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Washington, DC – The House Committee on Small Business today approved two pieces of legislation aimed at helping entrepreneurs to succeed. The measures would strengthen and reform federal Entrepreneurial Development (ED) programs, which target training and technical counseling to business owners and prospective entrepreneurs. A second bill would reform the Small Business Innovation Reform (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, which bring R&D funding to small businesses. Rep. Nydia M.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding the President’s trip to Cuba:

“The President’s visit to Cuba is another historic step toward normalizing relations between our two countries. Engaging with Cuba in a manner that helps open the country economically and politically is long overdue and I applaud the President for moving U.S. policy in that direction.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY-07) released the following statement regarding news today that federal prosecutors are investigating elevated blood lead levels, in public housing and homeless shelters:

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez today led members of the New York City Congressional delegation in writing to Congressional appropriators calling for additional funds for the maintenance and operation of public housing. The letter comes as it was reported in New York City that some New York City Housing Authority residents may be exhibiting elevated lead in their blood stream.

The text of the letter is below.

March 17, 2016

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY-07) released the following statement regarding attacks that took place in Israel on Tuesday:

"Acts of violence like these are an affront to all of us and we must be unified in condemning them. I previously joined my House colleagues in calling on the Palestinian Authority to repudiate attacks like these and take concrete steps to prevent future violence. Today, I repeat that call.

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY-07) has written to Silvershore Properties, a real estate company, calling for information on treatment of tenants at one of the firm’s Ridgewood properties.

Velázquez’s office received reports from tenants that the company had allowed the property to fall into disrepair, potentially jeopardizing eligibility for some of the units in the “Section 8” program, which provides a housing voucher for lower income residents.

Washington, DC – A prominent national environmental advocacy group has given Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) a 100% rating on her voting record for 2015. The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) released their annual voting scorecard, which gauges lawmakers support for environmental causes.

“I’m proud of my record of voting to preserve our planet and protect healthier communities,” Velázquez said. “The League of Conservation Voters is one of our nation’s most vocal environmental advocates and their rating of my voting record reflects my commitment on these issues.”

Washington, DC –The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business today convened a field hearing in New York City. The purpose of the hearing was to provide small manufacturers with a forum to testify on their experiences and challenges doing business in New York City. Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), the top Democrat on the Committee, said the hearing helped highlight a manufacturing revival underway in New York City.