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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.
Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today spoke on the House floor in opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade deal that could come before Congress by the end of the year. Video of her speech can be accessed here and below are her remarks as prepared for delivery.
Trans Pacific Partnership Floor Statement
September 21, 2016
Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today called on Governor Cuomo to help small businesses impacted by the Chelsea explosion. Under federal law, a state’s governor can certify that businesses have suffered economic harm from a disaster, which then allows small businesses, homeowners and renters to apply for emergency loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). In a letter to Cuomo, Velázquez called for the Governor to exercise this option.
With synthetic marijuana a growing concern in New York City, Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-Brooklyn) wants Congress to move on legislation making it easier for the government to crack down on its sale.
After a summer scare where more than 130 New Yorkers were treated for overdoses of the drug in less than a month, Velazquez wants the federal government to do more research into the drug, and spend more money to warn people of its dangers.
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today led Members of the New York City Congressional delegation in unveiling a new legislative effort to combat the rise of synthetic marijuana. Her bill, the “Synthetic Drug Overdose Prevention and Education Act” (SDOPEA), would begin using federal resources to educate the public about the dangers of these substances. The bill comes after a number of individuals overdosed on the drug earlier this summer.