Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez is currently serving as Representative for New York’s 7th Congressional District. In the 117th Congress, she is the Chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, a senior member of the Financial Services Committee and a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources.
She has made history several times during her tenure in Congress. 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.
Congresswoman Velázquez is dedicated to ensuring that New York City residents have housing options that are both affordable and accessible. Renters and home owners in the 7th Congressional District face critical housing needs, with most paying more than half their income in rent or mortgage payments and many living in unacceptable conditions.
The Congresswoman is a strong advocate for public housing residents and has taken steps to preserve and revitalize government-owned housing properties. To address the shortage of affordable housing, she supports efforts that combine housing market-driven solutions, federal support, and state and local initiatives.
Knowing that good ideas are abundant in her community, NYC housing experts and grassroots housing activists are consulted to help formulate solutions for the city’s unique housing problems. Comprehensive efforts are needed today to ensure that the nation’s housing market regains its footing, and the American dream of homeownership remains an achievable goal.