Media

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement on the resignation of Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello:

"We should be clear – it is the people of Puerto Rico who exercised their will to achieve this outcome and hold their own government accountable. Now that this step has been taken, it is my hope that the Island can at long last turn the page and the American citizens living there will finally be treated with the fairness and decency they deserve.

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has introduced legislation aimed at providing crucial health benefits for veterans injured while fighting for our country. Specifically, the legislation would help veterans suffering from tinnitus or hearing loss obtain medical care through the Veterans Administration (VA).

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) commented today on the situation in Puerto Rico:

"I have thought long and hard on the crisis of governance in Puerto Rico, both as a Puerto Rican woman and as a U.S. Member of Congress. I have a profound respect both for the institutions of democracy and for the sovereignty of the Island's people.

"I have long held – and continue to believe - that the Governor should be held accountable by the people of Puerto Rico and that they must exercise their power in determining the path forward.

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has authored legislation to ban Paraquat, a toxic herbicide currently used in the United States. A wealth of scientific evidence has linked the chemical to Parkinson's disease, thyroid conditions, respiratory problems and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), one small sip of Paraquat can be fatal to humans and there is no antidote. The herbicide's toxicity has raised concerns about its exposure to humans, particularly agriculture workers.

The New York City Emergency Management and the Health Department have advised New Yorkers to prepare for extreme heat. According to the National Weather Service, the heat streak will continue through the weekend and reach temperatures above 100 degrees. People at risk are those who do not have access to air condition and who have chronic medical conditions, take certain medicines that affect body temperature, have limited mobility or are unable to leave their homes, are obese, and/or misuse alcohol or drugs.

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding news that Hector Figueroa had passed:

"I was truly heartbroken to hear of Hector's passing. Hector was a giant in the labor movement, a tireless voice for the people of Puerto Rico and a passionate advocate for working people everywhere. To me, he was a dear friend, an inspiration and a personified reminder of why we fight. I counted on Hector for wise advice and counsel from my earliest days in New York politics.

The Trump Administration has threatened to conduct deportation raids of immigrants on Sunday, July 14th. Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) wants to make sure New York's immigrant communities are aware of their rights.

To learn you rights with ICE in English, click here.

To learn your rights with ICE in Spanish (Español), click here.

Washington, DC – As the Trump Administration continues threatening immigration raids and mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) is working to prohibit immigration officers from wearing any clothing bearing the word "police". Her bill, H.R. 3498 would apply to entities like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP).