Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7]
Democrat · NY · 22 bills sponsored
To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to expand access to school-wide arts and music programs, and for other purposes.
# Summary of HR 7855 **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill aims to expand arts and music education in American public schools by amending the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. While the full details aren't specified in the provided information, the bill's purpose is to increase student access to school-wide arts and music programs—meaning more schools would offer these classes and activities to more students. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily benefit K-12 students in public schools across the country, as well as teachers and schools themselves. It could also impact school budgets and education policy at the federal and local levels. **Current Status:** HR 7855 is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but not yet debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by Representative Nydia Velázquez (D-NY). Until it advances out of committee, it remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
Argentina Bailout Oversight Act
# Argentina Bailout Oversight Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would require congressional oversight and reporting on any U.S. financial assistance or bailout provided to Argentina. While specific details aren't listed in the available information, the bill's title suggests it would establish mechanisms to monitor, review, and report to Congress about the scope, terms, and conditions of any American financial support to the Argentine government. **Who It Affects and Current Status** The bill primarily affects U.S. policymakers and Argentine stakeholders if financial assistance were being considered. It would increase transparency and congressional involvement in any bailout decisions. Currently, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. No further action has occurred at this time. **Note:** The available information about this bill is limited. For more detailed provisions and current legislative activity, you can check Congress.gov or your representative's office.
To require Federal monitors and receivers of public housing agencies to testify before the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate.
# Summary of HR 6825 **What the Bill Would Do** HR 6825 would require federal monitors and receivers assigned to struggling public housing agencies to testify before two congressional committees: the House Committee on Financial Services and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Federal monitors and receivers are officials appointed to oversee and manage public housing agencies that are failing financially or operationally. This bill would make these officials legally required to report directly to Congress about the conditions and performance of these housing agencies. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily affect federal housing officials, public housing agencies that are under federal oversight, and residents of public housing who depend on these agencies. It would also require Congress to receive regular updates on the state of troubled public housing systems across the country. The bill is sponsored by Representative Nydia Velázquez, a Democrat from New York. **Current Status** As of now, HR 6825 remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House or Senate. No specific timeline for action has been announced.
Plant-Powered School Meals Pilot Act
# Plant-Powered School Meals Pilot Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Plant-Powered School Meals Pilot Act would establish a pilot program to increase plant-based meal options in schools across the United States. If passed, the bill would provide funding and support for schools to develop, test, and serve more meals with plant-based proteins and ingredients as alternatives to traditional animal-based options. The program would likely include grants or resources to help schools modify their menus, train cafeteria staff, and purchase equipment needed to prepare these meals. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily affect school districts, cafeteria workers, and students—particularly those in participating pilot schools. It could also impact food suppliers and manufacturers who provide ingredients to school lunch programs. Families with students in participating schools would see expanded meal choices for their children. **Current Status** The bill (HR 5867) is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The measure was introduced by Representative Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) in the 119th Congress. No action has been taken at this stage beyond the initial introduction.
Strengthening Capacity for Disaster Resilient Territories Act
# Strengthening Capacity for Disaster Resilient Territories Act (HR 5503) **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill aims to improve disaster preparedness and resilience in U.S. territories—specifically Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and other non-state territories. While the full details aren't specified in the available information, the bill's title suggests it would strengthen the ability of these territories to prepare for, withstand, and recover from natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes. **Who It Affects:** The primary beneficiaries would be residents of U.S. territories, which collectively represent millions of American citizens. The bill could also impact federal agencies responsible for disaster response and the territories' local governments managing disaster preparedness and recovery efforts. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but not yet voted on by the full House of Representatives. For more detailed information about specific provisions—such as funding amounts, new programs, or policy changes—you would need to review the full bill text, which is available through Congress.gov.
AirFAIR Act
# AirFAIR Act Summary The AirFAIR Act (HR 5502) is a proposed bill currently being reviewed in committee that aims to address fairness issues in the airline industry. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the information available, the bill's title suggests it focuses on establishing fair practices for passengers and potentially workers in commercial aviation. The bill was introduced by Representative Nydia Velázquez, a Democrat from New York. As the bill remains in the early committee stage, its exact provisions and impacts have not yet been finalized or publicly detailed. Typically, airline industry bills of this type could affect passengers (through changes to fees, customer service requirements, or passenger rights), airline workers, and airlines themselves. Anyone who flies commercially or works in the aviation sector could potentially be impacted once the bill's specific language is developed. To learn what this bill would specifically do, interested parties should track its progress on Congress.gov or contact their representatives for more detailed information as the bill moves through the legislative process.
Flood Insurance Tax Credit Act of 2025
# Flood Insurance Tax Credit Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Flood Insurance Tax Credit Act of 2025 would create a tax credit for individuals and families who purchase flood insurance. Rather than being required to shoulder the full cost of flood insurance premiums, eligible taxpayers would receive a credit to reduce their federal income tax liability, making flood insurance more affordable. The bill aims to encourage more property owners in flood-prone areas to obtain insurance coverage. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily benefit homeowners and property owners in flood-prone areas, particularly lower and middle-income households that struggle with the high cost of flood insurance premiums. The measure could indirectly benefit insurance companies and communities by increasing insurance coverage rates in at-risk areas. **Current Status** As of now, the bill (HR 5504) is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. This means it remains in the early stages of the legislative process and would need committee approval and broader congressional support before it could become law. The specific details of the tax credit amount and eligibility requirements have not been provided in the available information.
National Flood Insurance Program Administrative Reform Act of 2025
# National Flood Insurance Program Administrative Reform Act of 2025 **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill aims to reform how the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) operates administratively. The NFIP is a federal program that provides flood insurance to property owners in areas where private insurance isn't readily available. While the bill's specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, administrative reform bills typically address how the program manages claims, sets rates, processes applications, or handles overall operations. **Who It Affects:** The changes would primarily impact homeowners and property owners in flood-prone areas who rely on federal flood insurance, as well as the insurance industry and FEMA (which oversees the NFIP). Property owners in coastal regions and areas with frequent flooding would likely be most affected by any operational changes. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. To get more details about the specific reforms proposed, you would need to review the full bill text on Congress.gov.
Data Improvement for Puerto Rico Recovery Act
# Data Improvement for Puerto Rico Recovery Act (HR 5501) — Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill aims to improve data collection and analysis related to Puerto Rico's recovery efforts, particularly following natural disasters. While specific details aren't fully available in the summary provided, the bill's title and purpose suggest it would establish better systems for tracking economic, infrastructure, and social recovery progress in Puerto Rico. Improved data collection helps policymakers understand recovery needs and allocate federal resources more effectively. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects Puerto Rico residents and communities recovering from disasters, federal agencies managing recovery programs, and Congress in making informed decisions about Puerto Rico funding. It could also impact private organizations and nonprofits involved in relief and reconstruction efforts. **Current Status:** As of the most recent information available, HR 5501 remains in committee and has not been passed. The bill was introduced by Representative Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), who represents a district in New York with significant Puerto Rican constituents. *Note: For complete details on specific provisions and requirements, review the full bill text on Congress.gov.*
Texture Positive Act of 2025
# Texture Positive Act of 2025 - Summary I'm unable to provide a detailed summary of this bill because the information available is limited. The bill (HR 4539) was introduced by Representative Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, but the specific details about what it would do—its actual provisions, who it affects, and its purpose—are not included in the document you've shared. To give you an accurate plain-language summary, I would need access to the bill's full text or a more complete description of its contents. I'd recommend checking Congress.gov, which maintains comprehensive information on all federal legislation, including the full bill text, summaries, and status updates for HR 4539.
No Anonymity in Immigration Enforcement Act of 2025
# No Anonymity in Immigration Enforcement Act of 2025 (HR 4004) Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would require immigration enforcement agents to identify themselves by name and badge number during enforcement operations, and would mandate that such operations be documented and reported. The legislation aims to increase transparency and accountability in how federal immigration authorities conduct raids, arrests, and other enforcement activities. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal immigration enforcement agencies, as well as individuals subject to immigration enforcement operations. It could impact both documented and undocumented immigrants who encounter federal agents, and may influence how enforcement agencies conduct their operations. **Key Provisions:** While specific details aren't provided in the summary, the bill's title suggests it would eliminate anonymous enforcement practices—meaning agents couldn't conceal their identities during operations. This would likely require new identification protocols and reporting requirements for immigration enforcement activities. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 4004 remains in committee and has not been voted on by the full House. The bill was introduced by Representative Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), and would need committee approval and broader congressional support before advancing further.
Combating Deceptive Immigration Enforcement Practices Act of 2025
# Combating Deceptive Immigration Enforcement Practices Act of 2025 (HR 3828) **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill aims to restrict certain tactics used by immigration enforcement agencies when interacting with the public. While the bill's specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, the title suggests it would prohibit what sponsors consider "deceptive" practices during immigration enforcement operations—potentially including things like misrepresenting an agent's identity, purpose, or authority during interactions with individuals or communities. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily affect immigration enforcement agencies (such as ICE), their officers, and immigrants or communities subject to enforcement actions. It could also impact legal proceedings related to immigration cases, as restrictions on enforcement tactics might change how evidence is gathered or how interactions are conducted. **Current Status:** HR 3828 was introduced by Representative Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. The bill has not advanced beyond the committee stage. *Note: For specific provisions and detailed language, you would need to review the full bill text on Congress.gov.*
FinCEN–SBA Coordination on Beneficial Ownership Registration Act
# FinCEN–SBA Coordination on Beneficial Ownership Registration Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would require the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to coordinate and share information about beneficial ownership registration. Beneficial ownership refers to identifying the real people who actually own or control a business, rather than just the business entity itself. The bill aims to improve coordination between these two federal agencies so they can better track and verify who truly owns small businesses. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions:** The legislation would primarily affect small business owners, as well as FinCEN and SBA operations. It addresses implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act, a 2021 law that requires most businesses to report their beneficial owners to FinCEN. By mandating coordination between FinCEN and the SBA, the bill seeks to streamline the process and reduce duplicative reporting requirements for business owners while improving government efficiency in combating financial crimes and beneficial ownership fraud. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee (as of the 119th Congress) and has not yet advanced to a full congressional vote. It was introduced by Representative Nydia Velázquez, a Democrat from New York.
WOSB Accountability Act
# WOSB Accountability Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The WOSB Accountability Act tightens the rules for how the federal government counts women-owned small businesses (WOSBs) toward its contracting goals. Currently, federal agencies can count certain self-certified women-owned businesses when reporting whether they've met their diversity contracting targets. This bill would require that only businesses officially certified by the Small Business Administration, a state government, or an SBA-approved certifying organization count toward these goals. The bill includes a temporary exception allowing businesses that have applied for certification to count as certified while waiting for their application to be processed. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** This primarily affects women business owners seeking federal contracts and the federal agencies responsible for meeting diversity contracting requirements. The bill adds an oversight layer by requiring the SBA to brief Congress quarterly on the certification process and how the new requirements are working. Supporters argue this ensures federal contracting goals reflect genuinely verified women-owned businesses rather than unverified self-certifications, promoting accountability and fairness in government contracting. **Current Status** The bill passed the House of Representatives and is now awaiting consideration in the Senate.
SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025
# SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would reauthorize and update the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. These federal programs provide grants and contracts to small businesses and startups to conduct research and development in technology and innovation. The bill would extend these programs' authority and likely modernize their operations, though specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects small businesses, startups, and research institutions that participate in or benefit from SBIR and STTR funding. Federal agencies that administer these programs would also be impacted. Broader economic effects could include innovation in technology sectors and job creation in small business communities. **Current Status:** HR 3169 was introduced by Representative Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. For specific details about what changes the bill proposes, the full text would need to be reviewed, as key provisions are not summarized in this basic information.
Fair Taxation of Digital Assets in Puerto Rico Act of 2025
# Fair Taxation of Digital Assets in Puerto Rico Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would establish new tax rules for digital assets (like cryptocurrencies and NFTs) held or traded by individuals and businesses in Puerto Rico. The legislation aims to create a framework governing how these modern financial assets are taxed on the island, addressing a gap in current tax law as digital assets have become more prevalent. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects cryptocurrency owners, digital asset traders, blockchain businesses, and investors operating in or considering relocating to Puerto Rico. It could also impact Puerto Rico's government by potentially affecting tax revenue from this growing sector. The bill was introduced by Representative Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) but focuses on Puerto Rico policy. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. No specific details about key tax provisions are publicly available at this stage, as the bill's exact language and requirements have not been widely detailed in public sources.
Protecting Small Business Competitions Act of 2025
# Protecting Small Business Competitions Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill aims to protect small businesses from unfair competition practices. While the full legislative text would provide specific details about which practices it targets and what enforcement mechanisms it includes, the bill's title suggests it focuses on leveling the playing field for smaller companies competing against larger corporations. **Who It Affects:** The legislation would primarily impact small business owners and entrepreneurs, as well as potentially the larger companies whose competitive practices might be restricted. Federal agencies responsible for enforcing business competition laws would also be involved in implementation. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. At this early stage, the bill could be amended, rejected, or advance for further consideration. **Note:** Without access to the full text of HR 2804, this summary is based on the title and basic information provided. For specific provisions, you can find the complete bill text on Congress.gov.
Arturo Alfonso Schomburg Congressional Gold Medal Act
# Arturo Alfonso Schomburg Congressional Gold Medal Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would award a Congressional Gold Medal to Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, a historically significant Puerto Rican-American scholar and collector. The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest civilian honors the U.S. Congress can bestow. If passed, it would recognize Schomburg's contributions to preserving and documenting African American and African diaspora history, particularly his work in building an important research collection that became foundational to understanding Black history in America. **Who It Affects & Key Details:** The bill is primarily a ceremonial honor—it doesn't directly affect most Americans but reflects Congress's official recognition of Schomburg's legacy. The medal would honor his lifetime achievements as a librarian, historian, and collector (1874-1938) whose work influenced generations of scholars. His collection became the basis for the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, now part of the New York Public Library, which remains an important resource today. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was introduced by Representative Nydia Velázquez (D-NY).
WOSB Certification Expansion and Opportunity Act
# WOSB Certification Expansion and Opportunity Act Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill aims to standardize how the federal government tracks its contracting with women-owned small businesses (WOSBs). Currently, it would require that only businesses officially certified by the SBA, state governments, or approved national certifying organizations count toward federal agencies' contracting goals for women-owned businesses. The bill also creates a temporary "deemed certified" status for women-owned businesses that have applied for certification but haven't yet received approval—allowing them to count toward these goals while their application is being reviewed. **Who it affects:** Women-owned small business owners seeking federal contracts would be the primary beneficiaries, along with federal agencies trying to meet their contracting diversity goals. The bill could make it easier for women entrepreneurs to participate in federal contracting by allowing them to work on government projects during their certification process rather than waiting for final approval. **Current status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House.
Report on Grant Consolidation Authority for Puerto Rico Act
# HR 596: Report on Grant Consolidation Authority for Puerto Rico Act **What the Bill Does:** This bill asks the Government Accountability Office (GAO)—Congress's independent auditing agency—to study and report back on consolidating federal grant programs available to Puerto Rico. Currently, Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories can apply for a single consolidated grant instead of submitting separate applications for each eligible federal program. The bill would investigate whether this consolidated approach is working well for Puerto Rico. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects Puerto Rico's government and residents by potentially improving how federal funding is distributed to the island. It also requires Puerto Rico officials to cooperate with the GAO's investigation by promptly providing any information requested. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee (HR 596 in the 119th Congress), meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House. It was introduced by Representative Nydia Velázquez, a Democrat from New York. The bill does not authorize any new spending—it only requests a study to examine current grant procedures.
Mel’s Law
# Mel's Law Summary **What the bill does:** Mel's Law would require colleges and universities that receive federal student aid funding to create official policies for awarding degrees to students who pass away before completing their degree programs. Students would be eligible for a posthumous degree if they were enrolled, died before finishing, and were in good academic standing at the time of their death (meaning they met graduation requirements). The bill also protects colleges from accreditation penalties for awarding these degrees. **Who it affects:** This primarily affects higher education institutions and their students' families. Any college or university participating in federal student aid programs would need to establish this policy, and families of deceased students who were close to graduation could receive official degree recognition for their loved ones. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee (HR 468, 119th Congress), sponsored by Representative Nydia Velázquez (D-NY). It has not yet been voted on or passed.
Landlord Accountability Act of 2025
# Landlord Accountability Act of 2025 – Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Landlord Accountability Act would make it illegal for landlords to discriminate against renters based on where their income comes from. Specifically, landlords couldn't refuse to rent to someone because they receive housing vouchers, rental assistance, Social Security, disability benefits, or child support. The bill also aims to prevent landlords from deliberately making rental units ineligible for federal housing assistance programs. Landlords who violate these rules could face penalties and be sued by tenants who were harmed. **Who It Affects:** This bill primarily affects low-income renters who rely on government assistance to afford housing, as well as landlords who manage rental properties. It also involves the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and includes a tax credit incentive for landlords who maintain affordable housing units. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee as of the 119th Congress, meaning it hasn't yet been voted on by the full House. It was introduced by Representative Nydia Velázquez (D-NY). The bill would need to pass committee review, be approved by the House, pass the Senate, and be signed by the President to become law.