{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"NM\" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://lujangrisham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujan-grisham-outlines-efforts-improve-disability-access-social-security", "Lujan Grisham Outlines Efforts to Improve Disability Access to Social Security Office", "2015-12-23", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Michelle Lujan Grisham", "L000580", "lujangrisham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ALBUQUERQUE  Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham announced today that city and federal officials are making progress to improve parking, including new metered parking and a drop-off zone for people with disabilities, at the Social Security Administration building in Downtown Albuquerque.\nRep. Lujan Grisham had asked Social Security Commissioner Carolyn W. Colvin for assistance to make the building, which was designed to serve as a call center, more accessible to the public. Officials from the Social Security Administration are working with the federal General Services Administration to design a drop-off zone that will give people, particularly clients with disabilities, easier access to the building.\nThe federal officials are also working with city Planning Department officials who have agreed to install parking meters around the Social Security building, located between 5th and 6th streets and Lead and Coal avenues. The metered parking will give clients more parking options closer to the entrance of the building. Individuals with a handicapped placard will be able to park for free at the metered spaces.\nI appreciate the cooperation between federal and city agencies to get together and do the right thing on behalf of the thousands of people who need services from the Social Security office, Rep. Lujan Grisham said. I wish these details would have been considered and finalized before moving to the Downtown location. I will continue to push for federal legislation that requires federal agencies to analyze the impact on the public before changing locations.\nThe Social Security Administration moved its Albuquerque office in August from a building in Midtown to the Downtown facility that previously served as a teleservice center for SSA. Rep. Lujan Grisham sent a letter and spoke on the phone with Commissioner Colvin, who agreed to pursue a secure drop-off zone for the disabled or wheel-chair bound clients. She also spoke with regional and local officials about parking and other concerns.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://lujangrisham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/udall-heinrich-lujan-lujan-grisham-secure-pledge-dhs-real-id-enforcement", "Udall, Heinrich, Lujan, Lujan Grisham Secure Pledge from DHS on REAL ID Enforcement", "2015-12-23", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Michelle Lujan Grisham", "L000580", "lujangrisham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and Representatives Ben Ray Lujn and Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has informed them that the state of New Mexico can still get an extension of the deadline for REAL ID enforcement if Gov. Susana Martinez and the leadership of the N.M. House and Senate can verify to DHS that they agree on legislation that ensures REAL ID compliance.\nSeeking answers on behalf of New Mexicans about the standards and procedures that DHS will follow to enforce REAL ID, the state's Democratic congressional delegation recently held a joint meeting with DHS Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. As of Jan. 10, 2016, New Mexico drivers' licenses will no longer be considered valid forms of identification to enter federal facilities because the governor and the legislature have not agreed to pass a law bringing the state's drivers' licenses into compliance with the the REAL ID Act of 2005. But Mayorkas pledged to the congressional leaders that DHS would delay enforcement if New Mexico takes steps before Jan. 10 to prove that the governor and legislators are committed to complying with the law this year.\n\"It is still possible for the State of New Mexico to request, and receive, an extension of the deadline for REAL ID enforcement,\" the congressional lawmakers wrote in a letter to Martinez on Dec. 18, informing her of Mayorkas' promise. \"Mr. Mayorkas stated that DHS will grant the state an extension if the Department receives a letter stating that your administration and the leadership of the state House and Senate have an agreement on legislation that ensures REAL ID compliance; that the leadership will bring the bill up for a vote at the upcoming legislative session; and that you will sign the bill into law if it passes.\"\n\"Our offices remain in close contact with DHS and we stand ready to support a request for an extension that allows the legislature time to pass a bipartisan, pragmatic solution that ensures New Mexicans can continue to access federal facilities and airports in the months to come,\" Udall, Heinrich, Lujn and Lujan Grisham continued in their letter. \"The ongoing uncertainty about accessing federal facilities is an undue burden on the men and women who work at these facilities. We hope that your administration and the legislature will act expeditiously to resolve this issue.\"\nThe congressional lawmakers added that DHS has granted extensions to other states -- including New Hampshire -- based on anticipated actions in upcoming legislative sessions.\nAlso during their conversation with DHS officials, Udall, Heinrich, Lujn and Lujan Grisham urged DHS to clear up confusion about what form of identification will be required after Jan. 10 to enter a military base in the state of New Mexico. Numerous constituents have contacted the congressional offices reporting that the state's military bases are planning on following conflicting procedures. Mayorkas agreed to contact the Department of Defense (DoD) immediately to ensure that DoD provides the proper guidance to the states military installations about what form of identification will be needed for entry once REAL ID goes into effect.\nFinally, the congressional lawmakers asked Mayorkas for clarification about whether New Mexico residents will be able to board commercial flights with a New Mexico driver's license after Jan. 10. DHS clearly stated that residents traveling by air from any state, including New Mexico, will still be allowed to use a drivers license, or any of the various other forms of identification accepted by the Transportation Security Administration. The agency also pledged to provide clear guidance about when REAL ID enforcement will be implemented for boarding commercial aircraft, with a minimum of 120 days notice before enforcement begins.\nThe lawmakers' letter to Martinez is available HERE and below:\n\nThe Honorable Susana Martinez\nGovernor of New Mexico\n490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Room 400\nSanta Fe, NM 87501\n\nDear Governor Martinez:\nWith the upcoming deadline for enforcement of the REAL ID Act of 2005, we wanted to inform you that we recently spoke with Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to discuss the standards and procedures that will be used as of January 10, 2016 for entering federal buildings and facilities in New Mexico. \nBecause our state is the home to many secure federal facilities, we requested that DHS immediately contact the Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure that DoD provides the proper guidance to our states military installations. DHS has clearly stated that residents traveling by air from any state, including New Mexico, are still able to use a drivers license, or any of the various other forms of identification accepted by the Transportation Security Administration. However, to address misinformation, we requested that DHS provide further clarification about the timeline for REAL ID enforcement for boarding commercial aircraft.\nDeputy Secretary Mayorkas assured us that he will direct his office to work with DoD to ensure the states military installations receive immediate guidance regarding entry and alternate procedures to be made available by each facility. Additionally, the Deputy Secretary informed us that DHS will provide an update for enforcement for boarding aircraft with adequate time for compliance with federal agency procedures.\nDuring our discussion, Deputy Secretary Mayorkas also informed us that it is still possible for the State of New Mexico to request, and receive, an extension of the deadline for REAL ID enforcement. Mr. Mayorkas stated that DHS will grant the state an extension if the Department receives a letter stating that your administration and the leadership of the state House and Senate have an agreement on legislation that ensures REAL ID compliance; that the leadership will bring the bill up for a vote at the upcoming legislative session; and that you will sign the bill into law if it passes. Other states, such as New Hampshire, have requested and been granted extensions based on anticipated actions in upcoming legislative sessions.\nOur offices remain in close contact with DHS and we stand ready to support a request for an extension that allows the legislature time to pass a bipartisan, pragmatic solution that ensures New Mexicans can continue to access federal facilities and airports in the months to come.\nThe ongoing uncertainty about accessing federal facilities is an undue burden on the men and women who work at these facilities. We hope that your administration and the legislature will act expeditiously to resolve this issue.\nThank you for your attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,\nU.S. Senator Tom Udall\nU.S. Senator Martin Heinrich\nU.S. Representative Ben Ray Lujn\nU.S. Representative Michelle Lujan Grisham", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/in-the-news/albuquerque-journal-85m-approved-for-upgrade-of-columbus-port-of-entry", "Albuquerque Journal: $85M approved for upgrade of Columbus Port of Entry", "2015-12-23", "2015", "2015-12", "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\tLoretto Towne Center\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t505 South Main St., Ste. 148\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.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-lujn-and-lujan-grisham-secure-pledge-from-dhs-that-nm-can-get-delay-of-real-id-enforcement-if-governor-and-legislature-agree-on-real-id-fix", "Udall, Heinrich, Luján and Lujan Grisham Secure Pledge from DHS that NM Can get Delay of REAL ID Enforcement if Governor and Legislature Agree on REAL ID Fix", "2015-12-23", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Udall, Heinrich, Lujn and Lujan Grisham Secure Pledge from DHS that NM Can get Delay of REAL ID Enforcement if Governor and Legislature Agree on REAL ID Fix\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAlso at Congressional lawmakers' urging: DHS will act immediately to work with DoD and provide clear guidance on how REAL ID will apply to military installations\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 23, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and Representatives Ben Ray Lujn and Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has informed them that the state of New Mexico can still get an extension of the deadline for REAL ID enforcement if Gov. Susana Martinez and the leadership of the N.M. House and Senate can verify to DHS that they agree on legislation that ensures REAL ID compliance.\r\nSeeking answers on behalf of New Mexicans about the standards and procedures that DHS will follow to enforce REAL ID, the state's Democratic congressional delegation recently held a joint meeting with DHS Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. As of Jan. 10, 2016, New Mexico drivers' licenses will no longer be considered valid forms of identification to enter federal facilities because the governor and the legislature have not agreed to pass a law bringing the state's drivers' licenses into compliance with the the REAL ID Act of 2005. But Mayorkas pledged to the congressional leaders that DHS would delay enforcement if New Mexico takes steps before Jan. 10 to prove that the governor and legislators are committed to complying with the law this year.\r\n\"It is still possible for the State of New Mexico to request, and receive, an extension of the deadline for REAL ID enforcement,\" the congressional lawmakers wrote in a letter to Martinez on Dec. 18, informing her of Mayorkas' promise. \"Mr. Mayorkas stated that DHS will grant the state an extension if the Department receives a letter stating that your administration and the leadership of the state House and Senate have an agreement on legislation that ensures REAL ID compliance; that the leadership will bring the bill up for a vote at the upcoming legislative session; and that you will sign the bill into law if it passes.\"\r\n\"Our offices remain in close contact with DHS and we stand ready to support a request for an extension that allows the legislature time to pass a bipartisan, pragmatic solution that ensures New Mexicans can continue to access federal facilities and airports in the months to come,\" Udall, Heinrich, Lujn and Lujan Grisham continued in their letter. \"The ongoing uncertainty about accessing federal facilities is an undue burden on the men and women who work at these facilities. We hope that your administration and the legislature will act expeditiously to resolve this issue.\"\r\nThe congressional lawmakers added that DHS has granted extensions to other states -- including New Hampshire -- based on anticipated actions in upcoming legislative sessions.\r\nAlso during their conversation with DHS officials, Udall, Heinrich, Lujn and Lujan Grisham urged DHS to clear up confusion about what form of identification will be required after Jan. 10 to enter a military base in the state of New Mexico. Numerous constituents have contacted the congressional offices reporting that the state's military bases are planning on following conflicting procedures. Mayorkas agreed to contact the Department of Defense (DoD) immediately to ensure that DoD provides the proper guidance to the states military installations about what form of identification will be needed for entry once REAL ID goes into effect.\r\nFinally, the congressional lawmakers asked Mayorkas for clarification about whether New Mexico residents will be able to board commercial flights with a New Mexico driver's license after Jan. 10. DHS clearly stated that residents traveling by air from any state, including New Mexico, will still be allowed to use a drivers license, or any of the various other forms of identification accepted by the Transportation Security Administration. The agency also pledged to provide clear guidance about when REAL ID enforcement will be implemented for boarding commercial aircraft, with a minimum of 120 days notice before enforcement begins.\r\nThe lawmakers' letter to Martinez is available HERE and below:\r\nThe Honorable Susana Martinez\r\nGovernor of New Mexico\r\n490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Room 400\r\nSanta Fe, NM 87501\r\nDear Governor Martinez:\r\nWith the upcoming deadline for enforcement of the REAL ID Act of 2005, we wanted to inform you that we recently spoke with Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to discuss the standards and procedures that will be used as of January 10, 2016 for entering federal buildings and facilities in New Mexico. \r\nBecause our state is the home to many secure federal facilities, we requested that DHS immediately contact the Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure that DoD provides the proper guidance to our states military installations. DHS has clearly stated that residents traveling by air from any state, including New Mexico, are still able to use a drivers license, or any of the various other forms of identification accepted by the Transportation Security Administration. However, to address misinformation, we requested that DHS provide further clarification about the timeline for REAL ID enforcement for boarding commercial aircraft.\r\nDeputy Secretary Mayorkas assured us that he will direct his office to work with DoD to ensure the states military installations receive immediate guidance regarding entry and alternate procedures to be made available by each facility. Additionally, the Deputy Secretary informed us that DHS will provide an update for enforcement for boarding aircraft with adequate time for compliance with federal agency procedures.\r\nDuring our discussion, Deputy Secretary Mayorkas also informed us that it is still possible for the State of New Mexico to request, and receive, an extension of the deadline for REAL ID enforcement. Mr. Mayorkas stated that DHS will grant the state an extension if the Department receives a letter stating that your administration and the leadership of the state House and Senate have an agreement on legislation that ensures REAL ID compliance; that the leadership will bring the bill up for a vote at the upcoming legislative session; and that you will sign the bill into law if it passes. Other states, such as New Hampshire, have requested and been granted extensions based on anticipated actions in upcoming legislative sessions.\r\nOur offices remain in close contact with DHS and we stand ready to support a request for an extension that allows the legislature time to pass a bipartisan, pragmatic solution that ensures New Mexicans can continue to access federal facilities and airports in the months to come.\r\nThe ongoing uncertainty about accessing federal facilities is an undue burden on the men and women who work at these facilities. We hope that your administration and the legislature will act expeditiously to resolve this issue.\r\nThank you for your attention to this matter.\r\nSincerely,\r\nU.S. Senator Tom Udall\r\nU.S. Senator Martin Heinrich\r\nU.S. Representative Ben Ray Lujn\r\nU.S. Representative Michelle Lujan Grisham", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-luj-and-aacuten-and-lujan-grisham-secure-pledge-from-dhs-that-nm-can-get-delay-of-real-id-enforcement-if-governor-and-legislature-agree-on-real-id-fix", "Udall, Heinrich, Lujn and Lujan Grisham Secure Pledge from DHS that NM Can get Delay of REAL ID Enforcement if Governor and Legislature Agree on REAL ID Fix", "2015-12-23", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 23, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich, Lujn and Lujan Grisham Secure Pledge from DHS that NM Can get Delay of REAL ID Enforcement if Governor and Legislature Agree on REAL ID Fix \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 Also at Congressional lawmakers' urging: DHS will act immediately to work with DoD and provide clear guidance on how REAL ID will apply to military installations\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and Representatives Ben Ray Lujn and Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has informed them that the state of New Mexico can still get an extension of the deadline for REAL ID enforcement if Gov. Susana Martinez and the leadership of the N.M. House and Senate can verify to DHS that they agree on legislation that ensures REAL ID compliance.  Seeking answers on behalf of New Mexicans about the standards and procedures that DHS will follow to enforce REAL ID, the state's Democratic congressional delegation recently held a joint meeting with DHS Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. As of Jan. 10, 2016, New Mexico drivers' licenses will no longer be considered valid forms of identification to enter federal facilities because the governor and the legislature have not agreed to pass a law bringing the state's drivers' licenses into compliance with the the REAL ID Act of 2005. But Mayorkas pledged to the congressional leaders that DHS would delay enforcement if New Mexico takes steps before Jan. 10 to prove that the governor and legislators are committed to complying with the law this year. \"It is still possible for the State of New Mexico to request, and receive, an extension of the deadline for REAL ID enforcement,\" the congressional lawmakers wrote in a letter to Martinez on Dec. 18, informing her of Mayorkas' promise. \"Mr. Mayorkas stated that DHS will grant the state an extension if the Department receives a letter stating that your administration and the leadership of the state House and Senate have an agreement on legislation that ensures REAL ID compliance; that the leadership will bring the bill up for a vote at the upcoming legislative session; and that you will sign the bill into law if it passes.\"  \"Our offices remain in close contact with DHS and we stand ready to support a request for an extension that allows the legislature time to pass a bipartisan, pragmatic solution that ensures New Mexicans can continue to access federal facilities and airports in the months to come,\" Udall, Heinrich, Lujn and Lujan Grisham continued in their letter. \"The ongoing uncertainty about accessing federal facilities is an undue burden on the men and women who work at these facilities. We hope that your administration and the legislature will act expeditiously to resolve this issue.\" The congressional lawmakers added that DHS has granted extensions to other states -- including New Hampshire -- based on anticipated actions in upcoming legislative sessions. Also during their conversation with DHS officials, Udall, Heinrich, Lujn and Lujan Grisham urged DHS to clear up confusion about what form of identification will be required after Jan. 10 to enter a military base in the state of New Mexico. Numerous constituents have contacted the congressional offices reporting that the state's military bases are planning on following conflicting procedures. Mayorkas agreed to contact the Department of Defense (DoD) immediately to ensure that DoD provides the proper guidance to the state's military installations about what form of identification will be needed for entry once REAL ID goes into effect.  Finally, the congressional lawmakers asked Mayorkas for clarification about whether New Mexico residents will be able to board commercial flights with a New Mexico driver's license after Jan. 10. DHS clearly stated that residents traveling by air from any state, including New Mexico, will still be allowed to use a driver's license, or any of the various other forms of identification accepted by the Transportation Security Administration. The agency also pledged to provide clear guidance about when REAL ID enforcement will be implemented for boarding commercial aircraft, with a minimum of 120 days notice before enforcement begins. The lawmakers' letter to Martinez is below:  The Honorable Susana Martinez  Governor of New Mexico  490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Room 400  Santa Fe, NM 87501 Dear Governor Martinez: With the upcoming deadline for enforcement of the REAL ID Act of 2005, we wanted to inform you that we recently spoke with Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to discuss the standards and procedures that will be used as of January 10, 2016 for entering federal buildings and facilities in New Mexico.   Because our state is the home to many secure federal facilities, we requested that DHS immediately contact the Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure that DoD provides the proper guidance to our state's military installations. DHS has clearly stated that residents traveling by air from any state, including New Mexico, \"are still able to use a driver's license, or any of the various other forms of identification accepted by the Transportation Security Administration.\" However, to address misinformation, we requested that DHS provide further clarification about the timeline for REAL ID enforcement for boarding commercial aircraft. Deputy Secretary Mayorkas assured us that he will direct his office to work with DoD to ensure the state's military installations receive immediate guidance regarding entry and alternate procedures to be made available by each facility. Additionally, the Deputy Secretary informed us that DHS will provide an update for enforcement for boarding aircraft with adequate time for compliance with federal agency procedures. During our discussion, Deputy Secretary Mayorkas also informed us that it is still possible for the State of New Mexico to request, and receive, an extension of the deadline for REAL ID enforcement. Mr. Mayorkas stated that DHS will grant the state an extension if the Department receives a letter stating that your administration and the leadership of the state House and Senate have an agreement on legislation that ensures REAL ID compliance; that the leadership will bring the bill up for a vote at the upcoming legislative session; and that you will sign the bill into law if it passes. Other states, such as New Hampshire, have requested and been granted extensions based on anticipated actions in upcoming legislative sessions. Our offices remain in close contact with DHS and we stand ready to support a request for an extension that allows the legislature time to pass a bipartisan, pragmatic solution that ensures New Mexicans can continue to access federal facilities and airports in the months to come. The ongoing uncertainty about accessing federal facilities is an undue burden on the men and women who work at these facilities. We hope that your administration and the legislature will act expeditiously to resolve this issue. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely,\nU.S. Senator Tom Udall  U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich  U.S. Representative Ben Ray Lujn  U.S. Representative Michelle Lujan Grisham", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2201", "Udall Provision to Require VA Report on Burn Pits will help Advance Care and Treatment for Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan [press_release]", "2015-12-22", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 22, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall Provision to Require VA Report on Burn Pits will help Advance Care and Treatment for Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall announced that he secured a provision in the \"omnibus\" appropriations bill signed by the president last week requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report on the status and findings of its burn pit registry. The registry -- which was created by Udall's Burn Pits Registry Act -- is the first step toward providing medical care and research for service members and veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes from open-air burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. Udall is working to ensure the VA and Department of Defense (DOD) strengthen and build on the creation of the registry and continue to advance their understanding of how burn pit exposure has affected veterans' health. The VA's findings are a crucial step in that process. This provision is the next step after Udall's amendment to this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requiring the VA and the DOD to share information about when and how service members may have been exposed to airborne hazards and open burn pits. The military used burn pits to incinerate everything from medical waste to unexploded ordnance.  \"Many of our servicemen and women were exposed to toxic fumes and chemicals from burn pits while serving our country overseas,\" Udall said. \"Some, like Master Sergeant Jessey Baca of New Mexico, are already battling illnesses that they can trace to that exposure. We don't know the longterm effects others will experience throughout their lives, but the burn pits registry was a first step. The VA and DOD need to keep working to share research and information so that we can ensure Iraq and Afghanistan veterans get the treatment they have earned. And the VA's report, which is now required under law thanks to my work as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, will keep this process moving forward.\"  Veterans and service members who were exposed to burn pits overseas can sign up for the registry here: https://veteran.mobilehealth.va.gov/AHBurnPitRegistry  Udall authored and championed the bipartisan Burn Pits Registry Act to establish the national registry, and it was signed into law by the president in 2013. Udall began work on the legislation after meeting with New Mexican SMSgt Jessey Baca and his wife, Maria, and learning about Jessey's battle with cancer, chronic bronchiolitis, chemical induced asthma, brain lesions, and numerous other ailments believed to have been caused by exposure to burn pits in Iraq. The burn pits registry is similar to the Agent Orange and Gulf War registries that have helped patients, doctors and the VA. It will help determine to what extent air pollution caused by open air burn pits has led to medical conditions among service members.\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\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.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-secure-856-million-for-columbus-port-of-entry-expansion", "Udall, Heinrich Secure $85.6 Million for Columbus Port of Entry Expansion", "2015-12-22", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Udall, Heinrich Secure $85.6 Million for Columbus Port of Entry Expansion\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 22, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. -Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Martin Heinrich announced that they have secured $85.6 million for construction of a new, replacement land port of entry in Columbus, New Mexico. The project will expand the current border crossing facilities to safely and efficiently accommodate increases in car, commercial and pedestrian traffic -- improving security, encouraging trade and creating jobs in Southern New Mexico. The funding will also be used to address significant stormwater drainage issues at the port.\r\nThe current Columbus Port of Entry was built in 1989 to screen visitors entering the United States, but the existing facility provides less than a third of the space U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) needs for current and future traffic. Construction plans include a new main building, commercial and noncommercial inspection facilities, additional pedestrian processing, export facilities, a hazardous materials containment area, increased parking capacity and more. Similar efforts are underway south of the border, where the government of Mexico is working to reroute traffic and improve access to port facilities.\r\n\"I've been working to secure funding to modernize the facility through my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, and I'm very pleased to have been able to use that position to secure this $85.6 million to enable the project to move forward,\" said Udall,who also secured an initial $7.4 million to design the expansion.\"The Columbus Port of Entry is incredibly important to trade, economic development and security for our nation and Southwest New Mexico. But the current facility can't keep up with commercial or pedestrian traffic and faces other issues like frequent flooding. Once complete, the expanded port will ensure Columbus can keep up with demand and attract new business to New Mexico.\" Udall alsotoured the Columbus POE last year with then-General Services Administrator Dan Tangherlini to continue to bring attention to the need to expand the port and improve transportation.\r\n\"A modern Port of Entry in Columbus will lead to more efficient trade between the United States and Mexico, accommodate the growth of commercial and commuter crossing in the region, and create good jobs,\" Heinrich said. \"Our state's border region is a bright spot in our economy. New Mexico is the fastest-growing state in the country for jobs related to international exports. I welcome this federal investment and the economic activity it will bring to Luna County.\"\r\nThe new funding was included in the \"omnibus\" appropriations bill to fund the government, which was signed into law last week. A detailed summary of the project is availablehere.\r\nThe senators' support for improving the Columbus Port of Entry is part of a broader effort to expand border commerce. For example, Udall and Heinrich have worked to extend the Border Commercial Zone further into New Mexico to increase tourism and business opportunities. They have also championed a major expansion of the Santa Teresa Port of Entry, which doubled the number of primary vehicle inspections lanes, added an additional cargo lane, expanded passenger and commercial vehicle queuing, constructed a pedestrian sidewalk, enhanced CBP pedestrian and secondary inspection areas, improved security with additional cameras and non-intrusive inspection equipment and added an on-site kennel to the port.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-secure-856-million-for-columbus-port-of-entry-expansion", "Udall, Heinrich Secure $85.6 Million for Columbus Port of Entry Expansion", "2015-12-22", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 22, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich Secure $85.6 Million for Columbus Port of Entry Expansion \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n \n \n  WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Martin Heinrich announced that they have secured $85.6 million for construction of a new, replacement land port of entry in Columbus, New Mexico. The project will expand the current border crossing facilities to safely and efficiently accommodate increases in car, commercial and pedestrian traffic -- improving security, encouraging trade and creating jobs in Southern New Mexico. The funding will also be used to address significant stormwater drainage issues at the port.  The current Columbus Port of Entry was built in 1989 to screen visitors entering the United States, but the existing facility provides less than a third of the space U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) needs for current and future traffic. Construction plans include a new main building, commercial and noncommercial inspection facilities, additional pedestrian processing, export facilities, a hazardous materials containment area, increased parking capacity and more. Similar efforts are underway south of the border, where the government of Mexico is working to reroute traffic and improve access to port facilities. \"I've been working to secure funding to modernize the facility through my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, and I'm very pleased to have been able to use that position to secure this $85.6 million to enable the project to move forward,\" said Udall, who also secured an initial $7.4 million to design the expansion. \"The Columbus Port of Entry is incredibly important to trade, economic development and security for our nation and Southwest New Mexico. But the current facility can't keep up with commercial or pedestrian traffic and faces other issues like frequent flooding. Once complete, the expanded port will ensure Columbus can keep up with demand and attract new business to New Mexico.\" Udall also toured the Columbus POE last year with then-General Services Administrator Dan Tangherlini to continue to bring attention to the need to expand the port and improve transportation. \"A modern Port of Entry in Columbus will lead to more efficient trade between the United States and Mexico, accommodate the growth of commercial and commuter crossing in the region, and create good jobs,\" Heinrich said. \"Our state's border region is a bright spot in our economy. New Mexico is the fastest-growing state in the country for jobs related to international exports. I welcome this federal investment and the economic activity it will bring to Luna County.\"  The new funding was included in the \"omnibus\" appropriations bill to fund the government, which was signed into law last week. A detailed summary of the project is available here.  The senators' support for improving the Columbus Port of Entry is part of a broader effort to expand border commerce. For example, Udall and Heinrich have worked to extend the Border Commercial Zone further into New Mexico to increase tourism and business opportunities. They have also championed a major expansion of the Santa Teresa Port of Entry, which doubled the number of primary vehicle inspections lanes, added an additional cargo lane, expanded passenger and commercial vehicle queuing, constructed a pedestrian sidewalk, enhanced CBP pedestrian and secondary inspection areas, improved security with additional cameras and non-intrusive inspection equipment and added an on-site kennel to the port.\n \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-provision-to-require-va-report-on-burn-pits-will-help-advance-care-and-treatment-for-veterans-of-iraq-and-afghanistan", "Udall Provision to Require VA Report on Burn Pits will help Advance Care and Treatment for Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan", "2015-12-22", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 22, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall Provision to Require VA Report on Burn Pits will help Advance Care and Treatment for Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall announced that he secured a provision in the \"omnibus\" appropriations bill signed by the president last week requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report on the status and findings of its burn pit registry. The registry -- which was created by Udall's Burn Pits Registry Act -- is the first step toward providing medical care and research for service members and veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes from open-air burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. Udall is working to ensure the VA and Department of Defense (DOD) strengthen and build on the creation of the registry and continue to advance their understanding of how burn pit exposure has affected veterans' health. The VA's findings are a crucial step in that process. This provision is the next step after Udall's amendment to this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requiring the VA and the DOD to share information about when and how service members may have been exposed to airborne hazards and open burn pits. The military used burn pits to incinerate everything from medical waste to unexploded ordnance.  \"Many of our servicemen and women were exposed to toxic fumes and chemicals from burn pits while serving our country overseas,\" Udall said. \"Some, like Master Sergeant Jessey Baca of New Mexico, are already battling illnesses that they can trace to that exposure. We don't know the longterm effects others will experience throughout their lives, but the burn pits registry was a first step. The VA and DOD need to keep working to share research and information so that we can ensure Iraq and Afghanistan veterans get the treatment they have earned. And the VA's report, which is now required under law thanks to my work as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, will keep this process moving forward.\"  Veterans and service members who were exposed to burn pits overseas can sign up for the registry here: https://veteran.mobilehealth.va.gov/AHBurnPitRegistry  Udall authored and championed the bipartisan Burn Pits Registry Act to establish the national registry, and it was signed into law by the president in 2013. Udall began work on the legislation after meeting with New Mexican SMSgt Jessey Baca and his wife, Maria, and learning about Jessey's battle with cancer, chronic bronchiolitis, chemical induced asthma, brain lesions, and numerous other ailments believed to have been caused by exposure to burn pits in Iraq. The burn pits registry is similar to the Agent Orange and Gulf War registries that have helped patients, doctors and the VA. It will help determine to what extent air pollution caused by open air burn pits has led to medical conditions among service members.\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-secures-sports-safety-provisions-to-protect-youth-athletes-from-concussions", "Udall Secures Sports Safety Provisions to Protect Youth Athletes from Concussions", "2015-12-22", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 22, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall Secures Sports Safety Provisions to Protect Youth Athletes from Concussions \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n \n \n  WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations and Commerce committees, announced that the president has signed into law as part of the \"omnibus\" appropriations measure several sports safety provisions that Udall has championed to help protect youth athletes from the dangers of sports-related traumatic brain injuries. Udall has led efforts in Congress to improve equipment safety standards and curb false advertising claims, focusing on ensuring parents, coaches and players have the information they need to make important decisions about how to prevent head injuries. The concussion-related provisions instruct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to vigilantly enforce rules against using deceptive safety claims to sell youth sports gear and dietary supplements. The bill also directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to report on voluntary industry standards and product labeling requirements for youth sports protective headgear and helmets, as well as CPSC staff involvement in developing sports equipment safety standards. The bill also encourages the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to investigate ways to develop new and better standards for testing sports equipment. These measures follow Udall's persistent efforts to improve safety equipment standards and curb dangerous claims for so-called \"anti-concussion\" products that actually put young athletes at greater risk of injury. Additionally, Udall secured a provision to advance the medical understanding of concussions and the effectiveness of policies designed to prevent such injuries in youth sports. The law now encourages the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor concussions nationwide and track their prevalence, especially among youth ages 5 to 21. This was recommended in an extensive National Academy of Sciences report, Sports-Related Concussions in Youth: Improving the Science, Changing the Culture, which Udall had requested. \"Sports-related concussions are serious health issue for kids and their families in New Mexico and across the country,\" Udall said. \"We want kids to be active and participate safely in all kinds of sports. Misleading sports equipment safety claims put young athletes at greater risk of brain injury, and that's why I've pressed the Federal Trade Commission to investigate concussion prevention claims for products like football helmets, mouth guards and soccer headgear. The safety provisions we've secured in this bill will encourage the FTC and numerous other agencies to remain vigilant. Parents, coaches and players need accurate and comprehensive information to make important safety decisions on the field. When it comes to our children's health, false product safety claims are simply unacceptable.\"  Earlier this year, Udall and Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) called on the FTC to investigate potentially misleading safety claims used to sell soccer headgear. The FTC enforces federal consumer protection laws that prevent fraud, deception and unfair business practices. The senators asked that the FTC take action if the investigation findings reveal that makers of soccer headgear or other children's sports safety equipment are engaged in false or deceptive advertising practices. The provisions Udall secured in the appropriations bill keep pressure on the FTC to act. In 2012, the FTC warned nearly 20 sports equipment manufacturers that they might be making deceptive protection concussion claims, but the FTC's actions thus far have not deterred companies from continuing to make similar claims. Udall introduced the Youth Sports Concussion Act of 2013 to allow the FTC to seek greater penalties in such cases, and also warned about the dangers of deceptive marketing campaigns at a hearing last summer.\n \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.heinrich.senate.gov/in-the-news/op-ed-the-hill-something-congress-can-agree-to-fully-repealing-the-cadillac-tax", "OP-ED: The Hill: Something Congress can agree to: Fully repealing the ‘Cadillac tax’", "2015-12-21", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OP-ED: The Hill: Something Congress can agree to: Fully repealing the Cadillac tax\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                    By:\r\n                    U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich & Dean Heller\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n            Monday, December 21, 2015\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            The American people have witnessed bitter partisan fights for the better part of the last decade over how to best solve the problems of rising costs and reduced access to insurance in our nations healthcare system. However, our bipartisan proposal to fully repeal the 40 percent excise tax on high-cost employer sponsored health coverage, commonly referred to as the Cadillac tax, is something we can all agree on.\r\nCongress passed year-end legislation that included a delay of the Cadillac tax for two years. This is a great start, but we cannot ignore the fact that middle class Americans will still bear the burden of a 40 percent excise tax. For the next two years, we will use this victory as momentum towards fully repealing the Cadillac tax.\r\nThe popular name of the tax implies that it is only going to hit a few individuals with gold-plated health insurance plans. When this was proposed and included in the ACA, people cited Goldman Sachs' executive health benefits plans as the poster child for the Cadillac plan. But in reality, this tax targets many plans that aren't gold plated at all. In fact, they are barely bronze plated. It taxes middle class workers.  In September we introduced the Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2015 after years of hearing from our constituents about the devastating impact this tax will have on Americans who have job-based insurance. Last week, 90 senators voted on the record in support of repealing the tax.\r\nThe Cadillac tax will hurt middle class families who, for reasons outside of their control, have health plans that already or soon will reach the Cadillac taxs cost limits. The tax will force many employers to pay steep taxes on their employees health plans and flexible spending accounts, and possibly eliminate some employer-provided health coverage plans altogether. Under this tax, deductibles will be even higher and benefits will be reduced even moreputting a strain on middle class families trying to make ends meet.\r\nHealth insurance premiums increased by 61 percent over the last decade, according to the non-partisan Kaiser Family Foundation. Deductibles for workers with employer-sponsored coverage have risen nearly seven times faster than workers wages since 2010. Much of this has occurred long before employers started planning their benefit packages around this looming tax. As more health plans fall within the taxable threshold of the Cadillac tax, an increasing number of middle-class workers with modest health plans could experience reductions in benefits and increases in out-of-pocket expenses.\r\nIn Nevada, 1.3 million workers who have employer-sponsored health insurance plans could be hit by the Cadillac tax. In New Mexico, 750,000 workers could experience significant changes to their health care as a result of this tax. These are state and municipal employees in Carson City and Santa Fe, service workers on the Las Vegas strip, and small businesses in Albuquerque.\r\nThe voices of opposition to the tax are louder and are more in unison than we have witnessed throughout the entire health care debate. Organized labor, chambers of commerce, local and state governments, small businesses, and rural electric co-ops have come together to express the same concern: the Cadillac tax needs to be fully repealed or our employees will experience massive changes to their health care.\r\nOur coalition to repeal this tax is growing by the day. This is not just something that has broad bipartisan support in the Senate. More than 290 members on both sides of the aisle in the House of Representatives have signed on to legislation to fully repeal the tax.\r\nThe two of us do not agree with each other about the Affordable Care Act. But we do agree that Republicans and Democrats must put the partisan politics of the health care debate aside and work together to do away with this tax on the middle class.\r\nHeller is Nevadas junior senator, serving since 2011. He sits on the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; the Commerce, Science and Transportation; the Finance; and the Veterans Affairs committees. Heinrich is New Mexicos junior senator, serving since 2013. He sits on the Armed Services; the Energy and Natural Resources; and the Intelligence committees.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-lujn-statement-on-national-nuclear-security-administrations-review-of-los-alamos-national-security-contract", "Udall, Heinrich, Luján Statement On National Nuclear Security Administration’s Review Of Los Alamos National Security Contract", "2015-12-19", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Udall, Heinrich, Lujn Statement On National Nuclear Security Administrations Review Of Los Alamos National Security Contract\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSaturday, December 19, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Congressman Ben Ray Lujn (N.M.-03) released the following statement in response to the National Nuclear Security Administrations (NNSA) review of the Los Alamos National Security (LANS) contract:\r\nWe have been informed of NNSAs performance review of LANS and NNSAs decision not to extend the LANS contract. Among the reasons cited by NNSA were a serious safety incident involving a worker and waste-handling mistakes that have had an expensive and severe impact on LANL, WIPP and DOE's nuclear waste cleanup\r\nWe have high expectations of the Department of Energy and its contractors that they will go above and beyond to ensure our communities are not endangered. DOE must hold all of its contractors accountable and be responsible stewards of federal funds. It also must take the appropriate actions under the LANL contract that are in the best long-term interests of this essential national asset and that ensure the safety of workers, the community, and the environment.\r\nLos Alamos National Laboratory employs some of the best and brightest minds in the country whose contributions are indispensable to our national security. The lab also strengthens our economy by providing quality jobs, and we will always fight to protect its mission. As DOE prepares a new contract proposal, assuring continuity for the employees at LANL and the high-quality scientific, energy, and security contributions they make to our nation will be paramount. We are confident that Los Alamos will continue to have a critical role in national and international security, research and science. We expect to receive further details and regular briefings from NNSA as the process moves forward in the new year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/in-the-news/congress-kills-us-oil-export-ban-boosts-solar-wind-power", "Reuters: Congress kills U.S. oil export ban, boosts solar, wind power", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Reuters: Congress kills U.S. oil export ban, boosts solar, wind power\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                    By:\r\n                    Timothy Gardner\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n            Friday, December 18, 2015\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            The U.S. Congress voted on Friday to repeal the 40-year-old ban on exporting U.S. crude oil in an energy policy shift sought by Republicans as part of a bipartisan deal that also provided unprecedented tax incentives for wind and solar power.\r\nThe Senate, on a 65-33 vote, approved lifting the ban and providing five-year extensions of tax breaks to boost renewable energy development as part of a $1.8 trillion government spending and tax relief bill that President Barack Obama quickly signed into law.\r\nThe House of Representatives passed legislation containing the energy provisions earlier in the day by a 316-113 tally.\r\nThe energy deal was hammered out in secret talks among congressional leaders over two weeks.\r\nSenators Lisa Murkowski, a Alaska Republican, and Democrats Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico had worked for more than a year to get the deal.\r\nDemocrats who backed the deal asserted that its provisions encouraging renewable energy were important for combating global climate change.\r\n\"This is the biggest deal for addressing climate change that we are going to see,\" Heinrich said in an interview.\r\nHeinrich said Democrats may not have been able to get a better deal even if they controlled both chambers of Congress, now led by Republicans. Many Republicans have opposed Democratic proposals to address climate change.\r\nCongress, concerned about U.S. dependence on imported oil, imposed the crude oil export ban after the Arab oil embargo of the early 1970s that sent gasoline prices soaring and contributed to runaway inflation. Arab members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) imposed the embargo following the U.S. decision to re-supply the Israeli military during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.\r\nDrillers have said lifting the ban would increase U.S. oil security and give Washington's allies in Europe and Asia an alternative source of crude beyond OPEC and Russia. The bill could benefit oil companies including Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM.N), ConocoPhillips (COP.N) and Chevron (CVX.N).\r\nOpponents of lifting the export ban said the action would harm the environment and could lead to an increase in fiery derailments of crude-carrying trains.\r\nDue to a global glut in oil supplies, lifting the ban is not expected to lead to significant U.S. export shipments for months or even years, but could give crude producers the increased flexibility they coveted.\r\nOIL BOOM\r\nDrillers said continuing the ban would choke a boom in shale oil production since 2008 particularly in North Dakota and Texas that has pushed domestic oil prices down from more than $100 a barrel to below $40.\r\nLifting the ban was \"particularly important at a time when our industry is experiencing a period of extreme volatility and uncertainty,\" Ryan Lance, chairman and CEO of ConocoPhillips, said in a statement.\r\nHouse Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and some others in her party had expressed concern that allowing U.S. oil exports would hurt independent refiners by raising the price of domestic crude to international prices.\r\nTom OMalley, executive chairman of refiner PBF Energy (PBF.N), said lifting the ban would lead at least one East Coast refinery to shut down, adding that his refineries in New Jersey and Delaware are less exposed.\r\n\"This is a crazy thing to do,\" OMalley said. \"Once you lift it, its hard to reverse it.\"\r\nDemocrats in the Senate had secured some protections for independent refiners, allowing them to deduct transportation costs for gasoline and other fuels they make.\r\nPelosi on Friday said Democrats walked away with a victory, in the trade of oil exports for environmental goals.\r\nShe said the environmental damage from exporting oil would be offset by 10 times because of measures in the bill such as the renewable power tax credits, funding of a parks conservation fund paid for with oil revenues and the elimination of measures that would have dismantled Obama's clean power rules on power plants.\r\n\"Now that we have leveled the playing field, the United States finally has an opportunity to compete and realize our nation's full potential as a global energy superpower, said George Baker, head of Producers for American Crude Oil Exports, a group that formed last year to press lawmakers to open the trade.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-lujn-include-provision-to-support-gold-king-mine-monitoring-efforts-in-end-of-year-legislation", "Udall, Heinrich, Luján Include Provision to Support Gold King Mine Monitoring Efforts in End-of-Year Legislation", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Udall, Heinrich, Lujn Include Provision to Support Gold King Mine Monitoring Efforts in End-of-Year Legislation\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 18, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, the lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representative Ben Ray Lujn announced that they included a provision in the end-of-year appropriations billthat encourages the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct long-term monitoring efforts following the Gold King Mine blowout. The accident spilled toxic wastewater into the Animas and San Juan rivers in New Mexico and Colorado. The provision directs the EPA to coordinate with states and Tribes impacted by the spill to develop a robust plan for independent monitoring, and directs the agency to provide support for states' and Tribes' monitoring efforts.\r\n\"I'm pleased that language I pushed for in this appropriations bill will help hold the EPA accountable and ensure it upholds its commitment to prioritizing transparent water quality monitoring for farmers, ranchers and families in Northwestern New Mexico and on the Navajo Nation,\" Udall said. \"If a situation like a flash flood or thunderstorm were to cause contamination in the water once again, we need the EPA making determinations and giving prompt warnings to impacted communities based on the best scientific advice. The language we've included in this bill helps directs the agency's role coordinating between states and Tribes and supporting communities' recovery from Gold King Mine blowout.\"\r\nFamilies in northwestern New Mexico and on the Navajo Nation deserve to be fairly and fully compensated for the damages incurred after the Gold King Mine spill, said Heinrich. Farmers, ranchers, and livestock owners were hit especially hard after struggling to protect their crops from contaminated wastewater. I will continue to hold the EPA accountable for its actions and work to overhaul our nations hardrock mining and abandoned mine policies to prevent future disasters. The EPA must work with New Mexico, Colorado, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, the Navajo Nation, and all affected communities to monitor the long-term consequences of this spill, to protect the health and safety of water resources, and to ensure that communities are made whole again.\r\n\"The Gold King Mine spill has impacted communities in New Mexico and the Navajo Nation, while taking a toll on businesses, farmers, and ranchers,\" Lujn said. \"There are serious concerns about the effect that this spill will have on our communities in the months and years to come, and it is critical that there is a coordinated effort to conduct long-term monitoring of the Animas River. I am pleased that as a result of our efforts working with the appropriators, we were able to include a provision in the omnibus bill that directs EPA to work with the states and tribes to implement an independent monitoring plan.\"\r\nThe provision reads: \"EPA is directed to coordinate with impacted States and tribes on development of a robust, long-term plan for independent monitoring. With existing funds, the Agency is directed to continue to seek ways to provide States and tribes with support for their contribution to monitoring efforts.\"\r\nUdall, Heinrich and Lujn, along with U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado, introduced legislation earlier this year to ensure the EPA works with affected communities to compensate those who were impacted. Their Gold King Mine Recovery Act included provisions to require the agency to work with states and Tribes to fund and implement long-term monitoring of water quality from the mine and to identify the risks of futures spills by assessing other abandoned mines for cleanup. Udall and Heinrich have also introduced a bill to reform the nation's antiquated hardrock mining laws to help ensure taxpayers are not on the hook for cleaning up abandoned mines, many of which are continuously leaking toxic chemicals into rivers and streams and have the potential for catastrophic disasters like the Gold King Mine blowout. Lujn is a cosponsor of similar legislation, H.R. 963, which has been introduced in the House of Representatives.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-welcome-nm-priorities-included-in-government-funding-bill", "Udall, Heinrich Welcome NM Priorities Included in Government Funding Bill", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Udall, Heinrich Welcome NM Priorities Included in Government Funding Bill\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAppropriations bill funds labs and bases, PILT, LWCF, veterans' programs, water projects and more\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 18, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich joined the full Senate in voting 65-33 for a so-called omnibus appropriations bill to fund the government through September 2016. The U.S. House of Representatives approved the bill earlier today and it now heads to the president, who is expected to sign it into law.\r\nThe bill funds several critical New Mexico programs such as veterans services; Tribal and Head Start programs; Los Alamos and Sandia national labs; construction at Holloman, Kirtland and Cannon Air Force bases; New Mexico's national parks, monuments and refuges; public lands agencies; water projects across the state; Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT); and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).\r\nThe funding bill follows spending levels set in a bipartisan budget agreement that Congress approved earlier this fall. That framework rolled back devastating sequestration budget cuts that have hurt military readiness, rural development and other programs that New Mexico families depend on.\r\nUdall said: This bill will support jobs and economic development in every corner of our state. Funding for our national labs and military bases will ensure New Mexico can continue contributing to our national security and tomorrows technological breakthroughs. The funding levels in this bill follow through with our bipartisan agreement to end sequestration cuts that have devastated federal investments that benefit our state's hardworking families. Now were able to provide much-needed boosts to early childhood programs like Head Start, Tribal health and education, and quality services for our veterans. Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and lead Democrat on the Subcommittee for Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, announced that funding for several New Mexico public lands and Tribal priorities had been included in the bill earlier this week, including a three-year extension of the LWCF. Udall also led the effort to remove harmful anti-environment provisions from the bill. Those provisions would have weakened bedrock environmental laws and blocked efforts to reduce the impact of climate change in New Mexico and across the country.\r\nHeinrich said: This balanced, bipartisan agreement makes robust investments in our economy and will create and preserve jobs in New Mexico at a time when we truly need them. By following the framework of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, we restored funding to education, veterans, womens health, substance abuse and mental health services, infrastructure, homeland security, and defense. We also removed harmful Republican policy riders that would have weakened Wall Street reform and consumer protections, eliminated safeguards for clean air and drinking water, and curbed the presidents authority to create national monuments under the Antiquities Act. New Mexicos national laboratories, military bases, and WIPP will all receive critical federal investments in this bipartisan deal. Our rural counties will receive a substantial increase in PILT funding. This package also includes robust, multi-year clean energy incentives that will move us toward our climate goals, including wind and solar tax credits, and investments in the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Because of the services we provide to the nation, New Mexicos economy relies heavily on federal investments. Congress must continue to work together and be willing to compromise in order to get things done for the American people and New Mexico.\r\nNew Mexico funding and other highlights of the bill include:\r\nPILT AND LWCF\r\nPayments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) - $452 million for payments to counties nationwide through the PILT program, which helps local governments pay for law enforcement, schools, roads and other critical services. This is the amount estimated in the presidents budget to fully fund payments in fiscal year 2016. The funding will be divided according to a formula determined by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Last year, New Mexico counties received $34.5 million.\r\nLand and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) - The bill allocates $450 million, almost $150 million more than last year, and authorizes the LWCF for three years. The LWCF has helped create and protect urban parks and open spaces that enhance recreation and outdoor opportunities in urban and rural communities alike. It's funded through revenues from federal oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf and does not use taxpayer dollars. The program also supports America's outdoor recreation, conservation and preservation economies, which contribute more than $1 trillion to the nation's economy each year and support 9.4 million American jobs. More than $261 million has been spent in New Mexico since 1965 to protect natural resources and provide recreational opportunities, including more than $41 million for state and local grants. This year, New Mexico will receive $5.5 million to conserve lands within the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, at Pecos National Historical Park and along the Continental Divide Scenic Trail.\r\nWIPP, LOS ALAMOS AND SANDIA NATIONAL LABS, ABQ NNSA\r\nWaste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) - $305 million, which includes $148 million for operations and maintenance, $82 million for recovery activities, $5 million for security, and full funding for two construction projects: $23 million for ventilation and $7.5 million for the new shaft.\r\nEnvironmental clean-up at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) - $185 million.\r\nSandia National Lab and LANL operations funding - $196.46 million for operations at LANL; $115.3 million for Sandia, a $9.3 million increase.\r\nLANL construction projects-$255.19 million for six projects including $25 million for TA-3 substation replacement; $18.2 million for TA-55 reinvestment project III; $3.9 million for TA-55 reinvestment project II; $11.53 million for the radioactive liquid waste treatment facility; $40.95 million for the transuranic liquid waste facility; and $155.61 million for CMR replacement. The current CMR facility will be decommissioned in 2019.\r\nB61 Life Extension Project (LEP) - Both Los Alamos and Sandia national labs are instrumental in carrying out this program, which maintains our nation's nuclear weapons stockpile while allowing for the eventual elimination of the nation's largest warhead, the B83. The bill provides $643.3 million total for B61 LEP.\r\nW80-4 Life Extension Project (LEP) - $195 million for the Sandia project, which is refurbishing the W80 warhead with replacement components for aging technology and components that have limited lifespans. \r\nNational Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Albuquerque Complex - $8 million for project engineering and design of a new project to replace the aging NNSA Albuquerque Complex. An additional $2.5 million may be repurposed to complete the conceptual design for the project.\r\nOverall National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) funding - The bill includes $12.53 billion for the NNSA overall, a 9 percent increase. Of that, weapons activities are receiving a 7.5 percent increase to $8.85 billion and non-proliferation activities are receiving an increase of about 18 percent to $1.94 billion. These increases will provide much-needed funding boosts to the Department of Energys national nuclear security labs, including Los Alamos and Sandia.\r\nMILITARY/DOD\r\nDepartment of Defense (DOD) funding is restored to pre-sequester levels. Operation budgets for each military base will be determined by DOD. The bill also includes nearly $69 million for several construction projects at New Mexico bases, as well as funding for numerous defense programs.\r\nCannon Air Force Base construction:\r\n- $7.8 million to construct an antiterrorism/force protection (AT/FP) gate. The current Portales Entry Control Point does meet current AT/FP standards. The project is for construction on a new gatehouse, vehicle inspection station, and associated roads that meet current AT/FP criteria.\r\n- $20.4 million to build a pump house and fuel storage. The current refueling facilities are located on the northwest side of the runway, but aircraft require refueling from both the northwest and southeast of the runways. Refueling in this manner is too slow to support mission requirements. The project will construct a new fuels storage distribution point with two above-ground fuel storage tanks, a pump house, an emergency generator, a transfer pipeline and other systems needed for the project. Construction also includes remediation of fuel contaminated soil.                \r\n- $11.565 million for a Special Operations Forces squadron operations facility. A multi-story operations and training facility addition will support instructors and students, providing a facility to teach and critique combat crews on special operations forces training. The facility will also include trainers for CV-22 specific training as well as night vision operations, and fire, rescue, medical, and explosive ordnance disposal.\r\n- $13.146 million for Special Operations Forces ST operational training facilities. This project includes building an aquatic training center and indoor small arms firing range. \r\nHolloman Air Force Base construction: \r\n- $3 million for Marshalling Area Arm/De-Arm Pad D. Construction supports the change in mission at HAFB to an F-16 training mission. The lack of marshalling areas on the Holloman airfield for aircraft to utilize post-arming is a significant problem, which must be overcome prior to student training. Processes in place at Holloman now prevent aircraft from taking off into the White Sands Missile Range complex prior to the start of their airspace time. However, even if aircraft were allowed to take off early, in many cases there is currently no place for them to hold prior to entering the working airspace.\r\nKirtland Air Force Base construction:     \r\n- $12.8 million for the Space Vehicles Component Development Lab. This project will support space vehicles component development of space power generation, solar arrays and photovoltaic cells, space power storage, space vehicle mechanisms (launch separators and maneuvering components), mechanism controls, space protection including radiation-hardened electronics, and environmental sensors and cryocoolers. The facility should provide four light labs, two medium labs, and class 1,000 clean rooms required for space vehicle research, development, and experiments. It should also provide office space for analysis, engineering, engineering support and management personnel. It should comply with DOD antiterrorism/force protection provisions.\r\nOperationally Responsive Space (ORS) - $16.46 million for ORS, a Kirtland-based program that works with the broader space community to provide assured space power focused on timely satisfaction of Joint Force Commanders needs. ORS seeks to revolutionize access to space with the development of satellites and launch capabilities on shorter timelines and at less cost, directly benefiting the warfighters who increasingly rely on space-based assets for situational awareness and planning.\r\nTechnology Offset Initiative - $100 million for a new technology offset fund to invest in cutting-edge technologies, $50 million specifically for directed energy. These emerging technologies will help the Armed Forces maintain its advantage over near-peer competitors.\r\nAdvanced Spacecraft Technology - $61.9 million for the Air Force research and development program, and an increase of $7 million specifically for the Space Vehicles Directorate at Kirtland Air Force Base.\r\nProcured one CV-22 Osprey for Air Force attrition reserve - The New Mexico Air National Guard trains mission-ready Special Operations and Combat Search and Rescue crews on CV-22s together with the 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base.\r\nTechnology transfer - $7.6 million for technology transfer at Air Force facilities. The bill also includes a provision to encourage the Department of Energys Office of Technology Transitions to treat the applied research offices equitably when utilizing funds to assist the transfer of federally funded research into the commercial sector, and to report to Congress on its progress.\r\nAdvanced Weapons Technology - $35.2 million for the Kirtland-based Counter-Electronics High Powered Microwave Advanced Missile Project (CHAMP). CHAMP is developing an electromagnetic pulse weapon that can cut off power to a specific target without jeopardizing an entire electric grid. The New Mexico delegation provided an increase of $5 million specifically to move CHAMP beyond research and development and into production. This funding follows an increase of $10 million in fiscal year 2015 for the same purpose. Employment of this weapon will give DOD a non-kinetic capability to take out enemy targets without risking civilian lives or putting our troops in direct harm.\r\nDOD STARBASE youth education program - $25 million for the DOD-run science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education program, including La Luz Academy at Kirtland.\r\nPARKS, PUBLIC LANDS AND TRIBAL SERVICES\r\nUdall is the lead Democrat on the Appropriations Subcommittee for Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, and worked to include several New Mexico priorities in the bill.\r\nValles Caldera National Preserve/Manhattan Project National Historical Park  The agreement includes $16 million to support new park units nationwide, including $3.34 million in base funding for the Valles Caldera National Preserve to support its transfer to the National Park Service  equal to the fiscal year 2015 budget  and $180,000 in new funding to operate the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. The bill also includes $1.5 million to fund restoration projects at new park units, including Valles Caldera. \r\nBandelier National Monument - $5.1 million for construction on electrical systems.\r\nValle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge - $3.5 million for the first of two years of funding needed to complete the refuge.\r\nPecos National Historical Park - $386,000 for land acquisition.\r\nContinental Divide National Scenic Trail - $2.3 million for land acquisition. The property near Pie Town, N.M., will allow the CDT to be relocated from a highway shoulder to a safer and more scenic route through the Sawtooth Mountains.\r\nRio Grande del Norte National Monument - $2.9 million for land acquisition. Acquisition of this property helps bring the new national monument closer to completion.\r\nNational Landscape Conservation System  The bill includes a $5 million increase to initiate foundational efforts at newly designated monuments, such as Rio Grande del Norte and Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks.\r\nLand Grants and Acequias - The bill notes the importance of community land grants, acequias and ditches in the Southwest, and requests recognition of such traditional uses during land-use planning.\r\nInstitute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development (IAIA) - $11.619 million.\r\nIndian Land and Water Claims Settlements - The bill provides $49.4 million for Indian Water Rights Settlements across the nation, including for the Taos Pueblo Water Rights Settlement, the Aamodt Litigation Settlement, and the Navajo-Gallup Project.\r\nTribal broadband funds - $2 million in new funding to support a tribal broadband initiative for Bureau of Indian Education schools.\r\nU.S. Geological Service U.S.-Mexico Transboundary Aquifer Assessment - $1 million for border state aquifer assessments, including work by the Water Resources Research Institute at New Mexico State University.\r\nBureau of Indian Affairs - The bill provides $2.796 billion nationwide, a $194 million increase. It includes a particular focus on Indian education and provides a $64 million increase for school construction and repair needs. The bill fully funds contract support costs at $277 million as required by the U.S. Supreme Court to be paid to Tribes that exercise self-determination and operate federal programs on their own behalf.\r\nCHILDCARE AND EDUCATION\r\nHead Start and childcare  The bill boosts Head Start funding by $570 million, bringing total Head Start funding available to communities in New Mexico and nationwide to $9.2 billion. It also increases funding for Early Head Start by $135 million and the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program by $326 million. These programs provide childcare and quality early childhood education to more than 24,000 New Mexico kids.\r\nIndian Education grants from the Department of Education - $40 million increase to $143.9 million to improve education opportunities for Native children from preschool through high school.\r\nTRIO Student Support Services  $900 million for TRIO grants to support low-income and first-generation college students, a $60 million increase. Last year, 13 New Mexico colleges received TRIO grants totaling $3.3 million, and this funding boost will allow the program to expand.\r\nNative language preservation - $12 million for the Esther Martinez language preservation program, including $4 million for intensive programs such as language nests and survival schools.\r\nHispanic-Serving Institutions - $7 million increase to $107.7 million for Hispanic-Serving Institutions, which include 18 colleges and universities in New Mexico.\r\nDEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA)\r\nThe bill includes $163 billion in total funding for the VA  a record high that includes a $2.5 billion increase to improve patient access to care and expand services. Overall VA funding will provide for health care, benefits claims processing, medical and prosthetic research, information technology and VA National Cemeteries.\r\nAirborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry  The bill includes language Udall authored to require the VA to report on the status and findings of its registry of service members and veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes from open-air burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.\r\nInnovative assistive technology - The bill includes language Udall authored to recognize the potential 3D printing and other technological advances have to help disabled veterans overcome barriers to engagement, employment and independent living. The VA is urged to begin a pilot program to develop a more innovative and user-friendly process for assistive technology. \r\nWATER PROJECTS\r\nWaterSmart Program - $57.98 million nationwide for WaterSmart, which supports local water management projects including watershed management, basin studies and drought planning and response.\r\nCircuit Rider Program - $16.39 million nationwide for the program, which provides funding for technical assistance for the operations of rural water systems throughout New Mexico. Through contracting, the Rural Utilities Service assists rural water systems with day-to-day operational, financial and management problems.\r\nWater and waste disposal grants for Colonias and Native communities - $64 million nationwide. These funds help border communities and Native American communities pay for all or part of the cost of water and waste disposal facilities.\r\nNavajo-Gallup Project - The bill provides $89.6 million through the Bureau of Reclamation for the construction of the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project and the historic 2010 Navajo Nation Water Rights Settlement Agreement. The project will supply water to the eastern portion of the Navajo Nation, the southwestern portion of the Jicarilla Apache Nation and the city of Gallup, serving the future water needs of approximately 250,000 people.\r\nAamodt Litigation Settlement - $6 million through the Bureau of Reclamation.\r\nTaos Pueblo Water Rights Settlement - $4.04 million through the Bureau of Reclamation.\r\nBUREAU OF RECLAMATION\r\nThe bill includes specific funding for the following Bureau of Reclamation projects in New Mexico:\r\nCarlsbad Project - $4.13 million\r\nEastern New Mexico Rural Water Supply - $47,000\r\nMiddle Rio Grande Project - $23.99 million\r\nRio Grande Project - $7.4 million\r\nRio Grande Pueblos Project - $300,000\r\nTucumcari Project - $26,000\r\nARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS\r\n$1.5 million for the Tribal Partnership Program to allow the Army Corps to work collaboratively with Tribes to study the feasibility of water resource projects, and full funding for operations and maintenance of several New Mexico projects:\r\nAbiquiu Dam - $3.35 million\r\nCochiti Lake - $3.17 million\r\nConchas Lake - $2.61 million\r\nGalisteo Dam - $762,000\r\nJemez Canyon Dam - $1.04 million\r\nMiddle Rio Grande Endangered Species Collaborative Program - $2.5 million \r\nSanta Rosa Dam and Lake - $1.89 million \r\nTwo Rivers Dam - $1.028 million\r\nUpper Rio Grande Endangered Species Collaborative Program - $1.3 million\r\nInspection of Completed Environmental Projects, New Mexico - $20,000\r\nInspection of Completed Works, New Mexico - $650,000\r\nScheduling Reservoir Operations in New Mexico - $330,000\r\nLAW ENFORCEMENT, PUBLIC SAFETY, AND BORDER ACTIVITIES\r\nColumbus Port of Entry - $85.6 million for construction and acquisition.\r\nFederal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) - $245 million for FLETCs, including the Artesia Center.\r\nCustoms and Border Protection (CBP) - $11.057 billion for CBP, a $385 million boost. This funding will support 21,370 Border Patrol agents  sustaining the increased levels approved in the fiscal year 2010 Border Security Supplemental Appropriations Act  and 23,775 CBP officers currently working at 329 ports of entry nationwide.\r\nHomeland Security grants for local communities  The bill provides $1.507 billion in funding for grants nationwide for border security and emergency preparedness. This includes $467 million for State Homeland Security Grants, including $55 million for Operation Stonegarden; $690 million for Fire and SAFER grants; and $350 million for Emergency Management Performance Grants.\r\nSCIENCE AND SPACE\r\nNational Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) - This bill provides $19.3 billion for NASA, which is a $1.3 billion boost. New Mexico is home to NASA facilities outside Las Cruces. The bill specifically provides $15 million for the Flight Opportunities Program, which funds suborbital flights for research, testing and educational purposes including out of New Mexicos Spaceport. The bill also provides $40 million for Space Grant, a proven program to help attract and retain students in jobs in the aerospace and high-technology sectors. The bill preserves Senate report language directing NASA to allocate the entire $40 million to consortia-led institutions in each state such as the New Mexico Space Grant Consortium (NMSGC) led by New Mexico State University. NMSGC funds engaging research activities for high school students, including rocket launches from Spaceport.\r\nNational Science Foundation (NSF) - The bill allocates $7.46 billion for the NSF, a $119 million increase. The NSF provides grants for basic research at New Mexicos universities and supports science facilities such as Socorro's Very Large Array, the most advanced radio telescope array on Earth. The bill also includes a provision Udall authored to emphasize the importance of NSF support for radio astronomy and for transitioning older facilities  like the National Solar Observatory telescope in Sunspot  as new facilities become operational.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-coalition-of-senators-hails-senate-passage-of-historic-chemical-safety-law", "Bipartisan Coalition of Senators Hails Senate Passage of Historic Chemical Safety Law", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 18, 2015\n\t\t\t Bipartisan Coalition of Senators Hails Senate Passage of Historic Chemical Safety Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n \n \n  WASHINGTON - Today, a bipartisan coalition of senators, led by U.S. Sens. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and David Vitter (R-La.), celebrated the Senate's historic passage of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, a chemical safety reform bill to overhaul the nation's broken Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA). The bill passed the Senate last night by a unanimous voice vote and now has 61 bipartisan cosponsors.  The 39-year-old TSCA is the last of the major environmental laws passed in the 1960s and '70s that has not yet been modernized. The bill must now be reconciled with the U.S. House of Representatives-passed legislation on the same issue. Passage of the bill was thanks to hard work from many senators. At a news conference this morning, Udall and Vitter thanked several partners who have worked hard to make the bill stronger and more bipartisan: Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman James Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Sens. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).  Udall said: \"After years of negotiations, collaboration and working with stakeholders across the country, we have made tremendous progress toward historic, bipartisan environmental reform. I want to thank Senator Vitter and our partners in the Senate who rolled up their sleeves and worked to make this day possible: Chairman Inhofe and Senator Carper; Senators Booker, Merkley and Whitehouse; and Senators Durbin and Markey; and Senator Coons. Everyone put partisanship aside in order to address the substance and make this bill better. As many as 1,500 new chemicals come on the market each year, but there is no cop on the beat making sure they're safe for consumers or our environment. This bill will require the EPA to test all of them, make sure they're safe and put the focus where it ought to be - on how these chemicals affect the most vulnerable in New Mexico and across the country. TSCA has been broken from the beginning. Thirty-nine years is too long to go without strong protections for Americans' health and safety. I look forward to working with members of the House on a final product that the president will sign so we can finally protect our children from dangerous chemicals.\" Vitter said: \"Senator Tom Udall and I, along with our Democrat and Republican colleagues and countless stakeholders, have spent years at the negotiating table to arrive at the best possible compromise to reform our nation's outdated chemical legislation and allow our industries to remain innovative leaders. Our work is not yet done, however. I'm eager to continue the legislative process with our House colleagues early next year so that we can sign chemical safety reform into law.\" Inhofe said: \"The Senate passage of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act is a historic, bipartisan victory that will protect both families and the environment as well as providing a workable regulatory framework for American businesses. This legislation would not have been possible without Bonnie Lautenberg and her unwavering commitment to her late husband's legacy. With the Senate unanimously agreeing to send this bill to the House, I look forward to working with my friends across the capitol to get meaningful TSCA reform to the President's desk and signed into law.\" Carper said: \"Bipartisanship is hard to come by in the Senate these days, especially on environmental issues, this is a historic step toward reforming our toxics laws to better serve both the public and businesses in Delaware and around the country. After too many years of failure, both sides of the aisle have worked together to compromise on policy, without ever compromising their principles. We all owe sincere thanks to Senator Udall for his leadership, determination, and tireless efforts alongside Senator Vitter and Senator Inhofe to produce this bipartisan piece of legislation. Together we've made it to first and goal, and I look forward to reconciling this bill with the House version and getting it across the finish line.\" Booker said: \"Frank Lautenberg would be proud of the Senate's unanimous vote to approve the bill that bears his name, which brings us a step closer to the end of a long journey he started to strengthen the laws that help keep Americans safe from toxic chemicals. These changes are already decades overdue. The Senate and House need to now work together to quickly get this bill to the President's desk to be signed into law.\" Coons said: \"Since being elected to the Senate in 2010, I have heard from countless Delawareans - researchers, nurses, parents, business owners - about how ineffective the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act is today, and how we can and must do better. Delaware is home to some of America's leading chemical manufacturers, so my constituents and I see firsthand the detrimental impact of this outdated law on both communities and businesses. The reforms in this bill give critical authority to the Environmental Protection Agency to police dangerous chemicals, while providing regulatory certainty for the businesses whose innovations we depend on every day. I'm particularly pleased that the bill includes a section that reflects my Sustainable Chemistry R&D Act, which will encourage the development and commercialization of new chemicals, materials, and processes that are better for the environment.\" Durbin said: \"I was drawn to this issue following a Chicago Tribune series in 2012 that revealed that flame retardant chemicals added to furniture and other household goods are useless and toxic for American families. I found, in talking with my colleagues, that there was very little we could do about it. For generations, a lot of Americans have been exposed to unsafe chemicals without knowing it and with no one to protect them. With the passage of this bill, we will change that.\" Markey said: \"For too long, TSCA has been a statute that simply does not work and EPA's authority to regulate dangerous chemicals has been broken. The legislation to reform and update TSCA that unanimously passed the Senate represents the kind of bipartisan commitment, married with compromise, that yields important, long-lasting policy. Enormous credit is owed to the tremendous efforts made by Senators Udall, Vitter, and Inhofe and their staffs. I thank Senator Durbin for his partnership to strengthen this legislation and Senators Merkley, Whitehouse and Booker who worked to improve this bill. I stand ready to roll up my sleeves to work with the House to turn this bill into law and protect the health and safety of the American people.\"  Merkley said: \"The passage of this bill is an enormous milestone on the path toward a safer, healthier future for our families. It's totally unacceptable that in the most powerful country on earth, our federal government has been powerless to protect us from incredibly damaging toxic chemicals in everyday products. Now, we're taking action to change that. I was pleased to work with a bipartisan coalition to pass this bill in the Senate, and I look forward to working with our colleagues in the House to get a bill signed into law.\" Whitehouse said: \"Our main toxic chemicals law hasn't done nearly enough to protect Americans' health and our environment. It's stuck states like Rhode Island with the difficult job of protecting the public from complicated chemicals and saddled businesses with a confusing patchwork of rules and regulations. This bill will provide consumers with confidence that the products they use are safe. It will also give more certainty to businesses. I'm proud of the work we've done to craft this legislation and glad to see it advance.\" The bill is named after the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), who worked for many years to reform the broken and outdated TSCA. It overhauls the law by requiring - for the first time - that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) review new and existing chemicals and regulate them based on the impact they would have on those individuals most at risk: infants, pregnant women, the elderly and chemical industry workers. The bill ensures chemical companies can no longer hide information on their products from public view, and it requires chemical companies to contribute significantly to the cost of regulation and ensure the EPA has the funds to do its job.  In the 39 years since TSCA was enacted, the EPA has been able to restrict just five chemicals, and it has prevented only four chemicals from going to market - out of the more than 23,000 new chemicals manufactured since 1976.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-luj-and-aacuten-include-provision-to-support-gold-king-mine-monitoring-efforts-in-end-of-year-legislation", "Udall, Heinrich, Lujn Include Provision to Support Gold King Mine Monitoring Efforts in End-of-Year Legislation", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 18, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich, Lujn Include Provision to Support Gold King Mine Monitoring Efforts in End-of-Year Legislation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, the lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representative Ben Ray Lujn announced that they included a provision in the end-of-year appropriations bill that encourages the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct long-term monitoring efforts following the Gold King Mine blowout. The accident spilled toxic wastewater into the Animas and San Juan rivers in New Mexico and Colorado. The provision directs the EPA to coordinate with states and Tribes impacted by the spill to develop a robust plan for independent monitoring, and directs the agency to provide support for states' and Tribes' monitoring efforts.  \"I'm pleased that language I pushed for in this appropriations bill will help hold the EPA accountable and ensure it upholds its commitment to prioritizing transparent water quality monitoring for farmers, ranchers and families in Northwestern New Mexico and on the Navajo Nation,\" Udall said. \"If a situation like a flash flood or thunderstorm were to cause contamination in the water once again, we need the EPA making determinations and giving prompt warnings to impacted communities based on the best scientific advice. The language we've included in this bill helps directs the agency's role coordinating between states and Tribes and supporting communities' recovery from Gold King Mine blowout.\"  \"Families in northwestern New Mexico and on the Navajo Nation deserve to be fairly and fully compensated for the damages incurred after the Gold King Mine spill,\" said Heinrich. \"Farmers, ranchers, and livestock owners were hit especially hard after struggling to protect their crops from contaminated wastewater. I will continue to hold the EPA accountable for its actions and work to overhaul our nation's hardrock mining and abandoned mine policies to prevent future disasters. The EPA must work with New Mexico, Colorado, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, the Navajo Nation, and all affected communities to monitor the long-term consequences of this spill, to protect the health and safety of water resources, and to ensure that communities are made whole again.\" \"The Gold King Mine spill has impacted communities in New Mexico and the Navajo Nation, while taking a toll on businesses, farmers, and ranchers,\" Lujn said. \"There are serious concerns about the effect that this spill will have on our communities in the months and years to come, and it is critical that there is a coordinated effort to conduct long-term monitoring of the Animas River.  I am pleased that as a result of our efforts working with the appropriators, we were able to include a provision in the omnibus bill that directs EPA to work with the states and tribes to implement an independent monitoring plan.\" The provision reads: \"EPA is directed to coordinate with impacted States and tribes on development of a robust, long-term plan for independent monitoring. With existing funds, the Agency is directed to continue to seek ways to provide States and tribes with support for their contribution to monitoring efforts.\" Udall, Heinrich and Lujn, along with U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado, introduced legislation earlier this year to ensure the EPA works with affected communities to compensate those who were impacted. Their Gold King Mine Recovery Act included provisions to require the agency to work with states and Tribes to fund and implement long-term monitoring of water quality from the mine and to identify the risks of futures spills by assessing other abandoned mines for cleanup. Udall and Heinrich have also introduced a bill to reform the nation's antiquated hardrock mining laws to help ensure taxpayers are not on the hook for cleaning up abandoned mines, many of which are continuously leaking toxic chemicals into rivers and streams and have the potential for catastrophic disasters like the Gold King Mine blowout. Lujn is a cosponsor of similar legislation, H.R. 963, which has been introduced in the House of Representatives.\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-heinrich-welcome-nm-priorities-included-in-government-funding-bill", "Udall, Heinrich Welcome NM Priorities Included in Government Funding Bill", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 18, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich Welcome NM Priorities Included 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 Appropriations bill funds labs and bases, PILT, LWCF, veterans' programs, water projects and more\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n \n \n   WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich joined the full Senate in voting 65-33 for a so-called \"omnibus\" appropriations bill to fund the government through September 2016. The U.S. House of Representatives approved the bill earlier today and the president signed it into law this afternoon.  The bill funds several critical New Mexico programs such as veterans' services; Tribal and Head Start programs; Los Alamos and Sandia national labs; construction at Holloman, Kirtland and Cannon Air Force bases; New Mexico's national parks, monuments and refuges; public lands agencies; water projects across the state; Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT); and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The funding bill follows spending levels set in a bipartisan budget agreement that Congress approved earlier this fall. That framework rolled back devastating sequestration budget cuts that have hurt military readiness, rural development and other programs that New Mexico families depend on. Udall said: \"This bill will support jobs and economic development in every corner of our state. Funding for our national labs and military bases will ensure New Mexico can continue contributing to our national security and tomorrow's technological breakthroughs. The funding levels in this bill follow through with our bipartisan agreement to end sequestration cuts that have devastated federal investments that benefit our state's hardworking families. Now we're able to provide much-needed boosts to early childhood programs like Head Start, Tribal health and education, and quality services for our veterans.\" Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and lead Democrat on the Subcommittee for Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, announced that funding for several New Mexico public lands and Tribal priorities had been included in the bill earlier this week, including a three-year extension of the LWCF. Udall also led the effort to remove harmful anti-environment provisions from the bill. Those provisions would have weakened bedrock environmental laws and blocked efforts to reduce the impact of climate change in New Mexico and across the country. Heinrich said: \"This balanced, bipartisan agreement makes robust investments in our economy and will create and preserve jobs in New Mexico at a time when we truly need them. By following the framework of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, we restored funding to education, veterans, women's health, substance abuse and mental health services, infrastructure, homeland security, and defense. We also removed harmful Republican policy riders that would have weakened Wall Street reform and consumer protections, eliminated safeguards for clean air and drinking water, and curbed the president's authority to create national monuments under the Antiquities Act. New Mexico's national laboratories, military bases, and WIPP will all receive critical federal investments in this bipartisan deal. Our rural counties will receive a substantial increase in PILT funding. This package also includes robust, multi-year clean energy incentives that will move us toward our climate goals, including wind and solar tax credits, and investments in the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Because of the services we provide to the nation, New Mexico's economy relies heavily on federal investments. Congress must continue to work together and be willing to compromise in order to get things done for the American people and New Mexico.\" New Mexico funding and other highlights of the bill include: PILT AND LWCF  Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) - $452 million for payments to counties nationwide through the PILT program, which helps local governments pay for law enforcement, schools, roads and other critical services. This is the amount estimated in the president's budget to fully fund payments in fiscal year 2016. The funding will be divided according to a formula determined by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Last year, New Mexico counties received $34.5 million.  Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) - The bill allocates $450 million, almost $150 million more than last year, and authorizes the LWCF for three years. The LWCF has helped create and protect urban parks and open spaces that enhance recreation and outdoor opportunities in urban and rural communities alike. It's funded through revenues from federal oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf and does not use taxpayer dollars. The program also supports America's outdoor recreation, conservation and preservation economies, which contribute more than $1 trillion to the nation's economy each year and support 9.4 million American jobs. More than $261 million has been spent in New Mexico since 1965 to protect natural resources and provide recreational opportunities, including more than $41 million for state and local grants. This year, New Mexico will receive $5.5 million to conserve lands within the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, at Pecos National Historical Park and along the Continental Divide Scenic Trail. WIPP, LOS ALAMOS AND SANDIA NATIONAL LABS, ABQ NNSA Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) - $305 million, which includes $148 million for operations and maintenance, $82 million for recovery activities, $5 million for security, and full funding for two construction projects: $23 million for ventilation and $7.5 million for the new shaft. Environmental clean-up at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) - $185 million. Sandia National Lab and LANL operations funding - $196.46 million for operations at LANL; $115.3 million for Sandia, a $9.3 million increase. LANL construction projects - $255.19 million for six projects including $25 million for TA-3 substation replacement; $18.2 million for TA-55 reinvestment project III; $3.9 million for TA-55 reinvestment project II; $11.53 million for the radioactive liquid waste treatment facility; $40.95 million for the transuranic liquid waste facility; and $155.61 million for CMR replacement. The current CMR facility will be decommissioned in 2019. B61 Life Extension Project (LEP) - Both Los Alamos and Sandia national labs are instrumental in carrying out this program, which maintains our nation's nuclear weapons stockpile while allowing for the eventual elimination of the nation's largest warhead, the B83. The bill provides $643.3 million total for B61 LEP.  W80-4 Life Extension Project (LEP) - $195 million for the Sandia project, which is refurbishing the W80 warhead with replacement components for aging technology and components that have limited lifespans.  National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Albuquerque Complex - $8 million for project engineering and design of a new project to replace the aging NNSA Albuquerque Complex. An additional $2.5 million may be repurposed to complete the conceptual design for the project. Overall National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) funding - The bill includes $12.53 billion for the NNSA overall, a 9 percent increase. Of that, weapons activities are receiving a 7.5 percent increase to $8.85 billion and non-proliferation activities are receiving an increase of about 18 percent to $1.94 billion. These increases will provide much-needed funding boosts to the Department of Energy's national nuclear security labs, including Los Alamos and Sandia. \n    MILITARY/DOD  Department of Defense (DOD) funding is restored to pre-sequester levels. Operation budgets for each military base will be determined by DOD. The bill also includes nearly $69 million for several construction projects at New Mexico bases, as well as funding for numerous defense programs. Cannon Air Force Base construction:   - $7.8 million to construct an antiterrorism/force protection (AT/FP) gate. The current Portales Entry Control Point does meet current AT/FP standards. The project is for construction on a new gatehouse, vehicle inspection station, and associated roads that meet current AT/FP criteria. - $20.4 million to build a pump house and fuel storage. The current refueling facilities are located on the northwest side of the runway, but aircraft require refueling from both the northwest and southeast of the runways. Refueling in this manner is too slow to support mission requirements. The project will construct a new fuels storage distribution point with two above-ground fuel storage tanks, a pump house, an emergency generator, a transfer pipeline and other systems needed for the project. Construction also includes remediation of fuel contaminated soil. - $11.565 million for a Special Operations Forces squadron operations facility. A multi-story operations and training facility addition will support instructors and students, providing a facility to teach and critique combat crews on special operations forces training. The facility will also include trainers for CV-22 specific training as well as night vision operations, and fire, rescue, medical, and explosive ordnance disposal. - $13.146 million for Special Operations Forces ST operational training facilities. This project includes building an aquatic training center and indoor small arms firing range.  Holloman Air Force Base construction:   - $3 million for Marshalling Area Arm/De-Arm Pad D. Construction supports the change in mission at HAFB to an F-16 training mission. The lack of marshalling areas on the Holloman airfield for aircraft to utilize post-arming is a significant problem, which must be overcome prior to student training. Processes in place at Holloman now prevent aircraft from taking off into the White Sands Missile Range complex prior to the start of their airspace time. However, even if aircraft were allowed to take off early, in many cases there is currently no place for them to hold prior to entering the working airspace.  Kirtland Air Force Base construction:   - $12.8 million for the Space Vehicles Component Development Lab. This project will support space vehicles component development of space power generation, solar arrays and photovoltaic cells, space power storage, space vehicle mechanisms (launch separators and maneuvering components), mechanism controls, space protection including radiation-hardened electronics, and environmental sensors and cryocoolers. The facility should provide four light labs, two medium labs, and class 1,000 clean rooms required for space vehicle research, development, and experiments. It should also provide office space for analysis, engineering, engineering support and management personnel. It should comply with DOD antiterrorism/force protection provisions. Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) - $16.46 million for ORS, a Kirtland-based program that works with the broader space community to provide \"assured space power focused on timely satisfaction of Joint Force Commanders' needs.\" ORS seeks to revolutionize access to space with the development of satellites and launch capabilities on shorter timelines and at less cost, directly benefiting the warfighters who increasingly rely on space-based assets for situational awareness and planning. \n  Technology Offset Initiative - $100 million for a new \"technology offset\" fund to invest in cutting-edge technologies, $50 million specifically for directed energy. These emerging technologies will help the Armed Forces maintain its advantage over near-peer competitors. \n  Advanced Spacecraft Technology - $61.9 million for the Air Force research and development program, and an increase of $7 million specifically for the Space Vehicles Directorate at Kirtland Air Force Base. \n  Procured one CV-22 Osprey for Air Force attrition reserve - The New Mexico Air National Guard trains mission-ready Special Operations and Combat Search and Rescue crews on CV-22s together with the 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base. \n  Technology transfer - $7.6 million for technology transfer at Air Force facilities. The bill also includes a provision to encourage the Department of Energy's Office of Technology Transitions to treat the applied research offices equitably when utilizing funds to assist the transfer of federally funded research into the commercial sector, and to report to Congress on its progress. \n  Advanced Weapons Technology - $35.2 million for the Kirtland-based Counter-Electronics High Powered Microwave Advanced Missile Project (CHAMP). CHAMP is developing an \"electromagnetic pulse weapon\" that can cut off power to a specific target without jeopardizing an entire electric grid. The New Mexico delegation provided an increase of $5 million specifically to move CHAMP beyond research and development and into production. This funding follows an increase of $10 million in fiscal year 2015 for the same purpose. Employment of this weapon will give DOD a non-kinetic capability to take out enemy targets without risking civilian lives or putting our troops in direct harm.  DOD STARBASE youth education program - $25 million for the DOD-run science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education program, including La Luz Academy at Kirtland. PARKS, PUBLIC LANDS AND TRIBAL SERVICES  Udall is the lead Democrat on the Appropriations Subcommittee for Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, and worked to include several New Mexico priorities in the bill. Valles Caldera National Preserve/Manhattan Project National Historical Park - The agreement includes $16 million to support new park units nationwide, including $3.34 million in base funding for the Valles Caldera National Preserve to support its transfer to the National Park Service - equal to the fiscal year 2015 budget - and $180,000 in new funding to operate the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. The bill also includes $1.5 million to fund restoration projects at new park units, including Valles Caldera.  Bandelier National Monument - $5.1 million for construction on electrical systems. Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge - $3.5 million for the first of two years of funding needed to complete the refuge. Pecos National Historical Park - $386,000 for land acquisition. Continental Divide National Scenic Trail - $2.3 million for land acquisition. The property near Pie Town, N.M., will allow the CDT to be relocated from a highway shoulder to a safer and more scenic route through the Sawtooth Mountains. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument - $2.9 million for land acquisition. Acquisition of this property helps bring the new national monument closer to completion. National Landscape Conservation System - The bill includes a $5 million increase to initiate foundational efforts at newly designated monuments, such as Rio Grande del Norte and Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks. Land Grants and Acequias - The bill notes the importance of community land grants, acequias and ditches in the Southwest, and requests recognition of such traditional uses during land-use planning.  Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development (IAIA) - $11.619 million. Indian Land and Water Claims Settlements - The bill provides $49.4 million for Indian Water Rights Settlements across the nation, including for the Taos Pueblo Water Rights Settlement, the Aamodt Litigation Settlement, and the Navajo-Gallup Project. Tribal broadband funds - $2 million in new funding to support a tribal broadband initiative for Bureau of Indian Education schools. U.S. Geological Service U.S.-Mexico Transboundary Aquifer Assessment - $1 million for border state aquifer assessments, including work by the Water Resources Research Institute at New Mexico State University. \n  Bureau of Indian Affairs - The bill provides $2.796 billion nationwide, a $194 million increase. It includes a particular focus on Indian education and provides a $64 million increase for school construction and repair needs. The bill fully funds contract support costs at $277 million as required by the U.S. Supreme Court to be paid to Tribes that exercise self-determination and operate federal programs on their own behalf. CHILDCARE AND EDUCATION Head Start and childcare - The bill boosts Head Start funding by $570 million, bringing total Head Start funding available to communities in New Mexico and nationwide to $9.2 billion. It also increases funding for Early Head Start by $135 million and the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program by $326 million. These programs provide childcare and quality early childhood education to more than 24,000 New Mexico kids. Indian Education grants from the Department of Education - $40 million increase to $143.9 million to improve education opportunities for Native children from preschool through high school. TRIO Student Support Services - $900 million for TRIO grants to support low-income and first-generation college students, a $60 million increase. Last year, 13 New Mexico colleges received TRIO grants totaling $3.3 million, and this funding boost will allow the program to expand. Native language preservation - $12 million for the Esther Martinez language preservation program, including $4 million for intensive programs such as language nests and survival schools. Hispanic-Serving Institutions - $7 million increase to $107.7 million for Hispanic-Serving Institutions, which include 18 colleges and universities in New Mexico.  DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA)  The bill includes $163 billion in total funding for the VA - a record high that includes a $2.5 billion increase to improve patient access to care and expand services. Overall VA funding will provide for health care, benefits claims processing, medical and prosthetic research, information technology and VA National Cemeteries. Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry - The bill includes language Udall authored to require the VA to report on the status and findings of its registry of service members and veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes from open-air burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. Innovative assistive technology - The bill includes language Udall authored to recognize the potential 3D printing and other technological advances have to help disabled veterans overcome barriers to engagement, employment and independent living. The VA is urged to begin a pilot program to develop a more innovative and user-friendly process for assistive technology.  WATER PROJECTS WaterSmart Program - $57.98 million nationwide for WaterSmart, which supports local water management projects including watershed management, basin studies and drought planning and response.  Circuit Rider Program - $16.39 million nationwide for the program, which provides funding for technical assistance for the operations of rural water systems throughout New Mexico. Through contracting, the Rural Utilities Service assists rural water systems with day-to-day operational, financial and management problems. Water and waste disposal grants for Colonias and Native communities - $64 million nationwide. These funds help border communities and Native American communities pay for all or part of the cost of water and waste disposal facilities. Navajo-Gallup Project - The bill provides $89.6 million through the Bureau of Reclamation for the construction of the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project and the historic 2010 Navajo Nation Water Rights Settlement Agreement. The project will supply water to the eastern portion of the Navajo Nation, the southwestern portion of the Jicarilla Apache Nation and the city of Gallup, serving the future water needs of approximately 250,000 people. Aamodt Litigation Settlement - $6 million through the Bureau of Reclamation. Taos Pueblo Water Rights Settlement - $4.04 million through the Bureau of Reclamation. BUREAU OF RECLAMATION  The bill includes specific funding for the following Bureau of Reclamation projects in New Mexico: Carlsbad Project - $4.13 million  Eastern New Mexico Rural Water Supply - $47,000  Middle Rio Grande Project - $23.99 million   Rio Grande Project - $7.4 million   Rio Grande Pueblos Project - $300,000  Tucumcari Project - $26,000  ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS  $1.5 million for the Tribal Partnership Program to allow the Army Corps to work collaboratively with Tribes to study the feasibility of water resource projects, and full funding for operations and maintenance of several New Mexico projects:  Abiquiu Dam - $3.35 million  Cochiti Lake - $3.17 million  Conchas Lake - $2.61 million  Galisteo Dam - $762,000  Jemez Canyon Dam - $1.04 million   Middle Rio Grande Endangered Species Collaborative Program - $2.5 million   Santa Rosa Dam and Lake - $1.89 million   Two Rivers Dam - $1.028 million   Upper Rio Grande Endangered Species Collaborative Program - $1.3 million   Inspection of Completed Environmental Projects, New Mexico - $20,000  Inspection of Completed Works, New Mexico - $650,000  Scheduling Reservoir Operations in New Mexico - $330,000  LAW ENFORCEMENT, PUBLIC SAFETY, AND BORDER ACTIVITIES Columbus Port of Entry - $85.6 million for construction and acquisition. \n  Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) - $245 million for FLETCs, including the Artesia Center. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - $11.057 billion for CBP, a $385 million boost. This funding will support 21,370 Border Patrol agents - sustaining the increased levels approved in the fiscal year 2010 Border Security Supplemental Appropriations Act - and 23,775 CBP officers currently working at 329 ports of entry nationwide. Homeland Security grants for local communities - The bill provides $1.507 billion in funding for grants nationwide for border security and emergency preparedness. This includes $467 million for State Homeland Security Grants, including $55 million for Operation Stonegarden; $690 million for Fire and SAFER grants; and $350 million for Emergency Management Performance Grants.  SCIENCE AND SPACE National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) - This bill provides $19.3 billion for NASA, which is a $1.3 billion boost. New Mexico is home to NASA facilities outside Las Cruces. The bill specifically provides $15 million for the Flight Opportunities Program, which funds suborbital flights for research, testing and educational purposes including out of New Mexico's Spaceport. The bill also provides $40 million for Space Grant, a proven program to help attract and retain students in jobs in the aerospace and high-technology sectors. The bill preserves Senate report language directing NASA to allocate the entire $40 million to consortia-led institutions in each state such as the New Mexico Space Grant Consortium (NMSGC) led by New Mexico State University. NMSGC funds engaging research activities for high school students, including rocket launches from Spaceport. National Science Foundation (NSF) - The bill allocates $7.46 billion for the NSF, a $119 million increase. The NSF provides grants for basic research at New Mexico's universities and supports science facilities such as Socorro's Very Large Array, the most advanced radio telescope array on Earth. The bill also includes a provision Udall authored to emphasize the importance of NSF support for radio astronomy and for transitioning older facilities - like the National Solar Observatory telescope in Sunspot - as new facilities become operational.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-in-speech-udall-hails-senate-passage-of-historic-chemical-safety-law", "VIDEO: In Speech, Udall Hails Senate Passage of Historic Chemical Safety Law", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 18, 2015\n\t\t\t VIDEO: In Speech, Udall Hails Senate Passage of Historic Chemical Safety Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n \n \n  VIDEO: https://youtu.be/fhGEa6pXD0g  \n  WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor to celebrate the Senate's historic passage of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, a landmark chemical safety reform bill to overhaul the nation's broken Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA). Udall and Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) authored the bill, which passed the Senate last night by a unanimous voice vote and now has 61 bipartisan cosponsors. \n  The 39-year-old TSCA is the last of the major environmental laws passed in the 1960s and '70s that has not yet been modernized. The bill must now be reconciled with the U.S. House of Representatives-passed legislation on the same issue. \n  In his speech, Udall thanked some of the many partners and chemical safety reform advocates who have helped to make the bill stronger and more bipartisan, including Vitter, Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman James Inhofe (R-Okla.), and Sens. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). He also recognized Bonnie Lautenberg for her unwavering efforts in the chemical safety reform fight. The bill is named after her husband, the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), who worked for many years to reform the broken and outdated TSCA. \n  \"We're on the verge of historic reform decades in the making and decades overdue. TSCA is the last of the environmental laws from the 1960s and 70s left to be updated,\" Udall said. \"Some days you might not think we could pass a major environmental law in this Congress. But we've proven that wrong, and we have a very strong bill. Our bill finally gives the EPA the authority it needs. It sets clear guidelines for the EPA to evaluate new and existing chemicals and to protect the American people. That is why support for this bill was so strong and continued to build from environmental, conservation, good government, industry, and health and labor groups. \n  \"We'll be working to reconcile the bill with the House legislation. This is historic reform. The old TSCA will be obsolete. We'll have a cop on the beat. We'll finally be able to protect our kids from toxic chemicals.\"  The bill overhauls TSCA by requiring - for the first time - that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) review new and existing chemicals and regulate them based on the impact they would have on those individuals most at risk: infants, pregnant women, the elderly and chemical industry workers. The bill ensures chemical companies can no longer hide information on their products from public view, and it requires chemical companies to contribute significantly to the cost of regulation and ensure the EPA has the funds to do its job.  Since TSCA was enacted, the EPA has been able to restrict just five chemicals, and it has prevented only four chemicals from going to market - out of the more than 23,000 new chemicals manufactured since 1976. \n  Below are Udall's remarks as prepared for delivery:  \n  Last night was a historic moment in the U.S. Senate.  \n  After years - years - of negotiations and collaboration, after working with stakeholders across the country, we made tremendous progress toward historic, bipartisan environmental reform. \n  The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act passed the Senate on a unanimous voice vote with 60 bipartisan cosponsors, with overwhelming support.  \n  This is a great milestone. First, I want to thank Senator Vitter. Senator Vitter and I introduced this legislation for one reason, one basic reason - to fix our nation's broken chemical safety law.  \n  There were times when the bill was stalled from even getting introduced. And Senators like Tom Carper stepped in and helped get us back on track. Thank you, Senator Carper. His early leadership as an original cosponsor of this bill got us off on the much needed right-foot. \n  This has been a long road to get here today. I want to thank Chairman Inhofe for his calm, steady leadership. And Senators Merkley, Booker, Whitehouse, Markey, and Coons, and Senator Durbin, and many many others. All helped move this forward. All helped make this a better bill.  \n  I also want to thank Bonnie Lautenberg. Senator Lautenberg fought hard for TSCA reform. I was proud to take up that fight, and I am grateful to Bonnie, who has helped us every step of the way.  \n  I'd also like to recognize the great advocates for reform. The Bipartisan Policy Center. The Environmental Defense Fund. The National Wildlife Federation. March of Dimes. North America's Building Trades Unions. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. Moms Clean Air Force. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. The Humane Society. And so many others - representing over 30 million Americans. All support the Lautenberg Act. They pushed Congress to act, and they kept pushing until we did act. Many thousands of Americans have worked for chemical safety reform over the last four decades. Thank you for not giving up.  \n  They understand that we need a national solution to our broken chemical safety law. The Toxic Substances Control Act was enacted in 1976, nearly 40 years ago. It was supposed to protect American families. It doesn't. Over four decades, the EPA has been able to restrict just five chemicals, and it has prevented only four chemicals from going to market out of tens of thousands. \n  Every day, Americans go to the grocery store, or the hardware store. They believe that the chemicals in the products they buy have been tested and are safe. But that's not true because TSCA is so broken.  \n  Because this is about our health and safety. This is about our children and grandchildren. This is about people like Dominique Browning, who works with Moms Clean Air Force, who worries about her kids and the toys and products they use every day. She herself survived kidney cancer. When she asked her doctor what caused her kidney cancer, he said, \"It's one of those environmental ones. Who knows? We're full of chemicals.\"  \n  This is about people like Lisa Huguenin. Lisa is a Ph.D. Scientist who has done work on chemical exposure at Princeton and Rutgers and at the state and federal level. But she is a mother first. Her thirteen year-old son, Harrison, was born with autism and auto-immune deficiencies. Five years ago, Lisa testified before Senator Lautenberg's Subcommittee on the need for reform. She is eager to see TSCA reform be signed into law. That's why we're here - to fix this broken system. Now we're close to the finish line for the first time in almost 40 years. \n  Mr. President, in 2009, the Obama Administration laid out six essential principles for TSCA reform. The bill we passed last night meets all six of those principles. \n  Principle No. 1: Chemicals Should be Reviewed Against Safety Standards that are Based on Sound Science and Reflect Risk-based Criteria Protective of Human Health and the Environment. \n  Our bill requires EPA to assess chemicals based only on health and safety information - not on cost.  \n  Principle No. 2: Manufacturers Should Provide EPA with the Necessary Information to Conclude That New and Existing Chemicals are Safe and Do Not Endanger Public Health or the Environment. \n  Our bill gives EPA new authorities to develop testing data, and requires a finding of safety before new chemicals (as many as 1,500 a year) enter the market. \n  Principle No. 3: Risk Management Decisions Should Take into Account Sensitive Subpopulations, Cost, Availability of Substitutes and Other Relevant Considerations. \n  Our bill explicitly requires the protection of vulnerable populations and lists out examples, such as infants, the elderly, pregnant women, workers and others. \n  Principle No. 4: Manufacturers and EPA Should Assess and Act on Priority Chemicals, Both Existing and New, in a Timely Manner. \n  Our bill requires the EPA to systematically review all of the chemicals in commerce, prioritizing the chemicals of most concern first, and it sets aggressive, judicially enforceable deadlines for EPA decisions. \n  Principle No. 5: Green Chemistry Should Be Encouraged and Provisions Assuring Transparency and Public Access to Information Should Be Strengthened. \n  Our bill includes a section on sustainable chemistry, and also makes more information about chemicals available by limiting industry's ability to claim information as confidential, and giving states and health professionals access to confidential information to protect the public. \n  Principle No. 6: EPA Should Be Given a Sustained Source of Funding for Implementation \n  Our bill gives EPA sustained sources of funding and ensures that the EPA's priorities are not overwhelmed by private interests to ensure that the program we implement is a risk-based system. \n  Additionally, the bill allows EPA to develop cost-effective final regulations, but without the high procedural hurdles in the underlying statute. It strikes an appropriate balance between federal and state action. It gives states the right to co-enforce federal standards. And it leaves state civil actions alone and gives no special advantage to either side in litigation. \n  Mr. President, we're on the verge of historic reform decades in the making and decades overdue. TSCA is the last of the environmental laws from the 1960s and 70s left to be updated. Some days you might not think we could pass a major environmental law in this Congress. But we've proven that wrong, and we have a very strong bill. \n  Our bill finally gives the EPA the authority it needs. It sets clear guidelines for the EPA to evaluate new and existing chemicals and to protect the American people. That is why support for this bill was so strong and continued to build from environmental, conservation, good government, industry, and health and labor groups.  \n  We'll be working to reconcile the bill with the House legislation. This is historic reform. The old TSCA will be obsolete. We'll have a cop on the beat. We'll finally be able to protect our kids from toxic chemicals.  \n  I again want to thank Senator Vitter. I am proud to work with him on this bill. We disagreed many times. The negotiations were sometimes difficult. But we stayed at the table. We listened to all sides, and we looked for solutions instead of roadblocks.  \n  And I also want to again thank the many colleagues who worked with us for the best possible bill. Thank you.  \n  It wouldn't be right to finish this afternoon without mentioning the staff. We had a number of staff members here:  \n  Dimitri Karakitsos (worked for Senator Vitter and now for Chairman Inhofe)Ryan Jackson (Chairman Inhofe's Staff Director)Zak Baig (Vitter)Colin Peppard (Carper)Adrian Deveny (Merkley)Emily Enderle (Whitehouse)Adam Zipkin (Booker)Michal Freedhoff (Markey)Jasmine Hunt (Durbin)Lisa Hummon-Jones (Coons) \n  And the staff at Senate Legislative Counsel, who worked to turn around text so quickly at crucial points: \n  Michelle Johnson-WeiderDeanna Edwards \n  And so many others. I want to conclude by thanking again our bipartisan partners.  \n  We look forward to working with our House colleagues to reconcile these bills, and to getting this passed early next year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://lujangrisham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujan-grisham-announces-support-bipartisan-spending-package-benefits-nm", "Lujan Grisham Announces Support for Bipartisan Spending Package that Benefits NM", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Michelle Lujan Grisham", "L000580", "lujangrisham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham announced today that she will vote for the bipartisan spending package that addresses many of her top priorities for New Mexico, including full funding for jobs at the national labs, full funding for food-assistance programs, health benefits for 9/11 first-responders and three-year funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.\nThe budget bill also includes the $2 million that Rep. Lujan Grisham secured for the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Program. The Albuquerque Police Department recently received a grant under the program to pay for crisis intervention training.\n\u201cNew Mexico will benefit in many ways from this spending package, which is important as we work to create jobs and meet the needs of working families,\u201d Rep. Lujan Grisham said. \u201cIn addition to critical funding for many services, I\u2019m pleased that we avoided attempts to block funding for Planned Parenthood and critical climate change initiatives.\n\u201cHowever, my biggest disappointment with the bill is the refusal to lift the ban on gun violence research,\u201d Rep. Lujan Grisham said. \u201cI will continue to support legislation that lifts this ban, and allows the Center for Disease Control to conduct this research.\u201d\nThe spending package and associated tax legislation also includes:\n Full funding for renewable energy programs, including the extension of wind and solar tax credits.\n\tStrengthens the VISA waiver program\n\tKeeps the horse slaughter ban in place\n\tFull funding for Payments in Lieu of Taxes which helps local governments pay for law enforcement, schools, roads and other critical services.\n\tNew Indian Energy office to expedite the energy development permitting on Indian land\n \u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-flake-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-include-social-media-background-checks-as-part-of-us-visa-screening-process-", "Heinrich, Flake Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Include Social Media Background Checks As Part of U.S. Visa Screening Process", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich, Flake Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Include Social Media Background Checks As Part of U.S. Visa Screening Process \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 17, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C - Today, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M) and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) introduced legislation that would authorize the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to search public social media profiles of any foreigner seeking a U.S. visa. \r\nReviewing the public social media posts of an individual seeking a U.S. visa is just common sense in the digital world we live in today, said Sen. Heinrich, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and Senate Armed Services Committee. In the wake of the Paris and San Bernardino terrorist attacks and the ongoing threats that have us all worried about the safety of our families, this bill makes practical security enhancements that modernize our visa system, ensure it's rigorous and comprehensive, and are critical to protecting our homeland. \r\nIt should be crystal clear to those inside and outside of DHS that the agency has the authority to review publicly available social media posts when vetting visa applications, said Sen. Flake. \r\nA copy of the bill is available here. \r\nEarlier this week, Senator Heinrich also signed a letter to Secretary Jeh Johnson urging his agency to immediately conduct social media background checks as a part of the screening process for U.S. visa determinations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/view/heinrich-highlights-gains-for-new-mexico-energy-economy", "Heinrich Highlights Gains For New Mexico Energy Economy", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "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\tLoretto Towne Center\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t505 South Main St., Ste. 148\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/senate-passes-udall-and-039s-landmark-chemical-safety-bill", "Senate Passes Udall's Landmark Chemical Safety Bill", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 17, 2015\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Udall's Landmark Chemical Safety Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n \n \n  WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall hailed the Senate's passage of his bipartisan Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, a landmark chemical safety reform bill to overhaul the nation's broken Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA) and finally protect families from dangerous chemicals. Udall and Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) wrote the bill, which passed the Senate by a unanimous voice vote.  The 39-year-old TSCA is the last of the major environmental laws passed in the 1960s and 70s that has not yet been modernized. The bill must now be reconciled with the U.S. House of Representatives-passed legislation on the same topic. \"This is an exciting day for the many thousands of Americans who have worked for chemical safety reform over the last four decades,\" Udall said. \"Passing the Lautenberg Chemical Safety Reform bill with overwhelming support this evening is a great milestone, and I thank the numerous other senators who have worked to make this day possible.\"  \"This bill is the product of years of collaboration and positive input from lawmakers across the country, who understand that we need a national solution to our broken chemical safety law,\" Udall continued. \"It will ensure that Americans in New Mexico and all states have necessary protections from toxic chemicals. With thousands of chemicals in existence, and as many as 1,500 new chemicals coming on the market each year, 39 years is too long to go without protections for children and families. I look forward to working with members of the House on a final product that the president will sign, but tonight we made tremendous progress toward historic bipartisan environmental reform.\" Details of the bill and other materials are available HERE. It has been cosponsored by 60 members of the U.S. Senate, including 25 Democratic Senators and 35 Republicans since its introduction in March, and was approved by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee in June. The bill is named after the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), who worked for many years to reform the broken and outdated TSCA. It overhauls the law by requiring - for the first time - that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) review new and existing chemicals and regulate them based on the impact they would have on those individuals most at risk: infants, pregnant women, the elderly and chemical industry workers. The bill ensures chemical companies can no longer hide information on their products from public view, and it requires chemical companies to contribute significantly to the cost of regulation and ensure the EPA has the funds to do its job.  In the 39 years since TSCA was enacted, the EPA has been able to restrict just five chemicals, and it has prevented only four chemicals from going to market - out of the more than 23,000 new chemicals manufactured since 1976.\n \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.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-announces-gains-for-nm-economy-in-bipartisan-deal-to-lift-ban-on-exporting-oil", "Heinrich Announces Gains For N.M. Economy In Bipartisan Deal to Lift Ban on Exporting Oil", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Announces Gains For N.M. Economy In Bipartisan Deal to Lift Ban on Exporting Oil\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSenators Efforts Pave Way for Extension of Wind And Solar Energy Tax Credits, Land And Water Conservation Fund Reauthorization\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 16, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, announced that an extension of wind and solar energy tax credits and the reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund are included in the deal reached by Democratic and Republican negotiators to lift the ban on exporting oil. The policies are included in an end of the year spending bill that Congress will soon vote on.\r\nSenator Heinrich has played a key role in ensuring that any agreement to lift the ban on exporting oil be paired with policies that boost America's clean energy economy and help meet climate goals.\r\n\"This balanced and bipartisan agreement to lift the ban on oil exports while making truly robust investments in clean energy production will create and preserve jobs in New Mexico at a time when we truly need them, said Sen. Heinrich. Im pleased that a change in policy of this magnitude, to lift the 40-year old ban on oil exports, is paired with strong, multi-year clean energy incentives that will move us toward our climate goals, including wind and solar tax credits, and investments in the Land and Water Conservation Funda landmark conservation program that has benefited New Mexicos outdoor recreation economy for 50 years. The bottom line is that this energy package is a win for New Mexico jobs by any standard.\"\r\nThe bipartisan deal that lifts the ban on oil exports includes a five-year retroactive extension of the Production Tax Credit (PTC) through 2019, which supports wind energy, and a five-year extension of the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC).The deal also includes a three-year extension of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is one of the most successful government programs in preserving our nation's natural and cultural resources and improving access to the outdoors in urban and rural communities.Additionally, the 2016 spending bill includes $450 million for LWCF, an increase of 47 percent over last year's funding, and $452 million for payments to counties through the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program.\r\nSenator Heinrich has been a leading advocate of tax credits to support the development of wind and solar energy.He is an original cosponsor ofS.1755, a bill to extend the Residential Energy Efficient Property Tax Credit(25D)by five years. Provisions of this bill was included in the deal and would extend a the tax credit that helps families pay for residential clean energy equipment, such as solar photovoltaics, solar hot water heaters, geothermal heat pumps, and small wind turbines.\r\nSenator Heinrich has alsoconsistentlyfought to reauthorize and fully fund theLand and Water Conservation Fund. The program has helped protect many of New Mexico's treasured landscapes and wildlife refuges, including the Valles Caldera National Preserve, Petroglyph National Monument, Aztec Ruins National Monument Santa Fe National Forest, and Valle de Oro Wildlife Refuge. TheOutdoor Industry Associationfoundthat the outdoor recreation economy supports 68,000 New Mexico jobs and pumps $6.1 billion into the state's economy. He has also consistently fought forPILT funding.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-secures-delay-of-cadillac-tax", "Heinrich Secures Delay Of Cadillac Tax", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Secures Delay Of Cadillac Tax\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 16, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) worked to secure a two-year delay of a provision in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) known as the \"Cadillac Tax,\" which would tax high-cost health insurance plans and impact health benefits for thousands of New Mexican workers. The provision to delay the tax was included in the \"omnibus\" spending bill that was announced last night by Democratic and Republican leaders that Congress will soon vote on.\r\n\"Delaying this excise tax is a victory for the middle class as we continue to fight for its full repeal. Eliminating this onerous tax on employees' health coverage will protect important benefits for workers and ensure that businesses and families get a fair deal,\" said Sen. Heinrich. \"The landmark reforms in the Affordable Care Act have given thousands of New Mexicans access to quality, affordable health care for the first time in their lives. But even the strongest supporters of the law know it isn't perfect and that there are some parts that need to be fixed. New Mexicans can always count on me to seek bipartisan, results-oriented solutions to the pressing challenges we face, and making the ACA work for everyone is no exception.\"\r\nSenator Heinrich joined U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-Nev.) in leading the bipartisan effort to eliminate the Cadillac Tax. The senators introduced the Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act to fully repeal this excise tax.\r\nThe Cadillac Tax would tax employers whose health insurance plans cost more than $10,200 a year for individuals and $27,450 a year for families at 40 percent of the cost above those limits. The tax would force many employers to pay steep taxes on their employees' health plans and flexible spending accounts, and possibly eliminate some employer-provided health coverage plans altogether.\r\nIn New Mexico, small business owners, labor unions, counties, rural electric co-ops, and municipalities all oppose the tax. Across the state, 751,000 workers--including 43,000 union employees--who rely on employer, provided health insurance could experience significant changes to their health care as a result of this tax.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/letter-signed-by-22-senate-democrats-comes-after-reports-that-female-san-bernardino-assailant-may-have-expressed-support-for-terrorism-on-social-media-before-applying-for-visa", "Heinrich Calls On Department Of Homeland Security To Immediately Require Social Media Background Checks As Part Of Visa Screening Process", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Calls On Department Of Homeland Security To Immediately Require Social Media Background Checks As Part Of Visa Screening Process\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tLetter Signed By 22 Senate Democrats Comes After Reports That Female San Bernardino Assailant May Have Expressed Support For Terrorism On Social Media Before Applying For Visa\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 16, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.(Dec. 15, 2015) - Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and Senate Armed Services Committee, sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson urging the agency to immediately conduct social media background checks as a part of the screening process for U.S. visa determinations.\r\nThe letter, led by U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen(D-N.H.),also requested more information from DHS on the existing screening process, resource constraints, and plans to integrate reviews of social media accounts into the background screening process to ensure it's as rigorous and comprehensive as possible. The letter comes in the wake of reports that the female assailant involved in the San Bernardino terrorist attack may have expressed support for terrorism on social media platforms before her fianc  the male attacker and a U.S. Citizen  applied for a K-1 fianc visa on her behalf.\r\nThe letter to Secretary Johnson reads in part, We believe these checks, focused on possible connections to terrorist activity, should be incorporated into DHSs vetting process for visa determinations, and that this policy should be implemented as soon as possible.Ensuring that the screening processes for our nations visa programs are rigorous and comprehensive must be a top priority, as these programs are critical to our security, our economy, and for our bilateral relationships with nations around the world.\r\nIn addition to Senators Heinrich and Shaheen, the letter was also signed by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Barbara Mukulski (D-Md.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), and Tom Carper (D-Del.).\r\nThe full text of the letter is below:\r\nDecember 15, 2015\r\nThe Honorable Jeh Johnson Secretary\r\nDepartment of Homeland Security\r\n3801 Nebraska Avenue NW\r\nWashington, DC 20016\r\nDear Secretary Johnson:\r\nWe write to express our deep concern regarding reports that critical background information of individuals participating in American visa programs has been largely omitted from the visa security screening process.\r\nAccording to recent reports, the female assailant involved in the San Bernardino terrorist attack may have expressed radical jihadist sentiments on social media platforms before her U.S. citizen fianc, the male attacker, applied for a K-1 fianc visa on her behalf. Media reports have also indicated that Department of Homeland Security officials are able to conduct social media background checks as a part of certain immigration programs, but are doing so inconsistently. We believe these checks, focused on possible connections to terrorist activity, should be incorporated into DHS's vetting process for visa determinations, and that this policy should be implemented as soon as possible.\r\nTherefore, we request that you provide the following information so that we may work with you to implement a more rigorous screening process:\r\n \r\nDo you plan to integrate social media background checks into the screening process for all visas?\r\nDo you face resource and/or technical barriers to implementing these background checks? If so, please describe them.\r\nDoes the Administration conduct social media background checks in any of the existing screening processes for visa programs? If so, please describe how they are conducted.\r\n \r\nEnsuring that the screening processes for our nation's visa programs are rigorous and comprehensive must be a top priority, as these programs are critical to our security, our economy, and for our bilateral relationships with nations around the world.\r\nWe look forward to working with you to establish a more robust social media background check process for all visitors and immigrants to the United States.\r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-end-of-year-legislation-includes-hard-fought-wins-that-support-nm-jobs-environment-including-lwcf-funding-pilt-tribal-services", "Udall: End-of-Year Legislation Includes Hard-Fought Wins that Support NM Jobs, Environment - Including LWCF Funding, PILT, Tribal Services", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 16, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall: End-of-Year Legislation Includes Hard-Fought Wins that Support NM Jobs, Environment - Including LWCF Funding, PILT, Tribal Services \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 As lead Democrat on Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, Udall successfully blocked harmful anti-environment policy riders\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, ranking Democrat on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, released the following statement on the finalized appropriations and tax bills released late last night, which will fund the government for the next year and extend a number of tax provisions. The U.S. House of Representatives will vote first on the bills -- an \"omnibus\" appropriations bill and a bill extending numerous tax provisions. If approved, the two bills will head to the Senate where they may be considered as one. \"I'm extremely pleased with the funding levels in the omnibus appropriations bill, which will support jobs at New Mexico's national labs and military bases, continued work toward reopening the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, fighting and mitigating wildfires, expanding visitor services and improving facilities at our national parks in preparation for the National Park Service centennial celebration, and Tribal health and education priorities. After years of sequestration budget cuts that were devastating for New Mexico communities, we're sticking to an agreement reached earlier this year and continuing to move toward realistic funding levels that provide certainty to the contractors and communities that rely on federal funding.  \"The omnibus agreement also extends funding for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program, which reimburses counties across New Mexico and pays for services like schools and public safety. The bill extends the authorization for the Land and Water Conservation Fund for three years. This year, the bill provides $450 million for LWCF - almost $150 million more than last year - which funds the program at levels we haven't seen since 2010. I still fully support permanent reauthorization and guaranteed mandatory funding for the program - and I promise to keep fighting to make that happen - but I welcome the funding increases and the reauthorization provided by this bill in the meantime. The LWCF has helped New Mexico conserve our cultural sites and beautiful landscapes, and it has created ballfields and community parks across the state. It helps create jobs at no cost to the taxpayers. And every dollar invested brings in $4 for our local communities. I will keep fighting to make the program permanent so it can finally live up to its potential. \"I'm particularly proud that this bill blocks all of the major anti-environment riders that Republicans tried to attach to the Interior appropriations bill. I fought hard against those provisions, which have no place in an appropriations bill. They would have turned back the clock on bedrock environmental laws that protect our air and water quality and endangered species, and they would have blocked efforts to address the threat of climate change. Taking such steps would have been an embarrassing and economically troubling signal to send the world's markets less than a week after the historic international agreement to fight climate change.  \"Unfortunately, this bill comes at a huge cost and after weeks of wasted time and political bickering. I'm pleased to see renewable energy tax provisions extended for five years. These programs have contributed to tremendous growth in the solar and wind industries - and created jobs for New Mexicans. I'm also pleased that the bill extends tax credits for low-income families, which benefit many in New Mexico. But the full package will cost $650 billion over 10 years with no plan for how to make up the loss. I am concerned about the overall impact of these tax cuts, which come on the heels of the Bush-era tax cuts, on long-term fiscal sustainability and economic growth. My fear is that these unpaid-for extensions will undermine the deficit and set back our investments in jobs and support for families in New Mexico -- and across the country -- who are still recovering from the recession. I'm extremely disappointed that once again, partisan fighting in Washington has taken us so far off of the normal process that the Senate may have to vote for an enormous appropriations bill combined with a huge tax bill after Congress busted its deadline for legislation required to keep the government running.\"  HIGHLIGHTS  Udall is the lead Democrat on the Appropriations Subcommittee for Interior, Environment and Related Agencies. The sections of the bill produced by his subcommittee provide a total of $32.1 billion for environmental, land management, tribal and cultural agencies, an increase of $1.74 billion - 6 percent more than last year. New Mexico Priorities in Interior Department and Related Programs Payments in Lieu of Taxes - $452 million for payments to counties through the Payments in Lieu of Taxes program, which helps local governments pay for law enforcement, schools, roads and other critical services. This is the amount estimated in the president's budget to fully fund payments in fiscal year 2016. The funding will be divided according to a formula determined by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Last year, New Mexico counties received $34.5 million.  Valles Caldera National Preserve/Manhattan Project National Historical Park - The agreement includes $16 million to support new park units nationwide, including $3.34 million in base funding for the Valles Caldera National Preserve to support its transfer to the Park Service - equal to the fiscal year 2015 budget - and $180,000 in new funding to operate the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. The bill also includes $1.5 million to fund restoration projects at new park units, including Valles Caldera.   Bandelier National Monument - $5.1 million for construction on electrical systems. Valle De Oro National Wildlife Refuge - $3.5 million for the first of two years of funding needed to complete the refuge.   Pecos National Historical Park - $386,000 for land acquisition. Continental Divide National Scenic Trail - $2.3 million for land acquisition. Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument - $2.9 million for land acquisition. National Landscape Conservation System - The bill includes a $5 million increase to initiate foundational efforts at newly designated monuments, such as Rio Grande del Norte and Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks. Land Grants & Acequias - The bill notes the importance of community land grants, acequias and ditches in the Southwest, and requests recognition of such traditional uses during land use planning.  Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development (IAIA) - $11.619 million. Indian Land and Water Claims Settlements - The bill provides enough funding to complete the Taos Pueblo Water Rights Settlement and funds other N.M. settlements at their FY2015 enacted levels. Tribal Colleges and Universities - $5.1 million to initiate forwarding funding for Navajo Technical University and United Tribes Technical College in North Dakota. Tribal broadband funds - $2 million in new funding to support a tribal broadband initiative for Bureau of Indian Education schools. U.S. Geological Service U.S.-Mexico Transboundary Aquifer Assessment - $1 million for border state aquifer assessments, including work by the Water Resources Research Institute at N.M. State University.  Overall Department of the Interior Funding National Park Service: The bill provides $2.851 billion for the National Park Service, $237 million more than the fiscal year 2015 level. That amount includes $135 million in new investments to support the National Park Service's 2016 Centennial, including $14 million to preserve our nation's civil rights historical sites and $16 million to fund newly authorized park units and expand critical responsibilities at existing parks. Funds provided for the Centennial include increases above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level of $54 million for park construction projects and $43 million for maintenance activities to help reduce the deferred maintenance backlog. Finally, it includes $15 million for the Centennial Challenge program, which uses federal funds to leverage non-federal investments in national parks on more than a one-to-one basis. Wildland Firefighting and Prevention Needs: The bill provides $4.2 billion for wildland fire management activities at the Forest Service and Interior Department. This includes $2.1 billion for wildfire suppression for the agencies to respond to forest fires. Increases in the budget allocation provided by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 allowed the subcommittee to provide an additional $593 million above the 10-year average of fire suppression to account for a significant increase in firefighting needs in the past several years and the current forecasting models. The bill also provides an increase to hazardous fuels reduction programs, including $375 million for the Forest Service and $170 million for the Interior Department, which is a total of $19.2 million more than the fiscal year 2015 enacted level.   Fish and Wildlife Service: The bill provides $1.508 billion for the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), $68.6 million more than the fiscal year 2015 enacted level. That amount includes $74.7 million for FWS law enforcement activities to respond to the global wildlife trafficking crisis. The total also includes $481 million for the operation of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The bill also restores cuts to Endangered Species Act implementation to ensure endangered species are protected. Bureau of Indian Affairs: The agreement provides $2.796 billion, $194 million more than the fiscal year 2015 level. It includes a particular focus on Indian education and provides a $64 million increase for school construction and repair needs. The bill fully funds contract support costs at $277 million as required by the U.S. Supreme Court to be paid to Tribes that exercise self-determination and operate federal programs on their own behalf. Forest Service: The bill includes $5.664 billion for the Forest Service. This includes $291 million for forest and rangeland research, $62.3 million for the Forest Legacy Program, $8 million for international forestry, and $40 million for the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Fund.  Indian Health Service: The bill provides $4.809 billion, $167 million more than the fiscal year 2015 level. Notably, the bill provides a $10 million increase to address substance abuse and mental health needs among Native youth. It also provides a 14 percent increase to fund construction of new hospitals and clinics and to maintain existing facilities. The bill fully funds new staffing resources for health facilities that the government has recently completed constructing, and provides a $55 million increase to fully fund contract support costs at $718 million. Republican Riders  Between the House and Senate bills, there were more than 20 riders seeking to degrade bedrock environmental and conservation laws, such as the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and the Endangered Species Act. There were also attempts to add new controversial matter not in either bill and to diminish the executive branch's ability to propose and implement commonsense rules and regulations. Through hard-fought negotiations on this bill, Udall and his Democratic colleagues were able to successfully block all new anti-environmental provisions, including the following items: -Language to block efforts by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that waters protected under the Clean Water Act are clearly and consistently defined; -Language to block implementation of the president's landmark Clean Power Plan, including greenhouse gas emissions restrictions from new and existing power plants; -Multiple provisions aimed at weakening the Endangered Species Act by substituting politics for science, including riders that affected the listing status of grey wolves, the lesser prairie chicken and northern long-eared bat; -Language to block EPA efforts to strengthen public health protections against ground-level ozone pollution; -Language to authorize the construction of a road through pristine congressionally authorized wilderness and wildlife habitat at the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska; -Language to block efforts to strengthen environmental and water quality protections for mining operations; -Provisions that would have blocked efforts to ensure that impacts of greenhouse gas emissions are calculated consistently and appropriately considered in federal environmental planning decisions; -Language that would require the EPA to deem any biomass energy project as carbon neutral - even if the science didn't support that decision; -Language to block the Bureau of Land Management from improving environmental and safety standards for the use of hydraulic fracturing on federal lands; -Language to overturn the Bureau of Indian Affairs' Tribal recognition process; -A provision to block the EPA from using the federal Superfund law to require industry to make financial plans to pay for the cleanup of hazardous waste; -Language to block implementation of a rule to stem the illegal, international trade in elephant ivory; -Language to block enforcement of a rule that imposes safety standards to reduce lead contamination during building renovations; and -Language to block the EPA's ability to require industry to phase out hydrofluorocarbons and other refrigerants that damage the ozone layer.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-staff-to-hold-mobile-office-hours-at-veterans-event-in-espaola", "Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours At Veterans Event In Española", "2015-12-15", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours At Veterans Event In Espaola\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 15, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSANTA FE, N.M. - In an ongoing effort to provide top-notch constituent service, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's (D-N.M.) staff will hold Mobile Office Hours at the Military Veteran Stand Downevent in Espaola on Friday, December 18, 2015. Staff will be on hand to assist residents who have questions regarding Social Security benefits, Medicare, immigration, veterans benefits, student loans, and other federal programs. All are encouraged to attend.\r\nThe Military Veteran Stand Downevent brings together representatives from support agencies, businesses, and non-profit groups to help those who have sacrificed to serve our country. The event is hosted by the Veterans Resource Center at Northern New Mexico College. More information on the event is availablehere.\r\nConstituents who are not able to attend Mobile Office Hours are encouraged to visit the Helping You section of Senator Heinrich's online office at www.Heinrich.Senate.Gov.\r\nEspaola - Friday, December 18, 2015    WHO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's Staff   WHAT: Mobile Office Hours   WHEN: From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.   WHERE: Northern New Mexico College, 921 N. Paseo de Oate, Espaola, N.M. 87522   QUESTIONS: Contact Senator Heinrich's Santa Fe Office (505) 988-6647", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-highlight-initiatives-for-native-american-students-in-new-education-law", "Udall, Heinrich Highlight Initiatives for Native American Students in New Education Law", "2015-12-15", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Udall, Heinrich Highlight Initiatives for Native American Students in New Education Law\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThe Every Student Succeeds Act will help close achievement gaps & address unique challenges facing Tribal schools\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 15, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich highlighted several provisions that support Tribes, Native students and schools serving Native students in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which the president signed into law last week. Udall and Heinrich both worked to include several bipartisan reforms supporting Native students in the bill, which overhauls the nations controversial No Child Left Behind education law. Provisions the senators pushed for in the new law emphasize the importance of teaching Native languages; address serious issues faced by Indian Country, such as suicide prevention and domestic abuse; and are designed to help close achievement gaps in Tribal communities.\r\nESSA will improve programs for Native students by facilitating greater self-governance and more Tribal consultation and ensuring that Tribes are involved in designing education programs that will best serve their communities. The new law also provides critical funding to school districts that primarily serve Tribal communities and makes updates to strengthen the relationship between states and Tribes.\r\nImportantly, ESSA updates the Impact Aid program so schools in Tribal communities will receive funds faster and will be more financially secure from year to year. Impact Aid compensates school districts for educating students who live on federal lands  such as military bases and Indian reservations  where many residents are exempt from local property taxes that traditionally would fund these school districts. ESSA also establishes a reasonable hold harmless provision to prevent districts from experiencing a dramatic funding cut due to base realignments, school consolidations or other unexpected enrollment drops.\r\nThis new law makes critical updates that will strengthen Tribal schools and empower Native American communities to take control of their students education, Udall said. Im proud that the Every Student Succeeds Act includes provisions Ive championed to remove barriers that sometimes prevent Tribal leaders from teaching Native languages, which are crucial to maintaining their rich cultural identities for generations to come. The law will also require federal officials to take a hard look at efforts to address suicides among Native students so we can do more to prevent these tragedies. Tribal schools in New Mexico and across the country face many unique challenges, and this long overdue reform is a step forward that will help more students get the high-quality education they deserve.\r\nThe Every Student Succeeds Act makes significant improvements to Tribal education, Heinrich said. Ive seen firsthand how Native students thrive with an education that focuses on their own traditions, particularly the preservation of Native languages, which is integral to maintaining cultural identity. And this new law helps achieve that. Instruction in Native languages promotes creativity, reduces the achievement gap, boosts high school graduation rates and college enrollment, and yields long-term benefits outside the classroom. Im also pleased that this law includes provisions to support our Tribal communities that are combating domestic abuse and addressing suicide. When we provide Indian Country and Tribal students the opportunities and resources they need to get ahead everybody wins.\r\nSpecific provisions in the new law will help Native students succeed by:\r\n- Requiring local and state education agencies to consult and partner with Tribes on policies impacting Native students;\r\n- Strengthening programs to improve academic achievement of Native students;\r\n- Supporting schools that primarily instruct in Native languages to promote the revitalization and maintenance of Native American languages, which both senators have long supported as part of Udalls Building Upon Unique Indian Learning and Development (BUILD) Act;\r\n- Allowing funds to be used for violence, abuse, and suicide prevention activities, culturally related activities, and family literacy programs;\r\n- Requiring the Department of the Interior and the Department of Health and Human Services to report on efforts to address suicides among K-12 students in Indian Country;\r\n- Establishing and operating family engagement centers;\r\n- Expanding eligibility for Tribal schools to access funds for school leadership recruitment, arts programs and gifted programs; and\r\n- Preserving education programs to train teachers, and offer fellowships for Native students who want to become teachers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-highlight-initiatives-for-native-american-students-in-new-education-law", "Udall, Heinrich Highlight Initiatives for Native American Students in New Education Law", "2015-12-15", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 15, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich Highlight Initiatives for Native American Students in New Education 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 The Every Student Succeeds Act will help close achievement gaps & address unique challenges facing Tribal schools\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich highlighted several provisions that support Tribes, Native students and schools serving Native students in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which the president signed into law last week. Udall and Heinrich both worked to include several bipartisan reforms supporting Native students in the bill, which overhauls the nation's controversial No Child Left Behind education law. Provisions the senators pushed for in the new law emphasize the importance of teaching Native languages; address serious issues faced by Indian Country, such as suicide prevention and domestic abuse; and are designed to help close achievement gaps in Tribal communities.  ESSA will improve programs for Native students by facilitating greater self-governance and more Tribal consultation and ensuring that Tribes are involved in designing education programs that will best serve their communities. The new law also provides critical funding to school districts that primarily serve Tribal communities and makes updates to strengthen the relationship between states and Tribes. Importantly, ESSA updates the Impact Aid program so schools in Tribal communities will receive funds faster and will be more financially secure from year to year. Impact Aid compensates school districts for educating students who live on federal lands -- such as military bases and Indian reservations -- where many residents are exempt from local property taxes that traditionally would fund these school districts. ESSA also establishes a reasonable \"hold harmless\" provision to prevent districts from experiencing a dramatic funding cut due to base realignments, school consolidations or other unexpected enrollment drops. \"This new law makes critical updates that will strengthen Tribal schools and empower Native American communities to take control of their students' education,\" Udall said. \"I'm proud that the Every Student Succeeds Act includes provisions I've championed to remove barriers that sometimes prevent Tribal leaders from teaching Native languages, which are crucial to maintaining their rich cultural identities for generations to come. The law will also require federal officials to take a hard look at efforts to address suicides among Native students so we can do more to prevent these tragedies. Tribal schools in New Mexico and across the country face many unique challenges,  and this long overdue reform is a step forward that will help more students get the high-quality education they deserve.\"  \"The Every Student Succeeds Act makes significant improvements to Tribal education,\" Heinrich said. \"I've seen firsthand how Native students thrive with an education that focuses on their own traditions, particularly the preservation of Native languages, which is integral to maintaining cultural identity. And this new law helps achieve that. Instruction in Native languages promotes creativity, reduces the achievement gap, boosts high school graduation rates and college enrollment, and yields long-term benefits outside the classroom. I'm also pleased that this law includes provisions to support our Tribal communities that are combating domestic abuse and addressing suicide. When we provide Indian Country and Tribal students the opportunities and resources they need to get ahead everybody wins.\"  Specific provisions in the new law will help Native students succeed by:  - Requiring local and state education agencies to consult and partner with Tribes on policies impacting Native students;   - Strengthening programs to improve academic achievement of Native students;  - Supporting schools that primarily instruct in Native languages to promote the revitalization and maintenance of Native American languages, which both senators have long supported as part of Udall's Building Upon Unique Indian Learning and Development (BUILD) Act;   - Allowing funds to be used for violence, abuse, and suicide prevention activities, culturally related activities, and family literacy programs;  - Requiring the Department of the Interior and the Department of Health and Human Services to report on efforts to address suicides among K-12 students in Indian Country;   - Establishing and operating family engagement centers;  - Expanding eligibility for Tribal schools to access funds for school leadership recruitment, arts programs and gifted programs; and  - Preserving education programs to train teachers, and offer fellowships for Native students who want to become teachers.\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-hires-greg-bloom-to-direct-his-nm-offices", "Udall Hires Greg Bloom to Direct his NM Offices", "2015-12-15", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 15, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall Hires Greg Bloom to Direct his NM Offices \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall announced that Greg Bloom has joined his staff as state director and will lead his New Mexico operations. Bloom worked from 2009-2012 as state director for former U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman, where he focused on energy, public lands, health and education issues. Bloom will be based in Albuquerque and supervise staff in Udall's field offices in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Carlsbad and Portales. \"Greg is a dedicated public servant, and I'm very pleased to bring him on to lead my team in New Mexico,\" Udall said. \"The state director is a vitally important leader in my office, supervising staff, leading casework, and making sure we're in touch with people in communities throughout the state. Greg has strong New Mexico roots, a great track record of accomplishments for the state, and he will be an excellent leader for my state office.\" Bloom said, \"I'm honored to join Senator Udall's team. Senator Udall is working hard to expand economic opportunities for the state, improve education and health care, conserve our beautiful landscapes - and especially to provide excellent service to New Mexicans. I'm excited to get started.\"   After Bingaman's retirement, Bloom worked for Commissioner of Public Lands Ray Powell at the New Mexico State Land Office from 2012-2014 as assistant commissioner for mineral resources. During Bloom's tenure, his two divisions earned over $2 billion in revenue for the state. Most recently, Bloom was an energy and environment consultant. He lives with his family in Albuquerque.   Bloom succeeds Namb native Bianca Ortiz Wertheim, who was promoted to chief of staff in Washington, D.C., earlier this 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    \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-urges-senate-to-confirm-roberta-jacobson-as-ambassador-to-mexico", "Udall Urges Senate to Confirm Roberta Jacobson as Ambassador to Mexico", "2015-12-15", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 15, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall Urges Senate to Confirm Roberta Jacobson as Ambassador to Mexico \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 Jacobson is an example of the consequences of senators blocking qualified nominees ? her confirmation waits over disagreement with the president's Cuba policy\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a longtime advocate for Senate reform, took his concerns over lack of progress on a key confirmation to the Senate floor. Udall urged the Senate to act on Roberta Jacobson's nomination to serve as ambassador to Mexico. Although she has been called one of the most qualified nominees for the position ever, there is a Senate \"hold\" on Jacobson's confirmation because of a disagreement with the Obama administration over its Cuba policy.  Jacobson has served as the State Department's Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, where she helped carry out the president's policy of re-opening diplomatic relations with Cuba - a move that Udall strongly agrees with but that is opposed by others in Congress who do not support diplomatic engagement with the Cuban government. Udall pointed out that Jacobson's confirmation has nothing to do with diplomatic relations with Mexico, which are critical to U.S. security and the economy. She is qualified for the job and deserves to be confirmed, he said. \"Our relations with Mexico are critical, and the ambassador plays a key role on issues ranging from our economy to our national security. Those of us who live in border states understand how urgent these issues are - drug trafficking, the Central American child migrant crisis, gang violence, immigration. All of these issues touch us almost daily in a border state,\" Udall said after his speech. \"Frankly, it's embarrassing that we haven't filled this position since former Ambassador Anthony Wayne retired in July. As someone who has worked with Roberta on multiple issues, I know she is the right person for the job.\" \"The holdup is yet another example of how the Senate's customs are being twisted around over politics. A senator disagrees with the president's decision to open diplomatic relations with Cuba, so he's blocking the Senate from confirming the president's ambassador to Mexico. The majority leader could move her nomination forward if he wanted to. He doesn't have to honor the hold, and I'm calling his bluff,\" Udall said. \"I have no problem with a senator voicing his or her objection to a policy or a nominee based on the merits. But holding up nominees to make a point just hurts the American people - it means important jobs don't get done.\" In his speech, Udall added that Jacobson is only one example of the consequences of the Senate's failure to act on nominations. There is a growing backlog of nominees waiting for confirmation, including 19 judges, 12 ambassadors, and the Treasury Department's under secretary for terrorism and financial crimes.  \"We are on track for the lowest number of confirmations in three decades. We now have 30 judicial districts with emergency levels of backlogs. At the beginning of the year, we had 12. Thousands of people wait for their day in court because there is no judge to hear the case,\" Udall said in his remarks. \"When we fail to give these nominees a vote - up or down - our government fails too. This is not just the president's team, this is our team - this is America's team, working on trade and security, moving our economy, seeing that justice is done. These vital posts should not go unfilled.\" Udall has championed reforming the Senate rules since he was elected to the Senate in 2009. Progress has been made - the Senate did away with \"secret holds\" that allowed one senator to block a vote in secret. The Senate also can no longer filibuster a nomination for cabinet or judicial appointments, except those to the U.S. Supreme Court. Udall continues to push for reforms, including a \"talking filibuster,\" which would require senators to voice their objection on the Senate floor.  The following are Udall's remarks as prepared for delivery: Mr. President, I rise today to urge consideration of the president's nominee for ambassador to Mexico. I do so for two simple reasons. One, this is a critical position, vacant since July. And two, Roberta Jacobson is highly qualified for this position, and her nomination deserves our attention. I do so as a senator from a border state, and as a senator who believes we have a constitutional duty-to advise and consent.  We have a distinguished candidate ready to serve. We have strong support for her on both sides of the aisle. What we need is an up or down vote. The L.A. Times has called Roberta Jacobson \"among the most qualified people ever to be tapped to represent the U.S. in Mexico.\"  She has impressive experience, including important work on the Merida Initiative to fight drug trafficking and organized crime in Mexico. She has served ably as State Department Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs working to improve relations in our hemisphere and to engage with Cuba, opening opportunities for Americans after over 50 years of a failed U.S. policy.  She was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee with bipartisan support. Yet, the weeks go by, and still we wait.    Our relations with Mexico are critical - affecting our economy, affecting our security. Mexico is working with us to stop those who cross our southern border illegally. Mexico is our third largest trading partner. One million American citizens live in Mexico. It is our top tourist destination with millions of U.S. visitors every year.  My state shares a border with our neighbor to the south. We also share a cultural heritage and trade that grows every year. Hundreds of millions of dollars in goods and services move between our nations. Over 36,000 jobs in my state depend on U.S.-Mexico trade. This increased trade is an engine of economic growth. Exports from New Mexico to Mexico have soared, from about $70 million dollars a year 15 years ago, to over $1.5 billion dollars a year now.  In New Mexico, we know how important this partnership is. We need a strong ambassador in Mexico City working on trade and border security and cultural ties between our nations. We need an ambassador to work with Mexico-and with other Central American nations-to address immigration issues, to help resolve the migrant crisis, to crack down on border violence and drug trafficking.  This is clear to both sides of the aisle-especially those of us from border states. As someone who has worked with Roberta on multiple issues, I know she is the right person for the job. I especially want to thank my Republican colleague, Senator Flake, for his efforts. He is concerned-as I am-that this cannot wait. As Senator Flake said recently in Politico, \"It's crunch time now. Once you get into next year it's easier to just put them on hold until the next president assumes office in 2017.\" I hope we will not let that happen. I hope we will listen to Senator Flake because it is crunch time, because we do need to get this done. What is holding up her nomination? It isn't her qualifications. It isn't concerns about how she would be able to carry out her duties as ambassador. The problem is rooted in something else. Something that should have no bearing on whether she is confirmed: Presidential politics and policy differences with the administration over her work with Cuba.  This year, the world celebrated the re-opening of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba. As the Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Roberta helped negotiate this shift.  We have begun a 21st century relationship with Cuba-one I am convinced will bring freedom and openness. I congratulate the president for leading this historic change.  A few senators disagree with his Cuba policy, and so they are blocking Roberta Jacobson's confirmation to serve as ambassador...to Mexico.  Mr. President, unfortunately, this is just one example of how the rules are being twisted around. She is one of many qualified nominees whose confirmations are on hold. Many of them wait because one or two senators want to make a political point or extract political pain.  Not happy with the president? Block his nominee. Not okay with a policy? Keep the seat vacant. The real aim is the administration. No matter how qualified, the nominee is just an easy target.  Meanwhile, the backlog grows: 19 judges, half a dozen ambassadors, even the top official at the Treasury Department-whose job is to go after the finances of terrorists. We are on track for the lowest number of confirmations in three decades. We now have 30 judicial districts with emergency levels of backlogs. At the beginning of the year, we had 12. Thousands of people wait for their day in court because there is no judge to hear the case.  Important work for the American people is left undone. When we fail to do our job, when we fail to give these nominees a vote-up or down-our government fails too.  Mr. President, this is not just the president's team, this is our team - this is America's team working on trade and security, moving our economy, seeing that justice is done. These vital posts should not go unfilled.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2191", "Udall Welcomes Historic International Agreement to Address Climate Change [press_release]", "2015-12-12", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 12, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall Welcomes Historic International Agreement to Address Climate Change \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations and Appropriations committees, released the following statement on the agreement reached by the United States and almost 200 other countries to fight climbing temperatures and rising sea levels by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Udall was among a group of 10 senators who attended the United Nations climate talks in Paris last weekend. He has also been a strong defender of U.S. action on climate change, including leading the fight on the Appropriations Committee against \"riders\" that would roll back the administration's plan to reduce carbon emissions.\n\"The agreement announced in Paris today marks a major turning point in the fight to reduce harmful greenhouse gas pollution. After 20 years of debate and two weeks of intense negotiations, the United States and almost 200 other countries have overcome numerous differences and challenges and agreed to work together on a plan to turn the tide on global warming. Every nation has a stake if climate change continues, and now nearly every nation in the world will have a role to play in fighting it. All nations must now work toward a healthier, more secure world for our children and the generations to come.\n\"New Mexico has already seen the impact of global warming in the form of devastating wildfires, droughts and floods. We are also seeing the benefits of investing in clean energy like wind and solar. The commitment to diversify our energy sources is boosting the economy and creating new jobs. New Mexico and the United States have the knowledge and entrepreneurial drive to lead the global clean energy economy. Now we need to capitalize on the international  agreement and lead the world in reducing carbon pollution and fighting global warming.\"\nUdall has long fought for a national plan to invest in renewable energy. He passed a renewable electricity standard (RES) through the U.S. House of Representatives, and he has introduced a similar RES every Congress since he was elected to the U.S. Senate. His latest proposal calls for the United States to generate 30 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2030. Doing so would create hundreds of thousands of jobs and save consumers $25 billion in cumulative electricity and gas bills over 15 years.\n\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\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.heinrich.senate.gov/in-the-news/reader-view-enhance-visa-waiver-program-to-protect-homeland", "Santa Fe New Mexican: Reader View: Enhance Visa Waiver Program to protect homeland", "2015-12-12", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Santa Fe New Mexican: Reader View: Enhance Visa Waiver Program to protect homeland\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                    By:\r\n                    U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n            Saturday, December 12, 2015\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, also known as ISIL or ISIS, has barbarically killed and tortured innocent civilians, including Americans, not just in last months unconscionable attacks in Paris, but also recently in Beirut, and routinely in Iraq and Syria. Its brand of radical ideology has inspired horrific violence in places such as Chattanooga, Tenn., and San Bernardino, Calif.\r\nUnfortunately, many of my colleagues in Congress and elected officials across the country in a knee-jerk reaction to ISILs terrorism, have called for a halt to our nations longstanding refugee resettlement program. Lets remember that the enemy is ISIL, not the refugees who flee from their destruction. Theres a real difference between terrorists and victims of terrorism.\r\n\r\nOur refugee resettlement program has long helped victims of violence and civil strife find a new home in America. Every single refugee  whether from Syria, the Congo or Burma  is subject to the highest levels of vetting and scrutiny, including repeated biometric screenings, before entering the United States. It takes years to pass through the strenuous screening process. The implicit assumption that Syrian refugees  many of whom have suffered terribly at the hands of ISIL  are a threat because of their country of origin is a rejection of American values and represents giving in to our worst ethnic and religious prejudices.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe real priority in protecting our country should be addressing the security gaps that currently exist under our nations Visa Waiver Program  something both Democrats and Republicans agree on.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Visa Waiver Program exists to encourage tourism and trade with partnering countries. However, the program currently allows citizens of countries who qualify  38 countries, including 31 from Europe, where thousands of citizens are suspected to have joined ISIL  to travel freely and stay in the United States for up to 90 days.\r\n\r\n\r\nMore than 25,000 foreign nationals are estimated to have traveled to Iraq and Syria to fight in the Syrian civil war. Individuals from Visa Waiver Program countries who have traveled to Iraq and Syria and have joined training camps or sympathize with ISILs cause should not be allowed to enter the United States. Period.\r\n\r\n\r\nInstead of playing to our worst fears to halt our refugee resettlement program, Congress should close these loopholes that could allow dangerous individuals with violent intentions to potentially enter our country.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Visa Waiver Program Security Enhancement Act, bipartisan legislation I am sponsoring with Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., will require all individuals who have traveled to Iraq and Syria in the past five years to acquire a traditional visa instead of traveling without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. This process requires an in-person interview with an American consular official and the submission of the travelers biometric information.\r\n\r\n\r\nOur legislation will also mandate that all countries in the Visa Waiver Program use electronic passports and require all travelers to submit biometric information, in the form of fingerprints and a photograph, before they travel to the United States.\r\n\r\n\r\nIn the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks and the ongoing threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters, this bipartisan bill makes security enhancements that are critical to protecting our homeland.\r\n\r\n\r\nWe must tighten our Visa Waiver Program as soon as possible to prevent foreign nationals who have traveled to Iraq and Syria to join training camps and sympathize with ISILs cause from ever entering the United States.\r\n\r\n\r\nKeeping the American people safe is paramount. We must act responsibly by addressing actual threats and closing real gaps in our security apparatus.?\r\n\r\n\r\nU.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, a Democrat, represents New Mexico in the U.S. Senate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-welcomes-historic-international-agreement-to-address-climate-change", "Udall Welcomes Historic International Agreement to Address Climate Change", "2015-12-12", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 12, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall Welcomes Historic International Agreement to Address Climate Change \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations and Appropriations committees, released the following statement on the agreement reached by the United States and almost 200 other countries to fight climbing temperatures and rising sea levels by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Udall was among a group of 10 senators who attended the United Nations climate talks in Paris last weekend. He has also been a strong defender of U.S. action on climate change, including leading the fight on the Appropriations Committee against \"riders\" that would roll back the administration's plan to reduce carbon emissions.\n\"The agreement announced in Paris today marks a major turning point in the fight to reduce harmful greenhouse gas pollution. After 20 years of debate and two weeks of intense negotiations, the United States and almost 200 other countries have overcome numerous differences and challenges and agreed to work together on a plan to turn the tide on global warming. Every nation has a stake if climate change continues, and now nearly every nation in the world will have a role to play in fighting it. All nations must now work toward a healthier, more secure world for our children and the generations to come.\n\"New Mexico has already seen the impact of global warming in the form of devastating wildfires, droughts and floods. We are also seeing the benefits of investing in clean energy like wind and solar. The commitment to diversify our energy sources is boosting the economy and creating new jobs. New Mexico and the United States have the knowledge and entrepreneurial drive to lead the global clean energy economy. Now we need to capitalize on the international  agreement and lead the world in reducing carbon pollution and fighting global warming.\"\nUdall has long fought for a national plan to invest in renewable energy. He passed a renewable electricity standard (RES) through the U.S. House of Representatives, and he has introduced a similar RES every Congress since he was elected to the U.S. Senate. His latest proposal calls for the United States to generate 30 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2030. Doing so would create hundreds of thousands of jobs and save consumers $25 billion in cumulative electricity and gas bills over 15 years.\n\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://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2189", "Udall, Heinrich Announce Over $63 Million to Repair Eddy County Roads Damaged by September 2014 Storms, Floods [press_release]", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich Announce Over $63 Million to Repair Eddy County Roads Damaged by September 2014 Storms, Floods \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced more than $63.6 million for Eddy County for hazard mitigation and to repair roads damaged by severe storms and flooding caused by Hurricane Odile in September 2014. The funding will help to permanently repair 24 aggregate, asphalt, and chip and seal roads, which suffered significant damage.  \"This $63 million in disaster funding for Eddy County is a much-needed boost that will help repair damage caused by last year's severe storms from Hurricane Odile,\" Udall said. \"I met with Eddy County community leaders shortly after the storms, and they told me that the magnitude of the damage was devastating - the hurricane disrupted oil and gas development, affected farms, damaged roads, and took a real toll on the economy. This needed funding will help Eddy County finally recover and rebuild.\"  \"This is outstanding news for Eddy County,\" Heinrich said. \"Last year's extreme weather conditions severely damaged roads and other critical infrastructure that New Mexicans rely on. The local economy depends on the oil and gas industry, WIPP, and potash mining, which all require functional roads to operate. This much-needed federal assistance will help restore our communities and businesses, and is a critical step toward the recovery effort.\" The $63,602,780 grant will be provided to the state of New Mexico to distribute to Eddy County. Udall and Heinrich supported the state's request for disaster recovery assistance following Hurricane Odile.  The funding for Eddy County was awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance 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\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://web.archive.org/web/20160225222047/https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/?p=blog&id=2190", "Driving Progress on Climate Change [blog]", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Urging Congress to work together to fight global warming at a recent press conference.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tNew Mexico is at the center of the storm when it comes to climate change, and we're already seeing the impacts in the form of devastating drought, extremefloods and increasingly severe wildfires.In recent decades, temperatures have risen 50 percent faster in New Mexico than the global average.New Mexicans and the majority of Americans know that climate change is real and that we must act now to protect our future.   \nI'mproud of the steps we have taken to diversify our energy portfolio and reduce carbon emissions. New Mexico has every kind of energy resource  fossil fuels, solar, wind, algae biofuels and moreand we're hitting renewable energy goals. Our efforts are boosting the economy, building new opportunities and creating well-paying clean energy jobs in our state. For example, 98 solar companies in New Mexico employ 1,600 people. New Mexico isn't alone29 states and the District of Columbia have set goals to reduce their dependence on fossil fuel.\nAnd that's the message I delivered last weekend when I attended the United Nations climate talks, known as COP21. Even though Congress is still playing catch-up on the urgency of addressing climate change, the American people are enthusiastically calling for bipartisan action, and they're backing efforts the president is taking to reduce carbon pollution and help lead the global effort to reduce global warming.\nAs the Paris talks solidify into an action plan, America's leadership on reducing carbon pollution and addressing climate change will be critical, and we must drive progress.Earlier this year, nearly half the U.S. Senate supported my proposal to require 25 percent of our energy nationwide come from renewable resources by 2025. We need to do more. As a leader on key Foreign Relations and Appropriations subcommittees in the Senate,I'm going to continuepushingCongress to listen to the experts at Los Alamos and Sandia national labs and across the country  biologists, physicists, mathematicians, geologists, electrical engineers, computer programmers and chemistswho say we're running out of time.      We need to act now to protect our environment, our economy and our future.I was impressed by the excitement and enthusiasm of people from around the world in support of the Paris negotiations.Over 180 countriesare stepping forward with specific targets and plans to address climate change. Countries across the world are collaborating to do renewable energy research, spur innovation and find solutions.AndI'moptimistic we'll get there.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-staff-to-hold-mobile-office-hours-at-meet-the-mayor-event-in-santa-fe", "Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours At Meet The Mayor Event In Santa Fe", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours At Meet The Mayor Event In Santa Fe\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 11, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSANTA FE, N.M. -In an ongoing effort to provide top-notch constituent service, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's (D-N.M.) staff will hold Mobile Office Hours at the Meet the Mayor event in Santa Fe on Monday, December 14, 2015. Staff will be on hand to assist residents who have questions regarding Social Security benefits, Medicare, immigration, veterans benefits, student loans, and other federal programs. All are encouraged to attend.\r\nThe Meet the Mayor event will give attendees the opportunity to learn important tips ahead of the holiday season relating to safety in winter conditions, crime and fire prevention. There will be a guest appearance by Santa Claus. More informatoin on the event is availabel here.\r\nConstituents who are not able to attend Mobile Office Hours are encouraged to visit the Helping You section of Senator Heinrich's online office at www.Heinrich.Senate.Gov.\r\nSanta Fe - Monday, December 14, 2015   WHO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's Staff    WHAT: Mobile Office Hours    WHEN: From 4 to 6 p.m.   WHERE: Genoveva Chavez Community Center, 3221 W. Rodeo Road, Santa Fe, NM 87507   QUESTIONS: Contact Senator Heinrich's Santa Fe Office (505) 988-6647", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-staff-to-hold-mobile-office-hours-in-lincoln-county", "Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Lincoln County", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Lincoln County\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 11, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tROSWELL, N.M. - In an ongoing effort to provide top-notch constituent service, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's (D-N.M.) staff will hold Mobile Office Hours in Ruidoso Downs on Thursday, December 17. Staff will be on hand to assist residents who have questions regarding Social Security benefits, Medicare, immigration, veterans benefits, student loans, and other federal programs. All are encouraged to attend.\r\nConstituents who are not able to attend Mobile Office Hours can visit theHelping Yousection of Senator Heinrich'sonline officeatwww.Heinrich.Senate.Gov.\r\nRuidoso Downs - Thursday, December 17, 2015 WHO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's Staff   WHAT: Mobile Office Hours   WHEN: From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.   WHERE: Ruidoso Downs Senior Center, 26337 Highway 70, Ruidoso Downs, N.M. 88346   QUESTIONS: Contact Senator Heinrich's Roswell Office (575) 622-7113", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-announce-over-63-million-to-repair-eddy-county-roads-damaged-by-september-2014-storms-floods", "Udall, Heinrich Announce Over $63 Million to Repair Eddy County Roads Damaged by September 2014 Storms, Floods", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Udall, Heinrich Announce Over $63 Million to Repair Eddy County Roads Damaged by September 2014 Storms, Floods\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 11, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced more than $63.6 million for Eddy County for hazard mitigation and to repair roads damaged by severe storms and flooding caused by Hurricane Odile in September 2014. The funding will help to permanently repair 24 aggregate, asphalt, and chip and seal roads, which suffered significant damage.\r\n\"This $63 million in disaster funding for Eddy County is a much-needed boost that will help repair damage caused by last year's severe storms from Hurricane Odile,\" Udall said. \"I met with Eddy County community leaders shortly after the storms, and they told me that the magnitude of the damage was devastating  the hurricane disrupted oil and gas development, affected farms, damaged roads, and took a real toll on the economy. This needed funding will help Eddy County finally recover and rebuild.\"\r\nThis is outstanding news for Eddy County, Heinrich said. \"Last years extreme weather conditions severely damaged roads and other critical infrastructure that New Mexicans rely on. The local economy depends on the oil and gas industry, WIPP, and potash mining, which all require functional roads to operate. This much-needed federal assistance will help restore our communities and businesses, and is a critical step toward the recovery effort.\r\nThe $63,602,780 grant will be provided to the state of New Mexico to distribute to Eddy County. Udall and Heinrich supported the state's request for disaster recovery assistance following Hurricane Odile.\r\nThe funding for Eddy County was awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/driving-progress-on-climate-change", "Driving Progress on Climate Change", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2015\n\t\t\t Driving Progress on Climate Change \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNew Mexico is at the center of the storm when it comes to climate change, and we're already seeing the impacts in the form of devastating drought, extremefloods and increasingly severe wildfires.In recent decades, temperatures have risen 50 percent faster in New Mexico than the global average.New Mexicans and the majority of Americans know that climate change is real and that we must act now to protect our future.   \nI'mproud of the steps we have taken to diversify our energy portfolio and reduce carbon emissions. New Mexico has every kind of energy resource  fossil fuels, solar, wind, algae biofuels and moreand we're hitting renewable energy goals. Our efforts are boosting the economy, building new opportunities and creating well-paying clean energy jobs in our state. For example, 98 solar companies in New Mexico employ 1,600 people. New Mexico isn't alone29 states and the District of Columbia have set goals to reduce their dependence on fossil fuel.\nAnd that's the message I delivered last weekend when I attended the United Nations climate talks, known as COP21. Even though Congress is still playing catch-up on the urgency of addressing climate change, the American people are enthusiastically calling for bipartisan action, and they're backing efforts the president is taking to reduce carbon pollution and help lead the global effort to reduce global warming.\nAs the Paris talks solidify into an action plan, America's leadership on reducing carbon pollution and addressing climate change will be critical, and we must drive progress.Earlier this year, nearly half the U.S. Senate supported my proposal to require 25 percent of our energy nationwide come from renewable resources by 2025. We need to do more. As a leader on key Foreign Relations and Appropriations subcommittees in the Senate,I'm going to continuepushingCongress to listen to the experts at Los Alamos and Sandia national labs and across the country  biologists, physicists, mathematicians, geologists, electrical engineers, computer programmers and chemistswho say we're running out of time.      We need to act now to protect our environment, our economy and our future.I was impressed by the excitement and enthusiasm of people from around the world in support of the Paris negotiations.Over 180 countriesare stepping forward with specific targets and plans to address climate change. Countries across the world are collaborating to do renewable energy research, spur innovation and find solutions.AndI'moptimistic we'll get there.\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-heinrich-announce-over-63-million-to-repair-eddy-county-roads-damaged-by-september-2014-storms-floods", "Udall, Heinrich Announce Over $63 Million to Repair Eddy County Roads Damaged by September 2014 Storms, Floods", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich Announce Over $63 Million to Repair Eddy County Roads Damaged by September 2014 Storms, Floods \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced more than $63.6 million for Eddy County for hazard mitigation and to repair roads damaged by severe storms and flooding caused by Hurricane Odile in September 2014. The funding will help to permanently repair 24 aggregate, asphalt, and chip and seal roads, which suffered significant damage.  \"This $63 million in disaster funding for Eddy County is a much-needed boost that will help repair damage caused by last year's severe storms from Hurricane Odile,\" Udall said. \"I met with Eddy County community leaders shortly after the storms, and they told me that the magnitude of the damage was devastating - the hurricane disrupted oil and gas development, affected farms, damaged roads, and took a real toll on the economy. This needed funding will help Eddy County finally recover and rebuild.\"  \"This is outstanding news for Eddy County,\" Heinrich said. \"Last year's extreme weather conditions severely damaged roads and other critical infrastructure that New Mexicans rely on. The local economy depends on the oil and gas industry, WIPP, and potash mining, which all require functional roads to operate. This much-needed federal assistance will help restore our communities and businesses, and is a critical step toward the recovery effort.\" The $63,602,780 grant will be provided to the state of New Mexico to distribute to Eddy County. Udall and Heinrich supported the state's request for disaster recovery assistance following Hurricane Odile.  The funding for Eddy County was awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance 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    \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://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2187", "Udall Calls for a Strong Deal to Combat Climate Change, Build NMs Clean Energy Economy [press_release]", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 10, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall Calls for a Strong Deal to Combat Climate Change, Build NMs Clean Energy Economy \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall spoke on the Senate floor about the importance of U.S. action on global warming and international collaboration as negotiators near a deal to reduce global emissions. Udall, who serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and attended the United Nations climate talks (COP21) last weekend, said that an international agreement to fight climate change will spur clean energy innovation.  \"We're close to a deal that will fight global warming and help New Mexico build its clean energy economy,\" Udall said. \"Now we need to keep up the momentum. There are two things we can do right now to signal to the world that the United States is committed to tackling climate change. First, we need to drive capital to new energy efficient technology. That means renewing the Production Tax Credit for renewables. And second, we need to send a positive signal to the markets by stopping efforts to turn back progress toward meeting our climate goals. That will also drive investment in sustainable energy, spurring job growth in New Mexico and across the nation.\"  Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) joined Udall on the Senate floor in support of the climate negotiations.  Below are Udall's remarks as delivered:  Let me first say to Senator Cardin - who led our delegation. Senator Cardin's the ranking member on the Foreign Relations Committee. Foreign Relations has a lot to do with this issue. He showed great leadership, and I believe he's passionate about this issue in finding solutions. And so we were somewhat disappointed that 10 of us that went - all Democrats. We were disappointed that Republicans didn't join us. This is an issue that really needs bipartisanship. We need to join Republicans and Democrats to an issue that threatens our national security, threatens our economy, threatens our environment. It is an issue that is looming out there and needs attention. And so we look forward to working with our friends on the other side of the aisle to move forward on this issue. As I looked over there and saw what was happening, I remembered many of the briefings we've had and everyone that has looked at this challenge - of global warming, of climate change - says that we need to do two things. One, is that we need to drive capital to new energy. To new energy sources. To clean energy sources. We need to innovate - that's what they're talking about. If you get the capital there and you get the private sector working, you can come up with the solutions. And secondly, we need to put a signal in the marketplace to invest in clean energy and renewable energy. And I was so proud of what had happened over there in terms of the world joining together. More than 184 countries came together and we're going to see the conclusion of it - of their action this week. But they have stepped forward and said we are going to have targets. We're going to have goals. We're going to be transparent. We're going to let people know we're moving in the direction of solutions and doing something about this immense problem. So it was a major step forward to see those 184 countries step up and decide to do something. In addition, Bill Gates led a group of entrepreneurs over to Paris to announce and to challenge the world about energy research and development. We had, as everyone knows - Bill Gates is one of our great entrepreneurs. He and his wife are also philanthropists. He stepped up with 27 other billionaires to say we're going to put billions into research and into development. And we're going to put it into innovation. And they call this project Mission Innovation. And they challenged other countries around the world to do the same thing. Double their energy research and budgets. And so seeing those two things together - first of all, seeing 184 countries step up to the plate and say we're going to do this (and I think we're going to see those announcements in the next couple of days) and seeing these entrepreneurs step forward, I think was a signal and a bold signal to the marketplace that we're changing and moving in a new direction. And that we're going to get this done. Now, my state of New Mexico - I'm very proud of my state because we have all sources of energy. We have uranium, we have coal, we have oil, we have gas. And we have many renewable sources: wind, biomass, solar, geothermal. But we've taken a strong step in New Mexico to push for renewable resources. In our statutes in the state, we push for a renewable electricity standard of 10 percent by 2010. We met that early, and so we put another standard in place of 20 percent by 2020. And we're really in the bull's eye in terms of climate change in New Mexico. Because of what we see and what we know is that what happens in the Southwest, the temperatures are twice as high. And we've seen it, those temperatures increase over the last 50 years. So we know there's a crisis. We know there's an issue. We know we need to do something about this. And we are very, very willing to step forward. And I see my colleagues have joined me on the floor - Senator Schatz, Senator Shaheen, Cory Booker - are down here, have done excellent work. I would yield at this time to Senator Schatz and say by introduction, I am so impressed with his state. Hawaii is going to be a 100 percent renewable state in 2040. A lot of that is due to his leadership and his legislature and his governor stepping up to the plate. With that, Senator Schatz.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-leads-effort-to-repeal-cadillac-tax-before-end-of-year", "Heinrich Leads Effort To Repeal Cadillac Tax Before End Of Year", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Leads Effort To Repeal Cadillac Tax Before End Of Year\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t  Provision Would Impact Middle-Class Health Benefits In New Mexico\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 10, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 10, 2015) - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) is leading the effort to fully repeal a provision in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) known as the \"Cadillac Tax,\" which would tax high-cost health insurance plans and impact health benefits for New Mexicans. He spoke on the Senate Floor with U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-Nev.) last night to call for the elimination of this excise tax before the end of the year and to discuss the bipartisan legislation they introduced, the Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2015.\r\n\"Doing away with this onerous tax on employees' health coverage before it goes into effect will protect important benefits for workers and ensure that businesses and families get a fair deal,\" said Sen. Heinrich during his speech. \"The landmark reforms in the Affordable Care Act have given thousands of New Mexicans access to quality, affordable health care for the first time in their lives. But even the strongest supporters of the law know it isn't perfect and that there are some parts that need to be fixed. That is why I'm leading a bipartisan effort with Senator Heller to repeal the Cadillac tax that places an unfair burden on middle-class families who rely on employer-provided health plans.\"\r\n\r\nBeginning in 2018, the Cadillac Tax will tax employers whose health insurance plans cost more than $10,200 a year for individuals and $27,450 a year for families at 40 percent of the cost above those limits. The tax will force many employers to pay steep taxes on their employees' health plans and flexible spending accounts, and possibly eliminate some employer-provided health coverage plans altogether.\r\nIn New Mexico, small business owners, labor unions, counties, rural electric co-ops, and municipalities all oppose the tax. Across the state, 751,000 workers--including 43,000 union employees--who rely on employer, provided health insurance could experience significant changes to their health care as a result of this tax.\r\nThere is strong bipartisan, bicameral support behind repealing this provision. An amendment to fully repeal the Cadillac Tax was included in the budget reconciliation bill last week, which passed the Senate with a 90 to 10 vote.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-calls-for-a-strong-deal-to-combat-climate-change-build-nm-and-146s-clean-energy-economy", "Udall Calls for a Strong Deal to Combat Climate Change, Build NMs Clean Energy Economy", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 10, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall Calls for a Strong Deal to Combat Climate Change, Build NMs Clean Energy Economy \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall spoke on the Senate floor about the importance of U.S. action on global warming and international collaboration as negotiators near a deal to reduce global emissions. Udall, who serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and attended the United Nations climate talks (COP21) last weekend, said that an international agreement to fight climate change will spur clean energy innovation.  \"We're close to a deal that will fight global warming and help New Mexico build its clean energy economy,\" Udall said. \"Now we need to keep up the momentum. There are two things we can do right now to signal to the world that the United States is committed to tackling climate change. First, we need to drive capital to new energy efficient technology. That means renewing the Production Tax Credit for renewables. And second, we need to send a positive signal to the markets by stopping efforts to turn back progress toward meeting our climate goals. That will also drive investment in sustainable energy, spurring job growth in New Mexico and across the nation.\"  Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) joined Udall on the Senate floor in support of the climate negotiations.  Below are Udall's remarks as delivered:  Let me first say to Senator Cardin - who led our delegation. Senator Cardin's the ranking member on the Foreign Relations Committee. Foreign Relations has a lot to do with this issue. He showed great leadership, and I believe he's passionate about this issue in finding solutions. And so we were somewhat disappointed that 10 of us that went - all Democrats. We were disappointed that Republicans didn't join us. This is an issue that really needs bipartisanship. We need to join Republicans and Democrats to an issue that threatens our national security, threatens our economy, threatens our environment. It is an issue that is looming out there and needs attention. And so we look forward to working with our friends on the other side of the aisle to move forward on this issue. As I looked over there and saw what was happening, I remembered many of the briefings we've had and everyone that has looked at this challenge - of global warming, of climate change - says that we need to do two things. One, is that we need to drive capital to new energy. To new energy sources. To clean energy sources. We need to innovate - that's what they're talking about. If you get the capital there and you get the private sector working, you can come up with the solutions. And secondly, we need to put a signal in the marketplace to invest in clean energy and renewable energy. And I was so proud of what had happened over there in terms of the world joining together. More than 184 countries came together and we're going to see the conclusion of it - of their action this week. But they have stepped forward and said we are going to have targets. We're going to have goals. We're going to be transparent. We're going to let people know we're moving in the direction of solutions and doing something about this immense problem. So it was a major step forward to see those 184 countries step up and decide to do something. In addition, Bill Gates led a group of entrepreneurs over to Paris to announce and to challenge the world about energy research and development. We had, as everyone knows - Bill Gates is one of our great entrepreneurs. He and his wife are also philanthropists. He stepped up with 27 other billionaires to say we're going to put billions into research and into development. And we're going to put it into innovation. And they call this project Mission Innovation. And they challenged other countries around the world to do the same thing. Double their energy research and budgets. And so seeing those two things together - first of all, seeing 184 countries step up to the plate and say we're going to do this (and I think we're going to see those announcements in the next couple of days) and seeing these entrepreneurs step forward, I think was a signal and a bold signal to the marketplace that we're changing and moving in a new direction. And that we're going to get this done. Now, my state of New Mexico - I'm very proud of my state because we have all sources of energy. We have uranium, we have coal, we have oil, we have gas. And we have many renewable sources: wind, biomass, solar, geothermal. But we've taken a strong step in New Mexico to push for renewable resources. In our statutes in the state, we push for a renewable electricity standard of 10 percent by 2010. We met that early, and so we put another standard in place of 20 percent by 2020. And we're really in the bull's eye in terms of climate change in New Mexico. Because of what we see and what we know is that what happens in the Southwest, the temperatures are twice as high. And we've seen it, those temperatures increase over the last 50 years. So we know there's a crisis. We know there's an issue. We know we need to do something about this. And we are very, very willing to step forward. And I see my colleagues have joined me on the floor - Senator Schatz, Senator Shaheen, Cory Booker - are down here, have done excellent work. I would yield at this time to Senator Schatz and say by introduction, I am so impressed with his state. Hawaii is going to be a 100 percent renewable state in 2040. A lot of that is due to his leadership and his legislature and his governor stepping up to the plate. With that, Senator Schatz.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2186", "Udall Joins Senate in Passing Landmark 'No Child Left Behind' Reform [press_release]", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 09, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall Joins Senate in Passing Landmark 'No Child Left Behind' Reform \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 Bipartisan bill headed to the president's desk reduces high-stakes testing, invests in STEM subjects & early childhood education\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall joined a bipartisan majority of senators in passing a bill that will make much-needed reforms to the nation's controversial No Child Left Behind education law. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) -- a final compromise between two bills the Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives approved earlier this year -- passed the Senate on a strong bipartisan 85-12 vote. It was approved by the House of Representatives last week, and now goes to President Obama to be signed into law.  The bill reforms No Child Left Behind by reducing duplicative testing while adding flexibility to help states respond to assessments, improve school outcomes and ensure all students have the chance to get a quality education. It also makes strong investments to improve preschool programs and expand access to early childhood education. The bill authorizes a $250 million competitive grant program to increase access to preschool programs for low-income children, which marks the first time that the nation's primary elementary and secondary education legislation includes dedicated funding to support early learning. The bipartisan ESSA will ensure that the schools performing in the lowest 5 percent, high schools with graduation rates of 67 percent or less, and schools that fail to help subgroups of students improve, receive locally designed, evidence-based interventions. In practice, this will mean that states will be required to set annual goals for student performance and graduation rates for all students and subgroups of students to help close the achievement gap. Udall worked to include several New Mexico priorities in the bill, including investments in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) teaching, rural school districts and community schools; support for investments in early childhood education; measures to classify physical education and health under the new well-rounded designation for important subjects; and a measure to strengthen Native language immersion programs. \"I hear from New Mexicans everyday who are concerned about excessive testing and worry that their kids are falling behind. No Child Left Behind hasn't worked for students, teachers, parents or schools,\" Udall said. \"This bill is a major step forward. I am hopeful that finally eliminating No Child Left Behind's failed one-size-fits-all requirements will give our students and teachers the flexibility they need to close achievement gaps. I'm glad that the final bill includes accountability provisions to make sure states have the tools they need to help struggling schools and ensure that our schools are serving all students.\"  \"A vitally important part of this bill is the investment in early childhood education. One of my biggest priorities is doing everything I can to help improve child well-being in New Mexico. We know that early childhood education programs like Head Start make all the difference in ensuring children start school ready to learn and succeed. This is a critical investment in our future,\" Udall added. \"Every child deserves a high-quality education, no matter their zip code or background.\"  Specific highlights of the Every Student Succeeds Act include:  - Increased flexibility. Frees up states from the uncertainty and prescriptiveness of the outdated adequate yearly progress (AYP) federal accountability system. - Stronger accountability. Improves accountability by including strong federal protections to ensure all students have the chance to get a quality education. This includes students with disabilities, English-language learners and students at Tribal schools. - Investments in early childhood. Makes strong investments to improve preschool programs and expand access, so more kids can start kindergarten ready to learn. - Emphasis on students. Places a new emphasis on providing students with a well-rounded education, as well as on their health and safety at school, while reducing over-reliance on high-stakes testing.   - Support for teachers. Provides funding for professional development and training opportunities, including added support for STEM teachers.\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\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.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-votes-to-expand-high-quality-education-for-nm-students", "Heinrich Votes To Expand High-Quality Education For N.M. Students", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Votes To Expand High-Quality Education For N.M. Students\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 9, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) voted to pass the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) a bipartisan, bicameral bill to overturn No Child Left Behind (NCLB), and reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The bill passed the senate by a vote of 85 to 12.  \"After more than a decade of high-stakes standardized testing of No Child Left Behind that robbed our students of instruction time and devastated teacher morale, we have finally passed a bill to do away with policies that jeopardize our kids' prospects of a good education,\" said Sen. Heinrich. \"This bipartisan bill includes many provisions that will benefit New Mexico, including programs for Native students and English language learners and investments in early childhood education and STEM. These improvements will enable our teachers and schools to provide quality instruction, while preparing our kids to compete in a 21stcentury economy.\"  Under NCLB, accountability was centered on test scores, which pressured schools, teachers, and students to focus more on testing than instruction. NCLB set a high bar for student achievement, but never followed through with the resources and support necessary to achieve those goals. When schools failed, it mandated a one-size-fits-all approach for struggling schools that ignored the unique needs of local communities. The ESSA eliminates Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), which placed one-size-fits-all benchmarks on schools, and replaces it with a State-designed accountability system. Senator Heinrich included a provision in the legislation that passed today to require state accountability plans to have a comment period to ensure that state assessments and accountability plans are developed with parent, educator and stakeholder input. During a 30-day public comment period, every New Mexican will have an opportunity to view and weigh in on the state's education plan prior to submission to the U.S. Department of Education for approval. In addition, states must provide assurances that those comments were taken into account in the development of the state plan. Senator Heinrich also included provisions to strengthen programs to better assess the needs of English learners after they have tested proficient in English and no longer need acquisition assistance. Senator Heinrich's provision provides four years of monitoring so educators will have the data needed to determine academic success. There are currently more than 50,000 students in New Mexico participating in programs for English learners. Senator Heinrich also worked to include the following ESSA provisions: Programs for Native American Students - improves education in tribal communities by creating a new grant initiative to establish or expand Native language immersion programs under the U.S. Department of Education. School districts that serve Native American students will need to consult with local tribes in the development of plans for many federal education programs. The bill also includes a new program to build the capacity of tribal educational agencies to manage and design federal education programs. Support Making Assessments Reliable and Timely (SMART) Act - allows participating states to audit their testing systems to reduce redundancies in testing and increase instruction time. It also eliminates unnecessary assessments, design more sensible systems that align with standards. State-and district-required assessments take up most of a student's testing time. Often, these tests are reported to be redundant, of low quality, and unnecessary. Multiple Measures of Success - allows states to include other measures of student and school performances in their accountability systems in order to provide teachers, parents, and other stakeholders with a more accurate determination of school performance. States will also be required to include graduation rates, student growth, and English proficiency for English learners in their accountability systems. Early Childhood Education - expands access to high-quality early childhood education through Preschool Development Grants, which allow states to improve early childhood education coordination, quality, and access. Early-learning programs can strengthen a child's foundation, enabling them to start their K-12 education on a more solid footing. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Achievement - expands formula grants to improve classroom instruction, enhance student engagement, and increase student achievement in STEM subjects. In addition to improving classroom instruction, these grants can also be used to increase student access to high-quality afterschool programs that partner with professionals and researchers in STEM fields. 21st Century Community Learning Centers - supports afterschool and extended learning opportunities for low-income students. 21st Century Community Learning Centers offer students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs. Redesign Teacher Evaluations - reduces pressure of high-stakes testing as a measure of teacher quality by allowing states and school districts to design their own teacher evaluation systems based on multiple metrics, if they wish to do so. Provides funding for states to reform the teacher, principal, or school leadership certification process.\r\nFull text of the bill is availablehere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-joins-senate-in-passing-landmark-and-039no-child-left-behind-and-039-reform", "Udall Joins Senate in Passing Landmark 'No Child Left Behind' Reform", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 09, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall Joins Senate in Passing Landmark 'No Child Left Behind' Reform \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 Bipartisan bill headed to the president's desk reduces high-stakes testing, invests in STEM subjects & early childhood education\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall joined a bipartisan majority of senators in passing a bill that will make much-needed reforms to the nation's controversial No Child Left Behind education law. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) -- a final compromise between two bills the Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives approved earlier this year -- passed the Senate on a strong bipartisan 85-12 vote. It was approved by the House of Representatives last week, and now goes to President Obama to be signed into law.  The bill reforms No Child Left Behind by reducing duplicative testing while adding flexibility to help states respond to assessments, improve school outcomes and ensure all students have the chance to get a quality education. It also makes strong investments to improve preschool programs and expand access to early childhood education. The bill authorizes a $250 million competitive grant program to increase access to preschool programs for low-income children, which marks the first time that the nation's primary elementary and secondary education legislation includes dedicated funding to support early learning. The bipartisan ESSA will ensure that the schools performing in the lowest 5 percent, high schools with graduation rates of 67 percent or less, and schools that fail to help subgroups of students improve, receive locally designed, evidence-based interventions. In practice, this will mean that states will be required to set annual goals for student performance and graduation rates for all students and subgroups of students to help close the achievement gap. Udall worked to include several New Mexico priorities in the bill, including investments in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) teaching, rural school districts and community schools; support for investments in early childhood education; measures to classify physical education and health under the new well-rounded designation for important subjects; and a measure to strengthen Native language immersion programs. \"I hear from New Mexicans everyday who are concerned about excessive testing and worry that their kids are falling behind. No Child Left Behind hasn't worked for students, teachers, parents or schools,\" Udall said. \"This bill is a major step forward. I am hopeful that finally eliminating No Child Left Behind's failed one-size-fits-all requirements will give our students and teachers the flexibility they need to close achievement gaps. I'm glad that the final bill includes accountability provisions to make sure states have the tools they need to help struggling schools and ensure that our schools are serving all students.\"  \"A vitally important part of this bill is the investment in early childhood education. One of my biggest priorities is doing everything I can to help improve child well-being in New Mexico. We know that early childhood education programs like Head Start make all the difference in ensuring children start school ready to learn and succeed. This is a critical investment in our future,\" Udall added. \"Every child deserves a high-quality education, no matter their zip code or background.\"  Specific highlights of the Every Student Succeeds Act include:  - Increased flexibility. Frees up states from the uncertainty and prescriptiveness of the outdated adequate yearly progress (AYP) federal accountability system. - Stronger accountability. Improves accountability by including strong federal protections to ensure all students have the chance to get a quality education. This includes students with disabilities, English-language learners and students at Tribal schools. - Investments in early childhood. Makes strong investments to improve preschool programs and expand access, so more kids can start kindergarten ready to learn. - Emphasis on students. Places a new emphasis on providing students with a well-rounded education, as well as on their health and safety at school, while reducing over-reliance on high-stakes testing.   - Support for teachers. Provides funding for professional development and training opportunities, including added support for STEM teachers.\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://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2183", "NM Delegation Announces $11.5 Million to Repair Roads Damaged in September 2014 Floods, Other Disasters [press_release]", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 08, 2015\n\t\t\t NM Delegation Announces $11.5 Million to Repair Roads Damaged in September 2014 Floods, Other Disasters \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representatives Steve Pearce, Ben Ray Lujn and Michelle Lujan Grisham announced more than $11.5 million to rebuild infrastructure damaged by severe storms and flooding, including areas impacted by Hurricane Odile in September 2014. The new funding will help repair and rebuild highways and roads across the state, which suffered serious damage from the hurricane and other recent severe weather.  \"Just over a year ago, flooding from Hurricane Odile swept through communities across New Mexico, from Loving to Santa Fe, causing more than $10 million in damages,\" Udall said. \"This new funding will help New Mexico make significant progress toward fully restoring roads and bridges damaged in the floods and make other urgent repairs to transportation infrastructure on federal lands, ensuring our communities can get back on track.\"  \"Extreme flooding and weather conditions from Hurricane Odile and other natural disasters damaged roads across New Mexico and Indian Country,\" Heinrich said. \"This assistance will support restoration efforts so families can drive safely on bridges and highways. I will continue working with my colleagues to provide affected communities in New Mexico the support they need to rebuild and recover.\" \"With this funding, not only will our communities be able to repair and improve the infrastructure damaged during Hurricane Odile, but it also ensures the federal government honors its commitment to providing assistance to communities impacted by disasters,\" Pearce said. \"I thank my colleagues in the delegation for joining together to ensure that New Mexican communities received the assistance they deserved.\" \"The damage caused by Hurricane Odile left many communities in New Mexico in need of critical repairs to roads and bridges,\" Lujn said. \"Natural disasters such as this one damaged our communities while also putting a strain on their budgets. I am pleased that the Department of Transportation is providing these important funds to help them repair and rebuild.\" \"Our infrastructure is important, especially to rural communities in New Mexico,\" Lujan Grisham said. \"It is imperative that these communities have access to the resources to rebuild these roads, bridges and highways.\"  The New Mexico congressional delegation supported the State of New Mexico's request for disaster recovery assistance following Hurricane Odile. A disaster declaration made federal recovery assistance available to Colfax, Eddy, Lincoln, Lea, Otero, Santa Fe, San Miguel and Sierra counties. This new funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Emergency Relief program within the Federal Highway Administration and the Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads program through the Highway Trust Fund. Funding includes:  - $8,559,801 for the New Mexico State Highway and Transportation Department to repair roads damaged by September 2014 flooding.  - $1,125,944 for National Park Service roads in Sandoval County.  - $671,035 for Bureau of Indian Affairs roads in Sandoval County and Archuleta County, Colorado.  - $604,689 for Bureau of Indian Affairs roads in Sandoval County.  - $427,990 for Forest Service roads in San Miguel and Catron counties.  - $186,338 for Bureau of Land Management roads in Luna County.  - $6,584 for Bureau of Land Management roads in Sandoval and Socorro counties.\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\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://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2184", "At Press Conference, Udall Urges Bipartisan Work to Address Climate Change [press_release]", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 08, 2015\n\t\t\t At Press Conference, Udall Urges Bipartisan Work to Address 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 Udall, Commerce Committee Democrats send message before Cruz-led hearing denying climate science\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall joined Democratic members of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee at a press conference to urge some in Congress to stop debating whether climate change is real and instead work together to fight global warming. The press conference was held in advance of a hearing that will be chaired by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) this afternoon. Cruz has stacked the panel with academics who doubt the impact of global warming.\nCruz's hearing is timed to happen as the United Nations climate talks (COP21) continue. Udall attended COP21 last weekend, and discussed the importance of U.S. action on global warming, including critical climate change research being done at Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories in New Mexico.\n\"New Mexico is really at the center of the storm when it comes to climate change impacts. We've seen devastating wildfires, drought and floods. And Los Alamos and Sandia national labs are doing critical research on the impact of global warming and ways to fight it,\" Udall said. \"We need to stop debating whether climate change is real. The science is settled, and Senator Cruz is out of touch. The American people want action. Most of Congress wants action. We need to work together and lead the world in reducing carbon pollution and fighting global warming.\"\n\"I was impressed by the excitement that people from all over the world feel about the efforts at COP21,\" Udall continued. \"One hundred eighty-four countries are stepping forward with specific targets and specific plans to deal with climate change. Twenty-eight of the world's billionaires have stepped forward to invest billions of dollars in innovation. They're working together to find solutions, mobilizing governments around the world to do renewable energy research and spur innovation.\"\nJoining Udall at the press conference were Sens. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Ed Markey (D-Mass.).\nUdall will attend the hearing chaired by Cruz in the Senate Subcommittee on Space, Science and Competitiveness, titled \"Data or Dogma? Promoting Open Inquiry in the Debate over the Magnitude of Human Impact on Earth's Climate,\" at 3 p.m. ET/1 p.m. MT today. It will be streamed online at www.commerce.senate.gov.\n\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\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://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2185", "Udall, Matsui Introduce Legislation to Spur Breakthroughs in Spectrum Efficiency [press_release]", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 08, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall, Matsui Introduce Legislation to Spur Breakthroughs in Spectrum Efficiency \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 Spectrum Challenge Prize Act Would Encourage Wireless Innovation\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) and U.S. Representative Doris Matsui (D-CA) introduced legislation to create the first ever federal spectrum challenge prize. This would award up to $5 million for breakthrough wireless technologies that dramatically improve spectrum efficiency.\nSpectrum has become an increasingly scarce and valuable resource due to a growing demand from the modern mobile economy and a limited amount of spectrum that has not already been licensed to companies. A recent federal spectrum license auction generated over $40 billion in bids. The spectrum challenge competition would help incentivize innovators and entrepreneurs to develop technologies that eclipse the current state-of-the-art.\n\"With so many wireless devices connecting to the Internet, we are facing a spectrum crunch' that could hinder the next technological revolution,\" Udall said. \"American ingenuity can solve this. The Spectrum Challenge prize will help incentivize more innovators and researchers to focus on developing technologies to address the 21st century economy's spectrum needs.\"\n\"The U.S. has always been a global leader in wireless technologies, but we need innovative spectrum solutions in order for our wireless economy to continue to grow,\" Matsui said. \"The Spectrum Challenge Prize Act creates a new opportunity for the federal government and the private sector to work collaboratively in the pursuit of a spectrum breakthrough, which is ultimately a victory for our 21st century economy.\"\nThe Spectrum Challenge Prize Act would instruct the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), in consultation with other federal partners, to award up to $5 million in prizes to participants who develop ground-breaking solutions to spectrum efficiency. In contrast to traditional research grants, the spectrum challenge prize maximizes the impact of federal investment by paying only for successful solutions, not research and development costs.\nChallenge prizes have a long track record of spurring innovation, from early navigation efforts to more recent driverless car technology. Prizes have been successfully implemented by several federal agencies in the past to incentivize technological innovation. For example, NASA's centennial challenges led to solutions from inventors ranging from the design of an astronaut's glove to flying a lunar lander. Prizes complement traditional research and development efforts by attracting a broad range of innovators to solving big problems.\n\"We applaud Senator Udall and Representative Matsui for spearheading an effort to utilize the prize model to discover a breakthrough in spectrum efficiency,\" said Chris Frangione, Vice President, Prize Development, XPRIZE. \"The benefit of prizes go far beyond the initial purse itself. A future with more efficient spectrum will not only help the United States manage current demand, it will open the door to advancements and future economic opportunities in the wireless economy.\"\nThe text of the legislation can be found here.\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\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.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/nm-delegation-announces-115-million-to-repair-roads-damaged-in-september-2014-floods-other-disasters", "NM Delegation Announces $11.5 Million to Repair Roads Damaged in September 2014 Floods, Other Disasters", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NM Delegation Announces $11.5 Million to Repair Roads Damaged in September 2014 Floods, Other Disasters\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 8, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representatives Steve Pearce, Ben Ray Lujn and Michelle Lujan Grisham announced more than $11.5 million to rebuild infrastructure damaged by severe storms and flooding, including areas impacted by Hurricane Odile in September 2014. The new funding will help repair and rebuild highways and roads across the state, which suffered serious damage from the hurricane and other recent severe weather.\r\nJust over a year ago, flooding from Hurricane Odile swept through communities across New Mexico, from Loving to Santa Fe, causing more than $10 million in damages,\" Udall said. \"This new funding will help New Mexico make significant progress toward fully restoring roads and bridges damaged in the floods and make other urgent repairs to transportation infrastructure on federal lands, ensuring our communities can get back on track.\r\nExtreme flooding and weather conditions from Hurricane Odile and other natural disasters damaged roads across New Mexico and Indian Country, Heinrich said. This assistance will support restoration efforts so families can drive safely on bridges and highways. I will continue working with my colleagues to provide affected communities in New Mexico the support they need to rebuild and recover.\r\nWith this funding, not only will our communities be able to repair and improve the infrastructure damaged during Hurricane Odile, but it also ensures the federal government honors its commitment to providing assistance to communities impacted by disasters, Pearce said. I thank my colleagues in the delegation for joining together to ensure that New Mexican communities received the assistance they deserved.\r\nThe damage caused by Hurricane Odile left many communities in New Mexico in need of critical repairs to roads and bridges, Lujn said. Natural disasters such as this one damaged our communities while also putting a strain on their budgets. I am pleased that the Department of Transportation is providing these important funds to help them repair and rebuild.\r\nOur infrastructure is important, especially to rural communities in New Mexico, Lujan Grisham said. It is imperative that these communities have access to the resources to rebuild these roads, bridges and highways.\r\nThe New Mexico congressional delegation supported the State of New Mexicos request for disaster recovery assistance following Hurricane Odile. A disaster declaration made federal recovery assistance available to Colfax, Eddy, Lincoln, Lea, Otero, Santa Fe, San Miguel and Sierra counties.\r\nThis new funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Emergency Relief program within the Federal Highway Administration and the Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads program through the Highway Trust Fund. Funding includes:\r\n- $8,559,801 for the New Mexico State Highway and Transportation Department to repair roads damaged by September 2014 flooding.\r\n- $1,125,944 for National Park Service roads in Sandoval County.\r\n- $671,035 for Bureau of Indian Affairs roads in Sandoval County and Archuleta County, Colorado.\r\n- $604,689 for Bureau of Indian Affairs roads in Sandoval County.\r\n- $427,990 for Forest Service roads in San Miguel and Catron counties.\r\n- $186,338 for Bureau of Land Management roads in Luna County.\r\n- $6,584 for Bureau of Land Management roads in Sandoval and Socorro counties.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/video-heinrich-highlights-national-park-service-centennial-legislation-addresses-reducing-maintenance-backlog", "VIDEO: Heinrich Highlights National Park Service Centennial Legislation, Addresses Reducing Maintenance Backlog", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "VIDEO: Heinrich Highlights National Park Service Centennial Legislation, Addresses Reducing Maintenance Backlog\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 8, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. - During a Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) highlighted the need to provide support for the National Park Service and its conservation projects, and he discussed the importance of addressing the maintenance backlog facing U.S. national parks. The hearing was held to receive testimony on S. 2257, the National Park Service (NPS) Centennial Act, a bill to honor the agency's 100th anniversary--which will be celebrated in 2016--by establishing an endowment to fund NPS' critical infrastructure projects, partnerships to enhance visitor experiences, and volunteer opportunities in national parks and historic sites. Witnesses for today's hearing included U.S. National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis and National Park Foundation President and CEO Will Shafroth. During the hearing, Senator Heinrich addressed the need to reduce the maintenance backlog, particularly road transportation and other infrastructure projects, facing America's national parks. Senator Heinrich highlighted that New Mexico faces maintenance backlog issues, including in Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, and Bandelier National Monument.     Later in the hearing, Senator Heinrich discussed why it's important to legislatively establish an endowment as part of the National Park Service Centennial Act and the type of conservation programs the funding aims to support.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/at-press-conference-udall-urges-bipartisan-work-to-address-climate-change", "At Press Conference, Udall Urges Bipartisan Work to Address Climate Change", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 08, 2015\n\t\t\t At Press Conference, Udall Urges Bipartisan Work to Address 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 Udall, Commerce Committee Democrats send message before Cruz-led hearing denying climate science\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall joined Democratic members of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee at a press conference to urge some in Congress to stop debating whether climate change is real and instead work together to fight global warming. The press conference was held in advance of a hearing that will be chaired by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) this afternoon. Cruz has stacked the panel with academics who doubt the impact of global warming.\nCruz's hearing is timed to happen as the United Nations climate talks (COP21) continue. Udall attended COP21 last weekend, and discussed the importance of U.S. action on global warming, including critical climate change research being done at Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories in New Mexico.\n\"New Mexico is really at the center of the storm when it comes to climate change impacts. We've seen devastating wildfires, drought and floods. And Los Alamos and Sandia national labs are doing critical research on the impact of global warming and ways to fight it,\" Udall said. \"We need to stop debating whether climate change is real. The science is settled, and Senator Cruz is out of touch. The American people want action. Most of Congress wants action. We need to work together and lead the world in reducing carbon pollution and fighting global warming.\"\n\"I was impressed by the excitement that people from all over the world feel about the efforts at COP21,\" Udall continued. \"One hundred eighty-four countries are stepping forward with specific targets and specific plans to deal with climate change. Twenty-eight of the world's billionaires have stepped forward to invest billions of dollars in innovation. They're working together to find solutions, mobilizing governments around the world to do renewable energy research and spur innovation.\"\nJoining Udall at the press conference were Sens. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Ed Markey (D-Mass.).\nUdall will attend the hearing chaired by Cruz in the Senate Subcommittee on Space, Science and Competitiveness, titled \"Data or Dogma? Promoting Open Inquiry in the Debate over the Magnitude of Human Impact on Earth's Climate,\" at 3 p.m. ET/1 p.m. MT today. It will be streamed online at www.commerce.senate.gov.\n\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/nm-delegation-announces-115-million-to-repair-roads-damaged-in-september-2014-floods-other-disasters", "NM Delegation Announces $11.5 Million to Repair Roads Damaged in September 2014 Floods, Other Disasters", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 08, 2015\n\t\t\t NM Delegation Announces $11.5 Million to Repair Roads Damaged in September 2014 Floods, Other Disasters \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representatives Steve Pearce, Ben Ray Lujn and Michelle Lujan Grisham announced more than $11.5 million to rebuild infrastructure damaged by severe storms and flooding, including areas impacted by Hurricane Odile in September 2014. The new funding will help repair and rebuild highways and roads across the state, which suffered serious damage from the hurricane and other recent severe weather.  \"Just over a year ago, flooding from Hurricane Odile swept through communities across New Mexico, from Loving to Santa Fe, causing more than $10 million in damages,\" Udall said. \"This new funding will help New Mexico make significant progress toward fully restoring roads and bridges damaged in the floods and make other urgent repairs to transportation infrastructure on federal lands, ensuring our communities can get back on track.\"  \"Extreme flooding and weather conditions from Hurricane Odile and other natural disasters damaged roads across New Mexico and Indian Country,\" Heinrich said. \"This assistance will support restoration efforts so families can drive safely on bridges and highways. I will continue working with my colleagues to provide affected communities in New Mexico the support they need to rebuild and recover.\" \"With this funding, not only will our communities be able to repair and improve the infrastructure damaged during Hurricane Odile, but it also ensures the federal government honors its commitment to providing assistance to communities impacted by disasters,\" Pearce said. \"I thank my colleagues in the delegation for joining together to ensure that New Mexican communities received the assistance they deserved.\" \"The damage caused by Hurricane Odile left many communities in New Mexico in need of critical repairs to roads and bridges,\" Lujn said. \"Natural disasters such as this one damaged our communities while also putting a strain on their budgets. I am pleased that the Department of Transportation is providing these important funds to help them repair and rebuild.\" \"Our infrastructure is important, especially to rural communities in New Mexico,\" Lujan Grisham said. \"It is imperative that these communities have access to the resources to rebuild these roads, bridges and highways.\"  The New Mexico congressional delegation supported the State of New Mexico's request for disaster recovery assistance following Hurricane Odile. A disaster declaration made federal recovery assistance available to Colfax, Eddy, Lincoln, Lea, Otero, Santa Fe, San Miguel and Sierra counties. This new funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Emergency Relief program within the Federal Highway Administration and the Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads program through the Highway Trust Fund. Funding includes:  - $8,559,801 for the New Mexico State Highway and Transportation Department to repair roads damaged by September 2014 flooding.  - $1,125,944 for National Park Service roads in Sandoval County.  - $671,035 for Bureau of Indian Affairs roads in Sandoval County and Archuleta County, Colorado.  - $604,689 for Bureau of Indian Affairs roads in Sandoval County.  - $427,990 for Forest Service roads in San Miguel and Catron counties.  - $186,338 for Bureau of Land Management roads in Luna County.  - $6,584 for Bureau of Land Management roads in Sandoval and Socorro counties.\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-matsui-introduce-legislation-to-spur-breakthroughs-in-spectrum-efficiency", "Udall, Matsui Introduce Legislation to Spur Breakthroughs in Spectrum Efficiency", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 08, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall, Matsui Introduce Legislation to Spur Breakthroughs in Spectrum Efficiency \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 Spectrum Challenge Prize Act Would Encourage Wireless Innovation\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) and U.S. Representative Doris Matsui (D-CA) introduced legislation to create the first ever federal spectrum challenge prize. This would award up to $5 million for breakthrough wireless technologies that dramatically improve spectrum efficiency.\nSpectrum has become an increasingly scarce and valuable resource due to a growing demand from the modern mobile economy and a limited amount of spectrum that has not already been licensed to companies. A recent federal spectrum license auction generated over $40 billion in bids. The spectrum challenge competition would help incentivize innovators and entrepreneurs to develop technologies that eclipse the current state-of-the-art.\n\"With so many wireless devices connecting to the Internet, we are facing a spectrum crunch' that could hinder the next technological revolution,\" Udall said. \"American ingenuity can solve this. The Spectrum Challenge prize will help incentivize more innovators and researchers to focus on developing technologies to address the 21st century economy's spectrum needs.\"\n\"The U.S. has always been a global leader in wireless technologies, but we need innovative spectrum solutions in order for our wireless economy to continue to grow,\" Matsui said. \"The Spectrum Challenge Prize Act creates a new opportunity for the federal government and the private sector to work collaboratively in the pursuit of a spectrum breakthrough, which is ultimately a victory for our 21st century economy.\"\nThe Spectrum Challenge Prize Act would instruct the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), in consultation with other federal partners, to award up to $5 million in prizes to participants who develop ground-breaking solutions to spectrum efficiency. In contrast to traditional research grants, the spectrum challenge prize maximizes the impact of federal investment by paying only for successful solutions, not research and development costs.\nChallenge prizes have a long track record of spurring innovation, from early navigation efforts to more recent driverless car technology. Prizes have been successfully implemented by several federal agencies in the past to incentivize technological innovation. For example, NASA's centennial challenges led to solutions from inventors ranging from the design of an astronaut's glove to flying a lunar lander. Prizes complement traditional research and development efforts by attracting a broad range of innovators to solving big problems.\n\"We applaud Senator Udall and Representative Matsui for spearheading an effort to utilize the prize model to discover a breakthrough in spectrum efficiency,\" said Chris Frangione, Vice President, Prize Development, XPRIZE. \"The benefit of prizes go far beyond the initial purse itself. A future with more efficient spectrum will not only help the United States manage current demand, it will open the door to advancements and future economic opportunities in the wireless economy.\"\nThe text of the legislation can be found here.\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.heinrich.senate.gov/in-the-news/kob-eyewitness-news-4-nm-vietnam-vet-awarded-purple-heart-bronze-star-40-years-later", "KOB Eyewitness News 4: NM Vietnam vet awarded Purple Heart, Bronze Star 40 years later", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "KOB Eyewitness News 4: NM Vietnam vet awarded Purple Heart, Bronze Star 40 years later\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                    By:\r\n                    Stuart Dyson\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n            Monday, December 7, 2015\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            Theyre about 40 years overdue, but that didnt bother Stephen Bailey one bit. Friday afternoon, he finally got the military medals he earned in the Vietnam War and the years immediately afterward.\r\nBailey enlisted in the Army in 1967 and was assigned to an explosive ordnance unit, and went off to the deadly jungles of Vietnam. He was wounded there, shot on Thanksgiving Day 1969.\r\nAfter three months in the hospital he was discharged, but turned right around and re-enlisted, serving another decade, including a security detail on Air Force One for three U.S. presidents.\r\nBaileys nine medals include the Purple Heart for that wound and the Bronze Star.\r\n\"I never thought I was doing anything extraordinary,\" he said after receiving his medals in a ceremony at UNM. \"But other people think I did, and its good to get that support.\"\r\nU.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich met Bailey at a tax forum, heard about the overdue medals, and put his staff to work on the problem. Heinrich presented Bailey with the medals Friday, pinning the Purple Heart on the veterans left lapel.\r\n\"The medals mean a lot to me because it was probably the most important part of my life,\" Bailey said. \"You know, the saying goes may you live in interesting times. Well, I did!\"Heinrich said the occasion was a time to remember and honor all those who have served the country  and those who are doing that right now.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://lujangrisham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujan-grisham-staff-hold-warriors-workshop-veterans-monday", "Lujan Grisham Staff to Hold Warrior's Workshop for Veterans on Monday", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Michelle Lujan Grisham", "L000580", "lujangrisham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In honor of the 74th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham\u2019s Office will host a \u201cWarrior\u2019s Workshop\u201d on Monday for all Veterans to receive assistance with disability claims, the VA Medical Center, Choice Program, GI Bill, VA home loan and any other assistance that can be provided.\nThe workshop, which will be held each month in various locations around the Congressional District, is an opportunity for veterans to visit with other veterans and bring issues to the attention of the Congresswoman\u2019s staff. Veterans are encouraged to wear hats, shirts, and other clothing that tell us about their service.\n\u201cWe want this to be a casual environment where veterans feel comfortable to come and visit, share a cup of coffee, and if they need assistance, our staff is ready to help them,\u201d Rep. Lujan Grisham said.\nThe workshop will be held on Monday, December 7, at the Simms Building, 400 Gold Avenue, SW, 5th Floor Conference Room from 1 to 6 p.m. There will be signs in the lobby.\nFor more information, please call 505-346-6781.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2181", "Udall Participates in UN Conference on Climate Change ('COP21') [press_release]", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 04, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall Participates in UN Conference on Climate Change ('COP21') \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall is participating in a two-day congressional delegation to the United Nations conference on climate change in Paris. Udall, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee, will meet with U.S. and international negotiators and others gathered for the 21st annual Conference of the Parties (COP21) on the U.N. Convention on Climate Change. Delegates from more than 190 countries are seeking an international agreement to reduce global carbon emissions.  A longtime advocate for action to prevent global warming and its serious consequences for national security and the economy, Udall will discuss his work on the Appropriations and Foreign Relations committees to prevent efforts in Congress to roll back U.S. commitments to reduce the carbon pollution that contributes to global warming. Udall will discuss the global warming impacts the United States is already experiencing -- particularly in New Mexico -- including rising temperatures and increasingly severe drought and wildfires, as well as positive steps the states and the administration are taking to drive the global effort to fight climate change. \"Americans want action to prevent climate change, and New Mexico is a great example of how we're taking that action. New Mexico has every kind of energy resource, and we've embraced efforts to diversify and reduce carbon emissions. We're hitting our renewable energy goals and our efforts are boosting the economy, building new opportunities and creating well-paying clean energy jobs,\" Udall said. \"But we have to keep it up. America's leadership in reducing carbon pollution is crucial - the United States must drive progress across the world. As a member of key Foreign Relations and Appropriations subcommittees, I will be helping lead the charge in Congress to keep the U.S. climate goals on track. We will stop efforts that would turn back progress on global warming.\"\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\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://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2182", "Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of Transportation Bill that Invests in Infrastructure, NMs Economy, Supports 1,000s of Jobs [press_release]", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 04, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of Transportation Bill that Invests in Infrastructure, NMs Economy, Supports 1,000s of Jobs \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 FAST Act boosts transportation funding for NM by 5%; president expected to sign it into law today\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON - Last night, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich joined the Senate in approving a major transportation bill that funds 74 percent of New Mexico highways and bridges and provides almost half of the total transportation dollars spent in the state. The bipartisan Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act passed the Senate on a 83-16 vote, after passing the U.S. House of Representatives earlier in the day. President Obama is expected to sign the legislation today, before current funding runs out at midnight. The FAST Act authorizes and funds transportation programs for the next five years, providing certainty for local governments that depend on federal funds to maintain roads, highways, bridges and other infrastructure. The bill boosts funding for New Mexico transportation projects by 5 percent -- $18 million -- this year, and continues to increase funding by an average of $8.5 million each year through fiscal year 2020. For the total five year period, it invests more than $1.9 billion in New Mexico. Funding is typically distributed to the states in the form of formula funding and competitive grants, and projects are determined by the state and the U.S. Department of Transportation. \"I'm glad Congress came together and found a longterm solution to help New Mexico communities strengthen our roads, bridges and highways,\" Udall said. \"In New Mexico alone, this bill will directly support over 6,000 construction jobs and thousands more New Mexicans who work in transportation and maintenance. It increases transit funding for our state by 5 percent, a much-needed boost to our highways and local economies. We've also secured several important safety and consumer protection provisions that will help families stay safe on the road. I'm especially pleased that we're making research mandatory for critical technology to prevent drunk driving. Within a few years, this breakthrough alcohol detection system could be ready to be installed in cars, saving 59,000 lives over 15 years.\"  \"Public transit, roads, and other transportation infrastructure are critical for economic development and keeping our families safe while traveling,\" Heinrich said. \"The nearly $2 billion included for New Mexico over the life of this bill will provide the state with the economic certainty needed for longterm planning and job creation.\"  In addition to an increase in funding for New Mexico's roads and bridges, highlights include:  - Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS): Changes DADSS program from optional to mandatory, and provides funding through 2020. Udall has championed the program, which would prevent a driver with an illegal BAC limit of .08 percent or above from starting a DADSS-equipped vehicle, and worked to include it in the bill. - Tribal Transportation Program: Helps provide safer transportation and public road access for Native American communities. The program will receive an immediate increase of $15 million for fiscal year 2016 and nearly $55 million by 2020. - Automaker Cover-up Penalties: Protects consumers by extending the time period for automakers to pay for defect remedies from 10 to 15 years; extends the period companies must retain safety records from five to 10 years; and increases the maximum cap on civil penalties for violations of motor vehicle safety standards and laws from $35 million to $105 million.  - Car Recalls: Protects drivers by encouraging car dealers to check for open recalls at the time of service and prohibiting rental car companies from renting or selling recalled vehicles before they are fixed.  - Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects: Opens up additional funding opportunities for New Mexico communities by creating a new competitive grant program for transportation projects of regional and national significance, similar to the TIGER grant program. - Crude Oil Tank Safety: Requires new safety standards for rail cars transporting crude oil, including thermal jackets to increase burn time and standards for top fittings. It also requires the Department of Transportation to move forward with a comprehensive oil spill response plan, including improving communication between railroads and local emergency response.\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\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.heinrich.senate.gov/photos/presenting-service-medals-to-new-mexico-vietnam-war-veteran-december-4-2015", "Presenting Service Medals To New Mexico Vietnam War Veteran, December 4, 2015", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "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\tLoretto Towne Center\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t505 South Main St., Ste. 148\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.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/photo-heinrich-presents-service-medals-to-new-mexico-vietnam-war-veteran", "PHOTO: Heinrich Presents Service Medals To New Mexico Vietnam War Veteran", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PHOTO: Heinrich Presents Service Medals To New Mexico Vietnam War Veteran\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 4, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nPHOTO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich presents the Purple Heart to U.S. Army veteran Stephen Bailey.\r\nALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) presented nine medals, including the Purple Heart, a Bronze Star Medal, and an Air Medal to U.S. Army veteran Stephen Bailey. Senator Heinrich's office assisted Mr. Bailey, who served more than 10 years in the Army, obtain medals he earned, but never received, for his service in the Vietnam War. Mr. Bailey was joined by his wife, Kathy Bailey, and members of his family.\r\n\"Stephen Bailey deserves recognition for the sacrifices he made. He deserves the medals he earned, but most of all he deserves our utmost respect and appreciation for his service to our country,\" said Sen. Heinrich.\r\nThe medal presentation and tribute to Mr. Bailey's service took place at the University of New Mexico (UNM) and included the Presentation of the Colors by the UNM Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC).\r\nSenator Heinrich awarded Mr. Bailey with the following:\r\n \r\nPurple Heart;\r\nBronze Star Medal;\r\nAir Medal;\r\nArmy Commendation Medal;\r\nGood Conduct Medal;\r\nNational Defense Service Medal;\r\nVietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars;\r\nRepublic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon; and\r\nExpert Badge.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-heinrich-hoeven-national-bison-legacy-act", "Senate Unanimously Passes Heinrich, Hoeven National Bison Legacy Act", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate Unanimously Passes Heinrich, Hoeven National Bison Legacy Act\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Bill Makes Bison U.S. National Mammal, Recognizes Significance of America's Largest Land Mammal\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 4, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) announced that the United States Senate unanimously passed the National Bison Legacy Act, which designates the American bison as the national mammal of the United States. The bill also recognizes the historical, cultural, and economic significance of the bison, the largest land mammal in America.\r\n\"Bison hold a rich historic and cultural significance for the United States, and in particular for our tribal nations,\" Heinrich said. \"They represent resiliency and are an enduring symbol of American strength. Recognition of our new national mammal will bring greater attention to the ongoing effort to conserve this unique species.\" \"The bison has for many years been a symbol of America for its strength, endurance and dignity, reflecting the pioneer spirit of our nation,\" Hoeven said. \"It makes sense for this noble animal to serve as our national mammal. The National Bison Legacy Act recognizes the important cultural and economic role the bison has played in our history, in North Dakota and across our nation.\" More than 40 million bison once roamed across most of North America. But by the late 1800s, fewer than one thousand bison remained. The species is acknowledged as the first American conservation success story, having been brought back from the brink of extinction by a concerted effort of ranchers, conservationists, and politicians to save the species in the early 20th century. In 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt and the American Bison Society led an effort to save bison from extinction by establishing a captive breeding program at the Bronx Zoo. Within a few years, the program, and others like it, were already successfully establishing bison back into its native habitat. Many Native American tribes revere bison as a sacred and spiritual symbol of their heritage and maintain private bison herds on tribal lands throughout the West. Bison now live in all 50 states in public and private herds, providing recreation opportunities for wildlife viewers in zoos, refuges and parks, and sustaining the multimillion dollar bison ranching and production business.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-welcome-passage-of-transportation-bill-that-invests-in-infrastructure-nms-economy-supports-1000s-of-jobs", "Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of Transportation Bill that Invests in Infrastructure, NM’s Economy, Supports 1,000s of Jobs", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of Transportation Bill that Invests in Infrastructure, NMs Economy, Supports 1,000s of Jobs\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tFAST Act boosts transportation funding for NM by 5%; president expected to sign it into law today\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 4, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Last night, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich joined the Senate in approving a major transportation bill that funds 74 percent of New Mexico highways and bridges and provides almost half of the total transportation dollars spent in the state. The bipartisan Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act passed the Senate on a 83-16 vote, after passing the U.S. House of Representatives earlier in the day. President Obama is expected to sign the legislation today, before current funding runs out at midnight.\r\nThe FAST Act authorizes and funds transportation programs for the next five years, providing certainty for local governments that depend on federal funds to maintain roads, highways, bridges and other infrastructure. The bill boosts funding for New Mexico transportation projects by 5 percent  $18 million  this year, and continues to increase funding by an average of $8.5 million each year through fiscal year 2020. For the total five year period, it invests more than $1.9 billion in New Mexico. Funding is typically distributed to the states in the form of formula funding and competitive grants, and projects are determined by the state and the U.S. Department of Transportation.\r\nIm glad Congress came together and found a longterm solution to help New Mexico communities strengthen our roads, bridges and highways, Udall said. In New Mexico alone, this bill will directly support over 6,000 construction jobs and thousands more New Mexicans who work in transportation and maintenance. It increases transit funding for our state by 5 percent, a much-needed boost to our highways and local economies. Weve also secured several important safety and consumer protection provisions that will help families stay safe on the road. Im especially pleased that were making research mandatory for critical technology to prevent drunk driving. Within a few years, this breakthrough alcohol detection system could be ready to be installed in cars, saving 59,000 lives over 15 years.\r\n\"Public transit, roads, and other transportation infrastructure are critical for economic development and keeping our families safe while traveling, Heinrich said. The nearly $2 billion included for New Mexico over the life of this bill will provide the state with the economic certainty needed for longterm planning and job creation.\"\r\nIn addition to an increase in funding for New Mexicos roads and bridges, highlights include:\r\n- Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS): Changes DADSS program from optional to mandatory, and provides funding through 2020. Udall has championed the program, which would prevent a driver with an illegal BAC limit of .08 percent or above from starting a DADSS-equipped vehicle, and worked to include it in the bill.\r\n- Tribal Transportation Program: Helps provide safer transportation and public road access for Native American communities. The program will receive an immediate increase of $15 million for fiscal year 2016 and nearly $55 million by 2020.\r\n- Automaker Cover-up Penalties: Protects consumers by extending the time period for automakers to pay for defect remedies from 10 to 15 years; extends the period companies must retain safety records from five to 10 years; and increases the maximum cap on civil penalties for violations of motor vehicle safety standards and laws from $35 million to $105 million.\r\n- Car Recalls: Protects drivers by encouraging car dealers to check for open recalls at the time of service and prohibiting rental car companies from renting or selling recalled vehicles before they are fixed.\r\n- Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects: Opens up additional funding opportunities for New Mexico communities by creating a new competitive grant program for transportation projects of regional and national significance, similar to the TIGER grant program.\r\n- Crude Oil Tank Safety: Requires new safety standards for rail cars transporting crude oil, including thermal jackets to increase burn time and standards for top fittings. It also requires the Department of Transportation to move forward with a comprehensive oil spill response plan, including improving communication between railroads and local emergency response.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-welcome-passage-of-transportation-bill-that-invests-in-infrastructure-nm-and-146s-economy-supports-1-000s-of-jobs", "Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of Transportation Bill that Invests in Infrastructure, NMs Economy, Supports 1,000s of Jobs", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 04, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of Transportation Bill that Invests in Infrastructure, NMs Economy, Supports 1,000s of Jobs \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 FAST Act boosts transportation funding for NM by 5%; president expected to sign it into law today\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON - Last night, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich joined the Senate in approving a major transportation bill that funds 74 percent of New Mexico highways and bridges and provides almost half of the total transportation dollars spent in the state. The bipartisan Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act passed the Senate on a 83-16 vote, after passing the U.S. House of Representatives earlier in the day. President Obama is expected to sign the legislation today, before current funding runs out at midnight. The FAST Act authorizes and funds transportation programs for the next five years, providing certainty for local governments that depend on federal funds to maintain roads, highways, bridges and other infrastructure. The bill boosts funding for New Mexico transportation projects by 5 percent -- $18 million -- this year, and continues to increase funding by an average of $8.5 million each year through fiscal year 2020. For the total five year period, it invests more than $1.9 billion in New Mexico. Funding is typically distributed to the states in the form of formula funding and competitive grants, and projects are determined by the state and the U.S. Department of Transportation. \"I'm glad Congress came together and found a longterm solution to help New Mexico communities strengthen our roads, bridges and highways,\" Udall said. \"In New Mexico alone, this bill will directly support over 6,000 construction jobs and thousands more New Mexicans who work in transportation and maintenance. It increases transit funding for our state by 5 percent, a much-needed boost to our highways and local economies. We've also secured several important safety and consumer protection provisions that will help families stay safe on the road. I'm especially pleased that we're making research mandatory for critical technology to prevent drunk driving. Within a few years, this breakthrough alcohol detection system could be ready to be installed in cars, saving 59,000 lives over 15 years.\"  \"Public transit, roads, and other transportation infrastructure are critical for economic development and keeping our families safe while traveling,\" Heinrich said. \"The nearly $2 billion included for New Mexico over the life of this bill will provide the state with the economic certainty needed for longterm planning and job creation.\"  In addition to an increase in funding for New Mexico's roads and bridges, highlights include:  - Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS): Changes DADSS program from optional to mandatory, and provides funding through 2020. Udall has championed the program, which would prevent a driver with an illegal BAC limit of .08 percent or above from starting a DADSS-equipped vehicle, and worked to include it in the bill. - Tribal Transportation Program: Helps provide safer transportation and public road access for Native American communities. The program will receive an immediate increase of $15 million for fiscal year 2016 and nearly $55 million by 2020. - Automaker Cover-up Penalties: Protects consumers by extending the time period for automakers to pay for defect remedies from 10 to 15 years; extends the period companies must retain safety records from five to 10 years; and increases the maximum cap on civil penalties for violations of motor vehicle safety standards and laws from $35 million to $105 million.  - Car Recalls: Protects drivers by encouraging car dealers to check for open recalls at the time of service and prohibiting rental car companies from renting or selling recalled vehicles before they are fixed.  - Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects: Opens up additional funding opportunities for New Mexico communities by creating a new competitive grant program for transportation projects of regional and national significance, similar to the TIGER grant program. - Crude Oil Tank Safety: Requires new safety standards for rail cars transporting crude oil, including thermal jackets to increase burn time and standards for top fittings. It also requires the Department of Transportation to move forward with a comprehensive oil spill response plan, including improving communication between railroads and local emergency response.\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-participates-in-un-conference-on-climate-change-and-039cop21-and-039", "Udall Participates in UN Conference on Climate Change ('COP21')", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 04, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall Participates in UN Conference on Climate Change ('COP21') \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall is participating in a two-day congressional delegation to the United Nations conference on climate change in Paris. Udall, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee, will meet with U.S. and international negotiators and others gathered for the 21st annual Conference of the Parties (COP21) on the U.N. Convention on Climate Change. Delegates from more than 190 countries are seeking an international agreement to reduce global carbon emissions.  A longtime advocate for action to prevent global warming and its serious consequences for national security and the economy, Udall will discuss his work on the Appropriations and Foreign Relations committees to prevent efforts in Congress to roll back U.S. commitments to reduce the carbon pollution that contributes to global warming. Udall will discuss the global warming impacts the United States is already experiencing -- particularly in New Mexico -- including rising temperatures and increasingly severe drought and wildfires, as well as positive steps the states and the administration are taking to drive the global effort to fight climate change. \"Americans want action to prevent climate change, and New Mexico is a great example of how we're taking that action. New Mexico has every kind of energy resource, and we've embraced efforts to diversify and reduce carbon emissions. We're hitting our renewable energy goals and our efforts are boosting the economy, building new opportunities and creating well-paying clean energy jobs,\" Udall said. \"But we have to keep it up. America's leadership in reducing carbon pollution is crucial - the United States must drive progress across the world. As a member of key Foreign Relations and Appropriations subcommittees, I will be helping lead the charge in Congress to keep the U.S. climate goals on track. We will stop efforts that would turn back progress on global warming.\"\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://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2177", "Udall, Heinrich Welcome $6.2 Million for Energy Innovation [press_release]", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 03, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich Welcome $6.2 Million for Energy Innovation \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 Los Alamos, Albuquerque companies receive awards for fuel cell and transformer projects\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich congratulated two New Mexico businesses on receiving $6.2 million to jump-start innovative energy projects. Pajarito Powder, based in Albuquerque, is receiving $2,790,000 to develop a cost-effective regenerative hydrogen electrode for fuel-cell vehicles. Tibbar Technologies of Los Alamos has been awarded $3,500,000 to create a low-cost transformer for HVDC transmission.  The projects were selected for funding through the Department of Energy's (DOE) Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) open call to scientists and engineers for transformational technologies that help advance economic prosperity, national security and environmental well-being. ARPA-E funds innovative technologies that display promise for both technical and commercial impact, but are too early for private-sector investment. U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz announced the funding, which is part of a $125 million award to 41 cutting-edge energy technologies nationwide.  \"Clean energy innovation is helping create high-tech jobs and grow New Mexico's economy,\" Udall said. \"I'm proud that Pajarito Powder and Tibbar Technologies are rising to the challenge and helping our nation build a secure energy future. Investing in alternative energy development also helps us fight climate change, and I'll continue to support smart investments in New Mexico innovators.\"  \"This investment will support private research and development projects that will spur innovation to help modernize our electric grid and provide clean-energy solutions to combat climate disruption,\" Heinrich said. \"New Mexico's history of ingenuity and creating new technology drives our economy and contributes to our great nation. By developing new ways to generate, deliver, store and use energy, we not only create jobs, but we also inspire the next generation of STEM leaders and entrepreneurs.\" Details on the two projects are below: Precious Metal Free Regenerative Hydrogen Electrode for Fuel-Cell Vehicles  Pajarito Powder, LLC | Albuquerque, N.M. | $2,790,000  Pajarito Powder and its team will develop a reversible hydrogen electrode that would enable cost-effective hydrogen production and reversible fuel cells. The key to this technology is the replacement of precious metal catalysts with less expensive and more abundant base metal catalysts to dramatically lower the costs of electrolyzers and fuel cells. Plasma-based AC-DC Transformer for HVDC Transmission   Tibbar Technologies | Los Alamos, N.M. | $3,500,000  Tibbar Technologies will develop an AC-DC transformer that uses no capacitors or semiconductor switches. The device will rely on helical coils that induce output current and voltage through electrodes at the ends of plasma. The resulting devices have the potential to be half the cost and yield power densities 10 times higher than state-of-the-art transformers, potentially providing an innovative new enabling technology for HVDC transmission.\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\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://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2179", "Udall Honors Victims of Drunk Driving on National Day of Remembrance [press_release]", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 03, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall Honors Victims of Drunk Driving on National Day of Remembrance \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall honored victims of drunk and drugged driving by introducing a bipartisan resolution in the U.S. Senate designating today, December 3, 2015, as a National Day of Remembrance. He released the following statement:  \"Last year, nearly 10,000 people were killed in crashes involving drunk drivers. Thousands more were injured - one person every two minutes. New Mexicans are all too familiar with these tragedies, including a horrific crash that cost the lives of three young people this past holiday weekend. All of these deaths are one hundred percent preventable. \"Today we join together to honor the victims of drunk and drugged driving. They aren't just numbers - they are our friends, brothers, sisters, parents and children. Their families are coping with unimaginable loss. To them, I say this: We have not forgotten. We remember your loved ones. And we will do all we can to prevent these tragedies.  \"Ending drunk driving starts with each of us taking responsibility for ourselves and one another. Designate a driver. Take a cab. Step in when it isn't safe for a friend or family member to get behind the wheel. We must continue investing in efforts to raise awareness and stop people from driving when they're impaired. Together, we can hit the brakes on drunk driving and stop these deadly crimes.\"  Text of the resolution is available here.\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\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://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2180", "Udall Votes to Protect Health Care for Hundreds of Thousands of New Mexicans [press_release]", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 03, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall Votes to Protect Health Care for Hundreds of Thousands of New Mexicans \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall cast several votes to protect important health care services for New Mexicans. The series of votes were on amendments to and final passage of a budget reconciliation bill, which Republicans put forward in an attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The bill passed by a vote of 52-47, though it is expected to be vetoed by the president, and the Senate vote is far short of what would be needed to override that veto. Udall voted against the bill and released the following statement: \"Just five and a half years ago, thousands of New Mexicans couldn't afford to see a doctor when they got sick. Many more were one major illness away from bankruptcy. Insurance companies determined whether they could get covered for health care, and they could be denied for a pre-existing condition - or be required to pay more simply for being a woman. Today, over 230,000 more New Mexicans have insurance, and - thanks to the Affordable Care Act - health care is one of the strongest parts of our economy. Most importantly, I hear from New Mexicans regularly about how, thanks to the law, they can get life-saving care that they couldn't afford before. \"We can't afford to go back to the days when insurance companies were in charge, and when something as basic as health care was out of reach. And I will fight any effort to take health insurance away from tens of thousands of New Mexicans. This bill would void portions of the ACA that New Mexicans depend on, including the Medicaid expansion. But while it passed the Senate, it's headed for failure: the president will veto it, and there aren't enough votes in Congress to override the veto. \"Rather than orchestrating political show votes, I hope that from here on, we can agree to roll up our sleeves and work together on improving our health care system and - just as importantly -- strengthening our economy.\" The reconciliation bill also defunds Planned Parenthood, which each year serves about 21,000 New Mexicans, many of whom are low-income and do not receive services elsewhere. Planned Parenthood offers counseling services, cancer and disease screenings, in addition to family planning services.  Udall said: \"Planned Parenthood provides critical health care and preventive services - such as cancer screenings and tests - for women and men, many of whom can't get these services anywhere else. And I'm not going to allow Congress to take away life-saving health care for thousands of New Mexicans.\"\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\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://web.archive.org/web/20160405054801/http://www.tomudall.senate.gov/?p=blog&id=2176", "A Day of Remembrance [blog]", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "The holidays are a joyous time, full of celebrations with family and friends. But Thanksgiving through New Years is also a dangerous time on the roads. We were tragically reminded of that this past weekend, when three young New Mexicans were killed in a horrific crash involving a drunk driver in Albuquerque. I know all of us have their families and friends in our hearts.  \nAlready this year, nearly 100 people have been killed by drunk drivers in New Mexico. Their deaths were completely preventable. And while they dont all make headlines, each accident is a tragedy.\nToday is the first National Day of Remembrance for victims of drunk and drugged driving. I'm introducing a resolution in the U.S. Senate to show that our nation stands together to honor those killed or injured. Take time today to remember the victims of drunk driving. They aren't just numbers  they're our friends, brothers, sisters, parents and children.\nI've been working with Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Bernalillo County Sheriff Manny Gonzales to spread the word that ending drunk driving starts with each of us. We want New Mexicans to have fun safely. Designate a driver. Take a cab. Step in when it isn't safe for a friend or family member to get behind the wheel.\nIf you see a driver you suspect is impaired, report it by calling New Mexicos Drunk Busters Hotline, 877-DWI-HALT. Or simply dial #DWI from a cell phone.\nClick here to learn more about the program and free ride options in your area.\nWhen I was elected Attorney General 25 years ago, New Mexico had the highest rate of DWI deaths in the nation. Weve made progress since then, thanks to the efforts of passionate advocates who  have helped push to overhaul New Mexicos DWI and traffic safety laws  saving countless lives.\nSomeday soon, I hope well be able to stop all drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel. Ive pushed for funding to create technology  called the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety, or DADSS  that would analyze a drivers breath or blood alcohol content automatically and stop drunk drivers from starting the engine.\nThat could save 59,000 lives over 15 years. A future without drunk driving is in reach. But for now, remember to be smart during the holidays.We can help stop these tragedies by taking responsibility for ourselves and one another. Let's work together to hit the brakes on drunk driving.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/in-the-news/op-ed-navajo-times-guest-column-clean-up-abandoned-mines-milling-sites-once-and-for-all", "OP-ED: Navajo Times: Guest Column: Clean up abandoned mines, milling sites once and for all", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OP-ED: Navajo Times: Guest Column: Clean up abandoned mines, milling sites once and for all\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                    By:\r\n                    U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n            Thursday, December 3, 2015\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            For far too long, Indian Country has been left to fend for itself in dealing with the legacy of hardrock mining. Too many tribal communities, including many on the Navajo Nation, live among abandoned mining and milling sites that contaminate their water, air, and food.\r\nIn August, a large plume of bright orange toxic waste spilled from the abandoned Gold King Mine in Southwest Colorado into the Animas and San Juan Rivers and polluted the Four Corners region, including the Navajo Nation. The spill served as yet another wake-up call to finally fix our nations policies on abandoned mines and hardrock mining.\r\nThe General Mining Act of 1872 came along in an era of unrestrained western expansion. It allowed individuals and companies to claim ownership of minerals in the public domain  such as gold, silver, copper, uranium, molybdenum, and others  simply by locating a mineral source, staking a claim, and paying $5 an acre for the land. Miners did not have to consider environmental impacts or make any plans to clean up the waste they left behind, which has created the pollution and contamination we confront today.\r\nThis law drew thousands of people to the West  my father and my mothers father both made their living working in hardrock mines. Hardrock mines provided the raw materials to build this country, and during the Cold War, uranium from the Navajo Nation was transformed into nuclear weapons to defend our nation.\r\nBut shortsighted policy left behind a scarred legacy on our lands. There are estimates that 40 percent of Western watersheds have been polluted by toxic mining waste and that reclaiming and cleaning up abandoned mines could cost upwards of $32 to $72 billion. Unlike other 19th century western settlement laws, which have long since been reformed or replaced, the Mining Act of 1872 is still on the books. While developers of resources like oil, natural gas, and coal pay royalties to return fair value to taxpayers for our public resources, hardrock mining companies can still mine publicly-owned minerals for free. And we still dont have a plan to address a century of pollution from abandoned mines.\r\nWe need to bring our mining laws into the 21st century. That is why I introduced legislation with Senator Tom Udall and Congressman Ben Ray Lujn to require that reasonable royalties and fees from hardrock mining be used to create a dedicated funding stream for cleaning up toxic mine waste. A reclamation program will allow states, tribes, and non-profit organizations to collaborate on projects to restore fish and wildlife habitat affected by past hardrock mining.\r\nWe also need to reform the permitting process for new mines. Under our legislation, operators will need to protect water and wildlife resources and provide financial assurance that they can fund reclamation and restoration efforts after their mines close.\r\nAnother component of reform that I support is updating the Clean Water Act to allow Good Samaritan organizations  groups willing to conduct mine reclamation and habitat restoration projects  to help Western communities clean up abandoned mines without assuming financial and environmental liability for sites that they did not contaminate.\r\nThe Gold King spill was not the first or the worst major hardrock mining spill to affect the Navajo Nation. In 1979, a breached dam at a uranium mill tailings disposal pond near Church Rock, N.M., on the Navajo Nation, sent more than 1,000 tons of solid radioactive waste and 93 million gallons of acidic liquid into the Rio Puerco.\r\nThe Navajo Nation has more than 500 abandoned uranium mines. In October, I visited a large uranium tailings pile in Shiprock, and an abandoned uranium mine in the Northern Navajo Nation. I met with officials at the Navajo Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation and Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action office and learned about their efforts to clean up hundreds of sites after decades of mining.\r\nAfter the Gold King spill, when I toured affected communities, I visited with impacted residents and met with President Russell Begaye in Window Rock, to discuss the impacts of the disaster on the Navajo Nation. Navajo officials did not receive timely notification from the EPA that the spill had occurred. Because water intake from the San Juan River had to cease, water had to be delivered to homes and for agriculture and livestock purposes. Unfortunately, problems related to water delivery caused further concern to farmers and ranchers.\r\nI share the anger and frustration over this terrible accident and have demanded that the EPA act with urgency to protect the health and safety of our communities and repair the damage inflicted by the spill on the watershed. This must be our top priority. New Mexicans and citizens of the Navajo Nation can count on me to conduct aggressive oversight as this work is completed.\r\nBut we must also look over the horizon and take action to reform outdated policy to clean up the hundreds of thousands of similarly contaminated mines across the West and Indian Country that are leaking toxins into our watersheds.\r\nWe shouldnt wait for more disasters to strike. Western communities, including tribal communities, deserve full and complete protection of their water, land, and livelihoods. Our nation owes it to these communities to clean up these sites once and for all.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-headlines-energy-forum-hosted-by-the-hill", "Heinrich Headlines Energy Forum Hosted By The Hill", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Headlines Energy Forum Hosted By The Hill\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 3, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) participated in a forum on the future of energy delivery entitled Energy Across America: A Policy Discussion on Microgrid Technology hosted by The Hill. During the forum, Heinrich highlighted on the importance of energy storage, modernizing our electric grid, and the clean energy economy. VIDEO: Watch Senator Heinrich at Energy Across America: A Policy Discussion hosted by The Hill Heinrich, a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and Senate Armed Services Committee, is a leading voice on 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. Heinrich introduced the Energy Storage Promotion and Deployment Act to create America's first energy storage standard. The bill would establish an energy storage portfolio standard for electric utility companies. Heinrich also secured key provisions to promote energy workforce development, reduce government energy usage, and protect the U.S. electric grid in the Energy Policy and Modernization Act of 2015, a bipartisan energy package that cleared the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-to-join-taos-community-in-local-service-projects", "Heinrich To Join Taos Community In Local Service Projects", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich To Join Taos Community In Local Service Projects\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 3, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSANTA FE, N.M. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) will travel to Taos on Saturday, December 5, to tour the Military Family Respite Center with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) members and join volunteers in preparing food baskets for the Taos Feeds Taos annual service project.\r\nOn Saturday afternoon, Senator Heinrich will tour the Taos Military Family Respite Center and meet with an AmeriCorps NCCC team that is currently working on remodeling the facility. The center is owned and managed by Not Forgotten Outreach Inc., a local organization dedicated to motivating veterans and their families to participate in recreational activities in order to facilitate the transition from active duty to civilian life. The Military Family Respite Center connects veterans to job opportunities, helps them access benefits, and provides peer counseling and mentorship opportunities. Senator Heinrich is the first AmeriCorps alum to serve in the United States Senate and a member of the National Service Congressional Caucus.\r\nLater on Saturday, Senator Heinrich will join Taos Feeds Taos volunteers to help prepare food baskets for needy families this holiday season. Volunteers will pick up non-perishable foods from the Taos Mesa Brewery--the facility hosting this year's Eighth Annual Food Drive and Benefit Show--and deliver them to the Taos U.S. Army National Guard Armory, where the baskets will be sorted and prepared for distribution to 1,100 families. This year marks Taos Feeds Taos' 30th anniversary. Beginning December 17 and 18, baskets will be distributed in Taos, Peasco, Questa, and Amalia.\r\n***Press interested in attending should email press@heinrich.senate.gov or call (202) 228-1578***\r\nTaos - Saturday, December 5, 2015\r\nWHAT: Tour Military Family Respite Center With AmeriCorps NCCC Members   WHEN: 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. MT   WHERE: Not Forgotten Outreach Inc., 461 Valverde Commons Dr., Taos, N.M. 87571\r\nWHAT: Prepare Food Baskets With Taos Feeds Taos Volunteers   WHEN: 4:15 to 5 p.m. MT   WHERE: Taos U.S. Army National Guard Armory, 1145 State Road 570, Ranchos De Taos, N.M. 87557", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-to-present-medals-to-vietnam-war-veteran-in-albuquerque", "Heinrich To Present Medals To Vietnam War Veteran In Albuquerque", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich To Present Medals To Vietnam War Veteran In Albuquerque\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 3, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - On Friday, December 4, at 3:15 p.m., U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) will present nine medals to a U.S. Army veteran, including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, and Air Medal. Senator Heinrich's office assisted this veteran, who served 10 years in the Army, obtain medals he earned, but never received, for his service in the Vietnam War.The medal presentation and tribute to the veteran's service will take place inside the Roberts Room in Scholes Hall at the University of New Mexico and will include a Presentation of the Colors.\r\nPrior to the medal presentation, Senator Heinrich will meet with Health Leadership High School students in Albuquerque who are studying for careers in the health care field. The school focuses on providing students with hands-on work experience through internships and career exploration opportunities. Senator Heinrich will tour the campus and host a discussion with students about their current projects, experience with the school, and plans to advance their education and careers. Health Leadership High School opened in August 2013 in partnership with First Choice Healthcare, Presbyterian Healthcare Services, and the University of New Mexico Hospital.\r\n***Press interested in attending should email press@heinrich.senate.gov or call (202) 228-1578***    Albuquerque - Friday, December 4, 2015\r\nWHAT: Meet With Health Leadership High School Students   WHEN: From 12:15 to 1 p.m. MT   WHERE: Health Leadership High School, 1900 Randolph Rd. SE, Albuquerque, N.M. 87106\r\nWHAT: Medal Presentation to Vietnam War Veteran   WHEN: From 3:15 to 4 p.m. MT   WHERE: University of New Mexico, Roberts Room in Scholes Hall,Albuquerque, N.M. 87131", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-welcome-62-million-for-energy-innovation", "Udall, Heinrich Welcome $6.2 Million for Energy Innovation", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Udall, Heinrich Welcome $6.2 Million for Energy Innovation\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tLos Alamos, Albuquerque companies receive awards for fuel cell and transformer projects\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 3, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich congratulated two New Mexico businesses on receiving $6.2 million to jump-start innovative energy projects. Pajarito Powder, based in Albuquerque, is receiving $2,790,000 to develop a cost-effective regenerative hydrogen electrode for fuel-cell vehicles. Tibbar Technologies of Los Alamos has been awarded $3,500,000 to create a low-cost transformer for HVDC transmission.\r\nThe projects were selected for funding through the Department of Energys (DOE) Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) open call to scientists and engineers for transformational technologies that help advance economic prosperity, national security and environmental well-being. ARPA-E funds innovative technologies that display promise for both technical and commercial impact, but are too early for private-sector investment. U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz announced the funding, which is part of a $125 million award to 41 cutting-edge energy technologies nationwide.\r\nClean energy innovation is helping create high-tech jobs and grow New Mexicos economy, Udall said. Im proud that Pajarito Powder and Tibbar Technologies are rising to the challenge and helping our nation build a secure energy future. Investing in alternative energy development also helps us fight climate change, and Ill continue to support smart investments in New Mexico innovators.\r\nThis investment will support private research and development projects that will spur innovation to help modernize our electric grid and provide clean-energy solutions to combat climate disruption, Heinrich said. New Mexicos history of ingenuity and creating new technology drives our economy and contributes to our great nation. By developing new ways to generate, deliver, store and use energy, we not only create jobs, but we also inspire the next generation of STEM leaders and entrepreneurs.\r\nDetails on the two projects are below:\r\nPrecious Metal Free Regenerative Hydrogen Electrode for Fuel-Cell Vehicles\r\nPajarito Powder, LLC | Albuquerque, N.M. | $2,790,000\r\nPajarito Powder and its team will develop a reversible hydrogen electrode that would enable cost-effective hydrogen production and reversible fuel cells. The key to this technology is the replacement of precious metal catalysts with less expensive and more abundant base metal catalysts to dramatically lower the costs of electrolyzers and fuel cells.\r\nPlasma-based AC-DC Transformer for HVDC Transmission\r\nTibbar Technologies | Los Alamos, N.M. | $3,500,000\r\nTibbar Technologies will develop an AC-DC transformer that uses no capacitors or semiconductor switches. The device will rely on helical coils that induce output current and voltage through electrodes at the ends of plasma. The resulting devices have the potential to be half the cost and yield power densities 10 times higher than state-of-the-art transformers, potentially providing an innovative new enabling technology for HVDC transmission.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/a-day-of-remembrance", "A Day of Remembrance", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 03, 2015\n\t\t\t A Day of Remembrance \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThe holidays are a joyous time, full of celebrations with family and friends. But Thanksgiving through New Year's is also a dangerous time on the roads. We were tragically reminded of that this past weekend, when three young New Mexicans were killed in a horrific crash involving a drunk driver in Albuquerque. I know all of us have their families and friends in our hearts.  \nAlready this year, nearly 100 people have been killed by drunk drivers in New Mexico. Their deaths were completely preventable. And while they don't all make headlines, each accident is a tragedy.\nToday is the first National Day of Remembrance for victims of drunk and drugged driving. I'm introducing a resolution in the U.S. Senate to show that our nation stands together to honor those killed or injured. Take time today to remember the victims of drunk driving. They aren't just numbers  they're our friends, brothers, sisters, parents and children.\nI've been working with Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Bernalillo County Sheriff Manny Gonzales to spread the word that ending drunk driving starts with each of us. We want New Mexicans to have fun safely. Designate a driver. Take a cab. Step in when it isn't safe for a friend or family member to get behind the wheel.\nIf you see a driver you suspect is impaired, report it by calling New Mexico's Drunk Busters Hotline, 877-DWI-HALT. Or simply dial #DWI from a cell phone.\nClick here to learn more about the program and free ride options in your area.\nWhen I was elected Attorney General 25 years ago, New Mexico had the highest rate of DWI deaths in the nation. We've made progress since then, thanks to the efforts of passionate advocates who  have helped push to overhaul New Mexico's DWI and traffic safety laws  saving countless lives.\nSomeday soon, I hope we'll be able to stop all drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel. I've pushed for funding to create technology  called the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety, or DADSS  that would analyze a driver's breath or blood alcohol content automatically and stop drunk drivers from starting the engine.\nThat could save 59,000 lives over 15 years. A future without drunk driving is in reach. But for now, remember to be smart during the holidays.We can help stop these tragedies by taking responsibility for ourselves and one another. Let's work together to hit the brakes on drunk driving.\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-heinrich-welcome-62-million-for-energy-innovation", "Udall, Heinrich Welcome $6.2 Million for Energy Innovation", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 03, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich Welcome $6.2 Million for Energy Innovation \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 Los Alamos, Albuquerque companies receive awards for fuel cell and transformer projects\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich congratulated two New Mexico businesses on receiving $6.2 million to jump-start innovative energy projects. Pajarito Powder, based in Albuquerque, is receiving $2,790,000 to develop a cost-effective regenerative hydrogen electrode for fuel-cell vehicles. Tibbar Technologies of Los Alamos has been awarded $3,500,000 to create a low-cost transformer for HVDC transmission.  The projects were selected for funding through the Department of Energy's (DOE) Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) open call to scientists and engineers for transformational technologies that help advance economic prosperity, national security and environmental well-being. ARPA-E funds innovative technologies that display promise for both technical and commercial impact, but are too early for private-sector investment. U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz announced the funding, which is part of a $125 million award to 41 cutting-edge energy technologies nationwide.  \"Clean energy innovation is helping create high-tech jobs and grow New Mexico's economy,\" Udall said. \"I'm proud that Pajarito Powder and Tibbar Technologies are rising to the challenge and helping our nation build a secure energy future. Investing in alternative energy development also helps us fight climate change, and I'll continue to support smart investments in New Mexico innovators.\"  \"This investment will support private research and development projects that will spur innovation to help modernize our electric grid and provide clean-energy solutions to combat climate disruption,\" Heinrich said. \"New Mexico's history of ingenuity and creating new technology drives our economy and contributes to our great nation. By developing new ways to generate, deliver, store and use energy, we not only create jobs, but we also inspire the next generation of STEM leaders and entrepreneurs.\" Details on the two projects are below: Precious Metal Free Regenerative Hydrogen Electrode for Fuel-Cell Vehicles  Pajarito Powder, LLC | Albuquerque, N.M. | $2,790,000  Pajarito Powder and its team will develop a reversible hydrogen electrode that would enable cost-effective hydrogen production and reversible fuel cells. The key to this technology is the replacement of precious metal catalysts with less expensive and more abundant base metal catalysts to dramatically lower the costs of electrolyzers and fuel cells. Plasma-based AC-DC Transformer for HVDC Transmission   Tibbar Technologies | Los Alamos, N.M. | $3,500,000  Tibbar Technologies will develop an AC-DC transformer that uses no capacitors or semiconductor switches. The device will rely on helical coils that induce output current and voltage through electrodes at the ends of plasma. The resulting devices have the potential to be half the cost and yield power densities 10 times higher than state-of-the-art transformers, potentially providing an innovative new enabling technology for HVDC transmission.\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-honors-victims-of-drunk-driving-on-national-day-of-remembrance", "Udall Honors Victims of Drunk Driving on National Day of Remembrance", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 03, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall Honors Victims of Drunk Driving on National Day of Remembrance \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall honored victims of drunk and drugged driving by introducing a bipartisan resolution in the U.S. Senate designating today, December 3, 2015, as a National Day of Remembrance. He released the following statement:  \"Last year, nearly 10,000 people were killed in crashes involving drunk drivers. Thousands more were injured - one person every two minutes. New Mexicans are all too familiar with these tragedies, including a horrific crash that cost the lives of three young people this past holiday weekend. All of these deaths are one hundred percent preventable. \"Today we join together to honor the victims of drunk and drugged driving. They aren't just numbers - they are our friends, brothers, sisters, parents and children. Their families are coping with unimaginable loss. To them, I say this: We have not forgotten. We remember your loved ones. And we will do all we can to prevent these tragedies.  \"Ending drunk driving starts with each of us taking responsibility for ourselves and one another. Designate a driver. Take a cab. Step in when it isn't safe for a friend or family member to get behind the wheel. We must continue investing in efforts to raise awareness and stop people from driving when they're impaired. Together, we can hit the brakes on drunk driving and stop these deadly crimes.\"  Text of the resolution is available here.\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-votes-to-protect-health-care-for-hundreds-of-thousands-of-new-mexicans", "Udall Votes to Protect Health Care for Hundreds of Thousands of New Mexicans", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 03, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall Votes to Protect Health Care for Hundreds of Thousands of New Mexicans \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall cast several votes to protect important health care services for New Mexicans. The series of votes were on amendments to and final passage of a budget reconciliation bill, which Republicans put forward in an attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The bill passed by a vote of 52-47, though it is expected to be vetoed by the president, and the Senate vote is far short of what would be needed to override that veto. Udall voted against the bill and released the following statement: \"Just five and a half years ago, thousands of New Mexicans couldn't afford to see a doctor when they got sick. Many more were one major illness away from bankruptcy. Insurance companies determined whether they could get covered for health care, and they could be denied for a pre-existing condition - or be required to pay more simply for being a woman. Today, over 230,000 more New Mexicans have insurance, and - thanks to the Affordable Care Act - health care is one of the strongest parts of our economy. Most importantly, I hear from New Mexicans regularly about how, thanks to the law, they can get life-saving care that they couldn't afford before. \"We can't afford to go back to the days when insurance companies were in charge, and when something as basic as health care was out of reach. And I will fight any effort to take health insurance away from tens of thousands of New Mexicans. This bill would void portions of the ACA that New Mexicans depend on, including the Medicaid expansion. But while it passed the Senate, it's headed for failure: the president will veto it, and there aren't enough votes in Congress to override the veto. \"Rather than orchestrating political show votes, I hope that from here on, we can agree to roll up our sleeves and work together on improving our health care system and - just as importantly -- strengthening our economy.\" The reconciliation bill also defunds Planned Parenthood, which each year serves about 21,000 New Mexicans, many of whom are low-income and do not receive services elsewhere. Planned Parenthood offers counseling services, cancer and disease screenings, in addition to family planning services.  Udall said: \"Planned Parenthood provides critical health care and preventive services - such as cancer screenings and tests - for women and men, many of whom can't get these services anywhere else. And I'm not going to allow Congress to take away life-saving health care for thousands of New Mexicans.\"\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://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2178", "Udall Statement on Shooting in San Bernardino [press_release]", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 02, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall Statement on Shooting in San Bernardino \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement:\n\"The mass shooting in San Bernardino today is horrifying. That this happened within hours and days of shootings in Savannah, Georgia, and Colorado Springs and elsewhere is terrible beyond words. While law enforcement continues to respond to the situation in California, my thoughts are with the victims, their families, the first responders and the entire community of San Bernardino.\"\n\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\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.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/bipartisan-members-of-congress-join-alliance-to-fight-the-40-to-call-for-repeal-of-cadillac-tax", "Bipartisan Members of Congress Join Alliance to Fight the 40 to Call for Repeal of Cadillac Tax", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bipartisan Members of Congress Join Alliance to Fight the 40 to Call for Repeal of Cadillac Tax\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 2, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Wednesday, December 2 at 2:30 p.m. EST, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) will participate in a media event to discuss the need to repeal the 40 percent tax on employee health benefits, commonly known as the \"Cadillac Tax,\" before Congress leaves this month. Senators Heinrich and Dean Heller (R-Nev.) introduced bipartisan legislation to fully repeal the onerous tax. Details on the event are as follows: Who\r\n \r\nSen. Dean Heller (R-NV), sponsor of the \"Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2015\"\r\n \r\n \r\nSen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), original cosponsor of the \"Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2015\"\r\n \r\n \r\nRep. Joe Courtney (D-CT), sponsor of the \"Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2015\"\r\n \r\n \r\nRep. Frank Guinta (R-NH), sponsor of the \"Ax the Tax on Middle Class Americans' Health Plans Act\"\r\n \r\n \r\nJames Klein, Moderator, American Benefits Council\r\n \r\n \r\nTerry O'Sullivan, General President, Laborers' International Union of North America, LiUNA\r\n \r\n \r\nOhio Public Employee Retirement System, invited\r\n \r\n \r\nImmune Deficiency Foundation, invited\r\n \r\n \r\nJanet Trautwein, Executive Vice President & CEO, National Association of Health Underwriters\r\n \r\nWhat\r\nMedia event calling for repeal of the so-called \"Cadillac Tax,\" a 40 percent tax on employer-sponsored health benefits.\r\nWhen\r\nWednesday, December 2 at 2:30 p.m. EST\r\nWhere\r\nCapitol Visitor Center, Congressional North Meeting Room, Washington, D.C.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-san-bernardino-mass-shooting", "Heinrich Statement On San Bernardino Mass Shooting", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "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\tLoretto Towne Center\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t505 South Main St., Ste. 148\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.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-to-headline-energy-forum-hosted-by-the-hill", "Heinrich To Headline Energy Forum Hosted By The Hill", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich To Headline Energy Forum Hosted By The Hill\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 2, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. - On Thursday, December 3 at 8:30 a.m. ET, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) will participate in a forum on the future of energy delivery hosted by The Hill at The Newseum in Washington, D.C. Editor in Chief Bob Cusack will moderate the discussion entitled, Energy Across America: A Policy Discussion on Microgrid Technology. The event will be streamed live online, here.    Senator Heinrich, a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and Senate Armed Services Committee, is a leading voice on 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. Details of the event are below: WHO:   Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)   Nathan Adams, General Manager, Microgrids North America, ABB Inc.   Bill Gausman, Senior Vice President of Strategic initiatives, PEPCO Holdings   Katherine Hammack, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy & Environment   Charles Hanley, Senior Manager, Grid Modernization and Military Energy Systems Group, Sandia National Laboratories WHAT: Energy Across America: A Policy Discussion on Microgrid Technology WHEN: Thursday, December 3, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. ET WHERE: The Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Knight Studio (3rd Floor), Washington, D.C. 20001 LIVE STREAM: http://thehill.com/event/259106-energy-across-america-a-policy-discussion-on-microgrid-technology Join the conversation on Twitter with @MartinHeinrich and @thehillevents using #MicrogridsForum", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-statement-on-shooting-in-san-bernardino", "Udall Statement on Shooting in San Bernardino", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 02, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall Statement on Shooting in San Bernardino \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement:\n\"The mass shooting in San Bernardino today is horrifying. That this happened within hours and days of shootings in Savannah, Georgia, and Colorado Springs and elsewhere is terrible beyond words. While law enforcement continues to respond to the situation in California, my thoughts are with the victims, their families, the first responders and the entire community of San Bernardino.\"\n\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://web.archive.org/web/20160907004241/http://www.tomudall.senate.gov/?p=audio&id=2175", "Tuesdays with Tom 12-1-2015 [audio]", "2015-12-01", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Play  \n\t\t\tAudio requires Flash Player  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t  WASHINGTON - In the wake of the tragic drunken driving crash in Albuquerque over the holiday weekend, U.S. Senator Tom Udall held a press conference call with New Mexico reporters to discuss the need for all New Mexicans to act to combat drunken driving, particularly between Thanksgiving and New Year's when accidents spike. Nearly 100 people in New Mexico have been killed in drunken driving accidents so far this year. Udall urged New Mexicans to spread the word about steps everyone can take to make the roads safer. Udall is working with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to pass critical measures to combat drunken driving, and last week, he joined with MADD and Bernalillo County Sheriff Manny Gonzales to kick off the holiday season anti-drunken driving campaign. MADD is hosting the first National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Drunk and Drugged Driving on Dec. 3, and Udall is introducing a resolution in the Senate to mark the day of remembrance.  As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee, which oversees the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, Udall is fighting for funding to support technology called the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) that could keep drunken drivers off the road and help save 59,000 lives over 15 years.  Below are highlights from Udall's remarks:  0:00 - Udall welcomes everyone to the call.  0:13 - \"No family should lose a loved one to a drunk driver, but this week, two more families are mourning the loss of three young lives - deaths that were completely preventable. The Albuquerque community has been shaken by this tragic incident and my heartfelt condolences go out to the families. Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents are far too common.\" 0:54 - \"And the holidays are a particularly dangerous time on the roads. Thanksgiving through New Year's is one of the deadliest times for drunk driving accidents.\" 1:04 - \"Just last week, I joined with Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Bernalillo County Sheriff Manny Gonzales to kick off the holiday season anti-drunk driving campaign. We're urging New Mexicans to have fun - safely - this holiday season.\" 1:27 - \"If you drink, don't drive. Period. Instead, make sure to designate a driver. Take a cab. Make a plan to get home safely. Drive sober or get pulled over.\" 1:52 - \"We've taken strong steps that have kept drunk drivers off the road and saved lives. But as we were tragically reminded last weekend, those steps haven't been enough.\" 2:05 - \"This Thursday, December 3rd, MADD will host the first National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Drunk and Drugged Driving. I'm introducing a resolution in the U.S. Senate to mark this day of remembrance to show that our nation stands together to honor those killed and injured by this reckless behavior.\" 2:32 - \"Ending drunk driving starts with each of us taking responsibility for ourselves and stepping in when it isn't safe for a friend or family member to get behind the wheel.\" 2:45 - \"Looking forward - there's life-saving technology that could keep drunk drivers off the roads. I've pushed for funding to create this technology, called the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety, or DADSS.\" 3:22 - \"We're working toward a future without drunk driving, where no family needs to suffer the pain we've seen so many go through. But today, my message is this: Be smart during the holidays. Don't drink and drive. We can stop these tragedies.\" 3:45 - Udall answers questions on prosecuting drivers with multiple DWIs, the .08 Blood Alcohol Content limit in New Mexico, and the importance of detection technology to prevent a car's engine from starting if its driver is intoxicated.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-cosponsors-bill-to-tighten-visa-waiver-program-strengthen-national-security", "Heinrich Cosponsors Bill To Tighten Visa Waiver Program, Strengthen National Security", "2015-12-01", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Cosponsors Bill To Tighten Visa Waiver Program, Strengthen National Security\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 1, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and Senate Armed Services Committee, is an original cosponsor of bipartisan legislation introduced today to tighten the Visa Waiver Program to help prevent terrorists from entering the United States.\r\nCurrently, the Visa Waiver Program permits visa free travel to the United States for citizens of 38 countries that qualifyan average of 20 million visitors per year. The Visa Waiver Program Security Enhancement Act makes a number of security enhancements including requiring individuals who have traveled to Syria or Iraq in the past five years to acquire a traditional tourist visa instead of traveling without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. The legislation also requires all travelers using the Visa Waiver Program to submit biometric information, in the form of fingerprints and a photograph, before they travel to the United States.\r\n\"In the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks and the ongoing threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters, this bipartisan bill makes security enhancements that are critical to protecting our homeland, said Sen. Heinrich. We must tighten our Visa Waiver Program as soon as possible to prevent foreign nationals who have traveled to Iraq and Syria to join training camps and sympathize with ISIL's cause from ever entering the United States.\"\r\nU.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) are the lead sponsors of the bill. Additional original cosponsors include U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Dan Coats (R-Ind.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Angus King (I-Maine), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).\r\nThe Visa Waiver Program Security Enhancement Act would improve the security of the Visa Waiver Program by doing the following:\r\n \r\nRequire individuals who have traveled to Syria or Iraq in the past five years to acquire a traditional tourist visa instead of traveling without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. This process requires an in-person interview with an American consular official and the submission of the traveler's biometric information.\r\n \r\n \r\nRequire travelers using the Visa Waiver Program to submit biometric information, in the form of fingerprints and a photograph, before they travel to the United States.\r\n \r\n \r\nRequire all visa waiver travelers to use an electronic passport, which are more secure and harder to tamper with.\r\n \r\n \r\nRequire increased intelligence-sharing between Visa Waiver Program countries and the United States.\r\n \r\n \r\nSecurity enhancements in the bill would be paid for by increasing the Visa Waiver traveler fee, which is currently $14. Only $4 supports Visa Waiver Program security. In comparison, the fee for a traditional tourist visa is $160.\r\n \r\nThe bill would strengthen the Visa Waiver Program in the following ways: 1. Preventing foreign fighters from using the Visa Waiver Program: An estimated 5,000 European citizens have traveled to Syria and Iraq to fight. More than 1,500 of them are from France. If they return to their home countries, these individuals may be able travel to the United States without a visa.\r\n \r\nLegislative solution: Require individuals who have traveled to Syria and Iraq in the past five years to go through the traditional visa process, which includes an in-person interview, to come to the United States.\r\n \r\n2. Requiring additional biometric information: In cases where the foreign national has never been to the United States before, U.S. law enforcement cannot run biometric information from that visa waiver program traveler against key databases in advance of the person's first arrival in the United States.\r\n \r\nLegislative solution: Require biometric data to be provided by a foreign national prior to travel to the United States using the Visa Waiver Program.\r\n \r\n3. Requiring electronic passports for participation in the Visa Waiver Program: Although electronic passports with built-in chips carrying biometric data are now required to be issued by Visa Waiver Program countries, some existing designated countries are effectively allowed to phase-in this requirement over several years because older passports can remain valid.\r\n \r\nLegislative solution: Require all Visa Waiver Program travelers have electronic passports within 90 days of enactment. Only individuals with machine-readable passports may travel using the Visa Waiver Program.\r\n \r\n4. Requiring additional information sharing between countries: Information-sharing with the United States is a means of protecting national security while allowing individuals to travel without a visa. Information-sharing must be improved to ensure threats are detected.\r\n \r\nLegislative solution: Improve information sharing by participating countries in the following ways:\r\n \r\n \r\nRequire participation in the Visa Waiver Program be contingent on countries' full implementation of information-sharing agreements, including agreements on foreign terrorists and those who have committed crimes.\r\n \r\n \r\nIncrease contribution to, and screening against, INTERPOL's lost and stolen documents database.\r\n \r\n \r\nRequire DHS to consider a country's ability to collect, analyze and share passenger data concerning dangerous individuals.\r\n \r\n \r\nImprove biometric information sharing about, and screening of, refugees and asylum seekers.\r\n \r\n \r\nRequire DHS to consider a country's ability to share information about foreign fighters with multiple countries and multilateral organizations, like INTERPOL.\r\n \r\n5. Increasing security in the air: All Visa Waiver Program countries should have signed federal air marshal agreements, which provide legal protection to air marshals in situations where they need to take action.\r\n \r\nLegislative solution: Require completion of a federal air marshal agreement.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2174", "Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of New Law to Foster Innovation, Increase Competitiveness of U.S. Space Industry [press_release]", "2015-11-30", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 30, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of New Law to Foster Innovation, Increase Competitiveness of U.S. Space Industry \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich praised passage of the U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act to modernize commercial space regulations and encourage competitiveness in the industry. Udall and Heinrich are longtime champions of modernizing U.S. policies governing commercial spaceflight. The bill, which President Obama signed last week, provides an essential legal framework that will enable New Mexico's commercial spaceflight industry to grow in the years ahead.  The new law will extend until 2025 a space launch risk-sharing provision that is crucial to maintaining the global competitiveness of U.S. commercial space companies. It includes measures championed by Udall and Heinrich to foster innovation in the industry while enabling safety advances for participants. These include encouraging the development of industry safety standards and streamlining the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) permitting process for launch vehicles designed for multiple trips to space. The law also will extend International Space Station (ISS) operations through at least 2024, enabling commercial entities to continue leveraging the ISS as a unique asset in low-Earth orbit. \"The commercial spaceflight industry creates jobs in New Mexico and strengthens our economy,\" said Udall, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee. \"Today's companies are early pioneers in a still-developing industry with enormous potential, including in New Mexico. This bill makes essential updates that will modernize and clarify the law to foster innovation and increase competitiveness. I'm pleased that members of Congress worked together in a bipartisan and bicameral manner to advance forward-looking spaceflight policies to help sustain American leadership in space.\"  \"New Mexico has a unique opportunity to take advantage of the emerging commercial spaceflight industry,\" Heinrich said. \"Our state has long been the frontier of space exploration. Assets such as Spaceport America, our national laboratories, research universities, and innovative private companies will put New Mexico in a starring role in the next stage of commercial space development. With the reforms in this bipartisan law, companies will be able to compete to create high paying jobs right here at home.\"\nThe Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF), which promotes the development of commercial human spaceflight, applauded the bill's passage and the senators' efforts. \"The members of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation commend New Mexico Senators Udall and Heinrich for their leadership and perseverance in passing this critical piece of bipartisan legislation to ensure that America remains the leader in space,\" CSF President Eric Stallmer said.  New Mexico is home to Spaceport America, which hosts commercial space activities for Virgin Galactic, SpaceX and UP Aerospace. The state has a rich heritage in space exploration dating back to early rocketry experiments conducted by Robert Goddard.\n\"We at Spaceport America applaud the passage of CSLCA, which will provide us much-needed policy and safety enhancements to continue to grow our commercial spaceflight tenant base,\" said Spaceport America CEO Christine Anderson. \"Regulatory reform that is good for our customers is good for Spaceport America and New Mexico.\" \"The U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act addresses many of the major policy hurdles facing our sector since the last update of the CSLA in 2004. Congress has recognized the importance of pioneering policies that keep up with the rapid innovation of the commercial space industry. Virgin Galactic greatly appreciates New Mexico's support, and thanks the members of Congress for their hard work on this legislation. We look forward to expanding Earth's economic sphere outward in a safe, reusable and reliable way,\" said George Whitesides, CEO of Virgin Galactic.\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\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.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-welcome-passage-of-new-law-to-foster-innovation-increase-competitiveness-of-us-space-industry", "Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of New Law to Foster Innovation, Increase Competitiveness of U.S. Space Industry", "2015-11-30", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of New Law to Foster Innovation, Increase Competitiveness of U.S. Space Industry\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, November 30, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich praised passage of the U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act to modernize commercial space regulations and encourage competitiveness in the industry. Udall and Heinrich are longtime champions of modernizing U.S. policies governing commercial spaceflight. The bill, which President Obama signed last week, provides an essential legal framework that will enable New Mexicos commercial spaceflight industry to grow in the years ahead.\r\nThe new law will extend until 2025 a space launch risk-sharing provision that is crucial to maintaining the global competitiveness of U.S. commercial space companies. It includes measures championed by Udall and Heinrich to foster innovation in the industry while enabling safety advances for participants. These include encouraging the development of industry safety standards and streamlining the Federal Aviation Administrations (FAA) permitting process for launch vehicles designed for multiple trips to space. The law also will extend International Space Station (ISS) operations through at least 2024, enabling commercial entities to continue leveraging the ISS as a unique asset in low-Earth orbit.\r\n\"The commercial spaceflight industry creates jobs in New Mexico and strengthens our economy,\" said Udall, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee. \"Today's companies are early pioneers in a still-developing industry with enormous potential, including in New Mexico. This bill makes essential updates that will modernize and clarify the law to foster innovation and increase competitiveness. I'm pleased that members of Congress worked together in a bipartisan and bicameral manner to advance forward-looking spaceflight policies to help sustain American leadership in space.\"\r\nNew Mexico has a unique opportunity to take advantage of the emerging commercial spaceflight industry,\" Heinrich said. \"Our state has long been the frontier of space exploration. Assets such as Spaceport America, our national laboratories, research universities, and innovative private companies will put New Mexico in a starring role in the next stage of commercial space development. With the reforms in this bipartisan law, companies will be able to compete to create high paying jobs right here at home.\r\nThe Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF), which promotes the development of commercial human spaceflight, applauded the bill's passage and the senators' efforts. The members of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation commend New Mexico Senators Udall and Heinrich for their leadership and perseverance in passing this critical piece of bipartisan legislation to ensure that America remains the leader in space, CSF President Eric Stallmer said.\r\nNew Mexico is home to Spaceport America, which hosts commercial space activities for Virgin Galactic, SpaceX and UP Aerospace. The state has a rich heritage in space exploration dating back to early rocketry experiments conducted by Robert Goddard.\r\nWe at Spaceport America applaud the passage of CSLCA, which will provide us much-needed policy and safety enhancements to continue to grow our commercial spaceflight tenant base, said Spaceport America CEO Christine Anderson. Regulatory reform that is good for our customers is good for Spaceport America and New Mexico.\r\n\"The U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act addresses many of the major policy hurdles facing our sector since the last update of the CSLA in 2004. Congress has recognized the importance of pioneering policies that keep up with the rapid innovation of the commercial space industry. Virgin Galactic greatly appreciates New Mexicos support, and thanks the members of Congress for their hard work on this legislation. We look forward to expanding Earths economic sphere outward in a safe, reusable and reliable way,\" said George Whitesides, CEO of Virgin Galactic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-welcome-passage-of-new-law-to-foster-innovation-increase-competitiveness-of-us-space-industry", "Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of New Law to Foster Innovation, Increase Competitiveness of U.S. Space Industry", "2015-11-30", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 30, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of New Law to Foster Innovation, Increase Competitiveness of U.S. Space Industry \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich praised passage of the U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act to modernize commercial space regulations and encourage competitiveness in the industry. Udall and Heinrich are longtime champions of modernizing U.S. policies governing commercial spaceflight. The bill, which President Obama signed last week, provides an essential legal framework that will enable New Mexico's commercial spaceflight industry to grow in the years ahead.  The new law will extend until 2025 a space launch risk-sharing provision that is crucial to maintaining the global competitiveness of U.S. commercial space companies. It includes measures championed by Udall and Heinrich to foster innovation in the industry while enabling safety advances for participants. These include encouraging the development of industry safety standards and streamlining the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) permitting process for launch vehicles designed for multiple trips to space. The law also will extend International Space Station (ISS) operations through at least 2024, enabling commercial entities to continue leveraging the ISS as a unique asset in low-Earth orbit. \"The commercial spaceflight industry creates jobs in New Mexico and strengthens our economy,\" said Udall, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee. \"Today's companies are early pioneers in a still-developing industry with enormous potential, including in New Mexico. This bill makes essential updates that will modernize and clarify the law to foster innovation and increase competitiveness. I'm pleased that members of Congress worked together in a bipartisan and bicameral manner to advance forward-looking spaceflight policies to help sustain American leadership in space.\"  \"New Mexico has a unique opportunity to take advantage of the emerging commercial spaceflight industry,\" Heinrich said. \"Our state has long been the frontier of space exploration. Assets such as Spaceport America, our national laboratories, research universities, and innovative private companies will put New Mexico in a starring role in the next stage of commercial space development. With the reforms in this bipartisan law, companies will be able to compete to create high paying jobs right here at home.\"\nThe Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF), which promotes the development of commercial human spaceflight, applauded the bill's passage and the senators' efforts. \"The members of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation commend New Mexico Senators Udall and Heinrich for their leadership and perseverance in passing this critical piece of bipartisan legislation to ensure that America remains the leader in space,\" CSF President Eric Stallmer said.  New Mexico is home to Spaceport America, which hosts commercial space activities for Virgin Galactic, SpaceX and UP Aerospace. The state has a rich heritage in space exploration dating back to early rocketry experiments conducted by Robert Goddard.\n\"We at Spaceport America applaud the passage of CSLCA, which will provide us much-needed policy and safety enhancements to continue to grow our commercial spaceflight tenant base,\" said Spaceport America CEO Christine Anderson. \"Regulatory reform that is good for our customers is good for Spaceport America and New Mexico.\" \"The U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act addresses many of the major policy hurdles facing our sector since the last update of the CSLA in 2004. Congress has recognized the importance of pioneering policies that keep up with the rapid innovation of the commercial space industry. Virgin Galactic greatly appreciates New Mexico's support, and thanks the members of Congress for their hard work on this legislation. We look forward to expanding Earth's economic sphere outward in a safe, reusable and reliable way,\" said George Whitesides, CEO of Virgin Galactic.\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.heinrich.senate.gov/in-the-news/silver-city-sun-news-op-ed-we-cant-afford-to-put-wildfires-on-the-back-burner", "Silver City Sun-News: Op-Ed: We can’t afford to put wildfires on the back burner", "2015-11-29", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Silver City Sun-News: Op-Ed: We cant afford to put wildfires on the back burner\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                    By:\r\n                    U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n            Sunday, November 29, 2015\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            As the seasons change in New Mexico, its a good time to reflect on what might have been possible during this wet and green year to prevent future devastating wildfires if we had a fire budget that made sense.\r\nWildfire seasons have grown longer and more intense, forcing the U.S. Forest Service to cut back on other essential programs to pay for fighting fires  many times taking away from the very forest health and restoration projects that help prevent catastrophic fires in the first place. This is a unique problem because wildfires in the West are not treated the same way in the federal budget as other natural disasters like tornados in the Midwest, hurricanes on the Gulf Coast, and floods in the Northeast.\r\nThis means emergency federal funds that help communities with those disasters are not made available to help agencies and Western communities cope with the costs of fighting wildfires. Instead, when the costs of fighting fires exceed the regular fire budget, the difference must be made up by transferring funds from other forest health and restoration programs, a practice known as fire borrowing. In the Southwestern Region, which includes New Mexico and Arizona, $14.1 million was pulled from our forest management efforts this year to cover fire suppression costs.\r\nFire borrowing delayed a grant to Santa Clara, Ohkay Owingeh, and Nambe pueblos to help them repair watersheds that supply their drinking and agricultural water. The Forest Service postponed the Moya-Oso Project in the Santa Fe National Forest  a collaborative project with New Mexico Game & Fish to reduce vegetation that could fuel future fires. A fire planning and training program for young adults in the White Peak area in Mora and Colfax counties lost its funding.\r\nThis year was the most expensive fire season for the Forest Service on record. States like California, Washington and Montana saw some of their worst fire seasons in recorded history. For the first time ever, more than half of the Forest Services budget went toward suppressing wildfires. More than 9 million acres and over 2,500 residences burned across the nation. Thirteen wildland firefighters paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect the lives of others.\r\nThis years fires were part of a troubling trend  the six worst recorded wildfire seasons since 1960 all occurred within the last 15 years.\r\nJust 20 years ago, fire suppression made up just 16 percent of the agencys budget  compared with over 50 percent today. Because fighting fires has eaten up more and more of its budget, the Forest Service has been forced to cut 7,000 forest health and fire prevention staff positions because those resources were instead needed for fire suppression. Put simply, our backward fire budgeting actually worsens our nations fire season because funds are taken away from preventing fires to put them out.\r\nWhen funding decreases for essential maintenance and vegetation management programs, our forests become even more vulnerable to large fires.\r\nThankfully, more of my colleagues in Congress from both parties have begun to see that this backward and reactionary approach to fighting wildfires isnt working. I recently visited the Fire Desk and Incident Command Center at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where U.S. Forest Service officials monitor the nations fires. What I learned at the briefing made me surer than ever that we need to change the way Congress funds wildfire prevention.\r\nI am working closely with Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, on legislation to allow our federal agencies to draw from disaster and emergency funds during large fire seasons rather than borrow money from their forest restoration programs that help us get out ahead of what causes large blazes.\r\nOur communities rely on our forests for drinking water, for livestock grazing, and to boost our outdoor recreation economy. Many of us live in places that are still recovering from historic wildfires and that continue to face imminent threats of destructive fires each summer. We know the weight of the loss these disasters carry.\r\nWithout necessary resources devoted to wildfire suppression and forest restoration programs, we will only set ourselves up for greater disasters. We simply cant afford to keep putting wildfires on the back burner.\r\nMartin Heinrich, D-Albuquerque, represents New Mexico in the U.S. Senate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-staff-to-hold-mobile-office-hours-in-shiprock", "Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Shiprock", "2015-11-25", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Shiprock\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, November 25, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFARMINGTON, N.M. -In an ongoing effort to provide top-notch constituent service, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's (D-N.M.) staff will hold Mobile Office Hours in Shiprock on Thursday, December 3, 2015. Staff will be on hand to assist residents who have questions regarding Social Security benefits, Medicare, immigration, veterans benefits, student loans, and other federal programs. All are encouraged to attend.\r\nConstituents who are not able to attend Mobile Office Hours are encouraged to visit the Helping You section of Senator Heinrich's online office at www.Heinrich.Senate.Gov.\r\nShiprock - Thursday, December 3, 2015   WHO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's Staff   WHAT: Mobile Office Hours   WHEN: From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.   WHERE:John Pinto Library, Dine College South Campus, Room 155, Highway 64 N570 (behind City Market), Shiprock, N.M. 87420   QUESTIONS: Contact Senator Heinrich's Farmington Office at (505) 325-5030", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-staff-to-hold-mobile-office-hours-in-gallup-december-2-2015", "Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Gallup", "2015-11-24", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Gallup\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, November 24, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFARMINGTON, N.M. -In an ongoing effort to provide top-notch constituent service, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's (D-N.M.) staff will hold Mobile Office Hours in Gallup on Wednesday, December 2, 2015. Staff will be on hand to assist residents who have questions regarding Social Security benefits, Medicare, immigration, veterans benefits, student loans, and other federal programs. All are encouraged to attend.\r\nConstituents who are not able to attend Mobile Office Hours are encouraged to visit the Helping You section of Senator Heinrich's online office at www.Heinrich.Senate.Gov.\r\nGallup - Wednesday, December 2, 2015   WHO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's Staff   WHAT: Mobile Office Hours   WHEN: From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.   WHERE: University of New Mexico Gallup Campus, Zollinger Library, 705 Gurley Avenue, Gallup, N.M. 87301   QUESTIONS: Contact Senator Heinrich's Farmington Office at (505) 325-5030", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2172", "MADD, Senator Udall, Sheriff Gonzales Remind New Mexicans to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over [press_release]", "2015-11-23", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 23, 2015\n\t\t\t MADD, Senator Udall, Sheriff Gonzales Remind New Mexicans to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over \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 DWI-related deaths spike from Thanksgiving through New Years; Event kicked off holiday anti-drunken driving campaign\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Today, Mothers Against Drunk Driving New Mexico (MADD) teamed up with U.S. Senator Tom Udall and Bernalillo County Sheriff Manny Gonzales to kick off the 2015 holiday season anti-drunken driving campaign. The holidays are a particularly deadly time of year on the roads, with DWI-related crashes and deaths spiking from Thanksgiving to New Year's. MADD, Udall and Gonzales are reminding New Mexicans to plan ahead this holiday season and designate a non-drinking driver to get them home safely from holiday festivities.  More than 98 million Americans will hit the road this holiday season and nearly 28,000 will be seriously injured in car accidents. Alcohol consumption is a major reason for the increase in accidents. In New Mexico, 166 people were killed last year in crashes involving drunken drivers -- crashes that were 100 percent preventable. And already this year, 94 people have lost their lives due to drunken driving in New Mexico. \"The holiday season is a time for celebration, unfortunately, we also see an increased risk in our communities for underage drinking and impaired driving,\" said Aisha Smith, Executive Director of MADD-NM. \"The fatalities and injuries due to impaired driving, as well as underage drinking, peak during the months of November, December and January. Join Mothers Against Drunk Driving in preventing underage drinking and impaired driving so we can enjoy a safer holiday season.\"   \"The holidays are a joyous time, but Thanksgiving through New Year's is also one of the deadliest times for drunk driving accidents,\" Udall said. \"That's why I'm teaming up with MADD and Sheriff Gonzales to make sure the message is loud and clear: If you drink, don't drive. Period. We're urging New Mexicans to have fun safely this holiday season and make sure to take a cab or designate a driver. We can prevent these tragedies. Ending drunk driving starts with all of us.\"  \"I'm committed to reducing the number of DWI and DWI-related crashes in Bernalillo County through the use of checkpoints and increased DWI patrols,\" Gonzales said. \"We will not stop this pursuit until we end DWI.\"  The family of Deacon Marcellino Morris Jr., who was tragically killed in a head-on crash with a drunken driver, joined MADD, Udall and Gonzales to share their story and call for New Mexicans to drive safe this holiday season.  Udall has teamed with MADD to pass critical measures to combat drunken driving, including funding to develop the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety, or DADSS, which would prevent a driver with an illegal BAC limit of .08 percent or above from starting a DADSS-equipped vehicle. DADSS, which is in the prototype phase, could save thousands of lives each year by preventing intoxicated drivers from getting on the roads. About Mothers Against Drunk Driving  Founded by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is the nation's largest nonprofit working to protect families from drunk and drugged driving and underage drinking. With the help of those who want a safer future, MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving will end this danger on America's roads. And as one of the largest victim services organizations in the U.S., MADD also supports drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge, serving one person every 8.6 minutes through local MADD victim advocates and at 1-877-MADD-HELP. Learn more at www.madd.org or by calling 1-877-ASK-MADD.\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\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://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2173", "Udall Statement on NM Unit Agreement [press_release]", "2015-11-23", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 23, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall Statement on NM Unit Agreement \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on the Secretary of the Interior's decision to further evaluate the impacts and costs of any potential New Mexico Unit Agreement to the Central Arizona Project: \"Today's decision means the Interior Department will move forward with a legally required process to establish a framework for federal participation to study the environmental cost of diverting water from the Gila River. The process sets high standards and additional requirements that will have to be met for any potential New Mexico Unit of the Central Arizona Project to move forward. \"Based on everything I've seen so far, this project simply isn't financially realistic or environmentally wise. Given federal budget constraints, funding outside the Arizona Water Settlements Act is extremely unlikely. Further, many New Mexicans are rightly concerned about the extremely high cost of this project and the damage that it could do to our thriving tourism and sporting businesses. The Gila is the last free-flowing main-stem river in New Mexico - to sacrifice it to a project that the state can't afford and that might not ever yield enough water, would be irresponsible. Those millions of dollars would be better spent to rebuild roads, bridges and the crumbling water infrastructure in communities across our state.  \"Three years ago, I co-hosted New Mexico's Water Resources Research Institute's annual water conference to discuss our water challenges and brainstorm forward-thinking solutions. The conclusion reached by the experts and stakeholders who participated was that given the financial and environmental realities we face, we must address water scarcity primarily through flexible water-sharing arrangements and by advancing innovative ways to conserve water and eliminate waste. I appreciate why the state is examining its options under the Arizona Water Settlements Act but given the huge financial hurdles and environmental risks, it is time for the state to focus on forward-looking solutions.\"\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\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.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-gila-river-water-project-framework", "Heinrich Statement on Gila River Water Project Framework", "2015-11-23", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Statement on Gila River Water Project Framework\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, November 23, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. -U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, made the following statement today after the U.S. Department of the Interior signed an agreement with the New Mexico Central Arizona Project Entity (CAP Entity) that initiates a process to thoroughly evaluate the full range of proposed water management alternatives for the upper region of the Gila River and examine their impacts and costs.\r\n\"Today's announcement sets out the framework for the evaluation of the Gila River Water Project and important related considerations, like the exorbitant cost to New Mexico taxpayers. With the Bureau's initial cost estimates hovering around $1 billion, and only around 10 percent of that available from federal coffers, understanding the financial realities of this potential project will be critical. I look forward to this evaluation. However, based on all the analysis to date, it is hard to imagine a dam or diversion project on the Gila River that is not irresponsibly expensive as well as destructive to other economic and resource values. In addition, serious engineering questions continue to dog this proposal.\r\n\"The Gila is the last free-flowing river in the Southwest. Its natural hydrology and gallery riparian forests make it a unique, last of its kind gem that is important to sportsmen, farmers, and tourists alike. We owe New Mexico's taxpayers cost effective, science-based solutions if we are to manage our limited water supplies in this era of drought, climate change, and constrained budgets. Damming or diverting the Gila River simply does not meet that standard. I believe that now would be a good time for the state to put forward a more fiscally responsible alternative.\r\n\"I encourage the public and all stakeholders to stay engaged on this issue and continue to share their opinions, concerns, and additional information with my office. \"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/madd-senator-udall-sheriff-gonzales-remind-new-mexicans-to-drive-sober-or-get-pulled-over", "MADD, Senator Udall, Sheriff Gonzales Remind New Mexicans to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over", "2015-11-23", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 23, 2015\n\t\t\t MADD, Senator Udall, Sheriff Gonzales Remind New Mexicans to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over \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 DWI-related deaths spike from Thanksgiving through New Years; Event kicked off holiday anti-drunken driving campaign\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Today, Mothers Against Drunk Driving New Mexico (MADD) teamed up with U.S. Senator Tom Udall and Bernalillo County Sheriff Manny Gonzales to kick off the 2015 holiday season anti-drunken driving campaign. The holidays are a particularly deadly time of year on the roads, with DWI-related crashes and deaths spiking from Thanksgiving to New Year's. MADD, Udall and Gonzales are reminding New Mexicans to plan ahead this holiday season and designate a non-drinking driver to get them home safely from holiday festivities.  More than 98 million Americans will hit the road this holiday season and nearly 28,000 will be seriously injured in car accidents. Alcohol consumption is a major reason for the increase in accidents. In New Mexico, 166 people were killed last year in crashes involving drunken drivers -- crashes that were 100 percent preventable. And already this year, 94 people have lost their lives due to drunken driving in New Mexico. \"The holiday season is a time for celebration, unfortunately, we also see an increased risk in our communities for underage drinking and impaired driving,\" said Aisha Smith, Executive Director of MADD-NM. \"The fatalities and injuries due to impaired driving, as well as underage drinking, peak during the months of November, December and January. Join Mothers Against Drunk Driving in preventing underage drinking and impaired driving so we can enjoy a safer holiday season.\"   \"The holidays are a joyous time, but Thanksgiving through New Year's is also one of the deadliest times for drunk driving accidents,\" Udall said. \"That's why I'm teaming up with MADD and Sheriff Gonzales to make sure the message is loud and clear: If you drink, don't drive. Period. We're urging New Mexicans to have fun safely this holiday season and make sure to take a cab or designate a driver. We can prevent these tragedies. Ending drunk driving starts with all of us.\"  \"I'm committed to reducing the number of DWI and DWI-related crashes in Bernalillo County through the use of checkpoints and increased DWI patrols,\" Gonzales said. \"We will not stop this pursuit until we end DWI.\"  The family of Deacon Marcellino Morris Jr., who was tragically killed in a head-on crash with a drunken driver, joined MADD, Udall and Gonzales to share their story and call for New Mexicans to drive safe this holiday season.  Udall has teamed with MADD to pass critical measures to combat drunken driving, including funding to develop the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety, or DADSS, which would prevent a driver with an illegal BAC limit of .08 percent or above from starting a DADSS-equipped vehicle. DADSS, which is in the prototype phase, could save thousands of lives each year by preventing intoxicated drivers from getting on the roads. About Mothers Against Drunk Driving  Founded by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is the nation's largest nonprofit working to protect families from drunk and drugged driving and underage drinking. With the help of those who want a safer future, MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving will end this danger on America's roads. And as one of the largest victim services organizations in the U.S., MADD also supports drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge, serving one person every 8.6 minutes through local MADD victim advocates and at 1-877-MADD-HELP. Learn more at www.madd.org or by calling 1-877-ASK-MADD.\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-statement-on-nm-unit-agreement", "Udall Statement on NM Unit Agreement", "2015-11-23", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 23, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall Statement on NM Unit Agreement \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on the Secretary of the Interior's decision to further evaluate the impacts and costs of any potential New Mexico Unit Agreement to the Central Arizona Project: \"Today's decision means the Interior Department will move forward with a legally required process to establish a framework for federal participation to study the environmental cost of diverting water from the Gila River. The process sets high standards and additional requirements that will have to be met for any potential New Mexico Unit of the Central Arizona Project to move forward. \"Based on everything I've seen so far, this project simply isn't financially realistic or environmentally wise. Given federal budget constraints, funding outside the Arizona Water Settlements Act is extremely unlikely. Further, many New Mexicans are rightly concerned about the extremely high cost of this project and the damage that it could do to our thriving tourism and sporting businesses. The Gila is the last free-flowing main-stem river in New Mexico - to sacrifice it to a project that the state can't afford and that might not ever yield enough water, would be irresponsible. Those millions of dollars would be better spent to rebuild roads, bridges and the crumbling water infrastructure in communities across our state.  \"Three years ago, I co-hosted New Mexico's Water Resources Research Institute's annual water conference to discuss our water challenges and brainstorm forward-thinking solutions. The conclusion reached by the experts and stakeholders who participated was that given the financial and environmental realities we face, we must address water scarcity primarily through flexible water-sharing arrangements and by advancing innovative ways to conserve water and eliminate waste. I appreciate why the state is examining its options under the Arizona Water Settlements Act but given the huge financial hurdles and environmental risks, it is time for the state to focus on forward-looking solutions.\"\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://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2171", "Udall, Heinrich Applaud Decision To Begin Nonstop Flight Service Between Roswell And Phoenix [press_release]", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 19, 2015\n\t\t\t Udall, Heinrich Applaud Decision To Begin Nonstop Flight Service Between Roswell And Phoenix \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich applauded the decision by American Airlines to begin daily, nonstop commercial flight service between Roswell International Air Center (RIAC) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Flights are set to begin in March of 2016.\n\"Flights between Roswell and Phoenix will help make travel to and from Southeastern New Mexico more convenient, opening up business opportunities in the entire region that can create jobs and boost the economy,\" Udall said. \"I'm proud to work to expand our transportation options and connect New Mexico communities to the rest of the nation.\"\n\"The decision to establish direct flights between Roswell and Phoenix is great news for New Mexico's economy,\" Heinrich said. \"Nonstop flights attract businesses and visitors alike, and will increase economic opportunities for Chaves County and the southeastern part of the state.\"\nSenators Udall and Heinrich are strong supporters of New Mexico's aviation industry, and have long supported the Roswell community's efforts to expand Roswell flight service. Last October, they announced a $450,000 federal grant for the City of Roswell to begin nonstop air travel service from RIAC to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. In June, they announced a $9 million award to RIAC to fund rehabilitation of 5,000 feet of Runway 03/21, to help maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and clear debris from the runway.\nLast September, the senators announced more than $14 million in grants to support air transportation in New Mexico. The grants, which were awarded to Alamogordo, Albuquerque, Lea County, Questa, Roswell, and the New Mexico Department of Transportation, were to fund repairs and maintenance, runway extensions, emissions reduction, and strategic planning.\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\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.heinrich.senate.gov/in-the-news/carlsbad-current-argus-roswell-air-service-to-boost-economy", "Carlsbad Current-Argus: Roswell air service to boost economy", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Carlsbad Current-Argus: Roswell air service to boost economy\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                    By:\r\n                    Sarah Matott\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n            Thursday, November 19, 2015\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            ROSWELL, N.M.  Beginning in March 2016, American Airlines at the Roswell International Air Center will start daily, nonstop commercial flight service to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.\r\nOn Wednesday, U.S. Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich applauded American Airlines' decision to begin daily flights between the two destinations in a news release.\r\n\"Flights between Roswell and Phoenix will help make travel to and from Southeastern New Mexico more convenient, Udall said, saying it would open more business opportunities for the entire region, which in turn would help create jobs.\r\n\"The decision to establish direct flights between Roswell and Phoenix is great news for New Mexico's economy,\" Heinrich said. \"Nonstop flights attract businesses and visitors alike, and will increase economic opportunities for Chaves County and the southeastern part of the state.\"\r\nJennifer Brady Griego, director of the Roswell International Air Center, said the new flight addition is a big deal not just for Roswell, but for the surrounding communities.\r\n\"It provides all the surrounding communities with service to the west coast,\" Griego said. \"We have been fortunate to have surrounding communities like Carlsbad, Artesia and Ruidoso support us.\"\r\nGriego said people can already start booking their flights.\r\n\"Just peeking in on the bookings, some of the flights are already looking pretty good,\" she said.\r\nGriego said prices will vary depending on the day and when the reservation is booked. She also said that at least 40 connecting flights are possible now with the service to Phoenix.\r\nUdall and Heinrich, who have passed legislation to support the aviation industry in the state, said the decision is something that will positively affect the New Mexico economy.\r\nIn October, the senators first announced the awarding of a $450,000 federal grant for Roswell to begin nonstop air travel service from the Roswell airport to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.\r\nAccording to a news release from October, the grant was funded through the U.S. Department of Transportations Small Community Air Service Development Program. Udall and Heinrich, along with U.S. Reps. Steve Pearce, Ben Ray Lujn and Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed their support in July for Roswell's application of the grant.\r\nTransportation options and accessibility are key factors in attracting and keeping business in New Mexico,\" Heinrich said in an October news release.\r\nIn addition to the grant awarded in October, Heinrich and Udall announced a $9 million award in June to the Roswell International Air Center to rehabilitate 5,000 feet of a runway.\r\nThey have also been responsible for more than $14 million in grants to support the air transportation in New Mexico, Wednesday's new release said.\r\n\"The grants, which were awarded to Alamogordo, Albuquerque, Lea County, Questa, Roswell, and the New Mexico Department of Transportation, were to fund repairs and maintenance, runway extensions, emissions reduction, and strategic planning,\" a news release said.\r\n\"I'm proud to work to expand our transportation options and connect New Mexico communities to the rest of the nation.\" Udall said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-leads-in-advancing-bipartisan-sportsmens-act", "Heinrich Leads In Advancing Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Leads In Advancing Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHunters and anglers spend more than $613 million per year in New Mexico; Outdoor recreation is directly responsible for 68,000 jobs across the state\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, November 19, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's (D-N.M.) Sportsmen's Act of 2015 cleared the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources today with bipartisan support. Senator Heinrich introduced the bill in February with Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska).\r\nThe Sportsmen's Act includes the text of Senator Heinrich's Hunt Unrestricted on National Treasures (HUNT) Act to improve access to public lands where hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation are permitted. Additional measures Senator Heinrich championed for New Mexico include reauthorizing the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act (FLTFA), and giving small media groups and individuals easier access to film and photograph on public lands.\r\n\r\n\"The Sportsmen's Act has been a long time in the making, and I'm proud to lead this bipartisan effort with Senator Murkowski. Hunting and fishing are an integral part of our American heritage, but without our public lands, that tradition will be lost. This bill will make sure our kids and grandkids will be catching trout and chasing mule deer on our public lands for many years to come,\"said Sen. Heinrich.\"Hunters and anglers alone spend more than $613 million per year in New Mexico, and outdoor recreation as a whole is directly responsible for 68,000 jobs in our state. The Sportsmen's Act will enhance opportunities for outdoor recreation, reauthorize key conservation programs, improve access to our public lands, and boost our economy.\"\r\nThe Sportsmen's Act has 24 cosponsors, including 10 members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Original cosponsors include U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), who are members of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus.\r\nThe Senate Environment and Public Works Committee is planning on holding a separate markup on additional provisions in the Sportsmen's Act under its jurisdiction soon. A full list of provisions in the Sportsmen's Act of 2015 and a copy of the bill are available here.\r\nAmong other provisions, the bill reported today would:\r\nHunt Unrestricted on National Treasures (HUNT) Act\r\nDirects all federal public land management agencies to identify high priority federal lands where hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation are permitted but where access is non-existent or significantly restricted, and develop plans to provide access.\r\nFederal Land Transaction Facilitation Act Reauthorization (FLTFA)\r\nReauthorizes FLTFA, enabling the government to sell public land for ranching, community development, and other projects. The revenue allows federal agencies to acquire high-priority in-holdings from willing sellers.\r\nLand and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Reauthorization\r\nPermanently reauthorizes the LWCF, with set-asides for recreational access and for conservation programs managed by states.\r\nPermits for Film Crews of Three People or Less\r\nDirects the U.S. Departments of the Interior and Agriculture to issue permits and assess fees on an annual-basis for commercial filming on federal land for crews of three people or fewer. This will allow for easier access for small media groups and individuals.\r\nRecreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage Opportunities Act\r\nRequires Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service lands to be open for recreational hunting fishing and shooting unless specifically closed through an open and public process.\r\nEqual Access to Justice Act and Judgment Fund Transparency\r\nRequires public reporting of fees, awards, and payments provided under the Equal Access to Justice Act, as well as payments made from the Judgment Fund for claims against the federal government, along with relevant information pertaining to each case. The report would be made accessible online, with protections for private information regarding individual litigants.\r\nTransporting Bows Across National Park Service Lands\r\nAuthorizes the lawful transportation of bows and crossbows on National Park Service lands. The National Park Service is prohibited from restricting the lawful transportation of bows and crossbows that remain in the vehicle while in a National Park unit.\r\nMaking Public Lands Public\r\nRequires the greater of 1.5 percent or $10 million of annual Land and Water Conservation Funds be made available for the improvement of recreational access to existing federal lands with significantly restricted public access.\r\nNational Park Service Maintenance and Revitalization Conservation Fund\r\nEstablishes a National Park Service Critical Maintenance and Revitalization Conservation Fund to address high-priority deferred maintenance needs of the National Park Service with a prohibition on the use of funds for land acquisition.\r\nNational Historic Preservation Fund (NHPF)\r\nPermanently reauthorizes the NHPF, the funding source of the preservation awards to the States, Tribes, local governments, and non-profits. The NHPF uses revenues of a non-renewable resource to benefit the preservation of other irreplaceable resources.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1112, "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 \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "NM", "p2": "2015"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NM&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 1112, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NM&year=2015", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NM&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1112, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NM&year=2015&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NM&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "NM", "label": "NM", "count": 1112, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2015", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NM&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "2015", "label": "2015", "count": 1112, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NM", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2015-11-19,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Eheinrich~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpress-releases~2Fheinrich-leads-in-advancing-bipartisan-sportsmens-act", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NM&year=2015&_next=2015-11-19%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Eheinrich~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpress-releases~2Fheinrich-leads-in-advancing-bipartisan-sportsmens-act&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 184.54445688985288, "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"}