Nydia M. Velazquez

In every previous recession, small businesses have been central to our economic recovery. The Small Business Administration has an important role to play in giving businesses tools they need to succeed. Technical assistance programs…

Mr. Chairman, my colleagues, we have spent much of this debate discussing ways to help the banks, but now it is time that we talk about helping small businesses directly. The Schrader amendment does this by providing entrepreneurs with…

I didn't know that the other side liked TARP so much that you want to keep it going. We have put safeguards, penalties, restrictions, oversight in place. This is another bureaucratic layer that will hinder the needs of small businesses to…

Small businesses, which represent 99.7 percent of firms, are key to the recovery of the U.S. economy. Through innovation and hard work, they are able to not only create jobs but to also build the foundation for future growth. We saw this…

I want to use this time to respond to those who are making the assessment that this money, that there are not safeguards into this legislation to make sure that the money goes to small businesses. First, banks must apply to the Treasury to…

Mr. Chairman, since the financial crisis struck in 2007, much has already been done to help banks and financial institutions stay solvent. Those steps were necessary. I firmly believe that without them, the financial crisis would deepened…

America's small businesses have always pioneered new economic fields and sectors. Today, small businesses continue to be some of our most creative innovators. As our Nation shifts away from the fossil fuels and seeks clean sources of…

So, basically, in listening to your argument, you are clearly stating that this is a pro-statehood bill, aren't you?

The issue here is not if the people of Puerto Rico can vote or not in Presidential elections. The issue here is a true, transparent, democratic process for the Puerto Rican people to participate in a referendum without imposing statehood.

I am a strong believer that the people are smart enough to make tough decisions if they are presented with all the facts clearly and objectively. This legislation does not provide a transparent process of the choices available to Puerto…

In closing, I will simply say that the authors of this bill are not afraid of having the people of Puerto Rico freely express themselves in a process that is democratic and that is transparent. They should support this amendment. Yet, if…

There is a reason why two of the three main political parties in Puerto Rico are opposed to this bill. They have been shut out of the legislative process. That is the reason. Here we are facing one of the largest deficits in the history of…

This amendment is a commendable effort to try and improve a deeply flawed piece of legislation, and I really thank the gentlewoman for being so committed to providing for a process of self-determination for the people of Puerto Rico…

This amendment will make sure that the ballots for these processes are available in both Spanish and English. Through this amendment, Puerto Rico's overwhelmingly Spanish-speaking population will be able to understand the ballot and…

Self-determination is a basic concept in a democracy. The ability of a people to choose their own national grouping without undue influence from another country is rightly recognized as a core element of freedom and liberty. Today, sadly…

Let us be clear. This legislation is designed to push the statehood agenda, regardless of whether that agenda is the best solution for the island or even among the people. The chairman of the Natural Resources Committee also mentioned that…

Today the nation of Puerto Rico is 8 million people strong; 4 million reside on islands of Puerto Rico and 4 million live in the United States. From Florida to New York City to Chicago to California, and everywhere in between, there are…

For too long, working families have lived in fear that they are just one illness away from financial ruin. For too long, the men and women in my home state of New York have watched their premiums skyrocket, with family rates up 97 percent…

As we work to foster job growth, small businesses will be central to the equation. Time and again, when Americans face economic uncertainty, they respond with innovative ideas and new ventures. While larger companies are slower to reverse…

Mr. Speaker, today, small businesses are finally getting their stimulus. It is about time. This act marks the first step towards economic recovery for our country's entrepreneurs. In fact, this bill will result in nearly $21 billion in new…

Madam Speaker, today we will consider a short-term extension for programs in the Small Business Act and Small Business Investment Act. The measure extends the authorization of the Small Business Administration and these programs through…

You know why? Because your President, our President refuses to implement the provisions, at least the one that would lower the cost of loans for small businesses.

I rise in support of important language in Chairman Oberstar's manager's amendment to H.R. 2830, the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act. This amendment is critical for my constituents who live in the Greenpoint area in Brooklyn. I want to…

But it is important to remember that the Nation's 26 million entrepreneurs have always led America's way to economic recovery and sustained growth. That was the case during the last slowdown, when the technology sector--led by small…

But when he had a chance to vote against price gouging, he voted ``no.'' When he had a chance to vote about long-term alternative energy and conservation, he voted ``no.'' So don't come to the floor and tell us the need to deal with the…