Velázquez E-Update 

In this issue:
Protecting the Health of New Yorkers
Combating Attacks on Constitutional Rights
Supporting Clean, Reliable Energy in Puerto Rico
Protecting Consumers and Small Businesses
Legislative Activity


Protecting the Health of New Yorkers

As part of her ongoing work to protect critical health care programs, Congresswoman Velázquez led 33 House Democrats in demanding answers about the closure of regional offices for the Department of Health and Human Services’ Head Start program. Head Start serves over 700,000 children nationwide, providing early education and support services they might not otherwise receive.

While Congress was in recess, Congresswoman Velázquez held a press conference with the Bushwick community to defend health care and essential services. She led local leaders and neighbors to speak out about the importance of protecting Social Security. Knowing how vital these benefits are to families in her district, the Congresswoman is dedicated to fighting tooth and nail to safeguard them.

She also joined Congresswomen Ayanna Pressley and Shontel Brown in urging the Food and Drug Administration to provide updates on its progress toward banning formaldehyde in hair products. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that poses serious health risks, especially for women and particularly women of color. Congresswoman Velázquez remains committed to protecting women’s health and addressing the gaps that continue to put lives at risk.

Congresswoman Velázquez Holds a Press Conference to Stand Against Harmful Cuts to Social Security

Combating Attacks on Constitutional Rights

Like many of her constituents, the Congresswoman is deeply concerned about recent attacks on constitutionally protected rights. In response to unprecedented actions by the Trump administration, she sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio requesting the legal justification for the transfer of individuals to El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center.

The Congresswoman also joined Congresswoman Delia Ramirez at a press conference in Washington calling out policies that affect our communities implemented by the Department of Homeland Security, citing repeated violations of the rule of law and constitutional rights. Congresswoman Velázquez is listening to the concerns of her constituents and remains committed to using every available tool to push back against the attacks on the fundamental rights guaranteed to all people in this country.

Congresswoman Velázquez Joins Lawmakers and Jennifer Vasquez Sura in Demanding the Return of Kilmar Abrego García from El Salvador


Supporting Clean, Reliable Energy in Puerto Rico

With hurricane season approaching, Congresswoman Velázquez led colleagues in urging the Department of Energy to speed up solar energy installations through the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund. Reliable access to electricity is critical for the island, where severe power outages are common—especially during storms.

As a senior member of the Financial Services Committee, Congresswoman Velázquez has been a strong advocate for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. She pushed back against conservatives’ efforts to slash its funding and made clear that the agency needs the resources to keep protecting working families from fraud, abuse, and predatory practices.

As conservatives on the House Small Business Committee advanced a series of bills without holding hearings or inviting testimony, Congresswoman Velázquez raised concerns about the lack of transparency and oversight. She called for greater accountability from the Small Business Administration and offered proposals to strengthen protections for borrowers and ensure small firms have the support they need.

Legislative Activity

Congresswoman Velázquez introduced the Fair Taxation of Digital Assets in Puerto Rico Act of 2025, a bill designed to close loopholes that allow digital asset holders to exploit the island’s tax laws. By ending Puerto Rico’s status as a tax haven for crypto investors, the legislation would ensure that more revenue stays on the island and benefits the people who live there.

Congresswoman Velázquez introduced H.R. 2804, the Protecting Small Business Competitions Act, to codify a key requirement that ensures small businesses can compete for government contracts.

In addition, she put forward a resolution recognizing the contributions of Young Audiences Arts for Learning in promoting arts education and highlighting the positive impact of the arts on youth development.