to honor Kenneth P. Thompson, who served as the District Attorney of Kings County, New York, from 2014 until his passing four years ago on October 9, 2016. The legislation would allow judges to expunge the records of more low-level drug offenders to provide a second chance to individuals and provide juvenal offenders the resources they need to reenter society successfully.

Washington, D.C.— Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), released the following statement in response to President Trump's announcement of the appointment of Justin Peterson to serve on the Financial Management and Oversight Board of Puerto Rico:

"Once again, the President is using his powers to undermine the interests of the people of Puerto Rico. Just weeks before the election, Trump has made an appointment that could impact the lives of Puerto Ricans for decades.

Washington, D.C.— Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, released data showing that small businesses in NY-7 have received over $1.6 billion in federal aid since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis. District businesses obtained funding through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Congress established both programs under the CARES Act to give small businesses the necessary capital to pay salaries and avoid closure.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), has introduced a bill to improve accessibility in public transportation. The bill, titled the Accessible Transit for All Act of 2020 (ATFA), creates a new grant program under the Department of Transportation. This grant program would, in turn, enable Public Transportation Agencies (PTAs) to improve their accessibility to individuals with limited mobility or related impairments. Under the program, eligible PTA projects include escalators, accessible ramps, and elevators in lieu of stairs.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has introduced legislation that would increase public awareness on the importance of reproductive cancer screening. The bill H.R. 8442, entitled the Ovarian and Cervical Cancer Awareness Act of 2020 intends to address two of the deadliest reproductive cancers women face and prioritize underserved women in our national gynecological health public awareness campaign.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), and three additional members of the New York City delegation are asking for a decision from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Highways Administration regarding the delayed Value Pricing Pilot Program (VPPP) application in New York State. The VPPP would generate revenue for the MTA by charging an additional fee for drivers who enter designated zones of high traffic in the city.