Media

Washington, DC – As the nation observes the 50th annual Small Business Week, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), the Ranking Democrat on the House Small Business Committee, has introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and helping small firms grow and succeed. Cosponsored by other Democratic Members of the Committee, the legislation tackles two areas critical to small business growth: access to capital and fairness in the federal marketplace.

Washington, DC – An amendment authored by Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N) to curb hazing in the United States Armed Forces was approved today by the U.S. House of Representatives. The measure, which passed as part of the Department of Defense Authorization bill, would create an oversight panel comprised of heads of the military branches, as well as advocates from the minority, women and LGBT communities.

Washington, DC – An amendment authored by Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY-07) to curb hazing in the United States Armed Forces will be debated today on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. The measure is aimed at preventing tragedies like the one that befell Danny Chen, a native of New York’s 7th Congressional District. Chen, an Army private, was beaten and harassed by members of his unit, before he died in Afghanistan in 2011.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) delivered the following statement on the House floor regarding sexual assault in the military and the National Defense Authorization Act:

Washington, DC – In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, the Small Business Administration (SBA) is approving fewer than 25 percent of loan applications for New York’s small businesses, leaving many without the resources they need to rebuild. More than six months after the storm, applicants are also facing significant delays related to loan processing, while those that have been approved are unable to fully draw on the funding they have been promised.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement marking Asian Pacific American Heritage Month:

"Those of us in New York City are especially aware of the valuable role that Asian Americans have played in strengthening our city, nation and local communities. As the Congressional Representative for Chinatown, I'm proud of the many contributions Asian Americans have made to our cultural and economic fabric.

Washington, DC– Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has introduced legislation, H.R. 1846 the “Lower East Side Tenement National Historic Site Amendments Act,” which would expand the LES Tenement Museum’s National Park Service (NPS) designation by including its second historic site at 103 Orchard Street. The Museum’s first historic building at 97 Orchard Street has already been declared a “National Park Service Affiliate Site” in 1998.

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez released the following statement regarding news that SUNY has withdrawn its proposal to close Long Island College Hospital: