Nydia Velázquez

Nydia Velazquez

Nydia Margarita Velasquez is a far left Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, representing the 12th district of New York.

About

Congresswoman Velázquez is currently serving her tenth term in Congress. In the 112th Congress, she is the Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee and a senior member of the Financial Services Committee.

In 1992, she was the first Puerto Rican woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. In February 1998, she was named Ranking Democratic Member of the House Small Business Committee, making her the first Hispanic woman to serve as Ranking Member of a full House committee. Most recently, in 2006, she was named Chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, making her the first Latina to chair a full Congressional committee.

Velazquez is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Background

Velázquez was born in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico - a small town of sugar-cane fields - in 1953, and was one of nine children. Velázquez started school early, skipped several grades, and became the first person in her family to receive a college diploma. At the age of 16, she entered the University of Puerto Rico in Rio Piedras. She graduated magna cum laude in 1974 with a degree in political science. After earning a master’s degree on scholarship from N.Y.U., Velázquez taught Puerto Rican studies at CUNY’s Hunter College in 1981.

Puerto Rican official

Nydia Velasquez served as an official in the Rafael Hernández Colón, Popular Democratic Party administration.

Politics

In 1983, Velázquez was appointed Special Assistant to Congressman Edolphus Towns (D-Brooklyn). One year later, she became the first Latina appointed to serve on the New York City Council.

By 1986, Velázquez served as the Director of the Department of Puerto Rican Community Affairs in the United States. During that time, she initiated one of the most successful Latino empowerment programs in the nation’s history - "Atrevete" (Dare to Go for It!).

In 1992, after months of running a grassroots political campaign, Velázquez was elected to the House of Representatives to represent New York's 12th District. Her district, which encompasses parts of Brooklyn, Queens and the Lower East Side of Manhattan, is the only tri-borough district in the New York City congressional delegation. Encompassing many diverse neighborhoods, it is home to a large Latino population, with pockets of Polish communities, and parts of Chinatown.

JStreet PAC endorsement

In 2024 JStreet PAC endorsed Nydia Velázquez.

Ceasefire Now Resolution

From an article from The Intercept regarding the Hamas-empowering Ceasefire Now Resolution dated October 20, 2023 by Ryan Grim:

Washington, D.C. (October 16, 2023) — Today, Representatives Cori Bush (MO-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Andre Carson (IN-07), Summer Lee (PA-12), and Delia Ramirez (IL-03), alongside Representatives Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Chuy Garcia (IL-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), and Nydia Velazquez (NY-07) announced a resolution urging the Biden Administration to call for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Israel and occupied Palestine, to send humanitarian aid and assistance to Gaza, and to save as many lives as possible.

Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Maxwell Frost, and Greg Casar joined a few days later.

PSOL Meets with American Members of Congress

Fernanda Melchionna Facebook Post Dated August 14, 2023 (L-R) Taliria Petrone, Nydia Velazquez, Celia Xakriaba, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Samia Bomfim and Fernanda Melchionna

On August 14, 2023, Fernanda Melchionna posted an image with Nydia Velazquez, Celia Xakriaba, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Taliria Petrone on Facebook:

"Very important the support of the US congressman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in defending our mandates. Preliminary reports of the representations against left-wing MPs begin reading on Wednesday at the Ethics Council. Ocasio-Cortez is in Brazil with a delegation of American congressmen who today participated in a technical meeting at the Commission of the Amazon and Native Peoples. She spoke about the need to defeat the extreme right in the world, including defending feminist, left-wing and fighting mandates."

It was reported at The Nation on August 22, 2023 in an article titled "AOC and Democratic Colleagues Learn Lessons From Latin-America’s Resurgent Left" that the tour included Brazil, Chile, and Colombia. Representatives Ocasio-Cortez and Nydia Velazquez of New York, Joaquin Castro and Greg Casar of Texas, and Maxwell Frost of Florida, along with Senator Bernie Sanders’s chief of staff, Misty Rebik. The trip was sponsored by the Center for Economic and Policy Research.

Resolution condemning socialism

February 2, 2023 House Republicans moved a Resolution condemning socialism and certain dictators.

The Resolution began:

Whereas socialist ideology necessitates a concentration of power that has time and time again collapsed into Communist regimes, totalitarian rule, and brutal dictatorships;

Whereas socialism has repeatedly led to famine and mass murders, and the killing of over 100,000,000 people worldwide;

Whereas many of the greatest crimes in history were committed by socialist ideologues, including Vladimir Lenin, Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, Fidel Castro, Pol Pot, Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Un, Daniel Ortega, Hugo Chavez, and Nicolás Maduro;

Eighty six Democrats voted no. Fourteen voted "present" and six didn't vote.

Representative Nydia Velázquez voted "Nay".

No to China committee

Sixty-five Democrats in the House of Representatives voted on Tuesday January 10, 2022, against creating a committee to investigate China and find ways to counter the communist country’s growing international influence.

The House overwhelmingly voted to create the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party on a 365 to 65 margin, in one of the first votes since the Republicans took control of the chamber.

However, even though some members did not vote, all 65 lawmakers who voted against the committee’s creation were Democrats, including Nydia Velázquez.

Latin American tour

An 11-member group of lawmakers and staff plan to leave Aug. 14 2023, to meet with officials and civil society groups in the region’s three largest leftist-ruled democracies: Brazil, Chile and Colombia.

“It’s long past time for a realignment of the United States’ relationship to Latin America,” Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said in a statement. “The U.S. needs to publicly acknowledge the harms we’ve committed through interventionist and extractive policies, and chart a new course based on trust and mutual respect.”

Rep. Joaquin Castro of Texas, the top Democrat on the influential House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, is also scheduled to join the delegation.

“We have much to learn from our counterparts in these countries, including how to confront disinformation and violent threats to our democracies, how to protect our environment from capitalist pressures, and how to engage in productive truth-and-reconciliation efforts that provide true justice to citizens that have been harmed by their governments,” Ocasio-Cortez said.

“The United States shares critical challenges with our friends in Latin America, but we have too often prioritized corporate interests or great power competition in our historical engagement with the region,” Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) said in a statement ahead of the trip, which his chief of staff, Misty Rebik, is joining.

Other participants include Democratic Reps. Maxwell Frost of Florida, Nydia Velazquez of New York and Greg Casar of Texas, according to the sponsorss of the trip, the Center for Economic and Policy Research.

The agenda (which has not yet been made public) is expected to include meetings with Presidents Lula da Silva (Brazil), Gabriel Boric (Chile) and [[Gustavo Petro] (Colombia) and parliamentary representatives. The legislators will also meet with civil society organizations that work “on the frontlines of ecological transitions, democratic transformations and peace negotiations in the countries,” the delegation explains in a joint statement. The trip seeks to “promote a U.S.-Latin American relationship based on mutual respect, understanding and a commitment to cooperation.”

EMGAGE PAC

Nydia Velázquez was endorsed by EMGAGE PAC during her 2022 Congressional race.

"Eradicate Anti-Muslim Content On Your Platform"

December 15, 2020;

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) today urged immediate action from Facebook to eradicate anti-Muslim bigotry from the platform and demanded Mark Zuckerberg implement six measures to combat bigoted content. In a letter signed by 29 colleagues, Dingell cited instances of anti-Muslim content on Facebook and recent reports showing the role of the platform in inciting violence against the Muslim community.

“Facebook cannot celebrate the success of its platform, while ignoring its role in elevating the dangerous, deadly content targeting Muslim people,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “In Christchurch, New Zealand, a terrorist attack that stole the lives of fifty-one Muslims worshipping in their mosque was streamed live on Facebook around the world. But in the ensuing weeks and months, Facebook failed to offer a single policy intentionally designed to eradicate hateful, anti-Muslim content. Nearly two years later, it’s time for Facebook to demonstrate that this company recognizes the life and death consequences of their lack of action.”

Dingell’s letter was signed by Debbie Dingell, Rashida Tlaib, André Carson, Carolyn Maloney, Ilhan Omar, Jahana Hayes, Max Rose, Barbara Lee, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Bobby Rush, Dan Kildee, Jared Huffman, Kathy Castor, Gwen Moore, Lauren Underwood, Jan Schakowsky, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Mark Pocan, Grace Meng, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Darren Soto, Don Beyer, Jim McGovern, Peter Welch, Jamie Raskin, Pramila Jayapal, Yvette Clarke, Raul Grijalva, Earl Blumenauer, and Nydia Velazquez. Additionally, her letter has received the support of the following organizations: CODEPINK, Common Defense, Council on American-Islamic Relations, Islamic Networks Group, Jetpac, Jewish Voice for Peace Action, Justice for Muslims Collective, MomsRising, National Iranian American Council, Peace Action, Progressive Democrats of America, Project South, ReThinking Foreign Policy, and National Network for Arab American Communities.

Labor Caucus

The Labor Caucus is an official caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. In 2021 members included Nydia Velázquez .

Our Revolution endorsement 2022

Our Revolution endorsed Nydia Velázquez in 2022.

Effort to Stop Development Projects

Rep. Ro Khanna, Tefere Gebre of Greenpeace, Grace Tuttle of Protect Our Water, Heritage, Rights and Naadiya Hutchinson, Government Affairs Manager at WE ACT for Environmental Justice were listed as speakers for a "Special Town Hall" dated September 15, 2022 sponsored by Our Revolution. The meeting is to discuss strategies to stop the public from using strategic litigation to shut down development prjects. Our Revolution, Greenpeace, Protect Our Water, Heritage, Rights (POWHR) and WE ACT for Environmental Justice participated. In a mass email, Our Revolution linked to a letter signed by democrats to thwart development projects.

From the event invitation:

"Our Revolution, America’s largest grassroots progressive organization, is partnering with Greenpeace USA to stop a looming threat to our communities and our planet. together, we are hosting a Town Hall to mobilize our networks of millions of members and hundreds of local chapters to stop a deal negotiated between Senator Joe Manchin, The American Petroleum Institute (API), and Democratic leadership to fast track permitting of fossil fuel extraction projects, leading to potential catastrophic climate impacts.

Join frontline communities and our allies in Congress to learn what you can do to help us stop Manchin's Dirty Deal!

From a mass email sent by Our Revolution dated September 12, 2022:

"Our Revolution is leading the charge alongside frontline communities and environmental justice groups like Greenpeace to kill Joe Manchin’s side deal for more dirty oil favors.

"Manchin is willing to shut down the government for more fossil fuel projects like the Mountain Valley Pipeline in WV and strip safeguards from impacted communities.

"Dems can’t celebrate “the biggest climate steps in history” while reversing them by caving to a literal coal baron.

"Our coalition of 650 organizations is urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to detach the deal from the must-pass bill to fund the government — we cannot let Manchin hold us hostage!

"Bernie railed against it on the Senate floor this week and says he’ll vote it down, and Our Revolution is calling for a progressive mutiny in Congress.

"A coalition of 72 US House Reps have signed onto a letter led by US Rep. Raul Grijalva - but we need more of our representatives in Congress to stand in opposition.

Nydia Velázquez signed the letter.

People's Charter endorser

The People's Charter was released by the Working Families Party shortly before the 2020 election.

Endorsers included Nydia Velázquez.

Defense spending cuts letter

May 19, 2020.

Dear Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Thornberry:

We write to request a reduction in defense spending during the coronavirus pandemic. As you draft this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), we encourage you to authorize a level of spending below last year’s authorized level. Congress must remain focused on responding to the coronavirus pandemic and distributing needed aid domestically. In order to do so, appropriators must have access to increased levels of non-defense spending which could be constrained by any increase to defense spending.

Initiated by Mark Pocan and Barbara Lee.

Co-signatories included Nydia Velázquez .

Ackerman connection

During the early 1980s, far left activist Karen Ackerman, worked a New York mayoral race as well as a United States Senate race working on field operations and as liaison to the labor community.

In the 1989 New York City mayoral race, Ackerman ran the labor effort for David Dinkins in Brooklyn for the Central Labor Council.

As campaign manager for Nydia Velazquez in 1992, Ackerman ran a successful campaign against incumbent Steven Solarz for the newly created Congressional seat in the 12th District of New York. Moving to Washington, DC after the race, Ackerman served as Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Velazaquez until 1996.

DSA connections

Puerto Rican Solidarity Act

Endorsed socialist

In 2016, Emily Gallagher ran for female Democratic leader of New York's 50th State Assembly district against 32-year incumbent Linda Minucci. She was endorsed by Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez and New York City Council Member Antonio Reynoso, but ultimately lost with 44.9% of the vote.

Dinkins support

David Dinkins was an early supporter of Nydia Velasquez in 1992.

Endorsements

In her 1992 Democratic primary, Velasquez ran against two other Puerto Ricans Elizabeth Colon and Ruben Franco, president of the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund. Velasquez won the primary, receiving endorsements from New York mayor and Democratic Socialists of America member David Dinkins, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Congressmen Jose Serrano and Edolphus Towns, Local 1199 leader Dennis Rivera and Teamsters leader Barry Feinstein and Puerto Rico governor Rafael Hernandez Colon.

DSA endorsement

In 1992, New York Democratic Socialists of America endorsed Nydia Velasquez during her run for Congress. They also endorsed Attorney General Robert Abrams for U.S. Senate, Richard Irizarry (28th New York State Senate District), Peggy Shepard (70th Assembly District), James Brennan (44th Assembly District), Hulbert James (31st Assembly District), Nelson Antonio Denis (68th Assembly District), and Trudy Mason (73rd Assembly District).

In July 1996, the Democratic Socialists of America Political Action Committee endorsed Nydia Velázquez, New York 12, in that year's Congressional elections.

New York DSA awards dinner

On June 24, 1993 New York City Democratic Socialists of America held its annual Debs-Thomas-Harrington awards dinner. Local 1199 president Dennis Rivera and DSA member Deborah Meier of the Central Park East Secondary School, received awards.Featured speakers included New York State Comptroller H. Carl McCall, Manhattan Borough President and DSA member Ruth Messinger and DSA honorary chair Cornel West. U.S. Rep. Nydia Velasquez, who was unable to attend because of Congressional commitments, sent greetings.

"Living Wage, Jobs for all Act"

In 1995, Nancy Pelosi, Bernie Sanders, David Bonior, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Cynthia McKinney, Maurice Hinchey, Major Owens, Nydia Velasquez, John Conyers, Bob Filner, Alcee Hastings, Lane Evans, Edolphus Towns, Jim McDermott, supported Democratic Socialists of America member rep. Ron Dellums' "Living Wage, Jobs for all Act"

Jose La Luz connection/Hispanics for Obama

Nydia Velazquez, actress Melissa Fitzgerald, Jose La Luz, Obama campaign event Orlando October 2012.

Tomas Kennedy connection

Tomas Kennedy November 2 2018:

With Rep. Nydia Velazquez supporting my friend Robert Asencio in his reelection campaign! — at CWA3122.

HR 109 endorser

By February 20 2019 endorsers of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's HR 109 (Green New Deal) included Nydia Velázquez.

Praised Puerto Rican communist

In her speech to the Rainbow Coalition Leadership Summit, February 19, 1993, Nydia Velázquez paid tribute to the late Jesus Colon, a garment worker, Communist Party USA member and author of "A Puerto Rican in New York."

Said Velasquez "the plight of the America today, particularly the nation's people of color, reminds me of the stories of Jesus Colon, a writer, who with piercing accuracy, poignantly chronicled the struggles of early Puerto Rican migrants in this country. Sixty years after the experiences of Colon, I would arrive in New York, and like him, would be shocked at the unbearable conditions of the people. i too would be subject to harsh and threatening words, merely for the olive tone of my skin, or the sound of my name. I too would feel the sting of discrimination".

Article reprinted in PWW

A speech Velazquez gave to Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow Coalition in February 1993, was re-printed, with full credit in the People’s Weekly World of March 6, 1993.

Haiti arrest

Three members of Congress were arrested May 1994, in front of the White House in a protest against the U.S. policy of forcibly returning Haitian refugees.

Reps. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles), Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.) and Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.) were handcuffed and taken into custody for refusing a police order to move. They were later released.

The three were protesting the U.S. policy of forcibly returning Haitians who flee their homeland by sea, a policy that President Clinton earlier had said he wanted to change but ultimately embraced to stem the flow of refugees to Florida.

"Unfortunately, this Administration has dragged its feet," Waters said. "The people continue to die. They continue to take to the high seas, and we're here to say we're prepared . . . to go to jail in defiance of this Administration's policy."

Anti NAFTA Bill

In 1995 Marcy Kaptur, Peter DeFazio, Nydia Velázquez, Gene Taylor and Bernie Sanders co-sponsored a Bill, to force the US to withdraw from NAFTA within 90 days. The bill was unsuccessful.

"Eliminating Corporate Welfare"

10/10 95 - "Eliminating Corporate Welfare" with Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), Richard Barnet (Institute for Policy Studies), Chuck Collins (Share The Wealth Project). Learning Alliance.

Women Strike for Peace

10/21/95 - Women Strike for Peace 34th Anniversary luncheon, with Michio Kaku, Greg Mitchell, Rep Nydia Velazquez (D-NY). Southgate Hotel, 371 7th Ave at 31st St.Reservations: Zelda Davidow.

Welcoming Castro

Nydia Velazquez attended an October 1995 meeting in Harlem to welcome Cuban leader Fidel Castro to New York.

According to Communist Party USA paper Peoples Weekly World;

Almost 1,600 Harlemites and solidarity activists packed the Abyssinian Baptist Church to give a hero’s welcome to Fidel Castro, the president of Cuba.

The mainly African American audience, which included New York Democratic representatives Charles Rangel and Nydia Velasquez, enthusiastically greeted the Communist leader with a 10-minute standing ovation. Chants of “Cuba si, Bloqueo no!” resounded from the rafters and sent a strong message of protest to New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and President Clinton for excluding the Cuban leader from their sponsored events.

The audience erupted in shouts of “Fidel, Fidel” when Elombe Brath, head of the Patrice Lumumba Coalition and chair for the meeting, asked the audience, “Who would you rather come to Harlem, Fidel or Giuliani?”''

"Jobs and Investment Bill"

On October 7, 1994, Congressional Progressive Caucus members Bernie Sanders, Maurice Hinchey, Nydia Velasquez and Major Owens, introduced the "Jobs and Investment Bill" into Congress, which would appropriate $42 billion over several years for "make work" construction and infrastructure projects.

Sponsored Communist Party "Jobs Bill"

H.R. 950, the Job Creation and Infrastructure Restoration Act of 1997 was introduced in the 105th Congress on March 5, 1997 by Congressman Matthew Martinez of California. It had 33 original co-sponsors, including Nydia Velasquez. The primary purpose of this emergency federal jobs legislation was to provide much needed jobs at union wages to crisis ridden cities by putting the unemployed to work rebuilding our nation's infrastructure (schools, housing, hospitals, libraries, public transportation, highways, parks, environmental improvements, etc. $250 billion is authorized for emergency public works jobs over a five year period.

Congressman Martinez had previously introduced this bill in the last Congress (as HR 1591) at the the request of over 50 prominent Labor leaders who formed the Los Angeles Labor Coalition for Public Works Jobs, which is why it is often referred to as the "Martinez Public Works Jobs Bill."

This is the most significant jobs legislation introduced in Congress since Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal established the Works Progress Administration (WPA). This bill is the WPA-type program for today. It has strong provisions which will put hundreds of thousands of unemployed building trades workers to work as well as provide jobs for victims of plant closures, welfare recipients who are parents, youth, and the long term unemployed. The public works projects which will be established under this bill will be built in communities with the highest levels of unemployment and with the greatest needs.

The goal of the New York Coalition for Public Works Jobs is to build the movement to pass the Martinez Jobs bill as part of the National Labor Coalition for Public Works Jobs. You can help by asking your union, community organization, or local government body to to join those who have already passed resolutions to endorse the bill. Such a resolution has been introduced in the New York City Council. Calling on additional Congressional Representatives to co-sponsor the bill is very important. We will be organizing petition campaigns, visits to elected officials, and demonstrations and other actions for a public works jobs program.

The leaders of the Los Angeles Labor Coalition for Public Works Jobs and its only affiliate New York Coalition for Public Works Jobs, were all known supporters or members of the Communist Party USA.

Los Angeles , National Labor Coalition For Public Works Jobs

• Jerry Acosta - Chairman
• Art Rodriguez - Coordinator

New York affiliate, New York Coalition for Public Works Jobs, c/o Utility Workers Union of America Local 1-2.

• Eddie Davis
• Bill Davis

1998 Working Families Party co-chairs

Working Families Party co-chairs in 1998 were former New York mayor David Dinkins, Brooklyn Congresswoman Nydia Velasquez, former New York City Councilmember Sal Albanese, UAW Region 9 Director Tom Fricano and UNITE leader Ernesto Jofre.

Terrorist pardon

Joseph Connor, an author and anti-terrorism advocate, spoke to The Daily Wire about how his father was murdered by a Puerto Rican terrorist group, and how former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was directly involved in pardoning the terrorists.

"When Hillary Clinton was looking to run for senator of New York, she had no connection to New York at all. She was from Chicago to Arkansas," Connor said. "And she got approached by various pro-terrorist politicians."

These included Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), and New York City councilman Jose Rivera, who gave Clinton "a packet on clemency" and requested that she "speak to the president and ask him to consider executive clemency" for the FALN. A couple of weeks later, clemency was granted to the terrorists and Clinton's Senate campaign expressed support for the move so long as the terrorists renounced violence.

"She was up to her ears in this," Connor said.

Congressional Progressive Caucus

In 1998 Nydia Velazquez Democrat was listed as a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

As of February 20 2009 Nydia Velazquez was listed as a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Congressional Hispanic Caucus

In 2012 Nydia Velázquez was a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

Cuban Humanitarian Trade Act

The Cuban Humanitarian Trade Act, a bill introduced in 1998, in the U.S. Congress, would ease some restrictions on trade with socialist Cuba, solidarity activists say.

The legislation would lift sanctions on sales and donations of food, medicines and medical supplies to Cuba.

While it falls far short of ending the illegal U.S. blockade, the legislation does meet an important Cuban requirement. It says that trade is an appropriate relationship between the two countries.

The 37-year U.S. blockade has meant great hardship for Cuba's 11 million people. President Fidel Castro said in July that "We contend that the economic blockade should be considered among the main war crimes committed against a people."

The Cuban Humanitarian Trade Act has 129 sponsors in the House and 25 in the Senate. It is supported by members of the Congressional Black and Latino Caucuses, including Sen. Carol Moseley Braun and Reps. Maxine Waters, Nydia Velasquez and Charles Rangel.

IFCO/Pastors for Peace, organizers of the U.S.-Cuba Friendshipment caravans, testified on behalf of the legislation in May.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Wheat Association, the Medical Devices Manufacturers and other business groups also testified in favor of easing the blockade.

Supported Peurto Rican rebel prisoners

In 1999, eleven imprisoned Puerto Rican independence fighters were released on parole from long prison terms in the US. they were Eliam Escobar, Dylcia Pagan, Alberto Rodriguez, Ida Luz Rodriguez, Alejandrina Torres, Adolfo Matos, Edwin Cortes, Ricardo Jiminez, Luis Rosa, Alicia Rodriguez and Carmen Valentin. A twelfth prisoner Juan Segarra Palmer, accepted an offer to nullify his fine and was due to be released in five years. Two other prisoners Antonio Comacho Negron and Oscar Lopez Rivera refused the clemency offer.

The clemency offers came after a long campaign that saw 75,000 people sign a petition in Puerto Rico and the US. The campaign, led by the Pro-Human Rights Committee of Puerto Rico, involved such activists as Coretta Scott King, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Rigoberta Menchu and Dr. Aaron Tolen, President of the World Council of Churches.

Political leaders who supported the prisoners included Reps Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), Nydia Velazquez (D, NY), Jose Serrano (D-NY), Ron Dellums (D-Calif.) and former New York City Mayor David Dinkins.

Pro Democracy Convention

The Pro Democracy Convention was held June 29th To July 1, 2001. It started with a National Town Hall Meeting, Annenberg Center, University of Pennsylvania.

Come to a National Town Hall Meeting! Hear speakers representing a wide range of communities, including academics, labor leaders,

lawyers, organizers, and elected officials, speak out about Election 2000, recommendations for electoral reform, and how we all can build the movement to expand democracy in the U.S. Partial List of Invited Speakers and Presenters:

• John B. Anderson, Center for Voting & Democracy
• Melanie Campbell, National Coalition for Black Civic Participation
• Linda Chavez-Thompson, AFL-CIO
• Representative John Conyers (Michigan)
• Ron Daniels, Center for Constitutional Rights
• Representative Chaka Fattah (Pennsylvania)
• Margaret Fung, Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund
• Ted Glick, Independent Progressive Politics Network
• Lani Guinier, Harvard University
• Cheri Honkala, Kensington Welfare Rights Union
• Reverend Jesse Jackson, Rainbow-PUSH Coalition
• Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
• Representative James Leach (Iowa)
• William Lucy, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists
• Henry Nicholas, National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees - District 1199C
• Reverend Al Sharpton, National Action Network
• Hillary Shelton, NAACP
• Nadine Smith, Equality Florida
• Representative Nydia Velazquez (New York)

Progressive agenda" on Puerto Rico

More than 250 Puerto Rican activists and leaders met in The Bronx “to discuss the state of our communities” and to begin the development of a “progressive political agenda” for Puerto Ricans in 2004. The Boricua Roundtable met at Hostos Community College on May 21-22, 2004.

A major theme of the meeting was mobilizing the Puerto Rican vote against the ultra-right in the White House and in Congress.

New York State Assemblyman Jose Rivera said, “We are not going to let them rob us of another election” nor let the Supreme Court “impose” a president. “We have every intention of rescuing the White House,” he said.

The three Puerto Rican members of Congress – Reps. Luis Gutiérrez (D-Ill.), Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.) and José Serrano (D-N.Y.) – participated in a panel on key issues facing Puerto Ricans today.

Rep. Gutiérrez blasted the Bush administration’s war policies, urging the participants to discuss opposing the war in Iraq and “its impact on our community.”

“We don’t want to die in a declared or undeclared war started by a president that wasn’t elected by the people,” he said.

Gutiérrez also called on the activists to work in solidarity with all Latin Americans, including recent immigrants, as a way of affirming “our Puerto Rican-ness.”

Rep. Velázquez said the disparities in Bush’s economic policies shows the U.S. is at war not only in Iraq, but also “against the poor.”

“They need to cut Medicare and Medicaid to finance the war,” she said, noting that 44 million people have no medical insurance, “half of them Black or Latinos.” She stressed the need to fight on working-class issues, declaring, “When I fight for working families, I fight for Puerto Ricans.”

Velázquez didn’t let her own party off the hook, saying it was important to make sure that “John Kerry embraces the Puerto Rican agenda.” She publicly demanded that the Kerry campaign put a Puerto Rican or Latino deputy at its top levels to better articulate and advocate for Latino issues.

She called on everyone present to organize the Puerto Rican vote to defeat Bush, noting there are sizable populations of voting-age Puerto Ricans in key states like Florida, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Ohio and Arizona.

Rep. Serrano suggested organizing “freedom rides” to Orlando, Fla., to register Puerto Rican voters. The Puerto Rican population in Florida has almost doubled from 1990 to 2000, according to the U.S. Census, and much of that growth is centered in the Orlando area. Florida is now the state with the second highest Puerto Rican population in the country after New York.

The Boricua Roundtable ended with the singing of the anti-imperialist version of the Puerto Rican national anthem – La Borinqueña.

United for Peace and Justice

Nydia Velázquez was listed as an endorser of the Jan. 27, 2007 "Act Now to End the War" event, organized by Institute for Policy Studies partner organization, United for Peace & Justice. Also endorsing the event was Democratic Socialists of America, Socialist Party USA, Committees of Correspondence for Democracy & Socialism, National Lawyers Guild, National Organization for Women and the Communist Party USA. At the event, peace activists "converge[d] from all around the country in Washington, D.C. to send a strong, clear message to Congress and the Bush Administration: 'The people of this country want the war and occupation in Iraq to end and we want the troops brought home now!'".

WIDF affiliated United States "Regional Workshops"

Circa 2007 these people were members of the US "Regional Workshop" of the former Soviet front Women's International Democratic Federation;

• Women for Racial and Economic Equality, President: Vinie Burrows

• Mujeres Radicales, Vinie Burrows, Margo Nikitas, Presidenta – Emily Woo Yamasaki

• National Committee of Women for Democratic Iran

• Internacional Action Center, Berta Joubert Ceci – Philadelphia

• Goldstar Mother, Nydia Velasquez - "Congressista"

• Grandmothers Against the War. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick - Presidente

• Granny Peace Brigade, Howard Dean - Presidente, Lillian Rydell, Elaine Johnson

• IAC-NWFN, Joan Wile - Fundadora e Diretora

• Madre, Susan Abulhwa, Anna Wilson

• Radical Women / líder comunitaria Comunidad de Harlem, Nellie Gray Hester

• University of California, Digna Sanchez- Membra

• WEDO, Kathy Engel Fundadora

• Women of Color Resource Center in CA, Betty Maloney - Membra

• EEUU, Angela Davis - History of Consciousness Dep Humanities Division

• African American Poets, Judith LeBlanc

• Granny Peace Brigade, Monica Sofia Somocurcio

• Radical Women, Betty Maloney

• Women's International League for Peace and Freedom - WILPF, Carol Price

• Women's Studies Prgrm, Jenny Heinz

• Coalición anti-guerra A.N.S.W.E.R., Gloria La Riva

• Women for Racial and Economic Equality, Tresa Martinez

• Community activist; active in the struggle for Puerto Rican independence, Wilma Esther Reveron Collazo

• Community activist lawyer in El Barrio;; active in immigration issues, Gloria Eneida Quinones - member Women for Racial and Economic Equality

• International President of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom , Regina Birchem

• LUZ DE LAS NIEVES AYRESS MORENO, Nieves Ayress - nacionalidad chilena

Peace Pledge Coalition

In 2007 90 Members of Congress, pledged in an open letter delivered to President Bush: "We will only support appropriating funds for U.S. military operations in Iraq during Fiscal Year 2008 and beyond for the protection and safe redeployment of all our troops out of Iraq before you leave office." The letter was initiated by the Peace Pledge Coalition. The Coalition was led by Tim Carpenter, Progressive Democrats of America, Bob Fertik, Democrats.com Medea Benjamin, CodePink, Bill Fletcher, co-founder of Center for Labor Renewal David Swanson, AfterDowningStreet.org, Democrats.com, Progressive Democrats of America, Kevin Zeese, Voters for Peace, Democracy Rising, Brad Friedman, co-founder of Velvet Revolution, Bill Moyer, Backbone Campaign.

Nydia Velázquez signed the letter.

Obama's Latino Advisory Council

In August 2008 the Obama Campaign announcedthe formation of its National Latino Advisory Council, highlighting the continued growth of support Senator Obama is receiving in the Latino community nationwide.

According to the campaign, the advisory council is made up of key labor, faith, community leaders, and elected officials from across the country and will serve as an advisory council for the campaign on issues important to the Latino community as well as play an active role reaching out and organizing Latinos in their communities and across the country.

Its members included;

Federico Pena, Chair, National Hispanic Advisory Council, Former Mayor of Denver and Former Secretary of Transportation, National Obama Campaign Co-Chair; 
Geoconda Arguello-Kline, President, Nevada Culinary Workers Union
; Congressman Xavier Becerra; Adolfo Carrion, Bronx Borough President; 
Henry Cisneros, Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; 
Bishop Wilfredo De Jesus, Vice President of Social Justice, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference; 
Congressman Charlie Gonzalez;
 Congressman Raul Grijalva
; Congressman Luis Gutierrez; 
Ambassador Luis Lauredo, Former Ambassador to the Organization of American States; 
Patricia Madrid, Former Attorney General of New Mexico; 
Eliseo Medina, Executive Vice President, SEIU 
; Congresswoman Linda Sanchez; Congresswoman Hilda Solis; 
 Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez

Voted against cutting funding for ACORN

In September 2009, following the lead of their Senate colleagues, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to cut off funds to ACORN. the vote was 345-75. All of the 75 were Democrats, and included Nydia Velázquez.

Campaign to Make Immigration Reform a Top Issue in 2010

On October 13 2010 , immigration activists from around the country gathered to join in a vigil and rally in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC., where Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez and other elected officials launched a new push for comprehensive immigration reform, building to the opening months of 2010. their banners read “Reform Immigration FOR Families” and “Family Unity Cannot Wait.”

More than 750 people traveled to Washington on buses from up and down the Eastern seaboard and as far away as Texas, Florida, Ohio, Minnesota, and Michigan. They spent Tuesday morning meeting with Congressional offices before being joined by thousands of people from the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area, who gathered on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol to listen to testimonies from families, veterans, and children who face family disintegration because of immigration laws and deportation.

Religious leaders from a diverse array of faith traditions around the country, some organized through Familias Unidas, added their voices.

At the event Congressman Gutierrez outlined a set of principles for progressive immigration reform that needs to include a rational and humane approach to legalize the undocumented population, to protect workers’ rights, to allocate sufficient visas, to establish a smarter and more humane border enforcement policy, to promote integration of immigrant communities, to include the DREAM Act and AgJOBS bills, to protect rights guaranteed by the Constitution, and to keep families together.

The lawmakers who joined Rep. Gutierrez on stage, and addressed the gathering included Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chairman Rep. Michael Honda (D-CA), Congressional Progressive Caucus Chairs Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) and Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), Congressional Black Caucus Member, Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Jared Polis (D-CO), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Michael Quigley (D-IL), and Delegate Gregorio Sablan (Northern Mariana Islands).

Asian Americans for Equality

Nydia Velasquez has ties to Asian Americans for Equality

Freddie Mac funding for AAFE

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Representative Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) joined Asian Americans for Equality June 2, 2003, to announce Freddie Mac's $1.5 million grant to the newly created Lower Manhattan Affordable Housing Trust Fund (LMAHTF). The Fund will support the development and preservation of affordable housing in the Lower Manhattan neighborhoods most affected by the September 11th World Trade Center disaster.

"Rebuilding and revitalizing Lower Manhattan is one of my top priorities," said Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez. "Increased homeownership has been shown to promote community development through increased neighborhood involvement and investment in local businesses. Freddie Mac's generous contribution is an important step towards this goal and will help place more local residents on the road to home ownership."

Women for Liu

A growing female coalition formed last May 2009 by Brooklyn District Leader Olanike Alabi threw its support behind City Councilman John Liu (D-Flushing). Women for Liu hosted a fundraiser June 17 in Manhattan for the Queens legislator fronted by the likes of U.S. Rep. Nydia Velasquez (D-Brooklyn), Queens Borough President Helen Marshall and Queens Assemblywomen Vivian Cook (D-Jamaica) and Cathy Nolan (D-Ridgewood).

NeighborWorks America event

Deborah Boatright, Northeast District Director; Christopher Kui; ED, AAFE; Nydia Velazquez, Keith Getter, Relationship Manager

November 25, 2009, at a press conference in Chinatown, Asian Americans for Equality, announced it has become a charter member of NeighborWorks America. A non-profit created by Congress. NeighborWorks provides financial support and training for community-driven revitalization projects. As a start, AAFE was presented with a check for nearly a a quarter of a million dollars. On hand to celebrate the occasion, a wide range of elected officials. Among them: Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Rep. Nydia Velazquez, State Sen. Daniel Squadron, Assembly member Grace Meng and City Councilmember Rosie Mendez. Margaret Chin, District 1's new City councilmember and a former AAFE executive was there, as well.

Joined by District Director Deborah Boatright and several other prominent local elected officials, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez offered her congratulations to AAFE. “By joining forces with NeighborWorks, AAFE will have additional funding and support for their efforts to create equal opportunities for all New Yorkers. I am committed to working with AAFE to address the shortage of affordable housing, increase financial literacy and improve lending practices. With unemployment rising above 10 percent and families struggling to make ends meet, this help is needed in New York City now more than ever.”

Marching with Margaret Chin, Chinese Flags

Velasquez, Chin, Maloney, communist flags

In 2011, Rep. Nydia Velazquez, and Rep. Carolyn Maloney, marched with Margaret Chin, at the Lunar New Year Parade in Chinatown.

Death of Private Chen

Army Private Danny Chen, a 19-year old Lower East Side resident, was found dead at a military base in Afghanistan October 3rd, 2011. Chen had been shot in the head. Army officials have admitted he was the victim of bullying, but many other details remain shrouded in secrecy.

In December 2011, elected officials including U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez, City Councilmember Margaret Chin, representatives of the Organization of Chinese Americans and other community advocates met with officials at the Pentagon.

During OCA-New York’s annual meeting in Chinatown Saturday, Velazquez said, “we are demanding assurances from the Army that they are conducting a swift, thorough investigation.”

If there’s wrongdoing, Velazquex added, those responsible should be brought to justice.” During the meeting, OCA-New York President Elizabeth OuYang said there’s great concern about the investigation, given the Army’s history of covering up information reagarding non-combat deaths. She announced that the well-known forensic expert, Dr. Henry Lee (who became famous during the OJ Simpson murder trial) has agreed to help evaluate the Army’s findings.

Also held was a march and vigil for Danny Chen. It started at the Army recruiting center at 143 Chambers Street and ends in Columbus Park in Chinatown. Many elected officials took part, including Velasquez and Chin, and New York City Comptroller John Liu and Assemblymember Grace Meng.

Going after the Army

January 23, 2012, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Representatives Nydia Velázquez, Judy Chu, and Mike Honda, called on the U.S. Army to provide a comprehensive review on how the department tracks its hazing and harassment incidents and implements anti-hazing training. The urging by the four members of Congress comes after Army investigators found that a New York resident, Private Danny Chen, was subjected to daily race-based hazing and physical abuse by members of his platoon in the lead-up to his death. The lawmakers also requested details on what current measures are in place for soldiers in remote bases to report hazing incidents when their entire chain of command is implicated. Last month, Senator Gillibrand called on the Defense Department for a system-wide review of bullying and mistreatment. The Senator asked for a Department-wide review because of the case of Marine Pvt. Hamson McPherson, Jr., a Staten Island Marine who committed suicide, allegedly due to hazing.

Senator Gillibrand, along with Representatives Velázquez, Chu, and Honda wrote in a letter to U.S. Army Secretary McHugh, “We are very concerned about the reports of the constant hazing, apparently mixed with racial slurs, and other mistreatment by [Danny Chen’s] fellow soldiers and his direct superiors. We know you share our concern and take this issue very seriously, and we support the guidance issued in your hazing memo on January 13, 2012. Our men and women in uniform deserve to serve in a supportive environment from their fellow soldiers as they put their lives on the line for our country… However in light of this shocking incident, we would like to better understand the education and training process that are provided to Army soldiers and recruits regarding hazing and harassment among the force, as well as the repercussions and disciplinary measures taken in such incidents.”

“We need a full understanding of the Army’s policies related to hazing to ensure incidents like this never happen again,” said Congresswoman Velázquez.

Danny Chen Walkway

Nydia Velázquez has very actively supported a major Asian Americans for Equality campaign - Justice for Danny Chen.

Pvt. Danny Chen, the Chinese American U.S. soldier from New York who suicided in October 2011 after "enduring intolerable racial hazing and harassment from fellow soldiers while serving in Afghanistan", was memorialized at an event in New York's Chinatown.

A section of Elizabeth Street, between Canal and Bayard, was co-named "Pvt. Danny Chen Way." The city council approved the re-naming last December. The street unveiling, preceded by a breakfast reception and march sponsored by several far left organizations, including Veterans for Peace (NY Chapter), Organization of Chinese Americans, Asian Americans for Equality, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, Chinese Progressive Association, Committee of Asian Americans Against Violence, Asian American Justice Center, East Coast Asian American Student Union, MinKwon Center for Community Action, and other community organizations, took place on Saturday, May 17 2014.

Honorary Co-Hosts were: Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (member of Senate Armed Services Committee), and Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, State Senator Daniel Squadron, City Councilwoman Margaret Chin.

Asian Americans for Equality, 38th Anniversary

Dignitaries such as U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez, State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Comptroller John Liu, State Senator Daniel Squadron and City Council member Margaret Chin came to Chinatown March 2012, to help Asian Americans for Equality celebrate its 38th anniversary. A fundraiser for more than one-thousand supporters was held at the Jing Fong restaurant on Elizabeth Street.

AAFE honored San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, who was elected last November as that city’s first Asian-American mayor. Other honorees included: Luis Garden Acosta (El Puente), Eileen Fitgerald (NeighborWorks America), Errol Louis (NY1) and Chanchanit Martorell (Thai Community Development Center).

"Stop the Violence" rally

On January 31, 2013, Nydia Velázquez, addressed a "Stop the Violence" rally supported by Asian Americans for Equality, and several other radical, and community groups.

They included;

Co-patrocinadores: All the Way E 4th St Block Association, Art Loisaida Foundation, Asian Americans for Equality, Baruch Houses Resident Association, Chinese Chamber of Commerce of New York, Chinatown Partnership, Coalition for a District Alternative , Community Education Council 1, Compos Plaza Resident Association, East Village Community Coalition, Educational Alliance, Fourth Arts Block, Loisaida United Neighborhood Gardens, Lower East Side Business Improvement District, Lower East Side Girls Club, PSA 4 Community Council, Rutgers Houses Resident Association, Smith Houses Resident Association, Two Bridges Houses Resident Association, Wald Houses Resident Association, 7th Precinct Community Council.

Dream of Equality awardee

Nydia Velázquez is a past recipient of Asian Americans for Equality's annual Dream of Equality award.

Renaissance connection

Endorsed AAFE 2016 banquet

Rally for DACA

New York City: October 5, 2017, the Asian American Federation held a rally at Trump Tower with our member agencies and leading immigrant advocacy groups to speak out in support of Asian American Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, who are being impacted by the dissolution of the DACA program under the Trump administration. Twenty-three organizations and nearly 200 New Yorkers, including Congresswoman Jo-Ann Yoo, executive director of the Asian American Federation, Grace Meng, Council Member Margaret Chin, Assemblymember Yuh-line Niou, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, and Comptroller Scott Stringer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Rep. Nydia Velazquez, Mayor Bill de Blasio Assemblymember Deborah Glick, Assemblyman Ron Kim, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, Public Advocate Letitia James, Council Member Daniel Dromm, Council Member Rory Lancman, Steven Choi, executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition, Margaret Fung, executive director of the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Christopher Kui, executive director of Asian Americans for Equality, Annetta Seecharran, executive director of Chhaya Community Development Corporation, Mae Lee, executive director of the Chinese Progressive Association (New York), Wayne Ho, executive director of the Chinese-American Planning Council, Kavita Mehra, executive director of Sakhi for South Asian Women, Robina Niaz, executive director of Turning Point for Women and Families, joined hands with the Federation to defend the future of our DREAMers.

Rally Co-Sponsors: Adhikaar, Alliance of South Asian American Labor, Arab American Association of New York, Asian American Arts Alliance, Asian American Bar Association of New York, Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Asian Americans for Equality, Chhaya Community Development Corporation, Chinese-American Planning Council, Chinese Progressive Association (New York), Council of People’s Organization, Desis Rising Up and Moving, Japanese American Association of New York, Japanese American Social Services, Inc., Korean American Family Service Center, Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, MinKwon Center for Community Action, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, New York Immigration Coalition, OCA-NY, Sakhi for South Asian Women, Turning Point for Women and Families, University Settlement.

Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) said, "DREAMers bring new talents and skills to our economy, and they are contributing to every facet of American life. Without DACA, these young people are forced to live in the shadows. Congress must do the right thing and immediately pass a clean DREAM Act."

PDA connection

In June 2013 Progressive Democrats of America assigned activists to deliver their material to almost every US Congressman and several Senators. Jesse Gillan was assigned as contact for Rep. Velázquez.

“When Women Succeed"

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and House Democratic women rolled out a campaign on July 18th, 2013, called “When Women Succeed, America Succeeds: An Economic Agenda for Women and Families.”

The campaign was announced at a press conference on the steps of the Capitol. Leader Pelosi was joined by several members of the House of Representatives and leaders of many organizations that address issues of working women. Amongst those present were the Coalition of Labor Union Women, the AFL-CIO, UFCW, the Feminist Majority, the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Women’s Law Center, the National Partnership for Women and Families, the American Association of University Women, the National Council of Women’s Organizations and others. In addition to Leader Pelosi, Congresswomen Rosa DeLauro (CT), Donna Edwards (MD), Nydia Velazquez (NY) and Doris Matsui (CA) participated in the press conference along with several women who told their stories.

The campaign agenda focuses on policies that address real economic needs facing women and families: ensuring equal pay for equal work, promoting work and family balance, and providing access to affordable child care.

Congressional Letter for Neutrality, 2014 Salvadoran Elections

On Monday December 16, 2013 Reps. Juan Vargas (D-CA), Mike Honda (D-CA) and Mark Pocan (D-WI) sent a letter to Sec. of State John Kerry – signed by 51 Members of Congress – calling for a public statement of neutrality by the State Department before the first round of El Salvador’s presidential elections on February 2, 2014.

The letter, , highlighted several “important steps” that the current government has taken to “strengthen its democratic system and expand the right to vote to all citizens,” including those living outside of the country, who will be voting by absentee ballot for the first time in February. Since the election of Mauricio Funes, the first President from the Marxist Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN) party, the government has increased the number of polling places four-fold to increase accessibility, especially in rural areas.

“We’re glad to see so many Members of Congress expressing respect for the right of the Salvadoran people to determine their own future. That’s an attitude that’s sorely lacking in much of the US’ policy in Central America, especially with regard to economic policy,” said Alexis Stoumbelis, Executive Director for the pro-communist Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador (CISPES), in Washington, DC, which has observed every post-war election in El Salvador, starting in 1994.

Signatories included Rep. Nydia Velasquez..

PODER PAC Honorary Co-chairs

In 2014 PODER PAC Honorary Co-chairs were Rosario Dawson, NY, America Fererra, CA, Dolores Huerta, CA, Eva Longoria Parker, TX, Grace Napolitano, CA, Ana Ortiz, NY, Rosie Perez, NY, Lucille Roybal-Allard, CA, Linda Sanchez, CA, Loretta Sanchez, CA, Nydia Velazquez, NY

PODER PAC President's Council

In 2014 the PODER PAC President's Council consisted of Mari Del Carmen Aponte, Juana Bordas, Ingrid Duran, Grace Garcia, Comm. Sylvia Garcia, Susan Gonzales, Choco Gonzalez Meza, Laura Hernandez, Cynthia Jasso Rotunno, Lydia Madrigal, Joelle Martinez, Regina Montoya, Rep. Grace Napolitano, Maria Teresa Petersen, Laura Pena, Catherine Pino, Julissa Reynoso, Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, Rep. Linda Sanchez, Rep. Loretta Sanchez, Rep. Hilda Solis, State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, Rep. Nydia Velazquez.

Working Families Party

The Working Families Party backed Velázquez in 2014.

ARA PAF endorsement, 2014

The Alliance for Retired Americans Political Action Fund endorsed Nydia Velázquez in 2014, also 2012.

Humanitarian Needs in Cuba letter

December 16 2021 , House Rules Committee Chair James McGovern (D-MA), House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Gregory Meeks (D-NY), House Appropriations subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations Chair Barbara Lee (D-CA), and House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Energy Chair Bobby Rush (D-IL) led 114 Members of Congress in a letter to President Biden asking him to prioritize the well-being of the Cuban people as they experience the worst economic and humanitarian crisis in recent history...

In the wake of this year’s protests, the members urged the administration to support the Cuban people by suspending U.S. regulations that prevent food, medicine, remittances, and other humanitarian assistance from reaching the Cuban people...

Signatories included Nydia Velázquez.

2015 Cuba visit

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi traveled with a congressional congregation to Cuba mid February 2015.

The trip is the first official House delegation to travel to the island nation since President Barack Obama announced late last year an easing of trade restrictions with the Castro regime.

“This delegation travels to Cuba in friendship and to build upon the announcement of U.S. normalization of relations and other initiatives announced by President Obama,” Pelosi (D-Calif.) said. “This delegation will work to advance the U.S.-Cuba relationship and build on the work done by many in the Congress over the years, especially with respect to agriculture and trade.”

The delegation includes Democratic Reps. Eliot Engel of New York, Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, Collin Peterson of Minnesota, Anna Eshoo of California, Nydia Velazquez of New York, Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, Steve Israel of New York and David Cicilline of Rhode Island. Engel is the ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

The lawmakers will meet with Cuban government officials, Cardinal Jaime Ortega y Alamino and local community leaders.

Pelosi and Israel met with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, in Havana February 18, 2015.

The delegates also met Cuban Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel, marking the first time Cuba's heir apparent to power has received an official American delegation.

Nancy Pelosi and the eight other House Democrats concluded their two-day visit by meeting Diaz-Canel, 54, who is first in line to the seat of power held by brothers Fidel Castro and Raul Castro since 1959.

The nine Democrats, all supporters of U.S. President Barack Obama's policy change on the Communist-led island, were due to be escorted directly to the airport after the meeting.

Diaz-Canel and the Americans talked about Cuba's market-style economic reforms, bilateral relations and prospects of the U.S. Congress lifting the country's 53-year-old trade embargo of Cuba, official Cuban media reported.

New York City honors Medicares 50th Birthday

July 30, 2015 marked the 50th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid which were enacted in 1965 during the Lyndon Johnson administration. Various activities around the country celebrated these remarkable programs and called for defending, improving and expanding them and Social Security

In New York City an uplifting celebration at the Professional Staff Congress (City University staff) union hall started off the day's activities that included Metro NY Committees of Correspondence for Democracy and Socialism members.

Several elected officials spoke, including Rep. Nydia Velazquez (NY-7th CD), NY State Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard Gottfried, NYC Public Advocate Letitia James and a representative of Congressman Joseph Crowley. They were joined by speakers from several unions (SEIU 1199, Doctors Council SEIU, Committee of Interns and Residents/SEIU, Professional Staff Congress, NY State Nurses Association, etc.), and advocacy organizations including Children's Defense Fund, Medicare Rights Center, Physicians for a National Health Program, Metro Health Care for All, AARP and NY Statewide Senior Action Council.

Left pressure on Iran nuclear deal

In a rebuff to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, four key Brooklyn congresspeople, three of them African American and one Latina, representing large concentrations of Jewish voters, came out in support of the Iran deal. Early defense of President Obama's diplomacy by the Congressional Black Caucus and Congressional Progressive Caucus played a role., as well as the work of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi's office. But energetic organizing by grassroots peace organizations in Brooklyn also played an important part.

A national day of action on August 26, initiated by MoveOn, focused on meetings with congresspeople who were still on the fence. The grassroots group Brooklyn For Peace played a particularly important role in mobilizing on short notice over 200 constituents to meet with undecided Democratic Reps. Hakeem Jeffries, Yvette Clarke, and Nydia Velasquez.

At coordinated pro-deal rallies outside the congressional offices, demonstrators carried "Defend Diplomacy" placards, chanting "Hey, Yvette, Support the Deal, That Is What The People Feel!" As if to illustrate this, BFP organizer Matt Weinstein later handed Rep. Clarke 1,629 petition signatures gathered from her constituents in the 9th Congressional District.

As pedestrians passed by on Linden Boulevard, street speeches for "Jobs, Not War" rang out, loud and clear. "Honk for peace" signs inspired many honks by passing motorists, both black and white.

These signatures had been gathered at street tables, town meetings, house meetings and farmers markets in central Brooklyn throughout the hot days of August. Petitioners wore MoveOn T-shirts that read "60 Days To Stop A War," and leaflets were distributed warning of the harmful consequences if there was a "no" vote.

A protest demonstration at Chuck Schumer's office on Aug. 10 featured several hundred members of MoveOn, Jewish Voice for Peace, Peace Action and Brooklyn for Peace, among others, in a show of unity. The media coverage this received was a much needed counterpoint to AIPAC'S big money blitz.

Before this, the prevailing wisdom among elected officials in Brooklyn, even among the most liberal, is that you challenge the power of the AIPAC Israel lobby only at the risk of your own re-election.

Anti "Muslim ban" rally

After 17 people were detained without charges this morning in John F. Kennedy Airport, protesters and elected officials gathered in Battery Park to speak against President Donald Trump’s slew of executive orders banning immigrants from seven Muslim majority countries and halting the entry of refugees into the country.

The New York Immigration Coalition, Make The Road New York, the National Immigration Law Center and several other New York-based organizations coordinated the rally, and over 10,000 supporters attended.

Among the speakers were Senators Cory Booker, Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer, Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, Mayor Bill de Blasio, activist Linda Sarsour and U.S. Representative Jerry Nadler. Many elected officials were also present at the rally in Washington Square Park on Wednesday, which promoted a similar message of open borders with the hashtag #NoBanNoWall.

Addressing the crowd, Schumer said that the protests in JFK contributed to the fight against Trump’s recent executive orders regarding immigration.

“Because of your actions, he [Secretary John F. Kelly] promised me that the 42 who are detained and under court order to be released, will be released to the United States and to freedom shortly,” Schumer said during his speech. “So we’ve made progress for 42 — we have to make progress for thousands and tens of thousands and hundreds of thousands more.”

Sana Mayat is the NYU’s Muslim Student Association vice president, and she expressed surprise and pride to see the number of non-Muslims that showed up at the rally.

“People are saying that an attack on one is an attack on everyone, not just an issue that is limited to one group,” Mayat said. “It is really impactful and it gives me a lot of hope.”

CAS freshman Claudia Franke attended the protest and said that the message of Sunday’s rally particularly resonated with her, since she has family members living in the U.S. with green cards.

Rally for Ravi

Yvette Clarke, Joseph Crowley, Nydia Velazquez

The New Sanctuary Movement announced Jan. 29 2018, that “After weeks of unrelenting community mobilization, Judge Katherine Forrest ruled this morning that ICE denied Ravi Ragbir due process by detaining him in his routine check in on Jan. 11. That means Ravi will get to fight his ongoing case from home rather than from behind bars in detention. The fight is not over. This ruling only affects Ravi’s detention, not his pending deportation. …Today’s decision is proof that organizing and the power of community will ultimately set us free. That’s why we must keep up the fight for the thousands of people facing the same racist, unjust, and escalating treatment from ICE every day.”

On the morning of Jan. 27, nearly 100 people protested outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office at 26 Federal Plaza in New York City to support Ravi Ragbir, an immigrant rights leader from Trinidad who is head of the New Sanctuary Coalition of New York, and Jean Montrevil from Haiti. Both were arrested by ICE agents earlier in January. U.S. Reps. Nydia Velazquez and Yvette Clarke from Brooklyn spoke at the rally in support of the two prisoners. Rep. Joseph Crowley was also there.

Muslim Democratic Club endorsement

The Muslim Democratic Club of New York endorsed Nydia Velázquez for Congress in 2018.

People's Climate March endorsements

According to their website:

"Here are some of the leading artists, athletes and influencers helping to spread the word about the People's Climate March, including Nydia Velázquez."

Medicare For All Congressional Caucus founders

In August 2018 Medicare For All Congressional Caucus founding members included Representative Nydia Velázquez.

Medicare for All Act

In February 2019 Rep. Pramila Jayapal introduced H.R.1384 - Medicare for All Act of 2019. By May 29 she had 110 co-sponsors including Rep. Nydia Velázquez.

"Green New Deal"

From the Sunrise Movement:

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has released a proposal for a Select Committee on a Green New Deal, a plan that would transform our economy and society at the scale needed to stop the climate crisis.

We have the momentum to make a Green New Deal real, but we need a critical mass of Congresspeople to support the proposal.

Take action on Dec. 10 to show Congress the Green New Deal is a top priority.

Congressional supporters by December 20 2018 included Nydia Velázquez.

Release Judy Clark

April 2 , 2019 New York State Board of Parole Supervising Offender Rehabilitation Coordinator Bedford Hills Correctional Facility

Dear Commissioners of the Board of Parole:

We, the undersigned Federal, State, and local elected officials and leaders of civil rights organizations, write to urge the New York State Board of Parole (“Parole Board”) to follow the law and parole guidelines and grant parole to Judith Clark.

During her 37 years in prison, Ms. Clark, through her words as well as her deeds, has transformed herself into a symbol of redemption, hope, and the human capacity for change. She has disavowed violence, accepted responsibility for her actions, and issued heartfelt and public apologies dating back to 1994 when parole was not even a remote possibility.

Ms. Clark participated in an unspeakable tragedy. Three people were killed, including two police officers. Although Ms. Clark was the “getaway” driver and did not fire any weapon, she does not minimize her role or in any way try to absolve herself from guilt. Judith Clark is painfully aware of the irrevocable harm she caused, and for more than three decades has done everything a human being could do to repair, repent and express remorse. She again forthrightly acknowledged her role, accepted responsibility, and expressed her contrition to the Parole Board at her initial appearance before the Board in April 2017.

At age 69 and after 37 years in prison, Judith Clark is among the oldest and longest serving women in New York State prison (only one woman among the almost 2,400 currently incarcerated in New York has served longer than Ms. Clark). We ask that you consider who she is today in 2019, not who she was in 1981, and implore you to grant her release.

Respectfully,

Yvette Clarke, Adriano Espaillat, Hakeem Jeffries, Carolyn Maloney, Gregory Meeks, Grace Meng, Jerrold Nadler, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jose Serrano, Nydia Velazquez, Tom Suozzi.

Staff

The following are past and present staff:

• Imelda Aguirre
• Aixa Aleman-Diaz
• Mercy Alves
• Graciela Aponte
• Lizette Arce
• Mary Ellen Sprenkel Ardouny
• Miguel Ayala
• Wendy Belzer
• Ashley Bliss
• Maria Elida Bottino
• Allison Bowles
• Elizabeth Cassidy
• Jennifer Castillo
• Paula Castro
• James Counihan (Jim)
• Evelyn Cruz
• Fernando Cuevas
• Michael Day
• Melissa DeRosa
• Gabriela Domenzain
• Layth Elhassani
• Clarissa Fana
• Diana Febus
• Moraima Garcia (Mory)
• Jessica Garcia
• Kate Davis Gilman
• Vanessa Gonzalez
• Susan Graham
• Allyson Ivins Groff
• Gerardo Gutierrez
• Jordan Haas
• Ruthlyn Hamilton
• Brenda Hernandez
• Miguel Hernandez
• Jennifer Hom
• Graciela Howard
• Sean Hughes
• Maria-Elena Juarez
• Carolina Gonzalez Lake
• Clarinda Landeros
• Damian Lara
• Anita Savage Lawson
• Elissa Gail Levin
• Preston C. Linson-Gentry
• Erika Lopez
• Esteban Lopez-Rosado
• James MacWilliam
• Melissa Maldonado
• Bolivar Mancheno
• Heather McHugh
• Maria Robles Meier
• Ilene Molina
• Lucy Morcelo
• Alec Nolan
• Julie Okoniewski
• Ada Ortiz
• Saul Pena
• Alejandro Perez
• Iris Quinones
• Michael Rabinovich(Mike)
• Angela Karina Ramirez
• Melody Reis
• Carol Richardson
• Angel Robles
• Isabel Rodrigues
• Maritza Rosario
• Gezeel Salas
• Michael Santos
• Luisa Sepulveda
• James Snyder
• Ruby Squyres
• Patricia Lee Villarreal Tamez
• Michael Jose Torra
• Nilda Torres
• Maximiliano Trujillo (Max)
• Barbara Warner
• Daniel Wiley (Dan)
• Xiao Min Zhao

External links

• Velazquez's website with the House of Representatives