Velázquez Joins House Natural Resources Committee

Press Release

Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has been tapped to join the House Natural Resources Committee. That panel's jurisdiction is wide ranging, touching on issues like: mineral resources, wildlife conservation, federal lands, grazing rights and hydropower development. The Committee also has jurisdiction over offshore territories and Freely Associated States of the United States, including Puerto Rico.

"In recent years, first during the economic crisis and later, following Hurricane Maria, I've worked closely with Members of the Natural Resources Committee on legislation to help address Puerto Rico's challenges," Velázquez said. "I'm honored to join this panel which, in addition to examining federal policies related to Puerto Rico, formulates critical laws on environmental and land use issues that will determine what state we leave our planet for our children."

"Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez will be a powerful champion for the environment and the well-being of all Americans on the Committee on Natural Resources," said Leader Pelosi (D-CA). "With her decades of valuable experience fighting to protect working families and her undaunted, determined advocacy for the people of Puerto Rico, Congresswoman Velazquez offers an invaluable voice in advocating vital policies to help Puerto Rico rebuild and advance into the 21st Century economy. We are fortunate to have her wisdom and expertise on the Committee on Natural Resources."

"I'm thrilled Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez will be joining the Natural Resources Committee," said Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ), the Ranking Member of House Natural Resources Committee. "She's been a fierce advocate for the people of Puerto Rico and has been working tirelessly to ensure our fellow Americans living on the island are being treated fairly. Her commitment to progressive ideals and compassion will be assets on a wide variety of issues facing our Committee. I'm excited to have another strong-voiced Democrat on our Committee who isn't afraid to speak up and push back on the extreme Republican agenda."

"I want to especially thank Leader Pelosi and Ranking Member Grijalva for facilitating my joining this prestigious Committee," Velázquez added. "I look forward to advancing policies ensuring our nation is a better steward of our nation's resources and environment."

Velázquez is the top Democrat on the House Small Business Committee and the third most senior Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee. She is the first Puerto Rican woman elected to the U.S. Congress.

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