Rep. Nydia Velázquez, a longtime member of Congress representing New York’s 7th district, raised concerns on social media regarding recent actions by House Republicans and issues related to government transparency, public health funding, and U.S. involvement in foreign prison systems.
On July 18, 2025, Velázquez referenced a news report about former President Donald Trump and the ongoing controversy surrounding Jeffrey Epstein’s files. She stated: “The WSJ just dropped a bombshell report about Trump’s letter to Jeffrey Epstein for his 50th birthday, part of an album compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell. Meanwhile, House Republicans blocked the release of the Epstein files. AGAIN. We need transparency now. Release the files.”
Later that morning, Velázquez criticized recent budget cuts passed by House Republicans: “Just weeks after gutting Medicaid, House Republicans passed another $9 billion in cuts. This time, targeting global health, public broadcasting, and aid for kids fleeing war. All to please Trump and Elon Musk. Working families deserve better. I voted NO!” The tweet highlights her opposition to reductions in federal spending affecting healthcare and international aid programs.
In another post from July 18, Velázquez addressed U.S. transfers to El Salvador’s CECOT prison amid reports of abuse: “In April, I sent a letter to Secretary Rubio demanding answers about U.S. transfers to El Salvador’s CECOT prison, where reports of abuse & torture are rampant. Now we’re learning dozens of names were never even disclosed. We need answers now.”
Nydia Velázquez has represented New York’s 7th District since 1993 after succeeding Stephen Solarz in Congress (https://bioguideretro.congress.gov/Home/MemberDetails?memIndex=V000081). Born in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico in 1953 and currently residing in Brooklyn at age 70, she graduated with a BA from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras in 1974.
