Media

Washington, DC – The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) today released their “Congressional Scorecard”, which rates members of Congress’ voting records on key issues for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community. Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) received a “100%” rating from the organization, underscoring her ongoing support for equality for all Americans.

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today wrote to the leadership of FOX News Channel decrying a recent segment that demeaned Asian Americans. Velázquez’s district includes Chinatown, where the piece was filmed. The text of the letter is below.

October 6, 2016

Mr. Jack Abernethy and Mr. Bill Shine
Co-Presidents
FOX News Channel
1211 Avenue of the Americas
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10036

Dear Mr. Abernethy and Mr. Shine:

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez has written the Richmond Police Department regarding the death of Mr. Quan Zheng, a 34-year-old Chinese American who recently relocated from New York City to Chesterfield County, Virginia. Many in New York’s Asian community have suggested that Mr. Zheng may have been attacked due to his ethnicity and some have linked the crime to a popular hip-hop song that encourages the targeting of Chinese homes for burglary.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding Rosh Hashanah:

“For New York’s Jewish families and throughout the world, I wish a very happy and peaceful New Year. Rosh Hashanah is a time for worship and celebration. It is also when we, as New Yorkers, reflect on the countless contributions that our Jewish community has made to our City and our nation. To all my friends and neighbors I say ‘Shana Tova.’”

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Washington, DC – With student loan debt mounting nationally, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today announced legislation that would assist college graduates who launch their own businesses with deferment options and forgiveness on most federally subsidized student loans. Her bill, H.R. 6197, the “Supporting America’s Young Entrepreneurs Act,” aims to foster business creation by removing one hurdle preventing graduates from launching their own ventures – the rising costs of securing a college degree.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today unveiled new legislation (H.R. 6181) aimed at helping fund transportation alternatives when major transit arteries are closed or delayed due to infrastructure upgrades. The legislation, the “Increase Transportation Alternatives Investment Program,” could help expand choices for New York commuters who currently rely on the L and M trains, both of which are expected to close in the near future for extensive repairs.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today denounced a widely circulated video on YouTube titled, “Meet the Flockers”, which encourages the robbing of Chinese Americans. The lyrics of the song specifically suggest targeting Chinese American homes for burglary, while the video shows three individuals breaking into a house and stealing valuables.

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today made the following extension of remarks in the U.S. House regarding the Voting Rights Act:

“I thank my friend for yielding and hosting this discussion.

“It’s ironic that, as a country, we consistently advocate for other countries to support democratic traditions and institutions -- and empower their citizens.

“Sadly, because of the Shelby decision, we are not living up to our own standards.