Media

Washington, D.C. –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has authored legislation, the Blast Exposure Protection Act, to extend health care benefits to veterans who suffered blast injuries and hearing impairment while in the line of duty, helping close a gap in our medical care system for those who served in conflicts abroad.

"Our veterans risk their lives for the rest of us," said Velázquez. "We must honor their service with not just lip service, but tangible actions. Congress must work to ensure our veterans receive the care they deserve."

Mother of Recently Deceased Vieques Girl to Attend Speech

Washington, DC – Led by Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), thirteen Members of Congress have written the Fiscal Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico, calling for it to amend the fiscal plan for the Island's Power Authority. Citing the earthquakes that struck Puerto Rico in late December and earlier this month, the lawmakers contend that the Puerto Rico Electrical Power Authority's Fiscal Plan needs to be changed to take into account lost capacity and the economic affects of the earthquakes.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding news reports that the Trump Administration would lift a hold on long delayed disaster relief funds for Puerto Rico from the Department of Housing and Urban Development:

"While it is a welcome development that the Administration has released its hold on these funds, this step is inexcusably overdue. Congress approved this disaster relief almost two years ago and these ongoing delays speak to the Administration's disdain for the people of Puerto Rico.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) have led more than forty Members of Congress in calling for a meeting with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in light of the agency's ongoing refusal to release previously approved disaster relief funds. The letter notes that following earthquakes that struck Puerto Rico last week and over the weekend, the Island needs all the help it can get. However, HUD has refused to release funds that Congress approved as early as 2018 in response to Hurricane Maria.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) made the following remarks in advance of today's vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on the War Powers Act Resolution:

"This Administration's impulsive and reckless behavior has made our nation and the men and women of our armed forces less safe. It has heightened the risk of a conflict in the Middle East and it has jeopardized our relationship with our allies – both in the region and around the world.

Washington, DC -- With earthquakes causing significant physical damage to Puerto Rico and widespread power outages, Members of Congress today wrote the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Ben Carson, urging the agency to release previously approved funds that Congress provided in response to Hurricanes Irma and Maria.