Nydia M. Velázquez

7(a) Program Risk Oversight Act

The legislation would change how the Small Business Administration's credit risk office reports its activities each year, likely requiring different information or a different format in their annual reports to Congress. These changes could affect how small business owners and lenders understand the risks associated with federal small business loans and loan guarantees. The bill is still in early stages and has been sent to the House Committee on Small Business for review.

Protecting Small Business Competitions Act of 2026

This bill would likely establish rules to protect small businesses from unfair competitive practices by larger companies, possibly by strengthening enforcement against anti-competitive behavior or giving small business owners more tools to challenge unfair market practices. The legislation would affect small business owners, large corporations, and potentially consumers by ensuring smaller companies have a fairer chance to compete in their markets. The specific protections would depend on the bill's final language, but the goal appears to be leveling the playing field between small and large businesses.

To amend the Small Business Act to provide re-entry entrepreneurship counseling and training services for incarcerated individuals, and for other purposes.

The proposal would require the Small Business Administration to offer counseling and training programs to help incarcerated people prepare to start their own businesses after release. These services would teach formerly incarcerated individuals about business planning, financing, and entrepreneurship to improve their chances of successfully re-entering the workforce and economy. The program aims to reduce recidivism by giving people leaving prison practical skills and support to become self-employed rather than returning to crime.

Recognizing Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) as a serious feeding and eating disorder and acknowledging the urgent need to advance awareness, early identification, research, and equitable access to care.

This resolution calls on the federal government to recognize Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), a serious condition where people severely limit the types or amounts of food they eat, as an important public health issue. The resolution asks for increased efforts to raise awareness about ARFID, improve early detection, fund research into the disorder, and ensure that patients have fair access to treatment and care. ARFID affects children and adults who struggle with eating and can lead to serious nutritional deficiencies and other health problems.

To direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Republic of Cuba that have not been authorized by Congress.

This concurrent resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Cuba unless a declaration of war or authorization to use military force for such purpose has been enacted.

Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.

This concurrent resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran or any part of its government or military unless a declaration of war or authorization to use military force for such purpose has been enacted. The resolution specifies that it shall not be construed to prevent the United States from defending itself, its Armed Forces, its diplomatic facilities, or allied states from imminent attack.

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to the withdrawal of the rule relating to "Consumer Financial Protection Circular 2024-05: Improper Overdraft Opt-In Practices".

Congress would reject a decision by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to withdraw its guidance against banks using deceptive practices to get customers to opt into overdraft fees. If approved, this would force the agency to keep its rules in place that protect consumers from being tricked into paying overdraft charges they didn't knowingly agree to.

Investing in the American Dream Act

The legislation would change the rules for which small businesses qualify for federal loans, making it clearer what size company can apply and potentially expanding or restricting access depending on the specific changes included. Small business owners, entrepreneurs, and lenders who work with federal loan programs would be affected by these eligibility adjustments. The bill is currently under review by the House Committee on Small Business to determine what modifications should be made.

Small Business Territories Support Act

The proposal would create a new Office of Territorial Affairs within the Small Business Administration to help small businesses in U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam access federal support and resources. This office would work to address the unique challenges that small business owners in these territories face, such as geographic isolation and limited access to capital. The change would give territorial entrepreneurs a dedicated point of contact within the federal government to help them compete and grow their businesses.

Rabbi Michoel Ber Weissmandl Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2026

This bill would award the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors, to Rabbi Michoel Ber Weissmandl in recognition of his historical contributions and legacy. The medal is a prestigious award typically given to individuals who have made extraordinary achievements or performed heroic acts that have benefited the United States or humanity. The bill has been referred to the House Financial Services Committee for consideration.

To direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Republic of Cuba that have not been authorized by Congress.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Cuba unless a declaration of war or authorization to use military force for such purpose has been enacted. The resolution specifies that it shall not be construed to prevent the United States from defending itself from an armed attack, the threat of an imminent armed attack, or the lawful execution of counternarcotics operations.

GAAME Act of 2026

Guarantee Access to Arts and Music Education Act of 2026 or the GAAME Act of 2026 This bill specifies that funds that support the instructional needs of elementary and secondary students from low-income families (i.e., Title I funds) may be used for arts and music programs. First, the bill specifies that schools operating school-wide programs may include descriptions related to arts and music education in their comprehensive plans. Such a plan may include a description of (1) how sequential, standards-based arts education taught by certified educators and providers meet the challenging state academic standards, and (2) how sequential, standards-based music education taught by certified educators align with the challenging state academic standards. Second, the bill specifies that schools operating targeted assistance programs may use funds for arts and music programs that address the academic needs of students. This assistance may include providing support for certified educators, professional development, supplies, instruments, and other expenses.

Expressing support for designation of March 2026 as Music in Our Schools Month.

This resolution would officially recognize March 2026 as Music in Our Schools Month to highlight the importance of music education in schools. The designation aims to raise awareness among students, parents, educators, and policymakers about how music programs benefit student learning and development. The resolution does not create new funding or requirements, but rather serves as a symbolic statement supporting music education in American schools.

Calling for the annulment of the Monroe Doctrine and the development of a "New Good Neighbor" policy in order to foster improved relations and deeper, more effective cooperation between the United States and its Latin American and Caribbean neighbors.

This resolution calls for the United States to formally reject the Monroe Doctrine, a 200-year-old policy that asserted American dominance over Latin America and the Caribbean, and replace it with a new approach focused on treating these countries as equal partners. The proposal aims to improve relationships and increase cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean nations through more respectful and mutually beneficial dealings. The measure has been sent to congressional committees for review but has not yet been voted on.

To require Federal monitors and receivers of public housing agencies to testify before the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate.

The bill would require federal officials who oversee struggling public housing agencies to report to Congress about their work and findings. These monitors and receivers would have to testify before the House and Senate committees that handle housing policy, giving lawmakers direct information about problems in public housing and how federal intervention is progressing. This would increase transparency and congressional oversight of how federal government manages troubled public housing programs.

Plant-Powered School Meals Pilot Act

The bill would create a pilot program allowing schools to serve more plant-based meals and test whether students accept and benefit from vegetarian and vegan lunch options. Schools participating in the program would receive funding and support to develop menus featuring fruits, vegetables, beans, and grains instead of meat-based dishes. The program aims to help school districts explore whether plant-based meals can reduce costs, improve student nutrition, and address environmental concerns while still meeting students' dietary needs.

AirFAIR Act

The proposal would establish new fairness standards for airline operations, likely addressing issues like baggage fees, ticket pricing transparency, and passenger compensation for delays or cancellations. Airlines and travelers would be the primary groups affected, with the rules potentially making air travel more predictable and affordable for consumers while imposing new requirements on carriers. The measure is currently under review by lawmakers who focus on aviation issues.

No Anonymity in Immigration Enforcement Act of 2025

This bill would require immigration enforcement agents to identify themselves by name and badge number when conducting enforcement actions, preventing them from operating anonymously during raids or arrests. The measure would apply to federal immigration officers and likely aims to increase accountability and transparency in how immigration enforcement is carried out against individuals and businesses. The bill affects immigrants, employers, and immigration enforcement agencies.

WOSB Accountability Act

WOSB Accountability Act This bill requires that only women-owned small businesses that have been certified by a federal agency, state government, or national certifying entity approved by the Small Business Administration (SBA) are included when calculating whether a federal agency has met its contracting goals with respect to such businesses during a fiscal year. Certain self-certified, women-owned small businesses that have filed an application for certification are deemed to have been certified until the SBA or national certifying entity makes a determination with respect to the certification of such business. The SBA must provide a briefing each quarter about specified aspects of the process of certifying women-owned small businesses and implementing the requirements of the bill.

SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025

This bill would renew and update federal programs that give small businesses and startups grants and contracts to develop new technologies and innovations, particularly in areas like science and advanced manufacturing. The funding helps smaller companies compete with larger corporations by supporting research and development projects that might otherwise be too risky or expensive for them to pursue alone. The bill affects entrepreneurs, small business owners, and the federal agencies that manage these grant programs.

Expressing support for the designation of April 13, 2025, through April 26, 2025, as "National Young Audiences Arts for Learning Week".

This resolution designates a two-week period in April 2025 to recognize and promote programs that bring arts education to young people, highlighting the value of arts-based learning in schools and communities. The measure expresses congressional support for organizations and educators working to make arts experiences accessible to students of all backgrounds. It does not create new funding or programs, but rather calls attention to existing youth arts initiatives during this designated week.

Expressing support for the designation of March 2025 as "Music in Our Schools Month".

This resolution asks Congress to officially recognize March 2025 as "Music in Our Schools Month" to highlight the importance of music education in schools. The designation is meant to raise awareness about how music programs benefit students' learning and development, though it does not create any new funding or requirements for schools. The resolution is largely symbolic and encourages schools, educators, and communities to celebrate and promote music education during that month.

Mel’s Law

Mel's Law This bill requires institutions of higher education (IHEs) that participate in federal student aid programs to establish policies for awarding posthumous degrees. Specifically, the IHE must certify that it has a policy to award a posthumous degree to a deceased student who (1) was enrolled in a degree program at the IHE; (2) died prior to completing such program; and (3) at the time of death, was in academic standing consistent with the requirements for graduation from such program (as determined by the IHE). The bill prohibits accrediting agencies from taking into consideration the number of posthumous degrees awarded to deceased students by the IHE. (Under current law, an IHE must be accredited by an accrediting agency to participate in federal student aid programs.)