{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"NM\" and year = 2019 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-statement-on-escalation-in-iraq", "Udall Statement on Escalation in Iraq", "2019-12-31", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 31, 2019\n\t\t\t Udall Statement on Escalation in Iraq \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement after Iranian-backed protestors attacked the U.S. embassy in Iraq following U.S. air strikes:\r\nThe predictable result of the Trump administration's reckless bluster, escalation and miscalculation in the Middle East is that we are now hurtling closer to an unauthorized war with Iran that the American people do not support. I am hoping and praying the dangerous situation at the U.S. embassy in Baghdad is resolved without serious injuries or loss of life, and I urge the administration to focus on dialogue and diplomacy going forward.\r\n\"At a volatile time, President Trump and his advisors are endangering U.S. citizens and pushing us closer to what would be another disastrous and deadly Middle East entanglement  and toward a war that Congress has not approved. Both the House and the Senate took major steps earlier this year with majority bipartisan votes to prevent an unauthorized war with Iran, but the Trump administration and Republican leaders thwarted the will of Congress and kept the measure out of the final national defense bill. This was a potentially tragic missed opportunity, but that is no excuse for inaction going forward. Both Houses of Congress need to step up before it is too late to halt this march to war.\r\nUdall is the author of a bipartisan amendment to prevent unauthorized war with Iran that passed the House and earned majority support in the Senate.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/2019-in-review-senator-tom-udall-highlights-legislative-accomplishments-for-new-mexico-and-the-nation", "2019 In Review: Senator Tom Udall Highlights Legislative Accomplishments for New Mexico and the Nation", "2019-12-23", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 23, 2019\n\t\t\t 2019 In Review: Senator Tom Udall Highlights Legislative Accomplishments for New Mexico and the Nation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Read the report HERE. \r\nWASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) released a report highlighting his legislative accomplishments for New Mexico and the nation in 2019. The report includes Udall's work on issues like strengthening economic opportunity; climate action, conservation, and environmental protection; democracy reform; foreign policy and preventing \"forever wars\"; executive oversight, immigration, and standing up for our values and communities; consumer safety, health and education; Indian Country; and veterans.\r\n Read the report HERE. \r\nNew Mexicans sent me to Washington to get things done  and I'm proud to have worked to advance the priorities of families in our state and across the nation, said Udall. I have focused my legislative priorities on the issues that affect New Mexicans and the future of our country the most: our economy, our democracy, our planet, our leadership in the global community, our values, and our children's health, safety and future. I am proud of what we have accomplished in 2019 and I look forward to getting to work for New Mexicans and the American people in the new year.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/12/21/2019/legislation-to-reauthorize-native-american-language-programs-becomes-law", "Legislation to Reauthorize Native American Language Programs Becomes Law", "2019-12-21", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 21, 2019\n\t\t\t Legislation to Reauthorize Native American Language Programs Becomes Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t NM Delegation hails passage of bipartisan bill that honors Esther Martinez, an Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo traditional storyteller and Tewa language advocate\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTONToday,U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.), vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, andMartin Heinrich (D-N.M.)andRepresentatives Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.),Deb Haaland (D-N.M.)andXochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.)applauded the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act  to strengthen Tribally-developed Native American language revitalization programs  becoming law.\r\nThe bill, S. 256, is named after Esther Martinez, an Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo traditional storyteller and Tewa language advocate who passed away in 2006. It amends existing law to reauthorize two federal Native American language programs at the Administration for Native Americans until 2024, expand eligibility for those programs to smaller-sized Tribal language programs, and allow both programs to offer longer grant periods.\r\nThe legislation, authored by Udall, passed the Senate in Juneon a bipartisan voice voteafter being reported out of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, with a bipartisan group of Senate cosponsors.It passed the Houseon December 9th alsoonabipartisanvoice vote and was co-sponsoredby nearly everyHouse Democrat, including members of Democratic Leadership,along with bipartisan members ofthe Congressional Native American Caucus.\r\nI am proud to have championedthis legislation thatrecognizes Esther Martinez's legacy of Native languages advocacy in New Mexico and across the country,said Udall.When we invest in revitalizing Native languages, so are we also investing in rebuilding connections between generations of Native Americans and promoting higher academic achievement outcomes among Native youth. This bill becoming law is an important step forward in the Federal government living up to its promise ofworking with Tribes toprotect and renewNative languages.\r\nPreserving Native languages is central to maintaining cultural identity,saidHeinrich. \"I'm proud to continue honoring Esther Martinez's legacy by ensuring that Native students are connected to their language and that their rich culture and traditions can be handed down to future generations.\r\nEsther Martinez was a champion for Native languages who spent her life teaching others and promoting the growth of indigenous languages and culture. With this bipartisan legislation, Congress has delivered results on this top priority for Native communities who are working to preserve their languages,said Lujn.I was proud to help spearhead the passage of this legislation to ensure language justice for future generations.\r\nOur indigenous languages and traditions help keep our rich culture alive, but the programs that support language preservation are underfunded and often times lack funding altogether. Now that our bill honoring the legacy of Pueblo storyteller and self-taught linguist, Esther Martinez, is signed into law, we will move forward on important work to revitalize our languages and traditions,saidHaaland, Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus.\r\nThe preservation of Native and tribal languages is essential to protecting our state's unique cultural identity for generations to come. I'm proud to join the delegation in honoring Esther Martinez's legacy by removing the barriers schools and organizations often face when accessing resources for Native language programs. This is especially critical to our rural communities, and will ensure Native students in all corners of our state have the opportunity to thrive,saidTorres Small.  The full text ofthe bill is availableHERE.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-to-hold-white-sands-national-park-establishment-act-celebration-in-alamogordo-", "Heinrich To Hold White Sands National Park Establishment Act Celebration In Alamogordo", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich To Hold White Sands National Park Establishment Act Celebration In Alamogordo \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 20, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tALAMOGORDO, N.M.  Tomorrow, Saturday, December 21, from 2-4 p.m. MT, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), will hold an event in Alamogordo to celebrate the final passage of legislation he introduced to designate White Sands National Park. Heinrich will share his appreciation for the strong community support for the creation of a new national park.\r\nIn March, Heinrich introduced the White Sands National Park Establishment Act, a bill to designate White Sands National Monument a national park. The provision was included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, which overwhelmingly passed the Senate this week and will soon be signed into law.\r\nBecoming a national park would immediately bring White Sands new attention and prominent inclusion in global and domestic travel materials, attracting more visitors and allowing for even better resource protection, interpretation, and visitor experiences.\r\n***Press interested in attending should RSVP at press@heinrich.senate.gov or call (202) 228-1578.***\r\n\r\nAlamogordo, N.M. - Saturday, December 21, 2019\r\n\r\nWHO:U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich\r\nWHAT:White Sands National Park Establishment Act Celebration\r\nWHEN: 2 - 4 p.m. MT\r\nWHERE: Heart of the Desert Pistachios & Wine, 7288 U.S. 54, Alamogordo, N.M. 88310", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-to-host-ceremony-honoring-service-of-korean-war-veteran-", "Heinrich To Host Ceremony Honoring Service Of Korean War Veteran", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich To Host Ceremony Honoring Service Of Korean War Veteran \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 20, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  On Sunday, December 22, at 9 a.m. MT, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) will host a medal ceremony for Korean War veteran, Alfred Austen, at the New Mexico Veterans' Memorial in Albuquerque.\r\nSenator Heinrich will honor the military service of U.S. Army Private First Class (PFC) Austen by presenting the Albuquerque resident with the Korean Service Medal and Triple Bronze Star Attachment, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the National Defense Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal.\r\nAusten, age 89, was initially awarded the aforementioned medals and commendations after serving in three campaigns in Korea, but has yet to receive them. After contacting the Albuquerque office of Senator Heinrich, Austen will now finally receive recognition for service to his country, more than 65 years later.\r\n***Press interested in attending should RSVP at press@heinrich.senate.gov or call (202) 228-1578.***\r\n\r\nAbuquerque, N.M. - Sunday, December 22, 2019\r\n\r\nWHO:U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich\r\nWHAT:Ceremony Honoring Service Of Korean War Veteran \r\nWHEN: 9 a.m. MT\r\nWHERE: New Mexico Veterans' Memorial, 1100 Louisiana Blvd SE #5009, Albuquerque, NM 87108", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-cassidy-urge-the-national-institutes-of-health-to-transfer-nm-chimpanzees-to-sanctuary", "Udall, Heinrich, Cassidy Urge the National Institutes of Health to Transfer NM Chimpanzees to Sanctuary", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Udall, Heinrich, Cassidy Urge the National Institutes of Health to Transfer NM Chimpanzees to Sanctuary\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t43 chimpanzees, previously used for medical research, are currently held in Alamogordo NIH facility despite law mandating transfer to national Chimp Haven'\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 20, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTONToday,U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.),Bill Cassidy M.D. (R-La.), andMartin Heinrich (D-N.M.)submitted a letter to National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Francis S. Collins, urgingthe agency transfer 43 chimpanzees from the Alamogordo Primate Facility on Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico to the national sanctuary system at Chimp Haven in Keithville, Louisiana.\r\nThe letter follows theOctoberdecision by NIH announcing that theremainingchimpanzeesat the Alamogordo facility will not be transferred to sanctuary. The lawmakers view the decision asa violation of the Chimpanzee Health Improvement, Maintenance, and Protection Act (CHIMP Act), mandating that chimpanzees live their remaining years in a chimpanzee sanctuary.\r\nIn addition to our general questions about the NIH's rationale for retaining these chimpanzees that are no longer needed for biomedical research (i.e. surplus), we are concerned that the NIH's decision may be contrary to Congress's intent in passing the Chimpanzee Health Improvement, Maintenance, and Protection Act (CHIMP Act),the senators wrote.\r\nThe chimpanzees at the Alamogordo Primate Facility are undoubtedly surplus, having lived at the facility for well over a decade without being subjected to any further research,the senators continued.Since at least 2015 NIH has acknowledged that these chimpanzees are no longer necessary for research, triggering the NIH's obligation to retire them. With 43 chimpanzees that are deemed surplus, the NIH now has a legal duty under the CHIMP Act to fulfill its commitment to relocate these chimpanzees to the national sanctuary system. There, these chimpanzees may live out the remainder of their lives under the supervision of caretakers with expertise in maximizing their psychological and physical wellbeingprecisely as Congress envisioned.\r\nThe senators then requested the NIH to provide answers to six questions regarding:\r\n \r\nThe facility's ability to meet the complex physical and psychological needs of the 43 chimpanzees remaining in its care\r\nThenumber of remaining staff caring for the animals and their job titles\r\nWhether or not the chimpanzees have daily access to material to build nests\r\nWhy the chimpanzees in Alamogordo are held in groups smaller than what was determined to be appropriate under a previous NIH Working Group\r\nA description of the NIH's obligation and plan to provide the best possible quality of life for these surviving chimpanzees.\r\nA description of any and all instances in which a chimpanzee has died or has been injured during transport.\r\n \r\nWe appreciate continuing to work with you on this matter and appreciate your responsiveness but want to make abundantly clear our displeasure with the NIH's decision to not send these chimpanzees to sanctuary,the senators concluded.We disagree on the NIH's interpretation of Congressional action and state unambiguously that these chimpanzees need to be transferredto Chimp Haven before the end of the year.\r\nThe full text of the senator's letter can be foundHEREand below:\r\nDear Director Collins:\r\nWe are writing today to express our concern regarding the National Institutes of Health(NIH)'s announcement, made public on October 24, 2019, that it will not send 44 chimpanzees (now down to 43 chimpanzees) held at the Alamogordo Primate Facility on Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico to the national sanctuary system at Chimp Haven in Keithville, LA. In addition to our general questions about the NIH's rationale for retaining these chimpanzees that are no longer needed for biomedical research (i.e. surplus), we are concerned that the NIH's decision may be contrary to Congress's intent in passing the Chimpanzee Health Improvement, Maintenance, and Protection Act (CHIMP Act).\r\nFollowing public outcry over the federal government's continued ownership of several hundred surplus chimpanzees, and in light of the National Research Council's 1997 report to the NIH about long-term care and support, Congress passed the CHIMP Act. The CHIMP Act was based on congressional testimony that found sanctuaries to be cheaper, healthier, and better . . . for the interest of the chimpanzees, since chimpanzee medical research facilities are not . . . a suitable environment for . . . long-term holding. As a result, Congress mandated that NIH provide permanent retirement in the national sanctuary system for chimpanzees owned by NIH.\r\nIn light of the extensive testimony and evidence in support of a sanctuary system for these chimpanzees, the Act afforded the NIHan agency that expressed concerns with this Act as it wound its way through Congress very little discretion over whether surplus chimpanzees would be allowed to go to retire to the sanctuary system. Indeed, in establishing this sanctuary system, Congress stripped the NIH of its discretion over these surplus chimpanzees, mandating that all surplus chimpanzees owned by the Federal government shall be accepted into the sanctuary system. In contrast, neither the CHIMP Act nor its implementing regulations provide NIH the discretion not to transfer a chimpanzee to sanctuary once the determination that it is a surplus chimpanzee has been made.\r\nCongress was well aware of issues related to the age and health of chimpanzees who are received into the sanctuary system. The Senate considered and rejected the NIH's current position that age or infirmity could be sufficient cause to deny these chimpanzees a transfer, finding that advanced age or infection would actually be a compelling reason to admit these chimpanzees. Further, the House was well aware that chimpanzees who were transferred to sanctuaries may not be in pristine health, observing that these sanctuaries would have some kind of facilities in there to deal with the health needs. That the NIH could now contradict the very reasons Congress found sanctuaries so compellingthat they are cheaper, healthier, and better alternatives for aging chimpanzeesis deeply concerning.\r\nThe chimpanzees at the Alamogordo Primate Facility are undoubtedly surplus, having lived at the facility for well over a decade without being subjected to any further research. Since at least 2015 NIH has acknowledged that these chimpanzees are no longer necessary for research, triggering the NIH's obligation to retire them. With 43 chimpanzees that are deemed surplus, it appears the NIH now has a legal duty under the CHIMP Act to fulfill its commitment to relocate these chimpanzees to the national sanctuary system. There, these chimpanzees may live out the remainder of their lives under the supervision of caretakers with expertise in maximizing their psychological and physical wellbeingprecisely as Congress envisioned.\r\nThe advanced age and suffering from the inevitable maladies associated with the passage of time that the NIH cites as reason not to transfer is actually why the chimpanzees should be transferred from Alamogordo Primate Facility to the national chimpanzee sanctuary. And this is true whether viewed from the requirements of the CHIMP Act or the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The CHIMP Act did require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish standards for the care (and, ultimately, transport) of these chimpanzees in accordance with the AWA. Yet the AWA does not require absolute certainty that the transport of primates poses no risk. To the contrary, the regulations make clear that a primate that is obviously ill, injured, or in physical distress, must not be transported, except to receive veterinary care for the condition. Put differently, the AWA regulations, like the CHIMP Act itself, provide that old and infirm primates may be transferred for the purpose of obtaining veterinary care.\r\nThat the risk of death comes from anesthesia during transport does not by itself justify NIH's effort to retain these chimpanzees, with regulations and a statute that are silent on that particular circumstance. This silence is likely due to the fact that the Act is almost twenty years old and Congress may not have foreseen the NIH's long overdue delay in transferring these chimpanzees. Whatever the reason, Congress was not silent on the most important fact: all surplus chimpanzees owned by the Federal government shall be accepted into the sanctuary system, and advanced age and illness are the exact reasons for this transfer, not a basis to subvert the goals of a sanctuary system.\r\nAside from the broad, overarching concerns about the NIH's rationale, we are also concerned and have questions about the staffing and space available to the chimpanzees at the Alamogordo Primate Facility. Please provide a detailed answer as to the following questions:\r\n\r\n-How is this facility able to meet the complex physical and psychological needs of the 43 chimpanzees remaining in its care?\r\n-Please include the number of remaining staff at the Alamogordo Primate Facility and their job titles. \r\n-Do the chimpanzees have daily access to material to build nests?\r\n-Why are all of the chimpanzees in Alamogordo held in groups smaller than what was determined to be appropriate under a previous NIH Working Group?\r\n- Please also describe the NIH's obligation and plan to provide the best possible quality of life for these surviving chimpanzees.\r\n- Please list and describe any and all instances in which a chimpanzee has died or has been injured during transport.\r\nWe appreciate continuing to work with you on this matter and appreciate your responsiveness but want to make abundantly clear our displeasure with the NIH's decision to not send these chimpanzees to sanctuary. We disagree on the NIH's interpretation of the underlying laws and regulations and state unambiguously that these chimpanzees need to be transferred to Chimp Haven before the end of the year. It is unacceptable for the NIH to violate the CHIMP Act and allow all Alamogordo chimpanzees to convalesce in the research facility for the remainder of their lives.\r\nThank you for attention to this urgent matter, we look forward to your reply.\r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-cassidy-urge-the-national-institutes-of-health-to-transfer-nm-chimpanzees-to-sanctuary", "Udall, Heinrich, Cassidy Urge the National Institutes of Health to Transfer NM Chimpanzees to Sanctuary", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 20, 2019\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich, Cassidy Urge the National Institutes of Health to Transfer NM Chimpanzees to Sanctuary \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t 43 chimpanzees, previously used for medical research, are currently held in Alamogordo NIH facility despite law mandating transfer to national Chimp Haven'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTONToday,U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.),Bill Cassidy M.D. (R-La.), andMartin Heinrich (D-N.M.)submitted a letter to National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Francis S. Collins, urgingthe agency transfer 43 chimpanzees from the Alamogordo Primate Facility on Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico to the national sanctuary system at Chimp Haven in Keithville, Louisana.\r\nThe letter follows theOctoberdecision by NIH announcing that theremainingchimpanzeesat the Alamogordo facility will not be transferred to sanctuary. The lawmakers view the decision asa violation of the Chimpanzee Health Improvement, Maintenance, and Protection Act (CHIMP Act), mandating that chimpanzees live their remaining years in a chimpanzee sanctuary.\r\nIn addition to our general questions about the NIH's rationale for retaining these chimpanzees that are no longer needed for biomedical research (i.e. surplus), we are concerned that the NIH's decision may be contrary to Congress's intent in passing the Chimpanzee Health Improvement, Maintenance, and Protection Act (CHIMP Act),the senators wrote.\r\nThe chimpanzees at the Alamogordo Primate Facility are undoubtedly surplus, having lived at the facility for well over a decade without being subjected to any further research,the senators continued.Since at least 2015 NIH has acknowledged that these chimpanzees are no longer necessary for research, triggering the NIH's obligation to retire them. With 43 chimpanzees that are deemed surplus, the NIH now has a legal duty under the CHIMP Act to fulfill its commitment to relocate these chimpanzees to the national sanctuary system. There, these chimpanzees may live out the remainder of their lives under the supervision of caretakers with expertise in maximizing their psychological and physical wellbeingprecisely as Congress envisioned.\r\nThe senators then requested the NIH to provide answers to six questions regarding:\r\n- The facility's ability to meet the complex physical and psychological needs of the 43 chimpanzees remaining in its care\r\n- Thenumber of remaining staff caring for the animals and their job titles\r\n-Whether or not the chimpanzees have daily access to material to build nests\r\n- Why the chimpanzees in Alamogordo are held in groups smaller than what was determined to be appropriate under a previous NIH Working Group\r\n- A description of the NIH's obligation and plan to provide the best possible quality of life for these surviving chimpanzees.\r\n- A description of any and all instances in which a chimpanzee has died or has been injured during transport.\r\nWe appreciate continuing to work with you on this matter and appreciate your responsiveness but want to make abundantly clear our displeasure with the NIH's decision to not send these chimpanzees to sanctuary,the senators concluded.We disagree on the NIH's interpretation of Congressional action and state unambiguously that these chimpanzees need to be transferredto Chimp Haven before the end of the year.\r\nThe full text of the senator's letter can be foundHEREand below:\r\nDear Director Collins:\r\nWe are writing today to express our concern regarding the National Institutes of Health(NIH)'s announcement, made public on October 24, 2019, that it will not send 44 chimpanzees (now down to 43 chimpanzees) held at the Alamogordo Primate Facility on Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico to the national sanctuary system at Chimp Haven in Keithville, LA. In addition to our general questions about the NIH's rationale for retaining these chimpanzees that are no longer needed for biomedical research (i.e. surplus), we are concerned that the NIH's decision may be contrary to Congress's intent in passing the Chimpanzee Health Improvement, Maintenance, and Protection Act (CHIMP Act).\r\nFollowing public outcry over the federal government's continued ownership of several hundred surplus chimpanzees, and in light of the National Research Council's 1997 report to the NIH about long-term care and support, Congress passed the CHIMP Act. The CHIMP Act was based on congressional testimony that found sanctuaries to be cheaper, healthier, and better . . . for the interest of the chimpanzees, since chimpanzee medical research facilities are not . . . a suitable environment for . . . long-term holding. As a result, Congress mandated that NIH provide permanent retirement in the national sanctuary system for chimpanzees owned by NIH.\r\nIn light of the extensive testimony and evidence in support of a sanctuary system for these chimpanzees, the Act afforded the NIHan agency that expressed concerns with this Act as it wound its way through Congress very little discretion over whether surplus chimpanzees would be allowed to go to retire to the sanctuary system. Indeed, in establishing this sanctuary system, Congress stripped the NIH of its discretion over these surplus chimpanzees, mandating that all surplus chimpanzees owned by the Federal government shall be accepted into the sanctuary system. In contrast, neither the CHIMP Act nor its implementing regulations provide NIH the discretion not to transfer a chimpanzee to sanctuary once the determination that it is a surplus chimpanzee has been made.\r\nCongress was well aware of issues related to the age and health of chimpanzees who are received into the sanctuary system. The Senate considered and rejected the NIH's current position that age or infirmity could be sufficient cause to deny these chimpanzees a transfer, finding that advanced age or infection would actually be a compelling reason to admit these chimpanzees. Further, the House was well aware that chimpanzees who were transferred to sanctuaries may not be in pristine health, observing that these sanctuaries would have some kind of facilities in there to deal with the health needs. That the NIH could now contradict the very reasons Congress found sanctuaries so compellingthat they are cheaper, healthier, and better alternatives for aging chimpanzeesis deeply concerning.\r\nThe chimpanzees at the Alamogordo Primate Facility are undoubtedly surplus, having lived at the facility for well over a decade without being subjected to any further research. Since at least 2015 NIH has acknowledged that these chimpanzees are no longer necessary for research, triggering the NIH's obligation to retire them. With 43 chimpanzees that are deemed surplus, it appears the NIH now has a legal duty under the CHIMP Act to fulfill its commitment to relocate these chimpanzees to the national sanctuary system. There, these chimpanzees may live out the remainder of their lives under the supervision of caretakers with expertise in maximizing their psychological and physical wellbeingprecisely as Congress envisioned.\r\nThe advanced age and suffering from the inevitable maladies associated with the passage of time that the NIH cites as reason not to transfer is actually why the chimpanzees should be transferred from Alamogordo Primate Facility to the national chimpanzee sanctuary. And this is true whether viewed from the requirements of the CHIMP Act or the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The CHIMP Act did require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish standards for the care (and, ultimately, transport) of these chimpanzees in accordance with the AWA. Yet the AWA does not require absolute certainty that the transport of primates poses no risk. To the contrary, the regulations make clear that a primate that is obviously ill, injured, or in physical distress, must not be transported, except to receive veterinary care for the condition. Put differently, the AWA regulations, like the CHIMP Act itself, provide that old and infirm primates may be transferred for the purpose of obtaining veterinary care.\r\nThat the risk of death comes from anesthesia during transport does not by itself justify NIH's effort to retain these chimpanzees, with regulations and a statute that are silent on that particular circumstance. This silence is likely due to the fact that the Act is almost twenty years old and Congress may not have foreseen the NIH's long overdue delay in transferring these chimpanzees. Whatever the reason, Congress was not silent on the most important fact: all surplus chimpanzees owned by the Federal government shall be accepted into the sanctuary system, and advanced age and illness are the exact reasons for this transfer, not a basis to subvert the goals of a sanctuary system.\r\nAside from the broad, overarching concerns about the NIH's rationale, we are also concerned and have questions about the staffing and space available to the chimpanzees at the Alamogordo Primate Facility. Please provide a detailed answer as to the following questions:\r\n-How is this facility able to meet the complex physical and psychological needs of the 43 chimpanzees remaining in its care?\r\n-Please include the number of remaining staff at the Alamogordo Primate Facility and their job titles.\r\n-Do the chimpanzees have daily access to material to build nests?\r\n-Why are all of the chimpanzees in Alamogordo held in groups smaller than what was determined to be appropriate under a previous NIH Working Group?\r\n- Please also describe the NIH's obligation and plan to provide the best possible quality of life for these surviving chimpanzees.\r\n- Please list and describe any and all instances in which a chimpanzee has died or has been injured during transport.\r\nWe appreciate continuing to work with you on this matter and appreciate your responsiveness but want to make abundantly clear our displeasure with the NIH's decision to not send these chimpanzees to sanctuary. We disagree on the NIH's interpretation of the underlying laws and regulations and state unambiguously that these chimpanzees need to be transferred to Chimp Haven before the end of the year. It is unacceptable for the NIH to violate the CHIMP Act and allow all Alamogordo chimpanzees to convalesce in the research facility for the remainder of their lives.\r\nThank you for attention to this urgent matter, we look forward to your reply.\r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-secure-big-wins-for-new-mexicos-economy-environment-and-rural-communities-in-bipartisan-funding-bills", "Udall, Heinrich Secure Big Wins for New Mexico\u2019s Economy, Environment, and Rural Communities in Bipartisan Funding Bills", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 20, 2019\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich Secure Big Wins for New Mexico's Economy, Environment, and Rural Communities in Bipartisan Funding Bills \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Funding package includes major funding to protect public lands, especially Chaco Canyon; for LWCF and PFAS cleanup; and funding for Indian Country and colonias\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNew facilities and construction funds for Air Force Bases in New Mexico\r\nSignificant investments in education, child nutrition, combatting the opioid epidemic, New Mexico's rural communitiesdefending Amtrak's Southwest Chief and rural housing assistanceand grant programs for farmers and ranchers\r\n WASHINGTONU.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, andMartin Heinrich (D-N.M.),joined the full Senate in passing government funding bills for fiscal year 2020. Udall and Heinrich secured critical investments in the bills for New Mexico's economy and communities.\r\nStrong federal funding is key for New Mexico. That's why I fought hard to ensure that New Mexico's unique priorities were represented in these spending bills, and I am proud of the bipartisan bills I helped produce through the Appropriations Committee,said Udall, ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, and a senior member of the Senate Appropriations CommitteeThese bills stave off the devastating funding cuts that the Trump administration proposed across the boardcuts that would have yanked safety nets out from under hardworking families and left our public lands vulnerable to exploitation. Instead, the bills we have passed will strengthen our communities, workforce, public lands, and way of life.\r\nI am particularly proud of the investments we are making in successful conservation programs like the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and the protections we have secured for public lands like the greater Chaco Canyon area  safeguarding the jewels vital to shaping not only our state's character but also our thriving outdoor economy. I am also proud that this year's funding package includes significant support for New Mexico's agriculture industry and rural communities, and funding for infrastructure for colonias and for the transportation arteries that connect our state. And I championed critical funds for education, for child nutrition, and for programs to combat the opioid crisis,Udall continued. In addition, these bills will protect our national security  as well as providing critical funds for election security  while contributing to our state's vital Air Force bases and national labs. The technological innovation in New Mexicofrom our labs to spaceflightrepresents a hopeful future for our state, and this funding will help to continue diversifying our state's economy. And, the bills contribute critical resources to Indian Country in housing, public development programs, and health care. This funding is a victory for New Mexico and the country, and I look forward to seeing them become law.\r\nThis funding package makes robust investments in our economy and the people of New Mexico, and is indicative of the significant services our state provides to the nation,said Heinrich.Our national laboratories, military bases, and WIPP will all receive critical federal funding to support the important work they do. I'm also pleased with the continued efforts to create a path towards college affordability, address the opioid crisis, and provide significant funding for the Land and Water Conservation Act. I am incredibly proud to have led the bipartisan effort to repeal the Cadillac Tax' to ensure millions of middle-class families who rely on employer-based health care are not unfairly penalized. From strengthening our nation's infrastructure, to investing in education, to growing our diverse, high-tech, advanced manufacturing and clean energy industries, I remain deeply committed to creating an economy that works for everyone.\r\nThe package is comprised of 12 appropriations bills drafted in the Appropriations Committee. New Mexico and national highlights are included below:\r\nHighlights of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill include:\r\nProtections for Chaco Canyon:The bill includes legislative language to reinforce a 10-mile buffer zone protecting Chaco Canyon from new oil and gas leasing. The language makes clear that Indian Tribes and tribal allottees can continue to develop their land for oil and gas exploration. The legal limits are paired with $1 million for Interior to partner with the Pueblos and the Navajo Nation to continue to identify cultural resources in the greater Chacoan region.\r\nGold King Mine: Udall secured $4 million for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to continue monitoring water quality in areas impacted by the Gold King Mine spill into the Animas River, and included language directing EPA to continue to work in consultation with affected states and Tribes on a long-term water quality monitoring program. In addition, Udall expects EPA to process all state, Tribal, and local requests for reimbursements for costs incurred in an expeditious manner.\r\nFunding for PILT:The bill fully funds payments to counties through the Payment in Lieu of Taxesprogram, which are estimated at a total of $500 million.\r\nThe Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF):The bill provides the highest level of funding for LWCF since 2003 -- $495 million  which is $60 million more than fiscal year (FY) 2019 for Federal land acquisition and State conservation grants. The President's budget proposed a negative total for LWCF, in the amount of -$27 million, due to rescissions from previously appropriated funding. LWCF is critical to improving recreational access to our federal lands, protecting iconic landscapes, delivering grants to states and local governments to create and protect urban parks and open spaces, and authorizing easements for farmers and ranchers that allow them to continue to steward theirlands in the face of development pressures. This bill includes $5 million to acquire the Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano inholdings at Malpais National Monument and $2.9 million to acquire Mimbres River parcels in the Gila National Forest.\r\nValles Caldera:The bill would boost the base budget for the park by approximately $1.5 million, and directs the National Park Service to allow the park to retain those funds going forward, so they become part of the preserve's annual budget, providing budgetary certainty.\r\nCarlsbad:The bill provides $800,000 for cave and karst research at the National Cave and Karst Research Institute in Carlsbad, New Mexico.\r\nLand Grants, Acequias and Community Ditches:Congress continues to urge the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to recognize the traditional uses of State-recognized community land grants, acequias, and community ditches in New Mexico and across the American Southwest during the land use planning process.\r\nTribal law enforcement:The bill provides $8 million in new funding for tribal law enforcement priorities, including funding to address the crisis of missing, murdered and trafficked Native women and girls, and calls for the Bureau of Indian Affairs to produce a comprehensive needs assessment of public safety infrastructure in Indian Country.\r\nTribal Programs: The bill provides $6.047 billion for the Indian Health Service, $243 million more than FY 2019 and $138 million more than the President's budget request.\r\nPFAS:The billprovides $43 million in new funding for environmental cleanup programs and related scientific research to help address contamination caused by PFAS chemicals and other contaminants of emerging concern.\r\nWildland Firefighting:The bill provides $3.644 billion for fire suppression, of which $2.25 billion is provided through the wildfire budget cap adjustment authorized in the Fiscal Year 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which Udall helped secure.\r\nNational Park Service (NPS):The bill provides $3.37 billion for the NPS, $155 million more than the FY 2019 level and $636 million more than the President's budget request. Within that amount, the bill increases funding for park operations by 3 percent for a total of $2.577 billion.\r\nHighlights of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies funding bill include:\r\nAcequias and Land Grants:The bill continues Udall and Heinrich's report language from last year's Farm Bill making acequias and land grant-mercedes eligible for grants and technical assistance from conservation and environmental programs through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and directs USDA to provide interim guidance covering irrigation and efficient infrastructure quickly.    Water and Sanitation Grants for Colonias and Federally Recognized Tribes:The bill includes $68 million in grants to support wastewater treatment facilities in colonias and Tribal lands. The grants will help rural communities connect to water resources and help prevent groundwater contamination.    PFAS:The report language that Senators Udall and Heinrich secured in Senate Report 116-110 carries the same weight as language included in the final Further Consolidated Appropriations Act. The language directs the Secretary of Agriculture to use an existing program for dairy indemnity to purchase cattle contaminated by PFAS chemicals.Udall and Heinrich are fighting for dairy farmers in Clovis, New Mexico whose livelihoods are being threatened by the contamination.    Agriculture Research:The bill includes $1.4 billion for agriculture research, $121 million more than FY 2019.Every one dollar invested in agricultural research yields a return of $20 to the economy. The bill also includes $962 million for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, an increase of $36 million from FY 2019.    Conservation:The bill includes $830 million for NRCS conservation operations, which funds soil and water conservation, environmental restoration, and drought resilience.    Beginning farmers and ranchers, assistance for socially disadvantaged veteran farmers and ranchers:Provides a total of $33 million between mandatory and discretionary funding, rejecting the administration's proposal to eliminate these important programs that provide assistance to farmers who continue to make farming a way of life, despite limited resources.    Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):The bill includes $67.88 billion for SNAP, which offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families, provides economic benefits to communities, and is the largest program in the domestic hunger safety net.    Lunch Shaming:The bill included Udall's language that directs USDA to provide guidance to lunch program operators. This guidance would include approaches that protect children from embarrassment, encourage lunch fee communications with parents and guardians instead of children, and encourage schools to provideefficient enrollment in free and reduced-price meal programs.    Rural Broadband: The bill included a $550 million increase in the ReConnect Pilot Program as well as language requiring the agency to report on the number of grant recipients which will serveTribal lands.\r\nHighlights of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (T-HUD) funding bill include:\r\nFederal Aviation Administration:The bill fully funds Essential Air Service as well as the Contract Towers Program both important for rural communities in New Mexico.    Federal Highway Administration:The bill supports FAST Act authorized funding levels for all contract authority programs, including Tribal Transportation for Tribes in New Mexico and across Indian Country.    National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:The bill includes $4.7 million to continue development of the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) technology.    Southwest Chief and Amtrak:The bill includes $2 billion for Amtrak. $1.30 billion is allocated for the National Network. The bill also includes report language prohibiting Amtrak from eliminating, reducing service or substantially altering service on the Southwest Chief route.    Native American Housing programs:The bill includes $820 million in total for Native American Housing programs, including an amendment Heinrich secured to increase participation in the Tribal HUD-VASH program. The program helps offer permanent home and supportive services to Native American veterans who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness.\r\nHighlights of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies funding bill include:\r\nMinority Business Development Agency (MBDA):The report includes language proposed by Udall and Heinrich requiring MBDA to have at least one Business Center in any state with a majority or plurality of a national minority,(which includes New Mexico). MBDA announced funding for two Business Centers in New Mexico in 2019.    Bureau of the Census:The bill includes$7.6 billion for the Census Bureau, $3.7 billion above the FY 2019 enacted level.In order for the Bureau to execute an accurate and efficient 2020 Census, the bill provides $6.7 billion for the decennial census.This amount includes the $2.5 billion that was agreed to as part of the recent 2019 Bipartisan Budget Agreement.    The Economic Development Agency:The bill includes $330 million, an increase of $29 million over last year including $33 million for the Regional Innovation Program which has helped spark job creation in New Mexico.    The International Trade Administration:The bill includes $521 million, $26 million over the previous year, for essential services to businesses in New Mexico and around the nation that will benefit growing trade exports with Mexico, China, and other foreign countries.    Justice:The bill provides full funding for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Service and Drug Enforcement Administration in addition to to increased funding for state and local law enforcement and crime prevention grant programs, which includes grants for state and local law enforcement, the Crime Victims Funds, the Second Chance Act, the Office on Violence Against Women, and juvenile justice programs.    National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA):The bill provides $22.63 billion, $1.13 billion above the FY 2019 enacted level, reflecting the need to fund infrastructure for human spaceflight to support the accelerated plan to return to the moon by 2024 while supporting NASA's science, technology development, aeronautics, and education activities.The bill includes$25,000,000 for the Flight Opportunities Program, of which $5,000,000 is dedicated for payload development and flight of K-12 and collegiate educational payloads.Universities and other organizations in New Mexico have long been partners with NASA in research and development activities.    National Science Foundation:The bill includes $8.27 billion, $203 million above the FY 2019 enacted level. Funding supports basic research across scientific disciplines to support the development of effective STEM programs. Udall and Heinrich successfully fought for continued funding for Tribal Colleges and Universities Program at $15 million and Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program (HSI) at $45 million.\r\nHighlights of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs funding bill include:\r\nThe bill provides $63.7 million for new facilities and construction for Air Force bases in New Mexico    - Holloman Air Force Base:$20 million for the construction of a climate-controlled, storage and shipment facility for military support equipment.    - Kirtland Air Force Base:$15.5 million for the construction of a Combat Rescue Helicopter Simulator Facility and $22.4 million to construct a UH-1 Replacement Facility to house new simulators used for training flight crew personnel.    - White Sands Missile Range: $5.8 millionto build a solar, natural gas, and battery system micro-grid to ensure uninterrupted and reliable power.    Veterans Health Administration (VHA):The VHA will receive $93.1 billion, including $87.6 billion in advance funds for FY 2021.\r\n- Additionally, the agreement provides $800 million for the VA Medical Research program, an increase of $38 million above the President's request to provide critical research funding for VA, including into the impacts of burn pits, developing novel approaches to restoring veterans with amputation, central nervous system injuries, loss of sight or hearing, and other physical and cognitive impairments so that veterans can live full and productive lives.\r\nCommunity Care:Community care would get a boost as the Veterans Administration (VA) implements the VA MISSION Act, which allows veterans to get government-subsidized care from private providers under a single discretionary program. The measure would provide $8.91 billion in FY 2020 and $11.3 billion in FY 2021 to implement the law\r\nHealth Care Policies:The measure includes policy provisions that allow eligible veterans to receive infertility treatment and reimbursements for adoption expenses; require the VA to provide immediate assistance from trained professionals when veterans call the department's toll-free suicide hotline; and bar the use of funds for certain kinds of medical research involving canines, felines, or nonhuman primates.\r\nVeterans Benefits:The measureprovides $131 billion in advance mandatory funds for FY 2021 for benefits such as disability compensation, educational aid, and job training\r\nHighlights of the Defense funding bill include:\r\nThe bill funds the Department of Defense (DoD), supporting the men and women who serve in the armed forces, and funding their important missions across the globe and in New Mexico.    The bill provides funding for the 3.1 percent pay raise for military personnel. This is the highest military pay raise in a decade. It also provides an additional $110 million to the Services for childcare programs and directs DoD to work on a comprehensive plan to address the troublesome childcare shortfall. The agreement provides $50 million for Impact Aid and $20 million for Impact Aid for military children with severe disabilities. In addition, a total of $315 million is provided for replacement of failing public schools serving military bases.\r\nPFAS\r\nPFAS provisions for both drinking and agricultural water contamination. The bill added$100millionto the Air Force budget for PFAS remediation and directs the service secretaries to keep the congressional defense committees apprised of their plans to use their authorities to address PFAS contamination.    The report language that Senators Udall and Heinrich secured in Senate Report 116-103 carries the same weight as language included in the final Further Consolidated Appropriations Act.The language recognizes new authorizations in the National Defense Authorization Act to provide clean water for agricultural purposes, purchase land adjacent to military bases that have been contaminated by PFAS chemicals stemming from military use, and mandates the Secretary of Defense to submit a remediation plan for cleanup of water contaminated by PFOA and PFOS at and adjacent to military bases that includes a budgetary request.The report language urges the secretaries of the military services to keep congressional defense committees apprised of their plans to use these authorities.\r\nSpaceand Hypersonics\r\nAdded$15millionforAirForceresearchanddevelopment ofresilientspace structurearchitecture, supporting efforts by companies like SolAero in Albuquerque to develop and employ new technologies in space, including advanced solar arrays.    Added$8millionfor Air Forceresearchanddevelopmentof smallsatellitemanufacturing, supporting the nascent space economy in New Mexico as well as the emerging launch industry which will deploy these new satellites.    Added$19millionfor AirForceresearchand developmentof Venture classsatellitelaunchservices which supports the development of new launch technologies such as VOX space, a Virgin company organized for defense launches and Ball Aerospace in New Mexico.    Added$19millionfor AirForceresearchanddevelopmentfor TacticallyResponsive Launch, which is working to enhance resiliency in space. Tactically responsive launch will allow the Air Force to develop capabilities to rapidly deploy or reconstitute satellites, promote development and testing of new space systems, and leverage private sector launch capabilities such as those being developed by Virgin's VOX space.    Added$130millionforArmyresearchanddevelopmentforhypersonics. The Missile Defense Review noted that Russia and China are developing advanced cruise missiles and hypersonic missile capabilities that can travel at exceptional speeds with unpredictable flight paths that challenge existing defensive systems. This funding will enable the United States to develop technologies to defeat and counter these systems such as directed energy technology being developed in New Mexico and tested at White Sands Missile Range.\r\nInland Launch:included language directing a study of the feasibility, potential benefits, and risks, and cost estimates of establishing an inland testing and space corridor for hypersonic testing and space launch. Spaceport America in New Mexico is a Federal Aviation Administration licensed spaceport with inland launch and potential point-to-point transportation from orbit.\r\nDirected Energy and Electronics\r\n$44 million for Directed Energy Prototyping. This funds efforts to address the capability of near peer competitors with new technologies such as directed energy prototyping, which is being carried out at Kirtland Air Force Base. The funding includes $14 millionfor Low Cost Counter Unmanned Aerial System Targeting Solutions to produce a low cost, networked multi-faceted and multi-sensor architecture to conduct more effective and efficient detection, identification, and management and mitigation of swarming Unmanned Aircraft Systems threats.    $146.5 million in major test and evaluation for High Powered Microwave testing capacityat U.S. Major Range and Test Facility Bases including New Mexico's White Sands Missile Range which plays a key role in research and development of this technology.    Advanced Research and Training.Added$5million for defense wide research anddevelopment ofcyberkinetic combatenvironment.New Mexico Tech is the leading developer of this advanced training environment.\r\nTechnology Transfer\r\n$10 million for Air Force RDT&E Technology Transfer. The three-fold mission of Technology Transfer is to: (1) integrate advanced commercial-sector technologies into Department of Defense (DoD) systems, particularly from non-traditional defense contractors, (2) convey DoD-developed technologies to industry to make these technologies available for military acquisition, and (3) establish collaborative Research and Development (R&D) projects with the private sector for cost-sharing of new dual-use technology development. Technology transfer is critical for New Mexico's economy.\r\nBurn Pitsand other Medical Research.\r\nStrong funding for Peer Review Medical Research Program. Udall secured inclusion of burn pits, Parkinson'sdisease, and multiple sclerosis in the program, whichreceived an additional$360 million. Udall has championedveterans exposed to open-air burn pits, including spearheading establishment of the first open-air burn pit registry.Udall also worked to add $150 million for breast cancer research.\r\nHighlights of the Energy and Water funding bill include:\r\nTheimportant national securitywork at Los Alamos and Sandia National labsisfully funded in the FY 2020 bill. NNSA is funded at $12.457 billion, $1.3 billion above FY2019. The directed stockpile work supporting the life extensionprograms is fully funded, ensuring continued employment growth at both labs.\r\nLos Alamos National Laboratory (LANL): Includes $220 million for environmental cleanup, a $24.5 million increase above the president's request, to cleanup radioactive and other toxic wastes and safely dispose of them.\r\nSandiaNational Laboratories:Thepulsed power programwill receive $66.9 million foroperation ofthe Z Facility, which conducts research on Inertial Confinement Fusion Ignition and High-Yield.\r\nWaste Isolation Pilot Project (WIPP): WIPP will receive $402.9 millionto support the ongoing operations and recovery projects from the 2014 accident,including$6 million for safeguards and security. The total WIPP funding is $5.3 million above the president's request.\r\nDefense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board:The bill provides $31 million for the Board's safety oversight work, rejecting a proposed $1.5 million cut proposed by the president's budget request.The bill includes report language directing the Department of Energy tocollaborate with the Board to address the Board's specific concerns with Department of Energy Order 140.1  an order that undermines the Board's oversight responsibility by restricting its ability to get health and safety information from Department of Energy sites. The report urges the Department to demonstrate a renewed focus on adequate protection of public health and safety, including the health and safety of workers.\r\nNonproliferation:The bill includes$2.164 billionfor Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation. And increase of nearly$171 millionabove the President's request. New Mexico's national labs develop the critically important technologies and training for nonproliferation efforts that are used domestically and internationally in concert with our allies.\r\nTribal Energy Programs:The bill provides $22 million, $2 million more than FY 2019 appropriations, for the Department of Energy Office of Indian Energy Policy to support energy development in Indian Country, and provides $2 million, $1 million more than FY 2019 appropriations, for a loan guarantee program to support the development of commercial renewable energy projects.\r\nBioenergy Technologies: The bill includes $40 million for Advanced Algal Systems to sustain investment in the development of algal biofuels, which has supported research in New Mexico in previous years.\r\nArmy Corps of Engineers:The Army Corps of Engineers is funded at the highest level in ever in a standard appropriations bill at $7.65 billion, an increase of $2.69 billion from FY19 appropriations. A breakdown of funding includes:\r\n- $2.55 million for the Tribal Partnership Programs\r\n- $100 million for the Environmental Infrastructure Account which funds additional Army Corps projects not listed in the president's budget, including New Mexico projects like Alamogordo, Rio Rancho and Southwest Valley in past years.\r\nAlso funds specific Corps projects at the following levels:\r\n- Abiquiu Dam: $3.3M  - Cochiti Lake: $4.188M  - Conchas Lake: $4.446M  - Galisteo Dam: $1.075M  - Jemez Canyon Dam: $978,000  - Middle Rio Grande Endangered Species Collaborative Program: $1.190M  - Santa Rosa Dam and Lake: $1.830  - Two Rivers Dam: $708,000  - Upper Rio Grande Water Operations Model: $1.315M  - Reservoir Operations: $205,000\r\nBureau of Reclamation:Includes increases funding $1.68 billion for FY20 appropriations. Also includes an increase in WaterSMART funding to $63.6 million, a water conservation and efficiency program that has funded everything from Rio Chama restoration to Rio Grande Basin climate change studies. Funding for important New Mexico water infrastructure projects:\r\n- Navajo-Gallup: $69,182,000\r\n- Aamodt Settlement: $8.3 million.\r\n- Rio Grande Pueblos: $68,000.\r\n- Middle Rio Grande Project: $22,582,000.\r\n- Rio Grande Project: $13,821,000\r\n- Carlsbad Project: $3,450,000\r\n- Tucumcari Project: $20,000\r\nHighlights of the Health and Human Services, Labor, and Education Departments funding bill include:\r\nHealth\r\nFunding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH):The bill provides $41.459 billion for the NIH, an increase of $2.375 billion from the previous year. Organizations in New Mexico received more than $95 million in grants from NIH in FY 2019.\r\nState Opioid Response Grants:The bill continues $1.5 billion in funding for states to respond to the opioid epidemic, with added flexibility to also address stimulant abuse including methamphetamine, where there has been an uptick in overdoses, including in New Mexico.\r\nFunding to study gun violence:The bill funds$25 million for a joint study between the NIH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for important research on the public health impacts of gun violence that have gone unfunded for decades.\r\nRacial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH): The bill funds REACH at $59.9 million, a $4 million increase over FY 2019. These programs engage communities that are particularly affected by chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes to address the health disparities. The programs are designed to address risk factors and social conditions to prevent and manage chronic diseases.\r\nHealthcare Workforce Programs:The bill includes an increase of $103 million over FY 2019 for healthcare workforce training, totaling $1.2 billion. This funding is critical for states like New Mexico with an aging healthcare provider workforce and statewide shortages, especially in rural areas.\r\nEducation\r\nEarly Learning/Care:Head Start and the Child Care and Development Block Grant program each received a $500 million increase, bringing their totals to $10.613 billion and $5.826 billion. New Mexico received over $69 million in federal funding for Head Start in FY 2018.\r\nPell Grants.Students will see a $150 increase, bringing the total award maximum to $6,345 for academic year 2020-2021.\r\nTribal Colleges and Universities:Tribal colleges were allocated $36.644 million, an increase of $4.779 million over last fiscal year's level.This funding helps support four Tribal Colleges in New Mexico.\r\nHispanic-Serving Institutions:HSIs received $143.0 million, an increase of $18.6 million over FY 2019 levels. The majority of New Mexico's higher education institutions are classified as HSIs.\r\nUnaccompanied minortransparency:The billcontains report language requiring the Department of Health and Human Services to disclosecritical information about migrant children in its care, includingchildren separated from their parents or legal guardians.The language requires the department to make this information public and builds on language requested by Udall in FY 2019.\r\nTelemonitoring training center:The bill includes a report language request for $1 million to support a telementoring training center to train academic medical centers and other 20 centers of excellence in the creation of technology-enabled telementoring learning programs. Udall and Heinrich fought to include the report language to build on the success of Project ECHO, an innovative University of New Mexico initiative to deliver quality health care to rural populations.\r\nHighlights of the Homeland Security Appropriations bill include:\r\n- FEMA State Homeland Security Grant Program:Homeland Security Grants $560 million, of which$15 million is for Tribal security, for necessary preparedness programs allow the state and local officials to continually answer the Federal and national call to reduce risk, more readily respond to events, and build the leadership for tomorrow.\r\n- The humanitarian aid allowance authorizes FEMA to use existing State Homeland Security funding to reimburse communities and non-profits for humanitarian aid provided to migrants, including those responding to needs of asylum seekers in New Mexico.\r\n- Santa Teresa Port of Entry: Language to direct Customs and Border Protection (CPB) to continue planning for future expansion and infrastructure improvements at high priority ports of entry, in particular the port in Santa Teresa, NM.\r\nHighlights of the Financial Services and General Government bill include:\r\n- Secure Elections.The agreement includes significant resources to help protect our democracy and secure our elections, including for the first time since FY 2018, grants to states to help upgrade election technology and improve cyber security. It also includes full funding for the decennial census to ensure a fair and accurate count, which is critical for purposes of congressional apportionment.\r\n- State Election Security Grants The agreement includes $425 million for Election Security grants, none of which were requested by the President.\r\n- Election Assistance Commission (EAC) The agreement provides $15.2 million for the EAC, an increase of $6 million above the fiscal year 2019 enacted level and $3.2 million more than the President's budget request.\r\n- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) The agreement includes $43.5 million for DHS to assist state and local governments in enhancing security and providing resilience for elections. This is $10.5 million more than FY 2019.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lujan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujn-a-year-in-service-to-new-mexicos-third-congressional-district", "Luj\u00e1n: A Year in Service to New Mexico\u2019s Third Congressional District", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Ben Luj\u00e1n", "L000570", "lujan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2019\n\t\t\t Lujn: A Year in Service to New Mexico's Third Congressional District \n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. Congressman Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M), the U.S. House Assistance Speaker, secured $5.7 million in federal benefits for constituents in 2019 and assisted more than 1,000 individuals living in New Mexico's Third Congressional District through the office's casework services.  This year, Congressman Lujn introduced 27 bills and co-sponsored 375 bills to improve the lives of New Mexicans. Thirteen bills, amendments, or measures written by Lujn were passed or included in legislation that passed the U.S. House of Representatives. This includes legislation to revitalize Native languages, protect federal lands near Chaco Canyon from oil and gas drilling, help combat the opioid crisis, improve broadband access, and expand health care to rural communities.  As Lujn worked to serve the communities in New Mexico's Third Congressional District, he also announced that more than $11.9 million in federal grants were designated for the district, sent 117,202 letters to New Mexicans who contacted the office seeking information on policies and legislative priorities, and traveled 12,620 miles throughout the district to meet with constituents.  In D.C., the Lujn team helped give individuals from New Mexico's Third Congressional District an inside view of Congress with more than 180 Capitol tours and by fulfilling 18 requests to have American flags flown over the Capitol, including one flag that went toPojoaque Middle Schoolto replace a damaged flag.  Families across New Mexico deserve progress on the critical issues affecting our communities  and that's exactly what was accomplished this year. I was proud to work alongside my constituents to lower health care costs, protect our public lands and sacred sites, and invest in workers, saidLujn. As we look to the new year, I will continue working on behalf of New Mexicans and fighting for policies that uplift working families.  In addition, the House of Representatives passed more than 400 pieces of legislation this year  including more than 245 bipartisan bills  that would lower health care costs, invest in workers, and invest in our nation's infrastructure.    Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tAdan Serna(202) 225-6190 \n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lujan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujn-statement-on-usmca-trade-agreement", "Luj\u00e1n Statement on USMCA Trade Agreement", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Ben Luj\u00e1n", "L000570", "lujan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2019\n\t\t\t Lujn Statement on USMCA Trade Agreement \n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on the USMCA trade agreement:  The renegotiated United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement represents a marked improvement over NAFTA and the flawed agreement initially put forward by the Trump administration. Democrats worked diligently to strengthen the agreement's labor and environmental protections, pushed to ensure meaningful enforcement, and fought to remove provisions that would have locked in higher prescription drug prices. However, this agreement isn't perfect, and it doesn't reverse President Trump's failed economic policies. Going forward, we must build on this agreement to further strengthen worker protections, combat climate change, and create opportunities for American workers.  Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tLauren French(202) 225-6190 \n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://torressmall.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-torres-small-votes-boost-southern-new-mexico-s-economy-usmca-passes-house", "Rep. Torres Small Votes to Boost Southern New Mexicos Economy, USMCA Passes House of Representatives with Bipartisan Support", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Xochitl Torres Small", "T000484", "torressmall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, following an urgent December call for Republicans and Democrats to work out remaining differences in the re-negotiated United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), Representative Xochitl Torres Small presided as Speaker Pro Tempore during the final debate outlining the details of the trade deal.\n\n(December 19, 2019) Congresswoman Xochitl Torres Small presides as Speaker Pro Tempore during House floor debate prior to bipartisan passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.\n\nFollowing her time serving as Speaker Pro Tempore, Torres Small delivered brief remarks highlighting the benefits of USMCA for New Mexico's trade economy. \n\nClick the photo above or here to view Torres Small's remarks in support of USMCA.\nTorres Small released the following statement after voting in favor of the bipartisan ratification of the USMCA: \nI came to Congress committed to working with anyone to deliver for New Mexico. The passage of USMCA is an example of what is possible when we work across party lines to tackle our shared challenges. This legislation is a huge win for New Mexican workers, business owners, agricultural producers, and economy. I want to thank President Trump and Congressional Leadership who worked tirelessly to make sure this new trade deal was truly a better deal for New Mexico.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-rounds-laud-bipartisan-passage-of-cadillac-tax-repeal", "Heinrich, Rounds Laud Bipartisan Passage Of Cadillac Tax Repeal", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich, Rounds Laud Bipartisan Passage Of Cadillac Tax Repeal\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 19, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 19, 2019)  Today, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) passed bipartisan legislation to repeal a provision in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) known as the Cadillac Tax, which taxes high-cost health insurance plans and impacts middle-class health benefits. \r\nThe Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2019, was included as an amendment to the appropriations package, H.R. 1865, that passed the Senate today by a vote of 71-23. On July 17, the House version of the legislation passed by a vote of 419-6. The bill now awaits the president's signature. \r\nEliminating this onerous tax on employees' health coverage will protect important benefits for workers and ensure that businesses and families get a fair deal, said Heinrich. I am proud to help lead this bipartisan effort to ensure millions of middle-class families who rely on employer-based health care are not unfairly penalized by this tax. \r\nHealthcare costs for South Dakota families are already too high, said Rounds. The Cadillac Tax threatened to raise healthcare premiums even higher by imposing a 40 percent tax on certain employer-sponsored health care plans. I'm pleased our bipartisan measure to fully repeal the Cadillac Tax was included in the fiscal year 2020 omnibus appropriations bill, and I look forward to continuing to find ways to lower healthcare costs for hardworking families. \r\nWithout repeal, the Cadillac Tax would impact employers and families whose health insurance plans cost more than $11,100 for an individual, and $29,750 for family coverage. The tax could negatively impact 718,000 people in New Mexico and 437,000 in South Dakota, including public employees, service industry workers, and small business owners and retirees.\r\nAlthough the tax was originally a provision in the Affordable Care Act, implementation has been delayed numerous times because of the senators' bipartisan efforts.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-impeachment-of-president-trump-", "Heinrich Statement On Impeachment Of President Trump", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Statement On Impeachment Of President Trump \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 19, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 18, 2019)  U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald J. Trump. \r\nI am keenly aware of the gravity of this moment in our nation's history. For only the third time ever, the House of Representatives has exercised its constitutional power to impeach the president. It is now incumbent on each of us in the Senate to put country over party and demand a fair and open trial. We need to hear from all relevant witnesses and see all relevant evidence as we consider the severity of the president's misconduct and weigh the articles of impeachment the House has presented us. \r\nWhen I was elected to represent New Mexico in the U.S. Senate, I swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Holding the president accountable when he abuses his power and violates the public trust is one of our most important and solemn duties in upholding that oath. If we are going to preserve the rule of law and the integrity of our republic, President Trump must be held accountable for his actions.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-unveils-bill-to-recharge-electric-transmission-planning-", "Heinrich Unveils Bill To Recharge Electric Transmission Planning", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Unveils Bill To Recharge Electric Transmission Planning \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThe Interregional Transmission Planning Improvement Act will help build a more secure and robust 21st century energy infrastructure \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 19, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 19, 2019)  Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) introduced S. 3109, the Interregional Transmission Planning Improvement Act of 2019. The legislation will help bolster the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) interregional transmission planning process. U.S. Representative Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) introduced companion legislation today in the House.\r\nIn July 2011, FERC issued Order 1000 to revise rules on transmission planning, on allocating transmission costs, and on competitive bidding. However, as currently implemented, FERC Order 1000 is simply not achieving its stated goal to expand transmission. This is largely due to the fact that, although Order No. 1000 requires neighboring transmission planning regions to coordinate planning, it does not require a joint process or evaluation of interregional solutions and their benefits.\r\nThere is a disconnect right now between transmission access and the best large-scale clean energy resources. Which is why we need to move quickly to expand transmission capacity to connect centers of supply and demand in this new energy landscape. That means making planning decisions on transmission at the regional level, said Heinrich, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. It's clear that FERC's Order 1000 is not working as well as was intended. Although Order 1000 requires neighboring transmission planning regions to coordinate, it does not require a joint process or full evaluation of interregional solutions and their benefits. This legislation will require FERC to initiate a formal rulemaking that will help meet Order 1000's goals.\r\nNew Mexico can be a leader in a renewable energy revolution that creates jobs across the state and fights climate change, but right now the inability to move electricity from where it is generated to where people need it stands in the way, said Haaland. The bill Senator Heinrich and I introduced today will help update our outdated energy infrastructure, so we can reliably move renewable energy around the country and increase opportunities for economic prosperity for our communities, while protecting our planet from devastating impacts of climate change.\r\nThe Interregional Transmission Planning Improvement Act of 2019 directs FERC to consider in its rulemaking:\r\n \r\nThe effectiveness of the existing interregional planning process.\r\nSpecific improvement to the process that would meet the stated goals of Order 1000.\r\nCost allocation methodologies that reflect the multiple benefits provided by interregional solutions.\r\n \r\nThe bill directs FERC to initiate the rulemaking within six months of enactment and complete a final rule within 18 months of enactment.\r\nTo read the full version of the Interregional Transmission Planning Improvement Act, please click HERE.\r\nThe bill is endorsed by Americans for a Clean Energy Grid, American Council on Renewable Energy, American Wind Energy Association, Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company, BlueGreen Alliance, Ceres, Enel Green Power North America, Inc., ITC Holdings Corp., National Electric Manufactures Association, Natural Resources Defense Council, Solar Energy Industries Association, Union of Concerned Scientists, and the Wind and Solar Alliance.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/nm-delegation-secures-protections-for-chaco-canyon-area-in-government-funding-bill", "NM Delegation Secures Protections for Chaco Canyon Area in Government Funding Bill", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NM Delegation Secures Protections for Chaco Canyon Area in Government Funding Bill\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNew provision prevents federal leasing in long-standing 10-mile buffer region while $1 million cultural resources study is ongoing; Bill covers federal leasing only and respects Tribal sovereignty over treatment of Tribal, allottee mineral rights\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 19, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON Today,U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.),the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies,andMartin Heinrich (D-N.M.)andU.S. Representatives Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.), Deb Haaland (D-N.M.),andXochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.)announced that the final Fiscal Year 2020 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill includes key protections for the area surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The bill prevents the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from leasing oil, gas, and minerals on BLM land within a 10-mile radius of the park, reinforcing a long-standing buffer zone  developed in close coordination with the federal government, the state, the Navajo Nation and Pueblos -- to safeguard sacred sites and sensitive cultural items.The prohibition applies while a cultural resources investigation is undertaken in the area, which is funded by $1 million in the bill to allow Tribes to to identify culturally and historically significant areas. The bill also includes strong protections for Indian Tribes and allottees to make sure they can continue to develop their land for oil and gas.\r\nToday, Congress took a strong step forward in protecting Chaco Canyon, an irreplaceable landscape that is sacred to Tribes and holds deep meaning for people in New Mexico and around the country.For years, I have been proud to partner with the Navajo Nation and Pueblos who consider this land sacred to help secure critical protections and to uphold the long-standing buffer surrounding Chaco Canyon,said Udall, lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies. This provision respects the concerns of Tribes and the greater public, and it means protection for Chaco's singular history and natural beauty from development  without affecting existing operations and respecting Tribal sovereignty over Tribal mineral rights within the 10-mile buffer zone. Between this appropriations bill and the administration's assurances about its own self-imposed leasing halt during a review, we have made great strides towards protecting this national jewel and I will continue to work with Tribes for permanent protections.\r\nThe fragile historical and cultural sites in and around Chaco Culture National Historical Park possess a rich history that extends thousands of years,Heinrich said.This provisionrepresentsthe ongoingefforts of the entireNew Mexicodelegation and I will work to ensure that we continue to protect these sacred landscapes.\r\nThis is a critical milestone in our fight to safeguard New Mexico's sacred lands. Earlier this year, the House approved legislation to permanently protect Chaco Canyon from harmful oil and gas drilling, and while we still strive for permanent protections, I am pleased to see language codified into law to keep this land protected from desecration right now. Chaco Canyon is the ancestral homeland of thousands of New Mexicans, the Pueblos, Navajo Nation, and other Indigenous communities, which makes this sacred land with a rich cultural history. It is our responsibility to honor the legacy of the Chacoan people  and the indigenous communities who still call it home  and protect this incredible landscape for generations to come, said Lujn.\r\nChacoCanyon is a special place for New Mexicansand it's hallowed ground for the Pueblo people,that should be protected for future generations. This step moves forward a plan that respects our sacred sites while allowingthe allottees within the buffer zone to maintain their livelihoods. I look forward to continuingour work to protectChaco, so our children and grandchildren don't lose this beautiful, sacred place to the oil and gas industry,said Haaland.\r\nI am proud of the hard work and collaboration between New Mexico's Congressional delegation, tribal leadership, and other stakeholders to ensure Chaco Canyon and its sacred lands are protected for generations to come. This latest step by Congress re-affirms our shared commitment to tribal communities to honor our trust responsibility and protect sacred, ancestral lands like Chaco Canyon,said Torres Small.\r\n\"As leaders of the Navajo Nation, we thank Congress for setting aside $1 million to complete a Cultural Resources Study of the Chaco Culture National Historical Park. We understand that all oil and gas leasing activities will be prohibited during this period except for individual allottees who may continue to develop their mineral rights under the Indian Mineral Leasing Act. We thank Senators Udall and Heinrich for their continued leadership in protecting the Chaco landscape,\" said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.\r\nOn behalf of the All Pueblo Council of Governors, I would like to thank the New Mexico congressional delegation for this incredible accomplishment. This legislation will protect extremely sensitive areas of Chaco Canyon and its surrounding cultural landscape, and it will pave the way for tribal experts to study and provide important cultural resource information to the federal government to facilitate better decision making about development. Because of the work of the New Mexico congressional delegation, Chaco Canyon and its surrounding cultural landscapea sacred place unlike any other that is interwoven into who the Pueblo people are todaywill be protected and Native values and Native culture will inform its use, said Chairman E. Paul Torres, All Pueblo Council of Governors.\r\nThe final Fiscal Year 2020 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill also includes $1 million for Interior and New Mexico's Pueblos and Navajo Nation to jointly conduct an ethnographic survey of the greater Chacoan region, a survey that that will explore the vast cultural resources that we know exist outside of the Park and in the broader Chacoan region.\r\nThis April, the entire New Mexico delegation introduced theChaco Cultural Heritage Protection Act of 2019, S. 1079, developed in close coordination with the Navajo Nation and the All Pueblo Council of Governors, which prevents any future leasing or development of minerals owned by the U.S. government on lands within an approximately 10-mile protected radius around Chaco  a long-standing buffer zone stretching back years. This includes many sites that are sacred and culturally important to the Pueblos and Navajo Nation. The legislation whichpassed the House in October,is supported by Navajo Nation, All Pueblo Council of Governors (APCG), New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, Sierra Club, the Wilderness Society, and Southwest Native Cultures, and many other organizations. The bill expressly does not affect the right of Indian Tribes and Tribal allottees to continue to develop their land.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-announce-judge-kea-riggs-confirmed-by-senate-to-fill-vacancy-on-us-district-court-for-the-district-of-new-mexico", "Udall, Heinrich Announce Judge Kea Riggs Confirmed by Senate to Fill Vacancy on U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ALBUQUERQUE\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t400 Gold Avenue SW, Ste. 1080\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAlbuquerque, New Mexico 87102\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tp: (505) 346-6601\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tf: (505) 346-6780\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGet Directions\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFARMINGTON\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t7450 East Main St., Ste. A\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFarmington, NM 87402\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tp: (505) 325-5030\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tf: (505) 325-6035\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGet Directions\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLAS CRUCES\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t201 North Church St., Ste. 305\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLas Cruces, New Mexico 88001\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tp: (575) 523-6561\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tf: (575) 523-6584\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGet Directions\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tROSWELL\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t200 East 4th St., Ste. 300\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRoswell, New Mexico 88201\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tp: (575) 622-7113\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tf: (575) 622-3538\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGet Directions\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSANTA FE\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t123 East Marcy St., Ste 103\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSanta Fe, New Mexico 87501\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tp: (505) 988-6647\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tf: (505) 992-8435\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGet Directions\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t303 Hart Senate Office Building\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C. 20510\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tp: (202) 224-5521\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tf: (202) 228-2841\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGet Directions", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/nm-delegation-secures-protections-for-chaco-canyon-area-in-government-funding-bill", "NM Delegation Secures Protections for Chaco Canyon Area in Government Funding Bill", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2019\n\t\t\t NM Delegation Secures Protections for Chaco Canyon Area in Government Funding Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t New provision prevents federal leasing in long-standing 10-mile buffer region while $1 million cultural resources study is ongoing\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBill covers federal leasing only and respects tribal sovereignty over treatment of Tribal, allottee mineral rights\r\n \r\nWASHINGTON Today,U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.),the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies,andMartin Heinrich (D-N.M.)andU.S. Representatives Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.), Deb Haaland (D-N.M.),andXochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.)announced that the final Fiscal Year 2020 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill includes key protections for the area surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The bill prevents the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from leasing oil, gas, and minerals on BLM land within a 10-mile radius of the park, reinforcing a long-standing buffer zone  developed in close coordination with the federal government, the state, the Navajo Nation and Pueblos -- to safeguard sacred sites and sensitive cultural items.The prohibition applies while a cultural resources investigation is undertaken in the area, which is funded by $1 million in the bill to allow Tribes to to identify culturally and historically significant areas. The bill also includes strong protections for Indian Tribes and allottees to make sure they can continue to develop their land for oil and gas.\r\nToday, Congress took a strong step forward in protecting Chaco Canyon, an irreplaceable landscape that is sacred to Tribes and holds deep meaning for people in New Mexico and around the country.For years, I have been proud to partner with the Navajo Nation and Pueblos who consider this land sacred to help secure critical protections and to uphold the long-standing buffer surrounding Chaco Canyon,said Udall, lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies. This provision respects the concerns of Tribes and the greater public, and it means protection for Chaco's singular history and natural beauty from development  without affecting existing operations and respectingTribal sovereignty overTribal mineral rights within the 10-mile buffer zone. Between this appropriations bill and the administration's assurances about its own self-imposed leasing halt during a review, we have made great strides towards protecting this national jewel and I will continue to work with Tribes for permanent protections.\r\nThe fragile historical and cultural sites in and around Chaco Culture National Historical Park possess a rich history that extends thousands of years,Heinrich said.This provisionrepresentsthe ongoingefforts of the entireNew Mexicodelegation and I will work to ensure that we continue to protect these sacred landscapes.\r\nThis is a critical milestone in our fight to safeguard New Mexico's sacred lands. Earlier this year, the House approved legislation to permanently protect Chaco Canyon from harmful oil and gas drilling, and while we still strive for permanent protections, I am pleased to see language codified into law to keep this land protected from desecration right now. Chaco Canyon is the ancestral homeland of thousands of New Mexicans, the Pueblos, Navajo Nation, and other Indigenous communities, which makes this sacred land with a rich cultural history. It is our responsibility to honor the legacy of the Chacoan people  and the indigenous communities who still call it home  and protect this incredible landscape for generations to come,said Lujn.\r\nChacoCanyon is a special place for New Mexicansand it's hallowed ground for the Pueblo people,that should be protected for future generations. This step moves forward a plan that respects our sacred sites while allowingthe allottees within the buffer zone to maintain their livelihoods. I look forward to continuingour work to protectChaco, so our children and grandchildren don't lose this beautiful, sacred place to the oil and gas industry,said Haaland.\r\nI am proud of the hard work and collaboration between New Mexico's Congressional delegation, tribal leadership, and other stakeholders to ensure Chaco Canyon and its sacred lands are protected for generations to come. This latest step by Congress re-affirms our shared commitment to tribal communities to honor our trust responsibility and protect sacred, ancestral lands like Chaco Canyon,said Torres Small.\r\n\"As leaders of the Navajo Nation, we thank Congress for setting aside $1 million to complete a Cultural Resources Study of the Chaco Culture National Historical Park. We understand that all oil and gas leasing activities will be prohibited during this period except for individual allottees who may continue to develop their mineral rights under the Indian Mineral Leasing Act. We thank Senators Udall and Heinrich for their continued leadership in protecting the Chaco landscape,\"said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.\r\nOn behalf of the All Pueblo Council of Governors, I would like to thank the New Mexico congressional delegation for this incredible accomplishment. This legislation will protect extremely sensitive areas of Chaco Canyon and its surrounding cultural landscape, and it will pave the way for tribal experts to study and provide important cultural resource information to the federal government to facilitate better decision making about development. Because of the work of the New Mexico congressional delegation, Chaco Canyon and its surrounding cultural landscapea sacred place unlike any other that is interwoven into who the Pueblo people are todaywill be protected and Native values and Native culture will inform its use,said Chairman E. Paul Torres, All Pueblo Council of Governors.\r\nThe final Fiscal Year 2020 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill also includes $1 million for Interior and New Mexico's Pueblos and Navajo Nation to jointly conduct an ethnographic survey of the greater Chacoan region, a survey that that will explore the vast cultural resources that we know exist outside of the Park and in the broader Chacoan region.\r\nThis April, the entire New Mexico delegation introduced theChaco Cultural Heritage Protection Act of 2019, S. 1079, developed in close coordination with the Navajo Nation and the All Pueblo Council of Governors, which prevents any future leasing or development of minerals owned by the U.S. government on lands within an approximately 10-mile protected radius around Chaco  a long-standing buffer zone stretching back years. This includes many sites that are sacred and culturally important to the Pueblos and Navajo Nation. The legislation whichpassed the House in October,is supported by Navajo Nation, All Pueblo Council of Governors (APCG), New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, Sierra Club, the Wilderness Society, and Southwest Native Cultures, and many other organizations. The bill expressly does not affect the right of Indian Tribes andTribal allottees to continue to develop their land.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-funding-package-makes-strong-investments-in-indian-country-priorities", "Udall: Funding Package Makes Strong Investments in Indian Country Priorities", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2019\n\t\t\t Udall: Funding Package Makes Strong Investments in Indian Country Priorities \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Rejects Trump administration's harmful cuts and includes critical funding for Tribal cultural programs, MMIW crisis, and BIA and IHS staffing\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTONToday,U.S.SenatorTom Udall (D-N.M.), vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, applauded the bipartisan vote to pass two Fiscal Year 2020 funding package bills that included critical investments and provisions for Indian Tribes and Native communities. In addition to increased funding for Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), and Indian Health Service (IHS) programs, the bills contain provisions to protect Tribal cultural patrimony, improve the federal response to the Missing and Murdered Indian Women (MMIW) crisis, and address BIA and IHS staffing shortages.\r\nThis spending package reflects a strong commitment from Congress to Indian Country, by providing funding for Indian programs well over the proposed cuts outlined in the President's budget,said Udall.I'm proud to have worked to secure critical resources for health and education programs Native communities rely on, as well as provisions that will safeguard Tribal cultural patrimony and address the urgent MMIW crisis.As vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and lead Democrat onthe Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, I understand the importance of meeting our trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal governments, and will continue to fight for the critical resources necessary to meet those obligations.\r\nHighlights for Indian Country include:\r\nIndian Health ServiceThe Interior, Environmental, and Related Agencies portion of the funding agreement provides $6.047 billion for the Indian Health Service, $243 million more than fiscal year 2019 and $138 million more than thepresident's budget request. Within that amount, the billincludes a total of $125 million, $89 million more than fiscal year 2019, to meet court-ordered requirements for Tribal lease operating costs owed to Tribes. The bill continues $10 million in funding for a Special Behavioral Health grant pilot program to address opioid abuse and other substance abuse and mental health challenges; $58 million for Urban Indian programs, an increase of $6 million above the fiscal year 2019 level; $11 million to fund requirements for newly recognized Tribes; and $8 million to begin work on a new electronic health records system for the Service.\r\nBureau of Indian Affairs & Bureau of Indian EducationThe Interior, Environmental, and Related Agencies portion of the funding agreement collectively funds the BIA and BIE at $3.223 billion, an increase of $142 millionfromthe Fiscal Year 2019 level. It also accepts a budget request to separate BIA and BIE into two separatebureaus, provides $415 million for core K-12 education programs, an increase of $11 million compared to fiscal year 2019; provides $106 million for post-secondary programs, a 5 percent increase; boosts Johnson O'Malley grant funds by $5 million for a total of $20 million; and includes $4 million for native language education programs at BIE schools, an increase of $2 million above fiscal year 2019. Compared to fiscal year 2019, the bill also increases funding for school construction by nearly 10 percent, or $10 million, for a total of $115 million.\r\nTribal Cultural Resources and ProtectionsThe funding agreement includes\r\n- $22.3 million to support Native American language grant programs, including theUdall-championedEsther Martinez immersion grant program, at the Departments of Education, the Interior, and Health and Human Services;\r\n- $3.5 million in additional funding for enforcement of federal laws prohibiting the trafficking of counterfeit Native American art; and\r\n- $1 million to fund a Tribal cultural impacts study ofthe greaterChacoan region, a survey that that will explore the vast cultural resources that we know exist outside of the Park and in the broaderChacoan region\r\nMMIW and Violence Against Native WomenThespending package provides funding to help Indian Tribes support survivors, prosecute abusers, and address violence against Native women, including:\r\n- $9.9 million for IHS to undertake domestic violence prevention efforts;\r\n- $3 million for BIA's Office of Justice Services (OJS) to investigate MMIW cold cases and conduct officer MMIW response training;\r\n- $7 million for the Departments of the Interior and Justice to support Tribal courts' implementation of Violence Against Women Act special domestic violence criminal jurisdiction;\r\n- A five percent Tribal set-aside within theCrime Victims Fundto support Tribal victim service programs;\r\n- A directive for the Department of Justice to improve law enforcement coordination and resource sharing with BIA;\r\n- A directive for the Government Accountability Office to review BIA's MMIW response policies; and\r\n- A requirement for BIA's OJS to appoint a liaison responsible for developing MMIW data collection guideless in consultation with Indian Tribes.\r\nBIA and IHS StaffingThe funding agreement provides additional resources to ensure IHS and BIA can recruit and retain staff for operation of essential public services in Indian Country, including:\r\n- $84 million in new funds to cover staffing needs at recently constructed IHS facilities.\r\n- $7.9 million in new funding for the IHS Indian Health Professions program to improve for recruitment and retention of medical professionals at IHS, which theGovernment Accountability Office recently indicatedhad health care provider vacancy levels of 25 percent or more;\r\n- $5 million to initiate a Community Health Aide Program in the Lower 48 States, modeled on a successful program in Alaska; while maintaining full funding for the community health representatives program that the President targeted for steep reductions;\r\n- $2 million to hire additional BIA detention & corrections staff;\r\n- $1 million for BIA background checks to facilitate more efficient hiring of qualified law enforcement officers at the BIA's OJS; and\r\n- A directive for BIA to conduct a review of its staffing and vacancy levels and issue a report to Congress.\r\nContract Support Costs\r\n- The agreement continues an indefinite appropriation for IHS and BIA to fully fund all legal obligations to pay contract support cost requirements.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-announce-judge-kea-riggs-confirmed-by-senate-to-fill-vacancy-on-us-district-court-for-the-district-of-new-mexico", "Udall, Heinrich Announce Judge Kea Riggs Confirmed by Senate to Fill Vacancy on U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2019\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich Announce Judge Kea Riggs Confirmed by Senate to Fill Vacancy on U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON Today,U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.)andMartin Heinrich (D-N.M.)announced that the full Senate has confirmed Judge Kea Whetzal Riggs, by a vote of 94-0, to fill a vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico. Udall and Heinrich issued the following joint statement:\r\nWe are pleased to congratulate Judge Riggs on her Senate confirmation, and we are glad that this vacancy will be filled. Judge Riggs has a long record of distinguished service and is well qualified for this seat. We will continue to work in good faith on a bipartisan basis to fulfill our Constitutional advice and consent responsibilities to ensure that New Mexico's court system operates how it is supposed towith unbiased judges and speedy and fair trials.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-portman-stabenow-introduce-legislation-to-restore-americas-national-forests", "Udall, Portman, Stabenow Introduce Legislation to Restore America\u2019s National Forests", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2019\n\t\t\t Udall, Portman, Stabenow Introduce Legislation to Restore America's National Forests \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t The Reforestation Act of 2019 would double funding to $60 million per year without new taxpayer funds to help the U.S. Forest Service prioritize and reduce the backlog of 1.3 million forestland acres in need of replanting within ten years.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON Today,U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.),Rob Portman (R-Ohio.),andDebbie Stabenow (D-Mich.)introducedtheReforestation Act of 2019to bolster funding for the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to address its backlog of planting needs by carrying out reforestation projects in forests damaged by events such as wildfires, insects and disease. \r\nGiven the Forest Service's reforestation backlog,the new bipartisan bill would double funding from the Reforestation Trust Fund to $60 million per year. The purpose of the Reforestation Trust Fund is to address USFS replanting needs. It would also direct USFS to quantify the backlog of replanting needs, reduce delays by expanding stewardship contracting, and encourage state and Tribal partnership. Among other associated activities, reforestation includes planting tree seedlings on forests that are unlikely to regenerate on their own in order to reestablish native plants and ensure the health of ecosystems, habitats, and wildlife populations that depend on the forestland. Replanting forests is also an effective way to increase natural carbon sequestration to reduce emissions, create jobs, and support natural ecosystems. Ensuring healthy forests also helps create jobs and recreational opportunities. \r\nAmerica's National Forests are some of our greatest natural resources. Investing in them is a necessity made more urgent by the rising toll from fire damage.said Udall.Reforestation supports species diversity, providing wildlife with habitat while also supplying clean air and water and supporting jobs in local communities. And in the fight against climate change, re-growing our forests is a cost-effective and powerful tool to capture carbon and combat the threats we will have to confront, including drought and extreme weather. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that lives up to our responsibility to conserve our nation's natural gifts for future generations.\r\nI am pleased to join Senators Udall and Stabenow in introducing this bipartisan legislation to address the reforestation needs within our federal forests. With 1.3 million acres of forest in need of replanting, addressing this backlog provides a wide range of benefits, including sequestering as much as 1.1 million metric tons of carbon emissions, reinvigorating the ecosystems and native plant and animal species that depend on healthy forests, and creating jobs and recreation opportunities on our forestland. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this common-sense, bipartisan legislation to protect our environment by addressing our forest needs at home,said Portman.\r\nRestoring our national forests will not only improve water quality and create new habitats for hunting and fishing, it's also part of the solution to combat the climate crisis,said Stabenow.Supporting reforestation is a cost-effective way to draw carbon pollution out of air, while restoring our public lands.\r\nUSFS has estimated that in FY 2018, 80% of its reforestation needs were attributed to wildfires. Andone recent studyfound that tree mortality caused by insects and diseases alonewhich impacts less acreage than wildfiresreleased 6 million tons of carbon, the equivalent of tailpipe emissions from 4.4 million cars.\r\nWith only approximately 15% of the tree planting backlog addressed each year with current funding levels, this legislation will help provide much-needed resources to the Forest Service so address its reforestation needs. According to American Forests, our U.S. national forests currently offset 14-15% of total U.S. carbon emissions. This legislation is good for the environment, and will help promote jobs and recreational opportunities within our nation's forests.\r\nThe legislation is supported by American Forests,the Outdoor Industry Association, the Evangelical Environmental Network, National Wildlife Federation, andthe Nature Conservancy.\r\nThanks to the leadership of Senator Udall, Senator Portman and Senator Stabenow, this bipartisan legislation solves a pressing national problem by updating the Reforestation Trust Fund so it can completely fulfill its original purpose to maintain the health of our national forests,said Jad Daley, President and CEO of American Forests.\r\n\"Our National Forest System is a beautiful gift from God, and we are thankful for Senators Portman and Udall who are working to protect and restore these special places. Reforesting vulnerable swaths of land will help to restore fragile ecosystems, capture carbon, and clean the air. Overall, this bill is good news for our climate and all of God's bountiful creation. We encourage Congress to swiftly pass this important legislation,\"said Mitch Hescox, President and CEO of the Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN).\r\nAmerica's forests provide essential wildlife habitat, protect healthy watersheds and clean drinking water, and serve as natural carbon-sinks  a vital climate solution. Investing in forest restoration and reforestation benefits wildlife and people alike,said Collin O'Mara, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. The National Wildlife Federation is grateful to Senator Udall for his tireless efforts to accelerate efforts to improve the health of our National Forests by making them more resilient to escalating impacts from megafires, drought, pests, and disease  all of which are exacerbated by climate change.\r\nInvesting in our forests is one of the clearest paths to a healthy and sustainable future for our planet, and this bill puts us on the right path,said Kameran Onley, Director of U.S. Government Relations at The Nature Conservancy.Reforestation remains one of our most effective nature-based solutions for combatting climate change. Expanding reforestation efforts would also improve air quality, protect watersheds that provide drinking water for millions of people, preserve fish and wildlife habitats and expand outdoor recreation opportunities nationwide. Reforestation is the kind of on-the-ground, scalable and effective strategy we need to implement to ensure our forests are here for future generations. We commend these senators for coming together to forward this important investment in our forests, and we urge Congress to quickly enact this legislation.?\r\nTheReforestation Act of 2019would:\r\n- Direct the USFS to develop a plan to address its backlog of replanting needs on national forestlands within 10 years: The Act amends the Forest Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974to require USFS to develop a plan and cost estimate to address the backlog of replanting needs on national forestlands by 2029. To aide in how to prioritize the backlog, the Act directs the USFS to prioritize land that is in need of reforestation due to unplanned events, such as wildfire and disease.\r\n- Provide additional funding to tackle the backlog:The Act amends the Reforestation Trust Fundto double theamount of annual fundsthat are authorized to be used by USFS to address its reforestation needs. The Reforestation Trust Fund is funded throughtariff collections on imported woodproducts.This provision does not increase tariffs, but instead usesfunds that are already being collected consistent with the tariff rates under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.\r\nThe Fund currently receives a rolling ten-year average of $97M per year, and this legislation would double the current authorization  from $30 million per year to $60 million per year  of funding that can be taken from the Reforestation Trust Fund for replanting needs. Any funds that are not used from the Fund are deposited into the General Treasury. Reforestation priority would be given to understocked national forests that are unlikely to naturally regenerate following an unplanned adverse event.\r\n- Direct the USFS to reduce delaysin tackling reforestation projects through expanded Stewardship Contracting: The Act amends the Healthy Forests Restoration Actto ensurethat stewardship contracts can include reforestationprojectsfollowing an unplanned adverse event, such as a wildfire.\r\n- Encourages Federal, State, Tribal Partnerships: The Act expands the Good Neighbor Authority, a policy authorizing USFS to enter into forest management agreements with state and local forest agencies, to include reforestation following an unplanned adverse event, such as a wildfire, disease, or insects. As a result, the USFS will be able to partner with states and Tribes on reforestation projects.\r\nThe full text of the bill is availableHERE. A summary of the legislation can be foundHERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udalls-major-bipartisan-interior-appropriations-bill-passes-congress", "Udall\u2019s Major Bipartisan Interior Appropriations Bill Passes Congress", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2019\n\t\t\t Udall's Major Bipartisan Interior Appropriations Bill Passes Congress \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bill includes language to protect Chaco, funding for national parks and public lands, programs for Indian Country\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tUdall fought back against cuts proposed by the Trump administration, securing strong investments for the EPA and conservation programs and pushing back on Interior's Bureau of Land Management relocation\r\n \r\nWASHINGTON-Today,U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, hailed the bipartisan vote to pass the Fiscal Year 2020 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill as part of a larger package of government funding bills. The bill includes the largest proposed budget for the EPA in a decade and provides strong funding for New Mexico's public lands, protections for Chaco Canyon, programs for Indian Country, and gains for the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities,andkey programs for local economies. The bill was included in a Fiscal Year 2020 funding package that passed the Senate by a vote of71-23and the House by a vote of297-120. The bill now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law.\r\nI am proud that we have produced a bipartisan Interior funding bill that makes major investments in our public lands and environmental protection  benefiting our nation's most treasured spaces and energizing our economy,Udall said. This bill recognizes that people all across this nation cherish clean air, clean water, our public lands and outdoor places, and the economic and cultural value these places provide to our communities. I am particularly glad that the bill includes a breakthrough in our work to protect Chaco Canyon  an important step forward as we partner with Tribes to safeguard this sacred place for generations to come, while respecting the rights of Indian Tribes and allottees to develop their lands as they see fit.\r\nOur Interior bill provides key investments for Indian Country, funding education, housing, infrastructure, and other priorities to help ensure healthy and prosperous Native communities. The bill boosts funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund  our nation's most successful conservation program  and for the arts and cultural programs that enrich our communities and grow local economies. Simply put, this bill is a victory for New Mexico and the nation.\r\nNew Mexico highlights of the Fiscal Year 2020 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill include:\r\nProtections for Chaco Canyon:The bill includes legislative language to reinforce a 10-mile buffer zone protecting Chaco Canyon from new oil and gas leasing. The language makes clear that Indian Tribes and tribal allottees can continue to develop their land for oil and gas exploration. The legal limits are paired with $1 million for Interior to partner with the Pueblos and the Navajo Nation to continue to identify culturalresources in the greater Chacoan region.\r\nGold King Mine:Udall secured $4 million for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to continue monitoring water quality in areas impacted by the Gold King Mine spill into the Animas River, and included language directing EPA to continue to work in consultation with affected states and Tribes on a long-term water quality monitoring program. In addition, Udall expects EPA to process all state, Tribal, and local requests for reimbursements for costs incurred in an expeditious manner.\r\nFunding for PILT:The bill fully funds payments to counties through the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, which are estimated at a total of $500 million.\r\nThe Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF):The bill provides the highestlevel offunding for LWCF since 2003--$495 million which is$60 million more than fiscal year(FY)2019 for Federal land acquisition and State conservation grants. The President's budget proposed a negative total for LWCF, in the amount of -$27 million, due to rescissions from previously appropriated funding. LWCF is criticaltoimproving recreational access to our federal lands, protecting iconic landscapes, delivering grants to states and local governments to create and protect urban parks and open spaces, andauthorizing easements for farmers and ranchersthat allow them to continue to steward theirlands in the face of development pressures. Thisbillincludes $5 million to acquire the Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano inholdings at Malpais National Monument and $2.9 million to acquire Mimbres River parcels in the Gila National Forest.\r\nValles Caldera:The bill would boost the base budget for the park by approximately $1.5 million, and directs the National Park Service to allow the park to retain those funds going forward, so they become part of the preserve's annual budget, providing budgetary certainty.\r\nCarlsbad:The bill provides $800,000 for cave and karst research at the National Cave and Karst Research Institute in Carlsbad, New Mexico.\r\nLand Grants, Acequias and Community Ditches:Congress continues to urge the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to recognize the traditional uses of State-recognized community land grants, acequias, and community ditches in New Mexico and across the American Southwest during the land use planning process.\r\nIndian Health Service's Alcohol and Substance Abuse program:The bill includes $2 million, for the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program,part of an integrated behavioral health approach to collaboratively reduce the incidence of alcoholism and other drug dependencies in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. This includes funding for grants and contracts with public or private detox centers that provide alcohol or drug treatment, including Na'Nizhoozhi Center in Gallup, New Mexico.\r\nIndian Arts and Crafts Act Enforcement:The bill provides $3.5 million within Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement to work with the Indian Arts and Crafts Board to combat international trafficking of counterfeit arts and crafts and to conduct criminal investigations of alleged violations of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act.\r\nTribal law enforcement: The bill provides $8 million in new funding forTribal law enforcement priorities, including funding to address the crisis of missing, murdered and trafficked Native women and girls, and calls for the Bureau of Indian Affairs to produce a comprehensive needs assessment of public safety infrastructure in Indian Country.\r\nTribal Programs:The bill provides $6.047 billion for the Indian Health Service, $243 million more than fiscal year 2019 and $138 million more than the President's budget request. Within that amount, the bill includes increases of $125 million to meet court-ordered requirements forTribal lease operating costs owed toTribes and $84 million for staffing needs of new health facilities. Tribal programs provided through the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) are collectively funded at $3.223 billion, an increase of $142 million to the fiscal year 2019 level. The bill accepts a budget request to separate BIA and BIE into two separate bureaus.\r\nU.S.-Mexico Border Water Infrastructure Program:For New Mexico, the bill increases funding for the U.S.-Mexico Border water infrastructure program to $25 million, an increase of $10.5 millionover fiscal year 2019, to significantly expand support for clean water projects to protect human health and the environment in border communities.\r\nSmithsonian Latino Center: The bill increases funding for the Smithsonian Latino Center and related programming by $3.2 million above fiscal year 2019, for a total of $5.8 million, to expand Smithsonian programming and collections related to the history, culture and art of American Latinos.\r\nBLM Departmental Reorganization:The bill provides no new funding for BLM reorganization.Udall has questionedwhether the BLM's plan to move its headquarters is a deliberate attempt to weaken the agency, and is questioning the costs and benefits of the move.\r\nPFAS:The bill also provides $43 million in new funding for environmental cleanup programs and related scientific research to help address contamination caused by PFAS chemicals and other contaminants of emerging concern.\r\nAbandoned Mine Reclamation Fund:The bill provides $10 million for grants to federally recognized Indian Tribes for reclamation of abandoned mine lands and other related activities.\r\nNational Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities:The bill provides $162.25 million each to the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities, an increase of $7.25 million more for each endowment than the fiscal year 2019. The increase was provided after the president once again proposed abolishing these programs, which support arts and cultural programs as well as thousands of jobs in New Mexico and across the country.\r\nWildland Firefighting:The bill provides $3.644 billion for fire suppression, of which $2.25 billion is provided through the wildfire budget cap adjustment authorized in the Fiscal Year 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which Udall helped secure. This additional funding gives the Forest Service and Interior Department an assured amount of funding to be used when a fire season exceeds the projection and all regular appropriated funds are spent. This total is $1.221 billion above fiscal year 2019. Prior to this reform, the agencies were forced to borrow from their non-fire accounts when this occurred, putting a hold on other activities and straining resources.\r\nEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA):The bill provides $9.06 billion for the EPA, $207 million more than fiscal year 2019 and $2.83 billion more than the President's budget request. The bill rejects the Administration's proposals to cut research by 34 percent, grants by 33 percent, and regulatory and enforcement programs by 29 percent, as well as the elimination of several programs, including Environmental Education, radon risk reduction, lead paint risk reduction programs, and the U.S. contribution to the Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund.\r\nNational Park Service (NPS):The bill provides $3.37 billion for the NPS, $155 million more than the fiscal year 2019 level and $636 million more than the President's budget request. Within that amount, the bill increases funding for park operations by 3 percent for a total of $2.577 billion. Historic Preservation Fund grants are funded at $118.6 million, which is $16 million more than fiscal year 2019. It includes increases to the fiscal year 2019 level of $3 million for State Historic Preservation Offices; $2 million more for Tribal Historic Preservation Offices; $2.5 million more for Historical Revitalization grants; $3.5 million more for Civil Rights grants, including $1 million to increase funding for sites associated with the African-American civil rights struggle and $2 million to expand the program to preserve and interpret sites related to civil rights for other Americans, including women, American Latinos, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, and LGBTQ Americans; $2 million more for Historically Black Colleges and Universities restoration grants, and $3 million more for Save America's Treasures. Funding for National Heritage Areas is $21.9 million, which includes an increase of $1.6 million to fund newly authorized heritage areas.\r\nA summary of the Interior Appropriations bill is availableHERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://haaland.house.gov/media/press-releases/video-haaland-calls-colleagues-defend-democracy", "VIDEO: Haaland Calls on Colleagues to Defend Democracy", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Debra Haaland", "H001080", "haaland.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM-01) delivered remarks on the House Floor calling on her colleagues to defend democracy ahead of the U.S. House of Representatives vote on the impeachment of President Donald J. Trump. After her speech, Haaland cast her vote in favor of the articles of impeachment outlining abuse of power and obstruction of Congress by President Trump.\nThe final vote on Article 1 was 230-197, with one voting present, and the final vote on Article 2 was 229-198, with one voting present.\nHaaland's full remarks are below:\nI stand before you as a Representative of New Mexico  a place where we believe in dignity and respect for all.\nIn Congress, I've been fighting for them  we've been working to make health care more affordable, education accessible, and move our country forward for the people.\nBut today, this President has forced us into a serious debate. We're talking about a President who used the power of the presidency for his own political gain, risking our national security and putting the integrity of the next election at risk.\nIt's a sad day when a President shows complete disrespect for Congress as a coequal branch of government and for the American people who elected us.\nWe collected the evidence; and the facts are undisputable.\nWe all took an oath to protect and defend our Constitution.We have the solemn responsibility to hold this President accountable, because it's our job.\nI urge my colleagues to live up to our responsibility and show our fellow Americans that no one, not even the President, is above the law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lujan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujn-no-one-came-to-congress-to-impeach-a-president", "Luj\u00e1n: No One Came to Congress to Impeach a President", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Ben Luj\u00e1n", "L000570", "lujan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 18, 2019\n\t\t\t Lujn: No One Came to Congress to Impeach a President \n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. Today, U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.) spoke on the House floor to hold President Trump accountable for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress:  Video of Lujn's full speech is availablehere.  Lujn's remarks, as prepared for delivery, are included below:  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the measure before us.  No one here came to Congress to impeach a president.  We came here solve the mighty issues that impact the lives of the constituents we pledged to serve.  I'm here because too many families in my district still rely on water trucked in from dozens of miles away to live.  I'm here because too many New Mexican children go to school hungry.  I'm here because too many women in New Mexico drive for hours to see a doctor able to care for them.  But this moment has found us.  We have reached a point in time where our love of country compels action. Where our duty to this republic mandates that we do what's right.  The president's behavior is so blatantly wrong that ignoring his abuses of power would be abdicating the oath we made to protect this country and our constitution.  Thank you, and I yield back the balance of my time.  Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tLauren French(202) 225-6190 \n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lujan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujn-statement-on-impeachment-of-president-trump", "Luj\u00e1n Statement on Impeachment of President Trump", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Ben Luj\u00e1n", "L000570", "lujan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 18, 2019\n\t\t\t Lujn Statement on Impeachment of President Trump \n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on the House passage of articles of impeachment against President Trump:     No one came to Congress to impeach a president. We came here to solve the mighty issues that impact the lives of the constituents we pledged to serve.     But this moment has found us. The facts are clear, President Trump abused the power of his office for personal gain.    Today, the U.S. House of Representatives reached a critical point in time where our love of country compelled action and our duty to this republic mandated that we do what's right.    The president's behavior is so blatantly wrong that ignoring his abuses of power would be abdicating the oath we made to protect this country and our Constitution.  Press Contact \n\t\t\t\t \r\n\r\n  \n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://torressmall.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-torres-small-votes-bipartisan-funding-package-make-important-investments", "Rep. Torres Small Votes for Bipartisan Funding Package to Make Important Investments for New Mexico\u2019s Families", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Xochitl Torres Small", "T000484", "torressmall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Yesterday, Congresswoman Xochitl Torres Small (NM-02) voted in favor of two appropriations packages to fund critical federal government agencies and services for Fiscal Year 2020, including the following priorities important to New Mexico's families, children, schools, and election security.\nAs we look forward to 2020, I voted today to make sure New Mexican families, veterans, and businesses are provided with the support they deserve to build a brighter future in our state. From increased funding to fix strained roads in the southeast to ensuring our communities are prepared for the upcoming Census, today's funding package meets many of our needs. While this bill isn't perfect, as few are, it provides stability for our federal government and the thousands of New Mexicans who rely on its services, said Torres Small.\nSpecifically, the FY2020 appropriations packages included:\n $1 billion for the BUILD/TIGER program to help communities like southeastern New Mexico to make transformative investments in their surface transportation infrastructure that address congestion, improve safety, create jobs, and expand economic opportunities.\n\t$81 billion for the Veterans Administration to provide healthcare for veterans, including funds to address the veteran suicide epidemic and serve homeless veterans.\n\t$1.1 billion to enhance access to VA services for veterans living in rural and remote areas through telehealth initiatives.\n\t$300 million for rural health programs for veterans to connect with the healthcare they have earned with their service.\n\t$944 million for programs to improve maternal and child health, including an additional $5 million to reduce maternal mortality.\n\t$502.5 million for grants provided by the Office on Violence Against Women to combat domestic violence.\n\t$7.6 billion for the Census, ensuring an accurate count for the decennial census.\n\t$60 million increase for the Land Water Conservation Fund, for a total of $495 million, for critical conservation program that benefits sites across New Mexico.\n\t$6.047 billion for the Indian Health Service, which works to better the health of New Mexico's tribes and pueblos.\n\t$3.223 billion for the Bureau of Indian Affairs for public safety programs, including investments to address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, and funds new tribal school construction.\n\t$16.3 billion for the Title I-A program, which is the heart of the federal effort to help schools provide high-quality education to all students, including students who need special education services.\n\t$425 million for Election Security grants to continue to help states upgrade election technology, improve cybersecurity, and help prevent future cyberattacks.\n \nThe appropriations packages also included important measures important to rural New Mexican communities and small businesses such as the implementation of the SECURE Act, which establishes retirement accounts for small businesses.\n SECURE Act: The appropriations bill package contains several provisions intended to encourage retirement security in the workplace, including small businesses like those serving southern New Mexico.\n\tFUNDING FOR RURAL SCHOOLS: Extends two years of funding for the Secure Rural Schools program, which provides funding for rural counties that are struggling to fund essential services due to declining revenues from federal lands.\n\tCADILLAC TAX REPEAL: Repeals the 40 percent excise tax on employer-sponsored health care plans.\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://torressmall.house.gov/media/press-releases/torres-small-introduces-bipartisan-bill-keep-border-patrol-agents-field", "Torres Small Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Keep Border Patrol Agents in the Field", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Xochitl Torres Small", "T000484", "torressmall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Inspired by conversations with constituents and stakeholders in district as well as her work on the House Homeland Security Committee, Congresswoman Torres Small (NM-2) introduced the Border Workforce Efficiency Act. The bipartisan legislation addresses challenges facing the U.S. Border Patrol including the need for a new position tasked with providing administrative support for migrant processing.\nThis past year our broken border security and immigration system was pushed far beyond its limits, leaving many Border Patrol agents to take on work they weren't trained to carry out. My bill takes those lessons and creates a new position within Border Patrol to free up agents to return to the field and the work they were trained to do, said Torres Small. By providing CBP the flexibility to create a new position, our border is more secure, and our immigration system can work more fairly and efficiently.\nTorres Small's latest legislation creates a processing coordinator position tasked to conduct administrative duties. This position would receive tailored training for processing and handling individuals in custody to improve detention oversight and to allow traditional agents return to the field to focus on law-enforcement duties at the border.\nThe legislation received support from an array of bipartisan members, including original cosponsors Representatives Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Michael McCaul (R-TX), Scott Peters (D-CA), Will Hurd (R-TX), and Michael Cloud (R-TX). The National Border Patrol Council also endorsed the Border Workforce Efficiency Act.\nOur Border Patrol agents have been overworked and understaffed in dealing with the border crisis. I've seen first-hand the deterioration of the security situation as agents are reassigned from protecting the border to handling administrative tasks, like transporting migrants and managing housing centers. The Border Workforce Efficiency Act will help ensure our agents have the administrative support needed to return to the frontlines of securing our border, said Cloud, an original cosponsor of the Border Workforce Efficiency Act.\nThe Border Workforce Efficiency Act will:\n Authorize Customs and Border Protection to hire and train Processing Coordinator positions within Border Patrol to:\n\t\tPerform administrative tasks related to the intake and processing of individuals apprehended by USBP agents;\n\t\t\tTransport individuals in Border Patrol custody; and\n\t\t\tPerform custodial watch duties of individuals in Border Patrol custody.\n\t\t\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-schumer-introduce-measuring-real-income-growth-act-of-2019", "Heinrich, Schumer Introduce Measuring Real Income Growth Act of 2019", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich, Schumer Introduce Measuring Real Income Growth Act of 2019\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHeinrich-Schumer bill would establish new metrics to help provide clearer picture of how economic growth may be benefitting the top one percent of income earners compared to middle-class Americans\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 18, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 18, 2019)  Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Joint Economic Committee, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) introduced the Measuring Real Income Growth Act of 2019, which would require the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) to report how economic growth is distributed across the income spectrum. Gross domestic product (GDP) numbers alone provide an incomplete picture of income growth across our economy and can obscure the troubling economic reality experienced by many American familiesstagnating wages, skyrocketing costs of living, and a widening income inequality gap. \r\nThis new data would help to put quarterly GDP growth numbers in context by providing a breakdown each quarter of the economic benefits seen by individuals across income levels. In short, this bill would provide policymakers with metrics that better reflect the economic experiences of all Americans, and would play a key role in helping to develop solutions that will allow us to build a robust, equitable economy that works for everyone. \r\nThe Washington Center for Equitable Growth today announced 58 economists and other social scientistsincluding former Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Janet Yellen, former Chairs of the Council of Economic Advisers Jason Furman and Laura Tyson, and Nobel laureates Robert Solow and Joseph Stiglitzhave endorsed the Measuring Real Income Growth Act of 2019. \r\nInstead of focusing on one economic indicator closely watched by investors, we should be examining data that captures why many families are still struggling to make ends meet, said Senator Heinrich, member of the Joint Economic Committee. Only looking at headline GDP growth numbers to assess the state of our economy simply does not paint the whole picture, and leaves out the reality that many Americans have not seen their wages rise for years. Our priority should be ensuring that every New Mexican  and every American  can succeed in today's economy. This legislation would provide Congress with the information to take real steps needed to finally address income inequality and the economic needs of all Americans. \r\nWhile the economy is growing, hardworking families across the country are still struggling to make ends meet, said Leader Schumer. Too often, when we hear that GDP is rising and the economy is booming, we assume that all Americans are reaping the benefits equally  but the reality is that wages for middle-class workers remain relatively flat, the income inequality gap continues to widen, and those at the top are reaping vast economic rewards. This new data will provide us with a new tool to help take a deeper look at economic progress at all levels of the income spectrum and present a clearer, more accurate picture of who the economy is really working for, and who's getting left behind. \r\nPassing the Measuring Real Income Growth Act is key to understanding how the U.S. economy isor is notworking for most families, said Heather Boushey, President and CEO of the Washington Center for Equitable Growth. Currently, we measure only whether the economy is growing, but we don't measure who is actually benefiting from growth. Understanding how the economy is performing for families up and down the income ladder is increasingly important because economic inequality in the United States has now reached levels not seen since the 1920s. The evidence shows that inequality obstructs, subverts, and distorts the way our economy functions. By passing this legislation, we will have a more complete understanding of who is prospering when the economy grows, which is essential to delivering growth that is strong, stable, and broadly shared.\r\nRelying on top-line GDP numbers masks important trends and may lead to policies that are not accurately informed by the economic reality of most families in America. Currently, the lack of consistent and up-to-date reporting on income growth distribution means that policymakers have no real-time sense of whether or not the economic growth we see today reflects trends of growing income inequality. \r\nSpecifically, the bill would require the BEA to produce distributional measures of economic growth, called Income Growth Indicators (IGI), by each decile of income earners, as well as the top 1 percent. This new data will allow us to measure whether economic growth is being shared by all Americans and accurately assess how it compares to those at the very top. It would also require the Bureau to report the most recent IGI estimates each quarter alongside the quarterly estimates of GDPgrowth. \r\nCongresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) has introduced a companion bill in the House. \r\nA summary of the Measuring Real Income Growth Act of 2019 is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/today-heinrich-torres-small-to-hold-press-call-on-final-passage-of-white-sands-national-park-establishment-act-", "TODAY: Heinrich, Torres Small To Hold Press Call On Final Passage Of White Sands National Park Establishment Act", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "TODAY: Heinrich, Torres Small To Hold Press Call On Final Passage Of White Sands National Park Establishment Act \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 18, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Wednesday, December 18 at 2:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. MT, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.) will hold a press teleconference to discuss the redesignation of White Sands to a national park.\r\nThe provision was included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, which passed the Senate on Tuesday by a vote of 86 to 8 and will soon be signed into law.\r\nIn March, Heinrich and Torres Small introduced the White Sands National Park Establishment Act, a bill to designate White Sands National Monument a national park. The White Sands National Park Establishment Act has strong support from local community leaders and elected officials in southern New Mexico.\r\n***Press interested in attending should RSVP at press@heinrich.senate.gov or call (202) 228-1578.***\r\n\r\nWashington, D.C. - Today, Wednesday, December 18, 2019\r\n\r\nWHO:U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, U.S. Representative Xochitl Torres Small\r\nWHAT:Press Call on White Sands National Park\r\nWHEN: 12:30 p.m. MT/ 2:30 p.m. ET\r\nDIAL-IN: Please call (202) 228-0808; Conference ID: 628017", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-statement-on-house-vote-to-impeach-president-donald-trump", "Udall Statement on House Vote to Impeach President Donald Trump", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 18, 2019\n\t\t\t Udall Statement on House Vote to Impeach President Donald Trump \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives approved two articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump:\r\nThe House had no choice but to act to hold the president accountable. Donald Trump's alleged actions violate the fundamental principles of our republic: abusing the powers of his office to pressure a foreign government to interfere in our electoral process, for his own political benefit. Now, it is absolutely essential that Senate Republican leadership allow the Senate to hold a full and fair trial, so that we can hear from relevant witnesses and decide the case with impartiality. Nothing less than the integrity of our democratic system and the rule of law are at stake.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://haaland.house.gov/media/press-releases/chair-grijalva-committee-leaders-introduce-landmark-climate-change-legislation", "Chair Grijalva, Committee Leaders Introduce Landmark Climate Change Legislation Slashing Emissions From Public Lands and Waters", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Debra Haaland", "H001080", "haaland.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C. Chair Ral M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and leaders from the Natural Resources Committee released their flagship legislation to fight the climate crisis at a press conference on Capitol Hill this morning. Original cosponsors and supporters from the advocacy community hailed the introduction of H.R. 5435,the American Public Lands and Waters Climate Solution Act, which directs the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the United States Forest Service (USFS) to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from public lands and waters by 2040.\nOriginal cosponsors of the legislation include Vice-Chair Deb Haaland (D-N.M.), Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-Calif.), Chair of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, Rep. Mike Levin (D-Calif.), Rep. Gregorio Sablan (D-CNMI), Rep. A. Donald McEachin (D-Va.), and Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.). The bill is endorsed by The Wilderness Society, Natural Resources Defense Council, Earthjustice, Oceana and Earthworks.\nThe bill temporarily pauses new fossil fuel leases while the agencies develop a plan to reach the 2040 goal. DOI and USFS must meet climate pollution reduction targets at specific intervals starting in 2025 and publish strategic plans every four years that detail how the agencies will meet the pollution reduction targets established by the legislation. The bill also increases royalties on fossil fuel extraction by oil, gas, and coal corporations and uses the proceeds to support workers and communities impacted by a transition away from dirty energy development.\nThe full text of H.R. 5435 is available athttp://bit.ly/2RZ7Qwn. A fact sheet explaining the bill's major provisions is available athttp://bit.ly/2M1wc56. A section-by-section of the bill is available athttp://bit.ly/2sDNaQc.\nSince taking the House majority, Natural Resources Committee Democrats have spent much of the past year tackling climate change from every angle. Chair Grijalva's landmark bill is the culmination of a year of hearings, roundtables, public forums, and other public outreach efforts to learn more about how best to tackle the contribution of public lands and waters to climate change.\nMore than a century of burning fossil fuels without responsible limits has brought us to a climate crisis. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, climate-harming pollution from fossil fuel development on public lands and watersaccount for nearly a quarterof the U.S. total, while public land ecosystems absorb the equivalent of only about 3 percent of U.S. emissions each year.\nThe American Public Lands and Waters Climate Solution Actseeks to balance that out by 2040. The bill encourages the development of more renewable energy on public lands, better land management techniques to increase the amount of carbon absorbed by public lands ecosystems, and the use of public lands for geologic sequestration or negative-emissions technologies, while limiting the growth of new fossil fuel development and helping communities achieve a just transition.\nI'm very proud of the work my colleagues and I have done to protect our climate, and this bill is a testament to those efforts, Grijalva said today. Our public lands and waters should be managed for the public's benefit, not for the benefit of oil, gas and coal corporations. By transitioning away from fossil fuels and reaching net-zero emissions on our public lands and waters by 2040, we're not just protecting Americans  we're helping protect the entire planet and meeting our ethical responsibilities to future generations.\nThe federal government should be leading the way in the effort to combat climate change, yet the way our country manages our lands make us one of the worst offenders, said Vice Chair Haaland. Earlier this year, several of us went to New Mexico for a field hearing, and we visited Chaco Canyon and surrounding sites. When we were there, we used an infrared camera to watch poison coming out of drilling equipment and pipes. You could smell it. We experienced headaches from breathing it in, and heard stories about how it affects the health of children who live nearby. This bill will move us toward net zero emissions on public lands, but what's even more important is this bill focuses on our communities. It will provide financial assistance to workers like those in New Mexico that will be economically impacted by a transition away from fossil fuel extraction on public lands.\nIsland and coastal communities, like the Marianas, are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and are often the first to face its damaging consequences, said Rep. Sablan. The American Public Lands and Waters Climate Solution Act takes significant, lasting steps to finally reduce pollution on federal leases, reduce emissions, and limit global warming. I thank Chair Grijalva for his leadership and work on this bill and look forward to the day our federal public lands no longer contribute to the production of harmful carbon emissions.\nClimate scientists agree that we must drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit the worst effects of climate change, and instead we continue to burn fossil fuels at unsustainable rates, including on public lands, said Rep. Levin.Our public lands and waters should be part of the solution to the climate crisis, not part of the problem. Limiting new fossil fuel development on public lands and developing a comprehensive emission reduction strategy are commonsense steps we must take to combat this crisis. I am proud to introducethe American Public Lands and Waters Climate Solution Actwith my colleagues, Chairman Grijalva, Rep. Haaland, Rep. Lowenthal, Rep. Sablan, Rep. McEachin, and Rep. DeGette\nA livestream of the press conference on the bill's introduction can be viewed athttp://bit.ly/2S4g4Dp.\nH.R. 5435 provides a path to end our public lands' and waters' contribution to climate change by 2040. Major provisions of the bill include:\n Pollution Reduction Targets:Requires DOI and the USFS to meet climate pollution reduction targets at specific intervals starting in 2025 andachieve net-zero emissions from public lands and waters by 2040.\n\tPublic Lands Climate Change Strategic Plans:Requires DOI and USFS to publish a strategy every four years detailing how the agencies will meet the pollution reduction targets the bill establishes.\n\tPause on New Leasing: Pauses all new federal fossil fuel leasing for a minimum of one year to allow DOI to develop a comprehensive emission reduction strategy. Leasing can only resume after DOI finds that it would be consistent with reaching net-zero by 2040, and then only within limits established by the 4-year strategic plans.\n\tCalculating Net Emissions: Makes the U.S. Geological Survey responsible for tracking emissions from the development and combustion of oil, gas, and coal produced on federal leases, as well as the emissions avoided by renewable energy generation on public lands, the amount of carbon absorbed by ecosystems on public lands, and any carbon dioxide captured and permanently sequestered on public lands.\n\tEnforcement:If at any point the climate pollution reduction targets are not being met, no new fossil fuel permits or leases may be issued until compliance is reached.\n\tFee Increases on Fossil Fuel Extraction:Increases the minimum royalty rate for onshore coal, oil, and gas from 12.5 percent to 18.75 percent. The bill also establishes new fees on producing and nonproducing oil and gas leases, to be paid by the fossil fuel industry.\n\tEconomic Development for Fossil Fuel Communities:Dedicates the new funds collected from the above fees to fossil fuel-dependent regions. The funds can be used for reclamation and restoration of land and water, transition assistance, worker retraining, economic diversification, and other purposes.\n The Committee kicked off the year with a historicmonth of climate change hearingsto hear from impacted communities, launched anonline platformto hear from the American people about how climate change has impacted them, and held 22 hearings in 2019 focused on climate change to hear from experts, community members, Indian Country, scientists, and advocates.\nThe feedback gathered through these efforts has consistently underscored the urgent need to limit climate pollution as soon as possible, and to help impacted communities adapt quickly. Aletter signed by 16 environmental groupsthanked Chair Grijalva and the original sponsors for introducing this historic legislation.\nThe bill enjoys broad support from environmental stakeholders.\nOur public lands and waters account for about a quarter of all U.S. fossil fuel production. For too long, they've been handed over to the oil and gas industry, causing harm to our air, water, wildlife and communities. This bill shifts our approach to treat these assets as the treasures they are - places that are held in trust for all of us, and for future generations. With this important legislation, we can manage our public lands and waters to help solveand not fuelthe climate crisis.  Sharon Buccino, Senior Director of Lands at Natural Resources Defense Council\nThis legislation is a bold step towards solving the climate crisis in a transparent, inclusive, and collaborative way, and we are proud to support it. It recognizes that the days of unrestrained coal, oil, and gas extraction for the sake of profit must end. It welcomes the voices of impacted community members, Tribal communities, and scientific experts as necessary contributors to the development of a healthier planet rather than pushing them to the side. Crucially, it acknowledges that we must make an equitable and just transition to a clean energy economy as soon as possible. Earthjustice will continue to work with partners and allies to build support for this legislation. Marissa Knodel, Legislative Counsel for Climate and Energy at Earthjustice\nOur public lands have so much more to offer than yesterday's energy, which is fueling the climate crisis today. This bill would help unlock the potential of public lands and waters to capture and store carbon, host renewable energy in the right places, and put people to work, while reining in pollution and investing in communities. We applaud Chairman Grijalva and his colleagues for proposing this strong step forward.  Drew McConville, Senior Managing Director of Government Relations at The Wilderness Society\nToday's bill helps fit our public lands within a broader climate solution. It directs our scientists and land managers to take decisive action requiring public land managers to hit scientifically-set greenhouse gas reduction targets. It also helps strengthen the Government's consultation role with environmental justice communities. The climate crisis impacts us all and disproportionately impacts communities of color. Our transition away from fossil fuels toward clean energy must be just, equitable, and fair.  Aaron Mintzes, Senior Policy Counsel at Earthworks\nChairman Grijalva's bill will help ensure coastal communities are protected from the threat of President Trump's dirty and dangerous offshore drilling agenda. Congress should stand with the citizens, businesses and elected officials  from both parties and at every level of government  who object to opening up our waters to offshore drilling activities. If we are to avert the worst impacts of climate change, we cannot afford open season for oil drilling on our oceans.  Diane Hoskins, Offshore Drilling Campaign Director at Oceana", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://haaland.house.gov/media/press-releases/haaland-secures-funding-new-mexico-priorities", "Haaland Secures Funding for New Mexico Priorities", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Debra Haaland", "H001080", "haaland.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM-01) secured funding for New Mexico priorities in the Fiscal Year 2020 funding bill focused on domestic and foreign assistance. Haaland fought for priorities including funding for rural schools, military housing, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, anti-poverty grants, and Native American community economic development.\nWhen we focus on the things that matter to communities, our families will thrive. Today, I proudly cast my vote for a budget bill that includes funding for education, job training, and economic development. New Mexico communities will now have the support to create opportunities for everyone and the resources to thrive, said Congresswoman Deb Haaland.\nHaaland secured the following funding priorities to build opportunities for New Mexico families:\nCreating Opportunities for New Mexico families:\n \n$523.95 million for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a program that supports local recreation centers, ball parks, trails, wildlife refuges, and rivers;\n\t$1.7 billion for job training through Job Corps;\n\t$3.425 billion for Community Development Block Grants that are used to fund funds local community development activities with the stated goal of providing affordable housing, anti-poverty programs, and infrastructure development;\n\t$1.1 billion for the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), which funds AmeriCorps and SeniorCorps programs;\n\tExtension of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) and Community Self-Determination Act to provide schools in 770 rural counties near national forests with funding meant to offset declining federal timber sales;\n\t$143 million for Hispanic-Serving Institutions, which includes the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College;\n\t$319 million for rural health care;\n\t$688 million for Maternal and Child Health Block Grant.\n \nStanding Up For Indian Country\n \n$2.5 million for advanced training to address MMIW to provide greater access to programs in Indian Country law enforcement personnel and create safer communities;\n\t$52.5 million for community and economic development programs including $3,000,000 for grants to federally recognized Tribes and tribal organizations to provide native language instruction and immersion programs to native students not enrolled at Bureau of Indian Education schools.\n \nSupporting Military Personnel and Their Families\n \n$1.3 billion to fund construction, operation, and maintenance of military family housing for all 2,006,171 military families currently served by the program;\n\t$15.5 million for combat mission helicopter simulator to enhance Kirtland Air Force Base training operations;\n\t$22.4 million for Kirtland Air Force Base helicopter storage facility replacement.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://haaland.house.gov/media/press-releases/haaland-votes-against-budget-minibus-would-allow-administration-target", "Haaland Votes Against Budget Minibus that Would Allow Administration to Target Immigrant Communities", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Debra Haaland", "H001080", "haaland.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM-01) released the following statement after she voted against Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) budget minibus that would allow the Administration to target immigrant communities:\nOur budget reflects the priorities of our country, and I couldn't, in good conscience, vote for an appropriations bill that maintains high numbers of ICE detention beds and does not include restrictions to stop the Trump Administration from stealing from our national security priorities to target our immigrant community and forcing immigrant parents to make heartbreaking decisions because of a senselessremain in Mexicopolicy.\nThis was a difficult decision, because this minibus included other key priorities including robust funding for the Census, but I could not votetoallow this Administration to perpetuate racism in our country, militarize our border, or continue to waste billions on a senseless wall.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lujan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujn-announces-congressional-app-challenge-winners", "Luj\u00e1n Announces Congressional App Challenge Winners", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Ben Luj\u00e1n", "L000570", "lujan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 17, 2019\n\t\t\t Lujn Announces Congressional App Challenge Winners \n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. Today, Congressman Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, announced that Diana Vasquez,Ytzel Romo-Olivas, and Ruth Calija, all students from across New Mexico's Third Congressional District, are the winners of the 2019 Congressional App Challenge.  Vasquez,Romo-Olivas, and Calija's app, Kids Against Racism (K.A.R.) helps inform people about the adverse effects of racism in their communities, suggestions on how to combat racism, and resources where individuals can seek help. The app includes personal stories from individuals who have experienced racism and provides resources for support groups.  I am thrilled to announce the winners of the 2019 Congressional App Challenge  three young students who put their STEM knowledge to use to combat racism in our communities. Not only did these students exercise great creativity, they did so with an eye toward social justice and eradicating disparities that exist for communities of color, saidLujn. I am proud that these students' hard work will reflect New Mexico values, and I look forward to seeing what all of this year's participants accomplish in STEM education.\"  CalijaattendsMandela International Magnet School,VazquezattendsMandela International Magnet School, andRomo-OlivasattendsSanta Fe High School.  Photo for use is availablehere.  Lujn also announced the second and third place winners in the Congressional App Challenge competition:     Second Place:Santa Fe Indian High School students Marrissa DeAguero, Jazlynn Martinez, Tayler Martinez, and Alyssa Aguila. Their app, Tiny Learners, is an educational learning app designed for toddlers or small children that provides an interactive learning process that teaches young children how to count from 1-10 and learn the alphabet;  Third Place:Junior Highstudents Eliana Lovato, Vinaya Kurapati,who both attend school at the Academy of Technology and the Classics,and Ruby Sallah,who attends the Santa Fe Girls' School,participated in a STEM summer coding camp organized by STEM Santa Fe, created an app called Grow your Smile, an app designed to help adults stay healthy by providing healthy eating tips and exercise plans that help them improve their health.      The Congressional App Challenge is an app creation competition for students of middle and high school age. Student apps were judged on the quality of their ideas, including creativity and originality. Students were encouraged to participate in STEM and computer science events throughout the year, including coding boot camps organized by STEM Santa Fe, a local nonprofit.  Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tAdan Serna(202) 225-6190 \n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lujan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujn-secures-investments-for-new-mexico-in-government-funding-package", "Luj\u00e1n Secures Investments for New Mexico in Government Funding Package", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Ben Luj\u00e1n", "L000570", "lujan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 17, 2019\n\t\t\t Lujn Secures Investments for New Mexico in Government Funding Package \n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  Today, Congressman Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, announced that investments to benefit New Mexico were included in the House-passed government funding packages.    The 2020 government funding packages include significant victories for the American family, including $25 million to address our nation's gun violence epidemic, nearly $8 billion to ensure a fair and accurate Census count, and $61 billion to repair our nation's crumbling infrastructure and create jobs for working Americans.    The legislation also invests $9 billion for clean air and water programs, $40.1 billion for K-12 education programs, $3.2 billion for Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education programs, $640 million to strengthen rural broadband, and $495 million for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.    Lujn was able to help secure additional victories to create new opportunities in New Mexico, help families thrive, and protect our public lands, including:       A moratorium on oil and gas drilling on federal lands in the Chaco Canyon region;  $220 million to fund environmental clean-ups near the Los Alamos National Laboratory;  No less than $ 1 million for telementoring training centersto support health care in rural communities;  $2 million for comprehensive opioid recovery centers to address the treatment and recovery needs of individuals suffering from the opioid addiction crisis in rural communities;  $50 million for grants for biomedical research facilities  with an emphasis on institutions serving diverse geographical regions  to expand operations and encourage health-related research;  $5 million for farmer opportunity training and outreachto support beginning, veteran, and underrepresented farmers and ranchers;  $4 million for water quality monitoring for the Animas and San Juan Rivers following the Gold King Mine spill.       These victories, many of which had the support of the entire New Mexico congressional delegation, will have positive impacts on New Mexico families. The 2020 government funding package is expected to be passed by the Senate later this week before being signed into law by President Trump.    How we choose to invest in our communities says much about what we value. I am pleased to see this package include substantial investment for rural communities, improved health care, farmers, and our public lands  funding that will help New Mexicans succeed, said Lujn.  Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tAdan Serna(202) 225-6190 \n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-delivers-major-wins-for-nm-military-bases-labs-and-defense-tech", "Heinrich Delivers Major Wins For N.M. Military Bases, Labs, And Defense Tech", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Delivers Major Wins For N.M. Military Bases, Labs, And Defense Tech\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSenator Heinrich's provisions in the FY20 NDAA includes efforts to strengthen military housing codes, address PFAS contamination cleanup, establish paid family leave for federal employees, and more\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 17, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 17, 2019)  Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) voted for the final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 that supports New Mexico's men and women in uniform, military installations, national laboratories, the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), Artificial Intelligence, and job-creating initiatives throughout the state.\r\nHeinrich, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Ranking Member of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, authored a number of provisions in the bill to strengthen New Mexico's military installations, national laboratories, economic development, and leadership in the future of technologies like Artificial Intelligence, directed energy, and space. The NDAA also included language Heinrich authored to designate White Sands National Park in southern New Mexico and complete a land exchange between the Army and the National Park Service.\r\nThis bill makes major investments to ensure our Armed Forces are equipped with the most modern technology so we can stay ahead of our adversariessaid Heinrich.New Mexico is the Center of Excellence for small satellites and for directed energy weapons, and this bill increases funding and streamlines authorities to bolster those missions. I am proud to have authorized funding for military construction projects that will modernize infrastructure at Holloman Air Force Base, White Sands Missile Range, and Kirtland Air Force Base. This bill also makes major reforms to fix the military housing crisis and takes meaningful action on contamination at dairies outside Cannon Air Force Base. These provisions, among many others, help New Mexico families, benefit our economy, and further New Mexico's strong position as a leader in national security for years to come.\r\nAs the co-founder of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus, Heinrich added, \"I am also proud to have incorporated language from the Armed Forces Digital Advantage Act to modernize defense workforces with digital engineers, specialized in computer science, and to have increased funding for the future of Artificial Intelligence.\r\nThe NDAA sets the Department of Defense spending levels and policies for the upcoming fiscal year and authorizes funding for the Department of Energy's nuclear weapons programs at Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories, as well as the Department of Energy's environmental cleanup programs including the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). The Senate will soon vote on a number of appropriations bills that set the funding levels for agencies.\r\nA list of many of the programs and provisions Senator Heinrich advocated for during the bill writing process that were included in the FY20 NDAA is available as a PDFHEREand below.\r\nNew Mexico Military Construction Projects\r\nKirtland Air Force Base\r\nSenator Heinrich secured $15.5 million for the construction of a Combat Rescue Helicopter Simulator Facility at Kirtland Air Force Base. This facility will house new HH-60W simulators, training spaces, and equipment used by the 58th Special Operations Wing to train new students. This construction will allow for a seamless transition from the HH-60G legacy aircraft to the new HH-60W and provide continuous Programmed Flight Training for its operators.\r\nSenator Heinrich secured $22.4 million for the construction of a UH-1 Replacement Facility at Kirtland Air Force Base. This facility will house new simulators used for training flight crew personnel in the UH-1 replacement aircraft set for delivery to the 58th Special Operations Wing starting at the end of FY 2022. This construction will allow for an on-time delivery of the simulators, and critical training in the new aircraft.\r\nHolloman Air Force Base\r\nSenator Heinrich secured $20 million for the construction of a climate-controlled, storage and shipment facility at Holloman Air Force Base. The facility will be used to store, inspect, and prepare the movement of military support equipment and provide maximum protection of our expeditionary, warfighting resources. This will enable assets to be maintained in a constant state of readiness and postured for worldwide deployment with greatly reduced maintenance costs. The use of this facility will save the government $800,000 annually for the maintenance and/or replacement of these assets by preserving the shelf-life of items otherwise stored in the open as well as save $120,000 a year in replacement costs of shipping containers damaged by exposure to weather.\r\nWhite Sands Missile Range (WSMR)\r\nSenator Heinrich secured $5.8 million to build a microgrid at White Sands. The microgrid will utilize a solar array, natural gas generator, and lithium ion battery system to power water wells to provide an uninterrupted water supply to WSMR. Currently, the wells are connected in such a way that leaves them susceptible to power outages that could leave WSMR without drinkable potable water. This microgrid system will ensure a reliable supply of water for the installation.\r\nWhite Sands Missile Range Land Enhancements and White Sands National Park\r\nWhite Sands Missile Range Land Enhancements and White Sands National Park\r\nThe Senate Armed Services Committee adopted an amendment by Senator Heinrich that incorporates legislation to finalize updated land exchanges between the Department of the Interior and the Department of the Army that have been pending since the 1970s. The exchange of parcels between White Sands National Monument and White Sands Missile Range will clean up boundary anomalies, transfer important missile range infrastructure to the jurisdiction of the Army, and provide increased opportunities for visitors at the National Monument. The bill was developed in close consultation with the Army, the Air Force, the National Park Service, local elected officials, neighboring tribes, and local residents.\r\nNew Mexico's National Laboratories and WIPP\r\nLos Alamos National Laboratory's Plutonium Mission\r\nSenator Heinrich again secured full funding authorization to maintain Los Alamos National Laboratory's (LANL) role as the nation's Center of Excellence for Plutonium Research. The bill authorizes $551 million for LANL's ongoing plutonium research and pit production programs. The funding supports personnel, equipment and other activities at LANL to meet pit production requirements by 2026; highlights include, $232 million for plutonium operations, $21 million to support pit production, $10.5 million for fire suppression upgrades in PF-4, $16 million for power and communications improvements and $168 million for construction related to replacing the outdated Chemistry and Metallurgy Research (CMR) building at LANL.\r\nDefense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board\r\nSenator Heinrich supported provisions in the bill that direct the Department of Energy (DOE) to allow the onsite safety inspectors from the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) full access to all defense nuclear facilities at LANL, Sandia National Laboratories and WIPP. The bill also ensures access to all required documents and reinforces the board's role protecting both the general public as well as onsite employees and contractors. Senator Heinrich supported these provisions in response to an order DOE issued in May 2018 that attempted to limit the board's access and role in protecting health and safety. Congress created the DNFSB in 1988 to provide oversight of public health and safety at the defense nuclear facilities managed by the Department of Energy.\r\nNational Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD)\r\nSenator Heinrich secured a provision extending for one year an exemption from an administrative overhead burden on NNSA labs for LDRD that would double-tax Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory. LDRD is a strategic research and development program that is critical to maintaining the scientific vitality of the national laboratories. The bill continues the suspension of the overhead burden through fiscal year 2021.\r\nNational Laboratory Funding\r\nSenator Heinrich supported full funding authorization for the National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) nuclear weapons programs. Within NNSA's funding, Senator Heinrich secured full funding of $2.1 billion to continue the Life Extension Programs supported by Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories. This increase of $197 million over FY19 will maintain the existing weapons stockpile and assure safety and security.\r\nLos Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Environmental Cleanup\r\nThe bill authorizes the president's request of $195.5 million for soil and water remediation and removal of radioactive waste. Funding is included again this year to address the hexavalent chromium and Royal Demolition eXplosive (RDX) plumes in groundwater in Los Alamos. Senator Heinrich will work now with the Appropriations Committee to increase the funding for fiscal year 2020 to $220 million, the same level as the last fiscal year.\r\nWaste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP)\r\nThe bill authorizes full funding of $398 million to operate the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), including $17.5 million to repair and replace degraded facility structures, systems, and components, $58 million to continue construction of additional ventilation for the mine and $34.5 million for a new utility shaft.\r\nNew Mexico's Defense R&D Labs, Test Ranges, and Industry\r\nU.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Mentor-Protg Program\r\nThe bill re-authorizes the DoD's Mentor Protg Program (MPP), which is the oldest continuously operating federal mentor-protg program in existence, through 2026. Originally established in 1991, the MPP helps eligible small businesses expand their footprint in the defense industrial base. Under the MPP, small businesses are partnered with larger companies. In the past five years, DoD's MPP has successfully helped more than 190 small businesses fill unique niches and become part of the military's supply chain. Senator Heinrich ensured the survival of the MPP when it faced expiration, and salvaged this influential, small-business focused program.\r\nDirected Energy Test Range Workloads\r\nSenator Heinrich secured $15 million for White Sands Missile Range in order to accommodate the increase in directed energy testing workloads to accommodate the increased demand in the 21st century. A lack of funding for increased directed energy testing is a serious issue; especially, given the workload and number of directed energy demonstrations and exercises have increased significantly since 1975. The projected workload for fiscal years 20182022 for the High Energy Laser Systems Test Facility at White Sands is large and growing, and has expanded to include high-powered microwave testing. Yet, funding remained at the same level. Senator Heinrich secured the funds necessary to meet the growing demand and support the appropriate test workloads.\r\n3-D Printed Electronics Army Innovation Hub for Next Generation Additive Manufacturing\r\nSenator Heinrich secured an additional $2 million for additive manufacturing (AM), which is already making innovative technological leaps that could yield major advances in more lethal and longer-ranged fires. New Mexico Tech and the University of Texas at El Paso are leading entities in 3-D printing. This technology can combine existing and new materials into 3-D printed circuit architectures, producing smarter, lighter, and denser constructs to enable projectiles to double current ranges while achieving higher precision.\r\nSTARBASE\r\nSenator Heinrich helped secured an additional $30 million for the STARBASE program. This program is meant to improve the knowledge and skills of students in kindergarten through 12th grade in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects, to connect them to the military, and to motivate them to explore STEM and possible military careers as they continue their education. STARBASE is a highly effective program run by our dedicated servicemembers and strengthens the relationships between the military, communities, and local school districts. STARBASE currently operates at 76 locations in 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, primarily on military installations. New Mexico is one of those locations. Since its inception in 1991, over 825,000 students have benefitted from the STARBASE program, including 45,000 last year.\r\nNew Mexico Space Missions\r\nDepartment of Defense Launch Support and Infrastructure Program for Small-Class and Medium-Class Payloads\r\nThe bill authorizes a provision championed by Senator Heinrich that enables the Secretary of Defense to carry out a program to enhance infrastructure and improve support activities for the processing and launch of Department of Defense (DoD) small-class and medium-class payloads.\r\nSpaceport America in New Mexico is a licensed inland spaceport that provides surface-to-space open sky launches landing in restricted flight zones. The New Mexico Spaceport is located next to White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) where the DoD controls the only restricted air space in the entire country besides the White House.\r\nHypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor\r\nIn an effort to develop a reliable defense against cruise missiles and hypersonic weapons, Senator Heinrich and Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) added $108 million for a hypersonic and ballistic tracking space sensor that will help correlate data and track the incoming target for intercept. Senator Heinrich crafted language to help prioritize this capability gap and increased funding.\r\nSpace Rapid Capabilities Office (Sp-RCO)\r\nThe bill authorized nearly $24 million for the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (Sp-RCO) which is housed at Kirtland Air Force Base. As Ranking Member of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, Senator Heinrich has fought to ensure New Mexico remains the small satellite center of excellence for the military. Senator Heinrich recently announced plans for the establishment of additional classified workspace, near Sp-RCO, that can be used by potential commercial partners to facilitate the rapid fielding of new space capabilities.\r\nSpace Test Program (STP)\r\nThe conferenced bill authorized $26.09 million for the Space Test Program (STP) which is housed at Kirtland Air Force Base. As Ranking Member of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, Senator Heinrich has strongly supported STP's mission to secure launches for experimental spacecraft from emerging entrants including Rocket Lab or Vox Space that are smaller and far less expensive than traditional military satellites that are launched aboard larger rockets under the National Security Space Launch program. Senator Heinrich included provisions elsewhere in the bill to establish a program to improve infrastructure and launch support at FAA licensed spaceports. Since 1965, the STP has conducted space test missions for the purpose of accelerating Department of Defense space technology transformation while lowering developmental risk.\r\nRocket Systems Launch Program\r\nThe bill authorized $13.19 million for the Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP) which is housed at Kirtland Air Force Base. Senator Heinrich supports the Rapid Agile Launch Initiative which seeks to award launch service agreements with non-traditional, venture-class companies.\r\nArtificial Intelligence\r\nArmed Forces Digital Advantage Act\r\nThe NDAA incorporates important provisions taken from Senator Heinrich's Armed Forces Digital Advantage Act. These provisions recognize the importance of individuals with aptitude and experience in digital expertise and software development to the armed services and requires Secretary of Defense to devise an implementation plan to recruit and develop digital engineering specialists. The bill also requires the Defense Secretary to create a digital engineering capability for the development and deployment of acquisition programs and software support. The bill also requires a demonstration of digital engineering capabilities and policy guidance to promote the use of said capabilities.\r\nNational Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence  Extension of Authority\r\nThe bill includes a provision supported by Senator Heinrich that extends the duration of the current Artificial Intelligence Commission in order to account for time lost due to the government shutdown earlier this year.\r\nNew Mexico Military Housing Reform and Contamination Cleanup\r\nMilitary Housing Reform\r\nThe bill includes a provision championed by Senator Heinrich that establishes a uniform code of basic housing standards and requires inspections to ensure compliance. This uniform code provides for safety, comfort, and habitability for military housing units and ensures the inspection of such units adhere to this standard. This is a critical step in addressing the problems associated with military housing around the world and ensuring our service members and their families live in the healthy dwellings they deserve.\r\nPerfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) Contamination Cleanup\r\nSenator Heinrich included provisions from H.R. 1567 or the PFAS Damages Act, to provide relief to communities and businesses impacted by PFAS contamination in groundwater around Air Force bases in New Mexico and across the country, including dairy farms in New Mexico that have been upended by PFAS contamination from nearby Cannon Air Force Base.\r\nThis measure will ensure that the Department of Defense (DOD) takes precautionary action to prevent human exposure, including through agricultural products, provide alternative water or water treatment for contaminated agricultural water, and acquire contiguous property that is contaminated. The measure will also mandate that the Department of Defense (DOD) create a plan of action to clean up contaminated sites nationwide and take all necessary steps to prevent further risks to public health.\r\nNew Mexico Military Energy Resilience\r\nMilitary Environmental Research Programs\r\nThe bill includes a requirement supported by Senator Heinrich and Senator Angus King (I-Maine) that would direct no less than $10 million be directed toward the development and demonstration of long-duration, on-site battery storage for distributed energy applications, $10 million for development, demonstration and validation of secure microgrids for both installations and forward operating bases, $10 million for development, demonstration, and validation of non-fluorine based firefighting foam and $5 million for development, demonstration, and validation of technologies that can harvest potable water from air.\r\nAdditional Priority Provisions\r\nFederal Employee Paid Leave\r\nThe FY20 NDAA for the first time provides all federal employees with 12 weeks of paid leave including for the birth, adoption, or fostering of a new child. The bill also allows 12 weeks of paid leave for the care of close family members, serious employee health conditions, and for circumstances that arise when the employee or a family member is detailed for covered duty in the armed forces. Paid family leave supports federal employees and their family commitments and provides benefits necessary to recruit and retain the talent that is essential for federal agencies to carry out their mission to serve the nation. The federal government is the nation's largest employer, with more than 2 million employees. This provision ensures that our federal workforce will no longer face the impossible choice of caring for their health and family, or receiving pay.\r\nEliminating the Widow's Tax\r\nThe FY20 NDAA mandates a 3-year phase out of the so-called widow's tax, which required that surviving spouses of deceased military members forfeit part or all of their Department of Defense Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity when they receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) from the Department of Veterans Affairs. More than 60,000 surviving families are negatively impacted by the Widow's Tax, which reduces surviving spouses' benefits by an average of $924 per month, or $11,000 annually. This action by Congress will ensure that widows and widowers of a deceased active-duty service member or retiree who died of a service-related cause receive full annuity payments.\r\nAddressing and Stopping the Flow of Synthetic Opioids to the United States\r\nThe bill includes provisions that will hold foreign countries accountable for their pledges to go after those who produce and traffic fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Specifically, the NDAA will give the U.S. federal government the ability to apply economic and other financial sanctions to illicit traffickers from China, Mexico, and other countries of concern. The FY20 NDAA also establishes a Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking to create a strategic approach to combating the flow of synthetic opioids into the United States.\r\nThe opioid crisis in New Mexico has had devastating effects on families across the state. Senator Heinrich has advocated for more resources to fight this epidemic - including measures like those in this year's NDAA that penalize other countries for their involvement in the flow of illicit substances to the United States.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-torres-small-hail-final-passage-of-white-sands-national-park-establishment-act", "Heinrich, Torres Small Hail Final Passage Of White Sands National Park Establishment Act", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich, Torres Small Hail Final Passage Of White Sands National Park Establishment Act\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tProvision to designate White Sands as a national park to be signed into law\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 17, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 17, 2019)  U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.) hailed the final passage of legislation they introduced to designate White Sands National Park in southern New Mexico. The provision was included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, which passed the Senate by a vote of 86 to 8 today and will soon be signed into law.\r\nHeinrich and Torres Small will hold a press teleconference tomorrow, Wednesday, December 18 at 2:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. MT to discuss the redesignation of White Sands to a national park. Call-in information is below.\r\nFor the first time since 1930, New Mexico will be home to our newest national park. This prestigious recognition of one of our state's most remarkable natural wonders is an enormous victory for nearby communities and for all New Mexicans,said Heinrich.White Sands National Park will put southern New Mexico squarely on the map as a must-see destination for park-seeking travelers and will be a major boon to the whole region's economy. I'm also pleased that our legislation will enhance missions at White Sands Missile Range. It has been an honor to work with Congresswoman Torres Small and community leaders to get this effort over the finish line. I'm thrilled that by elevating White Sands to a national park, we will inspire even more families and future generations to discover the experiences you can only find in the Land of Enchantment.\r\nIn March, Heinrich and Torres Small introduced theWhite Sands National Park Establishment Act, a bill to designate White Sands National Monument a national park.\r\nI am proud that America's newest national park will hail from my district. National parks preserve our country's greatest treasures and serve as the engines of the local economies that surround them. White Sands National Park will solidify southern New Mexico's role as a major tourist attraction for visitors nationwide. We now have the potential to make it an economic powerhouse in southern New Mexico, creating new commercial opportunities for our rural communities,said Torres Small.This change in designation also strengthens the capabilities for White Sands Missile Range, which is vital to our nation's security. I'm proud to work with Senator Heinrich and community leaders to finally make White Sands National Park a reality, ensuring New Mexicans and visitors alike can experience the places that make the Land of Enchantment so special.\r\nSince White Sands National Monument was established in 1933, it has attracted visitors from around the world. For the last two decades, White Sands has seen more visitors than any other National Park Service site in New Mexico--an average of more than half a million people each year. In 2018, well over 600,000 visitors to the monument spent $32.2 million in the local economy, with over 98 percent of that coming from non-local visitors. Becoming a national park would immediately bring new attention and prominent inclusion in global and domestic travel materials, attracting more visitors and allowing for even better resource protection, interpretation, and visitor experiences.A 2018 studyfound that redesignation could increase visitation by 21 percent and result in an additional $7.5 million being spent in the local economy each year.\r\nThe legislation will also benefit White Sands Missile Range as well as protect missions at military installations that surround White Sands National Park. The military's use of critical airspace and testing grounds by White Sands Missile Range, Holloman Air Force Base, Fort Bliss, and others is preserved, and existing agreements between the military and the National Park Service will remain in place.\r\nThe White Sands National Park Establishment Act has strongsupportfrom local community leaders and elected officials in southern New Mexico.\r\nHeinrich and Torres Small will hold a press teleconference tomorrow, Wednesday, December 18 at 2:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. MT to discuss the redesignation of White Sands to a national park.\r\n***Press interested in attending should RSVP at press@heinrich.senate.gov or call (202) 228-1578.***\r\nWHO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representative Xochitl Torres Small\r\nWHAT: Press Call on White Sands National Park\r\nWHEN: Wednesday, December 18 at 2:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. MT\r\nDIAL-IN: Please call (202) 228-0808; Conference ID: 628017", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/12/17/2019/udall-congratulates-new-mexico-nominees-to-united-states-service-academies", "Udall Congratulates New Mexico Nominees to United States Service Academies", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 17, 2019\n\t\t\t Udall Congratulates New Mexico Nominees to United States Service Academies \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTONToday,U.S. Senator Tom Udall(D-N.M.)announced thenames of the39New Mexico students who have received his nomination to attend a United Statesserviceacademy beginning in 2020.A congressional, vice-presidential, orservice-connected nomination is required for admission to the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Students receiving Udall's nomination completed a competitive application process, which included interviewswith the senator's Military AcademyServicePanels,comprised of active dutyservicemembers, veterans and community leaders.\r\nNew Mexico has a long and proud tradition of service, and it is an honor to support this next generation of leaders thatI have nominated to theserviceacademiesthis year,said Udall.The United Statesserviceacademiesprovide a top-notch education and unparalleled opportunities for students to excel in both military and civilian life. And I am confident that these exceptional young peoplewhohave demonstrated strong leadership in both their academic and extracurricular activities, along with a commitment to serve will make New Mexico proud. They represent some ofour state'sbest and brightest, and I wish them luck as they move on to the next phase of the admissions process.\r\nNominated students will now compete for admission to theirserviceacademy over the coming months. Those admitted will begin classes in the summer of 2020 as members of the class of 2024.\r\nThe following are the students nominated from New Mexico by academy:\r\nUnited States Military Academy (West Point)\r\nEdward Brady of Las Cruces\r\nPeter McIntosh of Albuquerque\r\nGabriel Neel of Albuquerque\r\nAaryaPatel of Albuquerque\r\nAngel Payan Martinez of Chaparral\r\nElijah Ruiz of Albuquerque\r\nGunnar Schwab of Farmington\r\nJesse Smith of Albuquerque\r\nTrenton Tom of Aztec\r\nCaleb Weir of Rio Rancho\r\nUnited States Naval Academy\r\nJacob Back of Albuquerque\r\nJacob Braunschweiger of Rio Rancho\r\nOwen Carlton of Hagerman\r\nJeremy Chen of Albuquerque\r\nCameo Griego of Albuquerque\r\nHannah Mitchell of Albuquerque\r\nRobert Montoya of Bayard\r\nJeremy Pinon of Roswell\r\nRoshan Prasad of Los Alamos\r\nAidan Randel of Albuquerque\r\nUnited States Air Force Academy\r\nEric Fielenbach of Bernalillo\r\nMegan Galdony of Albuquerque\r\nKaci Jarry of Albuquerque\r\nLindsey Johnson of Albuquerque\r\nJason Knight of Tucumcari\r\nTrystan Osburn of Los Alamos\r\nPatricia Ramos of Roswell\r\nJuan Romero of Embudo\r\nRoree Stewart of Albuquerque\r\nEvan Watry of Albuquerque\r\nUnited States Merchant Marine Academy\r\nFiona Mae Balasuit of Fruitland\r\nMatthew Barkley of Albuquerque\r\nRaymond Chapman of Aztec\r\nJosue Flores Bencomo of Albuquerque\r\nJosephine Hedges of McIntosh\r\nRichard Jensen of Albuquerque\r\nIreland Lowe of Albuquerque\r\nNathan Shields of Cedar Crest\r\nLuke Wilkerson of Albuquerque", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/12/17/2019/udall-votes-for-major-defense-bill-to-strengthen-new-mexico-and-nation", "Udall Votes for Major Defense Bill to Strengthen New Mexico & Nation", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 17, 2019\n\t\t\t Udall Votes for Major Defense Bill to Strengthen New Mexico & Nation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Measure includes paid family leave for all federal employees, including thousands in NM, provides relief to NM communities impacted by PFAS contamination, includes military pay raise, and supports the state's national labs and military bases\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDespite positive provisions, Udall says bill is a missed opportunity for Congress to prevent unauthorized war\r\n WASHINGTON Today,U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.)joined the full Senate in voting 86-8 for the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a major national defense bill including several measures that Udall championed to support New Mexico's federal workforce, service members and military families, veterans, communities facing PFAS contamination, military bases, nuclear security labs, and defense programs across the state.\r\nThe annual NDAA sets policies and funding levels for the nation's military and defense operations at the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Energy's (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), which are then funded through annual appropriations bills passed by the Appropriations Committee, where Udall is a senior member. This year's bill, which authorizes$738billion for national defense, includes critical provisions to benefit the national security missions being carried out at New Mexico's national laboratories, military bases and installations, along with efforts championed by the New Mexico Delegation to provide relief to communities impacted by PFAS contamination.\r\nIn a historic achievement, this year's NDAA also secures 12 full weeks of paid parental leave forall workers across the federal government, a major step forward for New Mexico's 28,000 federal civilian employees and their families. The NDAA also authorizes funding and resources for military construction projects at Holloman Air Force Base, White Sands Missile Range, and Kirtland Air Force Base to address new mission requirements and support the continued vitality of New Mexico's bases.\r\nNew Mexico plays a critical role in the national defense. Home to military bases, federal installations, and national labs, our communities support the critical work being done to keep Americans safe and to grow the state and national economy. This legislation brings significant new family leave benefits to the military and federal workforce in New Mexico as they play an indispensable role in keeping our country safe and growing our economy. I am glad that this bill secures 12 weeks of paid family leave for federal workers  which will provide economic security to the thousands of federal workers in New Mexico and their families. And I am particularly proud to have helped secure provisions that will bolster safety at our national labs and to provide long-overdue relief to communities impacted by PFAS contamination,said Udall. I'll keep working in the Appropriations Committee to provide the strong resources our state needs to keep making our important contributions to national security.\r\nAnd although the final national defense bill is a win for New Mexico, I regret that Congress missed an opportunity to reassert its authority over matters of war, and to prevent endless or unauthorized military conflicts that are not supported by the American people. I am deeply disappointed that the final House-Senate agreement does not include my bipartisan amendment that would prevent the president from entering an unauthorized war in Iran, despite the fact that a bipartisan majority of both the House and Senate voted in favor of it. And I am disappointed that Congress failed to heed the bipartisan majorities calling for ending U.S. involvement in the Saudi campaign in Yemen which has become both a quagmire and humanitarian disaster,said Udall.New documents obtained by the Washington Post now show without a doubt that U.S. deployment in Afghanistan lacks clear goals or strategy after 18 years and $2 trillion spent. When we turn to this bill again next year,I urge my colleagues inCongressto do their constitutional duty andtake real action beforewe spend yet another year in Afghanistan orthis administration launches us into another war in the Middle East.In the meantime, I will continue to speak out against Congress dodging its constitutional authority to speak on matters of war and peace  we owe it to our service members, our military families, our veterans, and to the many who have given their lives to protect the nation to take the hard votes.\r\nSpecific provisions of the NDAA that Udall championed include:\r\nPay Raise for Troops: The NDAA authorizes a 3.1 percent pay raise for members of the Armed Forces.\r\nPaid Family Leave:This year's NDAA also secures 12 full weeks of paid parental leave for all workers across the federal government, a major step forward for New Mexico's 28,000 federal civilian employees.\r\nPFAS Damages Act: Udall, along with Senator Martin Heinrich and Representative Ben Ray Lujn,introduced the PFAS Damages Actto provide relief to communities and businesses impacted by PFAS contamination in groundwater around Air Force bases in New Mexico and across the country. In 2018, the U.S. Air Force confirmed that firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals (PFOA and PFOS) used around Cannon Air Force Base and Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico contaminated nearby groundwater. The contamination has affected several agricultural wells near Cannon Air Force Base that feed New Mexican dairies, causing major disruptions for the local dairy industry.\r\nThe PFAS Damages Act is included in the NDAA. The measure would ensure that DOD takes precautionary action to prevent human exposure, including through agricultural products, provide alternative water or water treatment for contaminated agricultural water, and acquire contiguous property that is contaminated. The Act would also mandate that the Department of Defense (DOD) create a plan of action to clean up contaminated sites and take all necessary steps to prevent further risks to public health.\r\nConstruction Projects at New Mexico Bases and Facilities: The bill authorizes $63.7 million for military constructions projects in New Mexico.\r\nHolloman Air Force Base: $20 million for the construction of a climate-controlled, storage and shipment facility at Holloman Air Force Base for military support equipment.\r\nWhite Sands Missile Range (WSMR):$5.8 million to build a solar, natural gas, and battery system micro-grid at White Sands to ensure uninterrupted power reliability.\r\nKirtland Air Force Base: $15.5 million for the construction of a Combat Rescue Helicopter Simulator Facility at Kirtland Air Force Base.\r\n$22.4 million for the construction of a UH-1 Replacement Facility at Kirtland to house new simulators used for training flight crew personnel.\r\nDNFSB Provisions:The FY2020 NDAA includes a committee amendment from Senator Heinrich to ensure that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reviews DOE's Order 140.1 on information sharing -- an order that undermines the DNFSB's oversight responsibility by restricting its ability to get health and safety information from DOE sites -- and a Heinrich-Udall floor amendment that clarifies that Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) board members may serve up to two terms, ensuring better continuity at the board which is the only independent safety oversight over DOE nuclear facilities.\r\nEnvironmental Cleanup at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL):The bill authorizes $195.5 million for soil and water cleanup and removal of radioactive waste offsite. Funding will help address the hexavalent chromium and Royal Demolition eXplosive (RDX) plumes in groundwater around Los Alamos.\r\nWaste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP):The bill authorizes $398 million for WIPP, including $17.5 million for repairs of aging equipment.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lujan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujn-announces-nominations-for-us-service-academies", "Luj\u00e1n Announces Nominations for U.S. Service Academies", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Ben Luj\u00e1n", "L000570", "lujan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 16, 2019\n\t\t\t Lujn Announces Nominations for U.S. Service Academies \n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. Today, Congressman Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, announced the nominations of students from New Mexico's Third Congressional District to enter the United States Service Academies.  Our state has a long tradition of serving our nation in all the branches of our military. Having the chance to nominate some of New Mexico's best and brightest young people to our United States Service Academies is a distinct honor for me each year, saidLujn. I am proud of each of these students, who have demonstrated a commitment to service, the drive to succeed, and tremendous dedication to our state and our nation.  Congressman Lujn's 2019 Service Academy nominees include:  U.S. Military Academy  West Point, NY     Fiona Balasuit  Farmington High/San Juan College  Fruitland  Roshan Prasad  Los Alamos High  Los Alamos  Juan Romero  Los Alamos High  Embudo  Gunnar Schwab  New Mexico Military Institute  Farmington  Evan Watry  Explore Academy Charter School  Rio Rancho     U.S. Naval Academy  Annapolis, MD     Summer Armijo-Rotunno - Santa Fe High  Santa Fe  Jacob Braunschweiger  Rio Rancho High  Rio Rancho  Raymond Chapman  Aztec High  Aztec  Jason Knight  Logan High  Tucumcari  Dalen Montoya  Santa Fe High  Santa Fe  Trystan Osburn  Los Alamos High  Los Alamos  Roshan Prasad  Los Alamos High  Los Alamos  Juan Romero  Los Alamos High  Embudo  Jeremy Torres  New Mexico Military Institute - Gallup  Evan Watry  Explore Academy Charter School  Rio Rancho     U.S. Air Force Academy  Colorado Springs, CO     Jacob Braunschweiger  Rio Rancho High  Rio Rancho  Teagun Glenn - Albuquerque Academy  Rio Rancho  Jeremy Kalminski  New Mexico Military Institute  Albuquerque  Jason Knight  Logan High  Tucumcari  Bryan Littlejohn  Clovis High  Clovis  Trystan Osburn  Los Alamos High  Los Alamos  Roshan Prasad  Los Alamos High  Los Alamos  Juan Romero  Los Alamos High  Embudo  Evan Watry  Explore Academy Charter School  Rio Rancho     US Merchant Marines Academy  Kings Point, NY     Owen Carlton  Quantico High  Hagerman  Raymond Chapman  Aztec High  Aztec     Interviews took place throughout the Third Congressional District in early November. Congressman Lujn's Service Academy Selection Board considered all the applications from the young New Mexicans interested in attending the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.  Academy nominees submit an application that includes a personal statement, resume, letters of reference, academic transcripts, and standardized test scores. If nominated by Congressman Lujn, applicants must meet the individual admission requirements for each academy. Students may be nominated for more than one service academy. The academies make the final decision on who will receive an appointment of admission.  Selection to U.S. Service Academies is among the most competitive and rigorous in the country; regardless of the number of qualified applicants each Member of Congress nominates, only a select few from each Congressional District are accepted by the service academies each year. Those selected will enter the academies in June 2020.  Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tAdan Serna(202) 225-6190 \n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lujan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujn-initiative-to-bolster-broadband-access-passes-the-house", "Luj\u00e1n Initiative to Bolster Broadband Access Passes the House", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Ben Luj\u00e1n", "L000570", "lujan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 16, 2019\n\t\t\t Lujn Initiative to Bolster Broadband Access Passes the House \n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  Congressman Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, successfully secured key provisions to bolster broadband access in theBroadband DATA Act that passed the House today.  The bipartisan Broadband DATA Act directs the Federal Communications Commission to issue new rules that require the improved collection and dissemination of broadband data. The legislation includes Congressman Lujn's provisions to:     Leverage our nation's postal trucks and other federal fleet vehicles to collect broadband data;  Help consumers and state, tribal, and local governments meaningfully participate in the collection of broadband data by empowering them to challenge flawed coverage maps.     In July, Lujn introduced the Map Improvement Act as part of a broadband infrastructure package to expand access and to ensure that investments in broadband infrastructure are targeted to the areas that need it most  including rural communities  by establishing more reliable coverage maps and data that accurately depict what people are experiencing. In New Mexico, less than half of rural New Mexicans have access to high-speed, fixed broadband.  Broadband access is critical for the success of New Mexico families, connecting New Mexicans to a wealth of information. For too long, the digital divide has left rural and underserved New Mexicans behind - impacting education, public safety, and economic opportunities. I'm proud to have worked to pass this critical and much-needed legislation to help ensure the accuracy of broadband mapping, said Lujn. Investing in broadband infrastructure remains a top priority for me, and I'll continue fighting to bolster broadband in our state.  Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tAdan Serna(202) 225-6190 \n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-says-indian-child-welfare-act-helps-keep-native-children-connected-to-their-communities-and-cultures-", "Heinrich Says Indian Child Welfare Act Helps Keep Native Children Connected To Their Communities And Cultures", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Says Indian Child Welfare Act Helps Keep Native Children Connected To Their Communities And Cultures \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 16, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 16, 2019)  Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) signed an amicus brief filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit as the court re-opens its August ruling that affirmed the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) in Brackeen v. Bernhardt. \r\nPreserving cultural and communal ties for Native children in the legal system must continue to remain a priority for court's working to determine the best interests of a child, said Heinrich. The Indian Child Welfare Act helps keeps Native families together. It is critical that Congress continue to ensure the safety and well-being of all children - in New Mexico and across the nation - and protect the sovereignty of tribes. \r\nCongress passed ICWA in 1978 after receiving testimony that 25 to 35 percent of American Indian and Alaska Native children were removed from their homes by state and private adoption agencies. ICWA sets best-practice standards for child welfare and adoption proceedings involving children who are members of a federally-recognized Tribe or are eligible for membership in a federally-recognized Tribe. Over four decades, the law has become the gold standard for child welfare policy and keeping Native children connected to their communities and cultures. \r\nIn October, the Second Judicial District Children's Court in Bernalillo County launched a new court to address historic challenges related to compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act, a move Heinrich welcomed. \r\nOur American Indian and Alaska Native children are essential to the security and stability of each tribe. In each Indian Child Welfare Act court proceeding the judicial Officer and other court professionals must be mindful that children are the heart of the 41-year-old law. Committed uniform application of ICWA will advance and protect the best interest of each child and enhance tribal security and stability, said John J. Romero, Jr., District Judge, Children's Court Division. \r\nOur children do much better socially, emotionally, academically, and economically when they stay with their families and in their communities, said Cheryl Fairbanks, Executive Director, Native American Budget and Policy Institute. Congress enacted ICWA in part due to the overwhelming evidence that shows placing Native children outside of their culture and communities has an extremely detrimental and long-lasting impact. We are very grateful that Sen. Heinrich and other members of the Congressional delegation recognize tribes' political status and are supporting the tribal position on Brackeen.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/nm-delegation-celebrates-over-314-million-in-grants-to-improve-housing-in-native-communities", "NM Delegation Celebrates Over $31.4 Million in Grants to Improve Housing in Native Communities", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NM Delegation Celebrates Over $31.4 Million in Grants to Improve Housing in Native Communities\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 16, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTONToday, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.), Deb Haaland (D-N.M.), and Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.) hailed the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)'s announcement of over $31.4 million in grants to eight Tribes in New Mexico to improve Native access to affordable housing.\r\nThe eight Tribes received the grants from HUD's Indian Block Grant Competitive Program. The grants were funded under Congress's expansion of the Native American Housing and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA) last year. The program is designed to streamline the grant funding process for federally-recognized Tribes to facilitate Tribal autonomy when directing resources. The funding will be used for Tribally-administered affordable housing development, maintenance, and operation.\r\nSafe, well-built housing and infrastructure are the building blocks for strong, healthy communities,and this major funding will help improve housing for Native communities across New Mexico, said Udall, vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. It's clear that NAHASDA is delivering critical resources to Native communities. That's why I am working across the aisle to reauthorize NAHASDA, which expired as a mandatory funding mechanism in 2013. I am committed to ensuring that the federal government upholds its trust responsibility to Tribes. We must provide Native communities across the country with reliable funding they can use to plan their future.\r\nI am proud to support this critical federal funding for tribal housing agencies that build and repair homes so that Native Americans can live in the communities where their families have lived for generations, said Heinrich. We need to finally renew the expired Native American Housing and Self Determination Act to ensure that this type of funding will never lapse. Safe and affordable housing is absolutely essential to self-determination and tribal sovereignty.\r\nIt's critical that Tribal communities have access to safe and secure housing, and I'm glad to see significant federal resources go toward housing assistance for Tribes and Pueblos across New Mexico. I promise to continue fighting with Native communities to ensure our government meets their respective needs, and that includes reauthorizing NAHASDA with crucial supports for Native veterans, said Lujn.\r\nAll communities deserve access to safe and affordable housing, but due to a failure of the federal government to live up to its trust responsibility, Native communities suffer from housing shortages and housing insecurity. These funds will help close gaps so Pueblo families across New Mexico can grow healthy, happy families in safe and affordable homes and the federal government can uphold its government-to-government relationship with Native Nations, said Congresswoman Deb Haaland.\r\nWe have a responsibility to ensure our tribes and Pueblos have the necessary support to build a better future. I'm proud to join the New Mexico delegation in announcing that seven Pueblos in New Mexico will receive grants from the Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive Program, including the Mescalero Apache Tribe Housing Department's grant award of $4 million,said Torres Small.Strengthening the relationship between the federal government and Native communities continues to be a priority and I'm committed to fighting for the resources our communities need.\r\nA full breakdown of the eight awards is below:\r\n- The Mescalero Apache Tribe Housing Department has received $4 million\r\n- The Namb Pueblo Housing Entity received $3 million\r\n- The Ohkay Owingeh Housing Authority received $5 million\r\n- The San Felipe Pueblo Housing Authority received $5 million\r\n- The Tamaya Housing, Inc. in Santa Ana Pueblo received over $4.8 million\r\n- The Jicarilla Apache Housing Authority received $5 million\r\n- The Santo Domingo Tribal Housing Authority received over $4.5 million\r\n- The Zuni Housing Authority received $5 million", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/nm-delegation-celebrates-over-314-million-in-grants-to-improve-housing-in-native-communities", "NM Delegation Celebrates Over $31.4 Million in Grants to Improve Housing in Native Communities", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 16, 2019\n\t\t\t NM Delegation Celebrates Over $31.4 Million in Grants to Improve Housing in Native Communities \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t The grants fund eight Tribal housing authorities in New Mexico\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTONToday,U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.)andU.S. Representatives Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.), Deb Haaland (D-N.M.),andXochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.)hailed the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)'s announcement of over $31.4 million in grants to eight Tribes in New Mexico to improve Native access to affordable housing.\r\nThe eight Tribes received the grants from HUD's Indian Block Grant Competitive Program. The grants were funded under Congress's expansion of the Native American Housing and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA) last year. The program is designed to streamline the grant funding process for federally-recognized Tribes to facilitate Tribal autonomy when directing resources. The funding will be used for Tribally-administered affordable housing development, maintenance, and operation.\r\nSafe, well-built housing and infrastructure are the building blocks for strong, healthy communities,and this major funding will help improve housing for Native communities across New Mexico,said Udall, vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.It's clear that NAHASDA is delivering critical resources to Native communities. That's why I am working across the aisle to reauthorize NAHASDA, which expired as a mandatory funding mechanism in 2013. I am committed to ensuring that the federal government upholds its trust responsibility to Tribes. We must provide Native communities across the country with reliable funding they can use to plan their future.\r\nI am proud to support this critical federal funding for tribal housing agencies that build and repair homes so that Native Americans can live in the communities where their families have lived for generations,said Heinrich. We need to finally renew the expired Native American Housing and Self Determination Act to ensure that this type of funding will never lapse. Safe and affordable housing is absolutely essential to self-determination and tribal sovereignty.\r\nIt's critical that Tribal communities have access to safe and secure housing, and I'm glad to see significant federal resources go toward housing assistance for Tribes and Pueblos across New Mexico. I promise to continue fighting with Native communities to ensure our government meets their respective needs, and that includes reauthorizing NAHASDA with crucial supports for Native veterans,said Lujn.\r\nAll communities deserve access to safe and affordable housing, but due to a failure of the federal government to live up to its trust responsibility, Native communities suffer from housing shortages and housing insecurity. These funds will help close gaps so Pueblo families across New Mexico can grow healthy, happy families in safe and affordable homes and the federal government can uphold its government-to-government relationship with Native Nations,said Congresswoman Deb Haaland.\r\nWe have a responsibility to ensure our tribes and Pueblos have the necessary support to build a better future. I'm proud to join the New Mexico delegation in announcing that seven Pueblos in New Mexico will receive grants from the Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive Program, including the Mescalero Apache Tribe Housing Department's grant award of $4 million,said Torres Small.Strengthening the relationship between the federal government and Native communities continues to be a priority and I'm committed to fighting for the resources our communities need.\r\nA full breakdown of the eight awards is below:\r\n- The Mescalero Apache Tribe Housing Department has received $4 million  - The Namb Pueblo Housing Entity received $3 million  - The Ohkay Owingeh Housing Authority received $5 million  - The San Felipe Pueblo Housing Authority received $5 million  - The Tamaya Housing, Inc. in Santa Ana Pueblo received over $4.8 million  - The Jicarilla Apache Housing Authority received $5 million  - The Santo Domingo Tribal Housing Authority received over $4.5 million  - The Zuni Housing Authority received $5 million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-interior-appropriations-bill-a-victory-for-public-lands-environment-economy", "Udall: Interior Appropriations Bill a Victory for Public Lands, Environment, Economy", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 16, 2019\n\t\t\t Udall: Interior Appropriations Bill a Victory for Public Lands, Environment, Economy \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Just-released Interior Appropriations Bill includes major investments in New Mexico and nation's outdoor economy, environmental protection, Native communities\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON Today,U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.),the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies and the vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, released the following statement after Senate and House leaders released the text of government funding bills for fiscal year 2020, including an Interior funding bill Udall helped author. Congress is expected to vote on the bills later this week.\r\nI am proud that we have produced a bipartisan Interior funding bill that makes major investments in our public lands and environmental protection  benefiting our nation's most treasured spaces and energizing our economy,Udall said. This bill recognizes that people all across this nation cherish clean air, clean water, our public lands and outdoor places, and the economic and cultural value these places provide to our communities. And it totally rejects the cuts to EPA and public lands agencies proposed by the Trump administration. I am particularly glad that the bill includes a breakthrough in our work to protect Chaco Canyon  an important step forward as we partner with Tribes to safeguard this sacred place for generations to come.\r\nOur Interior bill provides key investments for Indian Country, funding education, housing, infrastructure, and other priorities to help ensure healthy and prosperous Native communities. The bill significantly boosts funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund  our nation's most successful conservation program  and for the arts and cultural programs that enrich our communities and grow local economies. Every final bill involves compromise, and I will continue to push for the removal of legacy anti-environmental riders that do not belong in the appropriations process. Overall, however, this funding bill is a major victory for New Mexico and the nation.\r\nA summary of the Interior Appropriations bill is availableHERE.The full text of the bill is availableHERE.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-questions-indian-health-service-director-nominee", "Udall Questions Indian Health Service Director Nominee", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 16, 2019\n\t\t\t Udall Questions Indian Health Service Director Nominee \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTONU.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.),vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, joined chairmanJohn Hoeven (R-N.D.)to consider Rear Admiral Michael D. Weahkee's nomination to serve a four-year term as Indian Health Service (IHS) Director.Weahkee, who has led IHS since July 2017, is currently the agency's Principal Deputy Director.\r\nIHS has been without a confirmed Director since 2013. Unfortunately, the situation at the Service has grown even more critical in the intervening years. Now, perhaps more than ever, it is imperative that the IHS has a leader at the helm who has the experience and the commitment to bring about real change,Udall said in his opening statement.\r\nDuring questioning, Udall pressed Weahkee on recent reports from the Wall Street Journal and other media outlets that documented a link between IHS management issues and patient abuse and mistreatment.\r\nUdall asked,I wanted to ask you very specifically - if confirmed, will you commit to full transparency with Congress and Tribes on these kinds of issues? And, to working with us to put an end to these abuses?\r\nYou have my full commitment to transparency and openness. I want to be candid with all the Committee's requests,Weahkee responded.\r\nAs an appointee, you will be asked to balance advancing the Administration's policies with advocating for Indian Country's priorities at the highest level within the Executive Branch. This balancing act can be difficult to achieve, especially when those two tasks stand in conflict with each other Will you be a fierce advocate for Indian Country at [the Department of Health and Human Services]? Will you be willing to take on the political leadership to fight for needed resources at IHS?Udall continued.\r\nWeahkee responded stating that hewill absolutely continue in the same manner I have over the past two plus years to be a very vocal internal advocate within HHSThere's a lot of education to do. But, I do feel confident that we're making a lot of progress and that future [Presidential budget] requests are going to demonstrate that.\r\nUdall further pressed Weahkee for his commitment to fully staffing IHS emergency and urgent care departments across the country in order to keep lifesaving facilities open.\r\nUdall's question responds toreports that a number of IHS hospitals in New Mexico, and on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, have encountered difficulties recruiting and retaining the qualified medical professionals needed to continue operation of their emergency departments.\r\nI commit to doing all that we can to ensure that those emergency physicians and emergency nurses are there for our patients,said Weahkee.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://torressmall.house.gov/media/press-releases/torres-small-statement-upcoming-impeachment-vote", "Torres Small Statement on Upcoming Impeachment Vote", "2019-12-15", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Xochitl Torres Small", "T000484", "torressmall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Las Cruces, NM  Today, Congresswoman Xochitl Torres Small (NM-02) issued the following statement ahead of this week's scheduled vote in the House of Representatives on the two articles of impeachment brought against President Trump:\nAfter serious consideration, I believe impeachment is the necessary response to President Trump's use of the Executive Office of the President for his own personal and political gain. We cannot allow any President of either party to abuse the power of the highest office, jeopardizing our country's national security in the process, to pressure foreign leaders to conduct investigations against political rivals. We also cannot allow any President to obstruct Congress's power to investigate impeachable offenses by prohibiting White House and other administration officials from testifying or providing evidence. I must act to protect our national security, our Constitution, and the integrity of our elections.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://haaland.house.gov/media/press-releases/haaland-votes-bill-bring-down-healthcare-costs-more-500000-new-mexicans", "Haaland Votes for Bill To Bring Down Healthcare Costs for More Than 500,000 New Mexicans", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Debra Haaland", "H001080", "haaland.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C.  On Thursday evening, Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM-01) voted for and the U.S. House passed a bill that will bring down healthcare costs for more than 500,000 New Mexicans. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act, H.R. 3, gives Medicare the power to negotiate directly with drug companies, and the lower prices negotiated by Medicare will be transparent so that private insurance companies can make the same prices available to their consumers. It also creates a new $2000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries.\nEveryone deserves access to quality, lifesaving medications without breaking the bank, but right now many New Mexicans are forced to choose between paying for their medication and groceries. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act will ensure that families have access to affordable health care by investing the money it saves into expanding Medicare's benefits to include dental, vision, and hearing with an added benefit of combatting the opioid crisis that impacts so many New Mexicans, said Congresswoman Deb Haaland.\nHaaland was part of a coalition of progressive members who successfully included provisions to increase the number of prescription drugs covered under the bill and is proud that the effort secured benefits for New Mexico families.\nIn Mexico, there are 99,324 people enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan and 403,352 people enrolled in private health insurance  all of whom stand to benefit fromH.R.3. For example, those living with cancer, arthritis, asthma, HIV/AIDS, and multiple sclerosis are expected to experience significant savings as a result ofH.R.3.\nIn addition to lowering prescription drug prices,H.R.3also reinvests savings into expanding Medicare coverage for dental, vision, and hearing services for constituents in New Mexico's First Congressional District.\n About 97% of beneficiaries (128,900 New Mexicans) stand to gain from adding a dental benefit\n\tAbout 93% of beneficiaries (123,300 New Mexicans) stand to gain from adding a vision benefit\n\tAbout 94% of beneficiaries (124,600 New Mexicans) stand to gain from adding a hearing benefit", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://torressmall.house.gov/media/press-releases/torres-small-votes-lower-prescription-drug-costs-new-mexicans", "Torres Small Votes to Lower Prescription Drug Costs for New Mexicans", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Xochitl Torres Small", "T000484", "torressmall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, Congresswoman Xochitl Torres Small voted to pass H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, legislation that would lower the price of life-saving medications for millions of Americans and expand services for seniors on Medicare to include dental, vision, and hearing-related care coverage for the first time. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act gives Medicare the power to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies on behalf of its beneficiaries, with the potential to drive down prescription costs for Americans covered by Medicare as well as private insurance.\nCongresswoman Torres Small released the following statement following the bill's passage:\nEverywhere I travel across my district; I constantly hear from constituents about the high-cost of prescriptions. Hardworking New Mexicans should not have to make the choice between taking one medication over another because they can't afford both they were prescribed. It's why I voted today to give the country's largest purchaser of prescription medication the power to negotiate on behalf of seniors and help drive down the costs of medication for Americans across the country, said Torres Small. \nThe Lower Drug Costs Now Act levels the playing field for American patients and taxpayers and will save the taxpayer around half a trillion in drug costs, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. Specifically, the bill:\n \nGives Medicare the power to negotiate directly with drug companies and creates new tools to bring drug companies to the table to agree to real price reductions.\n\tMakes the lower drug prices negotiated by Medicare available to Americans with private insurance, not just Medicare beneficiaries.\n\tCreates a new, $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries, and reverses years of price hikes above inflation across thousands of drugs in Medicare.\n\tReinvests in savings in the most transformational improvement to Medicare since its creation  delivering vision, dental and hearing benefits for millions of seniors.\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-bicameral-group-of-lawmakers-file-amicus-brief-supporting-the-indian-child-welfare-act_", "Bipartisan, Bicameral Group of Lawmakers File Amicus Brief Supporting the Indian Child Welfare Act", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 13, 2019\n\t\t\t Bipartisan, Bicameral Group of Lawmakers File Amicus Brief Supporting the Indian Child Welfare Act   \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Amicus makes the case for the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act and Congress's authorityand trust responsibilityto legislate for the benefit of Indian Tribes\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tUrges the Fifth Circuit to uphold the court's previous ruling\r\n WASHINGTON Today,U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs,and U.S. Senator John Hoeven(R-N.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, led a group of25senators and52representatives in filing an amicus brief in federal court making the case for the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). The bipartisan and bicameral brief was filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit as the courtre-opens its August rulingthat affirmed ICWA's constitutionality inBrackeen v. Bernhardt.\r\n\r\nThe full text of the amicus brief, along with the full list of signers, is availableHERE.\r\nThe amicus brief urges the Fifth Circuit to uphold the court's previous decision affirming the constitutionality of IWCA. The decision the Fifth Circuit issued in Augustreversed an unprecedented rulingfrom the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas which wrongly struck down ICWA as unconstitutional.\r\n\r\nCongress passed ICWA in 1978 after receiving testimony that 25 to 35 percent of American Indian and Alaska Native children were removed from their homes by state and private adoption agencies. ICWA sets best-practice standards for child welfare and adoption proceedings involving children who are members of a federally-recognized Tribe or are eligible for membership in a federally-recognized Tribe. Over four decades, the law has become the gold standard for child welfare policy and keeping Native children connected to their communities and cultures.\r\n\r\nCongress wrote the Indian Child Welfare Act over 40 years ago in recognition of the fact that Native American children  like all children  thrive when they are able to grow up with the support of their families, communities, and cultures,said Udall, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.It is a vital law for Native families and a gold standard for child welfare. The Fifth Circuit upheld decades of precedent and U.S. government policy in August when they ruled that ICWA is constitutional. I'm proud to have worked with my colleagues in both chambers to support Tribal sovereignty and help protect Native children, and I urge the court to once again affirm the constitutionality of ICWA.\r\n\r\nThe Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 was passed to ensure that tribal governments have a role in placement proceedings affecting American Indian and Alaska Native children,said Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.I join my colleagues on this amicus brief to underscore to the Court Congress' intent when it passed the Act.\r\n\r\nPreserving cultural and communal ties for Native children in the legal system must continue to remain a priority for court's working to determine the best interests of a child,said U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.).The Indian Child Welfare Act helps keeps Native families together. It is critical that Congress continue to ensure the safety and well-being of all children - in New Mexico and across the nation - and protect the sovereignty of tribes.\r\nThe Indian Child Welfare Act exists for a reason  this country has a record of violating tribal sovereigntybytaking Native children from their families as part of forced assimilation policies. Like many Native American families, my familyhas been shaped byfamily separation policiesas well. My grandparents were taken away fromour family and sent to boarding school, and that trauma hasimpacted our family andother families in Indian Country. This legislation wasenacted to address these human rights violations. As a country,we need to commit to protecting Native children and keeping them connected to their communities and stopping the cycle of separation and abuse. We cannot remove this safeguardto protect tribal sovereignty to decide what to do with their own tribal members or disregard the trauma caused by family separation,said U.S. Representative Deb Haaland (D-N.M.).\r\nWhen the Indian Child Welfare Act was passed by Congress and enacted 40 years ago, it rightly affirmed tribal sovereignty and sought to preserve the very special identity and unique heritage that exists within tribes while also keeping families together. I remain concerned that the constitutionality of this law is still being questioned in the courts. As co-chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus and a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, I am proud to join my colleagues in showing support for the constitutional obligation our nation has to tribes while looking out for the interests of Native children,said U.S. Representative Tom Cole (R-Okla.).\r\n\r\nFor more than 40 years, the Indian Child Welfare Act has led to progress and justice for Native children and families across the country. It's vital that the courts uphold the constitutionality of ICWA so we can continue delivering on the commitments our government has made to Native communities and keep Native families together,said Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.).ICWA is a bipartisan priority, and I will continue fighting to support our Native brothers and sisters.\r\nOver nearly four decades the Indian Child Welfare Act has protected children and families by rightly recognizing the sovereignty of our tribes and Pueblos. Children deserve the opportunity to grow up in their Native culture and with their communities, and this law is critical to the stability and security of the many Native communities I represent,said U.S. Representative Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.).\r\n\r\nRecognizing the importance of community and culture, Congress passed the ICWA as a means to keep children with their Indian families,said U.S. Representative Don Bacon (R-Neb.).I am thankful to be among this bipartisan group of Congressional leaders, dedicated to the wellbeing of Indian children and continuation of the ICWA.\r\n\r\nForty years ago, when the Indian Child Welfare Act became law, Congress declared national policy for Tribal children,said Congressmember Karen Bass (D-Calif.).Through the Indian Child Welfare Act, Congress recognizes tribes' sovereign authority to make decisions about children who are tribal members. Eighteen national child welfare and child advocacy organizations  including the Child Welfare League of American, the National Association of Social Workers, and the North American Council on Adoptable Children  are united in their view that the Indian Child Welfare Act is the gold standard for child welfare policies and practices that should be afforded to all children. I'm proud to stand with my colleagues and families in support of the Indian Child Welfare Act.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-senators-push-internal-revenue-service-to-stop-shielding-secret-money-in-elections", "Udall, Senators Push Internal Revenue Service to Stop Shielding Secret Money in Elections", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 13, 2019\n\t\t\t Udall, Senators Push Internal Revenue Service to Stop Shielding Secret Money in Elections \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTONU.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), author of theFor the People Actand theDemocracy for All Amendment, reiterated the need for strong transparency requirements for dark, secret money campaign contributions in a comment submitted to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with 16 of his colleagues. The comment urges the commissioner of the IRS to reverse the agency's new rule allowing political advocacy groups to stop disclosing donor lists to the IRS and Treasury Department.\r\nIn the 2018 alone,$100 million in secret, so-called dark moneyfrom unknown sources influenced U.S. elections. Tax-exempt political advocacy groups designated as 501c(4)s are not required to disclose donor lists to the public, only to private filings to the IRS and Treasury Department. The rise of dark, secret money in politics means the American people cannot be sure if a candidate will be responsive to them or to financial campaign backers like special interest groups, wealthy individuals or possibly foreign interests. The IRS's rule change strips the last layer of accountability for groups using dark money, no longer even requiring that these organizations disclose their donors to the government.\r\nAmericans have a right to know who is paying to influence our democracy. Rolling back transparency standards is wrong and it undermines our political system, which rests on the idea that each voter has an equal say in our democracy. As foreign adversaries ramp up their efforts to target our elections and look for new ways to influence our democracy, we need stronger rules for transparency and accountability in campaign finance, not weaker ones. For these reasons, and the issues discussed below, we strongly urge you to reject the proposed rule,the senators wrote.\r\nBoth Congress and executive agencies like the IRS should be focused on exploring ways to increase transparency in our political system. Instead of engaging in rule-making to increase the amount of dark money in our system, the IRS should require political nonprofits to record all of their donors over $5000 and share that information with the public,the senators noted.\r\nUdall has led efforts to remove money from politics. In March, Udall introduced theDemocracy for All Amendment, a constitutional amendment to overturnCitizens United v. FECand other disastrous court decisions, help get big money out of politics, and put power back in the hands of the American people. Udall also introduced theFor The People Actin March, a sweeping package of comprehensive reforms that would end special interest corruption of our politics, make government work for the people, and secure American elections from foreign interference.\r\nIn addition to Udall, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).\r\nThe full text of the comment can be foundHEREand below:\r\nDear Commissioner Rettig,\r\nWe write to express significant concern regarding this proposed rule because it will further enable dark money interests to distort our democracy by repealing the requirement that certain tax-exempt organizations identify the names of donors who contribute significant sums of money. Americans have a right to know who is paying to influence our democracy. Rolling back transparency standards is wrong and it undermines our political system, which rests on the idea that each voter has an equal say in our democracy. As foreign adversaries ramp up their efforts to target our elections and look for new ways to influence our democracy, we need stronger rules for transparency and accountability in campaign finance, not weaker ones. For these reasons, and the issues discussed below, we strongly urge you to reject the proposed rule.\r\nWe Must Strengthen Transparency Instead of Weakening It\r\nFor decades, the IRS and the Treasury Department have required 501(c)(4) groups that engage in issue advocacy to identify, confidentially, the names of individual donors who make financial contributions of $5,000 or more during a taxable year to their organization on Schedule B of Form 990. The IRS has proposed rolling back this rule change because it wants to balance the IRS's need for the information against the costs and risks associated with reporting on the information. This rationale is not persuasive and courts have rejected it. Notwithstanding Justice Scalia's argument that requiring people to stand up in public for their political acts fosters civic courage, without which democracy is doomed, schedule B forms are often not made publiceven though, as the Ninth Circuit has said, any risk of accidental disclosure is small and that disclosure has not shown to actually and meaningfully deter contributors. The Campaign Legal Center's comment to this rulemaking reinforces this point and notes that the risk of accidental disclosure is exceptionally small because the IRS has taken steps at preventing accidental disclosure.\r\nAnd as Governor Bullock notes in the comment he submitted opposing the rule, the benefits of disclosure far outweigh any cost because this type of disclosure is an important tool for state and federal law enforcement officials to enforce campaign finance laws, especially the ban on foreign contributions.\r\nChanging the Rule Makes it Easier for Foreign Adversaries to Influence Our Elections\r\nOne of the most important reasons that disclosure is critical is to uphold the ban on foreign contributions. Federal law prohibits foreign nationals from influencing our elections. Despite this prohibition, foreign adversaries are working to undermine our democracy by exploiting our lack of transparency regulations. These foreign actors attempt to influence our elections through various methods, including the use of the internet, dark money groups, and foreign-owned corporations. The IRS's proposed rule makes it easier for adversaries to contribute unlimited sums of money to influence our democracy at a time when our elections are at a heightened risk.\r\nTop law enforcement and military officials continue to warn that our elections are a target. Last year, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a joint statement of concern about ongoing campaigns by foreign actors, including Russia, China, and Iran, to undermine confidence in democratic institutions.\r\nAs recently as two months ago, the Department of Justice indicted Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman for attempting to circumvent the federal laws against foreign influence by engaging in a scheme to funnel foreign money to candidates for federal and state office so that the defendants could buy potential influence with the candidates, campaigns, and the candidates' governments.\r\nOther investigations over the last two years have revealed numerous and significant attempts to influence the 2016 elections by skirting campaign finance disclosure rules.\r\nThe IRS' proposed change would shield foreign actors who donate millions of dollars to issue organizations from state and federal regulators.\r\nDark Money Poses a Threat to Americans' Political Rights\r\nThe opening of the dark money floodgates after Citizen's United coupled with emboldened efforts by foreign adversaries to influence our elections have weakened Americans' faith in our political process. One of the best ways to restore trust in government is to ensure we have meaningful transparency  that means we need stronger campaign finance laws.\r\nAt its core, the IRS's proposed rule strengthens private interests and the prevalence of dark money at the expense of the American people, and it does so at a time when there has been a significant increase in dark money expenditures. A recent report from the Center for Responsive Politics reveals that in the last decade more than $2 billion dollars has been spent by groups that do not fully disclose their donors. Experts warn that this is only a small fraction of the actual amount of undisclosed money that flows into our political system.\r\nDark money flows through the very same organizations implicated under this proposed rule. Experts have warned that corrupting forces have taken advantage of the fact that 501(c)(4) groups  also known as issue advocacy or social welfare organizations  are not required to disclose all of their donors. Super PACs, organizations that are required to disclose their donors, have found a loophole in the law that allows them to accept money from secret donors by taking in unlimited contributions from political non-profits, like 501(c)(4) groups. This is an unacceptable workaround to laws that require transparency, and instead of closing the loophole the proposed rule widens it.\r\nDark money interests are increasingly pushing for policies and outcomes  in secret. The examples below represent a small fraction of the issues being influenced by dark money.\r\nClimate Change -Dark money groups have also poured money into state legislatures with the goal of affecting policy outcomes related to the environment. For example, just last month, several dark money groups contributed tens of thousands of dollars in Ohio to oppose an energy referendum that would help combat climate change. Outside of state legislatures, dark money groups have continuously funded climate change denial efforts. One study found that a large portion of the money behind organizations that deny global warming are funneled through dark money groups.\r\nCombating Gun Violence -Another example of dark money's influence on our political system includes efforts to combat gun violence. During the 2016 election, the NRA spent close to $70 million on advertisements opposing gun safety measures and promoting guns. Most of this funding came through the NRA's 501(c)(4) organization that does not have to disclose its donors.\r\nBoth Congress and executive agencies like the IRS should be focused on exploring ways to increase transparency in our political system. Instead of engaging in rule-making to increase the amount of dark money in our system, the IRS should require political nonprofits to record all of their donors over $5000 and share that information with the public. Congress is working on proposals to increase transparency and accountability in our campaign finance system. This year, the House of Representatives passed the For the People Act, legislation that would help end dark money's influence on our elections. Additionally, members of both the House and the Senate have introduced dozens of bills to increase transparency through heightened disclosure requirements and strengthen oversight over our elections by creating new rules for Super PACs and strengthening the Federal Election Commission.\r\nJudges -According to the Brennan Center, wealthy interests seeking to influence the makeup of our courts are increasingly turning to outside spending by groups. 38 states hold elections for their high courts, and between 2015-2016, super PACs, social welfare organizations, and other groups spent a record $27.8 million to influence those elections, which accounted for 40 percent of all state supreme court election spending.\r\nOnly 18 percent of the money spent in 2015-2016 could be easily traced to specific donors; the majority of the money came from undisclosed donors. In addition to blocking voters from having important information about the interests influencing state judicial systems, these secret donations represent a conflict of interest. Researchers who have been able to trace some of the money have tied some of it to individuals who have cases pending before the courts. Dark money interests are not only targeting state courts, they are attempting to influence the Supreme Court as well. In a recent article, Senator Whitehouse highlights the alarming fact that one wealthy anonymous donor gave $17 million to groups to help oppose Judge Merrick Garland and another $17 million to help confirm Justice Kavanaugh, all in undisclosed, dark money spending. Senator Whitehouse rightly notes that the dark money network applies its influence at all levels of the judiciary and all phases of the process.\r\nWe need to restore Americans' confidence in our political system  which means making it harder for dark money special interests and foreign actors to exploit loopholes at the expense of the American people. Accordingly, we strongly urge you to reject this proposed rule.\r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://haaland.house.gov/media/press-releases/democratic-women-s-caucus-and-democratic-policy-and-communications-committee", "Democratic Women\u2019s Caucus and The Democratic Policy and Communications Committee Lead 84 Congresswomen in Demanding Senate Action on Key Legislation Impacting Women and Their Families", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Debra Haaland", "H001080", "haaland.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "More than 275 Bipartisan House Bills are Stuck in the Senate, Many Critical to Women's Economic Security\n\tWASHINGTON, DC Co-Chairs of theDemocratic Women's Caucus (DWC) Representatives Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14), Lois Frankel (FL-21) and Jackie Speier (CA-14), Vice Chairs Representatives Veronica Escobar (TX-16) and Deb Haaland (NM-01), and House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Co-Chair Debbie Dingell (MI-12) led 84 Congresswomen in a letter demanding Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to act on bipartisan legislation that benefits American women and their families. Several Congresswomen marched with the DWC and DPCC from the House Floor to Senator McConnell's office today and hand-delivered the letter, including: Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Katherine Clark (MA-5) and Steering and Policy Committee Co-Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-3).\n\tHouse Democratic Women are not only fighting for the economic opportunity and the health of individuals, but we are also fighting for legislation that would empower women globally, combat the climate crisis, support women servicemembers and veterans, provide equality for all, and ensure women and families are able to live free from violence. For too long, women and their families have been held back. House Democrats recognize that when women and girls have equal access to the tools needed to succeed, communities across our country are more prosperous. It is time for Senate Republicans to stop obstructing and expeditiously take action on House-passed legislation that would strengthen the well-being of more than half of all Americans. Women and girls deserve better,the Congresswomen wrote.\n\t>>>WATCH: Congresswomen March to Senator McConnell's Office, Deliver Letter Calling for Passage of Bipartisan VAWA, Paycheck Fairness, Raise the Wage Act and More\n\tComplete text of the letter toSenator McConnell is attached and below.\n\t\n\tDecember 11, 2019\n\t\n\tThe Honorable Mitch McConnell\n\tSenate Majority Leader\n\tS-230 United States Capitol\n\tWashington, DC 20510\n\t\n\tDear Senator McConnell,\n\tWe write to urge swift Senate action on House of Representatives-passed legislation that would directly benefit women and their families across this country. In 2018, a record number of women, including a historic number of women of color, were elected to Congress. In the first year of the 116thCongress, the 90 women in the Democratic Women's Caucus have spearheaded a legislative agenda to strengthen the health, economic security, and the well-being of our communities.\n\tThe House has passed more than 275 bipartisan pieces of legislation that continue to languish in the Senate. For example, in a bipartisan vote, the House passed H.R. 1585, theViolence Against Women Act, landmark legislation that responds to our nation's crisis of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In March, the House passed H.R. 7,The Paycheck Fairness Act, legislation to ensure equal pay and promote economic security for families by breaking patterns of discrimination and strengthening the Equal Pay Act. Despite being breadwinners in most families with children, women who work full-time and year-round still only make 80 cents on the dollar for men's earnings. This disparity is even greater for women of color. H.R.582, theRaise the Wage Act, which passed out of the House with bipartisan support, would increase the federal minimum wage. By raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025, the legislation would give 33.5 million Americans a pay increase, including one in four women workers.\n\tIn addition, the House has passed legislation that strengthens healthcare by protecting Americans with pre-existing conditions and lowering prescription drug costs. However, Senate Republicans have refused to act. H.R. 986 and H.R 987, two bills that strengthen health care and reverse the Trump Administration's sabotage of the Affordable Care Act, passed out of the House in May of 2019. Women and families deserve action to address the maternal mortality crisis, lower health care costs, and expand access to care, including reproductive health care.\n\tHouse Democratic Women are not only fighting for the economic opportunity and the health of individuals, but we are also fighting for legislation that would empower women globally, combat the climate crisis, support women servicemembers and veterans, provide equality for all, and ensure women and families are able to live free from violence. For too long, women and their families have been held back. House Democrats recognize that when women and girls have equal access to the tools needed to succeed, communities across our country are more prosperous.\n\tIt is time for Senate Republicans to stop obstructing and expeditiously take action on House-passed legislation that would strengthen the well-being of more than half of all Americans. Women and girls deserve better.\n\tSincerely,\n\tRepresentatives:\n\tBrenda L. Lawrence\n\tDebbie Dingell\n\tLois Frankel\n\tJackie Speier\n\tVeronica Escobar\n\tDeb Haaland\n\tKatherine Clark\n\tRosa L. DeLauro\n\tAlma S. Adams\n\tNanette Diaz Barragn\n\tKaren Bass\n\tJoyce Beatty\n\tSusan A. Davis\n\tSuzan K. DelBene\n\tAnna G. Eshoo\n\tMarcia L. Fudge\n\tRobin L. Kelly\n\tAnn M. Kuster\n\tSuzanne Lee\n\tBarbara Lee\n\tNita M. Lowey\n\tCarolyn B. Maloney\n\tDoris Matsui\n\tAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez\n\tStacey E. Plaskett\n\tAyanna Pressley\n\tKathleen M. Rice\n\tLinda T. Snchez\n\tJanice D. Schakowsky\n\tKim Schrier, M.D.\n\tMikie Sherrill\n\tDina Titus\n\tLauren Underwood\n\tDebbie Wasserman Schultz\n\tBonnie Watson Coleman\n\tJennifer T. Wexton\n\tLisa Blunt Rochester\n\tCheri Bustos\n\tKatherine Castor\n\tMadeleine Dean\n\tLizzie Fletcher\n\tTulsi Gabbard\n\tJahana Hayes\n\tPramila Jayapal\n\tGrace F. Napolitano\n\tMary Gay Scanlon\n\tDonna E. Shalala\n\tElissa Slotkin\n\tRashida Tlaib\n\tLori Trahan\n\tSusan Wild\n\tSuzanne Bonamici\n\tJulia Brownley\n\tYvette D. Clarke\n\tSheila Jackson Lee\n\tMarcy Kaptur\n\tBetty McCollum\n\tGrace Meng\n\tGwen Moore\n\tEleanor Holmes Norton\n\tLucille Roybal-Allard\n\tTerri A. Sewell\n\tNydia M. Velzquez\n\tCindy Axne\n\tJudy Chu\n\tAngela Craig\n\tDiana DeGette\n\tSylviaGarcia\n\tEddie Bernice Johnson\n\tAnn Kirkpatrick\n\tZoe Lofgren\n\tElaine Luria\n\tDebbie Mucarsel-Powell\n\tIlhan Omar\n\tChellie Pingree\n\tKatie Porter\n\tHaley M. Stevens\n\tNorma J. Torres\n\tXochitl Torres Small\n\tFrederica S. Wilson\n\tSharice L. Davids\n\tAbby Finkenauer\n\tChristina Houlahan\n\t\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://haaland.house.gov/media/press-releases/haaland-defense-bill-isn-t-perfect-includes-major-wins-new-mexico", "Haaland: Defense Bill Isn\u2019t Perfect, But Includes Major Wins for New Mexico", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Debra Haaland", "H001080", "haaland.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C.  Yesterday evening, Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM-01), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 with major wins for New Mexico military families, federal public servants, New Mexico jobs, and military installations. The bill will now move to the U.S. Senate for final passage.\nAfter advocating back and forth, we came together to build consensus on a National Defense Authorization Act. Though the bill isn't perfect, it delivers major wins for New Mexico, and includes progressive provisions that will move our country toward paid family leave for all Americans, housing protections for military families, and a much needed raise for those who serve our country, said Congresswoman Deb Haaland. The final outcome of this bill explains whya change in leadership in the Senate and the White House is needed to pass all the protections and foreign policy provisions that were in the original HouseNDAA.\nAfter hearing about unsafe housing conditions from Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB) families, Haalanddemanded answersduring a House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness hearing that covered the mismanagement of housing programs for military families. She laterintroduced a comprehensive billalong-side U.S. Senator Warren (D-Mass.) to address unsafe military housing. Several provisions from that bill were included in the finalNDAA.\nTheNDAAalso includesmajorprogressive provisionsto strengthen economic security for families across the countryby providing 12 weeks of paid family leave for all federal public servants in the case of birth, adoption, or fostering.This bill finally repeals the Widow's Tax, ensuring that families of servicemembers who make the ultimate sacrifice for our country receive their full survivor's benefits.Haaland also foughtfor a 3.1 percent raisefor all Service members, which is thelargest raise in a decade to increase financial security for military families.\nHaaland served as a conferee during theNDAAconference process. A full list of provisions that will bolster New Mexico jobs, military housing protections, contamination clean up, and military resilience in the face of climate threats is below:\nSupporting Jobs at New Mexico Military Installations and National Labs\n \nTargeted apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs that utilize local high schools, community colleges, universities, and other higher education institutions and workforce intermediaries, working in partnership with localmilitary installations,national laboratories and National Nuclear Security Administration sites, to fill skills gaps in critical sectors of the workforce, so New Mexicans have access to good paying jobs.\n\tCombat mission helicopter simulator to enhance Kirtland Air Force Base training operations\n\tRequire a report of additional options for achieving deployable flying missions in each of the 54 National Guard organizations;\n\tReplacement to Kirtland Air Force Base helicopter storage facility\n\tAir Force plan to leverage commercial investments to integrate launch capabilities for small satellites and space assets for the Department of Defense and Kirtland Air Force Base\n\tEstablishment of the White Sands National Park in the State of New Mexico\n \nHousing Protections for Military Families\n \nRequiresthe military services to implement a tenant bill of rights for military residents of privatized military family housing;\n\tCreates a public database for complaints related to military housing, requires annual financial audits of randomly selected privatized military family housing, and annual congressional reports on the condition, maintenance, and management of privatized military family housing.\n\tDirectsSecretaries of the military departmentsto reporton the manpower requirements and execution plan to staff military housing offices and headquarters to fill gaps in oversight personnel;\n\tProhibits the use of non-disclosure agreementsin connection with entering into, continuing, or terminating a lease for on-base military housing.\n\tAuthorizes an additional $140.8 million to hire additional civilian personnel to improve oversight and management of military family housing.\n\tRequires the Department of Defense to develop a health and safety hazard assessment tool for housing and provide a summary report to potential occupants\n \nContamination Cleanup for New Mexico Communities\n \nRequiresthe Air Forceto report the progress made to remediate contaminated soil and groundwaterat KAFBand detail the Air Force plans to engage and coordinate with local water utility authority, State environmental agencies, and surrounding communities;\n\tPeriodic health assessments and physical examinations provided by the Department of Defense include specific information related to exposure to burn pits, toxic airborne chemicals, and other airborne contaminants;\n\tBlood testing for each Department of Defense firefighter during the annual physical exam to determine and document potential exposure to PFAS chemicals;\n\tAssistance for New Mexico dairy farmers affected by PFAS contamination\n \nMilitary Resilience Facing Climate Change Threats\n \nUpdates to building practices and standards to promote military installation resilience, energy and climate resilience, and cyber resilience;\n\tBriefing on efforts and opportunities to reduce expenditures on, and waste from, single-use plastics within the armed forces;\n\tAuthorizes $100 million, $25 million above the budget request, for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative (REPI), supports land conservation efforts in cooperation with local communities to prevent incompatible development around military bases and ranges;\n\tAuthorizes $283 million, an additional $133 million,for military construction projects that improve energy resiliency or energy conservation efforts at a military installation.\n\tRequires DOD develop installation master plans that assess current climate vulnerabilitiesand plan for mitigating the risks to installations from extreme weather events, mean sea level fluctuation, wildfires, flooding, and other changes in environmental conditions using projections from recognized governmental and scientific entities.\n \nTribal Protections\n \nUpdates to Department of Defense tribal consultation measures, so that impacts to tribal communities from Department of Defense construction projects are considered earlier in the approval process\n\tImproves the Native Contracting program by removing barriers that had previously impeded Tribes and tribal organizations from accessing Department of Defense contracts\n \nMilitary Sexual Assault\n \nUtilizing best practices to standardize sexual assault prevention and response training across services", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://haaland.house.gov/media/press-releases/haaland-introduces-groundbreaking-national-fix-gig-workers-social-security", "Haaland Introduces Groundbreaking National Fix for Gig Workers, Social Security", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Debra Haaland", "H001080", "haaland.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Gig Is Up Act One Pager | Full Bill Text\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  At a press conference today, Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM-01), Vice Chair of the Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity,introduced a groundbreaking national fix for gig workers. The Gig Is Up Act would require companies that gross at least $100 million and employ at least 10,000 independent contractors to pay the full cost of both the employer contribution and the worker contribution to Social Security and Medicare, which will serve as an incentive to classify employees appropriately.\n\"The gig is up. Workers are the backbone of our economy and they deserve fairness, but Uber and other billion dollar multi-national corporations are passing the buck to their workers, increasing financial insecurity for folks who are working hard to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads.\nWe know that ride sharing has improved transportation and is an alternative to drunk driving in New Mexico, but it's not an excuse to treat workers unfairly. So, I'm introducing a bill that will defend workers' retirement and disability protections, strengthen Social Security, and deter corporations from against taking advantage of workers, said Congresswoman Deb Haaland.\nAt today's press conference, Muneeb Rehman, a New York Driver and Executive Director of Alliance for Independent Workers' Drivers Unite Moment shared his personal experience in the gig economy, As a New York Driver of many years now, I've seen the promise of the American Dream by the app based companies like Uber and Lyft turn into an American nightmare. CEO's are making millions on the backs of hard working people who are barely making enough to get by. This is not fair, just, or equitable.\nThe Gig Is Up Act has broad progressive support including over 85,000 signature petition of people across the country, the Alliance for Retired American, the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, Social Security Works, Progressive Change Campaign Committee, People Demanding Action, Just Care USA, Latinos for a Secure Retirement, The Workers Lab, People's Action, and Communication Worker's of America.\n\n\"Social Security Works is proud to endorse the Gig is Up Act, which will greatlystrengthen workers' economic security and their retirement security.\n\nRep. Haaland's visionary legislation rightfully penalizes exploitative corporations that misclassify their workers as independent contractors. This will ensure that those misclassified workers receive the Social Security and Medicare benefits they have earned,\" said Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works.\n\nThe Gig Is Up Act was introduced with broad spectrum of support in Congress including original co-sponsors Representatives Pramila Jayapal (Wash.-07), Jan Schakowsky (Ill.-9), Barbara Lee (Calif.-13), Veronica Escobar(Tex.-16), Jared Huffman(Calif.-02), Rashida Tlaib(Mich.-13), Sheila Jackson Lee (Tex.18), Ral Grijalva (Ariz.-03), Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-at large), Ayanna Pressley (Mass.-07), Bonnie Watson Coleman(NJ-12), and Mark Pocan (Wis.-02).\nBackground:\nFor traditional workers (W-2 employees), employers pay half of Social Security and Medicare contributions. In contrast, independent contractors (1099 employees)are fully responsible for the entire15.3 percent contribution - both the employer and employee portion.\nA large and growing number of American workers are employed as independent contractors (1099 workers). Best estimates are that Uber alonehas over a million activedrivers in the United States. In 2015, mostUber driversin the United States were non-white, 26 percent were between the ages of 40 and 49, and 24 percent were aged 50 or older. A 2018MIT study foundthat the median hourly income of Uber drivers is between $8 and $10, with a substantial percentage of drivers earning less than the minimum wage in their states.\nThose workers lack a variety of protections and benefits accorded to traditional workers (W-2 employees). In that regard, employers contribute to Social Security and Medicare with respect to their W-2 employees; in contrast, 1099 workers are required to pay both the employer and employee portion themselves.\nMillions of 1099 workers are misclassified as independent contractors, when they are, in fact, W-2 employees, according toa recent reportby the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Moreover, many may be accurately classified as independent contractors,but are much less able to afford Social Security contributions than the large multinational corporations which employ them.While around halfof Uber drivers in the United States make less than the minimum wage, for example, their employer Uberhad gross revenueof around $22 billion in just the first two quarters of 2018. Uber's CEO Dara Khosrowshahiwas paid $45 millionin 2018, and Uber paid its top five executives $143 million in total compensation last year.\nThe proposed reformwouldrequire Uber, Lyftand other multinational corporations that employ large numbers of independent contractors to pay both the employer and employee portion of the 1099 earnings of those independent contractors. Obviously, this is more than employers of W-2 employees are required to pay.\nThat is intentional. If the 1099 employees are accurately classified, their multinational corporate employers will still escape paying minimum wage and most of the other employer costs associated with the economic security of W-2 employees. If the 1099 workers have been misclassified and are, in reality, W-2 employees, the companies can avoid the additional cost by accurately classifying them. If they do that, of course, they must extend the other protections that W-2 workers have.\nIn either event, the economic security of workers will be increased. If they have been misclassified and are reclassified as a result of the proposal, they will be relieved of the employer share of their Social Security contributions and gain other important protections. If they remain as 1099 workers, they will be relieved of the expense of both the employer and employee Social Security and Medicare contributions.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://haaland.house.gov/media/press-releases/haaland-slams-trump-administration-move-take-food-away-nearly-15000-new-mexico", "Haaland Slams Trump Administration Move to Take Food Away from Nearly 15,000 New Mexico Families", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Debra Haaland", "H001080", "haaland.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM-01) released the following statement after the Trump Administration issued a final rule that would take food away fromnearly 15,000 New Mexico families. The rule makes it harder for hungry Americans who rely on food stamps to put food on the table while weakening the State of New Mexico's ability to provide food assistance in high-unemployment areas in the state. Nationwide, the move threatens the benefits of millions, including 688,000 within the first month.\nEveryone deserves the security of getting food on the table for their families, butthis Administration continues its war on working families by cutting food stamps benefits, said Congresswoman Deb Haaland. As someone who relied on food stamps to feed my daughter and me when I was going to school as a single mom, I can honestly say that cutting food stamps is no way to help families who are struggling to make ends meet. I will continue to safeguard SNAP to ensure all Americans can put food on the table.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lujan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujn-statement-on-lowering-prescription-drug-costs_for-american-families", "Luj\u00e1n Statement on Lowering Prescription Drug Costs  for American Families", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Ben Luj\u00e1n", "L000570", "lujan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 12, 2019\n\t\t\t Lujn Statement on Lowering Prescription Drug Costs  for American Families \n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on the House passage of the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act:  I often hear from families that the cost of prescription drugs is a burden threatening their economic stability and their health. That is unacceptable. New Mexico families shouldn't have to choose between making ends meet and affording their prescriptions  I am deeply proud that the House passed the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act to relieve the cost families face because of out-of-control drug prices. Lowering health care costs has been a major priority for the U.S. House of Representatives and me. By passing this legislation, we are delivering on our commitment to the American people that health care is a right for all.  Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tLauren French(202) 225-6190 \n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://torressmall.house.gov/media/press-releases/torres-small-votes-lower-prescription-drug-costs-new-mexicans-0", "Torres Small Votes to Lower Prescription Drug Costs for New Mexicans", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Xochitl Torres Small", "T000484", "torressmall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, Congresswoman Xochitl Torres Small voted to pass H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, legislation that would lower the price of life-saving medications for millions of Americans and expand services for seniors on Medicare to include dental, vision, and hearing related care coverage for the first time. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act gives Medicare the power to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies on behalf of its beneficiaries, with the potential to drive down prescription costs for Americans covered by Medicare as well as private insurance.\nCongresswoman Torres Small released the following statement following the bill's passage:\nEverywhere I travel across my district; I constantly hear from constituents about the high-cost of prescriptions. Hardworking New Mexicans should not have to make the choice between taking one medication over another because they can't afford both they were prescribed. It's why I voted today to give the country's largest purchaser of prescription medication the power to negotiate on behalf of seniors and help drive down the costs of medication for Americans across the country, said Torres Small. \nThe Lower Drug Costs Now Act levels the playing field for American patients and taxpayers and will save the taxpayer around half a trillion in drug costs, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. Specifically, the bill:\n \nGives Medicare the power to negotiate directly with drug companies and creates new tools to bring drug companies to the table to agree to real price reductions.\n\tMakes the lower drug prices negotiated by Medicare available to Americans with private insurance, not just Medicare beneficiaries.\n\tCreates a new, $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries, and reverses years of price hikes above inflation across thousands of drugs in Medicare.\n\tReinvests in savings in the most transformational improvement to Medicare since its creation  delivering vision, dental and hearing benefits for millions of seniors.\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://torressmall.house.gov/media/press-releases/torres-small-votes-raise-military-pay-end-widows-tax-designate-white-sands", "Torres Small Votes to Raise Military Pay, End the Widows Tax, Designate White Sands as National Park as Part of Annual National Defense Authorization Act", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Xochitl Torres Small", "T000484", "torressmall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Last night, Congresswoman Torres Small voted to pass the bipartisan conference report to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2020, legislation that provides stability to the country's military and service members and responds to national security needs. The final legislation is a result of nearly a yearlong effort between the House of Representatives and Senate.\nIn addition to providing a 3.1% raise for all service members, the final version of the NDAA achieves two major victories for America's working families: ending the unfair and unjust widow's tax' and securing 12 full weeks of paid parental leave for workers across the federal government, including DoD civilians.\nCongresswoman Torres Small fiercely advocated for New Mexico throughout the creation of this year's NDAA. This includes ensuring New Mexico's farmers didn't pay the price for their proximity to military bases. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, she amended the bill to give the military the authority to provide fresh, clean water for agricultural use and create a remediation plan for clean-up. She also fought for the re-authorization of the Mentor Protg program, which partners small businesses with defense contractors in order to expand economic opportunities through partnerships with the U.S. military. Lastly, Torres Small worked to showcase New Mexico's national treasures through the successful re-designation of White Sands National Park Monument as White Sands National Park.\nOur men and women in uniform make great sacrifices on behalf of our country every day and I am proud to vote for a well-deserved pay raise. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I'm committed to making sure we address the needs of all our service members, whether that's through ending the unjust widow's tax' or securing paid parental leave, said Torres Small. This legislation also ensures we support communities surrounding military bases by protecting water resources for our farmers and re-authorizing the Mentor Protg program to support our small businesses and local economy.\nRep. Torres Small's FY2020 NDAA amendments that ultimately were included in the version of the NDAA headed to the Senate are listed below:\n \nAuthorization of the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of each branch of the military to provide a remedy when a military installation is responsible for PFOA or PFOS contamination in agricultural lands. PFOS and PFOA are the main components of the firefighting foam used on military installations.\n\tExpansion of the definition of community infrastructure to include electric co-ops that provide services nears military installations, making them eligible for reimbursement like local or state governments.\n\tThree-year re-authorization of the Mentor-Protg Program, which opens the door for New Mexico's small businesses to partner and learns from already established defense companies, which in turn will create good paying jobs, foster innovation, and grow the economy.\n\tDirection of a study on the state of unexploded ordnance on Indian Reservations and how the Department of Defense can collaborate with tribes to expedite their removal.\n\tLaunch of a study on maternity leave parity for mothers serving in the U.S. National Guard.\n \n\nIn addition to the previously described amendments, Rep. Torres Small also successfully advocated for the inclusion of the following measures in the main text of the landmark NDAA legislation:\n \nThe creation of White Sands National Park, a new national park that will preserve New Mexico's natural resources and boost local economies.\n\tThe requirement of a briefing on the Department of Defense's understanding of best practices for the clean-up and disposal of PFOS and PFOA contaminated soils.\n\tThe authorization of Chief of the National Guard to use Defense Environmental Remediation Account funds to address PFAS exposure in and around National Guard bases.\n\tThe requirement of the Secretary of the Navy to complete a new plan for fluorine free firefighting agent use on all military installations by January 2024.\n\tA directive to the Department of Defense to evaluate existing authorities to address Tribal mitigation and funding mechanisms for those mitigations.\n\tAn establishment of a prerequisite of the Department of Defense to consult with impacted tribes prior to a military project proposal to assess potential impact on Native American lands, culturally connected locations, and tribal treaty rights.\n \n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-passes-buffalo-tract-protection-act-out-of-committee-", "Heinrich Passes Buffalo Tract Protection Act Out Of Committee", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Passes Buffalo Tract Protection Act Out Of Committee \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 12, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 12, 2019)  Today, the Buffalo Tract Protection Act, introduced by U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), was passed by a voice vote in a key legislative business meeting in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.\r\nSenator Heinrich's legislation, co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), would withdraw four parcels of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands in southern Sandoval County, including the Buffalo Tract and the Crest of Montezuma, from any mineral development, including gravel mining.\r\nThe Crest of Montezuma and the Buffalo Tract are home to important ecosystems and have been used by communities along the Rio Grande Valley for centuries, said Heinrich. Numerous local residents have shared their concerns with me about the future of these lands and the potential damage that would result from gravel mining. Mineral development would negatively impact public health, quality of life, and water supplies. Today, we moved forward on legislation that strikes an appropriate balance and reflects carefully gathered input from local communities and stakeholders.\r\nIn order to protect these communities from the negative impacts of a gravel mine on these public land, the Buffalo Tract Protection Act would:\r\n \r\nPermanently withdraw four parcels of BLM lands, including the Buffalo Tract and the Crest of Montezuma, from any mineral development, including gravel mining;\r\nMaintain the authority of the BLM to sell, lease, or exchange the surface rights to the parcels, and;\r\nEnsure that if the surface rights are sold, leased, or exchanged, the mineral rights will remain under federal management and will remain withdrawn from development.\r\n \r\nA copy of the bill is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-passes-clean-energy-jobs-act-out-of-committee", "Heinrich Passes Clean Energy Jobs Act Out Of Committee", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Passes Clean Energy Jobs Act Out Of Committee\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 12, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 12, 2019)  Today, The Clean Energy Jobs Act (S. 2393), introduced by U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), was passed by a voice vote in a key legislative business meeting in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. \r\nThe bill establishes a comprehensive, nationwide program at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to create a well-trained workforce in the energy sector. This program would improve education and training for careers in energy-related industries, especially for minorities and other underrepresented groups in New Mexico. \r\nThe clean energy transition represents our greatest opportunity to create millions of new careers all across America  particularly in our rural communities, said Heinrich, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy. The Clean Energy Jobs Act will help students and workers learn the necessary skills needed to meet the increasing demand for trained workers, particularly in solar, wind, storage, and energy efficiency. I am pleased to have growing support for this legislation as we continue to build a sustainable clean energy workforce in New Mexico and across the nation. \r\nThe bill provides DOE new authority to offer direct assistance to schools, workforce development boards, and labor organizations. The bill also establishes a pilot program to provide funds to businesses to pay employees who are receiving training to work in the renewable energy, energy efficiency, and grid modernization sectors or provide services related to reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. \r\nTo view the full text of the Clean Energy Jobs Act introduced by Senator Heinrich and co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), click HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/four-years-after-paris-climate-accords-udall-joins-shaheen-bipartisan-group-of-senators-in-voicing-support-for-global-efforts-to-combat-climate-change", "Four Years After Paris Climate Accords, Udall Joins Shaheen, Bipartisan Group of Senators in Voicing Support for Global Efforts to Combat Climate Change", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 12, 2019\n\t\t\t Four Years After Paris Climate Accords, Udall Joins Shaheen, Bipartisan Group of Senators in Voicing Support for Global Efforts to Combat Climate Change \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Letter to Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change follows call for President Trump to reconsider his decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.)joinedU.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.)and a group of bipartisan senators in aletterto Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in support of the organization's global efforts to mitigate climate change. The 25thsession of the Conference of the Parties (COP 25) is currently convening a meeting on the historic Paris Climate Agreement in Madrid. Earlier this week, Udall joined a group of senators incalling on President Trumpto once again reconsider his decision to withdraw the United States from the historic accord.\r\nFailing to address the worsening crisis of climate change will wreak damages on all Americans for centuries into the future. Now more than ever, the American people are demanding action on climate change from our federal government and our international partners,the senators wrote to Espinosa.\r\nIn their letter, the Senators urged the UNFCCC and all international participants in the convention to explore all solutions and paths forward to combat the effects of climate change. In closing, the Senators reiterated that although the administration is not prioritizing this existential crisis, there is bipartisan support in Congress to take action.In a moment where the commitment of the United States to address climate change seems threadbare, we, the undersigned, assure you that we are working diligently to respond to this global threat and we support your efforts in Madrid,the senators concluded.\r\nThe letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Angus King (I-Maine), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.V.).\r\nThe full letter can be readhere.\r\nMore information on Senator Udall's climate-related legislation can be foundHEREandHERE.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-senators-urge-stronger-methane-limits-in-senate-pipeline-legislation", "Udall, Senators Urge Stronger Methane Limits in Senate Pipeline Legislation", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 12, 2019\n\t\t\t Udall, Senators Urge Stronger Methane Limits in Senate Pipeline Legislation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Senators raise concerns that moving forward without addressing gas pipeline leaks presents significant risks to public safety and worsens climate change\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Unchecked leaks in natural gas pipelines release 1.3 million metric tons of methane  a potent greenhouse gas\r\nWASHINGTONToday,U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.),along withU.S. SenatorsDianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.),Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.),Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.)andCory Booker (D-N.J.)pushed to amend legislation pending in the Senateto include strong provisionsto prevent dangerous methane leaks that worsen climate change.\r\nThe PIPES Act, which was reported out of the Senate Commerce Committee in July, would reauthorize pipeline safety programs at the Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), the agency charged with regulating pipelines for safety and environmental purposes. The legislation pending before the Senate currently does not include provisions that would require natural gas facility operators to monitor and fix methane leaks.\r\nWe write to express our concern about moving forward with S.2299, the PIPES ACT, without including stronger safeguards to ensure that methane leaks from natural gas pipelines are adequately addressed,the senators wrote.Leaking pipeline are a serious safety hazard that can lead to catastrophic consequences, including explosions, fire, evacuations, and death. Additionally, leaking pipelines contribute significantly to emissions of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that is especially harmful for near-term climate change.\r\nThe senators continued,According to the Environmental Protection Agency's latest greenhouse gas inventory, leaks and routine operations in the transmission and storage component of the gas supply chain lead to 1.3 million metric tons of methane released per year. A recent study by the Environmental Defense Fund found that fifty to ninety percent of the methane releases attributable to maintenance activity to address leaking pipelines could be cost-effectively mitigated using currently available methods and technology.\r\nThe senators concluded their letter, noting,By including our amendment, we believe the PIPES Act would be reasonably strengthened to address this major safety and climate concern and be on a path to quick bicameral passage and becoming law in the 116th Congress.\r\nAt the same time PHMSA has so far failed to require methane leak detection and mitigation, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also proposed a rule to eliminate federal requirements that oil and gas companies install technology to detect and fix methane leaks from wells, pipelines and storage facilities. The Trump administration's proposed rule would also reopen the question of whether the E.P.A. had the legal authority to regulate methane as a pollutant. This continues the Trump administration's pattern of failing to act on public safety and climate change, including addressing leaking methane.\r\nUdall and other Senate Democrats' amendment is based on theMETHANE Act(S. 2469)introduced in September, which would require owners and operators of pipelines and pipeline facilities to use the best available technology to detect and repair leaking pipelines. Methane is a significant contributor to climate change, as the greenhouse gas is84 times more potent than carbon dioxidewhen measured over a 20-year period.\r\nMitigating methane leaks using existing technology could save consumers and the industry up to a half billion dollars per year.\r\nThe full text of the senators' letter can be foundHEREand below.\r\nDear Chairman Wicker and Ranking Member Cantwell:\r\nWe write to express our concern about moving forward with S.2299, the PIPES ACT, without including stronger safeguards to ensure that methane leaks from natural gas pipelines are adequately addressed. Leaking pipeline are a serious safety hazard that can lead to catastrophic consequences, including explosions, fire, evacuations, and death. Additionally, leaking pipelines contribute significantly to emissions of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that is especially harmful for near-term climate change.\r\nAccording to the Environmental Protection Agency's latest greenhouse gas inventory, leaks and routine operations in the transmission and storage component of the gas supply chain lead to 1.3 million metric tons of methane released per year. A recent study by the Environmental Defense Fund found that fifty to ninety percent of the methane releases attributable to maintenance activity to address leaking pipelines could be cost-effectively mitigated using currently available methods and technology.\r\nA 2016 analysis by ICF International concluded that leak detection and repair from the oil and gas sector could cut emissions by over 40% using equipment already available on the market at the time, at a cost of less than 1 penny per thousand cubic feet of gas produced. Moreover, the value of natural gas savings gas to both industry and consumers could amount to well over a half-billion dollars a year.\r\nIn addition to the safety concerns from these unknown and uncontrolled natural gas leaks, methane is an extremely potent greenhouse gas emission. It is about 84 times the potency of carbon dioxide over the first couple decades following its release. While carbon dioxide represents a continuing, long-term threat, methane drives near-term climate effects and is responsible for approximately 25% of the global warming we are experiencing right now.\r\nTherefore, we believe that every effort should be made to keep our produced natural gas and methane in pipelines and out of the atmosphere where leaks and releases can also lead to catastrophic accidents, safety issues and global warming pollution. Fortunately, leak detection and repair technology is very advanced and readily available. Off-the-shelf technology to detect leaks exists already in the form of aerial drones mounted with surveillance equipment, automobiles with sniffer technologies, and a variety of other advanced technologies to detect and repair leaks. These methods are needed to replace the dominant way we currently detect leaks: with our eyes and noses.\r\nFor too long we have relied on members of the public to report the sight or smell of gas and phone it in, causing an undue and unnecessary safety burden on the public, rather than the companies responsible for this infrastructure. This should not be the responsibility of your average citizen. This should be a basic minimum standard required by pipeline companies and others who produce and transmit natural gas.\r\nWe have filed a germane and reasonable amendment to S.2299 to address methane leaks from pipelines and the relevant committees in the House of Representatives are moving forward with similar action. A short summary of our amendment is:\r\nSets a standard of best available technology for operators to capture natural gas when making pipeline repairs so methane isn't flagrantly emitted into the atmosphere.\r\n- Sets a standard of best available technology for operators to monitor their pipelines for leaks.\r\n- Directs adequate investments in operators' replacement and repair programs for known types of leaky pipelines.\r\n- Sets reporting requirements for natural gas release incidents to a more realistic level to track how much methane is being released (from current 3 million cubic feet to 50,000 cubic feet). The new threshold of 50,000 cubic feet is the average monthly natural gas usage of approximately 9-10 homes. (Whereas 3 million cubic feet is the approximate natural gas usage of 9-10 homes over nearly 5 years.)\r\nBy including our amendment, we believe the PIPES Act would be reasonably strengthened to address this major safety and climate concern and be on a path to quick bicameral passage and becoming law in the 116th Congress.\r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-following-release-of-afghanistan-papers-udall-appeals-to-the-senate-to-reassert-its-constitutional-authority-over-authorizing-war", "VIDEO: Following Release of Afghanistan Papers, Udall Appeals to the Senate to Reassert its Constitutional Authority over Authorizing War", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 12, 2019\n\t\t\t VIDEO: Following Release of Afghanistan Papers, Udall Appeals to the Senate to Reassert its Constitutional Authority over Authorizing War \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Following Post expos, Udall calls for a vote on the Udall, Paul bill to responsibly withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Says 2020 National Defense Authorization Act is a missed opportunity to prevent unauthorized war with Iran and end U.S. participation in Saudi campaign in Yemen  actions supported by bipartisan majorities of both houses of Congress\r\nVIDEO LINK:https://youtu.be/VAXgltjR2Oo\r\nWASHINGTON Today,U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D- N.M.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,spoke on the Senate floor imploring his colleagues to heed the lessons and failures of 18 years of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, end the longest armed conflict in U.S. history, and take action to prevent another unauthorized war with Iran and terminate U.S. support for the horrific Saudi war in Yemen.\r\nUdall's speech follows the Washington Post' release of the Afghanistan Papers, more than 2,000 pages of previously unpublished documents that exposed serious problems with the U.S. mission in Afghanistan, including the revelation that senior military and administration officials knew there was no coherent strategy and misled the public and Congress about progress in the war.\r\nThe war in Afghanistan is the longest in U.S. history. But it no longer has a clear purpose,said Udall.These 2,000 pages of interviews and memos from senior military, diplomatic, and White House officials tell a shocking and tragic story. Three separate administrations have had no well-formed mission for the war, but fought on anyway, and repeatedly misled the American public.\r\nThat war has cost 157,000 lives. More than 775,000 American troops have been deployed.2,300 American military personnel have been killed, and more than 20,000 wounded. It has cost the American people over $2 trillion dollars,said Udall.These costs are tragic. Inexcusable.And it's time for this war to end.\r\nDuring his speech, Udall called for a Senate vote on hislegislationcosponsored byU.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.)to responsibly withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan. The act declares victory in Afghanistan, acknowledging the original objectives have largely been met, sets guidelines for the safe and orderly withdrawal of troops, and repeals the 2001 AUMF once and for all,said Udall. We should have a vote.\r\nDuring his speech, Udall also said that the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) represents a missed opportunity to assert congressional war powers, because it does not include abipartisanamendmentthat would prevent the President from entering an unauthorized war in Iran or a bipartisan provision to stop U.S. support for the Saudi war in Yemen.\r\nI was encouraged earlier this year when the House passed  and a majority of the Senate supported --my amendment to prohibit war with Iran absent Congressional authorization,said Udall.The risk of war with Iran is very real  whether intentionally, or by mistake, miscalculation, or misjudgment.And the President claims he can go to war against Iran without Congressional approval.\r\nThis week the Senate and House conference committee just released their NDAA conference report. I'm deeply disappointed they did not include our amendment.This is a major missed opportunity to take back our authority.A missed opportunity to stop the expansion of war and U.S. interventionism in the Middle East,said Udall.\r\nUdall concluded by urging his colleagues to reassert their authority to declare war in order to prevent endless military conflicts that are unsupported by the American people. This is not a political issue. It's not red or blue. Republican or Democratic.It's constitutional. Everyone here has sworn to uphold the Constitution. We can do so by upholding not running from our constitutional responsibilities,Udall concluded.\r\nThe full text of Udall's remarks as prepared can be found below:\r\nI rise to discuss Congress's ongoing failure to assert our constitutional war powers.\r\nThis failure is the root cause of two pressing concerns that we currently face:\r\nFirst, the seemingly endless U.S. involvement in Middle East wars.\r\nAnd second: the very real possibility that the Trump administration will involve us in more of them.\r\nThe Founders were clear in their intent. The Constitution squarely places the authority to declare war with Congress, and Congress alone.\r\nThe founders did this for good reason. For centuries, European monarchs had drained royal coffers, levied heavy taxes, and lost countless lives in wars that benefitted themselves, not the people.\r\nAs Elbridge Gerry from Massachusetts said during the Constitutional Convention, after another delegate suggested giving this power to the president: [I] never expected to hear in a republic a motion to empower the Executive alone to declare war.\r\nThe founders vested this most consequential power in the legislative branch, so that any decision to go to war would have broad public support.\r\nSince the Republic's beginning, there has been a tension between the Congress and the executive branch regarding the use of this power.\r\nIn the modern era, the balance has been upended. Our ability  and willingness  to effectively check the executive on war powers is dangerously diminished.\r\nCongress has not declared war for any of our major conflicts since World War Two.\r\nBut after the bloody, prolonged, and politically divisive Vietnam War, Congress passed the War Powers Resolution of 1973overriding the veto of President Nixon. That resolution requires Congress to issue an authorization for use of military force, an AUMF.\r\nImmediately after 9/11, a nearly unanimous Congress, myself included, authorized force against the perpetrators  Al Qaeda  and those who harbored them, by which we meant the Taliban government in Afghanistan. The 2001 AUMF authorized the U.S. entering conflict in Afghanistan to root out Al Qaeda.\r\nThe Taliban was then expelled from power. Al Qaeda in Afghanistan has been defeated. Osama bin Laden is dead. And the now 18-year old AUMF has outlived its purpose -- as a stunning Washington Post expose?on the Afghan war has now made clear.\r\nThe war in Afghanistan is the longest in U.S. history. But it no longer has a clear purpose.\r\nThe Washington Post successfully sued for access to previously undisclosed government documents -- dubbed the Afghanistan Papers. These 2,000 pages of interviews and memos from senior military, diplomatic, and White House officials tell a shocking and tragic story. Three separate administrations have had no well-formed mission for the war, but fought on anyway, and repeatedly misled the American public.\r\nAccording to the head of the NATO command in Afghanistan in 2006, There was no coherent long-term strategy there.\r\nThe next NATO commander, Army Lieutenant General Dan McNeill said, I tried to get someone to define for me what winning meant, even before I went over, and nobody could. Nobody would give me a good definition of what it meant. There was no NATO campaign plan  a lot of verbiage and talk, but no plan.\r\nA senior diplomat under President Obama said, If I were to write a book, its [cover] would be: American goes to war without knowing why it does.'\r\nOver and over, senior officials describe the lack of strategic goals.\r\nAll the while, the government lied to the American people, claiming success when there was none.\r\nThat war has cost 157,000 lives. More than 775,000 American troops have been deployed. 2,300 American military personnel have been killed, and more than 20,000 wounded. It has cost the American people over $2 trillion.\r\nThese costs are tragic. Inexcusable. And it's time for this war to end.\r\nBut the executive branch isn't the only branch at fault. Congress has sat back and let the executive stretch the AUMF to the point of breaking. We've ducked the debates. We've ducked the hard votes.\r\nWe need to change that. And we can start with Afghanistan.\r\nIn March, Senator Paul and I introduced the American Forces Going Home After Noble Service Act or AFGHAN Service Act to responsibly pull our troops out of Afghanistan.\r\nThe act: Declares victory in Afghanistan, acknowledging the original objectives have largely been met, sets guidelines for the safe and orderly withdrawal of troops, and repeals the 2001 AUMF once and for all.\r\nWe should have a vote.\r\nBut Afghanistan is just the largest of our ongoing Middle Eastern wars.\r\nThe 9/11 AUMF has been used to justify military ventures all around the world  41 times to justify military action in 14 countries. I voted for this authorization, and I know full well Congress did not intend that.\r\nAnd more unauthorized conflicts are looming on the horizon.\r\nI was encouraged earlier this year when the House passed  and a majority of the Senate supported --my amendment to prohibit war with Iran absent Congressional authorization.\r\nTensions with Iran have grown since the President withdrew from the international agreement preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. It's been a year and a half since the President dropped out of that agreement -- claiming he could get a better deal and mounting his maximum pressure strategy.\r\nSince then, we haven't gotten anywhere close to a better deal. But we have gotten close to war.\r\nThis June, we were 10 minutes away from the President calling a strike on Iran. Ten minutes away from military escalation in the Gulf.\r\nWhile the President's maximum pressure campaign has not succeeded in forcing Iran into a better deal, it has succeeded in pushing Iran to breach the nuclear agreement. And it's led to a cycle of violence in the region -- and from Iran -- attacking commercial ships in the Gulf of Oman, moving short-range ballistic missiles into Iraq, threatening U.S. troops and Israel.\r\nSince May, the President has increased troop presence by 14,000 in the Middle East. And, after initially denying it  the Pentagon is considering sending an additional 14,000 troops.\r\nThe risk of war with Iran is very real  whether intentionally, or by mistake, miscalculation, or misjudgment. And the President claims he can go to war against Iran without Congressional approval.\r\nIn September, this body held a historic vote, voting 50 to 40 to include the Udall-Kaine-Paul amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act to prohibit funding for war with Iran without Congressional authorization. We took a giant step forward to assert our constitutional authority.\r\nThis amendment was germane and by rule it should have been included in the final Senate NDAA. But the majority leader forced a 60-vote threshold that should not have applied.\r\nNevertheless, the House version did include the prohibition. And with Senate majority support, it should have been included in conference.\r\nThis week the Senate and House conference committee just released their NDAA conference report. I'm deeply disappointed they did not include our amendment. This is a major missed opportunity to take back our authority. A missed opportunity to stop the expansion of war and U.S. interventionism in the Middle East.\r\nAnother terrible missed opportunity is the NDAA's failure to include a provision to eliminate U.S. support for Saudi Arabia's disastrous war in Yemen.\r\nUnder the authority of the 2001 AUMF, our troops are supporting Saudi Arabia in its war against the insurgent Houthi. But the Houthi are also fighting Al Qaeda  the actual target of the 9/11 AUMF. So -- we are fighting a group fighting against Al Qaeda. This is a prime example of the misuse of this authorization.\r\nAnd the human cost is horrific. Since 2015, more than 100,000 people have been killed in Yemen  including more than 12,000 Yemeni civilians. More than 20 million Yemenis need humanitarian aid.\r\nThere is no compelling U.S. national interest in aiding the Saudis in this war. We should not be lending support to a war that the international community recognizes as a humanitarian disaster.\r\nIn April, both houses voted on a bipartisan basis to remove our troops from this conflict unless Congress authorized force. The President vetoed that bipartisan bill.\r\nThe NDAA conference committee missed an opportunity to step up, and direct the President to take us out of the Saudi-Yemen conflict.\r\nAgain, Congress is ducking its duties.\r\nFor too long, Congress has hidden from making the hard decisions, from taking the tough votes. We've deferred to the executive, under Republican and Democratic administrations alike.\r\nThe founders placed this power in our hands for good reason. Those reasons are as sound today as they were two centuries ago.\r\nThis is not a political issue. It's not red or blue. Republican or Democratic. It's constitutional.\r\nEveryone here has sworn to uphold the Constitution. We can do so by upholding -- not running from -- our constitutional responsibilities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://torressmall.house.gov/media/press-releases/torres-small-supported-ag-workforce-bill-step-closer-becoming-law", "Torres Small Supported Ag. Workforce Bill Step Closer to Becoming Law", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Xochitl Torres Small", "T000484", "torressmall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  This weekend, Congresswoman Torres Small hosted a roundtable with the New Mexican farmers and agricultural producers highlighting the urgent need for legislation that meets the modern labor demands of the state's agricultural industry. As an original cosponsor of the bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act, Torres Small highlighted the legislation as a solution to provide stability for New Mexico's agricultural industry and her continuous efforts to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle for its swift passage.\nToday, the House of Representatives voted and passed the Farm Workforce Modernization Act on a bipartisan vote. Congresswoman Torres Small released the following statement in response:\nI came to Congress to work with anyone to deliver for New Mexico. The bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act helps address the workforce shortage facing agricultural producers across the state. I've met with farmers and ranchers from all over the district and they made it clear this type of reform was needed. I am proud to have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure our state's agricultural producers have access to the reliable, legal workforce they need.\nNew Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte also highlighted the bill for its efforts to bring stability to the state's agricultural industry. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act is an important step in bringing certainty to our agriculture sector. Labor has become the number 1 limiting factor in a stable rural economy and growth in our agriculture sector. New Mexico has robust dairy, pecan and produce family farms among others who depend on a reliable and legal workforce, said Witte.\nThe bill will:\n \nReform the H-2A program to provide more flexibility for employers, while ensuring critical protections for workers. The bill focuses on modifications to make the program more responsive and user-friendly for employers and provides access to the program for industries with year-round labor needs.\n\tEstablish a program for agricultural workers in the United States to earn legal status through continued agricultural employment and contribution to the U.S. agricultural economy.\n\tEstablish mandatory, nationwide E-Verify system for all agricultural employment with a structured phase-in and guaranteed due process for authorized workers who are incorrectly rejected by the system.\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-city-of-las-cruces-to-host-arts-and-culture-workshop-", "Heinrich, City Of Las Cruces To Host Arts And Culture Workshop", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich, City Of Las Cruces To Host Arts And Culture Workshop \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 11, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tLAS CRUCES, N.M.  On Tuesday, December 17, 2019, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), in collaboration with City Councilor Gabe Vasquez with the City of Las Cruces, will host the third iteration of an ongoing workshop series called Celebrating Culture: Workshops Supporting New Mexico Arts. The event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. MT at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces.\r\nArt and culture are synonymous with New Mexico, and our artists carry on cultures that date back centuries, said Heinrich. My goal for these workshops is to support the artists and organizations that help our state's arts and culture thrive generation after generation. These workshops will connect New Mexico's arts organizations and artists to federal, local, and private resources.\r\nThe workshop in Las Cruces is free and all are welcome to attend. Space is very limited. Registration will be closed on December 12, or when registration is full. Register here: https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/artsworkshop/las-cruces\r\nThe sessions include:\r\n \r\nExploring Federal and Private Funding Opportunities\r\nWorking with Smithsonian Institutions\r\nSuccessfully Competing for Public Art Projects\r\nNavigating Working with Foreign Governments and Visiting Artist Visas\r\nLocal Resources: Space Solutions, Visibility, and Networking\r\n \r\nFor questions regarding the event, call Senator Heinrich's Office at (202) 228-4285, or email Heinrich_Events@heinrich.senate.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-rounds-courtney-and-kelly-to-host-press-call-on-cadillac-tax-repeal", "Heinrich, Rounds, Courtney, And Kelly To Host Press Call On \u201cCadillac Tax\u201d Repeal", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich, Rounds, Courtney, And Kelly To Host Press Call On Cadillac Tax Repeal\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 11, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Tomorrow, Wednesday, December 11, at 2 p.m. MT/4 p.m. ET, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and U.S. Representatives Joe Courtney (D-Conn.) and Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), will host a teleconference for reporters to discuss their bipartisan effort to repeal the so-called Cadillac tax on high premium employer-sponsored health insurance. On the call, new polling will be highlighted that shows Americans are deeply concerned about rising out-of-pocket health costs, and the impact the 40 percent tax has on their deductibles and cost sharing.\r\nThe lawmakers wrote to House and Senate leadership yesterday calling for a vote in the Senate on their bipartisan, bicameral legislation to repeal the so-called Cadillac tax. Legislation introduced by Representatives Courtney and Kelly (H.R. 748) to fully repeal the tax passed the House of Representatives by an overwhelming 419-6 vote earlier this year. Identical legislation introduced by Senators Heinrich and Rounds (S. 684) has 63 bipartisan cosponsors.\r\nLast week, more than 1,000 employers and stakeholders sent a letter, underscoring the breath of support for repeal.\r\n***Press interested in dialing in should RSVP at press@heinrich.senate.gov or call (202) 228-1578.***\r\n\r\nWashington, D.C. - Wednesday, December 11, 2019\r\n\r\nWHO:U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.)\r\nU.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.)\r\nU.S. Representative Joe Courtney (D-Conn.)\r\nU.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-Pa.)\r\n\r\nWHAT:Press call to discuss need to fully repeal 40 percent excise tax and new polling on the American public's views on taxation of employer sponsored health insurance.\r\n\r\nWHEN: Wednesday, December 11, at 2 p.m. MT/4 p.m. ET\r\n\r\nDIAL-IN:By phone at (202) 228-0808, or toll free at (855) 428-0808; Conference ID: 89616", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/nm-delegations-pfas-legislation-included-in-national-defense-bill", "NM Delegation\u2019s PFAS Legislation Included in National Defense Bill", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NM Delegation's PFAS Legislation Included in National Defense Bill\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNew Mexico delegation fought to include language to provide relief to New Mexico communities affected by PFAS, ensure DOD help for dairies and other agricultural producers facing groundwater contamination from military bases, require nationwide DOD remediation plan\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 11, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.), Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) and Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.) announced that the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes the New Mexico delegation's bill, H.R. 1567 or the PFAS Damages Act, to provide relief to communities and businesses impacted by PFAS contamination in groundwater around Air Force bases in New Mexico and across the country, including dairy farms in New Mexico that have been upended by PFAS contamination from nearby Cannon Air Force Base. The full Congress is expected to vote on the NDAA before the end of the year.\r\nI'm proud that the New Mexico delegation secured this important measure to provide deserved relief to the families, business owners, farmers, servicemembers and communities who have suffered from exposure to PFAS chemicals in New Mexico. Federal agencies have dragged their feet for too long, but this bill will finally push them into action, said Udall. The Department of Defense says they lack authority to help farmers and ranchers with contaminated water, and our bill fixes that problem. The evidence is clear that these chemicals are toxic, and we must act proactively to ensure further damage does not spread through the food chain. Pentagon leadership owes New Mexicans and all Americans a plan to clean up contaminated sites surrounding our military bases and assist anyone whose water has been affectedso Congress can then allocate the necessary resources. We will continue working with the Air Force to keep New Mexico's bases strong while doing right by New Mexicans and protecting our state's precious water supplies.\r\nAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I fought hard to make sure that federal agencies quickly remedy contaminated sites like those at Cannon Air Force Base and prevent further risks to public health. This bill will allow the Department of Defense to respond to this issue with the urgency it deserves and mandates a plan of action to clean up contamination and make New Mexico families and businesses whole, said Heinrich. I am firmly committed to ensuring that our military has the tools and resources it needs to keep our nation safe. I also strongly believe that the federal government has a responsibility to clean up after itself and an obligation to protect the public health of military communities like Clovis.\r\nI've met with the farmers in Curry County that have been impacted byPFAScontamination. These families and small businesses face serious, potentially long-term economic consequences and deserve immediate relief. I am pleased to see that ourPFASDamages Act provisions to address this continued contamination have been included in the National Defense Authorization Act,said Lujn.\r\nNew Mexicans deserve clean water to raise their families, grow their businesses, and support agriculture, but harmful chemicals have taken a toll on our communities. I've seen what happens to the health of family and friends when toxic sites are not cleaned up, and it's not something we should risk. Our delegation fought hard to make sure the Department of Defense cleans up contamination and will continue working to prevent future contamination by making sure the National Defense Authorization Act includes key provisions that help New Mexico families. These provisions include authorizing the Department of Defense to provide clean water to farmers dealing with PFAS contamination. But I'm not done yet, we must keep working for stronger safeguards for all New Mexicans, said Haaland, a member of the House Armed Services Committee.\r\nThis year, I led the fight in the House during the NDAA process to get relief for the farms that have been so heavily impacted by the spread of PFAS. The amendment that I introduced to the NDAA requires the Air Force to provide water for our farmers and take responsibility for their part in the cleanup. I'm proud to work with the New Mexico delegation on these provisions and am committed to making sure we continue to support our agricultural industry and dairy farmers, said Torres Small.\r\nThe measure would ensure that the Department of Defense (DOD) takes precautionary action to prevent human exposure, including through agricultural products, provide alternative water or water treatment for contaminated agricultural water, and acquire contiguous property that is contaminated. The measure would also mandate that the Department of Defense (DOD) create a plan of action to clean up contaminated sites nationwide and take all necessary steps to prevent further risks to public health.\r\nThere are hundreds of DOD sites around the country experiencing PFAS contamination. The U.S. Air Force confirmed that firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals (PFOA and PFOS) used around Cannon Air Force Base and Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico contaminated nearby groundwater. The contamination has affected several agricultural wells near Cannon Air Force Base that feed New Mexican dairies. The contamination has caused major disruptions for the local dairy industry, and the extent of impacts near Holloman is still being determined.\r\nThe full text of the Senate bill can be found HERE. The full text of the House bill can be found HERE.\r\nThe key provisions of this bill include:\r\n Ensures the Department of Defense has authority to provide relief to prevent further human exposure;\r\n Authorizes the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of each branch of the military to use funds to provide fresh water and/or treatment of contaminated water for agricultural purposes where water is contaminated by PFAS compounds, PFOA and PFOS, due to activities on a military installation.\r\n Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to acquire property to extend the contiguous geographic footprint of any Air Force base that has shown signs of contamination from PFOA and PFOS due to activities on the base;\r\n Mandates that the Secretary of Defense, submit to Congress a remediation plan for cleanup of water contaminated by PFOA and PFOS at and adjacent to military bases that includes a budgetary request so that Congress can begin the process of funding remediation plans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/nm-delegations-pfas-legislation-included-in-national-defense-bill", "NM Delegation\u2019s PFAS Legislation Included in National Defense Bill", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2019\n\t\t\t NM Delegation's PFAS Legislation Included in National Defense Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t New Mexico delegation fought to include language to provide relief to New Mexico communities affected by PFAS, ensure DOD help for dairies and other agricultural producers facing groundwater contamination from military bases, require nationwide DOD remediation plan\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON Today,U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.)andMartin Heinrich (D-N.M.)andU.S. Representatives Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.),Deb Haaland (D-N.M.)andXochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.)announced that the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes the New Mexico delegation's bill, H.R. 1567 or the PFAS Damages Act, to provide relief to communities and businesses impacted by PFAS contamination in groundwater around Air Force bases in New Mexico and across the country, including dairy farms in New Mexico that have been upended by PFAS contamination from nearby Cannon Air Force Base. The full Congress is expected to vote on the NDAA before the end of the year.\r\nI'm proud that the New Mexico delegation secured this important measure to provide deserved relief to the families, business owners, farmers, servicemembers and communities who have suffered from exposure to PFAS chemicals in New Mexico. Federal agencies have dragged their feet for too long, but this bill will finally push them into action,said Udall.The Department of Defense says they lack authority to help farmers and ranchers with contaminated water, and our bill fixes that problem. The evidence is clear that these chemicals are toxic, and we must act proactively to ensure further damage does not spread through the foodchain. Pentagon leadership owes New Mexicans and all Americans a plan to clean up contaminated sites surrounding our military bases and assist anyone whose water has been affectedso Congress can then allocate the necessary resources. We will continue working with the Air Force to keep New Mexico's bases strong while doing right by New Mexicans and protecting our state's precious water supplies.\r\nAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I fought hard to make sure that federal agencies quickly remedy contaminated sites like those at Cannon Air Force Base and prevent further risks to public health. This bill will allow the Department of Defense to respond to this issue with the urgency it deserves and mandates a plan of action to clean up contamination and make New Mexico families and businesses whole,said Heinrich.I am firmly committed to ensuring that our military has the tools and resources it needs to keep our nation safe. I also strongly believe that the federal government has a responsibility to clean up after itself and an obligation to protect the public health of military communities like Clovis.\r\nI've met with the farmers in Curry County that have been impacted byPFAScontamination. These families and small businesses face serious, potentially long-term economic consequences and deserve immediate relief. I am pleased to see that ourPFASDamagesAct provisions to address this continued contamination have been included in the National Defense Authorization Act,said Lujn.\r\nNew Mexicans deserve clean water to raise their families, grow their businesses, and support agriculture, but harmful chemicals have taken a toll on our communities. I've seen what happens to the health of family and friends when toxic sites are not cleaned up, and it's not something we should risk. Our delegation fought hard to make sure the Department of Defense cleans up contamination and will continue working to prevent future contamination by making sure the National Defense Authorization Act includes key provisions that help New Mexico families. These provisions include authorizing the Department of Defense to provide clean water to farmers dealing with PFAS contamination. But I'm not done yet, we must keep working for stronger safeguards for all New Mexicans,said Haaland, a member of the House Armed Services Committee.\r\nThis year, I led the fight in the House during the NDAA process to get relief for the farms that have been so heavily impacted by the spread of PFAS. The amendment that I introduced to the NDAA requires the Air Force to provide water for our farmers and take responsibility for their part in the cleanup. I'm proud to work with the New Mexico delegation on these provisions and am committed to making sure we continue to support our agricultural industry and dairy farmers,said Torres Small.\r\nThe measure would ensure that the Department of Defense (DOD) takes precautionary action to prevent human exposure, including through agricultural products, provide alternative water or water treatment for contaminated agricultural water, and acquire contiguous property that is contaminated. The measure would also mandate that the Department of Defense (DOD) create a plan of action to clean up contaminated sites nationwide and take all necessary steps to prevent further risks to public health.\r\nThere are hundreds of DOD sites around the country experiencing PFAS contamination. The U.S. Air Force confirmed that firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals (PFOA and PFOS) used around Cannon Air Force Base and Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico contaminated nearby groundwater. The contamination has affected several agricultural wells near Cannon Air Force Base that feed New Mexican dairies. The contamination has caused major disruptions for the local dairy industry, and the extent of impacts near Holloman is still being determined.\r\nThe full text of the Senate bill can be foundHERE. The full text of the House bill can be foundHERE.\r\nThe key provisions of this bill include:\r\n Ensures the Department of Defense has authority to provide relief to prevent further human exposure;\r\n Authorizes the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of each branch of the military to use funds to provide fresh water and/or treatment of contaminated water for agricultural purposes where water is contaminated by PFAS compounds, PFOA and PFOS, due to activities on a military installation.\r\n Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to acquire property to extend the contiguous geographic footprint of any Air Force base that has shown signs of contamination from PFOA and PFOS due to activities on the base;\r\n Mandates that the Secretary of Defense, submit to Congress a remediation plan for cleanup of water contaminated by PFOA and PFOS at and adjacent to military bases that includes a budgetary request so that Congress can begin the process of funding remediation plans.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-indian-affairs-committee-advance-udalls-legislation-supporting-tribal-public-safety-and-health-care-for-native-veterans", "Udall, Indian Affairs Committee Advance Udall\u2019s Legislation Supporting Tribal Public Safety and Health Care for Native Veterans", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2019\n\t\t\t Udall, Indian Affairs Committee Advance Udall's Legislation Supporting Tribal Public Safety and Health Care for Native Veterans \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t The two Udall bills passed the committee unanimously\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTONToday,U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, joinedCommittee Chairman John Hoeven (R-N.D.)in leading a business meeting to consider two bills, the Udall-sponsored BADGES for Native Communities Act and the Udall-sponsored Health Care Access for Urban Native Veterans Act of 2019. Both bills passed the committee unanimously.\r\nBoth of my bills considered and approved by the committee today put forward common sense solutions that address public safety and health care barriers for Tribes and Native veterans,Udall said.We must ensure that Tribal public safety officials have access to the full array of the resources they need to best serve their communities. Native veterans also have more than earned access to quality, culturally-competent health care. I am pleased that the committee continues to work on a bipartisan basis to advance important legislative priorities for Indian country.\r\nAt the business meeting, Udall also introduced an amendment to the BADGES Act to reflect consultation from Tribes. Among other provisions, the amendment increases funding for Tribal access to law enforcement databases, authorizes Tribal law enforcement to access state and federal law enforcement databases for administrative background purposes, and requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a review of the Department of Justice's unmet staffing needs in Tribal areas.\r\nMore information on the bills is below:\r\nThe Bridging Agency Data Gaps and Ensuring Safety (BADGES) for Native Communities Act would:\r\n- Address federal hiring inefficiencies that hurts Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) law enforcement recruitment and retention\r\n- Increase the effectiveness of federal missing persons resources\r\n- Provide Tribes and States with resources to coordinate responses to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) crisis\r\nThe Health Care Access for Urban Native Veterans Act of 2019 would:\r\n- Amend current laws to allow the Department of Veterans' Administration to reimburse Indian Health Service-funded Urban Indian Organizations for health care services provided to VA-eligible Native patients\r\nFull text for the BADGES Act can be foundHERE, and full text for the Health Care Access for Urban Native Veterans Act of 2019 can be foundHERE.\r\nFull text of Udall's opening statement is below:\r\nThank you, Chairman Hoeven, for calling today's business meeting to consider two of my bipartisan bills: S. 1853, the BADGES for Native Communities Act, and S. 2365, the Health Care Access for Urban Native Veterans Act of 2019.\r\nBoth bills put forward common sense solutions that address public safety and health care barriers in Indian Country. And they will help ensure federal resources reach Native communities more efficiently.\r\nBriefly, I will also note that I filed one amendment for the Committee's consideration today  a substitute amendment for S.1853.\r\nThis amendment reflects important technical feedback and comments from Tribes, Native organizations, the Department of Justice, and the Department of the Interior. I was also pleased to work with you, Chairman Hoeven, to improve the bill.\r\nMy amendment and the bills we are voting on today are proof that our tradition of reaching across the aisle and across Senate Committees works.\r\nThank you again, Chairman Hoeven, for scheduling this business meeting.\r\nAnd for working with me to achieve our shared goal of improving Tribal public safety and health care by advancing these bills.\r\nI look forward to working with you to get these bills to the Senate floor and enacted into law in short order. Thank you.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-statement-on-federal-court-blocking-presidents-unlawful-national-emergency-raid-for-border-wall", "Udall Statement on Federal Court Blocking President\u2019s Unlawful National Emergency Raid for Border Wall", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2019\n\t\t\t Udall Statement on Federal Court Blocking President's Unlawful National Emergency Raid for Border Wall \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON Today,U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.)issued the following statement after a federal court in Texas issued a nationwide injunction blocking the Trump administration's use of the National Emergencies Act to raid funds from Department of Defense (DOD) military construction accounts to pay for the president's border wall. Udall is the lead sponsor of thebipartisan resolution, which has twice passed the Senate, to terminate the president's national emergency declaration, which the president is using as a pretext to try and override appropriations law and take more money for the wall than Congress has provided.\r\nThis injunction is a victory for the rule of law over a lawless president, blocking President Trump's unconstitutional effort to raid funds Congress provided for national security and military families to build his border wall. In a true end-run around Congress and the American people, the president declared a phony emergency at our southern border to raid projects like training facilities, military housing, and base schools to feed his political campaign for the wall. New Mexico has been particularly hard-hit  with the president robbing $125 million from national security projects in our state to finance this charade.\r\nWhile I am relieved by this ruling, Congress should not stand idly by while our power of the purse is stolen by the executive branch. To stand up for our constitutional system of checks and balances, Congress must end this national emergency declaration once and for all. Though a bipartisan majority has twice voted to terminate the president's unlawful declaration, more Republicans need to join us in standing up for the Constitution and for national security projects in states all across the country.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-votes-no-on-turkey-sanctions-bill", "Udall Votes No on Turkey Sanctions Bill", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2019\n\t\t\t Udall Votes No on Turkey Sanctions Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Udall concerned with long-term implications of push to sanction a NATO ally\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Seeks amendment to ensure President Trump divests from Turkey to eliminate conflict of interest\r\nWASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.)issued the following statement on his decision to vote against advancingS. 6412,a bill to impose U.S. sanctions on Turkey, which was reported out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee earlier today:\r\nWhilesanctions certainly can be an important tool, they are not the only tool that we have at our disposal to conduct foreign policy  but too often we are relying on blunt instruments instead of engaging in real diplomacy.As Congress keeps considering more and more sanctions, foreign policy experts are telling us to slow down and take stock of the effectiveness of these efforts, and I believe we need a comprehensive reevaluation of this strategy. In this case weare rushing to consider a bill to impose sanctions on a long-time NATO ally without thorough analysis of how we got to this point, what these sanctions are intended to accomplish, and whether they are likely to succeed.\r\nIf Congress is so concerned with U.S.-Turkish relations that we are resorting to sanctions, then we must alsorequirethatthe president divest of his multi-million dollar per year licensing deal for Trump Towers in Istanbul.The president himself has admitted hehasa little conflict of interest'when it comes to U.S.-Turkey relations and President Erdogan hasthreatened to retaliateagainst Trump Towers in Istanbul over past disagreements during the 2016 campaign. This is not a partisan issue: concerns about the president's conflict of interest in Turkey have risen to the highest levels of his own administration. Former National Security Advisor John Bolton'sgave a private speechin which he stated his beliefthe president's Turkey policy is driven by personal and financial interests. WhileI did not have the opportunitytoreceive an up or down vote onmy amendment to requirePresident Trump to divest from Turkey today, I will continue to pursue it if this legislation comes to the Senate floor.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://haaland.house.gov/media/press-releases/haaland-statement-articles-impeachment", "Haaland Statement on Articles of Impeachment", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Debra Haaland", "H001080", "haaland.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C.  Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM-01) released the following statement after the House Judiciaryand House Intelligence Committees announced Articles of Impeachment:=\nNo president should be able to use his power for personal political gain, but it's clear that President Trump not only abused the power of his office for his own political gain, he also obstructed Congress, endangered our national security, and undermined our elections. It's worse than Watergate  we owe it to the American people and to our democracy to hold this president accountable.\nWith the next election fast approaching, we'll move swiftly to protect the integrity of our democracy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://haaland.house.gov/media/press-releases/new-mexico-delegation-praises-passage-legislation-safeguard-native-languages", "New Mexico Delegation Praises Passage of Legislation  to Safeguard Native Languages", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Debra Haaland", "H001080", "haaland.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today,Congressman Ben Ray Lujn, the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, along withU.S. Senators Tom Udall,vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs,andMartin HeinrichandU.S. Representatives Deb HaalandandXochitl Torres Small, praised the passage of theEsther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act, a bipartisan bill to safeguard and revitalize Native American languages.\nThe bill honors Esther Martinez, an Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo traditional storyteller and Tewa language advocate who passed away in 2006. It amends existing law to reauthorize two federal Native American language programs at the Administration for Native Americans until 2024, expand eligibility for those programs to smaller-sized Tribal language programs, and allow both programs to offer longer grant periods.\nTheEsther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act,S. 256, will help preserve Native languages to combat the predicted extinction of all of the approximately 148 Native languages still spoken within the next 50 to 100 years. Biennial evaluations by the Department of Health and Human Services show the program increases fluency with 4,000 speakers and trains between 170 and 280 Native language teachers each year.\nThe legislation, authored by Udall, passed the Senate in June after being reported out of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. It was co-sponsored with nearly unanimous support from House Democrats, including members of Democratic Leadership and the Congressional Native American Caucus.\nEsther Martinez was a champion for Native languages who spent her life teaching others and promoting the growth of indigenous languages and culture. With the passage of this bipartisan legislation, Congress has taken a major step to deliver results on this top priority for Native communities that are working to preserve their languages, saidLujn. I was proud to help spearhead the passage of this legislation to ensure language justice for future generations.\nOur family is thankful for the decisive action the House of Representatives has taken to pass legislation to safeguard Native languages for generations to come. This important initiative  one that recognizes the legacy of Esther Martinez  will help revitalize and prevent the loss of Native languages. Our language is central to our culture, and it's critical that we train Native language teachers and increase fluency with Native speakers to protect it. Esther Martinez, our mother, was committed to this cause, and we are proud to see this legislation pass in her honor, saidmembers of Esther Martinez's family.\nNative languages in the U.S. represent some of the greatest linguistic diversity in the world and embody the cultures, histories, and resiliency of the Native communities that speak them, saidUdall. With passage of the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act today, Congress has continued its commitment working with Tribes to protect and renew Native languages. This bill is also important for its recognition of Esther Martinez's legacy of Native languages advocacy in New Mexico and across the country. I'm proud the House joined the Senate to honor Esther Martinez's work and look forward to this bill becoming law.\nPreserving Native languages is central to maintaining cultural identity, saidHeinrich. \"I'm proud to continue honoring Esther Martinez's legacy by ensuring that Native students are connected to their language and that their rich culture and traditions can be handed down to future generations.\nOur indigenous languages and traditions help keep our rich culture alive, but the programs that support language preservation are underfunded and often times lack funding altogether. Now that our bill honoring the legacy of Pueblo storyteller and self-taught linguist, Esther Martinez, has passed the House and the Senate, I urge the President to sign it into law so we can revitalize our languages and traditions, saidHaaland, Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus.\nThe preservation of Native and tribal languages is essential to protecting our state's unique cultural identity for generations to come. I'm proud to join the delegation in honoring Esther Martinez's legacy by removing the barriers schools and organizations often face when accessing resources for Native language programs. This is especially critical to our rural communities, and will ensure Native students in all corners of our state have the opportunity to thrive, saidTorres Small.\nThe protection and preservation of our Native languages is crucial to the cultural identities of tribal citizens and the overall sustainability of tribal nations, saidKevin J. Allis, Chief Executive Officer of the National Congress of American Indians. We are thrilled to see the House pass the Esther Martinez Native Languages Programs Reauthorization Act, which provides tribal nations the critical resources needed to ensure Native languages continue to be spoken for generations to come. We appreciate Representative Lujn and Senator Udall's tireless efforts to get this important legislation through Congress.\n\"Native language preservation is central to advancing culturally responsive education. Our children thrive inside and outside of the classroom when learning their own language, saidNational Indian Education Association President Marita Hinds. The Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act represents a milestone in expanding tribal flexibility to develop and implement Native language immersion programs which serve the unique academic and cultural needs of Native students.\"\nThe long overdue passage of the Reauthorization of the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Program Act gives more opportunity and hope to Native American Nations who want to ensure the survival and growth of their languages. Each language matters, for deeply rooted reasons of culture, human development, and ways of being, saidDr. Bill Rivers, Executive Director, Joint National Committee for Languages. The Joint National Committee for Languages is proud of the Rep. Lujn, Rep. Cole, and the 240 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives who ensured that this vital bill will pass and proceed to the president's desk.\nAs indigenous languages face a sharp decline, with only 20 indigenous languages expected to remain viable by the year 2050, the All Pueblo Council of Governors is grateful for the passing of the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act. The act will help tribes stem the loss of Native languages by significantly increasing support for language immersion programs which will help ensure the cultural practices vital to the traditional well-being of our indigenous nations stays alive with our stories, songs, and prayers being passed on for future generations, saidChairman E. Paul Torres, All Pueblo Council of Governors.\nOhkay Owingeh is sincerely grateful for the passage of S. 256, the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act of 2019. But here at home Poe Tsawa legacy has already been established in the hearts and minds of all the Ohkay people, most of whom she instructed, including this writer, saidRon Lovato, Governor of Ohkway Owingeh Pueblo.\nWe deeply appreciate the leadership of Senator Udall and Rep.Lujanon passage of this important legislation. This legislation will help support our efforts to preserve the Apache language and our culture by providing critical resources for our Nde' Biz program and at Mescalero Apache schools, saidPresident Gabe Aguilar of the Mescalero Apache Tribe.\n\"The Esther Martinez Act is essential to the strengthening and expansion of dual language education in Tribal Language Communities throughout the United States. Dual Language Education of New Mexico greatly appreciates RepresentativeLujanand Senator Udall's work to ensure the acts' passage. The act means much needed support for ensuring the revitalization, maintenance and preservation of Tribal Languages that are currently in endanger of extinction with the recognition of tribal sovereignty and autonomy to develop their language programs, saidDavid Rogers, Executive Director of the Dual Language Education of New Mexico.\nLujn is a member of the newly-formed America's Languages Caucus co-chaired by Rep. Young.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lujan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujn-statement-on-articles-of-impeachment-", "Luj\u00e1n Statement on Articles of Impeachment", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Ben Luj\u00e1n", "L000570", "lujan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 10, 2019\n\t\t\t Lujn Statement on Articles of Impeachment  \n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Lujn (D-NM) issued the following statement on the House of Representatives drafting two articles of impeachment against President Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress:  This is a solemn day for our country, but the president's brazen abuse of power demands action. The evidence is uncontested - President Trump put his own political interests ahead of the interests of our country by repeatedly inviting foreign interference in our elections.  I took an oath to protect our country and protect our democracy and holding the president accountable for putting our security at risk is how I will fulfill that oath.  Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tLauren French(202) 225-6190 \n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://torressmall.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-torres-small-version-usmca-big-win-new-mexico", "Rep. Torres Small: \u201cThis version of USMCA is a big win for New Mexico\u201d", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Xochitl Torres Small", "T000484", "torressmall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  On Sunday, December 8, 2019, Congresswoman Torres Small urgently called on her Congressional colleagues and the Trump Administration to iron out the remaining areas of difference within the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and restore stability for New Mexico's trade dependent industries. \nToday, the Congresswoman Torres Small is proud to report the labor and enforcement concerns that could have undermined the benefits of USMCA have seemingly been resolved. Torres Small released the following statement in response: \nI am excited to see that the Administration and Congressional leadership heard my calls to get a deal done. After many months of tough trade discussions, I am grateful to President Trump, his Administration and Congressional Leadership for negotiating a deal that continues to grow our state's trade economy while securing real, enforceable labor provisions. This version of USMCA is a big win for New Mexico and America's workers. New Mexico's workers, agricultural producers, and businesses can finally breathe easier knowing that Congress has acted on their calls to restore stability to our state's trade economy. \nTo read the full text of Congresswoman Torres Small's December 8th op-ed calling on urgent cooperation between Congressional Leadership and the Trump Administration to pass USMCA, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-closer-than-ever-to-establishing-new-national-park-in-new-mexico", "Heinrich: Closer Than Ever To Establishing New National Park In New Mexico", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich: Closer Than Ever To Establishing New National Park In New Mexico\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSenator Heinrich's provision to designate White Sands as a national park is included in NDAA conference report\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 10, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 10, 2019)  U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced that his provision to designate White Sands National Monument as New Mexico's newest national park was included in the Conference Report for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. The House is expected to vote on the bill this week with Senate consideration to follow.\r\nEveryone who visits White Sands marvels at its remarkable geology, spectacular scenery, and outstanding recreation experiences, said Heinrich. Since I introduced White Sands National Park legislation last year, the broad regional support we've received demonstrates the endless opportunities this designation would offer to communities and local businesses across southern New Mexico. By elevating White Sands National Monument to a national park, we can help boost the local economy and ensure the monument receives the recognition it deserves, while enhancing the military mission at White Sands Missile Range. I am pleased that the efforts of a strong coalition of community leaders and local officials who have worked for years to turn White Sands into a national park are finally approaching the finish line. This is a huge win for New Mexico and our public lands as we stand at the precipice of establishing our state's newest national park.\r\nIn March, Senator Heinrich introduced the White Sands National Park Establishment Act, a bill to designate White Sands National Monument as New Mexico's newest national park. U.S. Representative Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.) led the House version.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/audio-on-tuesdays-with-tom-udall-calls-for-senate-action-on-new-mexico-priorities", "AUDIO: On \u2018Tuesdays with Tom,\u2019 Udall Calls for Senate Action on New Mexico Priorities", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 10, 2019\n\t\t\t AUDIO: On Tuesdays with Tom,' Udall Calls for Senate Action on New Mexico Priorities \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Udall: New Mexico's priorities should not waste away in Senate Majority Leader McConnell's Legislative Graveyard'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t AUDIO: Udall Holds Press Conference Call to Urge Senate Republican Action on New Mexico Priorities\r\nWASHINGTON Today,U.S. Senator Tom Udall(D-N.M.)held a press conference call for local reporters to call on the Republican Senate Majority to act on urgent priorities for New Mexico and the country.\r\nThe House of Representativeshas passed more than 275 bills since January, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has blocked the Senate from taking action on critical legislation to benefit New Mexico families and communities. Udall will highlight bills currently languishing in Mitch McConnell's legislative graveyard, such as Udall'sFor The People Actto secure American elections, reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, common-sense gun safety measures, and bills to protect and improve health care in New Mexico and nationwide.\r\nI'm doing everything I can to do the job that New Mexicans sent us here to do. To legislate,Udall said.In October, I called for a vote on my bill, the For the People Act, a package of urgently needed reforms to protect our elections from foreign interference, fight corruption, and make voting more accessible. This bill puts power back in the hands of the American people. But the Republican leadership blocked the vote.\r\nUdall continued,Republican leaders have also refused to act on legislation to protect the health care of people with pre-existing conditions, and to lower the price of prescription drugs. The same Republican leadership has blocked bipartisan bills, like the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which passed the House in April. [They have also] blocked common-sense gun safety bills to close loopholes and expand background checks, in the wake of deadly attacks.President Trump has been making the false claim that Democrats aren't doing anything in Congress. That couldn't be further from the truth.\r\nI came here to work for New Mexicans, to pass legislation to grow our economy, protect our environment, secure our democracy and keep our children safe,Udall concluded.I will continue to fight for these prioritieswhich should all be bipartisan issues.\r\nListen to the audioHERE.\r\nBelow are Udall's remarks:\r\n0:00 Thank you all for joining us.\r\n0:05 Today, I want to focus on the important legislation that I, along with House and Senate Democrats, have been fighting for.\r\n0:11 The House has passed over 275 bills  many of them bipartisan that Leader Mitch McConnell has blocked the Senate from acting on.\r\n0:24 These are bills that would address critical needs in New Mexico and across the nation.\r\n0:30 Like: protecting Americans with pre-existing conditions, reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, protecting DREAMers, addressing gun violence, and securing our elections.\r\n0:40 But Leader McConnell has put the Trump White House over the American people.\r\n0:48 I'm doing everything I can  to do the job that New Mexicans sent us here to do. To legislate.\r\n0:55 In October, I called for a vote on my bill, the For the People Act.\r\n1:00 A package of urgently needed reforms to protect our elections from foreign interference, fight corruption, and make voting more accessible. This bill puts power back in the hands of the American people.\r\n1:13 But the Republican leadership blocked the vote.\r\n1:17 Republican leaders have also refused to act on legislation to protect the health care of people with pre-existing conditions. And to lower the price of prescription drugs.\r\n1:28 The same Republican leadership has blocked bipartisan bills, like the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which passed the House in April.\r\n1:37 And blocked common-sense gun safety bills to close loopholes and expand background checks, in the wake of deadly attacks.\r\n1:45 Those are just a few examples of the bills that Leader McConnell sent to his legislative graveyard.\r\n1:53 President Trump has been making the false claim that Democrats aren't doing anything in Congress. That couldn't be further from the truth.\r\n2:01 If President Trump really wanted to help Americans, he could direct Leader McConnell to work with Democrats to pass any of these critical bills.\r\n2:10 But instead, he spends his days tweeting out conspiracy theories and clips from cable news.\r\n2:17 I came here to work for New Mexicans, to pass legislation to grow our economy, protect our environment, secure our democracy and keep our children safe.\r\n2:27 I will continue to fight for these prioritieswhich should all be bipartisan issues.\r\n2:33 So I hope my Republican colleagues in the Senate and this administration will end their senseless blockade of good bills.\r\n2:40 We need to work together to make a real difference in the lives of New Mexicans.\r\n2:46 Udall takes questions on impeachment, election security.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lujan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujn-celebrates-legacy-of-esther-martinez-in-floor-speech-supporting-language-justice-legislation-", "Luj\u00e1n Celebrates Legacy of Esther Martinez in Floor Speech Supporting Language Justice Legislation", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Ben Luj\u00e1n", "L000570", "lujan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 09, 2019\n\t\t\t Lujn Celebrates Legacy of Esther Martinez in Floor Speech Supporting Language Justice Legislation  \n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  Today, Congressman Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, spoke on the House floor in support of the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act, bipartisan legislation to revitalize Native American languages.  Video of Lujn's full speech is available here.  An excerpt from Lujn's remarks, as prepared for delivery, are included below:  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act.  With the passage of this legislation, Congress has made monumental progress to affirm Native communities honoring their heritage by speaking the languages gifted to them by their Creators.  Today, we reauthorize the only existing federal Native language education grant programs. These programs give our First Americans crucial support to protect their languages from extinction  New Mexico boasts a rich history and diversity that includes 23 Native Nations and seven Indigenous language groups found nowhere else on earth.  Esther Martinez, a master educator and linguist, dedicated her life to her Tewa language, which today is spoken across six northern Pueblos in my district and in Hopi-Tewa in Arizona.  As a child whose first language was Tewa, Mrs. Martinez attended a government-run Indian boarding school where nearly everything that made her a Pueblo woman was banned, including her language.  Her experience is not unique. Generations of Native families had their children torn from their arms - bound for schools that forced English and Western education on Native students.  Despite living through a period of overt racism with federal policies aimed at exterminating Native culture, Mrs. Martinez defied the odds by returning to Ohkay Owingeh. She raised her children and family to speak the Tewa dialect.  Esther went on to teach many more as a linguist, school teacher, and the director of bilingual education for her Pueblo.  Her legacy lives on in the sounds of Tewa being spoken in her community. Her son Tony and daughters Marie and Josephine are raising their children and grandchildren with Tewa in their homes.  Her daughter Mercedes is a regular attendee at adult language classes taught by a protege of her mother.  Her grandson Matthew Martinez, a doctor of American Studies and American Indian Studies, and former Lt. Gov. with the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, advances his culture at the Santa Fe Museum of Indian Art and Culture. He is also teaching Tewa to his young son.  Today, we pass this legislation knowing that it will help Native communities continue to protect their languages for generations to come.  Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tAdan Serna(202) 225-6190 \n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lujan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujn-members-of-congress-advocates-celebrate_passage-of-bill-to-revitalize-native-languages", "Luj\u00e1n, Members of Congress, Advocates Celebrate  Passage of Bill to Revitalize Native Languages", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Ben Luj\u00e1n", "L000570", "lujan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 09, 2019\n\t\t\t Lujn, Members of Congress, Advocates Celebrate  Passage of Bill to Revitalize Native Languages \n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  Today, U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.), Members of Congress, and advocates celebrate the passage of the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act, a bipartisan bill to safeguard and revitalize Native American languages.  The bill honors Esther Martinez, an Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo traditional storyteller and Tewa language advocate who passed away in 2006. It amends existing law to reauthorize two federal Native American language programs at the Administration for Native Americans until 2024, expand eligibility for those programs to smaller-sized Tribal language programs, and allow both programs to offer longer grant periods.  The Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act, introduced by Assistant Speaker Lujn, will help preserve Native languages to combat the predicted extinction of all of the approximately 148 Native languages still spoken within the next 50 to 100 years. Biennial evaluations by the Department of Health and Human Services show the program increases fluency with 4,000 speakers and trains between 170 and 280 Native language teachers each year.  The legislation was introduced by Lujn, and was co-sponsored by Reps. Don Young (R-Alaska), Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), Tom Cole (R-OK), Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.), and Deb Haaland (D-N.M.). It was co-sponsored with nearly unanimous support from House Democrats, including members of Democratic Leadership and the Congressional Native American Caucus.  Esther Martinez was a champion for Native languages who spent her life teaching others and promoting the growth of indigenous languages and culture. With the passage of this bipartisan legislation, Congress has taken a major step to deliver results on this top priority for Native communities that are working to preserve their languages, said Lujn. I was proud to help spearhead the passage of this legislation to ensure language justice for future generations.  Our family is thankful for the decisive action the House of Representatives has taken to pass legislation to safeguard Native languages for generations to come. This important initiative  one that recognizes the legacy of Esther Martinez  will help revitalize and prevent the loss of Native languages. Our language is central to our culture, and it's critical that we train Native language teachers and increase fluency with Native speakers to protect it. Esther Martinez, our mother, was committed to this cause, and we are proud to see this legislation pass in her honor, said members of Esther Martinez's family.  Alaska Native heritage is central to the culture of our great state, and the diverse languages of our Native communities should be preserved and protected for future generations, said Young. Sadly, we have witnessed a steady decline in the number of speakers of various Native languages and dialects. It is urgent that we turn the tide so that these languages aren't forever lost to history. The Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act represents tremendous progress in our efforts to promote Native language education, and the funding provided to language initiatives by the Esther Martinez Program goes a long way toward revitalizing Indigenous languages in Alaska and across the country. I am grateful to Congressman Ben Ray Lujn for his continued leadership on this critical issue, and I look forward to continuing my work as Vice Chair of the Native American Caucus and Co-Chair of the America's Languages Caucus to help preserve Native language and culture for years to come.  As Co-Chair Emeritus of the Congressional Native American Caucus, I was proud to be an original cosponsor of the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act, said McCollum. By helping tribal communities preserve and maintain their native languages, they are able to pass along centuries-old cultural heritage and share the unique human connection that language provides.  Preserving Native American language is vitally important to protecting the special heritage and unique culture that exists within tribes across the United States. Ensuring Native students can learn their historic language not only promotes individual academic success, but it fosters identity and builds unity within tribes as well. As a proud co-sponsor of the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act, I am very pleased to see its passage in the House, said Cole.  Our indigenous languages and traditions help keep our rich culture alive, but the programs that support language preservation are underfunded and often times lack funding altogether. Now that our bill honoring the legacy of Pueblo storyteller and self-taught linguist, Esther Martinez, has passed the House and the Senate, I urge the President to sign it into law so we can revitalize our languages and traditions  said Haaland, Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus.  The preservation of Native and tribal languages is essential to protecting our state's unique cultural identity for generations to come. I'm proud to join the delegation in honoring Esther Martinez's legacy by removing the barriers schools and organizations often face when accessing resources for Native language programs. This is especially critical to our rural communities, and will ensure Native students in all corners of our state have the opportunity to thrive, said Torres Small.  The protection and preservation of our Native languages is crucial to the cultural identities of tribal citizens and the overall sustainability of tribal nations, said Kevin J. Allis, Chief Executive Officer of the National Congress of American Indians. We are thrilled to see the House pass the Esther Martinez Native Languages Programs Reauthorization Act, which provides tribal nations the critical resources needed to ensure Native languages continue to be spoken for generations to come. We appreciate Representative Lujn and Senator Udall's tireless efforts to get this important legislation through Congress.  \"Native language preservation is central to advancing culturally responsive education. Our children thrive inside and outside of the classroom when learning their own language, said National Indian Education Association President Marita Hinds. The Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act represents a milestone in expanding tribal flexibility to develop and implement Native language immersion programs which serve the unique academic and cultural needs of Native students.\"  The long overdue passage of the Reauthorization of the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Program Act gives more opportunity and hope to Native American Nations who want to ensure the survival and growth of their languages. Each language matters, for deeply rooted reasons of culture, human development, and ways of being, said Dr. Bill Rivers, Executive Director, Joint National Committee for Languages. The Joint National Committee for Languages is proud of the Rep. Lujn, Rep. Cole, and the 235 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives who ensured that this vital bill will pass and proceed to the president's desk.  As indigenous languages face a sharp decline, with only 20 indigenous languages expected to remain viable by the year 2050, the All Pueblo Council of Governors is grateful for the passing of the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act. The act will help tribes stem the loss of Native languages by significantly increasing support for language immersion programs which will help ensure the cultural practices vital to the traditional well-being of our indigenous nations stays alive with our stories, songs, and prayers being passed on for future generations, said Chairman E. Paul Torres, All Pueblo Council of Governors.  Ohkay Owingeh is sincerely grateful for the passage of S. 256, the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act of 2019. But here at home Poe Tsawa legacy has already been established in the hearts and minds of all the Ohkay people, most of whom she instructed, including this writer, said Ron Lovato, Governor of Ohkway Owingeh Pueblo.  We deeply appreciate the leadership of Senator Udall and Rep. Lujan on passage of this important legislation. This legislation will help support our efforts to preserve the Apache language and our culture by providing critical resources for our Nde' Biz program and at Mescalero Apache schools, said President Gabe Aguilar of the Mescalero Apache Tribe.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lujan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/new-mexico-delegation-praises-passage-of-legislation_to-safeguard-native-languages", "New Mexico Delegation Praises Passage of Legislation  to Safeguard Native Languages", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Ben Luj\u00e1n", "L000570", "lujan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 09, 2019\n\t\t\t New Mexico Delegation Praises Passage of Legislation  to Safeguard Native Languages \n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Ben Ray Lujn, the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, along with U.S. Senators Tom Udall, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representatives Deb Haaland and Xochitl Torres Small, praised the passage of the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act, a bipartisan bill to safeguard and revitalize Native American languages.  The bill honors Esther Martinez, an Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo traditional storyteller and Tewa language advocate who passed away in 2006. It amends existing law to reauthorize two federal Native American language programs at the Administration for Native Americans until 2024, expand eligibility for those programs to smaller-sized Tribal language programs, and allow both programs to offer longer grant periods.  The Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act, S. 256, will help preserve Native languages to combat the predicted extinction of all of the approximately 148 Native languages still spoken within the next 50 to 100 years. Biennial evaluations by the Department of Health and Human Services show the program increases fluency with 4,000 speakers and trains between 170 and 280 Native language teachers each year.  The legislation, authored by Udall, passed the Senate in June after being reported out of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. It was co-sponsored with nearly unanimous support from House Democrats, including members of Democratic Leadership and the Congressional Native American Caucus.  Esther Martinez was a champion for Native languages who spent her life teaching others and promoting the growth of indigenous languages and culture. With the passage of this bipartisan legislation, Congress has taken a major step to deliver results on this top priority for Native communities that are working to preserve their languages, said Lujn. I was proud to help spearhead the passage of this legislation to ensure language justice for future generations.  Our family is thankful for the decisive action the House of Representatives has taken to pass legislation to safeguard Native languages for generations to come. This important initiative  one that recognizes the legacy of Esther Martinez  will help revitalize and prevent the loss of Native languages. Our language is central to our culture, and it's critical that we train Native language teachers and increase fluency with Native speakers to protect it. Esther Martinez, our mother, was committed to this cause, and we are proud to see this legislation pass in her honor, said members of Esther Martinez's family.  Native languages in the U.S. represent some of the greatest linguistic diversity in the world and embody the cultures, histories, and resiliency of the Native communities that speak them, said Udall. With passage of the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act today, Congress has continued its commitment working with Tribes to protect and renew Native languages. This bill is also important for its recognition of Esther Martinez's legacy of Native languages advocacy in New Mexico and across the country. I'm proud the House joined the Senate to honor Esther Martinez's work and look forward to this bill becoming law.  Preserving Native languages is central to maintaining cultural identity, said Heinrich. \"I'm proud to continue honoring Esther Martinez's legacy by ensuring that Native students are connected to their language and that their rich culture and traditions can be handed down to future generations.  Our indigenous languages and traditions help keep our rich culture alive, but the programs that support language preservation are underfunded and often times lack funding altogether. Now that our bill honoring the legacy of Pueblo storyteller and self-taught linguist, Esther Martinez, has passed the House and the Senate, I urge the President to sign it into law so we can revitalize our languages and traditions, said Haaland, Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus.  The preservation of Native and tribal languages is essential to protecting our state's unique cultural identity for generations to come. I'm proud to join the delegation in honoring Esther Martinez's legacy by removing the barriers schools and organizations often face when accessing resources for Native language programs. This is especially critical to our rural communities, and will ensure Native students in all corners of our state have the opportunity to thrive, said Torres Small.  The protection and preservation of our Native languages is crucial to the cultural identities of tribal citizens and the overall sustainability of tribal nations, said Kevin J. Allis, Chief Executive Officer of the National Congress of American Indians. We are thrilled to see the House pass the Esther Martinez Native Languages Programs Reauthorization Act, which provides tribal nations the critical resources needed to ensure Native languages continue to be spoken for generations to come. We appreciate Representative Lujn and Senator Udall's tireless efforts to get this important legislation through Congress.  \"Native language preservation is central to advancing culturally responsive education. Our children thrive inside and outside of the classroom when learning their own language, said National Indian Education Association President Marita Hinds. The Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act represents a milestone in expanding tribal flexibility to develop and implement Native language immersion programs which serve the unique academic and cultural needs of Native students.\"  The long overdue passage of the Reauthorization of the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Program Act gives more opportunity and hope to Native American Nations who want to ensure the survival and growth of their languages. Each language matters, for deeply rooted reasons of culture, human development, and ways of being, said Dr. Bill Rivers, Executive Director, Joint National Committee for Languages. The Joint National Committee for Languages is proud of the Rep. Lujn, Rep. Cole, and the 240 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives who ensured that this vital bill will pass and proceed to the president's desk.  \"Our Navajo language is at the core of our identity, customs, and way of life. We thank Assistant Speaker Lujn for his leadership in reauthorizing theEsther MartinezNative American Languages Programs Act to ensure the survival and continued vitality of our beautiful language. Our children desire to learn and speak Din Bizaad and this Act will provide needed resources to help us provide that opportunity,\" said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.  As indigenous languages face a sharp decline, with only 20 indigenous languages expected to remain viable by the year 2050, the All Pueblo Council of Governors is grateful for the passing of the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act. The act will help tribes stem the loss of Native languages by significantly increasing support for language immersion programs which will help ensure the cultural practices vital to the traditional well-being of our indigenous nations stays alive with our stories, songs, and prayers being passed on for future generations, said Chairman E. Paul Torres, All Pueblo Council of Governors.  Ohkay Owingeh is sincerely grateful for the passage of S. 256, the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act of 2019. But here at home Poe Tsawa legacy has already been established in the hearts and minds of all the Ohkay people, most of whom she instructed, including this writer, said Ron Lovato, Governor of Ohkway Owingeh Pueblo.  We deeply appreciate the leadership of Senator Udall and Rep. Lujan on passage of this important legislation. This legislation will help support our efforts to preserve the Apache language and our culture by providing critical resources for our Nde' Biz program and at Mescalero Apache schools, said President Gabe Aguilar of the Mescalero Apache Tribe.  \"The Esther Martinez Act is essential to the strengthening and expansion of dual language education in Tribal Language Communities throughout the United States. Dual Language Education of New Mexico greatly appreciates Representative Lujan and Senator Udall's work to ensure the acts' passage. The act means much needed support for ensuring the revitalization, maintenance and preservation of Tribal Languages that are currently in endanger of extinction with the recognition of tribal sovereignty and autonomy to develop their language programs, said David Rogers, Executive Director of the Dual Language Education of New Mexico.  Lujn is a member of the newly-formed America's Languages Caucus co-chaired by Rep. Young.  Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tAdan Serna (Lujn) 202.225.6190", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-calls-for-declassification-and-full-release-of-torture-report", "Heinrich Calls For Declassification And Full Release Of Torture Report", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Calls For Declassification And Full Release Of Torture Report\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 9, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 9, 2019) - On the 5-year anniversary of the release of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence's oversight study of the CIA's Detention and Interrogation Program, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) issued the following statement:\r\nFive years ago today, the Senate Intelligence Committee released the 500-page summary of the Committee's study on the CIA's detention and interrogation techniques.\r\nThe Committee's objective and fact-based study is the only comprehensive study conducted of this program and the CIA's treatment of its detainees in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks.\r\nThe CIA called them enhanced interrogations,' but in reality, this was a program of deliberate and systematic torture. The CIA repeated myths of the effectiveness of torture to defend this as a necessary program that saved lives. But the reality is that in each and every case, the Committee found that the intelligence was already available from other sources or provided by the detainees themselves before they were tortured.\r\nWe must hold fast to the lessons of this study, which are as relevant today as they were five years ago. Not only does the study show that torture was not effective, but it also makes crystal clear that torture is immoral and un-American.\r\nAt a time of increasing moral ambiguity, we cannot afford to forget this dark period in American history. To that end, the full 6,700-page study should be declassified to the extent possible and released. We must continue to reckon with the legacy of this program, undertaken in the name of the American people, to ensure that it never happens again.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-pushes-for-clean-energy-tax-extenders", "Heinrich Pushes For Clean Energy Tax Extenders", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Pushes For Clean Energy Tax Extenders\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 9, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 9, 2019)  As committees in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate continue to discuss a potential legislative package of tax extenders, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is calling on Congressional leadership to prioritize clean energy extenders in any tax legislation. \r\nHeinrich, along with U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), today led a letter calling on leadership to extend, expand, and update current tax policies to increase the adoption of zero-emissions generation, energy storage, zero-emission vehicles and energy efficient buildings. This includes prioritizing the Offshore Wind Investment Tax Credit, Storage Investment Tax Credit, Solar and Clean Energy Investment Tax Credit Extension, Energy Efficiency Tax Credit, clean vehicles, and onshore wind. \r\nTax incentives have effectively encouraged the production of clean, renewable energy and contributed to the reduction of carbon emissions, wrote the Senators. The scientific need for immediate climate action has only become more apparent in recent years, and now we have an opportunity to take significant steps and invest in the American economy. Especially as we work to convey our ongoing commitment to our global partners, we must work together to seize this opportunity to pass bipartisan pro-growth, pro-climate legislation. \r\nA copy of the letter can be found HERE. \r\nAccording to the Rhodium Group, extending and expanding tax credits through 2025 for zero-emitting electrical generation could reduce up to 125 million tons of emissions, making up a quarter of America's national commitment under the current Paris climate agreement targets. \r\nHeinrich has been a champion for building a more secure and robust 21st century energy infrastructure, which is critical to realizing the nation's true clean energy potential and creating jobs. His efforts to secure multi-year extensions of production and investment tax credits in 2015 have spurred major growth in the wind and solar industries in New Mexico. \r\nAlso signing the letter today are U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Benjamin Cardin (D-Md.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lujan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujn-statement-on-bill-to-protect-voting-access-and-help-end-voter-suppression", "Luj\u00e1n Statement on Bill to Protect Voting Access and Help End Voter Suppression", "2019-12-06", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Ben Luj\u00e1n", "L000570", "lujan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 06, 2019\n\t\t\t Lujn Statement on Bill to Protect Voting Access and Help End Voter Suppression \n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on the House passage of legislation to protect access to the ballot box and help end voter suppression:  The Supreme Court's reckless decision to gut the Voting Rights Act opened the doors to voter suppression that has continued to disenfranchise communities of color and Native communities. No eligible person should be denied the fundamental right to vote, but we know that efforts to block access to the ballot box are deliberate, political, and undeniably damaging to impacted communities.  Civil rights giants  including those who serve in this Congress  fought for our right to vote. We have a responsibility to continue that fight by pushing back against every attempt to disenfranchise voters. As we celebrate this victory, we also continue to push for passage of the Native American Voting Rights Act to safeguard Native voting rights.  Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tLauren French(202) 225-6190 \n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://torressmall.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-torres-small-votes-restore-full-strength-voting-right-act", "Congresswoman Torres Small Votes to Restore Full Strength of Voting Right Act", "2019-12-06", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Xochitl Torres Small", "T000484", "torressmall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congresswoman Xochitl Torres Small (NM-2) issued the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019:\nThe right to vote is the foundation for our country's representative democracy. In 2013, the Supreme Court tasked Congress with improving the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in order to further strengthen and protect citizens' right to vote. Today, we've answered that call. This legislation will eliminate the barriers to democratic participation to ensure New Mexicans, including those living in rural communities and Indian Country, are not excluded from our most fundamental responsibility as citizens.\nThe Voting Rights Advancement Act restores the complete strength of the Voting Rights Act, after the 2013 Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder struck down Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act. Section 4 determined which states and localities were covered by Section 5, and the Supreme Court ruled that Congress must pass a new formula to determine which states and localities would be subject to preclearance.\nThe Voting Rights Advancement Act restores the full protections of the Voting Rights Act and combats voter suppression by:\n \nUpdating the preclearance formula used to determine which states and political subdivisions must pre-clear their voting and registration procedures before they can take effect;\n\tIncreasing transparency by requiring reasonable public notice for voting changes;\n\tAllowing the Attorney General authority to request federal observers be present anywhere in the country where there is a serious threat of racial discrimination in voting; and\n\tIncreasing accessibility and protections for Native American and Alaska Native voters.\n \n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://torressmall.house.gov/media/press-releases/torres-small-announces-2019-livestock-loss-re-cooperation-outreach-meeting", "Torres Small Announces 2019 Livestock Loss Re-cooperation Outreach Meeting", "2019-12-06", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Xochitl Torres Small", "T000484", "torressmall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCCongresswoman Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM-2) issued the following public notice on the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) Outreach meeting hosted by the Socorro-Catron Farm Service Agency. LIP provides benefits to livestock producers for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather or attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the Federal Government.\nMeet with staff from the Socorro-Catron, Sierra Offices and the State Office for an informational meeting to learn more about livestock deaths caused by eligible conditions including animal attacks (wolves). Please call the Socorro-Catron (575-894-2563) or Sierra FSA Office (575-835-2563) for questions regarding this meeting.\nEvent details:\nWHAT: 2019 Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) Outreach Meeting\nWHEN: Tuesday, December 10th at 1:00pm MT\nWHERE: Catron County Fair Building, 73 Lane Rd, Reserve, NM 87830\nPersons with disabilities who require accommodations to attend or participate in this meeting should contact Jordanna Gurule 575-894-2563 or Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/in-key-hearing-heinrich-demands-answers-on-administration-abandoning-kurdish-allies-in-syria", "In Key Hearing, Heinrich Demands Answers On Administration Abandoning Kurdish Allies In Syria", "2019-12-06", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In Key Hearing, Heinrich Demands Answers On Administration Abandoning Kurdish Allies In Syria\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSenator Heinrich is warning of the dangerous precedent this sets for U.S. relations in the region\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 6, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 5, 2019)  In a key Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) questioned Secretary of Defense for Policy John C. Rood on the Trump administration's reckless decision to withdraw U.S. forces from northern Syria. The removal of U.S. forces from the region in early October extinguished trust and partnerships with Kurdish allies and expelled countless, innocent civilians from their homes.\r\nVIDEO: Heinrich Demands Answers On Administration Abandoning Kurdish Allies In Syria[HD DOWNLOAD LINK HERE]\r\nIn October, Senator Heinrich, who also serves on the Senate Intelligence Committee, condemned the Trump administration's reckless, irresponsible decision.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://haaland.house.gov/media/press-releases/bipartisan-bill-introduced-house-improve-housing-conditions-indian-country", "Bipartisan Bill Introduced in House to Improve Housing Conditions in Indian Country", "2019-12-05", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Debra Haaland", "H001080", "haaland.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Representatives Denny Heck (D-WA), Scott Tipton (R-CO), Deb Haaland (D-NM), Tom Cole (R-OK), Ben Ray Lujn (D-NM), Don Young (R-AK), Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), and Gwen Moore (D-WI) introduced a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) through 2024. NAHASDA provides federal funding and assistance to tribes to ensure that their members can access safe, affordable housing.\nThe data is disturbingly clear: Indian Country is facing a severe housing crisis,said Heck. NAHASDA is one of the best tools Congress wields to respond to this crisis, yet, NAHASDA programs have stood expired for years. If Congress wants to get serious about fulfilling its federal trust responsibility when it comes to housing, we must dust off our #1 policy toolNAHASDAand pass a bill to reauthorize these critical programs.\n\"NAHASDA plays an important role in providing Native American tribes with affordable housing options,\"said Tipton. \"With the block grants and loan opportunities available to them in this reauthorization, tribal communities can continue to make strides to create good and affordable housing a reality on their own terms.\"\n\"Housing is a necessity for families to grow and thrive, but the federal government continues to fail to uphold the trust responsibility to Native Nations creating severe housing shortages in Indian Country, which was even further exacerbated when the Native Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act expired. The Native House Assistance and Self Determination Act is a critical measure to ensure Tribes can exercise self-governance. We're working to improve housing assistance programs for Tribes, so folks can raise their families in safe and affordable homes,\"said Haaland.\nProviding housing for Native Americans is a trust obligation of the United States Government,said Cole. For those living in Indian Country, particularly on reservations and without adequate housing, the federal government has a responsibility to undertake this issue. As an original cosponsor of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act, I am proud to be one of many introducing this bipartisan legislation to reauthorize funding for tribal housing across the country.\nIt is my privilege to support reauthorization of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act and to support Congress' efforts to provide culturally responsive housing assistance for Native peoples,said Lujn. We cannot forget the role that safe and secure homes have in sustaining community health, especially for our service members. That is why I am proud to have my Tribal HUD-VASH bill authorizing housing assistance for Native veterans included in this legislation. Assuring domestic nations have the resources they require to tailor housing solutions to their citizenry is a crucial part of our trust obligation and our promise to safeguard Tribal sovereignty. I look forward to working with Rep. Heck, my colleagues in Congress, and Native Nations in moving this bold piece of legislation forward in the 116th Congress.\n\"NAHASDA is a fundamental component of upholding the federal trust responsibility to our nation's Indigenous Peoples and Alaska Natives. The housing programs it supports have a proven track record of success, although tremendous needs still exist in Native communities across the country,said Young. This introduction reflects years of work with tribes and Native organizations to develop and advance the best approach for reauthorizing NAHASDA and combating some of the tragically inadequate housing conditions in the nation. The policy improvements within this legislation are long overdue, and I am grateful to Congressman Denny Heck and my fellow cosponsors for their leadership on this critical issue. I look forward to working with my friends on both sides of the aisle to once again move this legislation towards final passage.\"\nI am pleased to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation that respects Tribal sovereignty and meets our trust obligation to Native Americans by providing funding for low-income housing,\"said Moore. \"Native people experience some of the highest levels of poverty and, too often, this means that they experience some of the most severe shortages of quality housing. NAHASDA is a proven poverty alleviating program that uplifts Native tribes. I look forward to working with my bipartisan allies in Congress to pass this legislation.\n\"I'm excited to see Congress reintroduce a new NAHASDA reauthorization bill,\"said Gary Cooper, Chairman of the NAIHC Board of Directors and Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation. \"The NAHASDA programs hasn't been updated since 2008, and tribes deserve the needed certainty that reauthorization would provide. While the bill would authorize and update NAHASDA, I applaud Congressman Heck and all the cosponsors on including language in the bill that would make a number of other federal housing programs work better for Indian Country. While the bill may not include everything on tribes' wishlists for housing, it is a strong start, and I look forward to working with Congressman Heck, the Financial Services Committee and all of Congress to get this bill passed.\"\nThe Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2019 would reauthorize NAHASDA programs, including the Native American Housing Block Grant, the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant, and loan guarantee programs.\nThe bill also includes provisions to update NAHASDA and improve the federal response to the housing crisis in Indian Country more generally. The bill authorizes critical programs like the tribal HUD-VASH program and the Native American Housing Block Grant Competitive Grant Program.\nNative Americans living in tribal areas experience some of the poorest housing conditions in the U.S., and are several times more likely to live in housing that is physically substandard or overcrowded than the U.S. population as a whole. They are also more likely to live in poverty than the general population, further contributing to housing problems. In light of these conditions and the federal government's trust responsibility to Native American tribes, Congress has provided funding for Native American housing programs for several decades.\nIn 1996, Congress passed the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) to respond to the housing crisis in Indian Country. NAHASDA authorizes the Native American Housing Block Grant (NAHBG) and the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant (NHHBG), which tribes and tribally-designated housing authorities can use to fund a range of affordable housing activities to benefit low-income tribal households. NAHASDA also authorizes loan guarantee programs to encourage mortgage lending on tribal lands and to help tribes obtain private financing for housing activities.\nIn 2015, HUD estimated that over 100,000 housing units have been built, acquired, or rehabilitated since the NAHBG began. The NHHBG has been used to build, acquire, or rehabilitate nearly 600 homes since the program began, and to provide services or training to another 1,500 households.\nThe authorization for most NAHASDA programs expired at the end of Fiscal Year 2013. The Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant program has not been reauthorized since its initial authorization expired at the end of Fiscal Year 2005.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://haaland.house.gov/media/press-releases/haaland-will-vote-yes-impeachment", "Haaland Will Vote Yes on Impeachment", "2019-12-05", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Debra Haaland", "H001080", "haaland.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM-01) released the following statement after Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced that the U.S. House will move forward with articles of impeachment:\nNo president should be able to abuse the power of the presidency for personal gain. However, as we've moved through the impeachment inquiry, the facts are indisputable and have proven over and over that President Trump betrayed his oath of office by putting our national security at risk with a bribe for his personal and political gain. Not only that, he corrupted and abused the office of the President.\nThis is a fight for our democracy, and President Trump puts our democracy at risk. I will proudly cast my vote to live up to our responsibility to ensure that no one, not even the president, is above the law.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://haaland.house.gov/media/press-releases/haalands-bill-bolster-efforts-address-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-s", "Haaland's Bill to Bolster Efforts to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women\u2019s Crisis Clears House Natural Resources Committee", "2019-12-05", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Debra Haaland", "H001080", "haaland.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Congresswoman Deb Haaland's (NM-01) Justice for Native Women Survivors of Sexual Violence Act (H.R. 3977) cleared the committee mark up and is one step closer to bolster efforts to address the missing and murdered indigenous women's crisis. American Indians and Alaskan Natives experience physical and sexual violence at disproportionate rates compared to any other group of people in the United States. The Justice for Native Women Survivors of Sexual Violence Act will restore criminal jurisdiction to tribal courts so they can prosecute cases of sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking crimes in Indian Country.\n\"No woman should ever be denied basic human rights protections, especially when the justification for denying a woman access to legal recourse after being sexually assaulted rests on where she lives and her race. Public safety in Indian Country should be a top priority, because Native women are experiencing violence at alarming rates -- this is a national crisis. By passing this bill out of committee it shows that we're moving toward finally seeking justice for Native American women. said Congresswoman Deb Haaland, Vice Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee.\nCurrently, crimes of sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking committed against American Indian and Alaskan Native women by non-tribal members within Indian Country cannot be prosecuted by tribal courts. The Justice for Native Survivors of Sexual Violence Act will reduce the devastating disparities in how justice is applied to protect victims and deter future violent crimes against Native women. Reports have shown that more than 4 in 5 American Indian and Alaskan Native women have experienced some form of violence in their lives. Despite these alarming rates, tribal governments continue to be denied jurisdiction to prosecute these crimes of sexual abuse against female tribal members.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lujan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujn-statement-on-ending-unwanted-and-illegal-robocalls", "Luj\u00e1n Statement on Ending Unwanted and Illegal Robocalls", "2019-12-05", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Ben Luj\u00e1n", "L000570", "lujan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 05, 2019\n\t\t\t Lujn Statement on Ending Unwanted and Illegal Robocalls \n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  Congressman Ben Ray Lujn, the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, issued the following statement on the House passage of legislation to end unwanted and illegal robocalls:  Across the United States, scammers are flooding our phonelines and breaking the law with robocalls. These calls are not only a nuisance  they are scams and threats that undermine the trust of consumers. New Mexicans need and deserve more control and transparency over who is calling them, which is exactly why I co-sponsored and voted for the TRACED Act. I'm proud of the bipartisan, bicameral work that went into this legislation that will help hold scammers accountable and end robocalls.  Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tAdan Serna(202) 225-6190 \n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lujan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujn-statement-on-the-us-house-of-representatives-moving-forward-with-impeachment", "Luj\u00e1n Statement on the U.S. House of Representatives Moving Forward With Impeachment", "2019-12-05", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Ben Luj\u00e1n", "L000570", "lujan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 05, 2019\n\t\t\t Lujn Statement on the U.S. House of Representatives Moving Forward With Impeachment \n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on the House drafting articles of impeachment against President Trump:  The United States Congress has a responsibility to uphold our Constitution and protect this country from irrevocable harm. The American people have heard from firsthand witnesses of President Trump's corruption and seen his abuses of power laid bare. It is now an uncontested fact: The President put his political interests ahead of the interests of our nation. Inaction in the face of this lawlessness would be a dereliction of our oath of office, which is why the President's behavior mandates that the House moves forward with articles of impeachment.  Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tLauren French(202) 225-6190 \n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://haaland.house.gov/media/press-releases/tomorrow-haaland-continue-work-ensure-military-families-have-safe-housing", "Haaland to Continue Work to Ensure Military Families Have Safe Housing", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Debra Haaland", "H001080", "haaland.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.Tomorrow,December 5, 2019, Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM-01) will continue her work to ensure military families have safe housing during a House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee with private housing contractors.\n\t\t\t\tWHO:\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tCongresswoman Deb Haaland, Members of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWHAT:\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tHouse Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee Hearing: Privatized Housing: Are Conditions Improving for Our Military Families?\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWHEN:\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 5, 2019 at 1 p.m. ET/11 a.m. MT\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWHERE:\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tRayburn House Office Building 2118 and onlinehere\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWITNESSES:\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tJohn G. Picerne\n\t\t\t\tFounder & CEO\n\t\t\t\tCorvias Group, LLC\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMr. John Ehle\n\t\t\t\tPresident, Hunt Military Communities\n\t\t\t\tHunt Companies, Inc.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tDenis Hickey\n\t\t\t\tChief Executive Officer\n\t\t\t\tLendlease Americas\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tRichard C. Taylor\n\t\t\t\tPresident, Facility Operations, Renovations & Construction\n\t\t\t\tBalfour Beatty Communities\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tJarl Bliss\n\t\t\t\tPresident\n\t\t\t\tLincoln Military Housing\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\nEarlier this year, reports surfaced outlining conditions that Military families in New Mexico and around the country were facing in their military homes, including mold, lead exposure, and rodent infestation. The scathing reports led Congresswoman Deb Haaland to introduce the Military Housing Oversight and Service Member Protection Act. The legislation prioritizes military families safety by creating oversight measures to asses housing conditions, increases transparency around housing complaints and company housing contracts, and ensures military families are appropriately compensated for developing medical conditions due to unsafe housing.\nDuring a 21-hour markup of the National Defense Authorization Act, Haaland secured provisions of her Military Housing Oversight and Services Protection Act in the House National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including, the establishment of a tenant bill of rights for military residents, anti-retaliation measure in submitting housing claims, increasing staff to support military housing offices, and addressing mold in military housing. The NDAA is currently being reviewed by a conference committee created to settle differences between the House and Senate versions of the bills.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lujan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujn-kicks-off-capitol-christmas-tree-lighting-ceremony", "Luj\u00e1n Kicks Off Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Ben Luj\u00e1n", "L000570", "lujan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 04, 2019\n\t\t\t Lujn Kicks Off Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony \n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  Today, Congressman Ben Ray Lujn, the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, kicked off the official lighting ceremony for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree delivered from Carson National Forest in New Mexico's Third Congressional District.  An excerpt from Lujn's remarks, as prepared for delivery, are included below:  Thank you for that introduction, and welcome to the 2019 Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony!  I'm thrilled to be here with you all this evening, and excited to be joined by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and my colleagues from New Mexico, Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, and Congresswomen Deb Haaland and Xochitl Torres Small.  Tonight, we get to share a piece of New Mexico showcased in front of the United States Capitol Building. For the New Mexicans in the crowd and watching from home, tonight is incredibly special as we share this piece of the Land of Enchantment with the country.  Even the tree skirt reflects New Mexico. The Zia Symbol is decorated with luminarias and faralitos, red and green chile, the yucca plant, and our iconic hot air balloons.  Decorated with hundreds of ornaments hand-crafted by New Mexicans, this 60-foot blue spruce from the Carson National Forest will be seen by hundreds of thousands of people from around the world.  Already, Americans across the country have gotten a glimpse of the Capitol Christmas Tree during its two-week journey across 30 communities. In New Mexico, our communities and friends would gather in their neighborhoods  excited to share such an integral part of our state, a tree grown from our cherished public lands.  The holidays are a time for us to come together and give thinks, and I'm thankful to be here with all of you on this joyous occasion.  Tonight, with the help of all of you, we will light the Capitol Christmas Tree, ring in the holidays, and celebrate the beautiful diversity of our country.  Thank you  and enjoy the holidays!  Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tAdan Serna(202) 225-6190 \n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-announces-new-mexico-state-director-", "Heinrich Announces New Mexico State Director", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Announces New Mexico State Director \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 4, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 4, 2019)  Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced that Edward Tabet-Cubero will serve as his state director. Tabet-Cubero brings over 20 years of experience in the education, nonprofit and public policy sectors, including serving as the executive director of Learning Alliance of New Mexico and the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty, as well as associate director of Dual Language Education of New Mexico. \r\nThroughout his career, Edward has proven to be a strong advocate and leader committed to enriching the lives of New Mexicans, said Heinrich. I'm proud to have him join our team and am confident he will be a great asset to the work we do every day to create opportunity across the state. \r\nI have long respected Senator Heinrich as a leader of great integrity, who has dedicated his entire career to caring for our people, our land, and our water in New Mexico,\" said Tabet-Cubero. \"I look forward to the opportunity to join a strong state team working in service to our local communities across New Mexico. \r\nTabet-Cubero has promoted educational equity for historically underserved communities as a classroom teacher in the colonias of southern New Mexico, school administrator, education consultant, non-profit administrator, and university instructor at four different institutions of higher learning. \r\nTabet-Cubero has served on various education and policy non-profit boards all focused on improving outcomes for New Mexico's families. He was also a 2014 W.K. Kellogg Foundation community leadership network fellow. Edward has a Master of Arts in bilingual curriculum and instruction and a Bachelor of Arts in foreign languages and Latin American studies, both from New Mexico State University. \r\nSenator Heinrich hired his former State Director Rebecca L. Avitia as his new chief of staff in November.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-cosponsors-legislation-to-help-protect-peoples-personal-data-online-", "Heinrich Cosponsors Legislation To Help Protect People\u2019s Personal Data Online", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Cosponsors Legislation To Help Protect People's Personal Data Online \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThe Data Care Act will stop websites and apps from using personal data to harm users, protect user information from hacks, and hold companies accountable for misuse\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 4, 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 4, 2019)  U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) has joined 15 senators in reintroducing legislation to protect people's personal data online. The Data Care Act would require websites, apps, and other online providers to take responsible steps to safeguard personal information and stop the misuse of users' data.\r\nPrivate and sensitive information about health, family, religious views, and finances collected online through websites and apps should not be exploited due to online provider negligence,\" said Heinrich. This bill will put in place reasonable measures to protect users' personal information and ensure that every American's fundamental right to privacy remains intact.\r\nDoctors, lawyers, and bankers are legally required to exercise special care to protect their clients and not misuse their information. While online companies also hold personal and sensitive information about the people they serve, they are not required to protect consumers' data. This leaves users in a vulnerable position; they are expected to understand the information they give to providers and how it is being used  an unreasonable expectation for even the most tech-savvy consumer. By establishing an explicit duty for online providers, Americans can trust that their online data is protected and used in a responsible way.\r\nThe Data Care Act establishes reasonable duties that will require providers to protect user data and will prohibit providers from using user data to their detriment:\r\n \r\nDuty of Care  Must reasonably secure individual identifying data and promptly inform users of data breaches that involve sensitive information;\r\nDuty of Loyalty  May not use individual identifying data in ways that harm users;\r\nDuty of Confidentiality  Must ensure that the duties of care and loyalty extend to third parties when disclosing, selling, or sharing individual identifying data;\r\nFederal and State Enforcement  A violation of the duties will be treated as a violation of an FTC rule with fine authority. States may also bring civil enforcement actions, but the FTC can intervene. States and the FTC may go after both first- and third-party data collectors.\r\nRulemaking Authority  FTC is granted rulemaking authority to implement the Act.\r\n \r\nThe Data Care Act is sponsored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai'i) and in addition to Heinrich is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/amid-e-cigarette-public-health-crisis-udall-and-senators-slam-trump-administrations-reversal-on-strong-tobacco-regulation", "Amid E-Cigarette Public Health Crisis, Udall and Senators Slam Trump Administration\u2019s Reversal on Strong Tobacco Regulation", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 04, 2019\n\t\t\t Amid E-Cigarette Public Health Crisis, Udall and Senators Slam Trump Administration's Reversal on Strong Tobacco Regulation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t After meeting with industry, Trump administration backed away from recent promise to ban all flavored e-cigarettes that had not undergone FDA review\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON Amid a national public health crisis,U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.)joined 22 Senate Democrats to call out the Trump administration's recent flip-flop to abandon a critical pledge to clear the market of unauthorized, flavored e-cigarettes.\r\nDespite President Trump's public commitment to pull any unapproved, non-tobacco flavored products from the market in September amid epidemic usage rates by youth and ongoing instances nationwide of severe lung disease, the Trump administration has suddenly reversed course and once again is putting the profits of tobacco companies ahead of the country's public health. The New Mexico Department of Health hasreported20 hospitalizations of individuals suffering from vaping-related lung disease across the state.\r\nThe nation is in the midst of a public health crisis, with millions of children facing potential addiction to tobacco products and people across the country at risk of deadly illness. Yet, according to press reports, you plan to take no meaningful action to address the youth vaping epidemic and vaping-related injuries. Further, your Administration has reportedly backed away from plans to implement a policy to reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes,the senators wrote.\r\nThe latest reversals are part of a larger pattern from the Trump administration of walking back, watering down, and abandoning proposals to address the epidemic of rising youth tobacco use. In 2017, the Trump administration punted critical regulation deadlines of e-cigarettes, allowing products to remain on the market with no review. New data show that between 2017 and 2019, e-cigarette use among high school students has more than doubled, and e-cigarette use among middle school students has more than tripled.\r\nThe senators continued,Your Administration's continued delay in protecting youth from tobacco, including by failing to deliver the policies you promised, is an irresponsible abdication of the government's obligation to protect the public health.It is unconscionable that the President of the United States is willing to allow special interests to stand in the way of protecting the millions of children using tobacco products that, in your own words, are very dangerous.'\r\nIn addition to Udall, the letter was signed by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Sherrod Brown (D-OH),Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ed Markey (D-MA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).\r\nThe full letter is below and availablehere.\r\nDear President Trump:\r\nWe write to express our outrage at your decision to ignore public health when it comes to addressing the dangers of tobacco and to understand whether your Administration has assessed the risks of your inaction. The nation is in the midst of a public health crisis, with millions of children facing potential addiction to tobacco products and people across the country at risk of deadly illness. Yet, according to press reports, you plan to take no meaningful action to address the youth vaping epidemic and vaping-related injuries. Further, your Administration has reportedly backed away from plans to implement a policy to reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes.\r\nTobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death, disability, and disease in the United States, and nearly all tobacco use begins during youth and young adulthood.[1] Yet your Administration has taken many steps to walk back, water down, and abandon proposals to address the dangers of tobacco use and nicotine addiction and shown an alarming willingness to put tobacco companies' profits ahead of the health and wellbeing of our families and children. Unfortunately, instead of listening to the data, science, and warnings from countless public health experts and advocatesyour Administration stands by its decisions to delay strong action and allow an explosion in youth vaping. In the last month, you have twice chosen to heed the interests of the tobacco industry over public health.\r\nThe Trump Administration Walks Away From Promised Action on Flavored E-Cigarettes After Industry Pressure\r\nOn September 11, 2019, apparently recognizing the dangers associated with e-cigarette use, you spoke from the Oval Office with First Lady Melania Trump, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar, and then-Acting FDA Commissioner Ned Sharpless about your concerns with vaping and commitment to very strong rules [and] regulations.[2] The same day, FDA issued a statement committing to finaliz[ing] a compliance policy in the coming weeks that would prioritize the agency's enforcement of the premarket authorization requirements for non-tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes, including mint and menthol, clearing the market of unauthorized, non-tobacco-flavored e-cigarette products.[3]\r\nIn a press release, HHS Secretary Azar said, we intend to clear the market of flavored e-cigarettes to reverse the deeply concerning epidemic of youth e-cigarette use that is impacting children, families, schools and communities.[4] Acting FDA Commissioner Sharpless expressed support for your and Secretary Azar's leadership on this issue, saying, We must act swiftly against flavored e-cigarette products that are especially attractive to children. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Robert Redfield said, CDC strongly supports FDA's announcement today that it intends to finalize an enforcement policy that will clear non-tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes from the market. This is an important step in response to the epidemic of e-cigarette use among our Nation's youth.[5] The American Lung Association called the announcement a vital and positive step to address the youth e-cigarette epidemic.[6] The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids said this is a necessary and long-overdue step, and said the ban must be comprehensive, immediate and long-lasting.[7]\r\nYet, in the weeks following the September announcement, the tobacco and vaping industries lobbied against the policy. A poll commissioned for the Vapor Technology Association  a trade association working on behalf of the e-cigarette industry  examined views exclusively among voters who vape and found negative results for your Administration, despite the fact that there is widespread support for banning flavored e-cigarettes.[8] A coalition of conservative interest groups advocated against the policy on behalf of the vape shops.[9]\r\nOn November 4, the Office of Management Budget (OMB) cleared a policy removing candy, fruit, and mint flavors from the market within 30 days.[10] That policy already included a major concession to industry  the exemption of menthol products. Later that evening, however, you reportedly chose not to finalize the policy, indicating the vaping industry proved more persuasive than the harm their products have already caused to the health and future of millions of children. The continued influence of the vaping industry and other stakeholders on your White House and public health policy is deeply alarming.\r\nThe Trump Administration Shelves Long-Announced Proposal to Reduce Nicotine Levels in Cigarettes\r\nIn March 2018, FDA announced the agency planned to take action to reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes to minimally or non-addictive levels, describing the proposal as help[ing] limit the addictiveness of the most toxic and widely used tobacco products, which would have significant public health benefits for youth, young adults, and adults, as well as potentially vast economic benefits.[11] FDA scientists published an article in the New England Journal of Medicine about the potential public health effects of taking such steps to reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes.[12] The nicotine reduction policy was announced concurrently with this Administration's unacceptable four-year delay in the public health review of e-cigarettes  a delay that allowed the explosion in youth vaping  and in fact was used as a justification for FDA's inaction.\r\nOn November 20, your Administration further walked back efforts to address addiction to tobacco products, indicating it would no longer consider this policy to reduce the level of nicotine in cigarettes.[13] Public health advocates, including former FDA Commissioner Robert Califf, expressed disappointment in the decision to abandon the proposal.[14] Again, your Administration seems to be caving to the requests of the tobacco industry rather than prioritizing public health.\r\nYour Administration's continued delay in protecting youth from tobacco, including by failing to deliver the policies you promised, is an irresponsible abdication of the government's obligation to protect the public health. It is unconscionable that the President of the United States is willing to allow special interests to stand in the way of protecting the millions of children using tobacco products that, in your own words, are very dangerous.[15] We request answers to the following questions to explain your Administration's actions by no later than December 10, 2019:\r\nAre the reports that you refused to finalize the policy to remove non-tobacco flavored e-cigarettes from the market accurate?\r\nWith whom did your Administration consult on the policy, and subsequent reversal of the policy, to remove non-tobacco flavored e-cigarettes from the market?\r\nDid you consult with public health organizations?\r\nDid you consult with the vaping industry?\r\nDid any individual or organization advise that failing to implement this policy would benefit public health?\r\nDid any officials within HHS, CDC, or FDA advise you against finalizing the policy to remove non-tobacco flavored e-cigarettes from the market? Are the reports that FDA intends to halt its work on nicotine reduction in cigarettes accurate?\r\nWith whom did your Administration consult on the policy, and subsequent reversal of the policy, to reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes?\r\nDid you consult with public health organizations?\r\nDid you consult with the tobacco industry?\r\nDid any individual or organization advise that failing to implement this policy would benefit public health?\r\nDid any officials within HHS, CDC, or FDA advise you against continuing to pursue the policy to reduce nicotine in cigarettes to minimally or non-addictive levels?\r\nThank you in advance for your attention to this matter. If you have any questions, or would like to discuss compliance with this request, please contact Elizabeth Letter or Andi Fristedt with Senator Murray's HELP Committee Staff at 202-224-0767.\r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-and-photos-udall-delivers-remarks-at-us-capitol-tree-lighting-ceremony", "VIDEO & PHOTOS: Udall Delivers Remarks at U.S. Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 04, 2019\n\t\t\t VIDEO & PHOTOS: Udall Delivers Remarks at U.S. Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t This year's tree traveled over 1,500 miles from Carson National Forest in New Mexico to deliver enchantment for the holiday season\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t VIDEO LINK\r\nPHOTOS LINK\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) delivered remarks at the official lighting ceremony for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. This year's Capitol Christmas Tree, also known as the People's Tree,' is a 60-foot blue spruce from Carson National Forest in New Mexico. The People's Tree is adorned with over 10,000 ornaments handcrafted by New Mexican schoolchildren and community members to reflect the state's culture, history, landscapes, and wildlife.\r\nNew Mexico is immensely honored that this year's Capitol Christmas Tree comes from our state: from the Land of Enchantment  now enchanting the entire nation, Udall said during the lighting ceremony. As we delight in the beauty of the tree before us, let us also appreciate the beauty and majesty of our public lands. Let us recommit ourselves to protecting this natural heritage of ours. This tree from New Mexico now brings light to the nation's capital, lighting the nation with values New Mexicans hold dear: love, diversity, and a celebration of one another New Mexico is a proud multicultural state. Our diversity does not divide us. It defines us.\r\nAs we look upon this great tree, a tree rooted in our great state, let us all remember the strength we achieve when all cultures, races, religions, and people in our nation are united, Udall said.\r\nUdall was joined by New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and the full New Mexico congressional delegation  U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.), Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) and Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.)  as well as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and the Architect of the Capitol, Thomas J. Carroll III.\r\nFollowing Udall's remarks, Chevel Shepherd, a native New Mexican and 2018 winner of NBC's The Voice, performed a rendition of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.\r\nAsher Dean, a fourth-grader from Arroyo Seco, New Mexico and winner of the 2019 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Essay Contest, lit the tree to conclude the ceremony.\r\nUdall's remarks as prepared for delivery are below:\r\nI'm Tom Udall  and I proudly represent New Mexico in the United States Senate.\r\nNew Mexico is immensely honored that this year's Capitol Christmas Tree  the People's Tree  comes from our state. From the Land of Enchantment  now enchanting the entire nation.\r\nThis 68-year old, magnificent, 60-foot blue spruce tree has traveled 2,000 miles across this nation, from Carson National Forest in Northern New Mexico, to our nation's capital.\r\nCarson boasts some of the finest mountain scenery in the nation -- with rugged mountains and peaks, covered with pin?on, juniper, aspen and, of course, spruce.\r\nFor almost 50 years  our national forests have provided the tree that stands tall on the Capitol lawn during the holiday season. From Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont, to Chippewa National Forest in Minnesota, to Klamath National Forest in California, evergreens from our public lands have stood here as a symbol of warmth, giving, and the bounty of this great nation.\r\nAs we delight in the beauty of the tree before us, let us also appreciate the beauty and majesty of our public lands. Let us recommit ourselves to protecting this natural heritage of ours.\r\nThis tree from New Mexico now brings light to the nation's capital, lighting the nation with values New Mexicans hold dear: love, diversity, and a celebration of one another.\r\nThis is a time of celebration for many traditions  Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas.\r\nNew Mexico is a proud multicultural state. Our diversity does not divide us. It defines us.\r\nWe are enriched by the traditions of many cultures. Farolitos or luminarias  depending on which part of our state you hale from: these paper lanterns twinkle along our adobe walls and pathways at night. Native American Pueblos celebrate feast days with magical and mesmerizing dances. The music of Mariachis fills the air.\r\nIn our state, we honor the Zia symbol on our flag. The symbol represents our perfect friendship among united cultures.\r\nLet's take that in: our perfect friendship among united cultures.\r\nAs we look upon this great tree, a tree rooted in our great state, let us all remember the strength we achieve when all cultures, races, religions, and people in our nation are united.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://haaland.house.gov/media/press-releases/democratic-women-s-caucus-hosts-end-year-briefing-recapping-house-efforts", "Democratic Women\u2019s Caucus Hosts End-of-Year Briefing  Recapping House Efforts to Support Women and Families", "2019-12-03", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Debra Haaland", "H001080", "haaland.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. On Wednesday, December 4, the Democratic Women's Caucus (DWC) led by Co-Chairs Lois Frankel (FL-21), Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), and Jackie Speier (CA-14), and Vice Chairs Veronica Escobar (TX-16) and Deb Haaland (NM-01) will hold a member briefing to review actions House Democrats have taken in 2019 to support women and families.\nThis year, the DWC introduced a diverse and progressive legislative agenda that includes legislation to promote economic opportunity, safety and freedom from violence, access to health care and reproductive freedom, support for servicemembers and veterans, and women's global empowerment.\nThe agenda contains groundbreaking legislation House Democrats passed to improve the lives of women and families, including thePaycheck Fairness ActandViolence Against Women Reauthorization Act. The Democratic House has sent Senator McConnell more than 275 bipartisan bills, all of which are still awaiting action in the Senate.\nMembers will be joined by a panel of experts to discuss the necessity of these policies that work For The People.\nThe Democratic Women's Caucus is comprised of all the women Democratic Members in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nWHO:\nRepresentative Lois Frankel (FL-21), Co-Chair, Democratic Women's Caucus\nRepresentative Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14), Co-Chair, Democratic Women's Caucus\nRepresentative Jackie Speier (CA-14), Co-Chair, Democratic Women's Caucus\nRepresentative Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Vice Chair, Democratic Women's Caucus\nRepresentative Deb Haaland (NM-01), Vice Chair, Democratic Women's Caucus\nGretchen Borchelt, National Women's Law Center\nOlivia Golden, Center for Law and Social Policy\nErika Moritsugu, National Partnership for Women and Families\nTerri Poore, National Alliance to End Sexual Violence\n\nWHAT:Democratic Women's Caucus Hosts End-of-Year Briefing Recapping House Efforts to Support Women and Families\nWHEN: Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at 3:00 PM\nWHERE: The Gold Room, Rayburn 2168\nMEDIA RSVP:Olivia.Hodge@mail.house.com\nNOTE: Livestream of the press event will be availablehere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://haaland.house.gov/media/press-releases/democratic-women-s-caucus-hosts-end-year-briefing-recapping-house-efforts-0", "Democratic Women\u2019s Caucus Hosts End-of-Year Briefing  Recapping House Efforts to Support Women and Families", "2019-12-03", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Debra Haaland", "H001080", "haaland.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. On Wednesday, December 4, the Democratic Women's Caucus (DWC) led by Co-Chairs Lois Frankel (FL-21), Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), and Jackie Speier (CA-14), and Vice Chairs Veronica Escobar (TX-16) and Deb Haaland (NM-01) will hold a member briefing to review actions House Democrats have taken in 2019 to support women and families.\nThis year, the DWC introduced a diverse and progressive legislative agenda that includes legislation to promote economic opportunity, safety and freedom from violence, access to health care and reproductive freedom, support for servicemembers and veterans, and women's global empowerment.\nThe agenda contains groundbreaking legislation House Democrats passed to improve the lives of women and families, including thePaycheck Fairness ActandViolence Against Women Reauthorization Act. The Democratic House has sent Senator McConnell more than 275 bipartisan bills, all of which are still awaiting action in the Senate.\nMembers will be joined by a panel of experts to discuss the necessity of these policies that work For The People.\nThe Democratic Women's Caucus is comprised of all the women Democratic Members in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nWHO:\nRepresentative Lois Frankel (FL-21), Co-Chair, Democratic Women's Caucus\nRepresentative Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14), Co-Chair, Democratic Women's Caucus\nRepresentative Jackie Speier (CA-14), Co-Chair, Democratic Women's Caucus\nRepresentative Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Vice Chair, Democratic Women's Caucus\nRepresentative Deb Haaland (NM-01), Vice Chair, Democratic Women's Caucus\nGretchen Borchelt, National Women's Law Center\nOlivia Golden, Center for Law and Social Policy\nErika Moritsugu, National Partnership for Women and Families\nTerri Poore, National Alliance to End Sexual Violence\n\nWHAT:Democratic Women's Caucus Hosts End-of-Year Briefing Recapping House Efforts to Support Women and Families\nWHEN: Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at 3:00 PM\nWHERE: The Gold Room, Rayburn 2168\nMEDIA RSVP:Olivia.Hodge@mail.house.com\nNOTE: Livestream of the press event will be availablehere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://haaland.house.gov/media/press-releases/nm-delegation-applauds-economic-development-grant-help-northwest-new-mexico", "NM Delegation Applauds Economic Development Grant to Help Northwest New Mexico", "2019-12-03", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Debra Haaland", "H001080", "haaland.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONU.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.)andMartin Heinrich (D-N.M.)andU.S. Representatives Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.), Deb Haaland (D-N.M.)andXochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.)announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded the Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments (NWNMCOG) a $988,400 grant to expand its current effortsto diversify the economy in Cibola, McKinley, and San Juan Counties. The EDA grant adds to $540,000 in state investment in the regional economic development group.\nThe grant will help NWNMCOG complete preliminary site studies for the Milan Industrial Park, an economic incubator designed to attract new business investment to the local community. The program is paired with funding to create a new curriculum for displaced workers to facilitate re-training and re-entry into the regional workforce.\nThis grant will providecritical support for northwest New Mexico to diversify and grow the regional economy at a time of significant change for these communities,Udall said.I am dedicated to helping local economic development efforts like this one, and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for federal funding that helps our New Mexico communities improve their economic opportunities by attracting new businesses and boosting job training.\nI am proud to welcome this federal funding that will help train workers for growing fields and attract new businesses to northwestern New Mexico,Heinrich said.Hardworking families impacted by changes in the energy sector have earned our full support as we work to create new career opportunities and whole new industries in this region. I am fully committed to the long-term success of the evolving northwestern New Mexico economy.\nBolstering local economies is critical for the economic success of our state. I'm proud to announce this grant to invest in northwest New Mexico and build on efforts to grow jobs and the economy,said Assistant Speaker Lujn.\nInvesting in a diverse economy in our state creates jobs and builds stability for our communities, but rural companies have more difficulties accessing tools to grow their businesses,said Haaland.This grant funding will not only provide local communities with job training and business developmentit will also attract new industries so our entire state has access to economic prosperity.\nIt's imperative that we find ways to diversify and support our region's economy at both state and federal levels,said Torres Small.This important investment in local economic development efforts will help strengthen our workforce and expand new business opportunities. I remain committed to working with all sectors of our economy towards continued growth.\nThe grant is part of theAssistance to Coal Communities (ACC) program, through which EDA will award funds on a competitive basis to assist communities severely impacted by the declining use of coal through activities and programs that support economic diversification, job creation, capital investment, workforce development, and re-employment opportunities.\nThe Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments is an EDA-recognized Economic Development District that operates on behalf of the local governments of Cibola, McKinley, and San Juan Counties.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://haaland.house.gov/media/press-releases/nm-delegation-highlights-seven-department-justice-grants-strengthen-public", "NM Delegation Highlights Seven Department of Justice Grants to Strengthen Public Safety and Public Health", "2019-12-03", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Debra Haaland", "H001080", "haaland.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONU.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.)andMartin Heinrich (D-N.M.)andU.S. Representatives Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.), Deb Haaland (D-N.M.)andXochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.)announced the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) awarded seven public safety grants to the City of Albuquerque, the New Mexico Department of Public Safety, and Bernalillo, Dona Ana and Sierra counties.\nTwo grants will fund Albuquerque's initiative to investigate sexual assault cold cases and reduce the backlog in Sexual Assault Kit testing. A statewide grant is designed to streamline DNA-testing capabilities. The DOJ provided additional funding to Sierra, Doa Ana, and Bernalillo countiestoaddress the opioid crisis on a local level with behavioral health tools.\nThese grants to improve public safety are important steps forward in making New Mexico's communities safer for all. When New Mexicans have the courage to come forward and report a sexual assault, they should be able to rely on public safety officials for a rapid and thorough response,said Udall, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.I have also witnessed the disproportionate toll that the national opioid crisis has taken on New Mexican communities. The grants received today are welcome steps forward in treating the root of the problem as a public health emergency. I am heartened that these programs will build resilience and empower our communities to come together in support of those experiencing addiction.\nIt is critical that New Mexico law enforcement has the resources and capabilities to properly care for survivors of sexual assault and address the opioid crisis that has left communities devastated,said Heinrich. These important grants will allow local agencies across New Mexico raise public health and safety standards so that they can truly help those in need.\nTo best serve New Mexico families, it's crucial that we work together to bolster public safety and public health across our state. Our communities need and deserve the resources necessary to eradicate crime, support sexual assault survivors, and combat the opioid crisis. These grants represent important progress, and I'll continue fighting to strengthen the wellbeing of our communities,said Assistant Speaker Lujn.\nSurvivors of rape and sexual assault deserve justice, but right now our state is still working through a rape kit backlog. This grant funding will help solve and prevent crimes by testing those kits, and it will also give our communities the resources to battle the opioid crisis so our families can heal,said Haaland.\nWhether someone struggles with addiction or bravely reports a sexual assault, everyone deserve to have access to the full range of services they need. I'm proud to join ourdelegationin announcing seven grants that will support programs addressing the roots of these public health crises across our state,said Torres Small.\nA full breakdown of the seven awards is below:\nThe Albuquerque Police Department (APD): $999,999 grant from the DOJ's National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI). This grant will sustain APD's program to address the backlog in untested Sexual Assault Evidence Kits (SAEKs) and implement a statewide tracking system to prevent future backlogs. The kits include DNA evidence of alleged sexual assaults and information with the potential to identify perpetrators. The grant will also fund any investigations resulting from the backlog testing. APD also received $406,107 through the DOJ's the DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program to process the backlog in DNA evidence and update testing equipment.\nThe New Mexico Crime Victims Reparations Commission: $1 million grant to investigate sexual assault cold cases in the 2ndJudicial District Attorney's Office, which will provide funding to test archived SAEKs and run the DNA evidence through a statewide database.\nThe New Mexico Department of Public Safety: $611,967 grant for the DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program to reduce DNA processing turnaround and allocate more resources to forensic scientists in law enforcement.\nBernalillo, Sierra, and Dona Ana counties: $2.7 million in total grants addressing the opioid crisis affecting local communities. The funds connect the counties with the national Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-based Program and standardize databases that track prescription opioids and disburse resources that use community behavioral health interventions to prevent overdose and opioid-related deaths.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1269, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "NM", "p2": "2019"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NM&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 1269, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NM&year=2019&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NM&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1269, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NM&year=2019", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NM&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "NM", "label": "NM", "count": 1269, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2019", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NM&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "2019", "label": "2019", "count": 1269, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NM", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2019-12-03,https~3A~2F~2Fhaaland~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fnm-delegation-highlights-seven-department-justice-grants-strengthen-public", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NM&year=2019&_next=2019-12-03%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fhaaland~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fnm-delegation-highlights-seven-department-justice-grants-strengthen-public&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 347.2508587874472, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}