Nydia Velázquez: “Thank you, Congressman Case for everything that you have shared with us and for taking time out of your busy schedule to…”

I urge my colleagues not to engage in knee-jerk reactions that set back our real progress toward creating a more equitable criminal justice system.

Thank you. And I want to thank you, Mr. Chairman, and Mr. Mfume for this bipartisan effort, very important legislation.

Dozens of homes and businesses across Queens and the surrounding boroughs suffered major damage, and many are still working to get back on their feet.

So, make no mistake, the real issue in this hearing is not CEQ's small budget request, it is, unfortunately, an attempt by some of my colleagues across the aisle and their big corporate donors, to undermine the Council's ability to protect…