Nydia Velázquez

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

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

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in voting for the motion to recommit and vote ``no'' on H.R. 2987. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I am not opposed to oversight. I am not opposed to having a real conversation about the future of SBA programs. I am opposed to legislation that leaves key questions unanswered and puts proven programs in jeopardy. The Community Advantage program and the CA SBLCs have been a lifeline for thousands of small businesses, particularly in rural areas and for unbanked businesses. They fill the gap that traditional lenders and larger 7(a) lenders won't. Small and new businesses often require small-dollar loans, not million-dollar loans. They simply need enough capital to get their business off the ground or finance modest expansions. That is why the CA SBLC lenders are so critical to growing our small business ecosystem. The CA lenders have had bipartisan support for years, so why are my colleagues so afraid to include a provision of congressional intent to protect them from the cap? I just don't get it. The Small Business Committee has always worked in a bipartisan manner, and here we are with a proven program that has had bipartisan support, and the Republicans with this legislation will put an end to CA SBLC. We should be working together to support and expand the CA SBLC program, not passing vague bills that threaten to cut it off. At a time when small businesses need more capital, more support, and more stability, this bill moves us in the wrong direction. In sum, I oppose H.R. 2987 because it will not protect the Community Advantage program, which has a solid track record of providing smaller dollar loans to thousands of women, veterans, rural, and underserved entrepreneurs. At the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to the committee. If the House rules permitted, I would have offered the motion with an important amendment to this bill. My amendment will ensure the requirements of the bill shall not apply to Community Advantage SBLCs, and it prohibits implementation of the bill until the Administrator certifies to Congress that 7(a) loan originations will not decrease to unbanked small business borrowers operating in rural- or low-income markets. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment into the Record immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Chu).

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. Morrison).

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 2987, the so- called Capping Excessive Awarding of SBLC Entrants Act, or the CEASE Act. This bill would impose a permanent statutory cap on the number of small business lending company, or SBLC, licenses the SBA can issue, limiting them to just 16. While I understand and share some of the concerns raised about how the SBA has handled oversight of these licenses, I cannot support legislation that is rushed, vague, and potentially harmful to the very businesses we are supposed to be helping. Let's take a step back. For more than 40 years, the SBA maintained a moratorium on new SBLC licenses, citing a lack of resources to properly supervise new entrants. That changed in 2023 when the agency finalized a new rule lifting the moratorium and began issuing additional licenses to expand participation in the 7(a) loan program. The goal was to help fill lending gaps, particularly in underserved communities that have historically struggled to access capital. That is a goal that I support. I also believe it should be done carefully with the right oversight in place. I raised questions about the SBA's rollout of this policy when it first proposed the rule. I flagged concerns about whether the agency had the capacity to supervise these lenders effectively, and I called for transparency and clarity every step of the way. I am not here to defend the SBA's process blindly, but H.R. 2987 doesn't actually fix the oversight issues. It just slaps an arbitrary cap on the program without addressing the real questions of how to improve accountability, how to expand access responsibly, and how to ensure these programs are helping the businesses that need it the most. What is worse, the bill is completely silent on how this cap would apply to the Community Advantage program, a critical SBA initiative that helps make smaller-dollar loans available to startups, veterans, rural entrepreneurs, and other underserved borrowers. Since being transitioned into the SBLC framework, Community Advantage lenders have continued to show strong results. Last year alone, the program issued over 1,100 loans worth nearly $200 million, with an average loan size of just $175,000. These are the kinds of loans that traditional banks often will not make because they are not profitable, but they are exactly what many small businesses need to get off the ground. By leaving out an exception for mission-based CA lenders from the cap, this bill opens the door for a future administration to freeze new licenses or even eliminate the CA SBLCs altogether. That is a concern we have heard directly from lenders, community organizations, and small business advocates around the country. These are the very lenders we relied on to help target PPP assistance to the smallest of small businesses during the global pandemic. They met the moment for many small employers in our communities that were locked out of the first rounds of PPP assistance. At a time when small businesses are facing rising costs, tariff uncertainty, and tightening credit, Congress should be doing everything it can to expand access to capital, not pulling back on programs that are actually working. That is why I cannot support this bill in its current form. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, the SBA is supposed to serve American small businesses, full stop--not just in certain cities, not just when it is politically convenient, but everywhere for everyone. This bill doesn't meet that standard. It will rip support away from small businesses in the economic centers of this country because of the political party that runs their city. It creates disruption, wastes money, and puts politics ahead of supporting the American economy. Politicians love to say that small businesses are the backbone of our economy. I ask, why target millions of them by supporting this bill? We should be supporting these businesses, not tearing them down. The entrepreneurs I hear from aren't talking about asking for this. They are asking for better access to capital, more outreach, and a stable SBA that is there when they need it. This bill moves us in the wrong direction. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I include in the Record letters of opposition from the Democracy Defenders Action, UnidosUS, and the Small Business Majority, all organizations that raise concerns that the bill will deny small businesses access to critical support. I am writing on behalf of Democracy Defenders Action (DDA), a non-partisan organization committed to safeguarding our democracy against rising authoritarian threats. We respectfully urge you to oppose the Save SBA from Sanctuary Cities Act, H.R. 2931. The Save SBA from Sanctuary CMes Act is a blatant attempt to coerce cities into abandoning their values and violating the Constitution in service of Trump's unpopular, unlawful deportation agenda. Cities must have the freedom to protect their citizens, and the data is clear: cities with welcoming policies are safer, stronger, and more prosperous. If passed, this bill would essentially turn small businesses into collateral damage in Trump's political war on immigrants--cutting off critical SBA support to entrepreneurs based solely on where they live. Ultimately, it will be small business owners, many of whom are already struggling in Trump's economy, that will be most harmed by the uncertainty and service gaps prompted by the bill. Congress must vote NO. Stand with local leaders. Stand with small businesses. Stand on the right side of history. Best, Diamond Brown (she/her), Senior Policy Counsel, Democracy Defenders Action.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Correa).

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Cisneros).

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I insert into the Record two news articles about DHS sanctuary jurisdiction lists removed from their website given the fact that their local sheriffs were opposed to the lists, as well as a Third Way article highlighting that the red State murder rate was 33 percent higher than the blue State murder rate, which can be found at: https://www.thirdway.org/report/the-21st- century-red-state-murder-crisis. [From Chicago Tribune, June 1, 2025] List of ``Sanctuary Jurisdictions'' Removed From US Government Website Following Criticism Washington--A widely anticipated list of ``sanctuary jurisdictions'' no longer appears on the Department of Homeland Security's website after receiving widespread criticism for including localities that have actively supported the Trump administration's hard-line immigration policies. The department last week published the list of the jurisdictions. It said each one would receive formal notification the government deemed them uncooperative with federal immigration enforcement and whether they're believed to be in violation of any federal criminal statutes. The list was published Thursday on the department's website but on Sunday there was a ``Page Not Found'' error message in its place. What is a `sanctuary jurisdiction' and how was the US list of them made? The list was part of the Trump administration's efforts to target communities, states and jurisdictions that it says aren't doing enough to help its immigration enforcement agenda and the promises the president made to deport more than 11 million people living in the U.S. without legal authorization. The list is being constantly reviewed and can be changed at any time and will be updated regularly, a DHS senior official said. ``Designation of a sanctuary jurisdiction is based on the evaluation of numerous factors, including self-identification as a Sanctuary Jurisdiction, noncompliance with Federal law enforcement in enforcing immigration laws, restrictions on information sharing, and legal protections for illegal aliens,'' the official said in a statement. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said on Fox News' ``Sunday Morning Futures'' that there had been anger from some officials about the list. However, she didn't address why it was removed. ``Some of the cities have pushed back,'' Noem said. ``They think because they don't have one law or another on the books that they don't qualify, but they do qualify. They are giving sanctuary to criminals.'' The list, which was riddled with misspellings, received pushback from officials in communities spanning from urban to rural and blue to red who said the list doesn't appear to make sense. In California, the city of Huntington Beach made the list even though it had filed a lawsuit challenging the state's immigration sanctuary law and passed a resolution this year declaring the community a ``non-sanctuary city.'' Jim Davel, administrator for Shawano County, Wisconsin, said the inclusion of his community must have been a clerical error. Davel voted for Trump as did 67% of Shawano County. Davel thinks the administration may have confused the county's vote in 2021 to become a ``Second Amendment Sanctuary County'' that prohibits gun control measures with it being a safe haven for immigrants. He said the county has approved no immigration sanctuary policies.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman from New York.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, it is quite rich to come to the House floor and talk about rule of law. At least on this side of the aisle, we don't have anyone who pardoned 1,500 felons. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Latimer).

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from New Jersey (Mrs. McIver).

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 2931. This bill is not about improving the SBA or expanding support for small businesses. It is about punishing cities for their politics and dragging a vital agency into another culture war. Earlier this year, the SBA administrator abruptly announced that six regional offices located in cities like New York, Chicago, and Seattle will be relocated. These are some of the most diverse, economically important cities in the country. They are also home to thousands of small businesses that rely on these offices for support. The decision was made without consultation, without any clear plan, and without even a basic briefing to Congress. In fact, 24 of my colleagues and I sent a letter to the administrator demanding answers. Myself and my colleagues still haven't received an adequate response; just rhetoric. Now this bill will lock in that same reckless approach and expand on it. It strips regional, district, and local SBA offices out of so- called sanctuary cities, despite there being no legal definition and no justification for such a move. This isn't about immigration enforcement. It is about politics. This administration wants to punish some of our larger cities because they have the nerve to vote Democratic. It is important to note all of the cities comply with the Federal laws. Who will this bill hurt? It will not hurt politicians or city officials. It is the small business owners and their employees who will suddenly have to navigate SBA programs without the support they have relied on for years. At the same time, the SBA is already in crisis. Huge numbers of staff have been fired or forced out. Customer service has plummeted. Small business owners are calling, and no one is there to answer. Now, in the middle of all of that, my Republican colleagues are talking about uprooting even more offices. This bill doesn't fix anything. It adds more confusion and disruption for the people that are supposed to be helped. It wastes taxpayer dollars to carry out a political agenda, and it ignores the real economic challenges small businesses are facing. Let's not forget, entrepreneurs across the country are already dealing with higher prices caused by tariffs. That is a direct result of this administration's trade policies. These added costs are squeezing margins and making it harder for small businesses to stay afloat. The last thing they need is less support from the very agency that is supposed to help them. They also don't need to be spending hours traveling to offices to get assistance. If my colleagues really wanted to support the small businesses, they would be talking about access to capital. They would be looking at how to rebuild SBA policy, not gut it further. They would be focused on lowering costs, expanding outreach, and getting more entrepreneurs the tools they need to grow. Just maybe, my colleagues could stop playing games and pass a bill exempting small businesses from the pain of this administration's on- again, off-again tariffs. Instead, Members here are debating a bill that makes things worse. I urge my colleagues to reject this bill, stand up for small business owners in every ZIP Code and restore the SBA mission as a nonpartisan advocate for America's entrepreneurs. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, in 1994, Congress established a goal of awarding 5 percent of Federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses. Recognizing the obstacles that female entrepreneurs faced when entering and competing in the Federal marketplace, Congress identified this goal as an uphill battle. Three decades later, we can see how much of an understatement that was and how much more work has to be done. Empowering female entrepreneurs has long been a top priority of mine. In 2000, to give women-owned firms a boost and incentivize agencies to bring in more WOSBs to compete for contracts, I wrote the law and created the WOSB program. Today, many women-owned firms are critical partners to Federal agencies as a result of that law, yet the WOSB goal has been met only twice, and women-owned firms are not seeing the contracting opportunities that should accompany their level of participation in the market. We need to again provide a boost to the WOSB program and encourage more competition and success for WOSB firms. My legislation that we are considering today will move more firms through the SBA's certification process so Federal agencies have a larger pool of companies that can trigger WOSB competitions. Mr. Speaker, it will further protect the integrity of the program. We want to ensure that women-owned firms are who they say they are because that is who the program is designed to empower. We expect that contracting officers will have more confidence working with WOSBs, knowing that the SBA has already verified them. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this bill.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jessica Arocho, an exceptional individual who has devoted her life to serving the North Brooklyn community. As the Director of Community Affairs at NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull, Jessica exemplifies the spirit of service that defines our community leaders. Jessica is a true product of Williamsburg, following in the footsteps of her strong Puerto Rican mother, Dona Carmen Gines, and other influential community leaders. Her lifelong commitment to service began in her childhood, when she frequently accompanied her mother to Woodhull Hospital, their trusted medical home. It is also where her youngest daughter was born, and where Jessica began her career in the Youth Outreach program. Since taking on the role as Director of Community Affairs in January 2020, Jessica has been instrumental in enhancing the hospital's outreach and building partnerships with local organizations. She advocates for good health and promotes positive energy within the community, ensuring that residents have access to essential health resources. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was particularly noteworthy; she ensured that hospital staff received essential supplies, including meals and personal protective equipment. Additionally, she organized successful initiatives that provided thousands of coats, toys, backpacks, and school supplies to families in need. Jessica's dedication extends beyond her professional responsibilities. She has served on the Community Advisory Board (CAB) for 16 years, including five years as Chair, and held the position of Vice Chair of the NYC Health + Hospitals Council of CABs. She has also been an integral part of Woodhull's leadership team, advocating for the hospital's funding and operational needs. Her commitment to the community has been recognized, as she was named to Crain's ``2021 Notable Hispanic Leaders and Executives'' list, highlighting her role as a strong advocate for NYC Health + Hospitals/ Woodhull. Her relentless efforts and steadfast dedication to the Williamsburg and Bushwick communities serve as an inspiration for future generations of leaders. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Jessica Arocho for her exceptional contributions to our community. Her dedication, leadership, and service are truly commendable, and she represents the very best of Brooklyn.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. James ``Jim'' King. Over the span of his career, Jim was instrumental in launching and leading the New York Small Business Development Center, where he served as Executive Director for 33 years. Through his unwavering dedication, Jim advanced the mission of the NYSBDC by providing one-on-one advisement, training, and research to small business owners across New York State. His impact extended far beyond day-to-day operations, he was a steady force during moments of crisis, guiding NYSBDC's response to both local and national challenges. From playing a vital role in New York's economic recovery after the September 11th attacks, to helping small businesses rebuild following the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, Jim led with vision, and purpose. He was a pillar of our community and a champion for small business. Jim will be remembered by the New York small business community as a true trailblazer whose dedication profoundly impacted the growth and success of countless entrepreneurs in our state. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who were touched by his work and the businesses he was crucial to launching. My deepest condolences go out to his wife, his family, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this reckless Republican funding bill. Republicans claim that this is a clean CR, but the facts tell a different story. This bill slashes $23 billion from veterans' benefits, turning its back on the brave men and women who served our country; guts healthcare, leaving families, children, and seniors vulnerable; and it slashes affordable housing, putting thousands, including veterans, domestic violence survivors, and people with disabilities at risk of losing their homes. If these cuts weren't bad enough, the Vice President said this morning that this administration will continue to refuse to spend money on programs that they don't like. I will not vote for a CR that green lights these dangerous cuts. Democrats are ready to fund the government, but we will not stand by while Republicans sell out the people we are sworn to serve. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to reject this dangerous bill.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dominican Heritage Month and to celebrate the 181st anniversary of the Independence of the Dominican Republic, observed on February 27th. This month provides an opportunity to reflect on the resilience, history, and achievements of the Dominican people--both in their homeland and across the diaspora. Over the past 181 years, the Dominican Republic has overcome profound challenges, from civil wars to military occupations and authoritarian rule. Yet, through it all, Dominicans have demonstrated extraordinary strength and perseverance. Today, more than two million Dominicans call the United States home, with approximately 700,000 residing in New York City alone. In my district, spanning Brooklyn and Queens, the Dominican community is integral to our past, present, and future. As a Nation, we are enriched by the contributions of Dominican Americans in the arts, culture, sports, government, and business. In my own district, I am especially grateful for the Dominican community's role in shaping our small businesses, civic institutions, and cultural landscape. I am also proud that our community produced the first Dominican American elected Brooklyn Borough President, my friend Antonio Reynoso. To honor Dominican Heritage Month, I am pleased to recognize six outstanding individuals whose dedication, public service, and leadership continue to inspire future generations. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating: Maria Viera, Sonia Medrano, Socrate Liriano, Vincente Trinidad, Roberto Latingua and Rufina Valdez. These honorees contribute to the vibrant tapestry of New York City. Their achievements are a testament to the thriving Dominican presence in New York City and beyond. Let us continue to uplift and celebrate the Dominican community, not just this month, but every day.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Chair, I rise today in strong opposition to this Republican rip-off. This budget slashes $880 billion from Medicaid, putting 286,000 people in my district, including nearly 100,000 children, at risk of losing healthcare. Madam Chair, cruelty is the point. It also targets food assistance, leaving over 147,000 New Yorkers in my district struggling to afford meals. Cruelty is the point. Why? All this to hand out trillions of dollars in tax breaks to the top 1 percent. Republicans tried this trick before in 2017. They promised it would raise wages, pay for itself, and boost the economy. It didn't. Instead, it made the rich richer while working people fell further behind. Now they are doubling down, making America sicker, poorer, and hungrier just to funnel more money to their billionaire donors. This isn't fiscal responsibility. It is economic cruelty. Vote ``no.''

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Chu).

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, today we are considering H.R. 804, which would require the SBA to close out the GAO recommendation ensuring that individuals in rural areas where a disaster declaration has been made have full access to assistance, including targeted outreach and marketing materials. SBA would have 1 year to close out the recommendation. On February 22, 2024, GAO issued a report examining how SBA's disaster loan program assists communities after disasters. GAO found that rural areas have characteristics that make recovery difficult, and they face challenges in seeking SBA disaster assistance. While the SBA had taken steps to address challenges to recovery, including portable outreach centers, virtual outreach, and a whole-of- SBA approach, GAO recommended that SBA distinguish between urban and rural communities in its outreach and marketing plan and take actions to mitigate the challenges encountered by rural communities. This bill prioritizes SBA's efforts to close out this GAO recommendation and focus on our Nation's rural communities. I commend Dr. Morrison, Mr. Downing, Mr. Pappas, and Mr. Bean for their work on this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. Morrison).