Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Nydia M Velázquez for US Congress NY-07
Candidate Name: Nydia M Velázquez
Office Seeking Election for: US Congress, Congressional District 07 (Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan)
Campaign Address: 12 Park Street Suite #214, Brooklyn, NY, 11206
Campaign Website: https://www.reelectnydiavelazquez.com/
Campaign Telephone: 787-484-7063
Campaign Social Media Handles (Facebook/Twitter): https://www.facebook.com/ReElectNydiaVelazquezToCongress/
https://twitter.com/ReElectNydia
Campaign Contact (name/phone/email): Fernando Ramos, 787-484-7063, fernando@flrstrategies.com
Explain, based on life experiences and accomplishments, why you believe you are best qualified to represent your district.
My name is Nydia Velázquez and I have proudly served the New York 7th Congressional District for 26 years. I currently serve as the Chair of the House Small Business Committee and senior Member on the House Financial Services Committee. Through my work, I have advocated for small businesses, led legislation to protect immigrants, sought federal funds for important projects in the NY 7th District, fought for the American citizens in Puerto Rico, and much more. My work in Congress is not done and I hope to continue the fight.
Do you now support or have you ever supported openly LGBTQ candidates for public office?
Yes, since I was first elected to Congress I have been at the forefront in advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ community. I worked hard to elect the openly gay City Council Member from Brooklyn, Carlos Menchaca. I also worked closely in the past with City Council Chairwoman Christine Quinn. Supporting diversity and encouraging more participation from the LGBTQ community in public service remains a top goal of mine.
If applicable, what legislation directly affecting the LGBT community have you introduced or co-sponsored? (indicate accordingly).
• I was an original cosponsor of the Equality Act, H.R. 5.
• I have authored legislation that would authorize additional federal funds to local law enforcement to combat hate crimes.
• I cosponsored the “Every Child Deserves a Family Act,” legislation to end anti-LGBTQ discrimination in foster care and adoption once and for all and dramatically improve foster care for LGBTQ youth.
• I also led more than 100 Members of the U.S. House in writing to the Trump Administration’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), opposing a rule change that would reverse previous nondiscrimination protections based on sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, or religion.
What LGBT organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally?
• Human Rights Campaign
• Lambda Independent Democrats
• National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
If applicable, what LGBT organizations have you allocated funds to?
• Lambda Independent Democrats
• Stonewall Democrats
Do you consider yourself a member of the LGBT community?
I consider myself a strong ally to the LGBT Community.
Have you marched in Pride? Which marches and for approximately how many years?
Yes - I have marched in the following:
• I’ve marched in NYC Pride nearly every year I’ve been in elected office.
• I also march in Brooklyn pride every year.
Have you employed openly LGBT individuals previously? Do you employ any currently?
Yes - I have always made sure that my office was open and inclusive to any race, sexuality, gender and religion.
If you receive our endorsement, do you agree to identify the club on all literature and electronic materials where you list endorsements?
Yes - I would be honored to list Jim Owles as one of my supporters on my campaign materials.
What press conferences, demonstrations, rallies and protests in support of LGBT issues, pro choice legislation, criminal justice issues and the Resist Trump Movement have you attended?
I have been at the forefront of countless press conferences, rallies, protests, etc in both NYC and DC. I participated in the Women’s March in January of 2017. That month I also went to JFK to oppose Trump’s Muslim ban and to release travelers who were detained under this policy. I’ve been to the border multiple times to observe the conditions immigrants are enduring when they seek asylum.
More broadly, I was proud to be one of the first members to call for an impeachment inquiry and the first member to call for a Special Counsel.
If elected or re-elected will you become a member of the “Squad?"
I was elected to office 26 years ago, when it was nearly impossible for a Latina and a woman to be elected to office. I am proud to have been part of the squad of incredible, inspiring, beautiful members of congress that have paved the way for the young leaders of today.
Have you ever been arrested? If so please explain why and outcome of arrest.
I was arrested protesting the bombing of Vieques. Ultimately, the Navy stopped using this Island as a testing ground. I was also arrested opposing the closure of Long Island College Hospital in 2013 along with many of my Congressional colleagues and other elected officials. Unfortunately, LICH did close, taking badly needed healthcare resources out of our community.
Will you advocate for legislation to mandate the review of sentences of incarcerated individuals over the age of 55 who have served in excess of 15 years to determine if they warrant release?
Yes - I believe this is a necessary change in a larger criminal justice reform effort. I am committed to keep on fighting for criminal justice reform on the federal, state, and local level.
Do you commit to visit constituents who are incarcerated in state prisons such as Bedford Correctional Facility?
Yes - my office has consistently reached out to incarcerated people. Additionally, in my capacity as Chair of the House Small Business Committee, I have recently introduced legislation to support opportunities for recently incarcerated people who are looking to start their own businesses.
I was also particularly active when the Metropolitan Detention Center was without heat last January, visiting the facility and drawing attention to the problems there. I’m currently working on legislation to bring greater transparency to federal detention centers.
Do you believe sincere remorse, risk of reoffending and actions taken while incarcerated should be considered over the original crime in determinations of parole?
Yes - I completely agree that these factors should be heavily considered when granting parole.
Have you participated in any demonstrations or protests in relation to the issues of clemency and parole?
I have long worked for criminal justice reform, bail reform and sentencing reform.
Will you affirmatively seek to hire formerly incarcerated individuals?
My office is an open employer. We consider all applicants despite any criminal background history.
Do you believe in the decriminalization of sex work?
Yes - this has been an issue I have spoken out on. I believe this is an issue we need to work on to make sure consensual sex workers are protected by law.
If an incumbent, did you vote for HR 1865 in 2018? Will you introduce and or support legislation to amend HR 1865 so that sex between consenting adults, with monetary exchange, is legalized? This would include the use of ads and on-line contact.
Like 387 of my colleagues - or almost 90% of the House - I voted YES on HR 1865. I believe we need to introduce legislation that protects those that make their living off sex work and that will include amending this law to address unintended consequences. To that end, I have cosponsored the SAFE SEX Workers Act, legislation that would require the Department of Health and Human Services to study how these changes to the law have harmed sex workers. I believe this can be an important first step toward reform.
Do you support a national law legalizing gestational surrogacy? Wii you introduce such legislation?
Yes - I am committed to advocating for the passage of this bill.
What proposals will you advocate for the protection of immigrants and to further New York as a Sanctuary City?
I believe we need to pass comprehensive immigration reform. I am proud of the work my team has done to develop training for immigrants in the district to make sure they know their rights.
Will you advocate, including introducing legislation, to remove public funding from religious schools?
Yes.
Do you support the establishment of supervised drug consumption spaces?
Yes - I believe if they are well funded and managed, they can positively affect communities across the country.
Have you ever endorsed any member of the IDC or any candidates who challenged IDC members? Please identify all candidates
No. In fact, I was involved in the “True Blue” movement and endorsed a number of candidates who ran against IDC members.
Will you commit to hiring a member of the LGBT community to serve as a liaison to the community?
We currently have several members of my staff that serve this role.
Will you commit to ensuring diverse LGBT representation among your staff?
Yes
Who did you support for office in the following races A) mayor and Public Advocate in 2014 B) President in 2016 C) Governor and Attorney General 2018?
• Mayor - Bill De Blasio; Public Advocate - Letitia James
• President - Hillary Clinton
• Governor: Andrew Cuomo. Attorney General - Letitia James
Describe any federal legislation and policy changes that you support in order to address the ongoing effects of slavery, racism, colonialism, and discrimination
As the first Puerto Rican woman elected to Congress, I’m acutely aware of how our country’s legacy of slavery and colonialism continues to shape power dynamics today. That’s why I have fought to implement the Women’s Procurement Program at SBA to increase federal contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses. In that same vein, I have supported the SBA’s 8(a) business development program, which assists socially and economically disadvantaged businesses compete for government contracts.
I also believe more must be done to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). As Chairwoman of the Small Business Committee, I have pushed for more SBA collaboration with HBCUs and MSIs to encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs at these critically important institutions.
Creating opportunities for economic empowerment is one way we can correct the mistakes of the past.
What legislation or other policy changes do you support in order to make college and graduate school affordable for poor, working-class, and middle-class Americans and to alleviate the crushing loan debt that many students and alumni are facing?
I believe that Bernie’s College for all and Warren’s Student Loan Debt Relief Act are both important policy proposals that can significantly help poor, working-class and middle-class American alleviate their loan debt.
Do you support a single-payer universal health care system? Please elaborate.
Yes - I believe that a single-payer universal health care system is necessary in the country.
Discuss your stance on reproductive rights, including access to contraceptives and abortion services.
I have always been open about supporting women’s rights. I am also proud to be in the first endorsement group of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
Will you refuse money from individuals or Political Action Committees representing the real estate?
This cycle I have completely stopped taking Corporate PAC money. While I do take money from the real estate trade association. My team and I are extremely cautious on their influence and make sure every decision we take is for the good of the people in the district and around the country.
Will you refuse and refund any contributions from executives at corporations complicit in the Trump agenda?
Yes - my compliance team and I are very mindful of those who donate to my campaign. I am committed to reimbursing any funds to those who are complicit to the Trump agenda.
What additional information would you like Jim Owles to consider when we are making our endorsements decisions?
I am extremely proud of the work I have done for my district in the past 26 years. I am committed to using my experience and seniority in Congress to make sure that we are addressing the most pressing issues, making progress for future generations and advancing justice, particularly for our LGBTQ communities.