Nydia Velázquez

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. There is no question that we need to support our small businesses across the country, no matter their location or industry, when they are attempting to break into international commerce. Today's bill leverages the unique position and knowledge of the SBA's Office of Advocacy to amplify the voice of small firms in international settings. Today is an important step to break down international barriers for small entrepreneurs entering into the world of trade. Finally, I thank the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Comer), for his diligence on this matter. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 128) to clarify the primary functions and duties of the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration, and for other purposes.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 226, the Clarity on Small Business Participation in Category Management Act of 2019. Let me begin by welcoming back Ranking Member Chabot to this new Congress. I have been privileged to serve on the Small Business Committee for two decades and appreciate the relationship the ranking member and I have cultivated. I look forward to working with him on this bill and others as we remain steadfast in our efforts to ensure small businesses have the resources to thrive now and in the future. Our committee has long acknowledged small businesses' critical role in the $500 billion a year Federal marketplace. When small firms are awarded Federal contracts, the result is a win-win. Category management is believed by some to be the best strategy to get agencies the lowest price, but my committee has heard otherwise, and the data backs this up. Small contractors on the multiple award schedule consistently provide lower prices to agencies than those offered through category management. Despite this, agencies have increased the use of category management, which not just increases costs to the Federal Government but also limits contracts to small vendors. In our committee hearings last year, we heard that more and more contracts are being consolidated and put out of the reach of small businesses as a result of category management. This bill is a commonsense first step to address the need of small vendors, particularly minority-, women-, and veteran-owned small businesses, to remain competitors in the Federal marketplace. By requiring that contracting activity under this new regime of category management be reported in the annual goaling report from agencies to Congress, today's bill protects the industrial base by creating a mechanism for much-needed accountability. H.R. 226 gives us the ability to analyze the data so that we can truly understand the role category management is playing in the marketplace and make changes accordingly. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to offer this bill to provide accountability to the category management regime. I urge Members to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson), the chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, let me just respond to the gentleman's comment regarding the shutdown. The fact of the matter is that the President campaigned and told the American people that he will build a wall and that it will be paid for by the Government of Mexico, and that is not what he is telling us now. Besides, this is the President's shutdown, and he was very proud when he made that comment to Speaker Pelosi and the minority leader, Chuck Schumer. Mr. Speaker, I am proud of this important legislation to provide much-needed oversight of small business participation in the streamlined acquisition strategy known as category management. H.R. 226 requires that contracting activity under this new regime be reported in the annual goaling report from agencies to Congress. This data would allow us to better understand how small firms fare under this new system and make adjustments if needed to guarantee an equitable playing field. This bill protects the small business industrial base by giving a mechanism for much-needed accountability. It is supported by the National Small Business Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the National Electrical Contractors Association, which is the voice of the $171 billion electrical construction industry. I thank the ranking member for his support of H.R. 226, and I remain committed to ensuring small firms are competitive within the Federal marketplace. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 227, the Incentivizing Fairness in Subcontracting Act. In fiscal year 2017, the Federal Government purchased goods and services worth over $508 billion through over 22 million contract actions. Unfortunately, not all this money remained with the original prime contractor and, instead, trickled down to subcontractors. Subcontractors are growing in importance as an avenue for small businesses to work with the government, so it is important that barriers to entry are reduced. Today's bill does just that by helping contractors get the credit they need to meet Federal requirements, while also creating a dispute process for nonpayment--a recurring problem for those working with the Federal Government. By improving the tools that exist for small businesses to become subcontractors, today's measure will draw in more small businesses that are not regular government contractors. This is a critical step to expanding the industrial base and including more small firms. Most importantly, it ensures more small contractors have just recourse through the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization if payment is not received within 30 days of completion. Timely payment protects small contractors who do not have the overhead margins to continue operating without being paid. Today's bill is endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Small Business Association, and the National Electrical Contractors Association. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce this piece of legislation which protects our small contractors by updating the subcontracting goaling regime through increased flexibility and accountability. Establishing incentives to count low-tier subcontracting awards and a dispute process for subcontractors to utilize in the event of nonpayment ensures a healthy Federal procurement marketplace. Today's legislation spreads the economic power of Federal procurement to more companies and the communities where they are located. I want to thank the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Kelly) for cosponsoring this critical legislation and for all his work on this issue while serving on the Small Business Committee, and I would like to also take this opportunity to thank the ranking member. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 227) to amend the Small Business Act to specify what credit is given for certain subcontractors and to provide a dispute process for non-payment to subcontractors, and for other purposes.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend the happiest of birthday wishes to Mrs. Elsie Mayer, a resident of the Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York, and a centenarian, who will be celebrating her 107th birthday on December 23, 2018. Elsie was born in Poland on December 23, 1911. It was a world much different from today. From an early age, she learned to endure famine, poverty and the human cost of war. Elsie's life is characterized as one of a survivor and a woman with great strengths and unyielding selflessness. She came to America at the age of 10 with her family who first settled in Manhattan, and later moved to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It is in Williamsburg years later that she meets her future husband Joseph. Together they raised three children, their sons Martin and Stuart and daughter Marsha. Elsie worked hard, enjoying sewing and baking, especially apple pies for her family. Over the course of 107 years, Elsie has experienced countless remarkable events in New York and our country. Elsie symbolizing decades of longevity and hard work, this occasion reflects an important milestone in a growing segment of American life: the Centenarian. Over the years, special individuals like Elsie have contributed to our nation and witnessed remarkable changes and extraordinary progress. She has lived through some of the most exciting times in our nation's history. Today, Elsie enjoys the company of her surviving and beloved children, grand-children and community. She has many friends at the Independence Neighborhood Senior Center. As we celebrate her birthday, we celebrate her faith, her optimism, her health and the innumerable lives she has touched throughout her life. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mrs. Elsie Mayer on this special occasion of her 107th year birthday.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 2679, the Veterans Small Business Enhancement Act. Currently, the Federal agencies make their excess property available to other agencies and eligible organizations that serve the public. Today's bill is a commonsense expansion of the list of eligible entities that receive surplus property. By adding qualified veteran-owned small businesses to the list, it ensures veteran entrepreneurs have the resources they need to start and grow. With more than 2.5 million veteran-owned small firms, this bill puts them on equal footing with other entities that provide important services to our country. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Helene Onserud for her unwavering commitment to the children, teens, and families of Sunset Park, Brooklyn and her impeccable work at the Center for Family Life over the last 33 years. Center for Family Life, a program of SCO Family of Services, is a neighborhood-based family and social services organization with deep roots in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. As Program Director, Helene has helped to enrich the quality of afterschool, evening, and summer programs reaching more than 2,000 Sunset Park community members every single year. Helene is a true example of an extraordinary community leader. Helene started as an art specialist, and through her hard work and tireless dedication, attained her Master's Degree in Social Work, then arose to become multi-site director at the Center for Family Life in Sunset Park. As multi-site director, Helene laid the foundation for the new leaders at Public School 503 and Public School 506. Even as she steps back from her role, Helene's warmth, spirit and contributions will be impactful for years to come. Mr. Speaker, please join me in saluting Helene Onserud for decades of life changing work.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise as the proud sponsor of the Rabbi Michoel Ber Weissmandl Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2017, which will award a Congressional Gold Medal to the rabbi for his acts of valor during World War II. Rabbi Michoel Ber Weissmandl was born in Hungary in 1903. In 1931 he moved to Slovakia and quickly became a senior figure within the local Jewish community and Yeshiva. As fascism spread across Europe in the late 1930s and early 1940s, Rabbi Weissmandl led some of the most daring efforts to save the Jewish people of Slovakia from the Holocaust. When the Nazis, aided by members of the puppet government in Slovakia, began to move against the Slovak Jews in 1942, Rabbi Weissmandl became a key member of the Bratislava Working Group. This underground organization was comprised of a wide variety of people from different political and ideological spectrums, but united by a common goal: to protect the Jewish people of Europe from Hitler's Final Solution. In his role as a member of the Working Group, Rabbi Weissmandl worked to raise funds to negotiate ransom with German and Slovakian officials in order to delay mass deportations. We cannot understate the dangers the rabbi undertook in this endeavor. Had he approached the wrong official or an unyielding Hitler supporter, he most certainly would have put his own life in jeopardy. Despite that peril, he persevered, demonstrating an unyielding determination to stop the slaughter of the innocent. Using his contacts in England, Rabbi Weissmandl also worked to secure British visas for more than 60 European rabbis after the annexation of Austria, becoming one of the first individuals to protect European Jews by arranging for their escape to England. The Working Group was also one of the first to record the accounts of Auschwitz escapees in a document widely referred to as the Auschwitz Protocols. Weissmandl later translated the initial documentation from German to Hebrew and included an addendum that pleaded for further action. He also wrote the first known appeal for the use of Allied air power to disrupt the Holocaust, including the use of aerial bombs to destroy the rail lines and tunnels leading to Auschwitz. During one of the darkest periods in human history, Rabbi Weissmandl's efforts to protect the lives of European Jews at the risk of his own life reflect true heroism in the face of unspeakable evil. We must never forget these contributions, and it is fitting that we honor his legacy by awarding a Congressional Gold Medal in his name. Mr. Speaker, at a time of unparalleled evil, Rabbi Weissmandl took extraordinary risks to save the lives of Slovakian Jews. To this day, his influence can be felt throughout the Jewish community, not only here in the United States, but around the world. It is with the utmost respect and honor that I have introduced this bill to award Rabbi Weissmandl with a Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award in the United States. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my friend, Representative Brian Mast, for introducing this bill with me and his work to advance this legislation. I also want to thank my 295 other colleagues who have cosponsored the bill. I strongly urge passage of the bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to the Marco Polo Festival, as it celebrates its 10th anniversary on October 20, 2018. As a celebration of culture and heritage, the Marco Polo festivities around New York City remind us of the contributions of these two historical communities of immigrants and their joint history. Through the story of Marco Polo traversing the Silk Road, we can draw parallels to New York City's own vibrant history, including the shared experiences of Chinese and Italian immigrants coming to the U.S. and the establishment of a historic district celebrating both cultures. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Marco Polo Festival and its leadership, the Marco Polo Festival Committee and Two Bridges Neighborhood Council, on this special 10-year anniversary. These dedicated individuals exemplify outstanding leadership through their public service to the community. I wish the Marco Polo Festival continued success in many more years of service

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to the Puerto Rican Bar Association, as it celebrates its 40th Year Anniversary Scholarship Fund Gala on October 12, 2018. The Puerto Rican Bar Association (PRBA) was founded in 1957. It is the largest Latino bar association in New York State and offers personal and professional support to Puerto Rican and Latino attorneys. The PRBA Scholarship Fund raises money to award scholarships to deserving law students. Founded in 1978 by Justice Donald Grajales, himself a past president of the PRBA, it has provided over $500,000,000 to law students based on scholastic achievement, community involvement and financial need. The lawyers who make up PRBA have a strong dedication to public service and to preserving the civil and political rights of Puerto Ricans and Latinos. This has been an extraordinary year in which the PRBA has been presente! I am proud of all the members who volunteered and dedicated time and resources to help the victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, the detained children and hardworking families in New York City. One thing is for certain, the members of PRBA have an unwavering commitment to the legal profession, to each other and to the people they serve. I want to especially thank Carmen Pacheco, Esq., for her dedication and leadership during her term as President and congratulate Honorable Wilma Guzman, the first judge ever elected President of the Puerto Rican Bar Association. I am confident that her experience, vision and leadership will propel the association to new heights. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Puerto Rican Bar Association and the Puerto Rican Bar Scholarship Fund on this special 40th year anniversary. I wish the Puerto Rican Bar Association continued success in many more years of service.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute Brooklyn Chinese- American Association's Eighth Avenue Senior Center on the milestone of twenty-five years of service to Brooklyn's senior community. For seniors living in the Sunset Park, Borough Park and Bay Ridge communities of Brooklyn, the Center provides life-changing services such as daily meals, medical checkups and screenings as well as educational workshops. On an average day, the Center offers services to over 250 seniors and has memberships of over 5,000 seniors. As a part of this cherished celebration, the Center will host their Annual Millennial Roundtables, which places 12 seniors, aged 84 or older, at each table, making up a combined age of over 1,000 years. I would like to express my profound appreciation to all the staff and community at BCA's Eighth Avenue Senior Center. We are all proud of the work this community hub has accomplished over the last twenty-five years. My best wishes for a successful event.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Buddy Scotto, a longtime friend, community member and local leader from Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. For decades, Buddy's commitment to serving the community he loves has led many neighbors and friends to nickname him as the unofficial Mayor of Carroll Gardens. Buddy's family came to Carroll Gardens as Italian immigrants to Brooklyn. The family quickly became known in the community as they started a funeral-home business, a wine business, and later, four movie theaters. After graduating from the original St. Francis College, Buddy served in the Korean War. When his parents were nearing retirement, Buddy returned home to obtain his Funeral Directors License. When many of his peers were leaving Brooklyn for suburbs in Long Island, Buddy's deep sense of connection to Brooklyn and care for his community led him to become a champion for local causes. Among his many areas of advocacy, Buddy has fought for affordable housing for seniors and low-income families, while also advocating to clean up the Gowanus Canal. In 1971, he founded the Carroll Gardens Association which helps advocate for affordable housing and local business growth. In 1978, Buddy founded the Gowanus Canal Community Development Corporation, a non-profit focused on revitalizing the canal, organizing public meetings and expanding affordable housing. He also helped found the Eileen Dugan Senior Center, an important anchor for the community. On the very special occasion of his 90th birthday this year, I would like to thank Buddy for everything he has done and continues to do for the Carroll Gardens community. The neighborhood would not be the same without him.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible work of the YWCA serving my district in New York City and similar branches throughout the country. For over 160 years, YWCA has played a key role in empowering women by helping millions of women, girls, families and their communities all across the country. In Brooklyn, New York, YWCA has worked to help eliminate racism, violence and poverty. YWCA Brooklyn created 310 units of affordable permanent housing for low-income women and homeless survivors of domestic violence. Taking a holistic approach to eradicating systemic poverty, YWCA's services range from providing English language classes and legal assistance, college access and leadership development and employment readiness. It has also spearheaded a women's business entrepreneurship mentoring program to help women lead startups. YWCA also offers wellness programing to reduce stress and trauma by offering yoga classes, art and music therapy. In addition, YWCA Brooklyn's Social Justice Community Center provides free event and meeting space, training facilities and offices to over 100 nonprofit and community organizations. In 2017 alone, YWCA Brooklyn partnered with over 100 community groups to offer 845 events drawing over 25,000 attendees. Mr. Speaker, for decades, YWCA has provided a lifeline for countless women, children and families. It is with great respect and admiration that I salute the YWCA staff and community for their tireless commitment to empowerment and justice for all.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I remain committed to fighting against human trafficking, but this bill may result in serious unintended consequences for innocent people, including losing access to their money and to the financial system based on the mere accusation from a nonprofit. For this reason, I oppose this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney).

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Arizona (Ms. Sinema).

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank both the chairman and the ranking member for their important work on this legislation. Mr. Speaker, a year ago, Hurricane Maria made landfall in my hometown of Yabucoa. The storm ravaged the island, and 115-mile-per-hour winds damaged hundreds of thousands of homes. The entire island lost power, and thousands would not regain electricity until 10 months later, the longest blackout in U.S. history. Sadly, as this crisis unfolded, the President and the administration repeatedly claimed the Federal response was going well. As evidence, they pointed to an artificially low death toll that for months suggested only 64 people had perished. We know now that the true toll is closer to 3,000 lost lives. We can never again allow an artificially low death toll to disguise how the local and the Federal Government failed American citizens. That is why I am pleased this bill contains my legislation, the COUNT Act, to establish Federal guidelines for disaster death counts.