Years in Office
32
Bills Sponsored
493
Bills Co-Sponsored
5572
Committees
3
Nydia Velázquez Biography
Nydia Velázquez began her career as a community organizer, advocating for tenants and small business owners in New York City. Elected in 1992, she represents New York’s 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. She champions affordable housing, small business development, and Puerto Rican civil rights. Velázquez served as the first Latina Chair of the House Small Business Committee and authored landmark legislation supporting disaster relief for Puerto Rico. She is known for her hands-on approach and commitment to amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities in her district.
Professional History
U.S. Representative
(1993-Present)Representing New York's 7th district
Director, Department of Puerto Rican Community Affairs in the United States
(1989–92)National Director, Migration Division Office, Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources
(1986–89)Member, New York City Council
(1984–86)Special Assistant, Congressman Ed Towns
(1983)Adjunct Professor, Hunter College of the City University of New York
(1981–83)Faculty Member, University of Puerto Rico
(1976–81)Impact & Accomplishments
Notable contributions during Nydia Velázquez's congressional service.
Small Business Advocacy
First Puerto Rican woman to chair the House Small Business Committee, advancing support for minority and women entrepreneurs.
Hurricane Maria Relief
Secured federal disaster aid and oversight for Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria’s devastation in 2017.
Public Housing Funding
Helped secure increased federal funding for New York City public housing repairs and improvements.
DREAM Act Support
Co-sponsored and advocated for the DREAM Act to provide legal status to undocumented immigrant youth.
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