Rep. Nydia Velázquez, who has represented New York’s 7th district in the U.S. Congress since 1993, used her social media platform to comment on recent national and Puerto Rican issues, including federal worker protections, military presence in Puerto Rico, and food aid policy.
On October 15, 2025, Velázquez expressed support for a court decision regarding federal employment during government shutdowns. She stated, “Glad to see the courts step in to stop Trump’s illegal attempt to fire federal workers during a shutdown. Working people deserve stability and respect, not political games from a wannabe dictator.”
The following day, Velázquez addressed U.S. military activity near Puerto Rico, referencing her published opinion piece on the subject. On October 16, she wrote, “Once again, Puerto Rico is being caught in the middle of someone else’s war plans. Our people deserve justice, investment, and the right to decide our own future — not warships off our shores. Read my op-ed on the long harmful history of U.S. militarization in Puerto Rico”.
Later that same day, Velázquez commented on federal food assistance policy in her district. She posted, “Starving families to score political points is beyond shameful. Donald Trump is holding food aid hostage, and 146,306 constituents will suffer the consequences in #NY07 alone. It’s time for Republicans to do their job and get help to the people who need it.”
Velázquez was born in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico in 1953 and has lived in Brooklyn for much of her career. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree. Since replacing Stephen Solarz in Congress in 1993, she has focused on issues affecting both her New York constituents and Puerto Rican communities.
