Dear John xxxxxx,

A Message from Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez:

Greetings and warm wishes! As your elected representative, I’ve been hard at work this month addressing issues that impact the district. In Washington, I’ve been fighting for access to affordable housing, more resources for small businesses, and increased support for students in New York City.

I also spent extensive time in the district this month. I had the chance to host a range of events ranging from visits to local small businesses to hosting a community resource fair to connect New Yorkers with critical services. I also had the chance to award federal funds to local groups for community projects to increase access to vital social services.

It's an honor to represent you in Washington. Read more about what myself and my staff were working on in May:
 

In the House-
Committee Work

House Committee on Small Business

In May, the House Small Business Committee, on which I serve as Ranking Member, held hearings focused on oversight of key Small Business Administration lending programs, creating more contracting opportunities for small businesses, and providing more support for veteran entrepreneurs.

House Committee on Financial Services 

During the Committee‘s hearings last month, I called for new regulations to curb excessive executive compensation, looked for ways to increase access to affordable housing, and conducted oversight of lenders in the wake of recent bank failures. 

House Committee on Natural Resources

Last month, I worked to defend key agencies from budget cuts that would harm their ability to increase renewable energy development on our public lands. 

Legislation

In May, I was proud to introduce the following pieces of legislation:

-H.R.3390- the Report on Grant Consolidation Authority for Puerto Rico Act, requires a study on the suitability of grant consolidation for Puerto Rico’s overburdened public sector.

-H.R. 3276- the Healthy Future Students and Earth Pilot Program Act, creates a voluntary grant program for school districts to help schools provide healthier, climate-friendly, and culturally appropriate plant-based entrée options to students.

I was also proud to serve as an original cosponsor on the Medicare for All Act of 2023.

Letters

-On May 9th, I joined a letter calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to empower lenders to drive clean energy investment in underserved communities. 

-On May 10th, I led 23 Members of Congress in a letter to the United State Department of Agriculture, urging the agency to work with schools to facilitate plant-forward menus featuring nutritious, climate-friendly, and culturally appropriate options.

-On May 25th, I wrote to Mayor Adams and NYC Department of Education Chancellor David Banks, expressing concerns regarding delayed payments to city-contracted early childhood education programs.

On the House Floor

In May, I spoke out against H.R. 2, a cruel, extreme, and xenophobic immigration bill that would exacerbate suffering at the southern border. Later in the month, I spoke on the devastating consequences of a debt default and the need to responsibly raise the debt ceiling.  

Congresswoman Velázquez Calls for Responsibly Raising the Debt Ceiling

Addressing the Debt Ceiling

On May 31st, the House voted to pass the Fiscal Responsibility Act, a deal negotiated by the White House and House Republicans to raise the debt ceiling. I thought it is important to explain my position on the bill, given the implications of the legislation on our district and country at large. Let’s be clear about how we got here; Republicans took our country to the brink of default to exact devastating budget cuts. President Biden kept Republican’s cruelest policies out of the final bill, but I still believe this was a bad deal for working families in Brooklyn and Queens. At a time when many are struggling, it’s unconscionable for Congress to pass legislation that makes it harder for people to access vital programs like SNAP and TANF for food and housing. The bill also includes problematic environmental measures that make it easier for fossil fuel companies to pollute our planet. Congress fulfilling its constitutional duty to raise the debt ceiling should never come at the expense of working people. That’s why I could not support this bill in good conscience.    


In the District-
Celebrating Small Business Week

During the first week of May, our nation celebrated National Small Business Week. Small business week is a time to celebrate the small firms that make up the backbone of our economy in NY-7 and the nation. To mark the occasion, I visited multiple small businesses throughout Brooklyn and Queens.    

I also presented a check for $750,000 in Community Project Funding to Evergreen Exchange and Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development. The funding will expand both organizations’ capacity to offer entrepreneurial development training and help businesses hire working-class Brooklyn residents. 
 

Congresswoman Velázquez presents a check to Evergreen and SBIDC

Delivering for Brooklyn and Queens 

On May 3rd, I presented a check for $1.2M in joint Community Project Funding to the United Jewish Organization of Williamsburg and the Henry Street Settlement. The funding will support both organizations as they work to expand vital social services offerings to communities across New York City.   

Congresswoman Velázquez presents funding to the United Jewish Organization of Williamsburg and the Henry Street Settlement.

Cleaning up Newtown Creek

On May 5th, I hosted a discussion with other local elected officials and the Newtown Creek Community Advisory Group Steering Committee to discuss ongoing efforts to clean up the Newtown Creek Superfund. Newtown Creek is one of the most polluted bodies of water in the country, and residents of surrounding neighborhoods have long had to bear the brunt of this pollution on public and environmental health. Our communities deserve better. That’s why I’m working with my colleagues to expedite the timeline for superfund cleanup.
 

Congresswoman Velázquez leads community discussion about Newtown Creek cleanup. 


Grand Opening in Sunnyside

On May 19th, I welcomed constituents to celebrate the grand opening of my new district office in Sunnyside. I am incredibly excited about this new district office and hope it will improve our constituent services in Western Queens.

My office is always available to assist you with your issues, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Congresswoman Velázquez celebrates the opening of her new office in Sunnyside.  

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez

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