Nydia M. Velazquez

There are a litany of reasons to oppose this bill, but let's make it clear: one of them is that it will not do enough for the people of Puerto Rico. These are U.S. citizens. They have fought, shed blood, and died in every major conflict…

This bill is unworkable for Puerto Rico as it stands now. I applaud the effort and speed with which this was drafted, but it must be strengthened to truly address the needs of Americans in these disaster areas. Even today, I got a call…

Since last year, when our intelligence community concluded that Russia sought to influence our elections, we have seen a series of terrifying headlines. This has not stopped. Last week, we found out the President's son took a meeting in…

Closing the U.S. territories loophole in the Investment Company Act of 1940 will give millions of investors and retirees--mostly in Puerto Rico--the peace of mind that their hard-earned money will receive the same level of protection…

I want to thank the gentleman and Chairman Hensarling for working with me on this important amendment. I urge Members to vote ``yes,'' which is a vote to protect average, ordinary American investors. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance…

I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 4, line 1, insert after ``making'' the following: ``, in addition to being in the interest of…

I want to thank the chairman for being so kind. But let me just say that on this one, your approach is not balanced, and it is going to impact the very agencies that you are empowering with so many responsibilities. I would like to ask the…

First of all, I am the author of the amendment, and in the amendment, there is no place in which it requires anyone to sign anything. This is a reasonable, straightforward, simple amendment that provides transparency and protection to the…

Now, what are House Republicans doing in response? They are proposing less than one-third of the money needed to respond to Zika. They are providing no--zero--money targeted for Puerto Rico. Mr. Speaker, look at this face again. Shame on…

Like all other industries, the agricultural industry has changed over the last 30 years. With new technologies, many agricultural businesses have been able to increase their production rates. The last Census of Agriculture found U.S. farms…

Doing so is a raw deal for car buyers, especially minorities, who continue to fall victim to deceptive and unfair practices. Let's let the CFPB do what it is supposed to do--protect the millions of consumers that will buy cars this…

I am prepared to close, and I yield myself the balance of my time. Since its creation in 1958, the SBIC program has injected billions of dollars into promising startups and small businesses. With the help of the SBIC, some of these small…

When I go home to New York, I don't hear people telling me we need to rush into another trade deal. The only people pushing fast track are lobbyists and big corporations. They are not whom I represent. I would rather stand with New York's…

When we look at this budget, we know that the rhetoric does not match the reality. Rather than paying lip service to small businesses, we must invest in the programs that help them grow and create jobs. That is what we need, job creation…

I demand a recorded vote. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from New York will be postponed. Amendment Offered by Mr. Barber

I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will report the amendment. The Clerk read as follows: Page 68, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced by $10,000,000)''. Page 69, line 1, after the dollar amount…

The men and women who serve our Nation sacrifice enough. They should not have to worry about sexual assault at the hands of superiors and colleagues. It is time for real steps that end this permissive culture, hold sexual offenders…

Contrary to beliefs, the ACA gives small businesses better access to quality coverage. Passage of today's bill would strip new protections that provide bargaining power to small companies. That is why I will continue to oppose any efforts…

I'm very grateful to the chairman. The success of our response to this tragedy hinges on helping residents rehabilitate the structures they call home. {time} 1730 It is essential that the resources necessary to provide secure housing for…

I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 21, line 17, after the dollar amount insert ``(reduced by $12,500,000)''. Page 21, line 18, after the…

I don't have any additional speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.

Definitely. When it comes to transportation and infrastructure, a lot of the businesses are small businesses, and they are the backbone of our economy. They will be the ones creating the jobs that are so much needed in our local…

That's correct. In the long haul, not only do we protect our citizens, but the economy will not suffer. Look at New York. It came to a standstill. Our transportation infrastructure was totally paralyzed. Transportation in terms of bringing…

At this time, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlelady from Texas, Ms. Sheila Jackson Lee.

I would like to inquire of the Chair how much time is left on both sides. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Fleming). The gentlewoman from New York has 3 minutes remaining. The gentleman from Missouri has 30 seconds remaining.