Media

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding Asian Pacific American Month, which is observed in May:

“Those of us from New York City know that our diversity is our strength -- and Asian Americans are an important part of our nation’s beautiful cultural tapestry.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement regarding news reports of a brutal attack in Chinatown in which, according to media reports, a restaurant owner was beaten after defending a waitress:

"Like the rest of our community, I am shocked and saddened by this horrifying attack. Our City must speak as one in condemning violent acts like these. I urge the authorities to fully investigate and prosecute this unprovoked act of violence, including determining whether prejudice played a role and if this would therefore qualify as a hate crime."

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today applauded new Department of Justice rules providing greater oversight on investigations related to national security. The new rules come after several high profile cases in which Chinese American scientists were wrongfully accused of espionage. Those charges were subsequently dropped.

Washington - Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez released the following statement regarding lower estimates for funding for Red Hook Flood Protection:

Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding the Passover Holiday:

“To all my friends and neighbors observing Passover, I want to wish a Zeesen Pesach and a joyous celebration with family and friends.

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY-07) released the following statement following the New York City Council Land Use Committee’s vote on the Mayor’s Rezoning Plan for East New York:

“I am grateful to see that this plan has been revised from previous versions to take into account a number of concerns voiced by the local community. In March, I wrote the City Council to draw attention to several provisions in the plan that I felt needed correcting in order to protect tenants’ and working families’ interests.

Washington, DC – The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) changed its automated customer phone system today to offer Asian language options including Mandarin and Cantonese. The agency’s announcement comes a week after Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) wrote a letter to NYCHA asking that the system add these languages to its system.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY-07) has written the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) calling for improvements to the agency’s Customer Contact Center automated system. In her letter, Velázquez, who represents Manhattan’s Chinatown and Sunset Park, noted that the automated phone system does not sufficiently meet the needs of Asian-language speakers. The system provides audio instructions in English and in Spanish, while providing English language instructions for all other callers.