{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"NM\" and year = 2023 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-statement-national-defense-authorization-act", "Rep. Stansbury Statement on the National Defense Authorization Act", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today, Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) issued the following statement after voting yesterday for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):\n\n\u201cI was proud to vote for the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. I am thrilled that the final package included crucial investments for New Mexicans, including pay raises for our active-duty military personnel, provisions to support veterans, and funding for new military installations in our state. While I remain deeply disappointed that funding for New Mexico\u2019s Downwinders was not included in this package, I won\u2019t stop fighting until they get the compensation and care they rightfully deserve.\u201d\n\nThe NDAA secures:\n\n- $1.79 billion for Los Alamos National Laboratory's ongoing research and development programs which support personnel, equipment, and other activities\n\n- $24 billion for the National Nuclear Security Administration which include Sandia National Laboratories which supports and sustains its system integration, engineering, and science programs\n\n- $276 million for environmental cleanup efforts at Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories\n\n- $5.5 million for White Sands Missile Range\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-secures-major-investments-new-mexico-national-defense-bill", "Vasquez Secures Major Investments for New Mexico in National Defense Bill", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Thursday, December 14, 2023, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), securing major investments for New Mexico.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s passage of the NDAA is a big win for our national security and New Mexico\u2019s prosperity, and I\u2019m proud to have secured historic investments\u2013including the largest pay raise for service members in a decade,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cWith over $2.25 billion for New Mexican laboratories and military installations, we are upgrading our national defense, strengthening the economic well-being of our communities and improving the quality of life for service members and their families.\u201d\n\nAs a House Armed Services Committee member, Vasquez helped draft the bipartisan FY24 NDAA. Vasquez secured many provisions in the final version of the bipartisan NDAA, including a 5.2 percent pay raise for service members, the largest pay raise in the last decade, addressing per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in drinking water around military installations, improving housing for service members and more.\n\nFollowing the House passage of the NDAA, Vasquez called on House and Senate leadership to ensure the House Republicans\u2019 egregious provisions were not included in the final defense bill. Vasquez is pleased that the extremist amendments were removed.\n\nIn the NDAA, Vasquez passed bipartisan amendments into law that will require better uniform housing standards across the Department of Defense and establish a pilot program to provide air purification technology in military housing to ensure service members live in housing that is safe, comfortable and free from hazardous conditions like mold or unsafe drinking water.\n\nVasquez delivered critical investments in innovation, security, research and quality-of-life improvements for servicemembersservicemen and women and support for local jobs that will bolster New Mexican communities.\n\nVasquez secured over $2.25 billion for New Mexican laboratories and military installations. The NDAA authorizes the following funding for New Mexico\u2019s military installations and facilities:\n\n$85 million for an MQ-9 (Reaper) Facility at Holloman Air Force Base\n\n$11 million for the Rio Rancho Training Site\n\n$97 million for Protective Force and Plutonium Production Facilities at Los Alamos National Laboratory\n\n$5.5 million for the Joint Directed Energy Test Center Facility at White Sands Missile Range\n\n$5 million for the Satellite Fire Station at Cannon Air Force Base\n\n$1.76 billion for Los Alamos National Laboratory Plutonium Modernization\n\n$287.5 million for Los Alamos and $2.26 million for Sandia National Laboratories under the National Nuclear Security Administration\n\nFollowing its passage out of the House and Senate, the bill now heads to President Biden\u2019s desk for signature - marking the 63rd consecutive year that Congress passed this critical national defense legislation.\n\nRep. Vasquez is the vice-ranking member of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee and serves on the Readiness Subcommittee. Rep. Vasquez not only represents the military installations in his district, but as the only delegation member serving on an armed services committee, he also represents the military interests of New Mexico at large.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/senator-markey-and-rep-stansbury-introduce-bill-revitalize-nursing-workforce", "Senator Markey and Rep. Stansbury Introduce Bill to Revitalize Nursing Workforce", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.-01) introduced the Public Health Nursing Act in the House. This legislation, akin to its Senate counterpart introduced by Senator Edward Markey (D-MA), aims to address the public health crisis through revitalizing and sustaining a robust public health nursing workforce in the United States. The legislation would be a monumental step in addressing the healthcare staffing shortage, authorizing $5 billion annually over the course of 10 years to create a grant program through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for state, local, and Tribal public health departments to recruit, hire, train, pay, and retain licensed registered nurses.\n\n\u201cThe COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the cracks in the foundation of our public health infrastructure, and it's long past time we build it back up,\u201d said Senator Markey. \u201cThis requires investing in our health care workforce. The Public Health Nursing Act will invest in the future of public health in this country by authorizing funding for public health departments to recruit, hire, train and pay licensed registered nurses. We must act now to ensure the health, safety, and resiliency of our communities for years to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cNurses are chronically overworked, underpaid, and understaffed,\u201d said Congresswoman Stansbury. \u201cIt\u2019s way past time we overhaul our healthcare system to prioritize the needs of our nurses. The Public Health Nursing Act is a crucial step towards creating a healthy, fruitful future for both our communities as well as our public health workers. This legislation will help us rebuild and sustain a robust public health nursing workforce. By addressing critical aspects such as collective bargaining rights and safeguards against displacing existing investments in public health nursing, in addition to funding, this bill provides a robust response to the nursing shortage we are facing today.\u201d\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Gwen Moore, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Jes\u00fas \"Chuy\" Garc\u00eda, Delia Ramirez, Robert Garcia, Yadira Caraveo, Jill Tokuda, Maxwell Alejandro Frost, Maxine Waters, Ilhan Omar, Steve Cohen, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Judy Chu, Barbara Lee, Pramila Jayapal, Ayanna Pressley, and Cori Bush.\n\n\u201cNurses are essential staff in every healthcare facility, including those I worked in for more than a decade as a pediatrician. But the combined effects of the pandemic and underinvestment in public health have left Colorado with a shortage of 9,000 qualified nurses. That means longer wait times and higher medical bills for our families,\u201d said Congresswoman Caraveo. \u201cAs a doctor and an elected official, I am proud to help rebuild our broken public health infrastructure by supporting the Public Health Nursing Act. This long overdue investment in our nursing workforce is an important step to supporting the healthcare workforce and improving health outcomes in Colorado and across the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cPublic health nurses can play a crucial role in building equity into our health care system, addressing disparities, understanding local health trends, and supporting proactive disease prevention efforts,\u201d said Congresswoman Moore. \u201c I am thrilled to join this legislation to strengthen the public health nursing workforce, which will help better meet the needs and emerging challenges of our communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cNurses are the backbone of a strong healthcare system and are especially vital for a robust public health infrastructure,\u201d said Congresswoman Lee. \u201cBut they are chronically overburdened and, too often, their teams are understaffed. It\u2019s past time we invest in the people that make up the foundations of the American public healthcare system\u2014and this bill will do that through a funding program to maintain and grow the employment of public health nurses. I\u2019m proud to join Rep. Stansbury and Senator Markey on this important issue.\u201d\n\nThe legislation is supported by the National Nurses United (NNU), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).\n\n\u201cThe public health nursing workforce has drastically declined in recent years due to decades of systemic underfunding of our public health programs,\u201d said LaKisha Little-Smalls, RN, Vice-President of National Nurses United and President of the District of Columbia Nurses Association. \u201cFor decades, communities across our country, especially communities of color and rural communities, have experienced the negative consequences of an ill-equipped public health infrastructure. The Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated the need to strengthen our national public health programs and responses. RNs have unique educational training, clinical experience, and licensing which are sorely needed in public health programming. In order to build the robust and comprehensive public health workforce that our communities need, it\u2019s important to specifically invest in increasing the number of registered nurses (RNs) in this workforce. National Nurses United strongly endorses Congresswoman Stansbury\u2019s legislation to invest in and expand the public health nursing workforce and encourages the House to advance this legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur country\u2019s public healthcare infrastructure keeps families and communities safe and healthy, both in times of crisis, and in their daily lives,\u201d said AFT President Randi Weingarten. \u201cHealthcare workers, overall, were already on the brink prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and now, they\u2019re struggling even more, facing the ongoing corporatization of hospitals that prioritize profits over people, and extremist politicians hellbent on slashing benefits and turning back the clock to a time when healthcare was a privilege reserved only for the wealthy few. The Public Health Nursing Act aims to begin to right these wrongs by investing in our public healthcare infrastructure to make sure it's well-equipped to care for the sick, aging, and injured, offering specific grants to agencies that prioritize their healthcare workforce and offer them a voice on the job through a union. As the fastest growing healthcare union in the country, the AFT sees first-hand how important that voice in the workplace is for nurses and health professionals, and how much it impacts patient care.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-votes-protect-patients-lower-costs-and-address-workforce-shortages", "Vasquez Votes to Protect Patients, Lower Costs and Address Workforce Shortages in Healthcare", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, December 13, 2023, Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.-02) released the following statement on the passage of H.R. 5378, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act, which increases transparency for hospital prices and pharmacy benefit manager practices and funds several vital healthcare programs:\n\n\u201cThis week I voted to lower healthcare costs for New Mexicans and increase funding for some of our most important providers and programs for rural and underserved areas,\u201d said Rep. Vasquez. \u201cI am proud to support investments in our Community Health Centers, physician training programs, and safety net hospitals that will provide New Mexicans the care they deserve.\u201d\n\nNew Mexico faces a shortage of primary care providers, nurses and other healthcare workers, concentrated mostly in rural areas. The Department of Health and Human Services estimates New Mexico is short roughly 300 primary care providers and around 5,000 nurses.\n\nH.R. 5378, in addition to expanding transparency standards, would:\n\nProvide increased funding for Community Health Centers;\n\nReauthorize the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) Program which trains new resident physicians;\n\nEliminate harmful Medicaid cuts that would endanger safety net hospitals;\n\nBoost funding for the Special Diabetes Program and Special Diabetes Program for Indians and;\n\nIncrease funding for the National Health Service Corps which serves uninsured patients.\n\nEarlier this year, Rep. Vasquez cosponsored H.R. 3561, the PATIENT Act, which included a number of the provisions later incorporated in the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/heinrich-lujan-vasquez-announce-federal-investments-address-wildlife-crossings", "Heinrich, Luj\u00e1n, Vasquez Announce Federal Investments to Address Wildlife Crossings in Mescalero Apache Tribe", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, December 12, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) announced a $480,000 investment for the Mescalero Apache Tribe from the Department of Transportation\u2019s (DOT) new Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program to improve wildlife crossings along US-70.\n\n\u201cI am so pleased to welcome this investment that will allow the Mescalero Apache Tribe to improve safety and reduce dangerous wildlife-vehicle collisions along US-70. Most every New Mexican welcomes the chance to see wildlife from their car window. But none of us want to experience that heart-stopping moment when a large animal darts in front of their car,\u201d said Sen. Heinrich. \u201cBuilding overpasses and underpasses specifically designed to give animals a safe place to cross busy highways has proven to be an effective way to reduce dangerous vehicle-wildlife collisions. Projects like this are exactly why I worked so hard to establish a first-of-its-kind $350 million Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program when Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is critical outdoor spaces are made with wildlife and public safety in mind,\u201d said Sen. Luj\u00e1n. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to welcome this investment to the Mescalero Apache Tribe to develop and maintain wildlife crossings. Wildlife plays a significant role in our state\u2019s natural landscape and culture, and by investing in conservation efforts, this helps ensure the health and future of wildlife populations.\u201d\n\n\u201cCoexisting with wildlife in mountainous regions, national forests, and Tribal lands means that we must reduce the chances of accidents and fatalities that often end in tragedy or unnecessarily reduce wildlife populations,\u201d said Rep. Vasquez. \u201cI\u2019m pleased to announce $480,000 that will go directly to help the Mescalero Apache Tribe reduce these collisions and conflicts and protect people, wildlife and property from dangerous and far-too common vehicle collisions.\u201d\n\nIn April, Sen. Heinrich welcomed U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to New Mexico, where he announced that his agency was opening up applications for the $350 million Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program that Heinrich helped to secure as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\n\nThis project also builds on Rep. Vasquez and Sen. Heinrich\u2019s efforts to address wildlife corridors in the upcoming Farm Bill. Vasquez and Heinrich are working on legislation that allows the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide more resources and incentives for land stewards to increase habitat connectivity and wildlife movement as well as build off successful virtual fencing initiatives.\n\nDOT awarded a total of $480,000 in funding to the Mescalero Apache Tribe US-70 Wildlife Vehicle Collision Mitigation Feasibility Project. The project represents a much-needed investment into wildlife corridors to help prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions, support animal migration patterns and reduce habitat fragmentation.\n\n\u201cI want to thank President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg for making this important investment in the Mescalero Apache Tribe,\u201d said Mescalero Apache President, Gina Via. \u201cOur Tribe has always prioritized public safety and promoted balance in living with our four-legged brothers and sisters. This cost-effective funding will reduce wildlife-related vehicle collisions and improve safety for our residents, visitors, and our wildlife.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/following-water-contamination-vasquez-calls-accountability-and-oversight", "Following Water Contamination, Vasquez Calls for Accountability and Oversight During Meeting with CRRUA and Santa Teresa Leaders", "2023-12-11", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On Friday, December 8, 2023, U.S.Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) convened the leadership of the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA) and local leaders from Santa Teresa and Sunland Park to discuss the response to the recent water contamination in the region and identify ways to ensure the failure does not occur again.\n\nEarlier this month, residents spent several days without potable water, and it took CRRUA more than 36 hours to notify residents. The contamination was caused by a malfunction at a nearby water treatment plant operated by CRRUA, the local water authority. The malfunction and its subsequent clean-up efforts led to murky, contaminated and unusable water being discharged from taps across the area, affecting residents.\n\n\u201cI am deeply concerned about the recent water contamination. This meeting is not just a response to a crisis but a proactive step towards ensuring that such lapses in safety and communication do not happen again,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cThe residents of southern Do\u00f1a Ana County deserve transparent, timely information and most importantly, consistent access to safe drinking water. Working with local leaders, we are committed to addressing the immediate needs and implementing long-term strategies that safeguard our community\u2019s most vital resource.\u201d\n\nVasquez hosted the meeting at the Do\u00f1a Ana Community College in Santa Teresa and was joined by Commissioner Susana Chaparro, CRRUA Board Chairperson Joshua Orozco, CRRUA Board Vice Chairperson, Commissioner Diana Murillo, CRRUA Board Member, Mario Juarez Infante, Sunland Park City Manager, Raymundo Lara, NM State Representative, Fernando Macias, Do\u00f1a Ana County Manager and Stephen Lopez, Do\u00f1a Ana County Emergency Manager.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019d like to thank Congressman Vasquez for his concern for the well-being of our residents in the affected areas of impacted areas,\u201d said Commissioner Susana Chaparro. \u201cWe assured him that the local officials would work together to improve our overall system and we would be addressing concerns when we have a complete report so that residents\u2019 concerns can be addressed.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-denounces-house-republicans-removing-radiation-exposure-compensation", "Vasquez Denounces House Republicans for Removing the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act from the National Defense Authorization Act", "2023-12-08", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On Friday, December 1, 2023, U.S.Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) voiced his disappointment in House Republicans for stripping the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) out of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\n\n\u201cHouse Republicans chose to willfully ignore Americans who deserve compensation from radiation exposure and have been waiting for justice from the federal government for decades. It\u2019s truly a shame that RECA reform, despite being a strong, bipartisan effort, was stripped from the NDAA by Republican leadership. This is the closest RECA has ever come to becoming law with bipartisan support, and we l will continue to work for New Mexico\u2019s downwinders and their families,\u201d said Rep. Vasquez. \u201cI'm all in on this fight, and I'm going to continue to work with my colleagues to get New Mexico's downwinders the compensation they've been owed for far too long.\u201d\n\nRECA provides a one-time benefit payment to individuals who may have developed cancer or other diseases after being exposed to radiation from atomic weapons testing or uranium mining, milling, or transporting. The program was originally created in 1990 but is scheduled to end in 2024. However, the program failed to include New Mexican uranium miners and those who were affected by the nuclear bomb test at the Trinity site.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/following-vasquezs-calls-national-defense-authorization-act-removes-anti", "Following Vasquez\u2019s Calls, the National Defense Authorization Act Removes Anti-Choice Amendments", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Thursday, December 7, 2023, following the release of the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) applauded the removal of harmful anti-choice and discriminatory amendments the GOP included in the House-passed version of the bill.\n\n\u201cI urged House and Senate leadership to ensure service members can make their own health care decisions alongside their doctors - not the United States Congress,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cMy top priority is and always will be to deliver for the second district while upholding New Mexico\u2019s values. Reproductive care is health care, and I will continue to protect reproductive rights.\u201d\n\nVasquez called on House and Senate leadership to ensure the House Republicans\u2019 egregious provisions were not included in the final defense bill. Vasquez is pleased that the extremist amendments were removed. Following the filing of the final version of the NDAA, both chambers must now vote to pass the bill before it can be sent to President Biden for his signature.\n\nSpecifically, Vasquez called on leadership to remove prohibitions on the Secretary of Defense from paying for or reimbursing travel expenses relating to abortion services and prohibitions on providing gender transition services, gender reassignment surgeries, and other forms of gender-affirming care for service members and their dependents.\n\nVasquez added, \u201cThe discriminatory amendments targeting the LGBTQ+ community have been removed. Our trans service members are equally deserving of quality care. Restricting any of our service members\u2019 access to essential health care is a disservice to them & their commitment to our country. I\u2019m proud that the final version of this bill protects access to reproductive health care and supports our LGBTQ+ service members.\u201d\n\nOn September 20, Vasquez voted to direct conferees to remove the prohibition on the Department of Defense reimbursing expenses for service members traveling to receive reproductive health care services.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-urges-congress-pass-expansion-radiation-exposure-compensation-act", "Vasquez Urges Congress to Pass the Expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act", "2023-12-01", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On Friday, December 1, 2023, ahead of the release of the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), U.S.Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) urges Congress to ensure the expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) stays in the NDAA.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ll never forget that New Mexico was the first U.S. nuclear testing site, and our communities and loved ones have suffered greatly because of it. It\u2019s long overdue that the rest of the country remembers this as well,\u201d said Rep. Vasquez. \u201cWe must ensure New Mexico\u2019s downwinders receive the compensation they rightfully deserve. That\u2019s why I am a proud co-sponsor of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act and I urge Congress to pass the expansion and compensate New Mexico\u2019s downwinders.\u201d\n\nRECA provides a one-time benefit payment to individuals who may have developed cancer or other diseases after being exposed to radiation from atomic weapons testing or uranium mining, milling or transporting. The program was originally passed in 1990, but is scheduled to end in 2024.\n\nVasquez applauds the new amendment that recently passed the U.S. Senate in the National Defense Authorization Act that updates the current program by expanding eligibility to include then-residents of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. This legislation would also expand eligibility for individuals working in uranium mines, mills or transporting uranium ore after 1971.\n\nAhead of the release of the final NDAA, Vasquez praises the expansion and urges Congress to ensure the expansion of RECA stays in the final NDAA.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-stansbury-ciscomani-celebrate-committee-passage-bipartisan-bill-support", "Reps. Stansbury, Ciscomani Celebrate Committee Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Support Udall Foundation", "2023-11-16", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury (D-NM-01) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) this week celebrated the House Natural Resources Committee\u2019s passage of their bipartisan bill to support the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation. The Udall Foundation Reauthorization Act (H.R. 2882) would reauthorize the foundation, named after Arizona\u2019s former U.S. Congressmen Mo and Stewart Udall, until 2028.\n\n\"As a former Udall Foundation Fellow myself, I\u2019m proud that my Udall Foundation Reauthorization Act passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee. This bill will allow the next generation of scholars and interns to be empowered to protect and defend our environment and natural resources,\u201d said Stansbury. \u201cThrough reauthorization, I\u2019m proud to continue Mo and Steward Udall's extraordinary legacies to protect the environment and ensure Indigenous scholars can contribute their expertise to our higher education institutions and our government.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Udall Foundation is a powerful platform that honors Arizona\u2019s former U.S. Representatives Mo and Stewart Udall\u2019s legacies on our nation\u2019s natural resources and public lands,\" said Ciscomani. \u201cThis bill guarantees the continued operation of the organization, which has been an impactful avenue for students, scholars, and researchers in addressing our top environmental and natural resource concerns. With the committee\u2019s passage of the bill, it is one step closer to becoming law and ensuring the foundation is able to continue its crucial work.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Udall Foundation thanks Chair Westerman, Ranking Member Grijalva, and the Committee on Natural Resources for their support of H.R. 2882,\u201d said Charlie Rose, Chair of the Udall Foundation Board of Trustees. \u201cWe are especially grateful to our sponsor Representative Ciscomani and original co-sponsor and Committee member Representative Stansbury. The Udall Foundation will continue to deliver on our agency\u2019s nonpartisan mission of providing our Nation with environmental collaboration and conflict resolution services and education programs in the areas of environmental public policy, Tribal public policy, and Native health care.\u201d\n\n\u201cSince being established by Congress in 1992, the Udall Foundation has been a successful organization providing many scholarship and internship opportunities to educate and equip Native American students,\u201d said House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR-04). \u201cIt is a commonsense decision to reauthorize the Foundation for the next five years to ensure these valuable opportunities for the next generation. I want to thank Representative Ciscomani for leading the way on this issue and I am ready to help get it passed into law.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-announces-bipartisan-bicameral-bill-help-ranchers-make-range", "Vasquez Announces Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Help Ranchers Make Range Improvements", "2023-11-16", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On Thursday, November 16, 2023, U.S.Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced the introduction of the bipartisan and bicameral Ranching Without Red Tape Act alongside Representative John Curtis (R-UT), Representative John Duarte (R-CA) and Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) that aims to make it easier for ranchers to make minor range improvements on federal lands.\n\n\u201cIn my conversations with cattle growers and food producers, I\u2019ve heard repeatedly about unreasonable delays in the federal permitting process to make minor improvements, such as repairing a pasture fence,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cCommon-sense improvements should receive expedited approval without the red tape. I\u2019m proud to introduce the Ranching Without Red Tape Act to help put food on our tables. A simple improvement request can take years to complete, even under the best conditions, and larger improvements can take even longer. We can both protect our natural resources while also supporting small businesses with this common-sense proposal.\u201d\n\nThe bipartisan, bicameral Ranching Without Red Tape Act aims to make it easier for ranchers on federally leased lands to make range improvements without negotiating their permits or waiting months for agency responses to their requests. The bill removes bureaucratic restrictions on ranchers, allowing some of our nation\u2019s most important producers to conduct their operations more easily while protecting our lands from major unsupervised changes.\n\n\u201cWe appreciate Congressman Vasquez and his effort to reduce the red tape associated with ranching on federal lands,\u201d said President Larry Reagan, New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau. \u201cThis legislation will help ranchers get much-needed improvements on the ground faster. Ranchers are integral partners to our federal land managers in actively managing our public lands and responsibly stewarding our natural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of all.\u201d\n\n\u201cRanchers work on the ground to improve range conditions and resources. That includes repairing breached stock tanks, cleaning those tanks, laying in pipelines, storage tanks and drinkers for water distribution and many other projects that benefit livestock and wildlife and distribute animals across the landscape. Delays in approving improvements thwart wise stewardship. This cattle rancher endorses legislation, such as Ranching Without Red Tape, that seeks to eliminate those delays. I am grateful to the Congressman for working to address this issue,\u201d said Tom Paterson, owner of Spur Ranch in Catron County.\n\n\u201cAmerican ranchers are valuable stewards of our shared working lands. They work -day in and day out- to improve these vital natural resources,\u201d said Chad Franke, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union President. \u201cOur ranchers need the flexibility to make timely improvements within their grazing allotments to ensure they can remain nimble and build resilience in a changing climate. We thank Congressman Vasquez for his leadership in bringing forward this common-sense solution for our agricultural producers.\u201d\n\nThe bill is supported by New Mexico Cattle Growers\u2019 Association, New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau, Utah Farm Bureau, National Cattlemen\u2019s Beef Association, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, Wyoming Farm Bureau, American Farm Bureau Federation, Wyoming Stock Growers, and Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts.\n\nThe Ranching Without Red Tape Act allows ranchers to make minor range improvements to existing structural improvements, including fences and fence lines, wells, water pipelines, and stock tanks, in a streamlined manner and without having to renegotiate their permits. The bill would direct the Forest Service (USFS) or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to respond to minor range improvement requests from ranchers within 30 days or provide tacit approval to ranchers, allowing them to carry out the improvement by not responding. The bill would also instruct USFS and BLM to expedite permittee requests for the agency to implement improvements using tools like categorical exclusions.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-statement-safe-return-hostages-support-ceasefire", "Vasquez Statement on the Safe Return of Hostages, Support for a Ceasefire", "2023-11-16", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On Thursday, November 16, 2023, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) released the following statement on reported negotiations for the release of hostages, delivery of humanitarian aid and an initial ceasefire:\n\n\u201cI support working towards a ceasefire agreement that includes the safe return of all hostages and the delivery of critical humanitarian aid. We cannot tolerate or condone acts of violence or terrorism that threaten peace, stability, and the lives of innocent people worldwide. I strongly condemn Hamas and its actions that have brought suffering to Israeli and Palestinian communities.\n\n\u201cWe need to find immediate solutions that ensure a lasting, effective ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the safety of Israel and countless innocent Gazans. We have lost too many innocent lives.\n\n\u201cAs a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I stand in support of the Administration\u2019s diplomatic efforts to end the violence and loss of innocent civilians\u2019 lives. A ceasefire should serve to lay the groundwork for meaningful, effective negotiations that must take place now to ensure Palestinians and Israelis can live safely in a peaceful future.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/heinrich-lujan-and-vasquez-announce-historic-federal-investment-carbon-storage", "Heinrich, Luj\u00e1n and Vasquez Announce Historic Federal Investment in Carbon Storage Innovation at New Mexico Tech", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) proudly announced New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech) is set to receive $41.4 million in federal funding. This funding will be directed towards a detailed site characterization study for three proposed carbon storage sites in the San Juan Basin, a vital region in northern New Mexico.\n\nThe funding is a significant advancement in the fight against climate change and promoting sustainable energy practices in New Mexico. The Department of Energy (DOE)\u2019s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) has committed to investing $444 million in total funding to support 16 innovative carbon storage projects nationwide, and New Mexico Tech is among the selectees to receive the largest investment. This funding is a part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a key legislative achievement New Mexico Democrats worked across the aisle to pass.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased to welcome this investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support researchers at New Mexico Tech who are working to improve our understanding of this emerging technology,\u201d said Heinrich. \u201cI will continue to fight for federal investments that further position New Mexico at the center of the clean energy transition, grow our economy, and support careers New Mexicans can build their families around.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to welcome this robust federal investment for carbon storage innovation at New Mexico Tech. This critical funding, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help tackle the climate crisis, create jobs, and grow the economy,\u201d said Luj\u00e1n. \u201cThis announcement represents one of the largest investments in the country which will put New Mexico on the forefront of clean energy.\u201d\n\n\u201cAdvanced carbon capture and storage will help us safely transition to renewables. Even better, our own New Mexico Tech will continue to be a national leader in this development, thanks to the $41.4 million investment I\u2019m excited to announce today,\" said Representative Vasquez. \"This investment represents a significant step in our journey towards a cleaner, safer climate. It also demonstrates a commitment to creating jobs and driving community investment.\u201d\n\nNew Mexico Tech has previously conducted extensive studies of the subsurface conditions in the San Juan Basin. The new funds will enable the institution to move forward with detailed planning and permitting, turning these sites into operational facilities for carbon storage. This project is pivotal in de-risking the geological and financial uncertainties associated with carbon storage facilities across the U.S.\n\nThe funding will also aid in developing Carbon Management Hubs, which are critical for creating a network of interconnected hubs for carbon management across the country. \"These hubs will not only contribute to climate solutions but also ensure that communities, especially those most affected by the advancement of clean energy, are not left behind in our national effort,\" added Congressman Vasquez.\n\nSenator Heinrich, Senator Luj\u00e1n and Representative Vasquez reaffirm their commitment to working alongside federal partners, New Mexico Tech, and local communities to ensure the success of this critical project for the future of New Mexico and the nation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-ciscomani-celebrate-new-funding-southline-transmission-project", "Vasquez, Ciscomani Celebrate New Funding for Southline Transmission Project", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressmen Gabe Vasquez Vasquez (D-NM-02) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) held a press conference today to celebrate the recently announced funding for the Southline Transmission Project (Southline). Southline aims to construct a 175-mile transmission line from Hidalgo County, New Mexico in Rep. Vasquez\u2019s district, to Pima County, Arizona in Rep. Ciscomani\u2019s district.\n\nIt was recently announced as one of three projects nationwide that will receive funding through the Department of Energy\u2019s (DOE) Transmission Facilitation Program (TFP). Southline is the first phase of a larger planned transmission project to address the need for increased transfer capability in the Desert Southwest and will help unlock renewable energy resources, specifically wind and solar energy, across the region.\n\n\u201cImproving the state\u2019s transmission capacity facilitates the integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, aligning with New Mexico\u2019s goals for a sustainable and green energy future,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cMost importantly, this project fosters interstate collaboration. This pipeline between New Mexico and Arizona is a great example of successful regional collaboration, enhancing energy connectivity and resource sharing across state lines.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Southline Transmission Project will be transformative in accessing clean and reliable energy in both my district and Rep. Vasquez\u2019s district,\u201d said Ciscomani. \u201cI was proud to play a role in securing these funds and pleased to see the federal government prioritize this project and Cochise County on the national level. I\u2019m committed to working alongside Rep. Vasquez, our county and local leaders, and other partners as we strive to ensure the project\u2019s success.\u201d\n\nVasquez also sent a letter to DOE in support of the Southline Transmission Project, and in support of a renewable energy future, Vasquez recently announced $41.4M for advanced carbon capture innovation at New Mexico Tech.\n\nCiscomani, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, sent a letter to DOE in September advocating for the project\u2019s inclusion in TFP, helping to secure the selection of this project nationally. He also joined Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm for the project\u2019s announcement in Cochise County, earlier this month.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-statement-passage-cr-keep-government-open", "Rep. Stansbury Statement on Passage of CR to Keep the Government Open", "2023-11-14", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) released the following statement following the passage of the continuing resolution to keep the government open.\n\n\u201cToday, I was proud to vote to keep the government open and avert a government shutdown,\u201d Rep. Stansbury said. \u201cThis continuing resolution is a huge win for House Democrats who have fought to ensure that there were no cuts to critical programs or policy riders that would harm our communities. While we will continue to negotiate over appropriations and funding bills, this measure avoids a shutdown and ensures all our federal workers are paid. It will save thousands of New Mexicans from falling behind on bills ahead of the holiday season. It\u2019s a victory for the American people.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-bipartisan-colleagues-reintroduce-keep-physicians-serving", "Rep. Stansbury, Bipartisan Colleagues Reintroduce Keep Physicians Serving Patients Act", "2023-11-08", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Darin LaHood (R-IL), and Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) reintroduced the Keep Physicians Serving Patients Act, legislation to help ensure seniors in rural America have access to health care providers by adjusting the geographic practice cost index (GPCI) to more accurately portray the costs of practicing medicine in rural areas.\n\nThe members released the following statements:\n\n\u201cThe last thing rural communities need is to lose health care providers to an outdated, flawed reimbursement index,\u201d said Rep. Smith. \u201cModernizing the GPCI is a commonsense step we can take to ensure Medicare patients in rural America have access to care while also setting a reasonable, responsible reimbursement minimum for rural providers. I thank Reps. Sewell, LaHood, and Stansbury for partnering with me on this important legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe in Alabama have seen our rural health care providers come under immense strain, due in part to Medicare reimbursement rates that fail to fully reflect the cost of providing services in smaller, rural communities,\u201d said Rep. Sewell. \u201cBy modernizing the GPCI, this legislation would help ensure that providers are fairly reimbursed so that our health care professionals can focus on treating patients and saving lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cEnsuring Medicare providers in rural communities are not unfairly impacted from lower payments based on an outdated geographic practice cost indexes (GPCI) is critical for access to care in Illinois,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cI am proud to join this bipartisan group to introduce this commonsense bill, which will modernize the GPCI formula, accounting for the unique practice needs of rural providers, and ensure physicians can continue serving patients in need regardless of where they live.\u201d\n\n\u201cSeniors in our rural communities, and the physicians that serve them, are on the frontlines of the healthcare crisis. Rural America, especially in New Mexico, have been left behind,\u201d said Rep. Stansbury. \u201cHealth care providers are leaving rural areas because of an outdated system that doesn\u2019t accurately calculate reimburse costs, making practicing in rural areas unaffordable for providers. The Keep Physicians Serving Patients Act corrects for this by adjusting the geographic practice cost index (GPCI), assuring that the costs of practicing medicine in rural areas is accurately portrayed and reimbursed to rural providers. I\u2019m happy to join this bipartisan coalition in reintroducing this crucial piece of legislation, which will pave the way to ensure care for our seniors in rural America.\u201d\n\nCurrently, Medicare adjusts payments to providers based on GPCI estimates; however, the index consistently underestimates the costs associated with practicing medicine in rural communities. This leads to rural providers receiving lower, less competitive payment than providers practicing in more urban areas. The Keep Physicians Serving Patients Act \u2013 which you can read here \u2013 would set a permanent minimum GCPI to ensure all providers are adequately and fairly compensated for their services.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-hosts-immigrant-workers-new-mexico-ahead-introduction-immigration-and", "Vasquez Hosts Immigrant Workers from New Mexico Ahead of Introduction of Immigration and Border Bills", "2023-11-02", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, November 2, 2023, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) was joined by immigration workers from New Mexico in Washington, D.C. to announce the introduction of the Strengthening Our Workforce Act and his full package of immigration and border bills. Vasquez will introduce five immigration and border bills to address our broken immigration system by cracking down on cartels, funding border inspection technology, and addressing other complex challenges facing the U.S.-Mexico border in New Mexico.\n\nWATCH: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Press Conference\n\n\"These bills are inspired by the people, for the people. These bills are informed by immigration advocacy groups, local leaders, federal officials and economic developers. These bills are designed specifically to target criminal elements, provide immigrants with legal working status, address abuses at detention centers, and address the shortage in our agricultural workforce,\u201d said Vasquez.\n\nVasquez\u2019s bill supports lawful permanent residency for critical workers. Specifically, the bill allows immigrants who work in an industry critical to the U.S. economy, such as law enforcement, healthcare, education, energy production, emergency response and other categories, to apply for a 2-year temporary provisional status that will allow them to remain and work in the U.S. legally, continuing to contribute to our nation\u2019s workforce.\n\nImage\n\n\u201cUndocumented immigrant workers play a crucial role in New Mexico\u2019s economy, including in the oil and gas industry, and they should be credited for their outsized contributions to this country. For years, immigration reform has had fits and starts with politics getting in the way of sensible solutions. Congressman Vasquez\u2019 Strengthening Our Workforce Act is a targeted and fair approach to providing better pathways for essential immigrant workers and employers,\u201d said Marcela D\u00edaz, Executive Director of Somos Un Pueblo Unido, a statewide immigrant\u2019s rights organization.\n\n\"We are proud of the contributions that essential immigrant workers make to New Mexico's economy. I work every day to ensure that New Mexico\u2019s elderly and those facing illness have dignified care,\u201d said Maria de Jesus \u201cMarichuy\u201d Gallardo, a home healthcare aide and member of Igualdad y Derechos, an Albuquerque-based immigrants\u2019 rights, and workers justice organization. \u201cCongressman Vasquez\u2019 Strengthening Our Workforce Act will both benefit employers and workers like me in key industries who deserve workplace protections, dignified working conditions, and security for our families that allow us to continue contributing to the country we call home.\u201d\n\n\"With many uncertainties left on the table after the pandemic, our immigrant communities were affected disproportionately yet remained the strong backbone of our economy and country. We\u2019re so proud and excited to support Congressman Vazquez on the Strengthening our Workforce Act,\u201d said Ytzel Cano, Community organizer from NMCAFE.\n\nThe Strengthening Our Workforce Act is one of five bills that are a part of Vasquez\u2019s package of immigration and border bills. The other four include the Stop Coyotes\u2019 Oppression and Organized Trafficking and Ensuring Safety (COYOTES) Act, which goes after coyotes and cartels who continue to harm, human traffic, sexually assault, and kill migrant women and children. The Smart Border Protection Actensures public safety and economic opportunity in our border communities with smart technologies and improved port of entry infrastructure. The Humane Accountability Actaims to hold detention centers accountable to protect detainees who experience injuries, sexual assault or die in detention facilities and ensure detainees have access to legal resources. Vasquez already introduced the bipartisan Farm Workforce Support Act, which aims to create a pathway to H-2A visa reform for farm workers who sustain our agriculture industry.\n\n\"Many farmers and producers in Puerto Rico struggle to secure the levels of employment required for their annual production. As such, reliance on the H-2A program has increased and while I recognize the merits of the program, we must also evaluate some of the challenges that impact our agricultural communities to make policy improvements. The Farm Workforce Support Act would help us do that by requiring a report from the Comptroller General on this program that will help look into reliance on H2-A by employers and identify challenges with meeting some of the program requirements. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation alongside Representative Gabe Vazquez, Representative Juan Ciscomani, among others from both sides of the aisle, and I look forward to working together to get it across the finish line,\u201d shares Congresswoman Jennifer Gonz\u00e1lez-Col\u00f3n (R-PR).\n\nOn Monday, Vasquez hosted a press conference alongside Sunland Park City Manager Mario Juarez-Infante, Sunland Park Police Chief Eric Lopez, and President of the Border Industrial Association Jerry Pacheco.\n\n\"Thank you, Congressman Vasquez, for shedding some light and bringing awareness of what\u2019s taking place in our backyard in Sunland Park, which has an impact on the citizens and our first responders. We thank you for these initiatives and look forward to working with Congressman Vasquez,\u201d said Eric Lopez, Sunland Park Police Chief. \u201cIt\u2019s also important to us to support our local middle and high schools who cartels are targeting for recruitment, and we look forward to working together to tackle that issue as well. We appreciate the Congressman addressing the humanitarian effort in this crisis because we must ensure that those coming across are treated with dignity and respect.\n\n\"We are seeing a lot of issues, and we are working very closely with local law enforcement, border patrol and Gadsden Independent Schools and we are beginning to see some issues. What we used to see five or six years ago, we are now seeing a little more intensity and little more violence, so we need to provide that safety and that security for our residents and for our businesses. Sunland Park is a partner with the Border Industrial Association and all other local, state and federal agencies to ensure we are positioning New Mexico as an attractive place, and so we appreciate the Congressman and his focus to bring more security, to bring more manpower and to bring new technology to be able to carry forth this vision for this area,\u201d said Mario Juarez-Infante, Sunland Park City Manager, during the press conference.\n\nVasquez remains committed to the workers who fuel our economy. Earlier this year, Vasquez introduced theEnergy Workers Health Improvement and Compensation Fund Act, to prioritize the health care of energy workers, holding polluters and wealthy, out-of-state oil executives accountable during an event with Somos Un Pueblo Unido.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-calls-abbott-take-down-unconstitutional-concertina-wall-dividing-two", "Vasquez Calls on Abbott to Take Down Unconstitutional Concertina Wall Dividing Two U.S. States, New Mexico and Texas", "2023-11-01", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) again urged Texas Governor Greg Abbott to immediately remove the dangerous and unconstitutional concertina barrier recently installed to divide New Mexico and Texas. Vasquez noted that the barrier affects travel between New Mexico and Texas and directly violates the United States Constitution.\n\nImage\n\nVasquez was at the Texas-New Mexico border Monday afternoon to survey the site of Governor Abbott\u2019s latest political stunt.\n\n\u201cI write today to denounce the construction of your Texas-New Mexico concertina wall and demand the immediate removal of this unconstitutional barrier,\u201d Vasquez wrote in his recent letter to Governor Abbott. \u201cThis interstate barrier was erected without input from a single official from the state of New Mexico. Furthermore, not a single impacted stakeholder or elected official was consulted in this process, including the International Boundary and Water Commission \u2013 the Commission responsible for the U.S-Mexico boundary and the enforcement of water treaties.\u201d\n\nVasquez is committed to solving the real challenges our nation faces at the U.S.-Mexico border and our long-broken immigration system with bipartisan, common-sense proposals. Vasquez will introduce a package of bipartisan bills this week to address several of these pressing issues.\n\nVasquez\u2019s unique background, growing up in an immigrant family, working on the U.S.-Mexico border, and experiencing in the borderland positions him to lead critical conversations on immigration reform in Congress. As the first in his family to become an American citizen, Vasquez is committed to addressing the pressing challenges faced by border communities, migrants and border security personnel.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-calls-proposed-aid-israel-unserious", "Vasquez Calls Proposed Aid to Israel \"Unserious\"", "2023-11-01", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - On November 1, 2023, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) issued the following statement:\n\n\"Republicans' proposed aid to Israel is an unserious proposal at a very serious moment.\n\n\"We must seek a bipartisan resolution to fortify U.S. national security interests that support our allies, including Israel and Ukraine, and that also provides humanitarian assistance to innocent civilians caught in the crossfire in Gaza.\n\n\"Enough with the partisanship.\n\n\"Destabilizing world events call on us to meet the moment.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-calls-humanitarian-pause", "Vasquez Calls for Humanitarian Pause", "2023-10-28", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Saturday, October 28, 2023, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) issued the following statement calling for a humanitarian pause.\n\n\"Two wrongs don't make a right. The U.S. must not be complicit in the deliberate death and harm to civilians in Gaza.\n\nThat's why I'm calling on the Administration to work with Israel and its partner nations to pause this conflict and ensure that food, water, fuel and medicine are available to civilians in Gaza and that they are kept out of harm's way, as we work to release the hostages taken by Hamas.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-calls-humanitarian-pause-israel-and-gaza", "Rep. Stansbury Calls for Humanitarian Pause in Israel and Gaza", "2023-10-27", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON-Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) released the following statement calling for a humanitarian pause in Israel and Gaza.\n\n\u201cI join millions across the world, including dozens of our international allies, aid organizations, and the Administration in calling for a humanitarian pause in Gaza to secure the safety and dignity of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. In the aftermath of October 7th, the world has watched in horror and grief at the brutal and barbaric attack by Hamas terrorists on Israeli soil and grieved for the over 1,400 Israeli lives and communities shattered by this attack. The right to human safety and dignity is a basic human right, and the right of Israel as a nation to secure its safety and defend against violent attacks and foreign enemies is essential. The U.S. and the international community stands with Israel and the Israeli people in their right to do so.\n\n\"Since the attack, millions of innocent Palestinian lives have been caught in the crossfire, as children and civilians have lost their lives and millions of innocent families have been desperately displaced without food, water, fuel and medicine. While the U.S. and other allies and organizations have been working around the clock to bring aid and secure the safety of innocent families, it is clear that a humanitarian pause is needed to prevent further suffering and loss of life. That is why the international community is calling for a humanitarian pause and stands with the Palestinian families grieving and suffering.\n\n\"As we continue to work towards a lasting peace in the region, we must recognize the inherent rights and dignity of Israeli and Palestinian lives. Just as we support our allies in their inherent rights, we cannot turn a blind eye to extremism that undermines peace, security, and democracy, either through violence or through policy. I stand resolute in my support for a two state solution and for a lasting peace across the region.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-introduces-clean-water-act-2023-house-colleagues", "Rep. Stansbury Introduces the Clean Water Act of 2023 with House Colleagues", "2023-10-19", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) joins Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Rick Larsen (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) and 114 House Democrats to introduce the Clean Water Act of 2023. The legislation undoes the damage from the Supreme Court\u2019s Sackett decision by reinstating the historic and bipartisan, federal-state partnership that has protected our rivers, streams, and wetlands for over 50 years; by establishing a clear, level playing field for businesses and industries to thrive while protecting critical natural resources; and ensuring clean water for families and communities.\n\n\u201cNew Mexicans know that water is life and that we must protect our clean water,\u201d said Representative Stansbury. \u201cNow, with the recent Sackett Supreme Court decision that undermines our access to clean water, it\u2019s more important than ever that we protect our waterways. That\u2019s why I am proud to be a co-lead of the Clean Water Act to restore critical federal protections. I\u2019m grateful to partner with Ranking Member Larsen, Congressman Beyer, and Congresswoman Napolitano to deliver clean water for all.\u201d\n\n\u201cClean water means the difference between healthy communities and sick ones, thriving businesses and stunted ones, preserved natural environments and polluted ones,\u201d Ranking Member Larsen said. \u201cThe Clean Water Act of 2023 restores historic, bipartisan protections to the estimated 50% of wetlands and 70% of streams lost through the misguided Sackett decision. I commend Ranking Member Napolitano, Rep. Beyer, and Rep. Stansbury for their leadership as well as the more than one hundred House Democrats who cosponsored this critical legislation, which balances essential protections of the health of our environment and our local economies.\u201d\n\n\u201cClean water is not and should not be a partisan issue. Families depend on clean water to drink, farms depend on clean water to grow their crops, and businesses depend on clean water for a healthy economy,\u201d said Ranking Member Napolitano. \u201cThe Clean Water Act of 2023 will restore the strong federal protections struck down by the conservative Supreme Court and put back into place the successful protections which cleaned up our rivers over the last five decades. I thank Ranking Member Larsen, Congressman Beyer, and Congresswoman Stansbury for their leadership and joining me in introducing this vital legislation to protect clean water for all.\u201d\n\n\u201cEveryone needs clean water, and the Clean Water Act has been a historic success safeguarding Americans\u2019 water quality for over 50 years,\u201d said Representative Beyer. \u201cUnfortunately, the right wing of the Supreme Court recently sided with polluters to weaken essential protections for our streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. This legislation would help restore the full strength of the Clean Water Act and defend one of our most precious natural resources for generations to come.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nIn May 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) issued its Sackett v. EPA decision, which significantly narrowed the historic, bipartisan scope of the Clean Water Act (CWA). SCOTUS judicially rewrote the tests for determining what rivers, streams and wetlands retain a minimum standard of federal protection and created new criteria\u2014with no precedent in statute or in the decades-long, bipartisan agency interpretation of the Clean Water Act.\n\nIn July 2023, Ranking Members Larsen and Napolitano joined Democratic colleagues and clean water advocates for a roundtable on: \u201cMurky Waters: Navigating a Post-Sackett World.\u201d During the roundtable, members and experts discussed the potential impacts on water quality, human and environmental health, and local economies as a result of the Sackett decision. The roundtable culminated in the report titled \u201cLessons from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Democratic Roundtable \u2013 Murky Waters: Navigating a Post-Sackett World.\u201d The report outlines the real world impacts of the Sackettdecision and identifies critical waterbodies that are now at risk of degradation or destruction. The report also discusses how 50 years of federal clean water investment and progress in reviving local waterbodies could be squandered, even if proactive measures are taken at a state or local level. Lessons learned from the roundtable, along with input from communities and stakeholders, contributed to the Clean Water Act of 2023. To read the report, click here.\n\nCo-sponsors:\n\nReps. Larsen, Napolitano, Beyer, Stansbury, Aguilar, Allred, Auchincloss, Balint, Barragan, Beatty, Blumenauer, Bonamici, Bowman, Brownley, Carbajal, Cardenas, Carson, Carter, Casar, Case, Castor, Castro, Cleaver, Cohen, Connolly, Crockett, Crow, Davis (Danny), DeGette, DeSaulnier, Dingell, Escobar, Espaillat, Evans, Foushee, Frankel, Garcia (Chuy), Garcia (Robert), Garcia (Sylvia), Goldman, Gomez, Gottheimer, Grijalva, Hoyle, Huffman, Jackson Lee, Jacobs, Jayapal, Johnson, Kamlager-Dove, Kaptur, Khanna, Kilmer, Kim, Krishnamoorthi, Lee (Barbara), Levin, Lieu, Lynch, Magaziner, Matsui, McClellan, McCollum, McGarvey, McGovern, Menendez, Meng, Mfume, Moore, Morelle, Moulton, Mullin, Nadler, Neguse, Norcross, Norton, Ocasio-Cortez, Pallone, Pascrell, Payne Jr., Peters, Pingree, Porter, Pressley, Ramirez, Raskin, Ruppersberger, Salinas, Sanchez, Sarbanes, Scanlon, Schakowsky, Schiff, Schneider, Scholten, Scott (Bobby), Sewell, Smith, Stevens, Strickland, Takano, Thanedar, Thompson (Bennie), Titus, Tokuda, Tonko, Torres, Trahan, Trone, Vargas, Vasquez, Velazquez, Wasserman Schultz, Waters, Watson Coleman, Wexton, Williams, Wilson\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-statement-failed-vote-speaker-house", "Vasquez Statement on Failed Vote for Speaker of the House", "2023-10-17", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On Tuesday, October 17, 2023, U.S.Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) released the following statement on the failed vote to elect Rep. Jim Jordan to Speaker of the House.\n\n\u201cHouse Republicans are in disarray and continue to spiral into complete chaos, right in front of the American people. The far-right wing of the House GOP caused this dysfunction, and now they can\u2019t get enough votes to elect one of their own. Under former Speaker McCarthy\u2019s leadership, they failed to bring common-sense, bipartisan legislation to the floor, bringing Congress within hours of a government shutdown. Instead, House Democrats bailed out Republicans to keep the government open.\n\n\u201cJim Jordan, their latest choice, an election denier who has voted to ban reproductive rights without exceptions and slashed Social Security and Medicare. Jordan has not passed a single bill in the last 16 years in Congress. Put simply, he is unfit to lead.\n\n\u201cWe cannot address our nation\u2019s most pressing issues without a Speaker, and it\u2019s imperative that we reopen the people\u2019s House.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-condemns-violence-middle-east-advocates-peace-and-protecting-innocent", "Vasquez Condemns Violence in the Middle East, Advocates for Peace and Protecting Innocent Lives", "2023-10-16", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On Monday, October 16, 2023, U.S.Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) released the following statement condemning violence in Israel and Gaza:\n\n\u201cIt is with a heavy heart that we witness the loss of innocent lives in this tragic conflict. My support for eliminating terrorist groups, such as Hamas, remains steadfast. We cannot tolerate or condone acts of violence or terrorism that threaten peace, stability, and the lives of innocent people worldwide. I strongly condemn Hamas and its actions that have brought suffering to Israeli and Palestinian communities.\n\n\u201cHowever, we must all acknowledge that two wrongs don\u2019t make a right. The United States and the Administration must remain committed to upholding international laws and standards of war, especially during a very politically trying and emotional time. Just as we are committed to protecting innocent lives in Israel, we must protect innocent Palestinian lives in Gaza and worldwide. It is imperative that this Administration take the necessary actions to respect these humanitarian principles and take all necessary actions to stop the harm to innocent people, including children, families, and the elderly. Both Israel and the Palestinian people deserve to live in peace.\n\n\u201cI call on all parties involved in this conflict to safeguard the safety of innocent civilians, particularly children, in Israel and Gaza. And I call for the immediate release of the hostages taken by Hamas. The loss of so many lives caught in the crossfire is a tragedy that weighs heavy on my heart. In the strongest terms, I condemn all violence against civilians at home and abroad.\n\n\u201cAs a House Armed Services Committee member, I stand ready to support diplomatic efforts and funding that aim to end the violence and attacks on innocent civilians. I know that by following our guiding principles, we can find a path forward that holds terrorists accountable and ensures the safety and well-being of both the Israeli and Palestinian people.\u201d\n\nVasquez recently signed on to a bipartisan resolution to condemn Hamas\u2019 atrocious acts of terrorism on innocent civilians. Hurting the innocent anywhere is unacceptable.\n\nVasquez also signed on to a bipartisan letter, calling on the Administration to replenish and release critical security assistance to Israel and to return all hostages\u2013including Americans. The letter also urges the Administration to pressure U.S. allies such as T\u00fcrkiye and Qatar to cease support for Hamas while holding Iran accountable for funding the Hamas terrorist organization.\n\nVasquez\u2019s office has received several calls about constituents and their loved ones trying to leave Israel and Gaza. The office is doing everything possible to help people get home safely and encourages constituents to call 202-225-2365 or the State Department if they need assistance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-celebrates-national-coming-out-day-lgbtq-leaders", "Vasquez Celebrates National Coming Out Day with LGBTQ+ Leaders", "2023-10-12", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On Wednesday, October 11, 2023, U.S.Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) hosted a National Coming Out Day celebration that brought together members of the LGBTQ+ community, allies and constituents from across the district to commemorate the importance of acceptance, diversity and equality.\n\n\u201cNew Mexico has been leading the fight towards equality and a safer space for the LGBTQ+ community. In Congress, I am working to bring New Mexico\u2019s values to the federal level and ensure continued progress in the fight for equal rights,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cI am grateful to everyone who participated in our Coming Out Day event to share their heartfelt stories and experiences. You are valued, accepted and loved just the way you are, and I\u2019m committed to being an ally and advocate in Congress for the LGBTQ+ community.\u201d\n\nImage\n\nNational Coming Out Day, observed annually on October 11, serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight towards LGBTQ+ equality and the courage displayed by those who choose to live openly and authentically. Vasquez is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and this event underscored his unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive society.\n\nDuring the celebration, Vasquez delivered an address, emphasizing the need for continued progress in the fight for equal rights and recognition for all New Mexicans, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. He also highlighted his legislative efforts to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination, including his co-sponsorship the Equality Act.\n\nThe event featured an array of speakers who shared their personal stories of coming out and overcoming adversity.\n\n\u201cA big thank you to my friend U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez for hosting this event and wanting to know your coming out stories. All of our stories are unique and important as they show the different ways our families and our friends and our community either accept or not who we are and how we love,\u201d said New Mexico State Senator Carrie Hamblen. \u201cHaving people in office like Representative Vasquez matters\u2013people who will speak on your behalf and advocate for you matters.\u201d\n\nVasquez remains committed to being an advocate and ally to the LGBTQ+ community in Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-condemns-hamas-terrorist-attacks-and-stands-solidarity-israel", "Vasquez Condemns Hamas\u2019 Terrorist Attacks and Stands in Solidarity with Israel", "2023-10-11", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On Wednesday, October 11, 2023, U.S.Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) released the following statement in support of Israel and condemning Hamas\u2019 terrorist attacks.\n\n\u201cI recently signed on to a bipartisan resolution to condemn Hamas\u2019 atrocious acts of terrorism on innocent civilians. Hurting the innocent anywhere is unacceptable.\n\nMy constituents are rightly concerned about what this means for the region, for the Americans taken hostage and for the spread of antisemitism worldwide. I stand with Israel and condemn acts of violence in the strongest terms. The U.S.-Israel alliance remains crucial, and it is essential to stand together in the face of terrorism and violence.\n\nSimilarly, we must protect innocent lives across the world and that includes civilians in Gaza caught in the crossfire of this conflict.\n\nMy office has received several calls already about constituents and their loved ones who are stuck in Israel. We are doing everything we can to help people get home safely, and I encourage my constituents to call my office or the State Department if they need assistance.\u201d\n\nRep. Vasquez continues to monitor the ongoing situation and was briefed this morning by the Acting Deputy Secretary of State, the Acting Undersecretary of Defense and the Deputy Director for Mission Integration.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-statement-violence-israel", "Rep. Stansbury Statement on Violence in Israel", "2023-10-09", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) issued a statement on the ongoing conflict in Israel.\n\n\u201cI stand with the the people of Israel,\" Rep. Stansbury said. \"And, I stand in prayer with all of the families impacted by the horrific violence and in condemning the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas in recent days. My heart and prayers are with the families of all who have been lost and those who are still missing. May this continued cycle of senseless violence end and peace prevail.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-stansbury-ciscomani-introduce-bill-reauthorize-binational-water-research", "Reps. Stansbury, Ciscomani Introduce Bill to Reauthorize Binational Water Research Program", "2023-10-05", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.-01) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) introduced legislation to reauthorize the Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program (TAAP), a federal program that supports binational research on groundwater security, quantity, and quality in border communities. Full bill text is available here.\n\n\u201cBy collaborating with our regional neighbors across state lines and international borders, we are able to expand our understanding of our water resources while strengthening our binational partnership with Mexico.\u201d said Rep. Ciscomani.\u201cThis legislation will allow the crucial research between our countries to continue, ultimately benefitting water security in both the United States and Mexico.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn New Mexico, we know that water is life,\u201d said Rep. Stansbury. \u201cWe also know that water security is not assured. The reauthorization of this program will allow us to continue in taking critical steps to support groundwater research in the Southwest, and ensure the long-term water security of our communities.\u201d\n\nThe Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program Reauthorization Act (TAAP Act) continues TAAP, which was originally authorized in 2006 by U.S. Senator Jon Kyle (R-AZ) and U.S. Representative Jim Kolbe (R-AZ-05). This program facilitates studies between the U.S. Geological Service (USGS), the University of Arizona, the University of New Mexico, and Texas A&M and universities and agencies in Mexico.\n\n\u201cWater is the lifeblood of communities along the Southwest border,\u201d said Bruce Wright, a member of Ciscomani\u2019s Advisory Council and former member of the Arizona-Mexico Commission. \u201cWater is an essential element of a strong border economy, healthy environment and ecosystem, and high-quality lifestyle. During times of persistent drought and evolving climate change, it is critical that we protect our transborder aquifers and ensure that we have a reliable and safe source of water for the communities along the US-Mexico border. This is important legislation that will fund research by three universities recognized for their expertise in the management of water resources \u2013 the University of Arizona, New Mexico State University, and Texas A&M University.\u201d\n\n\u201cGroundwater from aquifers is extremely important to communities along Arizona\u2019s shared border with Sonora, Mexico,\u201d said Dr. Sharon B. Medgal, Director of the University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center (WRRC). \u201cBecause groundwater cannot be seen, studies or assessments are needed so that water users have information about groundwater quantity and quality. Continued work on assessing transboundary aquifers through the Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program will provide critically important information about the reliability of the groundwater supplies on which border communities depend.\u201d\n\n\u201cNMSU applauds the Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program (TAAP) legislation being introduced by Congresswoman Stansbury of New Mexico and by Congressman Ciscomani of Arizona,\u201d said Dr. Sam Fernald, Director of the New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute. \u201cThis legislation will be critical for New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute's (WRRI) cutting-edge research on transboundary groundwater and binational collaboration for better groundwater management. NM WRRI is a leader in Transboundary Groundwater Resilience, and this TAAP legislation supports NM WRRI\u2019s efforts to continue to lead the way in sustainable border groundwater. This legislation is vital for NMSU to support programs that improve the long term health of the binational Mesilla-Conejos Medanos aquifer that underpins the local border economy, community, and ecosystem. This work will help NMSU with its distinct research endeavors that serve diverse border communities that rely on groundwater and the emerging border industry that also relies on transboundary groundwater.\u201d\n\n\u201cGroundwater is increasingly the lifeblood of farms and ranches, streams and rivers, and cities and rural communities along the US-Mexico border,\u201d said Kevin Moran, Associate Vice President for Regional Affairs at the Environmental Defense Fund. \u201cIt is critical for local leaders and water managers to have the best science, data and tools available to effectively manage this complex and hidden resource. Since 2006, TAAP has furthered scientific research on US-Mexico transboundary aquifers while fostering collaboration between agencies and across borders. Environmental Defense Fund strongly supports the reauthorization of this legislation and believes it will contribute to ensuring water security and a thriving economy for a vital region.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-statement-house-gop-motion-vacate-speaker", "Rep. Stansbury Statement on House GOP Motion to Vacate the Speaker", "2023-10-03", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) voted yes on a GOP motion to vacate the Chair of the Speaker of the House. The vote comes just one day after a member of the Republican Party introduced a motion to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy, after months of chaos and dysfunction have divided the GOP and put the U.S. on the brink of a government shutdown.\n\n\u201cAs a New Mexican, my priority will always be to serve the people of New Mexico and this great country,\u201d said Rep. Stansbury. \u201cUnder GOP leadership, the House has turned into a political circus, unable to govern and meet its basic constitutional duties. While the GOP wastes time infighting with one another and taking our country to the brink of a shut down, millions of lives are in the balance\u2014from our active duty military, veterans, and federal workers, to our seniors and families with children. Make no mistake, this is a solemn and unprecedented moment in American democracy, as no Speaker in the history of our country has ever been voted out by a motion to vacate. But, it is emblematic of a GOP that has been overtaken by extremists and chaos, and an inability to carry basic responsibilities on behalf of the American people. That's why my priority is to ensure that we are serving the people of New Mexico, not playing political games with people\u2019s lives and American democracy, and that New Mexicans have the resources they need to thrive.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-statement-cr-keep-government-open", "Rep. Stansbury Statement on CR to Keep Government Open", "2023-09-30", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) released the following statement following the passage of the continuing resolution to keep the government open.\n\n\u201cIn a huge victory for the American people, we voted today to keep the government open and avert a government shutdown,\u201d Rep. Stansbury said. \u201cHouse Democrats have fought for weeks to avert a shutdown, driven by GOP infighting and extremist demands to defund critical programs and policy riders that would harm our communities. Today\u2019s Continuing Resolution will make sure our military and federal workers are paid, programs continue to operate at 2023 levels, and the federal government can remain operational for the next six weeks as appropriations bills are debated in the House.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is a huge win for the thousands of New Mexicans who deserve to get their paychecks and who rely on federal assistance to make ends meet. While we will continue to negotiate over appropriations and funding bills for the upcoming fiscal year, this measure avoids a shutdown and ensures all federal workers are paid. This will save hundreds of thousands of Americans from falling behind on bills and allows them to continue to put food on the table. Today, we put people over politics.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-statement-passage-bipartisan-continuing-resolution", "Rep. Vasquez Statement on the Passage of the Bipartisan Continuing Resolution", "2023-09-30", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C. - U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (N.M.-02) released the following statement following the passage of the Continuing Resolution.\n\n\u201cThe fact is a government shutdown would be detrimental for New Mexicans. In every decision I make, I put New Mexico first and today\u2019s vote protects the livelihoods of New Mexicans. I remain committed to coming to the table to work with my colleagues across the aisle. This Continuing Resolution, although frustrating and flawed, is the only option to support the people of the second district. Passing this bill will ensure critical resources are available for veterans, working families and seniors while also ensuring we have national defense and public safety resources.\n\nHowever, this compromise does not provide much-needed funding to support the good people of Ukraine. Our colleagues in the Senate have shown bipartisan support for standing up to the authoritarian dictatorship in Russia and protecting the innocent people of Ukraine. I remain committed to protecting this key Democratic, sovereign nation.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-voted-support-lgbtq-community-and-reproductive-rights", "Vasquez Voted to Support the LGBTQ+ Community and Reproductive Rights", "2023-09-29", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On Thursday, September 28, 2023, U.S.Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) voted against the Department of Defense Appropriations (DoD) Act and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations Act. As the government is on the brink of a shutdown, far-right Republicans prioritized attacking LGTBQ+ service members and their families and access to reproductive health care over national defense and national security.\n\n\u201cReproductive care is health care. At a time when states are limiting access to abortion services, we must ensure our service members can access reproductive care, regardless of where they are stationed,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cOur trans service members are equally deserving of quality care \u2013 amid constant attacks on the LGBTQ+ community\u2019s basic rights, these discriminatory amendments must be removed. Restricting any of our service members\u2019 access to essential health care is a disservice to them and their commitment to our country.\u201d\n\nThe DHS Appropriations Act cuts funding for humanitarian programs for family reunification, immigration detention oversight, and refugee processing and mandates that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) must maintain no less than 41,500 detention beds. ] Congress has called for comprehensive immigration reform and border security, but these provisions exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and do nothing to address the problem.\n\nEarlier this week, Vasquez and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) released a joint statement as Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Southwest Caucus sharing how the government shutdown will impact the border, \u201cIf the government shuts down, the federal government is telling U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents and officers they must do their job without pay. These men and women deserve more respect than that.\u201d Vasquez and Ciscomani added, \u201cNow, as our communities continue to face a fentanyl crisis, the last thing we need is agents and officers who are not properly supported. Not only will a shutdown further crush the morale of our customs agents, but it would also delay our ports of entry and stifle local economies, especially those that depend on our strong trade partnership with Mexico.\n\nThe current Continuing Resolution cuts would remove 800 Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents and officers, leading to more than 300 pounds of fentanyl entering the country. Vasquez added, \u201cThe far-right Republicans would rather avoid bipartisan solutions and close the government than address pressing issues such as border security and the fentanyl crisis.\u201d\n\nVasquez has always prioritized New Mexico in every decision. Far-right Republicans continue to hold the government hostage for their out-of-touch and hurtful priorities. However, through the chaos, Vasquez has remained focused on delivering for his constituents, including recent bills such as the VET MEDS Act to expand access to health care for rural veterans and the Parity for Tribal Educators Act to address teacher shortages at tribal schools.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/video-rep-stansbury-criticizes-house-gop-impeachment-inquiry-calling-it-effort", "VIDEO: Rep. Stansbury Criticizes House GOP for Impeachment Inquiry, Calling It an \"Effort to Undermine Our Democracy\u201d", "2023-09-28", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "VIDEO LINK: Link is available here.\n\nWASHINGTON\u2014 Today, in the first hearing for the Impeachment Inquiry of President Joe Biden in the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.-01) slammed House Republicans for engaging in the political bidding of former President Donald Trump. The hearing took place with less than 48 hours remaining until the government is set to run out of funding and shut down.\n\n\u201cLet's be clear about what this hearing actually is. It's an effort to undermine our democracy, to diminish Donald Trump's own two impeachments: his first impeachment for trying to illegally bribe a foreign government to help him with his campaign, and the second for a deadly insurrection in the halls of this Capitol,\u201d said Rep. Stansbury.\n\nRep. Stansbury slammed the House GOP for their attempts to diminish the gravity of conducting an impeachment, saying, \u201cSo, what is this hearing actually about? It's a campaign strategy,\u201d Stansbury said, continuing, \u201cIt is this committee and loyalists of Donald Trump doing his bidding to bolster his chances of winning back the White House and securing their majority in the next election. And in the process to diminish the name of impeachment, which is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Which we take an oath to uphold. And to make Donald Trump's crimes, including his two impeachments and his 91 criminal indictment counts look like they're not serious crimes.\u201d Rep. Stansbury continued by showing examples of the former President pressuring his party\u2019s members through directives on the social media platforms still available to the former President (Trump was banned from all mainstream social media platforms in wake of the 2021 insurrection.)\n\nRep. Stansbury closed her condemnation of the inquiry by assuring the House GOP Oversight that the American people can see through the political play, ending, \u201cwe know that the American people are smart, that they're not going to be fooled by what's happening here today, and especially as they shut the government down in two days with catastrophic impacts for our communities.\u201d\n\nRep. Stansbury\u2019s full remarks as delivered are below:\n\nThank you, Mr. Chairman. And I want to say thank you to Mr. Donald Trump for calling this hearing today, as it demonstrates the House GOP and Donald Trump's continued attacks on our institutions and on our democracy, and the House GOP's complete inability to govern in a serious manner as they're holding this hearing, as we see just two days before a potential devastating government shutdown and the fact that most Republican members on this committee didn't even bother to show up for the hearing this morning.\n\nTheir own star witness said right here in this committee this morning that he doesn't even believe that there's enough evidence to meet the standards needed for impeachment. And in doing this, our colleagues across the aisle are making a mockery of this institution and of our Constitution peddling conspiracy theories, peddling the conspiracy theories that Rudy Giuliani and Donald Trump themselves tried to get the American people to believe, and which Donald Trump's DOJ debunked. It's outrageous.\n\nSo, let's be clear about what this hearing actually is. It's an effort to undermine our democracy, to diminish Donald Trump's own two impeachments: his first impeachment for trying to illegally bribe a foreign government to help him with his campaign, and the second for a deadly insurrection in the halls of this Capitol after he asked his followers to tear through the halls of Congress, which they did with zip ties looking to execute the former vice president.\n\nAnd we know that Donald Trump has called for this impeachment inquiry because we have the direct evidence from his own social. You can see it right here. He says, \u201cimpeach the bum.\u201d And we also know that he's been directly coordinating with members of this committee, as reported by The New York Times right here. A member of this committee has been briefing Donald Trump on this inquiry.\n\nWe also know that if Donald Trump doesn't get his way, he wants his loyalists to shut down the government. How do we know that? Because he posted it right here on his social media and his loyalists in this committee who are doing his bidding for him today re-tweeted it. And in fact, it actually says right here that the reason why they want to defund the government and impeach is because, \u201cthis is the last chance to defund these political prosecutions against me.\u201d So, folks, this is not a serious inquiry. This is not a serious hearing. In fact, the witnesses here don't even believe there's enough evidence to impeach their own members, don't even believe there's enough evidence to impeach.\n\nIn fact, they refuse to hold a vote on the floor of the House of Representatives because they didn't have enough Republican members who would vote for it. That's why we're here today. It's outrageous.\n\nSo, what is this hearing actually about? It's a campaign strategy. It's a misuse of official resources. It is this committee and loyalists of Donald Trump doing his bidding to bolster his chances of winning back the White House and securing their majority in the next election, and in the process to diminish the name of impeachment, which is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, which we take an oath to uphold, and to make Donald Trump's crimes, including his two impeachments and his 91 criminal indictment counts look like they're not serious crimes. When you think about it, it's chilling. It's truly chilling.\n\nIt's another attack on our democracy and our institutions. It's another attack on fair and free elections and the use of this committee to try to carry it out. So, I just want to say, I think it's obvious who the grand puppet master is here. He tweeted about it on his own social. And we see the long arm, and the little hands, of Mr. Donald Trump, whose fingerprints are all over this hearing and this sham impeachment.\n\nBut we know that the American people are smart, that they're not going to be fooled by what's happening here today, and especially as they shut the government down in two days with catastrophic impacts for our communities. And with that, I yield back.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-calls-out-gop-using-hearing-distract-shutdown-and-dehumanize", "Rep. Stansbury Calls Out GOP for Using Hearing to Distract from Shutdown and Dehumanize Immigrants", "2023-09-27", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) called out House Republicans for holding a politicized hearing less than four days before a government shutdown. The hearing focused on the influx of immigration in New York and its impact on National Parks, as well as the real and present issues facing thousands of migrants in overcrowded facilities in New York. While Democrats discussed ways to ensure that shelter conditions are livable and dignified, and that migrants have the proper resources and services to facilitate their asylum and work authorization process, Republicans used the hearing to spout taking points attacking immigrants, the immigration system, and the Biden administration.\n\n\u201cThis is a humanitarian crisis. This is a serious immigration issue. We do have a humanitarian crisis happening right now. There are thousands of people coming to the United States right now. I represent a border state,\u201d said Rep. Stansbury, \u201cI represent the people of New Mexico. And we know that we have to search for real solutions.\u201d\n\nSpeaking to the importance of bipartisan immigration reform, and the impact of the looming government shutdown on immigration, Rep. Stansbury explained, \u201cWe need bipartisan immigration reform. We need a pathway to citizenship. We need an asylum system that works. We need border security that is humane and appropriate. We need to address this crisis. We need you to act. But you got to keep the government open first. And we need you to come to the table and actually work on bipartisan immigration reform.\u201d\n\nPointing to the fact that we are a nation of immigrants, Rep. Stansbury began her closing remarks stating, \u201cMy own family came through New York City in the 1850s to escape famine in Ireland, like many of your families did,\u201d she continued, \u201cif you want to be serious about immigration reform, if you want to be serious about the people of New York, if you want to be serious about helping people across the world who are struggling with violence, with famine and economic desperation, then come to the table and be serious. But don't use this committee as a political stunt. Don't use this committee to dehumanize people coming to this country. And don't use this committee as a farce to try to make the people of New York think that you actually care about them, because that's not what this is about,\u201d Rep. Stansbury closed.\n\nYou can find a video of Representative Stansbury\u2019s remarks here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-statement-2-million-grant-workforce-development-central-new", "Rep. Stansbury Statement on $2 Million Grant for Workforce Development in Central New Mexico", "2023-09-27", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) released the following statement following the announcement by the U.S. Department of Labor to provide a $2 million grant to the Workforce Connection of Central New Mexico.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m thrilled to celebrate this crucial $2 million investment by the Department of Labor towards workforce development in New Mexico,\u201d Rep. Stansbury said. \u201cI\u2019m proud that both Democrats and the Biden Administration continue to deliver on providing jobs for hard working New Mexicans, especially in contrast with the catastrophic inaction we\u2019re seeing on the right. This funding will be awarded to Workforce Connection of Central New Mexico to invest in partnerships between employers, educational institutions, and state apprenticeship agencies. Because of this investment, we\u2019re moving closer to building a more resilient and transformative future for our state.\u201d\n\nFor more information, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/bipartisan-southwest-caucus-co-chairs-vasquez-and-ciscomani-statement-impact", "Bipartisan Southwest Caucus Co-Chairs Vasquez and Ciscomani Statement on the Impact of the Potential Shutdown on the Border", "2023-09-27", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Wednesday, September 27, 2023, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02) and U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) came together to discuss the impact the potential shutdown will have on the border, a feature of both of their districts. Vasquez and Ciscomani shared the following statement:\n\n\u201cIf the government shuts down, the federal government is telling U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents and officers they must do their job without pay. These men and women deserve more respect than that,\u201d said Vasquez and Ciscomani. \u201cNow, as our communities continue to face a fentanyl crisis, the last thing we need is agents and officers who are not properly supported. Not only will a shutdown further crush the morale of our customs agents, but it would also delay our ports of entry and stifle local economies, especially those that depend on our strong trade partnership with Mexico. Nobody wins in a government shutdown. We are working together to find common-sense solutions for all our constituents.\u201d\n\nVasquez and Ciscomani have been committed to bipartisan legislation that puts their constituents first. During their first week back from the August district work period, they introduced H.R. 5470, the VET MEDS Act, which would expand access to health care for rural veterans.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-urges-social-security-administration-assist-seniors-and-resolve-wait", "Vasquez Urges Social Security Administration to Assist Seniors and Resolve Wait Times", "2023-09-27", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) has urged the Social Security Administration (SSA) to address mounting concerns about prolonged wait times for New Mexicans on the SSA\u2019s 1-800 phone service line. In a government shutdown, thousands of SSA workers will be furloughed, further extending the wait times for New Mexicans. Vasquez proactively called for immediate steps to resolve this issue that impacts constituents awaiting crucial benefits decisions.\n\n\u201cWaiting on hold can be frustrating, but when it comes to getting help with Social Security benefits it is not just a minor inconvenience, but a serious problem,\u201d said Rep. Vasquez. \u201cIt is unacceptable that New Mexicans are forced to wait to get help with their benefits\u2013or worse, not receive assistance at all. I\u2019m working to address this issue as quickly as possible to ensure those who need help can get it.\u201d\n\nThe letter to Acting Commissioner Kijakazi highlights the trend of increased wait times for calls to the SSA\u2019s toll-free number in recent years. This year, the average wait time for callers rose to approximately 38 minutes, compared to 13 minutes in 2021 and just 10 minutes a decade ago in 2013, according to SSA. Some callers have reported that they are unable to get through to reach a human at all, severely impacting their ability to access the benefits they deserve. Vasquez stressed that constituents have repeatedly reported difficulties with the hotline, underscoring the urgency of the matter.\n\nAhead of the government shutdown, the lack of federal staff to support the SSA can further impact wait times for New Mexicans who rely on social security. New Mexico's second congressional district holds the state\u2019s highest number of disabled worker beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries who rely on timely assistance, making it vital that the SSA address the escalating wait times promptly.\n\nVasquez remains committed to representing New Mexicans\u2019 interests and advocating for improved service. Constituents are encouraged to contact the office if they are facing issues with other federal agencies by visiting vasquez.house.gov.\n\nThe full text of the letter is below.\n\nI am writing to you regarding the increased wait times my constituents have faced when calling the Social Security Administration\u2019s (SSA) 1-800 number service line. These extended wait times can have major consequences on constituents awaiting a decision on benefits, which can be potentially life changing. I ask that your agency prioritize reducing these wait times to improve service to my constituents.\n\nAccording to SSA\u2019s data, the average response time for a call made to the SSA toll-free number this calendar year was around 38 minutes, up from the 2021 average of 13 minutes and almost 4 times the average wait time of 10 minutes a decade ago in 2013. This alarming upward trend is more than a minor inconvenience; nearly every casework request I have received for Social Security has mentioned problems with the hotline. I have also received complaints from several constituents explaining that they cannot contact their local Social Security office at all. New Mexico\u2019s 2nd District has both the most disabled worker beneficiaries and most Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries of any district in the state \u2013 these are constituents that need help the most, and more importantly, in a timely manner.\n\nI understand the service line has experienced disruptions in the past, and that the pandemic significantly increased the number of incoming calls. However, these extended wait times and dropped calls have resulted in the inability to access agency services for some of my most vulnerable constituents. Therefore, I request answers to the following questions:\n\nWhat is the Social Security Administration doing to actively reduce service line wait times and prevent dropped calls?\n\nWhat resources does the agency need to ensure a call is answered by a human and not an automated response?\n\nWhat proactive measures are being taken so wait times do not continue to increase further?", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-announces-bipartisan-legislation-address-teacher-shortage-indian", "Vasquez Announces Bipartisan Legislation to Address the Teacher Shortage in Indian Country", "2023-09-26", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "LAGUNA PUBELO, N.M. \u2013 On September 25, 2023, Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02) announced the introduction of the bipartisan H.R. 5669 Parity for Tribal Educators Act alongside Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) and Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME). The legislation addresses the teacher shortage in Indian Country by providing teachers and staff at Tribally-controlled schools the same federal retirement benefits as teachers at Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools.\n\nWATCH: Rep. Vasquez hosts announcement event at Laguna Elementary School\n\nImage\n\nMartha Garcia, Ramah School Board President, shares how the bill will support her community.\n\n\u201cI have met with Tribal leaders from throughout New Mexico who have shared their immense challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified teachers for their schools,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cMy bipartisan bill, the Parity for Tribal Educators Act, will help address the teacher shortage by providing all Tribal teachers with the retirement benefits they deserve and that fulfill the federal government\u2019s trust responsibility to Tribal nations.\u201d\n\nImage\n\nRebecca Touchin, Tribal Liaison and Constituent Services Representative, chats with tribal education leaders.\n\n\u201cHiring employees at tribal schools is increasingly difficult for tribal communities, and a secure retirement is an important factor in any job search,\u201d said Rep. Johnson. \u201cI\u2019m proud to support this bill to increase stability to these educators and promote the desirability of the role. Every kid deserves a quality education\u2014that begins with having a quality teacher.\u201d\n\nThe Congressman\u2019s staff hosted an event at Laguna Elementary School with Amy Suman, Pueblo of Laguna Superintendent, Eric Guiterrez, Mescalero Apache Nation Superintendent, Nolan Valdo, Pueblo of Acoma Superintendent, Willinda Castillo, To\u2019hajiilee School Principal, Martha Garcia, Ramah School Board President, David Nez, Ramah Navajo Superintendent, Bill Green, and Alamo Navajo Superintendent.\n\nImage\n\nAttendees and panelists discussing ways to work together to address hurdles tribal schools are facing.\n\nNew Mexico has ten Tribally-controlled schools, and those educators deserve the same retirement benefits educators at other BIE and public schools. In 2020, Congress expanded federal health benefits to these teachers and by ensuring retirement benefits, Congress can continue to fulfill the government\u2019s trust responsibility to Tribal nations.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the National Indian Education Association, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), and the Ramah Navajo School Board.\n\n\u201cThe National Congress of American Indians thanks Rep. Vasquez for his attention to this important issue and strongly supports the introduction of the Parity for Tribal Educators Act and urges Congress to pass this bill into law,\u201d said Larry Wright, Jr. Executive Director of NCAI.\n\n\u201cThe Parity for Tribal Educators Act would help strengthen the legacy of self-determination by putting Tribally-controlled schools like ours on equal footing with the BIE school system. We express our deep gratitude to Rep. Vasquez and Rep. Johnson for introducing this critically needed legislation,\u201d said David C. Nez, Superintendent of the Ramah Navajo School Board.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-stansbury-ciscomani-introduce-bipartisan-bill-promoting-accessibility", "Reps. Stansbury, Ciscomani Introduce Bipartisan Bill  Promoting Accessibility on Federal Lands", "2023-09-21", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.-01) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) introduced the bipartisan Promoting Accessibility on Federal Lands Act. This legislation would be a historic first step to make public lands more accessible to those with disabilities. This bill directs the United States Forest Service to conduct a comprehensive assessment of accessibility options for trails, campsites, and facilities.\n\n\u201cIn Congress, I\u2019m fighting to ensure our public lands are accessible to everyone, regardless of financial or physical ability,\u201d said Rep. Stansbury. \u201cThis legislation has support across this nation and across the aisle. I\u2019m proud to join forces with my colleague, Rep. Ciscomani, to make the great outdoors accessible to all, regardless of physical limitations.\u201d\n\n\"Arizona is home to some of our country\u2019s most beautiful and treasured trails, parks and monuments, bringing visitors from all over to our state,\u201d Rep. Ciscomani. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join Rep. Stansbury on this legislation to promote accessibility to these cherished destinations for everyone.\u201d\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Crockett, Holmes Norton, and Peltola.\n\nThe legislation is supported by REI, Vet Voice, Hispanics Enjoying Camping, and Hunting and the Outdoors (HECHO).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-calls-ndaa-conference-committee-remove-discriminatory-and-anti-choice", "Vasquez Calls on NDAA Conference Committee to Remove Discriminatory and Anti-Choice Amendments", "2023-09-20", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 This week, following the House vote to establish a Conference Committee on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) called on committee leadership to protect reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ service members.\n\n\u201cI urge the House Conference Committee to ensure service members can make their own health care decisions alongside their doctors - not the United States Congress. Our service members serve with honor and they deserve dignity and respect,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cMy top priority is and always will be to deliver for the second district while upholding New Mexico\u2019s values. I\u2019ve worked hard to advance legislation that brings good-paying jobs to our state and supports our service members. I call on the conference committee to ensure the wins I secured for New Mexico remain intact, while also protecting access to reproductive health care and supporting our LGBTQ+ service members.\u201d\n\nFollowing the passage of separate NDAA\u2019s in both the House and Senate, both chambers must negotiate differences to produce a final bill. Vasquez will continue to work with House and Senate leadership to ensure the House Republicans\u2019 egregious provisions are not included in the final defense bill.\n\nSpecifically, Vasquez called on Conferees to remove:\n\nProhibitions on the Secretary of Defense from paying for or reimbursing travel expenses relating to abortion services.\n\nProhibitions on providing gender transition services, gender reassignment surgeries, and other forms of gender-affirming care for service members and their dependents.\n\nProhibitions on displaying the Pride flag on Department of Defense property.\n\nOn Wednesday, September 20, Rep. Vasquez voted to direct conferees to remove the prohibition on the Department of Defense reimbursing expenses for service members traveling to receive reproductive health care services.\n\nAs a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, Vasquez helped draft the bipartisan NDAA for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24). Vasquez not only represents the military installations in his district, but as the only delegation member serving on an armed services committee, also represents the military interests of New Mexico at large.\n\nVasquez secured many provisions in the House version of the bipartisan FY24 NDAA, including the largest pay raise for service members in the last decade, addressing per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in drinking water around military installations, expanding military base\u2019s child care programs, improving housing for service members and more.\n\nVasquez helped deliver investments in innovation, security, research and quality-of-life improvements for servicemen and women that will support New Mexican communities. The NDAA authorizes over $2.25 billion for New Mexican laboratories and military installations.\n\nThe full text of the letter is below:\n\nDear Chairman Reed, Chairman Rogers, Ranking Member Wicker, and Ranking Member Smith:\n\nThank you for your leadership on behalf of America\u2019s men and women in uniform. I write to you to urge the conference committee to deliver a National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that protects access to reproductive services and gender-affirming health care for America\u2019s service members and supports our diverse military. Specifically, I urge the committee to remove the anti-choice and discriminatory provisions from the House-passed NDAA bill.\n\nFor 62 consecutive years, Congress has passed an NDAA in a bipartisan and bicameral fashion that has been signed into law by the President. Regardless of who occupied the White House or which party was in control of Congress, passing the NDAA was a testament to the essential work of supporting America\u2019s national defense. The House bill includes the largest increase in pay and benefits for service members in a decade, protections for clean air and water on military installations, increases in childcare programs at installations such as Holloman Air Force Base, and support for key missions that provide quality jobs in rural states, including those in New Mexico.\n\nUnfortunately, extreme anti-choice and discriminatory provisions were inserted in the bill at the eleventh hour that strip access to abortion services, eliminate gender-affirming care for transgender individuals, and prevent the Department of Defense (DOD) from supporting a diverse military that represents the makeup of our country. These amendments negatively impact the lives of our service members who need these services and detract from our national security.\n\nReproductive care is health care. With more states limiting access to abortion services, we must ensure our service members are able to access reproductive care regardless of where they are stationed. Our trans service members are equally deserving of quality care \u2013 amid constant attacks to the LGBTQ+ community\u2019s basic rights, these discriminatory amendments must be removed. Restricting any of our service members\u2019 access to essential health care is a disservice to them and their commitment to our country.\n\nAt a time when America\u2019s armed forces are facing historic recruitment and retention challenges, we should be doing more, not less, to make the military a more welcoming and attractive career path for our nation\u2019s youth.\n\nI strongly urge you to strip out these provisions, and instead, protect access to reproductive services, access to gender-affirming care, and programs that support a strong and diverse military. We must ensure that America\u2019s service members can seek the essential health care services that they\u2019ve earned and deserve, and that America\u2019s fighting force is reflective of, and values, the diversity that makes the United States the best country in the world. It is crucial to ensure these dangerous amendments are not included in the final version of this must-pass legislation.\n\nI appreciate your work on this important legislation.\n\nSincerely,\n\nGabe Vasquez\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-stansbury-and-bowman-introduces-rail-worker-and-community-safety-act", "Reps. Stansbury and Bowman Introduces the Rail Worker and Community Safety Act", "2023-09-19", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) and Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D. (D-N.Y.) introduced the Rail Worker and Community Safety Act. This bill will make much needed improvements to federal rail safety regulations, including mandates for a two-person crew, changes to ways hazardous materials can be transported, increases funding for rail safety inspectors, and codifies mandatory sick leave for all rail workers.\n\nThe bill is cosponsored by Representatives Nikki Budzinski, Yadira Caraveo, Tony Cardenas, Andre Carson, Rosa DeLauro, Mark DeSaulnier, Veronica Escobar, Adriano Espaillat, Lois Frankel, Sylvia Garcia, Eleanor Holmes Norton, William Keating, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Barbara Lee, Seth Magaziner, Betty McCollum, Joseph Morelle, Jared Moskowitz, Donald Norcross, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Brittany Pettersen, Mark Pocan, Ayanna Pressley, Andrea Salinas, Linda Sanchez, Jan Schakowsky, Adam Schiff, Mark Takano, Dina Titus, and Rashida Tlaib.\n\n\u201cThe tragedy of derailments is all too common in communities across the country,\u201d said Rep. Stansbury. \u201cIn the last year, the nation has witnessed over 1,000 train derailments, including the catastrophic derailment in East Palestine that poisoned an entire town. In my own district, in February, we had a train derailment carrying hazardous materials in Torrance County. Each time a derailment occurs, it not only endangers the crew, but it also impacts the safety of our communities. This legislation will help ensure catastrophic derailments never happen again.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur rail workers and railways have always been an essential part of our country, but they\u2019ve experienced underinvestment and dangerous working conditions for decades,\u201d said Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D. (NY-16). \u201cFrom the train derailment in East Palestine to the fight for paid sick leave for rail workers, we have seen firsthand how the neglect and exploitation of our railways and workers harms communities across the country. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to introduce the Rail Worker and Community Safety Act with Representative Stansbury to make much-needed improvements to federal rail safety regulations, support rail workers, and keep our communities safe. The operations of our railroads should not be a hazard to workers or communities across the country. We need paid sick leave, fully staffed crews, and a system to prevent dangerous derailments now, which is exactly what our bill would do.\u201d\n\nThe bill is supported by AFL-CIO, IBEW, AFGE, American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA), Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS), Brotherhood Of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division (BMWED), International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers (IBB), National Conference of Firemen & Oilers, SEIU (NCFO), International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers-Mechanical Division (SMART-MD), International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers\u2013Transportation Division (SMART-TD), Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM), and Transport Workers Union of America (TWU).\n\nYou can find a detailed one pager on the Rail Worker and Community Safety Act here.\n\nYou can find a link to the live stream of the press conference here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-statement-house-resolution-684", "Vasquez Statement on House Resolution 684", "2023-09-19", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) shared the following statement ahead of the House floor vote on House Resolution 684.\n\n\u201cI plan to vote yes on the resolution.\n\n\u201cAs a responsible gun owner, I will continue to support common sense solutions that reduce gun violence, such as the Bipartisan Background Check Act and Ethan\u2019s Law, in addition to the proposals we need to support in the state of New Mexico, like the Bennie Hargrove Gun Safety Act. We must produce constitutional, legal and enforceable solutions that will help protect our children and our families.\n\n\u201cHowever, we should all be equally concerned that the Republican-controlled House is on the verge of a government shutdown because of its internal chaos and inability to govern. We can\u2019t pass any laws in this Congress if they can\u2019t function. The Republican majority should focus on funding the government for our veterans, seniors, and Medicaid recipients who will lose vital services.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s time we put voters, regardless of party, ahead of dysfunction that does nothing to help the people of New Mexico.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-statement-interior-department-announcement-protect-buffalo-tract", "Rep. Stansbury Statement on Interior Department Announcement to Protect the Buffalo Tract and the Crest of Montezuma", "2023-09-18", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON--Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) released the following statement on the announcement by the Department of the Interior that it would use administrative authority to protect more than 4,000 acres near Placitas from mining in Sandoval County, New Mexico. The proposed administrative withdrawal would safeguard important Tribal lands, support ecological and wildlife connectivity, and boost local recreation opportunities. It would also prevent new mining claims and oil and gas development in the area for 50 years.\n\nRep. Stansbury has led on the introduction of the Buffalo Tract Protection Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, which would protect the Buffalo Tract and the Crest of Montezuma by withdrawing four parcels of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land from all forms of mineral development. Senator Martin Heinrich is leading the legislation in the U.S. Senate in partnership with Senator Lujan.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement is a crucial and long-awaited step in safeguarding the sacred lands and wildlife of our communities, especially in this critical corridor connecting the Sandia Mountains through Las Huertas and Placitas to the communities of the Rio Grande Valley,\u201d said Rep. Stansbury. \u201cI want to thank my dear friend Secretary Haaland and President Biden for their efforts to protect these 4,000+ acres in Sandoval County. I am grateful that the voices of our Pueblo communities, Placitas residents, and local stakeholders have been centered in this decision. In Congress, I am proud to join Senator Heinrich in leading legislative efforts to permanently protect these important and ancestral lands.\u201d\n\nMore information on the proposal can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-ciscomani-introduce-bipartisan-effort-ensure-continued-access-rural", "Vasquez, Ciscomani Introduce Bipartisan Effort to Ensure Continued Access for Rural Veterans Seeking Disability Exams", "2023-09-18", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) introduced a new effort to ensure that rural veterans have continued access to certified health care providers for required disability claim exams.\n\n\u201cNew Mexico is home to more than 144,000 veterans, and too many are facing obstacles to obtain their health care coverage. I\u2019m proud to partner with Rep. Ciscomani to get our veterans the health care they deserve,\u201d said Vasquez, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. \u201cI will always stand up for our veterans in rural areas to ensure they can have access to critical exams and other care \u2013 this bipartisan bill will do just that.\u201d\n\nThe Veteran Medical Exams for Distant Areas (VET MEDS) Act would extend a provision for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) certified contractors to conduct exams across state lines. The Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 allowed certain exam providers to practice across state lines, but the authority is set to expire in January 2024. The VET MEDS Act would extend the provision until September 2028, which is critical as tens of thousands apply for new benefits under the PACT Act. The legislation is co-led by Reps. Jerry Carl (R-AL-01) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-03).\n\n\u201cWith over 70,000 veterans in my district, I am committed to doing all that I can to ensure our veterans have access to convenient and high-quality care,\u201d said Ciscomani, a member of the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation extends a commonsense provision to cut red tape that prevents our veterans from receiving the benefits they deserve.\"\n\nThe legislation is supported by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, AMVETS and Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).\n\n\u201cWith more veterans seeking the benefits they\u2019ve earned, it\u2019s imperative that VA contract examiners are allowed to see veterans regardless of state licensing requirements,\u201d said DAV National Service Director Jim Marszalek. \u201cExtending this expiring authority until 2028 ensures the VA can serve more veterans, particularly those in rural areas, by allowing examiners to work wherever needed. With more examiners seeing more veterans, the VET MEDS Act will also help reduce the VA claims backlog. DAV is proud to support this crucial legislation, and we thank Rep. Ciscomani for his leadership in introducing the bill.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe VFW supports the Veteran Medical Exams for Distant Areas (VET MEDS) Act that extends temporary authority regarding license portability to September 1, 2028,\u201d said Quandrea Patterson, the Associate Director for the VFW\u2019s National Legislative Service. \u201cThis allows the Veterans Benefits Administration to continue conducting exam appointments at a faster rate to the benefit of veterans. With well-developed procedures accompanied by proper oversight and clear guidance on the execution of this practice, the extension of license portability will be instrumental in the exam processing of PACT Act claims and all service-connected claims going forward. The VFW thanks Representatives Ciscomani, Vasquez, Carl and Gluesenkamp Perez for introducing this important piece of legislation.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/leger-fernandez-stansbury-and-vasquez-share-joint-statement-bill-richardsons", "Leger Fern\u00e1ndez, Stansbury and Vasquez Share Joint Statement on Bill Richardson\u2019s Funeral Services", "2023-09-14", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On Thursday, September 14, 2023, U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fern\u00e1ndez, Melanie Stansbury and Gabe Vasquez shared a joint statement ahead of Governor Bill Richardson\u2019s funeral services in Santa Fe.\n\nWATCH: Leger Fern\u00e1ndez, Stansbury and Vasquez commemorate Richardson\n\n\u201cGovernor Bill Richardson was a mentor to so many, an inspiration to New Mexicans, and is a man worthy of the legacy he left behind. As we carry forward many of the Governor\u2019s priorities in Congress and grieve for his family, we are proud to memorialize his time serving our nation. We are saddened we cannot go home to attend his funeral service, but Congress is in deep debate on appropriations. We know that Bill would have stayed in Washington, D.C., to fight for funding, our New Mexico communities, and against a government shutdown. We will honor his spirit of public service and legacy by fulfilling our duties in Congress.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-calls-out-gop-hypocrisy-oversight-hearing-judicial-ethics", "Rep. Stansbury Calls Out GOP For Hypocrisy in Oversight Hearing on Judicial Ethics", "2023-09-14", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Yesterday, in a hearing at the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.-01) called out House Republicans for their dismissal of judicial ethics and unethical use of dark money to undermine our fundamental rights in the legal system. The hearing on third-party litigation was an announced attempt by Committee Republicans to show \u201chow left-wing activists are funding litigation against companies and agencies to achieve liberal policy goals.\u201d In response, Rep. Stansbury called out Republicans ignorance of the growing ethical crisis facing the Supreme Court and collaboration with dark money networks to advance an extreme right-wing agenda.\n\n\u201cI'm grateful that the Oversight is having a hearing today on judicial activism and dark money influences, especially when we're seeing one of the most corrupt dark money influence courts ever in American history,\u201d Stansbury started, continuing, \"we're seeing a Supreme Court and justices who are taking lavish vacations and kickbacks from wealthy donors, hearing cases that are funded directly and indirectly by right wing donors and organizations, and in the process, systematically gutting the American judicial system and undermining our fundamental rights. Rights like the right to control our own bodies, to be safe in our communities, and rights to live free and healthy lives in our communities.\u201d\n\nDuring the hearing, Stansbury named the dark money organizations and individuals bankrolling anti-abortion, anti-Tribal sovereignty, and anti-clean water court decisions, aided by the support of right-wing Supreme Court Justices. Discussing the importance of this impact on our nations judicial system, Stansbury stated, \u201cSo if the majority wants to talk about dark money and activist courts, I am so here for it. And let's talk about the ways that it's actually undermining our fundamental rights, our Constitution, and our judicial system in this country. Because I have to say that I have never, in my lifetime, seen a more activist court, and a court that is more influenced by dark money than what we're seeing in this country right now. And I believe that it is one of the most significant threats to our democracy.\u201d\n\nYou can find the video of the hearing here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-statement-gun-violence-new-mexico", "Rep. Vasquez Statement on Gun Violence in New Mexico", "2023-09-12", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) released the following statement regarding gun violence in New Mexico.\n\n\u201cGun violence is a national crisis that is deeply impacting our families, our children, and our schools. We must address this crisis by keeping New Mexico families safe while also supporting solutions that are constitutional and protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. I look forward to working with the Governor to address this crisis while taking the most effective, legal steps to stem the scourge of gun violence.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansburys-statement-911-anniversary", "Rep. Stansbury's Statement on 9/11 Anniversary", "2023-09-11", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014Rep. Melanie Stansbury released the following statement on the anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks.\n\n\u201cToday, we remember the thousands of innocent lives who were tragically taken in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. As we mark this somber anniversary, let us stand together in unity, honoring their memory and working towards a more peaceful and understanding world. In New Mexico, we are honoring Alfred Marchand \u2013 a flight attendant from Alamogordo who was tragically murdered when his assigned flight crashed into the World Trade Center. As we continue to mourn these devastating losses, this is also a moment to thank our first responders whose bravery and courageously saved so many lives. In Congress, I will continue to fight for the resources that our heroic first responders need to care for their visible and invisible wounds.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-launches-agriculture-advisory-group-give-voice-new-mexico-agriculture", "Vasquez Launches Agriculture Advisory Group to Give a Voice to New Mexico Agriculture", "2023-09-08", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. \u2013 Throughout August, Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02) met with agricultural producers and workers across New Mexico\u2019s second congressional district to discuss their goals for the upcoming Farm Bill. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, Rep. Vasquez is an important member that will help secure New Mexico\u2019s priorities in the bill. On September 7, Rep. Gabe Vasquez released his Farm Bill priorities.\n\n\u201cMy top priority is to make sure that New Mexicans\u2019 voices are heard in Washington,\u201d said Rep. Vasquez. \u201cAs we draft this year\u2019s Farm Bill, I\u2019m meeting with people involved in all aspects of New Mexico\u2019s agriculture - including farmers, ranchers, farmworkers and agricultural researchers. I am excited to continue working across the aisle to include New Mexico-focused priorities in the Farm Bill, that\u2019s why I\u2019m especially proud to have been joined by Chairman Thompson to hear from stakeholders in my district. I look forward to working with him on a bipartisan bill.\u201d\n\nImage\n\nRep. Gabe Vasquez convened a meeting with his newly created Agriculture Advisory Group to share their priorities for the Farm Bill with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Thompson (R-PA-15) and Ranking Member Scott (D-GA-13)\n\nOn August 24, Rep. Vasquez announced the formation of his Agriculture Advisory Group, composed of agricultural leaders from all across New Mexico\u2019s second congressional district, during a meeting with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn \u201cG.T.\u201d Thompson (R-PA-15) and Ranking Member David Scott (D-GA-13). The meeting was an opportunity for groups representing New Mexico\u2019s diverse agriculture industry to voice their concerns and needs directly to bipartisan leaders in Congress. Vasquez will continue to convene the advisory group to ensure that New Mexico\u2019s agricultural interests are represented at the federal level.\n\nOn August 23, Vasquez convened a roundtable of researchers from the University of New Mexico to hear about their findings from a recent study on basic needs and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Almost a quarter of New Mexicans are enrolled in SNAP, the largest share in the nation. The Farm Bill provides funding for essential food insecurity programs such as SNAP. Vasquez is committed to protecting these programs and will not let partisan politics interfere with this vital lifeline for so many New Mexicans.\n\nRep. Vasquez also met with the Los Lunas Agricultural Science Center and visited a poultry farm in the South Valley. In addition, Vasquez met with Acoma Pueblo rancher Gilbert Louise III, where he discussed water availability and the importance of federal conservation programs to Tribal ranchers.\n\nRep. Vasquez later traveled to Deming, where he met with Don Hartman, a rancher and the chair of the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau\u2019s Labor Committee, and with farmworkers from both Deming and Hatch. Vasquez discussed the ways that he is prioritizing providing support to farm workers in the upcoming Farm Bill.\n\nFollowing Vasquez\u2019s advisory group meeting and multiple visits throughout the district, Vasquez sent a letter to Chairman Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson and Ranking Member David Scott outlining his goals for the Farm Bill. Vasquez\u2019s priorities were informed by meetings and conversations he has had across the district over the last several months. The priorities include supporting ranchers and farmers, boosting voluntary conservation programs, protecting nutrition programs such as SNAP, supporting forestry and preventing wildfires, enhancing rural infrastructure, and funding the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s Climate Hubs.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-leads-letter-blm-proposed-public-lands-rule", "Rep. Stansbury Leads Letter on BLM Proposed Public Lands Rule", "2023-09-07", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.-01) led a letter to the Bureau of Land Management alongside Reps. Teresa Leger Fernandez, Steven Horsford, Susie Lee, Mike Levin, Dina Titus, and Gabe Vasquez. The letter concerns a proposed Public Lands Rule by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which was discussed in the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, where she serves as Ranking Member. The proposed rule has received significant public interest, with over 150,000 public comments submitted. The letter highlights the progress this rule will be making in land management and conservation while asking for clarification and highlighting potential areas to improve the rule.\n\n\u201cBy promoting resilience and landscape-level planning on federal lands and placing conservation as a land use on equal footing with other land uses, the proposed rule represents a significant step forward in the management of America\u2019s public lands,\u201d the Members wrote.\n\nBuilding on witness testimony from late May, the letter requests the following of the BLM regarding the proposed rule:\n\n\u00b7 Clarification on compatibility with renewable energy development\n\n\u00b7 Consideration for arid ecosystems\n\n\u00b7 Preservation of State Director decision-making authority\n\n\u00b7 Inclusion of state and local governments in holding conservation leases\n\n\u00b7 Additional opportunities for community feedback\n\nYou can find the full text of the letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/new-dems-urge-speaker-mccarthy-bring-administrations-supplemental-request", "New Dems Urge Speaker McCarthy to Bring Administration\u2019s Supplemental Request to the Floor to Address the Border and the Fentanyl Crisis", "2023-09-07", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Last week, New Democrat Coalition (NDC) Immigration and Border Security Task Force Chair Greg Stanton (AZ-04) and Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) led a letter urging Speaker McCarthy to bring the Administration\u2019s proposed supplemental funding legislation to the House floor next month. The Administration\u2019s request provides $4 billion to secure the border and streamline immigration processes in addition to nearly $800 million to address the flow of illicit fentanyl into the country.\n\nNew Dems are working with the Administration to advance durable solutions to the issues facing us at our southern border. Following the release of the Administration\u2019s supplemental funding request, Chair Stanton and Rep. Vasquezapplaudedthe Administration for building on the Coalition\u2019s work and pledged to work across the aisle to advance the critical funding effort.\n\n28 Members signed onto the letter to Speaker McCarthy, which reads in part:\n\n\u201cSecuring our nation\u2019s southern border is a shared responsibility for all members of Congress. We ask that you expeditiously bring this supplemental appropriations package before the House. The critical investments in the legislation provide $4 billion in funding for DHS to bolster border security operations, deliver essential assistance to migrants, and expand deployment of NII to interdict illicit fentanyl.\u201d\n\nYou can read the full letter to Speaker McCarthy below:\n\nDear Speaker McCarthy,\n\nWe write to you today requesting that you bring the President\u2019s proposed supplemental appropriations legislation to the House floor during the September work period. This legislation funds $4 billion in border security measures, migrant assistance, and anti-smuggling technology as part of the full supplemental appropriations request addressing disaster response and our national security. We strongly support these critical investments to expand counter-fentanyl activities and strengthen efforts to maintain a secure southern border.\n\nEarlier this year, we wrote in support of emergency supplemental appropriations, recognizing the dire need for additional funding for Customs and Border Protection at the border, enhanced technology to stop the flow of fentanyl into the United States, and added resources to support a safe and humane immigration process. We appreciate the Administration submitting this request to Congress and urge you to bring it before the House for a vote during the upcoming work period.\n\nIllicit substances like fentanyl and other deadly synthetic opioids have wreaked havoc on communities throughout the country for years. In 2021, more than 100,000 Americans died from drug overdoses, with two-thirds of those deaths coming from synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Taking proactive steps to combat fentanyl trafficking will save lives. Specifically, deploying Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) technology at ports of entry will prevent hundreds of thousands of pounds in illicit synthetic opioids from ever reaching our communities over the next year. We strongly support the request for $416 million to expedite the deployment of this technology at ports of entry along our southern border.\n\nIt is also imperative to ensure that DHS, HHS, and other federal agencies have the proper resources and personnel to accomplish their mission of maintaining border security while assisting refugees and processing migrants. The Administration\u2019s request for an additional $4 billion for border management, immigration processing, and other programs will significantly contribute to DHS\u2019s ability to efficiently process migrants at ports of entry, and to provide essential resources to recently released migrants through initiatives like the Shelter and Services Program.\n\nSecuring our nation\u2019s southern border is a shared responsibility for all members of Congress. We ask that you expeditiously bring this supplemental appropriations package before the House. The critical investments in the legislation provide $4 billion in funding for DHS to bolster border security operations, deliver essential assistance to migrants, and expand deployment of NII to interdict illicit fentanyl.\n\nIn addition, we strongly support the requests for additional funding to aid Ukraine in their fight against the Russian invasion and strengthen wildfire response and disaster recovery. These requests, in combination with those for border security, will save American lives and safeguard our democratic values.\n\nAs elected Representatives, our top priority is to ensure the protection and well-being of our constituents. We advocated for this funding request because we know these resources will save lives, improve security at the southern border, and make our communities safer. We urge you to allow the House to vote on these critical resources and deliver for the American people.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-statement-passing-governor-bill-richardson", "Rep. Stansbury Statement on Passing of Governor Bill Richardson", "2023-09-02", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Albuquerque, NM \u2014Rep. Melanie Stansbury released the following statement on the passing of former Governor Bill Richardson:\n\n\u201cGovernor Bill Richardson has left an indelible mark on New Mexico politics and public service. Throughout his career as Governor, Member of Congress, UN Ambassador, Secretary of Energy, and in international diplomacy\u2014he lived and loved big, mentored a generation of leaders, and served our great state and nation.\n\n\"I first met Governor Richardson as a young person when he was my Congressman\u2014and like so many others, was catalyzed into a path of public service on behalf of our state.\n\n\"Governor Richardson\u2019s loss will be felt across the planet. My prayers go out to his family and all who are remembering and grieving his loss and this giant in New Mexico politics.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-statement-bipartisan-congressional-delegation-indo-pacific", "Rep. Stansbury Statement on Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to the Indo-Pacific:", "2023-08-31", "2023", "2023-08", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.\u2014Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01), who serves as the Ranking Member on the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and as a Member of the Indo-Pacific Task Force, issued the following statement on the Committee\u2019s bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to the Indo-Pacific.\n\nYou can view photos from the CODEL here.\n\n\u201cOn this trip we traveled and met with officials from Micronesia, Palau, the Marshall Islands, Guam, Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, discussed the reauthorization of the Compacts of Free Association currently pending before Congress, and the need to support our veterans, regional and global security, economic opportunity, and climate resilience across the region.\n\n\u201cI was especially honored to have the opportunity to meet and express my gratitude to our veterans and American service members serving in the region and to better understand the crucial ties the region has to New Mexico\u2019s First Congressional District, which I proudly represent back home. From Kirtland Airforce Base and Sandia National Labs, to New Mexicans serving in the Armed Forces in the Indo-Pacific, our ties are strong.\n\n\u201cOur trip began in Honolulu, where we toured military installations and received briefings at the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, focused on strategic priorities and operations in the Pacific. We also visited the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and learned about the incredible work this agency does to recover American military personnel listed as prisoners of war (POW) or missing in action (MIA) from military conflicts around the world. We were deeply moved to hear the stories of families impacted by the work of this department, which will play a vital role in the search for and recovery of the nearly 81,000 service members still missing from conflicts dating back to WWII.\n\n\u201cFrom Hawaii, we headed to Guam, where the Committee hosted a historic field hearing on U.S. Indo-Pacific relations, the Compacts of Free Association currently pending before Congress and the Committee, and opportunities to strengthen our partnerships with our Island partners and allies. This was the first time in over 15 years that a hearing was held to discuss the state of our national security and relationships in the Indo-Pacific. We also met with high-level officials in Guam including the Governor, Legislature, and National Guard, and received high-level briefings from military officials to better understand the importance of strong military partnerships in the region.\n\n\u201cNext, we visited Palau to gain better insight into U.S. partnerships with the nation of Palau and our joint interests in the Indo-Pacific. We met with the President, Members of the Cabinet, and the Congress of Palau to discuss the Compacts of Free Association currently pending before the Committee and shared commitments to security, economic prosperity, and environmental sustainability in the region. We also met with agricultural specialists and toured the joint operations center that supports the Palau Maritime Security Governance Project to discuss food security, illegal fishing, and economic opportunity. Finally, we visited the island of Peleliu and met with Palauan Veterans of the U.S. Military and paid our respects to the U.S. Marines who bravely fought there in WWII.\n\n\u201cWe then traveled to the island nation of the Federated States of Micronesia to meet with top-ranking officials in the Micronesian government. We discussed critical issues facing the nation, the strategic importance of our partnership in the region, and the need for reauthorization of the Compacts and their critical implications for Micronesian communities, including health, education, and addressing the impacts of climate change.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur visit to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, home to many U.S. service members, including many New Mexicans, highlighted the importance of fostering and strengthening our relationships in the region for national and global security and the need to address the priorities of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, including the ongoing and devastating impacts of U.S. nuclear testing in the region.\n\n\u201cOn our last day, we surveyed the fire damage in Lahaina in Maui with the Hawaii Governor and Congressional Delegation. There are not words to describe the devastating loss and heartbreak of seeing this catastrophic damage first-hand. While the people of Maui are resilient, and first responders, aid workers, and clean-up crews are working around the clock, we know that the long road to recovery and rebuilding lies ahead. As a Member of Congress, representing a state that has experienced its own catastrophic fires, I am deeply committed to supporting these communities as they recover and rebuild and to fight to ensure they have the resources and support to do so.\n\n\u201cI return to the U.S. deeply touched by this trip, encouraged by the constructive dialogues that took place, and the potential for bipartisan cooperation to advance critical legislation in Congress to reauthorize the Compacts of Free Association and to address the needs of our veterans, global security, economic development, and climate resilience across the region. Together, we have reaffirmed our nation\u2019s commitment to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific and to the economic prosperity and well-being of our island communities and allies.\u201d\n\nThe full bipartisan delegation included Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark), Rep. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-CNMI), Rep. Amata Radewagen (R-American Samoa), Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.), Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.), Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.), Rep. Jim Moylan (R-Guam), and Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.)\n\nThe Congressional Delegation\u2019s Itinerary is Below:\n\nAugust 21-22: The Congressional Delegation toured military installations in Hawaii, including briefings at the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command focused on strategic priorities and operations in the Pacific, and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, which helps to recover American military personnel listed as prisoners of war (POW) or missing in action (MIA) from past conflicts around the world.\n\nAugust 23-24: The Congressional Delegation visited Guam and hosted a field hearing with representatives of the U.S. Territories and Freely Associated States on the strategic importance of relationships in the Indo-Pacific and the Compacts of Free Association currently pending reauthorization in Congress. In Guam, the Delegation met with Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, Members of the Legislature of Guam, and service members serving in the Guam National Guard. CODEL Members also received high-level briefings from military officials on Pacific operations and heard from local business leaders about the challenges and opportunities they face. You can watch the committee clip here.\n\nAugust 25-26: The Congressional Delegation visited Palau and met with President Surangel Whipps Jr., Ministers of State, Finance, Agriculture, Fisheries, Environment and Infrastructure, and Members of the Palau National Congress to discuss shared strategic and economic goals and the Compacts of Free Association. Members also met with agricultural specialists and toured a joint operations center supporting the Palau Maritime Security Governance Project, to discuss joint U.S.-Palau efforts to address food security, illegal fishing, and economic opportunity in the region. Finally, the delegation visited the Island of Peleliu and met with Palauan Veterans of the U.S. military and paid their respects to the U.S. Marines who bravely fought on the island in WWII.\n\nAugust 26-27: Members visited the Federated States of Micronesia and met with top-ranking officials in the Micronesian government, including President Wesley Simina, Cabinet Officials, and Members of the Congress of Micronesia. Officials discussed priority issues facing the county, the strategic importance of a strong U.S.-FSM partnership in the region, and the need to reauthorize the U.S. Compacts in a timely manner to address health, safety, and educational needs in Micronesia.\n\nAugust 27-28: The Congressional Delegation visited the Republic of the Marshall Islands and met with President David Kabua, Cabinet Officials, and Members of the Congress of the Marshall Islands to discuss the importance of U.S.-RMI relations and pending Compacts. Members discussed the importance of the Compacts, the need to address ongoing impacts of the nuclear legacy in the Islands, and needs to address climate change. CODEL Members also spent time on the island of Kwajalein where they met with U.S. military members stationed there and were briefed on the strategic importance of U.S. Army Garrison Kwajalein.\n\nAugust 28: The Congressional Delegation joined Governor of Hawaii Josh Green and Members of the Hawaii Congressional Delegation to survey the fire damage in Lahaina in Maui. The Delegation received briefings from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. military personnel, and first responders involved in search and recovery, Red Cross and emergency relief providers, and met with officials to discuss immediate needs and support for the people of Maui.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:30:18Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/stansbury-bennet-schumer-introduce-legislation-invest-outdoor-recreation-boost", "Stansbury, Bennet, Schumer Introduce Legislation to Invest in Outdoor Recreation, Boost Rural Economies", "2023-08-30", "2023", "2023-08", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) introduced the Rural Outdoor Investment Act to promote economic growth in rural communities by investing in outdoor recreation infrastructure, planning, and business development. Bennet has urged the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to consider this legislation.\n\n\u201cIn Colorado, outdoor recreation is an economic engine for communities and a cornerstone of our Western way of life,\u201d said Bennet. \u201cThis legislation will expand recreation options, create good-paying jobs, and support local businesses so that as demand for outdoor recreation in Colorado grows, rural economies grow too.\u201d\n\n\u201cSince the start of the pandemic, Americans have ventured outdoors with a renewed passion for experiencing nature \u2013 but investment for this vital economic engine has remained trapped inside,\u201d said Schumer. \u201cSenate Democrats have been laser-focused on making an economy that works for everyone, including our rural communities. That is why I am proud to re-introduce the Rural Outdoor Investment Act with Senator Bennet. In business, ROI means \u2018return on investment,\u2019 and it is fitting this bill shares the same abbreviation because that is exactly what you get with this legislation: more good paying jobs, a boost to the tourism economy, and thriving small businesses. By strengthening our rural outdoor recreation economies, we could give a breath of fresh air to main streets across the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cNew Mexico is a powerhouse in the outdoor economy, with our beautiful and wild landscapes and thriving local economies, which is why I am proud to introduce the Rural Outdoor Investment Act with Senator Bennet,\u201d said Stansbury. \u201cThe outdoor economy brings billions of dollars to New Mexico every year and employs over 35,000 people across the state. New Mexico is proof that investments in our outdoor economies help revitalize and create opportunity in our rural communities. This legislation centers and supports these communities, providing support for outdoor recreation infrastructure, planning assistance, and financial support for businesses. I know this bill will help support our communities and protect our outdoor spaces for generations to come.\u201d\n\nThis legislation would provide vital capital to rural communities across the country working to revitalize and grow their economies through the outdoor recreation industry by providing $50 million a year in recreation and economic development funding. It would also promote collaboration between the Economic Development Administration (EDA), USDA Rural Development, and the Small Business Administration to educate communities and businesses about existing federal resources.\n\nSpecifically, the Rural Outdoor Investment Act would invest:\n\n$30 million for public works through EDA. This would fund necessary infrastructure improvements from signage, to boat ramps, to new trails;\n\n$5 million for planning grants through EDA for communities to create recreation economy plans that optimize their natural places including marketing, branding, business development, fundraising, and tourism management;\n\n$2.5 million in university partnerships to promote place-based research, education, and technical assistance to local stakeholders and businesses for this high growth sector; and\n\n$12.5 million for the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities grants for Main Street revitalization through outdoor recreation.\n\n\u201cColorado is home to world-class outdoors and unique public lands that offer endless opportunities for adventure. I applaud Senator Bennet\u2019s introduction of The Rural Outdoor Investment Act, which would create new resources for Colorado communities to grow their economies and ensure the outdoor recreation industry continues to succeed. As Colorado\u2019s outdoor economy continues to grow, we must find innovative ways to uplift small businesses, create new jobs, and protect Colorado\u2019s public lands,\u201d said Colorado Governor Jared Polis.\n\n\u201cThis legislation will provide crucial funding to boost our rural communities through strategic investments in outdoor recreation. With substantial resources allocated annually for infrastructure, planning, and business assistance, we can create local jobs, boost our economy, and provide a sustainable outdoor experience that meets the unique needs of our community. Let's seize this opportunity to revitalize our region and preserve our natural treasures for future generations,\u201d said the Larimer Board of County Commissioners.\n\n\u201cNW Colorado communities and their economies benefit greatly from the wide range of outdoor recreation including hiking, biking, hunting and many other outdoor activities. The Rural Outdoor Investment Act aims to help further diversify and strengthen our economy in Craig and Moffat County. Craig and Moffat County Chamber of Commerce enthusiastically supports this legislation,\u201d said Jennifer Holloway, Executive Director, Craig Chamber of Commerce and Moffat County Visitor Center.\n\n\u201cVisit Moffat County / Moffat County Tourism Association enthusiastically supports the Rural Outdoor Investment Act legislation. Craig, Colorado and the surrounding region has world class topography that would be perfect for new outdoor recreation opportunities. Planning and proper management of these opportunities would be highly beneficial to Moffat County citizens and visitors alike,\u201d said Tom Kleinschnitz, Director, Visit Moffat County.\n\n\u201cRural communities across the country, especially those that have suffered a long history of the unpredictable boom and bust cycles of extraction, have seized the opportunity to leverage the outdoor recreation industry as the key economic driver in their cities and towns to build sustainable growth and provide durable jobs. A successful outdoor recreation economy doesn\u2019t happen by accident. It thrives on investments in trail infrastructure, riverfront projects, public lands, parks, and walkable and bikeable pathways to our schools and businesses. The Rural Outdoor Investment Act is an important piece of legislation that will provide funding to help these communities invest in and grow their local economies. Furthermore, the recreation economy those investments help create is defined by more than jobs and economic growth; it brings a quality of life that residents can enjoy every day, and that attracts young families and growing companies who strengthen and diversify our rural economies. The outdoor recreation economy is a powerhouse economic driver that sustains rural communities,\u201d said Sarah Shrader, Owner and Co-Founder, Bonsai Design and President, Outdoor Recreation Coalition of the Grand Valley.\n\n\"As evidenced by the hundreds of rural communities who have applied for federal technical assistance to support economic development through outdoor recreation in recent years, as well as the unprecedented numbers of Americans flocking to the outdoors, we have an outstanding opportunity to meet the moment through the Rural Outdoor Investment Act,\u201d said Jessica Wahl Turner, President, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. \"The ROI Act is aptly named as it will help bring rural communities a big return on outdoor recreation investments in the form of social, economic, and environmental benefits for locals and visitors alike. We applaud Senators Bennet, Schumer, and Congresswoman Stansbury for introducing this commonsense and essential legislation that will support our nation\u2019s rural communities and residents.\u201d\n\n\"We at The Conservation Alliance are proud to support Senator Bennet and Senate Majority Leader Schumer's Rural Outdoor Investment Act. Many of our 270+ members rely on access to the outdoors and outdoor infrastructure for success, and this piece of legislation is an important step forward for the wellbeing of our industry, recreationists, and communities. The ROI Act would provide an infusion of support for small communities as they continue to develop resilient, vibrant ecosystems anchored by entrepreneurialism and recreation opportunities. The strategic investments proposed in the bill will move the needle on those priorities that matter most to our members, and will surely help communities across the nation succeed in their transition toward more modern and sustainable economies,\u201d said Shoren Brown, VP of Public Affairs, The Conservation Alliance.\n\n\u201cThe Rural Outdoor Investment Act will deliver much-needed funding for outdoor recreation infrastructure in rural communities at a time when a historic number of Americans are rediscovering their passion for getting outdoors. We applaud Senator Schumer for leading the charge to protect and expand outdoor recreation opportunities and look forward to working with him to pass this vital measure,\u201d said Frank Hugelmeyer, President, National Marine Manufacturers Association.\n\n\u201cRecreational fishing is a major economic driver in rural communities, and the Rural Outdoor Investment Act will help expand recreational opportunities while supporting local businesses and infrastructure. Promoting outdoor recreation is an important step in the revitalization of rural America,\u201d said Glenn Hughes, President, American Sportfishing Association.\n\n\u201cRV owners love to take the road less traveled. The ROI Act will help rural communities further develop their capacity to provide support for outdoor recreation and the growing RV customer base, while improving job opportunities across America,\u201d said Phil Ingrassia, President, National RV Dealers Association.\n\n\u201cMany rural communities have found outdoor recreation to be a positive, sustainable way to support and grow their economies. Some have even reinvented their economies through outdoor recreation, especially in places that attract motorcyclists, dirt bike riders, ATV riders, and side-by-side drivers. The Rural Outdoor Investment Act will help these communities better plan for expansion through infrastructure, management, and marketing, while creating more accessibility and better experiences for visitors. It\u2019s a win-win as it helps American communities and more Americans discover the joys and health benefits of the outdoors. A big thanks to Senators Michael Bennet, Chuck Schumer, and Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury for their leadership in the ROI Act,\u201d said Erik Pritchard, President and CEO, Motorcycle Industry Council, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America.\n\n\u201cAmerica Outdoors is pleased to support the Rural Outdoor Investment Act. Outfitters welcome an increased focus on planning for outdoor recreation in rural communities, on partnership for research and education, and on maintaining outdoor recreation facilities. Repairing critical recreation infrastructure will significantly help outfitters facilitate access to the great outdoors for folks from all walks of life,\u201d said Aaron Bannon, Executive Director, America Outdoors.\n\n\u201cAs the outdoor recreation economy continues to grow and send visitors further afield, it's important to make sure the benefits of that growth are shared throughout our nation's rural communities. This will require thoughtful planning and management tools to adapt to increasing visitation. With investments like ROI, better infrastructure and planning can lead to better access, and more remote tracts of land can be enjoyed by all Americans. As an organization devoted to providing that access and ensuring that it benefits the surrounding communities, we applaud the introduction of this bill,\u201d said Dan Mahoney, Public Policy Specialist, American Prairie.\n\n\u201cSnowmobiling is at the heart of winter outdoor recreation for rural communities in the northern US. We support the ROI Act because investments in trail infrastructure strengthen winter tourism economies and open the exciting world of snowmobiling to more Americans,\u201d said Ed Klim, President, International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association.\n\n\u201cThe Rural Outdoor Investment Act will create common-sense changes to pre-existing programs and direct money to communities to help bolster and grow their outdoor recreation economies. From additional funding to improve boat ramps to money aimed at helping communities\u2019 market their recreational offerings, this bill will benefit the recreational boating industry, boaters and anglers, and rural communities alike,\u201d said Jeff Strong, Chairman, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas Board and President, Strong\u2019s Marine, Mattituck, N.Y.\n\n\u201cNFRA strongly supports the ROI Act because it astutely recognizes that we need good infrastructure in place to create and sustain great outdoor recreational opportunities. And the return on the investment is manyfold given that outdoor recreation not only benefits rural economies as well as our national economy, it benefits the life of each person who recreates outdoors both physically and mentally. NFRA thanks Senators Bennet, Schumer and Congresswoman Stansbury for their introduction of this tremendously beneficial legislation,\u201d said Marily Reese, Executive Director, National Forest Recreation Association.\n\n\u201cDemand for outdoor recreation is only growing, and NSAA supports the Rural Outdoor Investment (ROI) Act and its emphasis on much needed investments in infrastructure, planning, and business assistance. This measure complements Senator Bennet\u2019s SHRED Act by making recreation a priority, boosting rural economies, and improving the recreation experience for all,\u201d said Geraldine Link, Director of Public Policy, National Ski Areas Association.\n\n\u201cIn rural areas, the $862 billion outdoor recreation industry and economic growth are closely connected. This legislation aims to reinforce this connection by investing over $50 million annually in outdoor recreation infrastructure, new outdoor recreation experiences, and assistance for emerging businesses. Improved infrastructure also means better access to the outdoors for everyone, regardless of location. We applaud Senators Chuck Schumer and Michael Bennet for leading this effort and for their commitment to the outdoor industry and rural communities across the nation,\u201d said Kent Ebersole, President, Outdoor Industry Association.\n\n\u201cThroughout the pandemic, Americans ventured outdoors for respite and renewal. We now have a unique opportunity to harness outdoor recreation for revitalization and resilience. This legislation will help America\u2019s rural communities invest in recreation infrastructure that will bolster economies and develop new workforce opportunities. At REI Co-op we believe time outside is fundamental to a life well-lived. By enhancing access to quality recreation opportunities, this legislation will also support the special benefits to health and wellbeing provided by time in nature,\u201d said Taldi Harrison, Director of Government Affairs, REI Co-op.\n\n\u201cAt Rivian, we build products that enable adventures and encourage exploration of the outdoors. As members of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and its associated Together Outdoors coalition, we recognize the economic and health benefits outdoor recreation brings to rural communities. Upgrading recreation infrastructure around the country will help rural communities maximize these benefits and prepare for a more sustainable and equitable economic future. We thank Senator Bennet, Congresswoman Stansbury, and the other lead sponsors for seeing this too, and for introducing the Rural Outdoor Investment (ROI) Act to accelerate this effort,\u201d said Dan West, Director of Public Policy, Rivian.\n\n\u201cOver the past few years there has been a fundamental change in the way Americans travel, vacation, and live as more people turn to the outdoors and outdoor recreation for not only the enjoyment it brings but also the mental and physical health benefits. This resurgence of the great outdoors provides an excellent opportunity for economic growth in rural communities, many of which have recreation assets like campgrounds, trails, lakes, and rivers. The Rural Outdoor Investment Act will provide vital funding to help these communities grow through smart investment in outdoor infrastructure and related businesses. As more and more RVers hit the road, this legislation will improve not only their experiences, but also the rural communities making investments in recreation infrastructure,\u201d said Jason Rano, Vice President of Government Affairs, RV Industry Association.\n\n\u201cStrategic investment in outdoor recreation planning, infrastructure, and business will help rural communities to grow resilience and provide an economic foundation to face the economic, social, and environmental challenges of the 21st century. Rural communities understand the ecosystem services value of outdoor recreation, and these critical and timely investments will help create career pathways, grow prosperity, enhance public health, and improve quality of life in rural communities across the country,\u201d said Rachel Franchina, Executive Director, Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals.\n\nThis legislation is supported by Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, National Association of\n\nCounties, REI, National Wildlife Federation, Outdoor Industry Association, Conservation\n\nAlliance, Western Spirit Cycling, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Society of\n\nOutdoor Recreation Professionals, National Marine Manufacturers Association, RV Industry\n\nAssociation, National Ski Areas Association, and National RV Dealers Association.\n\nFor over a decade, Bennet has worked with Coloradans to boost Colorado\u2019s outdoor recreation economy and protect landscapes for future generations to enjoy. In April, Bennet reintroduced the Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act to expand opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking and other wildlife-dependent activities across the country. In May, Bennet reintroduced the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy (CORE) Act to protect approximately 420,000 acres of public land in Colorado and safeguard existing outdoor recreation opportunities to boost the economy for future generations.\n\nThe text of the bill is available HERE. A summary of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:30:18Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-continues-commitment-public-safety", "Rep. Vasquez Continues Commitment to Public Safety", "2023-08-23", "2023", "2023-08", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "On August 21 and 22, 2023, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (N.M.-02) met with officials from New Mexico Department of Public Safety and the Pueblo of Isleta to share updates on the federal funding he requested for New Mexico\u2019s communities.\n\n\u201cI spent my first months in Congress working with local leaders to secure much-needed federal investments in our communities,\u201d said Rep. Vasquez. \u201cThese projects, which are moving forward, respond to the needs that I\u2019ve heard from constituents \u2014 crime prevention, fire safety, rural infrastructure investments. I will continue to listen to the needs of constituents across NM-02 to ensure that they are prioritized at the federal level.\u201d\n\nImage\n\nAt the Department of Public Safety, Rep. Vasquez discussed his request for $800,000 in federal investments to improve communications technology for rural law enforcement officers. This vital technology will ensure that first responders are equipped to respond to a variety of incidents to keep themselves and rural communities safe.\n\nDeputy Chief W. Troy Weisler of the New Mexico State Police said, \u201cCommunications are the lifeline for first responders in the field. New Mexico\u2019s rural nature provides unique challenges, which this funding will help address. By working with Rep. Vasquez, this project will improve public safety services in communities throughout southern New Mexico and allow the men and women of the New Mexico State Police to more safely do their job.\u201d\n\nImage\n\nIn the Pueblo of Isleta, alongside Governor Max Zuni and other tribal leaders, Rep. Vasquez discussed his efforts to secure a $900,000 federal grant to purchase a new fire vehicle for the tribe. This vehicle will greatly improve the whole region\u2019s ability to respond quickly to wildfires. The House Appropriations Committee has allocated 100 percent of that funding.\n\n\u201cThank you to Congressman Vasquez for advocating for the Pueblo of Isleta\u2019s fire management project. With his support, the Pueblo will be more effective in responding to wildfire threats and reducing wildfire risk. Given the dangers that wildfire continues to pose to the entire state, this funding will be critical to the safety of the Isleta community, as well as all surrounding communities. We look forward to our continued partnership with Congressman Vasquez,\u201d said Governor Zuni of the Isleta Pueblo.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:30:18Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-announces-legislation-support-health-care-energy-workers-new-mexicos", "Vasquez Announces Legislation to Support Health Care for Energy Workers in New Mexico\u2019s Permian Basin", "2023-08-17", "2023", "2023-08", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "HOBBS, N.M. \u2014 On Wednesday, August 16, 2023, Representative Gabe Vasquez (N.M.-02) announced H.R. 5222, The Energy Workers Health Improvement And Compensation Fund Act, to prioritize the health care of energy workers, holding accountable polluters and wealthy, out-of-state oil executives, during an event with Somos Un Pueblo Unido.\n\nVasquez worked closely with local energy workers in the Permian Basin, many of them Spanish-speaking and Latino, to better understand the challenges they and their families face amid record profits they\u2019ve generated for oil and gas barons and massive new investments in energy production in southeast New Mexico. Together, they crafted solutions to ensure the well-being of New Mexico\u2019s energy workers, their families and New Mexico communities, while protecting New Mexico\u2019s long-term economic prospects.\n\n\u201cOil-and-gas CEOs who are raking in record profits aren\u2019t the heart of our energy economy, it\u2019s the workers who risk their lives and health every day that power America\u2019s energy economy,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m standing by the workers, not the oil barons. I\u2019m focused on investing in the folks who have generated hundreds of millions in revenue for our state. This is hard work, and it\u2019s dangerous and tireless - if oil executives are getting paid over $35 million, they can afford dignified health care for their employees. This bill helps level the playing field.\u201d\n\nSpeaking in Hobbs, a community crucial to New Mexico\u2019s energy industry, Rep. Vasquez announced the details of TheEnergy Workers Health Improvement And Compensation Fund Act, which requires oil and gas companies to contribute to a fund to cover health expenses for workers and their families for conditions such as asthma, heat-related illness, and other respiratory and cardiovascular diseases associated with air pollution and prolonged exposure to methane emissions.\n\nImage\n\nAdditional photos are available at the link here.\n\nNew Mexico ranks forty-first in the nation for overall air quality and has a higher prevalence of asthma than the national average. Unhealthy air quality is most common in the Permian Basin due to methane leaks from oil wells. Notably, Hobbs\u2013where the event took place\u2013often has the worst air quality in the state, according to IQAir. According to the EPA, methane emissions and other volatile organic compounds irritate the lungs, exacerbate diseases such as asthma, and can increase susceptibility to respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.\n\nJust last week, on August 8, the EPA issued a $5.5 million fine to Mewbourne Oil Company for excessive air pollution which is linked to the illnesses covered by Vasquez\u2019s legislation. In July, the EPA levied a $1.285 million penalty against Callon Permian LLC for violations of the Clean Air Act. In March, the EPA fined Matador Production Company over $1.15 million for air quality violations, Permian Resources Operating, LLC $610,000 for methane emissions violations, and Chisholm Energy Operating, LLC $440,000 for unauthorized emissions that could negatively impact human health.\n\n\u201cThe workers in these fields slog through dangerous conditions and are often exposed to airborne toxins. I\u2019m making sure our energy workers are being prioritized, and that while the rich are getting richer, the companies and people responsible for creating these health disparities are being held accountable,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cThe bottom line is that we can have responsible oil and gas production that protects our health and our communities. This bill supports the backbone of our New Mexico economy\u2014our energy workers.\u201d\n\nIn 2022, Exxon Mobile\u2019s CEO earned $35.9 million in total pay, while the median pay for Exxon\u2019s workers fell by 9 percent.\n\nOil and gas profits are not going to the workers\u2013they are going to wealthy CEOs, while the energy workers are living in RVs and temporary trailer homes, risking their health and safety. According to Somos Un Pueblo Unido, nearly half of energy workers have reported an injury on the job, the majority of which are permanent.\n\n\u201cNew Mexico relies heavily on oil and gas revenues, but lawmakers often ignore the grave cost to frontline communities and industry workers,\u201d said Marcela D\u00edaz, Executive Director of Somos Un Pueblo Unido. \u201cImmigrant families in the Permian Basin are disproportionately impacted by inadequate enforcement of health and safety standards, long hours, and extreme work conditions. That\u2019s why they are organizing and demanding adequate compensation, safer and better jobs, and more public investments in their families and communities. We are greatly encouraged by Congressman Vasquez\u2019s willingness to listen to and stand up for these essential workers, not just industry owners.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a former industry worker who suffered injuries and health problems because of my job, I think this bill is a great first step in providing protection and compensation to essential oil and gas workers,\u201d said Manuel Garfio, a former oil worker and member of Somos Un Pueblo Unido, who is out of work because of an on-the-job vehicular accident and chronic illness. \u201cOur working conditions are inhumane. We do not receive fair compensation when injuries occur, or health problems emerge. I hope we can continue working with elected leaders like Congressman Vasquez to ensure our frontline communities are included in conversations about worker\u2019s rights and the need for a just transition for oil workers.\u201d\n\nNew Mexico\u2019s second congressional district is one of the top energy-producing districts in the country. Hobbs, New Mexico is located in Lea County, which produces more oil than any other county in the United States. In the Permian Basin, oil and gas production has increased nearly every year since 2013 and is on track to hit new records this year.\n\nThis new legislation combined with the event\u2019s focus on understanding the hardships faced by the predominantly Latino oil workers in New Mexico underscores Representative Vasquez\u2019s commitment to championing workers\u2019 rights and well-being.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nH.R. 5222, The Energy Workers Health Improvement and Compensation Fund Act, would establish a trust fund that would provide reimbursement to energy workers for health costs associated with poor air quality and intense heat.\n\nThe fund would be paid for by energy companies and each company would be responsible for contributing an amount equal to the compensation provided to their ten highest paid employees.\n\nWorkers would be eligible to seek reimbursement for costs not covered by private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid that are linked to asthma, heat-related illness, or other ailments determined to be linked to smog and methane exposure.\n\nBoth energy workers and their immediate families who live near oil extraction sites would be eligible to seek reimbursement through this fund.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:30:18Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-partners-mescalero-apache-tribe-renewed-effort-protect-otero-0", "Rep. Vasquez Partners with Mescalero Apache Tribe in Renewed Effort to Protect Otero Mesa and Further Southeast Wildlife Conservation Goals", "2023-08-15", "2023", "2023-08", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "CARLSBAD, N.M. \u2014 On Monday, August 14 and Tuesday, August 15, 2023, Representative Gabe Vasquez (N.M.-02) reinforced his commitment to conservation in New Mexico\u2019s second congressional district with visits to Otero Mesa and the Blue Spring Ranch in Eddy County. The visits underscore Vasquez\u2019s continued leadership in developing common-sense conservation proposals that include diverse stakeholders, including Tribes and private landowners.\n\n\u201cIn a district that faces dire climate challenges, we must all come together to conserve our most critical resources and protect our cultural heritage,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cAs New Mexicans, we are deeply connected to our land, water and wildlife, and this week we had a chance to forge new partnerships in southeast New Mexico to discuss the future of conservation and prioritize areas that are important to protect for future generations. I\u2019m committed to working with diverse partners to find sustainable ways to address these challenges, while also growing our economy.\u201d\n\nImage\n\nImage\n\nOn August 14, Vasquez joined Tribal leaders from Mescalero Apache and Ysleta del Sur Pueblo on a hike at Alamo Mountain in Otero Mesa, where they discussed the future protection of the largest remaining Chihuahuan Desert grasslands.\n\n\u201cThere are few places left in the world as special as our own Otero Mesa,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cI was honored to spend time on the Mesa with Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Mescalero Apache Tribal leaders to discuss the cultural importance of this landscape, energy development and hard rock mining in the region.\u201d\n\nImage\n\nImage\n\nVasquez also met with the Center for Environmental Health Management & Monitoring (CEHMM), a conservation non-profit organization based in Carlsbad, to explore the success of voluntary conservation programs that support the goals of the Endangered Species Act during a visit to the Blue Springs Ranch. CEHMM provides environmental consulting services for various industries and leads wildlife conservation projects in Eddy County.\n\n\u201cThank you to Congressman Vasquez and his staff who joined us in the field! I am so grateful for the opportunity to discuss the ongoing cooperative conservation through CEHMM\u2019s Candidate Conservation Agreement programs,\u201d said Emily Wirth, Executive Director of CEHMM. \u201cThe work that CEHMM and our industry and ranching partners are doing daily, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, is of utmost importance to the conservation of the Lesser Prairie-Chicken, Dunes Sagebrush Lizard and Texas Hornshell Mussel.\u201d\n\nThe two-day visit affirmed Vasquez\u2019s commitment to addressing the district\u2019s environmental challenges head-on by working with a multitude of stakeholders and conserving New Mexico\u2019s land, water and wildlife.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:30:18Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-statement-trumps-third-set-indictments", "Rep. Stansbury Statement on Trump's Third Set of Indictments", "2023-08-01", "2023", "2023-08", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today, Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) issued the following statement after former President Donald Trump\u2019s third indictment:\n\nToday\u2019s indictment is an important step towards real accountability. Donald Trump must be held accountable for his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, disrupting the peaceful transfer of power, and his involvement in abetting the most serious attack on our Democracy since its founding. I have said it once and I\u2019ll say it again: no one is above the law, not even the former president.\n\nAs this case proceeds, it is critical justice is served.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:30:18Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-statement-cannon-air-force-base-squadron-relocation-announcement", "Rep. Vasquez Statement on Cannon Air Force Base Squadron Relocation Announcement", "2023-08-01", "2023", "2023-08", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "LAS CRUCES, N.M. - U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (N.M.-02) has released the following statement in response to the U.S. Air Force\u2019s announced decision to relocate seven MC-130J aircraft and approximately 300 service members, designated as the 6th Special Operations Squadron, from Cannon Air Force Base.\n\n\u201cI am extremely disappointed in the U.S. Air Force\u2019s decision to relocate despite the New Mexico delegation\u2019s request to keep the mission at Cannon Air Force Base. The U.S. Air Force must prioritize rural installations, such as Cannon AFB. These bases serve critical national defense interests and sustain rural economies. This relocation will impact over 300 service members and the Clovis community. These decisions should be made in the best interest of national defense while balancing the needs of rural communities.\n\nNew Mexico plays a unique and critical role in our nation\u2019s national security. Cannon Air Force Base was recently approved as a preferred location for the U-28 to OA-1K recapitalization mission, which demonstrates the vital function rural New Mexico plays in maintaining our national security. Across the state, our labs, bases and training areas provide thousands of jobs in New Mexico, attracting top-tier talent to our state. Most importantly, service members often remain in the state to become integral members of our New Mexican communities.\u201d\n\nVasquez is the only member of the New Mexican delegation to serve on an Armed Services committee. Recently, Vasquez secured many provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, including the largest pay raise for service members in the last decade, addressing per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in drinking water on military installations and improving the quality of on-base housing for service members.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:30:18Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-senate-advances-vasquezs-priorities-new-mexico-national-defense-bill", "U.S. Senate Advances Vasquez\u2019s Priorities for New Mexico in National Defense Bill, including $2.25 Billion for New Mexico", "2023-07-28", "2023", "2023-07", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On July 27, 2023, Representative Gabe Vasquez\u2019s (NM-02) priorities for New Mexico in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) were passed by the U.S. Senate. Vasquez, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, has been working to craft a bill that brings direct results to New Mexico since the start of this Congress.\n\nFollowing the passage of the House version of the NDAA, Vasquez led a letter to the Senate urging Senators to remove the hateful, anti-choice and discriminatory amendments that were included by House Republicans in the final hour. In concurrence with Vasquez\u2019s letter, the Senate version of the NDAA now excludes the hateful, discriminatory amendments.\n\n\u201cAfter calling on the Senate to exclude House Republicans\u2019 toxic, anti-choice and discriminatory provisions, I am proud to see that the Senate\u2019s NDAA bill does not include those provisions. As a freshman member of Congress, my top priority is delivering for the second district, standing up for New Mexico\u2019s values, while at the same time delivering on legislation like the NDAA that brings good-paying jobs to New Mexico,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cI\u2019m committed to working through this process, all the way through to the President\u2019s desk so that the wins I secured for New Mexico remain intact, while also ensuring access to reproductive health care and supporting our LGBTQ+ service members.\u201d\n\nFollowing the passage of bills from both the House and Senate, the NDAA will now be negotiated between the House and Senate to produce a final bill. Vasquez will continue to work with House and Senate leadership to ensure the House Republicans\u2019 egregious provisions are not included in the final defense bill.\n\nVasquez secured many provisions in the House version of the bipartisan FY24 NDAA, including the largest pay raise for service members in the last decade, addressing per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in drinking water around military installations, expanding military base\u2019s child care programs, improving housing for service members and more.\n\nVasquez helped deliver investments in innovation, security, research and quality-of-life improvements for servicemen and women that will support New Mexican communities. The NDAA authorizes over $2.25 billion for New Mexican laboratories and military installations, including:\n\nHolloman Air Force Base\u2019s MQ-9 Flight Training Unit\n\nWhite Sands Missile Range\u2019s High Energy Laser Systems Test Facility\n\nWhite Sands Missile Range\u2019s hypersonic target development\n\nLos Alamos National Laboratory\u2019s Protective Force Facility\n\nLos Alamos National Laboratory\u2019s Plutonium Protection Building\n\nLos Alamos National Laboratory Research and Development\n\nSandia and Los Alamos National Laboratory\u2019s environmental cleanup\n\nArmy National Guard Rio Rancho Training Site\n\nCannon Air Force Base\u2019s new satellite fire station\n\nKirtland Air Force Base\u2019s Wyoming Gate Upgrade for Anti-Terrorism Compliance\n\nDepartment of Defense\u2019s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program, for installations such as White Sands Missile Range and Cannon Air Force Base.\n\n***\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAs a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, Vasquez played a key role in drafting the bipartisan FY24 NDAA. Vasquez not only represents the military installations in his district, but as the only delegation member serving on an armed services committee, he also represents the military interests of New Mexico at large. The committee held a comprehensive debate before moving the bill to the House floor for consideration. The final House bill included provisions Vasquez authored, such as quality-of-life improvements for service members, clean water, energy resiliency on military installations, and support for missions that provide quality jobs for New Mexicans.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-advocates-real-solutions-fentanyl-crisis-and-reauthorization", "Rep. Stansbury Advocates for Real Solutions to the Fentanyl Crisis and the Reauthorization of the Office of National Drug Control Policy", "2023-07-27", "2023", "2023-07", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) discussed the importance of reauthorizing the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) in an impassioned speech about the fentanyl crisis. During the Oversight hearing, the Congresswoman argued that ONDCP reauthorization should be a bipartisan effort to improve the efficacy of federal programs, reduce addiction, and save lives.\n\nRep. Stansbury began her statement by discussing her personal loss to the opioid crisis, saying, \u201cI will never forget the morning in January in 2019, when I received the first call, I was actually sitting on the floor of the New Mexico State House of Representatives, I had just been elected to the legislature when I received the call that one of my oldest and dearest friends had died suddenly of a heart attack. We later learned that it was a fentanyl overdose. And over the years that have now come since that first call, there have been more. And I think for many New Mexicans, this is a story that is all too familiar.\u201d\n\nCalling out the real impact of holding partisan hearings instead of focusing on the issues that threaten our communities, Rep. Stansbury argued, \u201cAnd we can sit here and yell about the border and talk about all of these issues, but if we're not actually addressing the real issues that are leading to the crisis, then our family members and our friends are going to continue to die.\u201d\n\nRep. Stansbury also highlighted misinformation around blaming asylum seekers for the influx of fentanyl, receiving confirmation from Doctor Rahul Gupta,\n\nDirector of the ONDCP, that raw materials to make fentanyl are being transported through legal ports of entry by crime syndicates and drug traffickers, not by individuals who are seeking asylum in this country.\n\nUrging bipartisanship and seeking out the real cause of the influx, Congresswoman Stansbury ended her statement saying, \u201cI think that the propagation of dangerous rhetoric against those from other countries who are seeking asylum in our country not only threatens the lives of those individuals who are trying to come to our country for a better life, like so many of our families did, but it also threatens the safety of our communities and our ability to address this crisis. So, let's be honest with the American people, let's be bipartisan, and let's actually work to solve this problem.\u201d\n\nYou can watch her full remarks here.\n\nRep. Stansbury\u2019s full remarks as delivered are below.\n\nRep. Melanie Stansbury: Thank you, Dr. Gupta. Welcome to our committee. Mr. Chairman, I want to start by thanking you, sincerely, for convening this panel today. And I do mean that from the bottom of my heart, because I've watched as this committee has devolved into a platform for conspiracy theories and misinformation and political theater over the last six months. And I think it's notable that many of our colleagues don't even bother to show up when we hold a real hearing, and the conspiracy theories and cameras are not rolling. So it's about high time that we actually turn to an issue that affects the American people. And I think like so many Americans, these issues of addiction, drug trafficking, weigh heavy on my heart.\n\nEspecially for so many New Mexicans, which is the state that I represent, the opioid crisis has hit close to home. And in fact, I will never forget the morning in January in 2019, when I received the first call. I was actually sitting on the floor of the New Mexico State House of Representatives. I had just been elected to the legislature when I received the call that one of my oldest and dearest friends had died suddenly of a heart attack. We later learned that it was a fentanyl overdose, and over the years that have now come since that first call, there have been more. And I think for many New Mexicans, this is a story that is all too familiar. And it is why I have spent a lot of my time in this body working on real solutions to address the Fentanyl crisis. Because it's real, because it hits close to home, because it's affecting every single family in our communities and in my state.\n\nAnd we can sit here and yell about the border and talk about all of these issues, but if we're not actually addressing the real issues that are leading to the crisis, then our family members and our friends are going to continue to die. That's why I've been working with law enforcement, our state, local and tribal officials, our behavioral health providers, to help rebuild the behavioral health and addiction recovery systems that were gutted by a Republican governor just one cycle ago. We're working to invest in the drug and addiction programs, the drug trafficking technologies and tools for our law enforcement, we're helping to support the border intervention programs that help to stop the tide of those raw materials coming in, and actually helping those, whether they're in the homes of their family members or loved ones, or living on the streets, actually connect with the care that they need to recover. That's how we address this crisis. Not sitting in rooms screaming to cameras.\n\nAnd so, Dr. Gupta, I'm grateful for your service, and I know that you understand that. And I'm grateful that President Biden has actually made this a priority and a centerpiece of his administration. And I think in spite of what we've heard here today, it's important that the American people really understand that, and I wonder if you could just take a moment to help us understand how high a priority this is for the President and for your office, and how you are addressing the crisis?\n\nDoctor Rahul Gupta, Director of ONDCP: Thank you, Congresswoman. And I am deeply sorry for the loss. It is something that stays with me every day, every morning, I wake up this is something I think about. So it's very personal to me. The President is extremely committed to this, I can tell you that this is his top priority. Not only is the President's drug control strategy, completely data driven, and focused on getting resources and help to Americans, and in an evidence-based manner doing everything we can from both supply side and demand side, but he's personally committed. I spoke to him this this week about this. This is how much committed he is. And so is the Vice President.\n\nWe brought in eight attorneys general last week to the White House to talk about it, and it's important, it's bipartisan, it's part of the President's Unity Agenda, and it is something that when a million Americans have passed away in the last two decades, and tens of millions have suffered a non-fatal overdose, I think we've got to find a way to work together on this and solve this problem.\n\nRep. Melanie Stansbury: Thank you, doctor. I also want to just take a moment to clarify and correct some misinformation that was shared just a few moments ago by one of my colleagues that is not only incorrect, but dangerous. Now Dr. Gupta, in New Mexico our law enforcement are very clear with us, the vast majority of raw materials that is used for the manufacturing of fentanyl is actually coming across legal ports of entry. Is that correct?\n\nDoctor Rahul Gupta, Director of ONDCP: That's correct.\n\nRep. Melanie Stansbury: And the vast majority of those materials is actually being transported through those legal ports of entry by crime syndicates and drug traffickers, not by individuals who are seeking asylum in this country, correct?\n\nDoctor Rahul Gupta, Director of ONDCP: That's correct.\n\nRep. Melanie Stansbury: Thank you. And you know, Dr. Gupta, and to my colleagues. I think that the propagation of dangerous rhetoric against those from other countries who are seeking asylum in our country not only threatens the lives of those individuals who are trying to come to our country for a better life, like so many of our families did, but it also threatens the safety of our communities and our ability to address this crisis. So let's be honest with the American people. Let's be bipartisan, and let's actually work to solve this problem. And with that, I yield back.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-discusses-sackett-decision-during-transportation-and", "Rep. Stansbury Discusses Sackett Decision During Transportation and Infrastructure Roundtable", "2023-07-26", "2023", "2023-07", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) attended a Transportation and Infrastructure Roundtable to discuss the importance of prioritizing science-backed solutions in guaranteeing access to clean drinking water, highlighting the US Supreme Court\u2019s failure to protect our nation's communities by ignoring the science of hydrology in their Sackett vs. EPA ruling. The Congresswoman drew on her background as a water scientist to explain the science behind why the ruling will negatively impact communities' access to clean water.\n\nRep. Stansbury explained that partisanship around clean water is relatively recent, stating, \u201cI think it's important for folks to know that when the Clean Water Act passed here in Congress a little over 50 years ago, it was a bipartisan bill. And in fact, when it went to the president's desk and there was a veto threat on the Clean Water Act, it was the Republicans here in Congress that made sure that there would be an override of that veto so that we could protect water for the American people.\u201d\n\nElaborating on the impact in her home state, which the Congresswoman represents, she said, \u201cNew Mexico is one of three states in the United States that does not have primacy under the Clean Water Act. We do not have a robust water quality permitting program. That means that now in my home state, it is potential that over 90% of our waterways no longer have protection from sewage, from toxic waste, from farm waste.\u201d\n\nWatch the full video of her remarks here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-gabe-vasquez-hosts-virtual-town-hall-address-economic", "Representative Gabe Vasquez Hosts Virtual Town Hall to Address Economic Opportunities and Affordability for New Mexican Communities", "2023-07-26", "2023", "2023-07", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 On Wednesday, July 26, 2023, Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) hosted community members in a virtual town hall to discuss the state of the economy, affordability for working families and provide resources for more economic opportunities in the district. Vasquez was joined by Lorena Rivera of the Mesilla Valley Public Housing Authority, Stacy Johnston of the Department of Workforce Solutions and Jessia Falk of the U.S. Economic Development Administration.\n\n\u201cI believe that people who work a hard day\u2019s job deserve a fair wage and a fair day\u2019s pay,\u201d Vasquez said during the hour-long town hall. \u201cWe need to make sure that folks have opportunity, that we have both the workforce training, the higher education training, the availability of jobs, the types of opportunities that are going to help New Mexicans stay in New Mexico, that are going to help our rural economies grow.\u201d\n\nOver 15,000 New Mexicans listened in to the town hall. Constituents were able to ask Vasquez and three expert panelists about economic opportunities in New Mexico. Vasquez underscored his accomplishments in Congress to help New Mexican communities.\n\nIn a discussion on housing, Vasquez highlighted resources for constituents and his recent co-sponsorships of the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act that addresses the critical shortage of homes in New Mexico and nationwide.\n\n\u201cNew Mexicans are paying a much larger share of their take-home pay on rent than they ever have before. That is a problem because then you have to decide whether you\u2019re going to be able to put food on the table, whether you can make a doctor's appointment, whether you can put gas in your car, whether you can afford the groceries that you need for your family, and rent should not be this high of a proportion of somebody's paycheck. We need to make sure that people have affordable places to live in this district,\u201d Vasquez said.\n\nVasquez also emphasized his work in housing for service members after a caller raised issues about insufficient pay in the Air Force. Vasquez co-sponsored the Basic Allowance for Housing Restoration Act which puts money back into the pockets of service members to spend on housing.\n\n\u201cI am laser-focused on bringing results home to the district,\u201d Vasquez concluded.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-criticizes-house-gop-continuing-hold-politicized-oversight", "Rep. Stansbury Criticizes House GOP for Continuing to Hold Politicized Oversight Hearings", "2023-07-20", "2023", "2023-07", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "VIDEO LINK: The full video can be found here.\n\nWASHINGTON\u2014Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) called out House Republicans for misusing an Oversight and Accountability hearing as a political stunt to bolster Republican fundraising and discredit the Biden Administration for the upcoming Presidential election. The hearing focused on the IRS investigation of President Biden\u2019s son, Hunter Biden, in which a Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney was given full license to investigate and bring criminal charges. The hearing on the private citizen was held just one week before Hunter Biden is scheduled to plead guilty, bringing up questions of Republican interference in an ongoing criminal investigation.\n\n\u201cIt's clear that this is yet another attempt by the majority to turn this committee into another in kind donation to the Trump campaign,\u201d Rep. Stansbury said, \u201cand now here we are trying to distract the American people once more, even though it was a political appointee appointed by Donald Trump, who was at the helm of this effort when the issues we are discussing today occurred. And yet we're using the committee's resources to advance this agenda.\u201d\n\nCalling out the House GOP\u2019s hypocrisy, Rep. Stansbury highlighted, \u201cThe real criminal and the actual threat to our democratic institutions is Donald Trump. The man found legally liable for sexual abuse. The man who refused to return classified documents to the government. The man who was inciting an insurrection that led to the deaths of five people and threatened the lives of people in this very room and to threaten the very foundation of our democracy.\u201d\n\nRep. Stansbury continued, \u201cSo I find it hard to believe that members who witnessed the insurrection, who have witnessed these criminal indictments, continue to stand here today with Donald Trump and prop him up using committee resources. And I urge my colleagues to take a hard look in the mirror and to really reflect on what our oath of office means.\u201d\n\nRep. Stansbury\u2019s full remarks as delivered are below.\n\nRep Stansbury: Thank you, I'd like to get right into some basic vetting questions, as unfortunately, our colleagues across the aisle failed to do so with some of the previous witnesses that they called. And so, Mr. Ziegler, and Mr. Shapley, I'm hoping that these are very simple, very straightforward questions. So I'd like to ask that you answer them with a yes or no answer. Mr. Shapley, are you now or have you ever acted as an unregistered foreign agent for the Chinese government? Or for any other government?\n\nMr. Shapley: No.\n\nRep Stansbury: And Mr. Ziegler, are you now or have you ever acted as a unregistered or registered foreign agent?\n\nMr. Ziegler: No.\n\nRep Stansbury: And Mr. Shapley, have you ever participated in illegal arms trafficking?\n\nMr. Shapley: No, I have not.\n\nRep Stansbury: And Mr. Ziegler, how about yourself?\n\nMr. Ziegler: I have not.\n\nRep Stansbury: And finally, Mr. Shapley, have you ever been indicted of a crime? Lied to investigators while under oath or run from the law?\n\nMr. Shapley: No, I have not.\n\nRep Stansbury: And Mr. Ziegler, same question to you. Have you ever been indicted, lied to investigators or run from the law?\n\nMr. Ziegler: I have not.\n\nRep Stansbury: Thank you for answering those questions. Obviously, it would seem strange to have to ask these clarifying questions. But given the majority's track record in calling witnesses on this matter, not to mention their own presidential candidate, it seemed necessary to clarify for our American folks who are listening today. So let's get into the kinds of crimes that the majority claims that they're interested in investigating here in the Oversight Committee, namely political influence, abuse of power, and other alleged crimes, by a president, and their relations. And again, because our time is limited, like I'd like to ask our witnesses to stick with very simple, straightforward, yes and no answers. Now, Mr. Ziegler, you are aware that Mr. Jared Kushner received a $2 billion investment from the Saudi government after working for his father in law at the White House. Correct?\n\nMr. Ziegler: Congressman, I thank you for the question. I'm here to talk about the Hunter Biden investigation.\n\nRep Stansbury: It is a widely known fact and I appreciate your response. Mr. Zeigler, you are aware that while serving as a senior adviser to her father, Ivanka Trump had a number of trademarks fast tracked by the Chinese government, correct?\n\nMr. Ziegler: Again, I have to I have to stick to the confines of my transcript.\n\nRep Stansbury: I appreciate that. And finally, I want to remind everyone, that the person who appointed US Attorney General David Wiese to handle the matter that we're here to discuss today was Donald Trump. But this would be the same President, Donald Trump, the man twice impeached for abuses of power and of course, recently indicted for 37 counts of criminal activity. Now, one would think that here in the Oversight Committee, we would want to investigate such blatant acts of criminal activity. And I truly could not agree more with our witness Mr. Shapley, that there should not be a two tiered system of justice for those who are powerful and those who are wealthy and those who are not. But that is not actually what this hearing is about here today, because it's clear that this is yet another attempt by the majority to turn this committee into another in kind donation to the Trump campaign.\n\nNow, this follows on an earlier attempt this past month, to undermine the FBI with a controversial markup, which thankfully did not occur the very same day that Donald Trump was indicted under those 37 counts. In fact, if you look across the aisle, we have 13 members who have already endorsed Donald Trump. And now here we are trying to distract the American people once more, even though it was a political appointee appointed by Donald Trump, who was at the helm of this effort when the issues we are discussing today occurred. And yet we're using the committee's resources to advance this agenda.\n\nBut I think it's important that the American people actually understand that the real criminal and the actual threat to our democratic institutions is Donald Trump. The man found legally liable for sexual abuse. The man who refused to return classified documents to the government. The man who was inciting an insurrection that led to the deaths of five people and threatened the lives of people in this very room and to threaten the very foundation of our democracy. So I find it hard to believe that members who witnessed the insurrection, who have witnessed these criminal indictments, continue to stand here today with Donald Trump and prop him up using committee resources. And I urge my colleagues to take a hard look in the mirror and to really reflect on what our oath of office means. And with that, I yield back.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-highlights-national-security-interest-freely-associated-states", "Rep. Stansbury Highlights National Security Interest in Freely Associated States at Oversight Hearing", "2023-07-20", "2023", "2023-07", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01), spoke in favor of renewing the financial provision in the Compacts of Free Association with the Freely Associated States (FAS), highlighting the value of the relationship for national security and economic opportunity. The Congresswoman advocated for continued engagement with the FAS as a way to diminish the risk of China asserting further influence in the Pacific.\n\nIn regard to the FAS, Rep. Stansbury explained, \u201cthe safety and well being of our service members and our broader communities and allies in the region, including South Korea and Japan are actively imperiled by expanding Chinese influence. Maintaining strong relationships with the Freely Associated States is essential to countering this influence, and to maintaining peace and economic stability abroad and at home.\u201d\n\nYou can read Rep. Stansbury\u2019s full transcript below.\n\nRep. Stansbury: Thank you, Madam Chair, and I want to welcome honorable Yun, Mr. Nicola and also Dr. Mohandas, thank you so much for being here today. And Madam Chair and Mr. Ranking Member, I am truly honored to serve on this special task force. Obviously, the national security not only of the United States, but of the globe depends on our ability to address issues in the South Pacific. And I was heartened last week in our bipartisan conversations with our panelists, and with the administration to hear that both sides of the aisle are deeply committed to getting these compacts finished to getting them across the finish line and the authorization and to ensure that the United States makes good on its financial commitments through these compacts, and that both Republicans and Democrats are committed to getting this done. And I want folks out there to know that that truly is our commitment on a bipartisan basis.\n\nWe're here today to discuss not only the substance of the compacts, which have been deftly negotiated by the State Department and our special envoy, because of the implications that it has for our national security, especially as China continues to make a concerted effort to undermine long standing security relationships and economic relationships in the Pacific in order to gain advantages, which as we know, are advantages in the political, economic and military sphere.\n\nNow, New Mexico, my home state has a strong interest in these issues, not only because many of my constituents play a vital role in serving our country as service members, but also because the airmen and women at Kirtland National Air Force Base, as well as Sandia National Labs play a vital role in helping to support our missions in the South Pacific. And of course, many New Mexicans serve in the Pacific and have for many generations. So, I do not take these issues lightly. And the safety and well-being of our service members and our broader communities and allies in the region, including South Korea and Japan are actively imperiled by expanding Chinese influence. Maintaining strong relationships with the Freely Associated States is essential to countering this influence, and to maintaining peace and economic stability abroad and at home.\n\nNow, it's clear that China is gearing up to take advantage of strains on relationships between the US and Freely Associated States, and we have no time to lose. And in fact, as has been stated here this morning, we have until September 30th to get these compacts done. So, I want to just take a moment to ask our panelists a few questions. Ambassador Yun, how would the expiration of these compacts with the Freely Associated States impact our national security? Can you please explain some of the more nuanced aspects of how this affects security in the region, how that affects the United States position in the South Pacific and how that affects global security.\n\nAmbassador Joseph Yun: Thank you, Representative Stansbury. I really don't believe that this is a question of three compact states turning around and giving security access to China. It's not that you know, but rather, it is the case that the US will lose credibility within the region and beyond. And I think there will be erosion that will start if we don't pass, and that erosion will become a cliff sooner or later. That date might not be October 1, but it will certainly be a future date. Compacts are in these Freely Associated States are really bedrock cornerstone, whatever you want to call it. I have worked with the Alliance relationship with Japan and South Korea. This is beyond that. Beyond that, and we will be imperiling our own influence and control of northern half of the Pacific. Thank you.\n\nRep. Stansbury: Thank you, Ambassador and Dr. Mohandas, you touched on this. But can you please help us better understand the role that the compacts and our relationships with the Freely Associated States play in our ability to maintain military readiness in the Pacific?\n\nDr. Siddharth Mohandas: Absolutely, Congressman, we have two fundamental benefits. From our compact relationships. One is unfettered access the ability to freely operate in critical terrain in the Indo Pacific, and exclusive access, the ability to deny access to adversaries. Those combined allow US forces to maintain readiness to be positioned forward in a way that strengthens deterrence and protects the homeland.\n\nRep. Stansbury: Thank you, and Madam Chairwoman, I understand I'm out of time. But I just want to say I'm deeply committed to making sure that we get these compacts done. We find the funding to make good on our promises and commitments to the Freely Associated States. And I appreciate your leadership on these issues. Thank you. I yield back.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-stands-passengers-rural-communities-faa-reauthorization", "Vasquez Stands up for Passengers, Rural Communities in FAA Reauthorization", "2023-07-20", "2023", "2023-07", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On July 20, 2023, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization of 2023. Included in the bill is Representative Gabe Vasquez\u2019s (N.M.-02) bipartisan amendment to determine the economic impact of the loss of commercial air service and recommendations to restore service to rural communities, including Alamogordo-White Sands Regional Airport.\n\n\u201cOur rural communities like Alamogordo deserve safe, reliable access to air travel. Unfortunately, Alamogordo lost its commercial air service over a decade ago. That\u2019s why I introduced an amendment to direct the FAA to take the first steps towards restoring commercial air service at Alamogordo-White Sands Regional Airport,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cLocal economies and safe transportation are impacted when airports close. It is vital that we understand the full extent of those impacts and keep communities connected. I\u2019m proud that my amendment passed with bipartisan support, and I look forward to working across the aisle to strengthen the economies of our small communities.\u201d\n\nVasquez\u2019s amendment requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) and National Academies to conduct a study that will analyze the reduction of air service, evaluate economic losses, identify causes for the reduction, assess the impact of changing aircraft economics and provide actionable recommendations to support the restoration of commercial air service. Case studies will be conducted on at least seven communities, including Alamogordo-White Sands Regional Airport, Williamsport Regional Airport, and Chautauqua County Jamestown Airport.\n\n\u201cThe City of Alamogordo lost commercial air service in 2012 and Rep. Vasquez\u2019s amendment to the FAA Reauthorization will tremendously impact our decade-long quest to restore this service. This is an exciting opportunity for Alamogordo-White Sands Regional Airport to determine the economic impact we can have on the region,\u201d saidStephanie Hernandez, Acting City Manager of Alamogordo. \u201cWe are grateful to Rep. Vasquez for recognizing the impact that commercial air service can have on our community and working with us to bring it back.\u201d\n\nThe FAA Reauthorization Act will fund the FAA\u2019s vital work for the next five years, notable wins for New Mexican consumers and veterans. Alongside a study of Alamogordo- White Sands Regional Airport, DOT is also tasked with ensuring that airlines reimburse hotel and meal costs when travelers are subject to canceled or significantly delayed flights.\n\nIn recent months, hundreds of thousands of flights have been canceled or delayed, in part, because of a shortage of aviation personnel. This Act will mandate an interagency working group tasked with ensuring that veterans are able to more easily transition from military to civil aviation, increasing access to good paying jobs for our nation\u2019s heroes and bolstering our economy.\n\nThe Act also makes traveling easier for families of young children by requiring that airlines establish policies to prevent families from being separated, if there are available adjacent seats.\n\nVasquez also protected access to rural airports by voting to preserve the Essential Air Service program. Through this program, Cavern City Air Terminal receives $3,425,385 and Grant County Airport gets $4,830,725.\n\nVasquez has also introduced H.R. 2916, the bipartisan Expanding Regional Airports Act, which would increase federal funding to support airport infrastructure. In the FAA Reauthorization, Vasquez worked to secure a 20 percent increase in funding for the Airport Improvement Program, which benefits airports across New Mexico\u2019s second district, including Las Cruces International Airport.\n\nVasquez remains committed to preserving rural air service for communities across New Mexico.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-melanie-stansburys-statement-national-defense-authorization-act", "Rep. Melanie Stansbury\u2019s Statement on the National Defense Authorization Act", "2023-07-14", "2023", "2023-07", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today, Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) issued the following statement after voting against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):\n\n\u201cThis year's National Defense Authorization Act is completely unprecedented. Over the last several days, this historically bipartisan defense bill has been filled with amendments attacking our servicemembers, targeting people of color, women and reproductive health, LGBTQ+ service members, and other threats to our national security. Today, extremists in the GOP put their MAGA political agenda over the safety of our nation and servicemembers. In over 60 years of the NDAA\u2019s passage, we have never seen such a blatant disregard for our brave servicemembers who bravely and selflessly serve our country every day. New Mexico has a proud culture of service\u2014and the active duty military and veterans who put their lives on the line for our country deserve better. For these reasons, I could not in good conscience support this bill.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-supports-critical-funding-jobs-and-priorities-new-mexico-national", "Vasquez Supports Critical Funding, Jobs and Priorities for New Mexico in the National Defense Authorization Act", "2023-07-14", "2023", "2023-07", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On July 14, 2023, Representative Gabe Vasquez\u2019s (NM-02) priorities for New Mexico in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) were passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. Vasquez will now work with his Senate colleagues to strip the extreme, right-wing amendments from the bill to pass a final NDAA that supports New Mexicans and is free of discriminatory policies.\n\n\u201cI promised to deliver for the second district, and I\u2019ve worked hard to support New Mexicans by crafting a national defense bill that supports research and the critical missions of our bases while also bringing good-paying jobs to New Mexico,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cAlthough extreme, right-wing Republicans were able to include toxic, anti-choice amendments and other extreme provisions in the final House Bill, this is not the final bill, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to pass a clean NDAA for the President to sign.\"\n\nWATCH: Rep. Vasquez Delivers Remarks on Women\u2019s Healthcare in the Military and the Passage of the NDAA\n\nAs a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, Vasquez helped draft the bipartisan FY24 NDAA. Vasquez not only represents the military installations in his district, but as the only delegation member serving on an armed services committee, also represents the military interests of New Mexico at large. The committee held a comprehensive debate before moving the bill to the House floor for consideration. The final bill that passed the House includes provisions Vasquez authored, such as quality-of-life improvements for service members, clean water, energy resiliency on military installations, and support for missions that provide quality jobs for New Mexicans.\n\nVasquez helped deliver investments in innovation, security, research, and quality-of-life improvements for servicemen and women that will support New Mexican communities. Vasquez secured more than two dozen provisions in the final passage of the bipartisan FY24 NDAA.\n\nNotable wins include:\n\nExpanding Military Base\u2019s Child Care: Vasquez secured a bipartisan provision with Rep. Stefanik (R-NY), which expands the \u201cIn-Home Child Care Pilot Program\u201d at Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, NM. Improving child care for service members is a top priority for Rep. Vasquez.\n\nAddressing PFAS Contamination: Vasquez was able to secure provisions that mandate standardized water quality reports from installations and a report from the Department of Defense (DOD) on the scale of PFAS contamination in drinking water at and around installations.\n\nImproving Housing for Service Members: Vasquez prioritized modernizing facilities at places such as White Sands Missile Range and authored a provision to cut down on issuing waivers for insufficient housing, instead focusing on building new housing for service members.\n\nHelping Service Members\u2019 Families: Vasquez expanded service members\u2019 access to Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) and required an assessment of the BNA and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) to address disparities between junior and senior service members. The bill also includes a 5.2 percent pay raise for service members.\n\nImproving Air Quality: Vasquez secured a pilot program at 5 installations to demonstrate the feasibility of using certified low-methane intensity natural gas for fuel needs.\n\nSupporting New Mexico Universities: Vasquez secured a provision to work with the DOD to increase opportunities for the Air Force to partner with academic institutions, such as the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, for cyberspace training and operations.\n\nA comprehensive list of Vasquez\u2019s provisions that were included in the final passage is below:\n\nInfrastructure & Environment\n\nClean Water: A provision requiring standardized water quality reports from installations.\n\nAlternative Housing/Construction: $2.5M for Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation (RDT&E) of 3D printed cold weather structure technology.\n\nClean Water: Direct Report Language to understand the scale of PFAS contamination in drinking water at and around installations.\n\nWSMR Infrastructure: Secured a briefing on the Department of Defense\u2019s (DOD) plans to modernize RDT&E facilities, which is very applicable to infrastructure at White Sands Missile Range.\n\nImproving Air Quality: Created a pilot program at 5 installations to demonstrate the feasibility of using certified low-methane intensity natural gas for their fuel needs.\n\nQuality of Life\n\nChildcare: Secured the expansion of the in-home childcare pilot program at 4 military installations, including Holloman Air Force Base.\n\nChildcare: $276M in military construction for new Child Development Centers (CDC) and $60M in additional funds to accelerate future CDC replacements.\n\nOn-Base Housing: Secured Direct Report Language to address availability of housing, quality and affordability of housing, and investments for modernization or new construction of housing on installations.\n\nOn-Base Housing: Fixing substandard housing on military installations by securing a provision requiring the Secretary of each service to approve any waiver for unaccompanied housing on military installations that does not meet that services\u2019 minimum quality standards, and requires a quarterly briefing on what is being done to fix issues that required waivers. This also withholds 25% of that services Operations & Management\u2019s budget until the briefings are provided.\n\nOn-Base Housing: Protecting against air impurity and mold in military housing by creating a pilot program to be used at 1 Army, Navy, and Air Force installation, to use sensors for air purity and to detect conditions that encourage mold growth to protect the health of service members who live there, and protect the buildings from mold damage.\n\nOn-Base Housing: $369.3M in military construction to replace derelict barracks and dormitories for single and unaccompanied service members, along with an additional $150M to plan and design replacement facilities.\n\nJobs at Our Installations: Ordered the Government Accountability Office to assess civilian support vacancies at rural and remote installations such as Holloman Air Force Base and White Sands Missile Range, and give the DOD recommendations on ways it can incentivize workers to fill those roles.\n\nAssistance Benefits: Secured the removal of Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) from the calculation of service member eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance (BNA).\n\nAssistance Benefits: Secured a reporting requirement for how BNA can be better targeted towards service members who need it.\n\nAssistance Benefits: Secured a reporting requirement to review how Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) is determined, understanding disparities between junior and senior service members, and establishing no less than 3 different BAS rates for enlisted personnel based on rank and income.\n\nTechnology\n\nGeneral National Security: Secured $5M for Advanced Analog Microelectronics.\n\nGeneral National Security: Secured report language urging DOD to continue to expand development into autonomous systems with software-defined autonomy.\n\nGeneral National Security: Secured a briefing on how DOD plans to transition Navigation Technology Satellite-3 (NTS-3) from an experimental program to program of record. NTS-3 technology helps ensure resilient GPS architecture by adding complementary satellites which fly in geosynchronous orbit, whereas GPS is in medium Earth orbit.\n\nGeneral National Security: Secured $1.519B in funding for Low Earth Orbit missile tracking technology.\n\nSupporting NM Universities: Secured a briefing from the Secretary of the Air Force on opportunities for the Air Force to partner with academic institutions to provide additional capabilities to test and train for cyberspace operations.\n\nNational Security\n\nSupporting NM Jobs: Secured a briefing from DOD on how they\u2019re qualifying new solid rocket motors and to create a unified strategy for qualifying new solid rocket motors.\n\nSupporting NM Jobs: Mandates DOD to submit a strategy for hypersonic testing infrastructure, which will encourage further hypersonic weapons development and testing.\n\nSupporting NM Jobs: Secured $7M in RDT&E funding for unmanned air and missile defense technology, with testing at White Sands Missile Range.\n\nGeneral National Security: Secured report language encouraging DOD to leverage commercially available products and services to increase the affordability and frequency of hypersonic weapons testing and development.\n\nGeneral National Security: Secured a briefing on the feasibility of using the Aleutian Test Range as a hypersonic test range and corridor for testing long-distance hypersonic systems.\n\nGeneral National Security: Secured $82.8M for RDT&E, $439M for Navy procurement, and $701.5M for Air Force procurement of Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles.\n\nGeneral National Security: Secured $1.6B for aircraft procurement for the B-21, which is the next generation stealth bomber aircraft.\n\nGeneral National Security: Secured a DOD requirement for an integrated master schedule for the Sentinel missile program and well as quarterly briefings on the program\u2019s progress. The Sentinel missile is the next generation of land-based nuclear missiles which will replace the aging Minutemen III.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-stands-decades-long-effort-protect-chaco-canyon-oil-and-gas", "Rep. Stansbury Stands for Decades Long Effort to Protect Chaco Canyon from Oil and Gas Leasing", "2023-07-13", "2023", "2023-07", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) spoke out against the Energy Opportunities for All Act (H.R. 4374). The proposed legislation would nullify Public Land Order No. 7923, which imposes a mineral withdrawal on public lands surrounding the Chaco Culture National Historical Park for a period of 20 years.\n\nRep. Stansbury highlighted the spiritual and cultural significance of the Chaco Culture National Historical Park for the Pueblo, Hopi, and Navajo nation, saying, \u201cyou can stand on the mesa overlooking Pueblo Bonito on a cold morning and see the ancient city walls, the Kivas and the sacred sites that stretch out as far as the eye can see. It's a place that is the ancestral home of the Pueblo people. The Pueblo people are tied to this place through their lineage, through their songs, through their prayers, through their continued practice of culture and religion that continues today.\u201d\n\nShe also called out the oil and gas industry for their lack of action when oil spilled on the land in 2019.\n\n\"One of the star witnesses of the majority is of course, the oil and gas company that has drilling interests in this site,\u201d Rep. Stansbury said. \u201cIn fact, as it's already been established here today, the very same company that spilled hundreds, thousands, we're not even sure how much crude oil in the Chaco area in 2019. And after their well exploded a few days later, didn't even bother to call the families who were impacted by it. Not only did they not call them, they did not provide any sort of financial support or pay any kind of fines for the aftermath of what occurred.\u201d\n\nThe following unresolved environmental disasters have been caused by oil and gas companies, directly impacting the health of New Mexican communities:\n\nEnduring Resources caused a 59,000-gallon spill in Chaco Culture National Historical Park.\n\nDJR Energy is responsible for 161 oil and gas incidents in New Mexico since 2018, including 22 on Native land.\n\nEOG Resources caused nearly 3,000 flaring instances in New Mexico in just two years.\n\nResearch conducted by Environmental Defense Fund, finds that oil and gas companies operating on the Navajo Nation waste about 5.2 percent of the natural gas they produce - a rate 65 percent higher than the national average.\n\nSmog flares heavily impact the animals, vegetation, and communities surrounding the region.\n\nLastly, Hilcorp was fined over 1.62 million for failing to report spills or fix problems at facilities throughout the San Juan Basin.\n\nCongresswoman Stansbury ended her statement by standing with generations of Indigenous Peoples, referencing the many letters of support \u201cthat we provided today about this false choice of unkept promises, not just today by the current administration or previous administration, but the false promises and the unkept promises by the United States government to the Navajo people to the Pueblo people since the very beginning.\u201d\n\nRep. Stansbury\u2019s full remarks as delivered are below.\n\nThank you, Mr. Chairman, Mr. President Nygren and council members, tribal leaders and many, many New Mexicans and members of the Navajo Nation that I see in our audience and watching from home. I want to say welcome. Thank you for joining us today. I am Melanie Stansbury, and I represent New Mexico's First Congressional District. And I'm honored to be able to represent the people of our state and the many indigenous peoples who have walked this land since time immemorial.\n\nChaco Canyon is a sacred place. For those of you who have never been there before, you can stand on the mesa overlooking Pueblo Bonito on a cold morning and see the ancient city walls, the Kivas and the sacred sites that stretch out as far as the eye can see. It's a place that is the ancestral home of the Pueblo people. The Pueblo people are tied to this place through their lineage, through their songs, through their prayers, through their continued practice of culture and religion that continues today.\n\nThe Din\u00e9 people, many of whom are here today, this is also their homeland. The people who live in this area, the people who have traversed that land, who have worked on that land and who have prayed on that land since time immemorial. And as President Nygren himself said today, who have protected the sacred sites of Chaco Canyon for generation after generation and support the continued protection of this sacred place.\n\nSo, it has been strange to me this morning to listen to this hearing, to listen to folks who have probably never even visited this place talk about a sacred site that has such deep historical, cultural, and religious meaning to the people of New Mexico, and to the indigenous people for whom this is their homeland.\n\nBeyond these spaces, the protection of Chaco Canyon is supported by the vast majority of New Mexicans. In fact, over 75% of our state, and of course, tribes across the nation have weighed in in support of the protection of this land. And that is why, Mr. Chairman, I have right here in my hand 61 letters and statements in support of protecting Chaco Canyon that I asked unanimous consent to submit to the record. This includes 30 letters of support from Navajo allottees, who live in the greater Chaco area, testimony from Navajo Nation vice president Lizer in 2019, stating that we cannot go through another environmental disaster in the area from Navajo Nation, President Begaye in 2017 about his concerns about drilling in the area and its impacts to the daily lives of the Navajo people from an allottee from the area who speaks to these impacts, and the ways in which withdrawal supports Pueblo and Din\u00e9 solidarity from the El Pueblo Council of Governors supporting withdrawal and affirming its sacred significance to both the Pueblo and the Navajo Nations, and from our very own colleague, Congressman and Republican Ryan Zinky, who as interior secretary, deferred oil and gas leasing on these lands because, quote, \u201cI have always said there are places where it is appropriate to develop, and where it is not,\u201d as it was evident, even to Secretary Zinky, that this was one of the places it was not.\n\nYou'll excuse my cynicism about this hearing called by our Republican colleagues to introduce a resolution that would strip away the authority of the administration to protect these sacred lands. And as somebody who personally was born in San Juan County, just up the road from Nageezi, who has personally grown up visiting these places and hearing these stories and working with the people of New Mexico, I have to ask myself, why are we even holding this hearing? Why are we holding this hearing?\n\nI think it's evident that one of the star witnesses of the majority is of course, the oil and gas company that has drilling interests in this site. And in fact, as it's already been established here today, the very same company that spilled hundreds, thousands, we're not even sure how much crude oil in the Chaco area in 2019. And after their well exploded a few days later, didn't even bother to call the families who were impacted by it. Not only did they not call them, they did not provide any sort of financial support or pay any kind of fines for the aftermath of what occurred.\n\nAnd those who are saying that this will somehow lock up development in the area do not understand that this landscape already has over 40,000 oil and gas wells in operation in it. So why are we having this hearing?\n\nPresident Nygren, I am honored and grateful that you are here with us today and I had the opportunity to speak with you yesterday. And I appreciate your comments of support and protecting Chaco Canyon and finding a path forward to ensure that we not only protect these lands. Ms. Hesuse, I do appreciate you so much coming to share. I do appreciate that. And I know that many of the allottees, who are not able to have their voices spoken and heard here today share many of the sentiments that have been heard today in this hearing.\n\nBut I also think it's important to establish, as Director Culver has stated, and which has not been stated in this room I think sufficiently, that there has been years of tribal consultation that has preceded this administration withdrawal, and the legislative work that led to the introduction that all five members of the New Mexico delegation did have a legislative withdrawal of the 10-mile buffer.\n\nIn fact, it dates back over decades. And it's not just a few activists. This is the Navajo Nation itself, who has been engaged in these consultations, including both chapter leadership and previous administrations, and as well as notification to the current administration. It does include consultation with allottees, it does include consultation with indigenous groups, and it does include extensive consultation with the 20 Pueblo Nations who are represented by the El Pueblo Council of Governors. There has been extensive work and consultation and representation and appreciation for tribal sovereignty.\n\nFinally, Mr. Atencio, I want to lift up your testimony today, because I think that it speaks to many of the voices that were not heard in this hearing today, and which are represented by folks who are sitting behind you, and by the voices that are in this packet of support letters that we provided today about this false choice of unkept promises, not just today by the current administration or previous administration, but the false promises and the unkept promises by the United States government to the Navajo people to the Pueblo people since the very beginning.\n\nSo, let's protect Chaco Canyon. Let's find a path forward. And with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-applauds-xochitl-torres-smalls-appointment-deputy-secretary", "Rep. Vasquez Applauds Xochitl Torres Small\u2019s Appointment to Deputy Secretary of Agriculture", "2023-07-11", "2023", "2023-07", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, July 11, 2023, the United State Senate confirmed former U.S. Representative Xochitl Torres Small to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. During the nomination process, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) wrote a letter in support of Torres Small\u2019s nomination, and ultimately in the process, Torres Small received strong bipartisan support from the Senate.\n\nVasquez released the following statement after Torres Small\u2019s confirmation:\n\n\u201cWith Senate confirmation, our country and New Mexico stand to gain from Xochitl Torres Small\u2019s new role as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cAs Under Secretary of Rural Development for the Department of Agriculture, Xochitl Torres Small has demonstrated an extensive understanding and remarkable effectiveness in serving rural communities across the nation. Torres Small\u2019s experience as a legislator in New Mexico\u2019s second district and her unique work experience will support our farmers, ranchers, farm workers and rural communities. She will be a key asset to our district and help implement the new Farm Bill.\u201d\n\nTorres Small began her work in New Mexico, where she served as a field organizer in Colonias located in southern New Mexico. In Congress, she proudly represented New Mexico\u2019s 2nd Congressional District and while in office, served on the House Agriculture Committee. Agriculture is a crucial sector of New Mexico\u2019s and the nation\u2019s economy. New Mexico\u2019s contribution to the nation\u2019s food system includes staple crops like Hatch green chile, white and yellow onions, cotton, pecans and important dairy products.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-working-protect-jobs-holloman-air-force-base", "Vasquez Working to Protect Jobs at Holloman Air Force Base", "2023-07-07", "2023", "2023-07", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Last week, on June 30, 2023, Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) and Senator Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM) sent a letter to the Secretary of the Air Force expressing concern over the personnel contract cancellations and potential job losses at Holloman Air Force Base.\n\n\u201cHolloman Air Force Base directly employs over 5,000 people, with an additional 1,700 individuals employed through indirect support roles, contributing over $420 million in earned income to the local economy in Alamogordo,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cThese service members, civilians, contractors, and their families are an integral part of keeping Alamogordo\u2019s economy alive and well.\u201d\n\nAs the only Member from the New Mexico delegation to serve on the House Armed Services Committee, Vasquez is routinely involved with the state\u2019s military installations. When the Air Force began conversations to cancel their contract for instructors of the MQ-9 (Reaper) Initial Qualification Training program at Holloman, Vasquez immediately sought ways to protect those jobs.\n\n\u201cWe understand that roughly 70 contractors would lose their jobs in the MQ-9 training program at Holloman, and we\u2019re concerned about the negative impacts that may have on Alamogordo\u2019s economy and the families who live there,\u201d Vasquez remarked.\n\nBeyond the economic impacts this contract cancellation may have, the potential loss of subject matter expertise these contracted instructors possess may impact mission readiness. The Air Force has indicated that these vacancies will be filled by active-duty Airmen. However, Vasquez has requested that the Air Force provide his district with answers to how and why this decision was made.\n\nThe full text of the letter is below:\n\nDear Secretary Kendall,\n\nWe are writing to you regarding reports of the cancellation of a personnel contract for the MQ-9 (Reaper) Initial Qualification Training program at Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, New Mexico.\n\nHolloman Air Force Base is located in a rural part of southern New Mexico and plays a key economic role in supporting the local community. Holloman directly employs over 5,000 people, with an additional 1,700 individuals employed through indirect support roles, contributing over $420 million in earned income to the local economy. These service members, civilians, contractors, and their families are an integral part of keeping Alamogordo\u2019s economy alive and well.\n\nWe understand that roughly 70 contractors would lose their jobs in the MQ-9 training program at Holloman, and we are concerned about the negative impacts that may have on Alamogordo\u2019s economy and the families who live there. Furthermore, due to the nature of stationing and regular rotation of Airmen, we are concerned about losing the experience and expertise that seasoned contractors provide in these training roles. For nearly 20 years, the U.S. Air Force has lamented on its pilot shortage. While the Air Force has made progress on pilot shortages, we believe that future shifts in retention could jeopardize the MQ-9 training program at Holloman if the Air Force moves to using only active-duty Airmen. The MQ-9 Reaper remains one of the U.S. Air Force\u2019s most versatile platforms in the contemporary battlefield. Any decrease in qualified trained pilots could pose a significant risk to national security and the U.S. Air Force\u2019s effectiveness.\n\nWe respectfully request a response to the following questions by Friday, August 4th, 2023:\n\nWhat metrics were used in the decision to cancel the MQ-9 Initial Qualification Training personnel contract?\n\nHow will the mission proceed should these positions be eliminated, and active-duty instructors are unavailable?\n\nOn average, how long will the active-duty instructors be stationed at Holloman and what considerations have been made to ensure continuity of training between instructors?\n\nIf the Air Force expects to save money by cancelling the contract, what are the expected savings?\n\nWhat conditions would need to be met to renew this, or a similar contract for the MQ-9 training program?\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\nGabe Vasquez\n\nBen Ray Luj\u00e1n", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-discusses-local-priorities-upcoming-farm-bill-and-hosts-albuquerque", "Vasquez Discusses Local Priorities, the Upcoming Farm Bill and Hosts Albuquerque Office Opening", "2023-07-06", "2023", "2023-07", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. \u2013 This week, Representative Gabe Vasquez (N.M.-02) was in Albuquerque, the South Valley and Los Lunas to meet with local elected officials and community leaders to hear their priorities and to share updates from Congress.\n\nImage\n\nVasquez visited the new Westgate Community Center and met with Albuquerque City Councilor Klarissa Pe\u00f1a (District 3) and representatives from the City of Albuquerque, including Senior Affairs Associate Director Alan Armijo, to discuss ways they can work together in Congress.\n\nImage\n\nAfterward, Vasquez met with Bernalillo County Commissioners Barbara Baca (District 1), Steven Michael Quezada (District 2), Walt Benson (District 4) and Eric Olivas (District 5), and County Manager Julie Morgas Baca. The Commissioners talked about future projects, including ways Vasquez can support them through the upcoming Farm Bill.\n\nImage\n\nThis Congress, the House must re-authorize agriculture, nutrition and conservation programs through the Farm Bill, which must be passed every five years. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, Vasquez will play a key role in the drafting of the bill this year. Since January, Vasquez has been meeting with stakeholders across the district to best understand their needs so he can secure those wins in Congress.\n\nImage\n\nWhile in Albuquerque, Vasquez met with key stakeholders who will be directly impacted by the Farm Bill. On Monday, Vasquez visited the Los Jardines Institute with State Senator Linda Lopez, leaders from the Agri-Cultura Network and several local farmers. During this visit, many shared their priorities for the Farm Bill.\n\nImage\n\nOn Wednesday, Vasquez, Bernalillo County Open Space, Agri-Cultura Network and the Youth Conservation Corps discussed the benefits of accessing local produce to promote nutrition and economic development at Hubbell House in the South Valley.\n\nImage\n\nThe South Valley Economic Development Center hosted a network training. Vasquez joined local producers and shared with them how he plans to share their priorities in the House Agriculture Committee ahead of the Farm Bill discussions.\n\nImage\n\nEarlier this year, Vasquez proposed over $30 million in Community Project Funding for New Mexico\u2019s second congressional district. Vasquez requested $4 million for the Atrisco Vista Boulevard Improvement Project to reconstruct the 2.35-mile stretch of road, which has the potential to bring 13,000 jobs to the area. While in the district, Vasquez met with Bernalillo County officials to visit the space and discuss the potential impact it can have.\n\nImage\n\nLastly, Vasquez held an opening for his new office in Albuquerque. At the opening, Vasquez was joined by State Representatives Joy Garratt (HD-29), Kathleen Cates (HD-44), Flor Yanira Gurrola Valenzuela (HD-16), State Senator Linda Lopez (SD-11), Bernalillo County Assessor Damian Lara, Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen, National Hispanic Cultural Center Interim Executive Director Zack Quintero, and representatives from the offices of Albuquerque Mayor Keller, Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan and Representatives Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) and Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-introduces-clean-school-bus-infrastructure-act-support-underserved", "Vasquez Introduces \u201cClean School Bus Infrastructure Act\u201d to Support Underserved School Districts", "2023-07-06", "2023", "2023-07", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Last week, Rep. Gabe Vasquez announced the introduction of the Community Facilities Program for Rural Clean School Bus Infrastructure Act to expand clean school bus charging infrastructure, like electric chargers and compressed natural gas (CNG) tanks. The bill allows clean charging technology to be purchased with grant or loan dollars from the US Department of Agriculture\u2019s Community Facilities Direct Loans and Grant Program. This legislation supports rural communities' participation in the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) Clean School Bus Program by helping them build the necessary framework needed to power the clean buses received from the EPA.\n\n\u201cOur more rural and isolated communities often lack the infrastructure needed to support clean school buses,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cPollution levels inside of standard school buses are often much higher than on the outside, posing a health risk to our kids. This bill will allow school districts in those areas and across New Mexico to take full advantage of a program that supports both the health of our students and the environment by providing them the assistance they need to ensure these buses can be powered when they are delivered.\u201d\n\nAmerican school buses travel more than 4 billion miles each year, providing the safest transportation to and from school for more than 25 million American children every day. Most school buses on the road emit pollutants, which can contribute to poor air quality and negatively impact human health, especially for children. Electric school buses provide many benefits for students, drivers and members of the community including zero tailpipe pollution, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and reduced maintenance and fuel costs.\n\n\u201cThe Rural Clean School Bus Infrastructure Act is an opportunity to invest in a healthier future with electric school buses and help children breathe easier,\u201d said Harold Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association. \u201cThe transportation sector is a leading source of greenhouse gasses. School bus electrification is an important part of making the air healthier for everyone, especially children.\u201d\n\n\"Electric school buses dramatically reduce the air pollution that our children breathe, reduce operating costs for school districts, and reduce our nation's dependence on oil, making them a win-win for schools and families,\" saidKatherine Stainken, Vice President of Policy of the Electrification Coalition. \u201cThis bill will bring vital charging infrastructure to rural communities without incurring new costs for schools or the federal government. We strongly encourage this common-sense expansion of the Farm Bill. \u201d\n\n\u201cSchools across rural America are moving to incorporate electric school buses into their fleets as they shift away from diesel buses and the emissions that are harming kids\u2019 health and learning,\u201d said Sue Gander, Director of World Resources Institute\u2019s Electric School Bus Initiative. \u201cWe applaud this proposal by Representative Vasquez to open up the benefits of a cleaner and healthier ride to school to students in rural communities while saving those communities money on operating their school bus fleets.\u201d\n\nVasquez is proud to introduce this legislation to support health and access to education for New Mexico\u2019s kids.\n\nBackground:\n\nLast year, theEPA\u2019s Clean School Bus Program received over 2,000 applications with 12,000 total clean school buses requested. Las Cruces Public Schools received funding for 5 electric school buses through this program. Grants-Cibola School District and Loving School District are on the program waitlist for 6 electric buses and 1 propane bus, respectively. These buses emit far fewer harmful emissions than traditional school buses, which can be 12 times as high inside school buses compared to on the outside. The program provides battery-electric, compressed natural gas (CNG), and propane power school buses, but only some funding for electric charging infrastructure and none for CNG or propane. Rural schools that do not have the same resources as more urban schools need assistance to provide the components necessary to charge these buses. Several other federal and state initiatives centered on clean school buses would also benefit from this legislation to expand rural access to these resources.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-secures-new-mexico-funding-national-defense-authorization-act", "Vasquez Secures New Mexico Funding in the National Defense Authorization Act", "2023-07-06", "2023", "2023-07", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On June 22, 2023, Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) voted to advance the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 out of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) to the House Floor for consideration.\n\n\u201cSupporting our national defense and bringing good-paying jobs to New Mexico are critical parts of the role I play on the Armed Services Committee,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cIn my first year representing this district, I\u2019ve focused on strengthening our national defense, ensuring taxpayer dollars are being used wisely, and fighting for New Mexico\u2019s interests not just in my district, but across the state.\u201d\n\nAs a Member of HASC, Vasquez is the Vice Ranking Member of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee and also serves on the Readiness subcommittees. Vasquez helped draft the bipartisan FY24 NDAA. The final bill includes dozens of provisions Vasquez authored, such as quality-of-life improvements for service members, clean water and energy resiliency projects on military installations and support for local jobs for New Mexicans.\n\n\u201cOur national security interests are uniquely represented in New Mexico, from the groundbreaking research and development that takes place at Sandia and Los Alamos National Labs, to the testing grounds of White Sands Missile Range, to the 49th Wing at Holloman Air Force Base. I\u2019m proud to support New Mexico\u2019s interests and economy in the NDAA,\u201d Vasquez remarked.\n\nThe committee held a comprehensive debate, and in the end, Vasquez was able to deliver investments in innovation, security, research, and quality-of-life improvements for servicemen and women that will support New Mexico. Vasquez secured more than 25 provisions in the bipartisan FY24 NDAA.\n\nHere are a few notable wins:\n\nExpanding Military Base Child Care: Vasquez secured a bipartisan provision with Rep. Stefanik (R-NY), which expands the \u201cIn Your Home Child Care Fee Assistance Pilot Program\u201d at Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, NM. Improving child care for service members is a top priority for Rep. Vasquez.\n\nAddressing PFAS Contamination: Vasquez was able to secure provisions that mandate standardized water quality reports from installations and a report from the Department of Defense (DOD) on the scale of PFAS contamination in drinking water at and around installations.\n\nImproving Housing for Service Members: Vasquez prioritized modernizing facilities at places like White Sands Missile Range and authored a provision to cut down on issuing waivers for insufficient housing, instead focusing on building new housing for service members.\n\nHelping Service Members\u2019 Families: Vasquez expanded service members\u2019 access to Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) and required an assessment of the BNA and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) to address disparities between junior and senior service members. The bill also includes a 5.2 percent pay raise for service members.\n\nSupporting New Mexico Universities: Vasquez secured a provision to work with the DOD to increase opportunities for the Air Force to partner with academic institutions, like the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, for cyberspace training and operations.\n\nRead the summary of the bill here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-statement-scotus-decision-strike-down-president-bidens-executive", "Rep. Stansbury Statement on SCOTUS Decision to Strike Down President Biden\u2019s Executive Order to Cancel Student Debt", "2023-06-30", "2023", "2023-06", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) released the following statement following the Supreme Court\u2019s decision to strike down President Biden\u2019s executive order to cancel student loan debt.\n\n\u201cThis decision is devastating for 216,000 New Mexicans who are eligible for student debt relief,\u201d said Rep. Stansbury. \u201cI am outraged this right-wing court is preventing thousands of New Mexicans from starting a business, buying a home, and getting ahead. The average student loan borrower in our state holds $30,000 in crushing loan debt\u2014the executive order would have helped our communities move forward. With this decision, it\u2019s imperative that Congress steps in and passes legislation to cancel student loan debt and provide tuition-free college for all. I hope the rest of the county follows the success of our state in making public college tuition-free. I will not stop fighting until we create a world where future generations are not held back because of crushing debt.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:08:25Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/nm-delegation-delivers-262-million-modernize-bus-fleets-improve-public-transit", "N.M. Delegation Delivers $26.2 million to Modernize Bus Fleets,  Improve Public Transit", "2023-06-28", "2023", "2023-06", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fern\u00e1ndez (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are announcing $26,270,968 from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to the City of Albuquerque and North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD) to enhance public transportation services and accelerate the transition to an American-made clean energy future.\n\nThrough their Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the delegation helped secure $18.2 million to allow the City of Albuquerque to purchase 20 new American-made electric buses. The delegation also delivered over $8 million to NCRTD, including a $5.9 million grant to modernize facilities and expand services in Taos and Espa\u00f1ola, and a $2 million grant to expand its fleet of new hybrid electric buses.\n\n\u201cWhether it\u2019s to get to work, the doctor\u2019s office, or anything in between, thousands of New Mexicans rely on public transportation every day. By modernizing and expanding these bus fleets and facilities, this investment from the Infrastructure Law will make our air cleaner, improve public health, and create energy savings for local governments \u2014 all while making it easier for New Mexicans to live their lives,\u201d said Heinrich, founder and co-chair of the Electrification Caucus. \u201cThis is the type of win-win-win that comes from investing in American families and an American-made clean energy future.\u201d\n\n\u201cPublic transportation keeps our communities connected. That\u2019s why I\u2019m glad this funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will invest more than $26 million to modernize and improve public transportation in New Mexico, ensuring safe and sustainable transit for all riders,\u201d said Luj\u00e1n. \u201cThis funding will create new opportunities for our workforce and give our local businesses a much-needed boost, as well as combatting climate change and making our air cleaner by shifting to clean energy alternatives.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis investment of $26.2 million will help New Mexico revitalize our transportation sector. Our own beautiful district will receive $8 million for clean, green buses and to update the transit centers in Taos and Espa\u00f1ola,\u201d said Leger Fern\u00e1ndez. \u201cThe Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided the funding to make this possible. This is what building a sustainable future looks like.\u201d\n\n\u201cAn investment in public transportation is an investment into our communities,\u201d said Stansbury. \u201cThis investment will not only be lifechanging for New Mexicans who rely on public transport, but this is a huge victory for a more energy efficient New Mexico. I can\u2019t wait to see the impact this win will have for generations to come!\"\n\n\"New Mexico's public transportation system is receiving much-needed investments to improve, modernize and expand the current public bus infrastructure. A reliable public transportation system expands access to education, health care, and jobs for New Mexicans,\" said Vasquez. \"We are paving the way for a clean energy future by investing in these new electric buses which will have an impact for future generations.\"\n\n\"In Albuquerque, we know we can act with urgency to combat climate change and foster a sustainable future for our community. We appreciate the funding and support of our federal delegation that enables us to make public transportation greener and expand our electric fleet with 20 new buses,\u201d said City of Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller.\n\n\u201cThe NCRTD was pleased to learn about the funding allocated for the Taos Operations and Maintenance Facility Phase II since this will provide funds for construction of the fleet maintenance building which is a critical component for the maintenance of vehicles and to provide safe and efficient transit services to Taos County. Furthermore, the funds received for the Jim West Phase I expansion will allow the district to remodel the existing 2,500 sq feet of space that was originally used for light fleet maintenance and storage. This expansion will provide some relief to its lack of office space; however, the future Phase II expansion will mitigate fully the need to alleviate overcrowding and provide for future space needs,\u201d said Anthony Mortillaro, Executive Director of the North Central Regional Transit District.\n\nThis funding includes:\n\n$18.2 million awarded by the federal Low and No Emission (Low-No) Vehicle Grant Program to the City of Albuquerque.The funding will be used to purchase 20 electric city buses.\n\n$5.9 million awarded by the federal Buses & Bus Facilities Grant Program to the North Central Regional Transit District.The funding will be used to modernize and expand bus facilities in Espa\u00f1ola and Taos. Specifically, it will help NCRTD begin Phase One Construction of the Jim West Regional Transit Center Renovation/Expansion and begin Phase Two Construction of the Taos Transit Facility Maintenance Wing.\n\n$2 million awarded by the federal Low and No Emission (Low-No) Vehicle Grant Program for the North Central Regional Transit District to purchase new hybrid-electric buses. The funding will be used for the procurement of three replacement diesel-electric transit buses.\n\nThe delegation successfully advocated for NCRTD to receive these grant awards. In March and April, Heinrich, Luj\u00e1n, and Leger Fern\u00e1ndez wrote to Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to fund the procurement of hybrid electric buses and approve their grant application to modernize and expand bus facilities in Espa\u00f1ola and Taos.\n\nToday's investment is the second bus grant package funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has now invested more than $39.7 million in New Mexican transit buses and the infrastructure that supports them. In 2022, New Mexico received $13.4 million in Bus and Low and No Emission Grant awards through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to the City of Las Cruces and New Mexico Department of Transportation. View those funding allocations here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:08:25Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-criticizes-constant-gop-attacks-nepa-and-council-environment", "Rep. Stansbury Criticizes Constant GOP Attacks on NEPA and the Council on Environment Quality", "2023-06-23", "2023", "2023-06", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "VIDEO LINK: The full video can be found here.\n\nWASHINGTON\u2014Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01), once again set the record straight on the role of environmental protection agencies, and whether they\u2019re overstepping their jurisdiction.\n\n\u201cThere's been some misinformation shared this morning, in many different sort of compartments of the conversation,\u201d Rep. Stansbury said. \u201cBut when the National Environmental Policy Act was passed by this body in 1969, Chair Mallory, wasn't it partly the intent of Congress to have an entity that sat at sort of the tip of the spear in the federal government that could coordinate across agencies on environmental review and protection?\u201d\n\nBrenda Mallory, Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, agreed.\n\n\u201cThat is entirely the point of why Congress created the Council on Environmental Quality,\u201d Rep. Stansbury continued. \u201cSome of the assertions we heard today about mission creep, expansion of the role, are just actually factually untrue, on the basis of the statute that we passed, that Congress passed on a bipartisan basis.\u201d\n\nRep. Stansbury also explained that under every administration, the president is completely within their power to create an advisory board that advises the president on any matter, which means the CEQ is within President Biden\u2019s scope of duties.\n\n\"So, some of those arguments are just untrue,\u201d Rep. Stansbury said.\n\nRep. Stansbury\u2019s full remarks as delivered are below.\n\nRep. Stansbury: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. These hearings are always an interesting adventure.\n\nI've appreciated the discussion\u2014and Chair Mallory\u2014your intelligent, calm, cool and responsible answers to many of the wild and interesting questions that we've gotten here today.\n\nBut I do feel compelled to just do a little bit of cleanup here on some of the misinformation that we've heard here today. I want to just start with global climate change and energy transition. I heard some statements here today about there's no energy transition happening, that if we just could get China to stop its emissions, then the U.S. wouldn't have to address its emissions.\n\nI mean, first of all, Chair Mallory, does the United States have jurisdiction over China?\n\nChair Mallory: Thank you for the question. Obviously, we don't have jurisdiction over China. But I think that China is an area and the fact that they are dominant in some areas is something that the administration is very focused on.\n\nAnd so that we too, as we think about how we shore up our own economy, are focused on putting ourselves in a position so that we can actually, you know, do our own critical minerals here. That's important to the administration.\n\nRep. Stansbury: You know, in terms of talking about the overall global climate footprint, and both in terms of emissions, and in terms of reducing emissions, the United States per capita is one of the largest emitters per capita in the entire world. Is that not correct?\n\nChair Mallory: That's correct.\n\nRep. Stansbury: So, the United States has a fundamental responsibility, especially on the global scale of addressing our emissions across every single sector.\n\nThat is once again, why we pass the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, because it takes each of these emission sectors, sector by sector, and tries to address those emissions.\n\nNow, in terms of some of the questions about whether or not that is environmentally just, whether or not that has implications for the future of our communities: one thousand percent, of course it does, we're talking about the future of our planet.\n\nAnd while I greatly respect every community that depends on resource extraction for their livelihoods, we will not have a planet that is livable if we do not address global climate change for any communities.\n\nThe transition is occurring, it will occur, it will continue to occur over the next decade, over the coming decades. And if we are effective in implementing the policies that this body last Congress passed, with the Inflation Reduction Act, with the policies that the Biden Administration is implementing, with the global leadership that the Biden Administration is working on, in partnership with other sovereign nations including China, including other countries, then we will avert a global climate crisis, and we will have a survivable planet. And I think that's really, at the end of the day what our goal is.\n\nSecondly, I want to address this issue of mission creep. There's been some misinformation shared this morning, in many different sort of compartments of the conversation. But when the National Environmental Policy Act was passed by this body in 1969, Chair Mallory, wasn't it partly the intent of Congress to have an entity that sat at sort of the tip of the spear in the federal government that could coordinate across agencies on environmental review and protection?\n\nChair Mallory: That's correct.\n\nRep. Stansbury: So, Mr. Chairman, that is entirely the point of why Congress created the Council on Environmental Quality. Some of the assertions we heard today about mission creep, expansion of the role, are just actually factually untrue, on the basis of the statute that we passed, that Congress passed on a bipartisan basis.\n\nI also want to note that we do have a separation of powers, and that the president under every administration has the right and authority to create an advisory body within the Executive Office of the President that can advise that President on any matter. It can be statutory, or it can be something that the President creates, because it's part of carrying out their mission. So, some of those arguments are just untrue.\n\nAnd finally, with the remainder of my time, I do want to just say, I've heard a lot of unusual arguments today about NEPA. And I think that it's very clear from what happened in the inflation reduction, or excuse me, in the debt ceiling limit negotiations that happened, that there was a very clear intent to hold our country hostage, and to do so over a key few items.\n\nOne: to try to cut federal spending and the spending on our agencies. Two: to gut our environmental laws, and three: to gut our social programs. And there was a very crafty and clever effort to undermine the National Environmental Policy Act.\n\nI believe that many of the comments here today were intended to set legal traps for the entity that administers the National Environmental Policy Act.\n\nI just want to say Chair Mallory, I am grateful that you are in that role, you are exactly the right person to be there defending NEPA, and we will continue to fight these efforts to undermine NEPA.\n\nThank you.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:08:25Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-reintroduces-watersmart-access-tribes-act", "Rep. Stansbury Reintroduces WaterSMART Access for Tribes Act", "2023-06-23", "2023", "2023-06", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01), member of the House Natural Resources Committee reintroduced theWaterSMART Access for Tribes Act withRepresentatives Steve Cohen (TN-09), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Leger Fern\u00e1ndez (N.M.-03), Grace Napolitano (CA-32), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC).\n\nThe WaterSMART Access for Tribes Act gives the Secretary of the Interior the authority to waive or reduce cost-share requirements to implement drought and water projects under the Bureau of Reclamation\u2019s WaterSMART program. To date, fewer than five percent of the projects funded under WaterSMART since its inception in 2010 have been led by Tribes or Pueblos. Rep. Stansbury drafted the legislation in response to testimony submitted before the House Committee on Natural Resources from several witnesses, including the National Congress of American Indians, the Colorado River Indian Tribes, and the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation on the need to make these funds more accessible to address Tribal water needs.\n\n\u201cWater is life,\u201d said Rep. Stansbury. \u201cI\u2019m thrilled to reintroduce this bill to address the extensive barriers Indian Country has in accessing crucial water infrastructure dollars from federal programs like the WaterSMART. Addressing these needs is critical to responding to the lasting impacts of climate change and decades of underinvestment in Tribal water needs.\u201d\n\nThe WaterSMART Access for Tribes Act builds on Rep. Stansbury\u2019s career in water and sustainability. As a state legislator in the New Mexico House of Representatives, Rep. Stansbury passed numerous pieces of legislation on climate and water, including the bipartisan Water Data Act, which created a nationally-leading framework for leveraging the power of data to transform water management. The success of the Water Data Act has attracted partnerships across the state and the country, including the WaterSMART program and other federal, state, Tribal and local entities, research institutions, and non-profit organizations.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:08:25Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-takes-leadership-role-bipartisan-agriculture-group-address-labor", "Vasquez Takes Leadership Role in Bipartisan Agriculture Group to Address Labor Shortages", "2023-06-23", "2023", "2023-06", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, June 21, 2023, the House Agriculture Committee announced Rep. Gabe Vasquez's (NM-02) membership to the bipartisan Agricultural Labor Working Group. The working group will focus on the workforce issues faced by the nation\u2019s agricultural producers.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m focused on continuing to build relationships with our producers and farm workers, so those that put food on our tables have a secure future in New Mexico,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cI have heard from New Mexican farmers who face crucial labor shortages, and for some, were only able to get through the season because of the H-2A program. That\u2019s why I introduced the bipartisan Farm Workforce Support Act to pave a pathway for the H-2A visa reform. I\u2019ve also heard from domestic farmworkers and immigrant rights organizations who see a common path forward to address our nation\u2019s labor shortages. I am proud to serve on the working group, to fight for solutions for New Mexico and our nation\u2019s agriculture workforce challenges.\u201d\n\nMembers of the working group have been selected from current Committee members and aim to represent every sector and geographical region of American agriculture.\n\nThe working group will:\n\nSeek input from stakeholders, employers, and workers, particularly emphasizing the H-2A visa program for nonimmigrant agricultural workers.\n\nProduce an interim report detailing the program's shortcomings and the impacts on food security.\n\nFile a final report with recommendations to address the flaws within the program.\n\nThe final report of the working group will provide a comprehensive suite of potential solutions that can inform and be utilized in subsequent legislative efforts.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:08:25Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-working-prevent-members-congress-and-their-families-trading-stocks", "Vasquez Working to Prevent Members of Congress and Their Families from Trading Stocks", "2023-06-23", "2023", "2023-06", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, June 23, 2023, Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced his co-sponsorship of the bipartisan Transparent Representation Upholding Service and Trust (TRUST) in Congress Act that would require Members of Congress \u2014 as well as their spouses and dependent children \u2014 to put certain investment assets into a qualified blind trust during their entire tenure in Congress, effectively banning them from trading individual stocks and eliminating loopholes.\n\n\u201cRepresentatives are supposed to be in office to serve their constituents, not their own financial interests. I\u2019m proud to be leading the effort to ban stock trading for Members of Congress and their families,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cThe American people need to be able to trust their elected officials, and banning Representatives from unethically profiting from their positions is the first step to secure that trust.\u201d\n\nBy establishing this new firewall between Members and their investments, the TRUST in Congress Act would make sure Members of Congress cannot use their positions in the U.S. House or U.S. Senate to unethically inform investment decisions, influence the value of their existing investments, or contribute to greater distrust between the American people and their elected officials.\n\nThis legislation is supported by several advocacy and government accountability organizations across the political spectrum including the Project On Government Oversight (POGO), the National Taxpayers Union, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), Public Citizen, the Campaign Legal Center, Taxpayers for Common Sense, FreedomWorks, the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, Protect Democracy, Americans for Prosperity, the Government Accountability Project, Issue One, PEER, Democracy12, Fix the Court, and the ECU Action Fund.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:08:25Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-statement-supreme-court-decision-ruling-against-navajo-nation", "Rep. Stansbury Statement on Supreme Court Decision Ruling Against Navajo Nation in Water Rights Case", "2023-06-22", "2023", "2023-06", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled the federal government does not have an affirmative trust responsibility to secure water for the Navajo Nation, in a decision with far-reaching implications for tribes across the the West.\n\n\u201cThis shameful Supreme Court decision is yet another devastating setback for Indigenous communities in New Mexico and across the country.\n\n\"I am shocked by the majority opinion in this case and its efforts to turn back the clock on more than a hundred years of legal precedent protecting tribal water rights and federal trust and treaty responsibilities under the Winters Doctrine, decided by the Court in 1908.\n\n\"As with other extreme decisions by SCOTUS, including the Dobbs decision which undermined reproductive rights, Sackett decision which undermined Clean Water, and the Castro-Huerta decision which undermined tribal sovereignty this\u2014this decision is a direct affront to tribal rights and settled law.\n\n\"This decision could have far-reaching implications for Tribes across the West including New Mexico. Tragically, we know this decision will fall hardest on the most vulnerable, including the nearly 40% of households on the Navajo Nation that do not have access to clean water and must water haul water from miles away.\n\n\"The treaty of 1868 promised the Navajo Nation a \u2018permanent home.\u2019 A home without water is a promise broken. And when Justices Kavanaugh, Roberts, Thomas, Alito, and Barrett turn on their tap tonight, I hope that they think of the 170,000 Navajo citizens who live that broken promise every single day.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve been working my entire career to address tribal water rights, access, and equity. The U.S government has both a moral and a legal trust responsibility to provide the life sustaining waters that were tribes reserved when they signed treaties with and ceded lands to the federal government. In Congress, I will never stop fighting to protect Indigenous rights and to address the water needs of our communities.\n\n\"Today\u2019s decision is yet another example of how a corrupted Supreme Court, captured by Special Interests and big donors, is turning back the clock on Tribal and American rights. The Court is broken\u2014and must be reformed!\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:08:25Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-advocating-universal-childcare-democratic-womens-caucus", "Rep. Stansbury Advocating for Universal Childcare at Democratic Women\u2019s Caucus", "2023-06-21", "2023", "2023-06", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), attended the Democratic Women\u2019s Caucus Hearing this afternoon and reestablished her commitment to universal childcare both for the nation and for New Mexicans.\n\n\u201cAnd I grew up in a low income family, I just single mom. And you know, there were times where we were housing insecure. And I think for any family that actually knows the reality of housing insecurity, and what that looks like having to stay with friends on occasion, sleeping somewhere you wish you hadn't, who experience food insecurity and have to depend on food stamps, and those other programs, and myself going to, you know, public health clinics growing up not having health insurance. These are very personal issues for me,\u201d Rep. Stansbury said.\n\nFurthermore, she discussed the role of the American Rescue Plan Act funding and how it has positively impacted families in New Mexico. \u201cThe Child Tax Credit and the Stabilization Grants, which provided emergency assistance to both families and child care providers. According to polling, in the state of New Mexico, 92% of child care providers said that the stabilization grants provided through the American Rescue Plan helped them keep their doors open. And in my district, 117,000 children received payments between July and December 2021, totaling over $30 million per month.\u201d\n\nRep. Stansbury\u2019s full remarks as prepared are below.\n\nThank you to our Caucus Chairwoman Frankel, to Rep. Bonamici and Rep Tlaib for hosting this important hearing today, and to the rest of my colleagues in the Democratic Women\u2019s Caucus for your continued work on these issues.\n\nThis hearing on supporting children and families is especially timely for New Mexicans, as just last week, New Mexico ranked 50th in wellbeing for children.\n\nIt is also timely as our colleagues across the aisle are working hard to yank universal meals out of the hands of hungry kids across the country. There is no other words to describe it other than pure evil.\n\nGrowing up in a working-class family gave me a profound appreciation for just how important access to affordable childcare is. The availability of consistent, affordable, and reliable childcare is critical to ensuring working families don\u2019t have to live in poverty. That\u2019s why I unequivocally support universal child care.\n\nThe COVID-19 pandemic put an unprecedented strain on our already stretched childcare system in New Mexico, forcing parents \u2013 primarily mothers \u2013 out of the workforce. It is important to note that this disproportionately impacts women of color, specifically Latinas, and their families.\n\nThis is why the American Rescue Plan, that the Democrats passed in 2021, was such a critical lifeline for our child care economy and working families. Specifically, the Child Tax Credit and the Stabilization Grants, which provided emergency assistance to both families and child care providers.\n\nAccording to polling, in the state of New Mexico, 92% of child care providers said that the stabilization grants provided through the American Rescue Plan helped them keep their doors open. And in my district, 117,000 children received payments between July and December 2021, totaling over $30 million per month.\n\nAccess to early education is also critical to child well-being and a strong indicator of positive life outcomes. I\u2019m proud to have passed a piece of legislation that gives New Mexico the authority to sustainably invest in early childhood education.\n\nThis bill was signed into law by the President and will change the trajectory of our State for the better.\n\nVIDEO LINK: The video can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:08:25Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-farm-bill-submissions", "Rep. Stansbury on Farm Bill Submissions", "2023-06-16", "2023", "2023-06", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) submitted requests for the Farm Bill to the House Committee on Agriculture. The submissions include her Water Data Act, increasing funding for food assistance, and improving our agricultural infrastructure.\n\n\u201cI am thrilled to submit lifechanging amendments to reshape the Farm Bill to fill the gaps to help our communities in New Mexico thrive,\u201d said Rep. Stansbury. \u201cNew Mexico is a farming and ranching powerhouse, which is why my office worked diligently to ensure the voices of New Mexicans were centered in all our submissions. From addressing unprecedented drought, to improving our food systems and food security for our communities\u2014these submissions will greatly help improve our rural communities. I cannot wait to see the results we deliver.\u201d\n\nRep. Stansbury submitted the following:\n\nWater Data Act - This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will unlock the power of data to empower communities, farmers, water managers, and local governments across the nation with the tools they need to transform and modernize the way we manage water across the nation. This legislation has a wide range of supporters and endorsements, from environmental justice groups to the Family Farm Alliance.\n\nThe Emergency Food Assistance Program \u2013 This program provides emergency food assistance to low-income Americans. Rep. Stansbury asked for increased funding, including for food bank program administration, increased access to culturally-relevant foods to ensure communities can access foods they know and love, Tribal administration of programs, and extended authorities to purchase bonus commodities to respond to demand fluctuations. New Mexico placed last in child welfare in the annual Annie E. Casey Foundation\u2019s Kids COUNT data book, and these increases will help ensure every child has access to nutritious food.\n\nAgricultural and conservation requests from the community, including PFAS remediation, reforestation, watershed protection, reducing water conflict, and improving soil health.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:15:57Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-highlights-importance-new-mexicans-indo-pacific-task-force", "Rep. Stansbury Highlights the Importance of New Mexicans to the Indo-Pacific Task Force", "2023-06-16", "2023", "2023-06", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "VIDEO LINK: The full video can be found here.\n\nWASHINGTON\u2014This week, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01), spoke of the many New Mexicans in her district that play vital roles in keeping the peace in the South Pacific, and emphasized what Congress can do to support United States' military presence in that area as well as the Freely Associated States in a House Committee and Natural Resources Committee Hearing.\n\n\u201cSome may be asking why two members from New Mexico are interested in the South Pacific and the compacts of Free Association,\u201d Rep. Stansbury said. \u201cThat is, in part because many of our constituents back home play a vital role in national security\u2014from the air men and women who served at Kirtland Air Force Base in my district, to the scientists at our national labs who helped to support these missions, and our proud service members across New Mexico of which we have many\u2014including my own partner who is a proud veteran and Marine who served in the Pacific.\u201d\n\nIn her line of questioning, Rep. Stansbury homed in on what the most significant things Congress can do to support the troops and the people of the South Pacific.\n\n\u201cI think the immediate term, ma'am, in the Freely Associated States, as I said, small units, engineering units, medical detachments put in there for some extended period of time, and you keep replacing them, this permanent presence, show that you're there and that you're interested,\u201d witness Colonel Grant Newsham said. \u201cAnd also, as I say, create something along the lines of a local defense force, so that you're not just there doing all the work, have the locals brought into this as well. That would be something I really would stress. And there's a lot of good young officers who want to be in these places using their initiative away from the headquarters.\u201d\n\nRep. Stansbury ended her time by highlighting another benefit of the U.S.\u2019 presence in the South Pacific: the opportunity for the people in the Freely Associated States to serve in the U.S. military.\n\nRep. Stansbury\u2019s full remarks as delivered are below.\n\nRep. Stansbury: Well, good morning everyone and thank you Madam Chair. Thank you to our ranking member as well. I'm truly honored to be able to serve on this bipartisan committee with my colleagues, and I want to thank all of our witnesses for being here today.\n\nI think the role of this committee and highlighting how essential our continued engagement with the Freely Associated States is obviously not only important for national security and economic interests in the Pacific, but also global security, and that's why we're here.\n\nThe Freely Associated States and their citizens have, as we've discussed, played a crucial role in the strategic interests of the U.S. and its allies for the last 30 years. But they're also our friends and our colleagues. And we're grateful, of course, for our association.\n\nAs we've heard this morning, China has made a concerted effort to undermine the U.S. as long standing economic and security relationships with these entities. And it's imperative that we renew our compacts with the Freely Associated States and continue to hold the line with respect to Chinese aggression in the Pacific.\n\nFor those who are watching at home, I want to take a moment to talk about why I'm serving on this very important committee and alongside my sister from New Mexico. Some may be asking why two members from New Mexico are interested in the South Pacific and the compacts of Free Association.\n\nThat is, in part because many of our constituents back home play a vital role in national security\u2014from the air men and women who served at Kirtland Air Force Base in my district, to the scientists at our national labs who helped to support these missions, and our proud service members across New Mexico of which we have many\u2014including my own partner who is a proud veteran and Marine who served in the Pacific.\n\nSo these issues are very important not only to our strategic interest as a country, but also to the people of New Mexico, and our continued commitments in the area, as well as the safety of our service members.\n\nI want to thank you Colonel for your service and for being here with us today. So, you know, I think that a lot of has been covered already this morning with regards to some of the aggressions and activities that are happening. But Dr. Lum, I wonder if we could sort of zoom out the discussion a little bit and help contextualize what exactly is going on in the Pacific. I know that my colleague, Mr. Gallego touched a bit on this in his questions, but what is the end goal of the Chinese government? Why are we seeing this expanded influence in the Pacific? And why is it a threat to U.S. interests and to the safety of the freely associated states?\n\nDr. Lum: Thank you, I can give some responses and maybe defer to my fellow panelists. One, China always hopes to gain support in the United Nations on votes. So that's, that's one area, it doesn't have to even cover the security arena. It's just support in global organizations. So, when it gives money to a country, whether it's in the Pacific or Latin America, it often receives support from the United Nations or other global organizations.\n\nIn the security area, of course, we were talking to the first and second island chains, and being able to, any Taiwan contingency, achieve its military goals. China also has economic interests, whether it's mining in Papua New Guinea, or China needs a place to put its excess capacity when its own companies in China don't have anything left to build. So, it sends those abroad. Those are some of the goals that China's attempting to achieve in the Pacific Islands.\n\nRep. Stansbury: Thank you, Doctor. That's extremely helpful. And Colonel Newsham, I'll put the question to you with a follow up question. Given your background and experience with the Marines in serving in our Armed Services, what do you feel like are the most significant things that Congress can do to help support our military presence in the area and strategically to help support the freely associated states?\n\nColonel Newsham: I think the immediate term, ma'am, in the Freely Associated States, as I said, small units, engineering units, medical detachments put in there for some extended period of time, and you keep replacing them, this permanent presence, show that you're there and that you're interested.\n\nAnd also, as I say, create something along the lines of a local defense force, so that you're not just there doing all the work, have the locals brought into this as well. That would be something I really would stress. And there's a lot of good young officers who want to be in these places using their initiative away from the headquarters.\n\nAnd a lot of good things happen once you're there, and you leave things up to the young captains. And that's something that it should be done, wouldn't cost much in terms of money or manpower.\n\nRep. Stansbury: And I think, you know, your comments also point to one of the benefits of our compacts, which is the opportunity for those residents of our Freely Associated States to serve in the U.S. military as well. I appreciate that. I realized I'm out of time, my many questions, but Madam Chair, I really appreciate the opportunity to serve on this committee and for your leadership. Thank you.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:15:57Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-vasquez-and-ciscomani-launch-bipartisan-southwest-caucus", "Reps. Vasquez and Ciscomani Launch Bipartisan Southwest Caucus", "2023-06-16", "2023", "2023-06", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, June 15, 2023, Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02) and Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) announced a new partnership, a bipartisan caucus to advocate for issues that are critical to Southwest communities, including economic development, international trade and border security and the conservation of public lands.\n\n\u201cRepresentative Juan Ciscomani and I share a similar background, and although we\u2019re on different sides of the aisle, we\u2019ve found ways to work together to improve the lives of our constituents. Our districts face many similar challenges and opportunities. Congress is at its best when we can find meaningful ways to work together,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cBy leading this caucus jointly, we will be able to bring together our colleagues and other Southwest lawmakers to advocate for our districts and beautiful Southwest communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cFrom severe drought to strengthening infrastructure and trade, the issues that Representative Gabe Vasquez and I face in our respective communities do not abide by party or state lines. When we work together, we strengthen our districts, our states, and our region. I am proud to lead this caucus alongside Representative Vasquez and create a platform for bipartisan, commonsense solutions that deliver for Arizona, New Mexico and states across the Southwest,\u201d said Ciscomani.\n\nVasquez and Ciscomani have already introduced multiple bipartisan bills together, including the Joint Task Force to Combat Opioid Trafficking Act, The Farm Workforce Support Act and the Wolf and Livestock Fairness Act.\n\nThe Bipartisan Southwest Caucus will advocate for policy to grow international trade and address border security concerns, find ways to bring new jobs to the Southwest and protect federal public lands.\n\nBoth members\u2019 districts border Mexico, and New Mexico\u2019s second congressional district has one of the longest borders along Mexico. As native Spanish speakers who come from immigrant families, Vasquez and Ciscomani know the importance of a thoughtful, humane, and fair approach to immigration and border security, and both bring unique experiences and perspectives that are lacking in Congress\u2019 discussions about the US-Mexico border.\n\nVasquez and Ciscomani also served as Executive Directors of their respective Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. This experience gave both insight into the power of Hispanic-owned businesses and how important it is to support the Hispanic business community, which has strong economic power in their districts and nationwide.\n\nPublic lands make up large parts of the two members\u2019 districts, and both are committed to advocating for the conservation and protection of those lands and growing the outdoor recreation economy.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:15:57Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-condemns-gop-pointing-out-hypocrisy-their-claim-blm-misusing", "Rep. Stansbury Condemns GOP by Pointing Out Hypocrisy of their Claim that BLM is Misusing Public Lands", "2023-06-15", "2023", "2023-06", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01), called out GOP lawmakers who said the Bureau of Land Management is misusing public lands, when the Republican presidential frontrunner\u2014former President Donald Trump\u2014also misused public lands in a House Committee on Natural Resources Hearing.\n\n\u201cAlong with places like Mount Rushmore and the sacred mountain that it was carved into, and that the former President Donald Trump, used for a campaign event, which one of our witnesses helped to host on the sacred indigenous lands, which was a misuse and possibly illegal misuse of our public lands,\u201d Rep. Stansbury said.\n\nShe went on to list why the BLM\u2019s role is so important for protecting public lands.\n\n\u201cThe rule actually will help us to manage our lands in a more balanced way,\u201d Rep. Stansbury said. \u201cIt's not going to cut off development, it's not going to cut off our ranchers from grazing, it's not going to cut off oil and gas. It's not going to cut off mining. It's going to make sure that we are adequately balancing the needs of conservation, protecting our cultural landscapes, and ensuring that we are also balancing that with our Resource Management.\u201d\n\nRep. Stansbury\u2019s full remarks as delivered are below.\n\nThank you, Mr. Chairman, and welcome to our governors. Thank you for joining us today.\n\nI just want to start with respect to my dear friends across the aisle to counter the narrative that was proposed at the beginning of this hearing that this is just a bunch of bureaucrats from the east supporting this action by the Department of the Interior, and to remind my colleagues that the Secretary of Interior is our nation's very first indigenous cabinet secretary, a native New Mexican whose family has lived in and been from New Mexico for countless generations.\n\nI myself am a native New Mexican. I was born in rural New Mexico, Farmington, New Mexico and San Juan County, where my dad worked in the oil fields and where my mom worked at the San Juan powerplant. I grew up working the land with my hands working for my family's irrigation company, and I support this rule.\n\nAnd the reason why I support this rule is because unlike what we're hearing in this hearing this morning, the rule actually will help us to manage our lands in a more balanced way. It's not going to cut off development, it's not going to cut off our ranchers from grazing, it's not going to cut off oil and gas. It's not going to cut off mining. It's going to make sure that we are adequately balancing the needs of conservation, protecting our cultural landscapes, and ensuring that we are also balancing that with our Resource Management.\n\nI say that also as somebody from a state in the West, that is an oil and gas state. That is a rural state. That is a state where our communities depend on agriculture and ranching and where our state revenue predominantly comes from oil and gas on those lands and where our state has actually implemented a very similar rule.\n\nAnd guess what? Not only did it not cut into the revenues of this state, we have seen the largest, most astronomical growth in oil and gas revenues over the last several years in New Mexico ever in the history of our state. In fact, this year, we are on par to see the largest growth in oil and gas revenues after implementing a similar rule.\n\nSo, I find it very upsetting, Mr. Chairman, when I see the resources of this body of Congress, of the People's House being used to put forward narratives and misinformation that in my mind is intended to scare the American people, because it's just simply not true. And much of what I've heard here today is just not true. This is really about balancing the needs of our public lands.\n\nNow, if we want to talk about Eastern bureaucrats who have been misusing public lands, I do have to note with respect that you know, the Black Hills were brought up this morning. It is a space that\u2019s similar to Chaco Canyon and is sacred to indigenous people, that is sacred to the Lakota Sioux people, along with places like Mount Rushmore and the sacred mountain that it was carved into, and that the former President Donald Trump, used for a campaign event, which one of our witnesses helped to host on the sacred indigenous lands, which was a misuse and possibly illegal misuse of our public lands.\n\nAs we all know, the former president this week was indicted on 37 counts of illegal behavior, including under the Espionage Act. It's a fine point to make here in this committee to try to claim that a bunch of Eastern bureaucrats are telling Westerners about misuse of our public lands, when the front runner in the Republican Party is indicted on 37 counts of illegal activity this week and was misusing our public lands in the West.\n\nSo, I take a lot of a lot of homage with the conversation here this morning. You know, I do want to make the point that it's important that we follow the science, that we do listen to our stakeholders across the West, that we listen to our indigenous communities, that we listen to our farmers and ranchers who are stewards of the land, of course they are.\n\nThat we do work with industry and those who are using our public lands for revenues and for extractive activities that we all benefit from and that we continue to ensure the ecological integrity of our public lands in the West.\n\nBut it's also important that we maintain the integrity of this body and use the resources of this committee and of Congress to tell the truth to the American people, and that we make sure that we are serving our role as good stewards of this body and our public lands. And with that, I yield back.\n\nVIDEO LINK: The full video can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:15:57Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-statement-two-year-anniversary-being-sworn-represent-nm-01", "Rep. Stansbury Statement on Two Year Anniversary of Being Sworn-In to Represent NM-01", "2023-06-14", "2023", "2023-06", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today Rep. Melanie Stansbury released the following statement to commemorate the two-year anniversary of being sworn in to represent New Mexico\u2019s First Congressional District.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud and honored to fight for New Mexico in Congress each and every day. The priorities and dreams of our communities drive the work our office does. Over the last two years, I\u2019ve introduced nine key bills for New Mexico to protect our sacred and ancestral lands, to tackle drought and climate change, and make the largest investment in early childhood education ever. In the House, I\u2019ve secured over $33 million to address public safety and behavioral health needs, to get fentanyl off the streets, and address youth homelessness and food insecurity in New Mexico. The progress we have made together will bring us closer to a brighter future for every New Mexican. Our work for a more just, equitable, and resilient world continues.\u201d\n\nYou can find her social post here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:15:57Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-defends-voting-rights-and-highlights-new-mexicos-voter", "Rep. Stansbury Defends Voting Rights and Highlights New Mexico\u2019s Voter Protection Laws During Oversight Hearing", "2023-06-07", "2023", "2023-06", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) sounded the alarm on attempts by the House Republican majority to elevate voter suppression laws and interfere with Washington, D.C.\u2019s election administration during a joint hearing between the House Committees on Oversight and Accountability and Administration. During her remarks, Rep. Stansbury also lifted up New Mexico\u2019s leadership as the first state to pass the Native American Voting Rights Act.\n\nVIDEO LINK: Watch the footage here.\n\nLast Congress, Rep. Stansbury cosponsored the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, the Protecting Our Democracy Act, and helped pass the Freedom To Vote Act. Her actions responded to the wave of voter suppression laws after the 2020 presidential election as state legislatures introduced 400 anti-voter laws in 2021.\n\n\u201cIt should be no surprise that the party of the Big Lie on January 6 is hauling our capital city in front of this body to undermine a population that is already disenfranchised,\u201d said Rep. Stansbury.\n\n\u201cIn spite of these systematic efforts to undermine voting rights across the United States, there are shining lights,\u201d Rep. Stansbury continued. \u201cIn fact, in my home state in New Mexico, we just passed a voting rights legislation to protect and expand voting rights in our Tribal communities, to expand opportunities for our communities to access the ballot box.\u201d\n\nRep. Stansbury\u2019s full remarks as delivered are below.\n\nThank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank all of our witnesses for being here today.\n\nAnd I want to just take this opportunity to say that there's one thing that I agree about on this committee hearing this morning, which is that there is an unprecedented attack on our democracy and elections happening across the nation right now. But it's not as our friends across the aisle would have us believe in this hearing this morning.\n\nIn fact, the greatest threat to our democracy right now is this systematic erosion of voting rights across the United States. In fact, in 2021, more than 400 anti-voter measures were put forward by state legislatures, and by this body by the current majority in this body that would put into place discriminatory voter ID laws, restrictions on polling locations that could lead to hours-long waits, the elimination of early voting bans on mail-in voting, and gerrymandering.\n\nThese efforts not only undermine our democracy, they are a systematic attack on the voting rights of poor people and people of color and communities across this country.\n\nSo it shouldn't be of any surprise to us, that the only jurisdiction \u2014 local jurisdiction that this body has any purview over that the majority would haul our capital city in front of us to talk about your amazing and progressive voting rights legislation, which is actually protected the people of DC and their voting rights. I'm shocked, I'm disgusted.\n\nThe bill that's been talked about this morning, would continue that systematic erosion at the federal level and contribute to the disenfranchisement not only of the people in this city, but in communities across the country that have historically been disenfranchised, generation after generation.\n\nWe have seen this undermining of voting rights in the Supreme Court with the gutting of the Voting Rights Act, and the failure across our Capitol in the Senate, for the Senate to act to protect voting rights.\n\nLuckily, here in the House, we have a strong group of Democrats who have been fighting to protect the voting rights of the people of this country, and to carry forth the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, and of course, the great John Lewis and the rights that they voted for that they marched for across our communities.\n\nBut in spite of these systematic efforts to undermine voting rights across the United States, there are shining lights. In fact, in my home state in New Mexico, we just passed a voting rights legislation to protect and expand voting rights in our Tribal communities, to expand opportunities for our communities to access the ballot box.\n\nAnd one of those shining lights is actually the capital city, Washington, DC, which has some of the most important and progressive voting rights laws on the books. And I want to thank Ms. Evans for your work and the work of your folks who are making sure that the people of DC have access to the voting to the ballot box here in this city.\n\nBut I think it's important. I know, we've heard a lot this morning about the impacts that these voting rights restrictions have had on communities across the country.\n\nBut it's also important to talk about the things that we can do at the local level, whether that's in Washington, DC, in states or Tribal communities like mine.\n\nRep. Stansbury: And so, Ms. Weiser, I know you've talked about this in your testimony, but I was struck in particular by some of the the notes that you provided about important things that we can do to shore up our voting rights system. So, could you talk to us a little bit about the recommendations that you have for protecting voter rights?\n\nMs. Weiser: Thank you very much for the question. I will start by saying most of the recommendations that we have for shoring up voting rights are actually have been passed by this body in the Freedom to Vote John R. Lewis Act. They include policies to modernize voter registration make it secure and accessible for everyone automatic voter registration, online registration, same-day registration. They include ensuring baseline national standards so that everyone can access early voting, and it has opportunities also to engage in mail voting. It includes the restoration of voting rights for citizens who are formerly incarcerated to give them a second chance when they return to their community. That includes protections for election officials. It includes safeguards against interference in our elections. So these are critical threats, and Congress can actually put in place common sense measures to both expand access to voting while ensuring election integrity. And if I make\u2014can I just correct one misstatement I said before I was asked about the voting rights of individuals, citizens and the territories and they can vote in presidential primaries, but not in the general election. And that's actually Not only a violation of policy, but I believe a constitutional problem.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:08:25Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/nm-delegation-announces-new-resources-hermits-peakcalf-canyon-fire-recovery", "N.M. Delegation Announces New Resources for Hermit\u2019s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Recovery", "2023-06-02", "2023", "2023-06", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (N.M.) and Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fern\u00e1ndez (N.M.-03), Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) and Gabe Vasquez (N.M.-02) are welcoming two new actions taken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in helping New Mexicans recover from the Hermit\u2019s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.\n\nThis week, following months of advocacy from the delegation, FEMA and the Hermit\u2019s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office announced a new partnership with USDA\u2019s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Under this partnership, claimants will have the option to request a NRCS conservation and restoration plan, tailored to recovering from the Hermit\u2019s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding, to include cost estimates that can be utilized by the Claims Office to process claims quickly and efficiently. This service will be provided at no cost to the claimant.\n\nAdditionally, the Congressional delegation is announcing over $265 million from USDA\u2019s Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program to help with wildfire recovery efforts. This funding will fund 28 EWP projects in 16 states impacted by extreme weather events, including the Hermit\u2019s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire in New Mexico.\n\n\u201cThese are critical and necessary steps in the fight to ensure those impacted by the Hermit\u2019s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire are made whole,\u201dsaid Heinrich.\u201cI\u2019m especially glad to see USDA and FEMA heed our call to work together for New Mexicans. I will leave no stone unturned in making sure that New Mexico families and communities make a full recovery, and that we restore the health of the forests and watershed that these communities rely on.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis new partnership with FEMA and USDA makes clear that recovery is an ongoing process,\u201dsaid Luj\u00e1n.\"This partnership is a big step in helping provide critical support to New Mexicans recovering from the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon fires. By helping file claims quickly and efficiently, our communities are one step closer to rebuilding their homes and businesses.\"\n\n\u201cOur communities need every available resource to recover from the Hermit\u2019s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. The delegation successfully pushed USDA and FEMA to create this partnership to assist fire survivors,\u201dsaid Leger Fern\u00e1ndez. \u201cThe availability of custom conservation plans from NRCS will take one more burden off the shoulders of fire victims and help them restore their lands. At the same time, the additional funds from the Emergency Watershed Protection program will help rebuild our essential watersheds and acequias and protect our communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud that our delegation secured $3.95 billion in federal funds for New Mexicans affected by the devastating Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire\u2014it\u2019s time to get this funding out the door to our communities,\u201dsaid Stansbury. \u201cI am pleased to see that FEMA and USDA are partnering to cut red tape and disburse relief more efficiently to New Mexicans. This initiative, in addition to news of the $265 million investment in New Mexico\u2019s post-fire watershed restoration, will help us move forward with recovery efforts. We will not stop until New Mexicans receive the full measure of relief that they are owed by the federal government to rebuild, recover, and thrive.\u201d\n\n\u201cDuring a House Agriculture Forestry Subcommittee hearing earlier this month, I asked the U.S. Forest Service Chief why only thirteen of the 140 eligible households had received any promised relief after the USFS started one of the most devastating fires through a prescribed burn in New Mexico,\u201dsaid Vasquez. \u201cAfter asking why there was such a clear disconnect between the USDA and FEMA, I am proud to see that there is now a partnership to ensure relief is delivered quickly to those who need it most.\u201d\n\nEarlier this month, Heinrich, Luj\u00e1n, and Leger Fern\u00e1ndezsent a letter to DHS Secretary Mayorkas and FEMA Administrator Criswell expressing concern over the prolonged delay in finalizing the regulations for the Hermit\u2019s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Claims Office.\n\nHeinrich, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Luj\u00e1n, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee,secured funding in the Omnibus Appropriations Agreement for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) to support critical U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) emergency disaster programs. Heinrich also garnered additional support from U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shalanda Young, who included these programs in OMB\u2019s disaster supplemental request.\n\nIna bipartisan letter last year, Heinrich and Luj\u00e1n called on then Senate Appropriations Chair Patrick Leahy and Ranking Member Richard Shelby to prioritize supplemental funding for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program and the Emergency Forest Restoration Program at levels that meet USDA estimates. The New Mexico delegation successfully increased funding for these important programs.\n\nFollowing the devastating Hermit\u2019s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire in April 2022, New Mexico\u2019s Congressional Democrats secured $3.95 billion to help New Mexicans recover and rebuild. The funding established the Hermit\u2019s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Claim\u2019s Office at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:08:25Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-statement-debt-ceiling-vote", "Rep. Stansbury Statement on Debt Ceiling Vote", "2023-06-01", "2023", "2023-06", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 3746:\n\n\u201cHouse Republicans put our nation in an unconscionable position: gut the programs our communities depend on\u2014or face a catastrophic default. In the process, they took the American people hostage, threatening Social Security, Medicaid, disability and veterans benefits. While President Biden heroically steered our country away from the brink of disaster, the GOP secured a deal that will cut vital programs and hurt American families. Last night I voted against the GOP\u2019s ransom note and a deal that would undermine food security for thousands of Americans and weaken our bedrock environmental laws.\n\n\u201cNew Mexicans depend on clean water, clean air, and vital nutrition programs. I voted to defend these programs and will continue to fight for our communities and to eliminate this archaic debt ceiling hurdle so that extremists can never use it to hold our country hostage again.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:08:25Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/watch-vasquez-supports-debt-ceiling-deal-averting-catastrophic-default", "WATCH: Vasquez Supports Debt Ceiling Deal, Averting a Catastrophic Default", "2023-06-01", "2023", "2023-06", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Following his thorough review of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) will support the compromise legislation to protect the full faith and credit of the United States and avoid a catastrophic default that would cause crippling impacts to the economy and hurt Veterans, students, seniors and families in need of food assistance.\n\nWATCH: Vasquez Shares His Support of the Fiscal Responsibility Act\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s frustrating and dangerous that we had to be at the brink of default for Washington to agree on a deal,\u201dsaid Vasquez. \u201cThe reality is that this is an irresponsible action, but we have to appreciate that we were able to avoid $130 billion in cuts that would have hurt many working families. In this compromise, we were able to secure veterans\u2019 health care, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid coverage, while keeping critical funding for infrastructure and programs that will bring jobs to New Mexico intact. But Washington must stop operating in a culture of chaos - the potential default we faced shows us how fragile our democracy truly is. We must do more to protect the integrity of good governance and to legislate in support of working-class families.\u201d\n\nAs part of the negotiations, Republicans pushed to include stricter work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that would cripple the ability of New Mexicans to put food on the table, many of them facing dire medical conditions.\n\nVasquez added,\u201cI represent one of the most low-income districts in the country, where one in four children lives in poverty, and their families rely heavily on programs like SNAP to eat. That\u2019s why I am frustrated that out-of-touch Republicans wanted to restrict access to SNAP to reach a deal while continuing to give away billions of dollars in tax breaks to corporations and the rich.\u201d\n\nWhile Vasquez voted for the bill, he does not agree with the entire bill, including provisions that were added to limit renewable energy development and erode the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.\n\n\u201cMy district is one with the most renewable energy development potential. The final bill added a three-year study to evaluate the impacts of transmission generation, which is simply a delay to limit renewable energy development and prop up the fossil fuel industry,\u201dadded Vasquez. \u201cThis bill picks energy development winners and losers, and that\u2019s at the expense of taking strong climate action, potential jobs and economic development that we should prioritize. I want to work with my colleagues on true permitting reform because it should be decided by Congress, not in backdoor negotiations about the debt ceiling.\u201d\n\nVasquez has prioritized finding bipartisan solutions by introducing multiple bills with his Republican colleagues, including the Wolf and Livestock Fairness Act, the Joint Task Force to Combat Opioid Trafficking Act, the Expanding Regional Airports Act and the Farm Workforce Support Act.\n\n\u201cNo one wins with Washington\u2019s gridlock and dysfunction. That\u2019s why I\u2019ve worked with both Democrats and Republicans to get things done for my constituents,\u201dVasquez concluded.\n\n***\n\nBackground\n\nThe Wolf and Livestock Fairness Actwith Rep. Greg Stanton (R-AZ-04). This bill helps ranchers by increasing the federal reimbursement compensation to 100 percent of the value of cattle loss and additionally, compensates ranchers for decreased herd sizes.\n\nThe Joint Task Force to Combat Opioid Trafficking Act with Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06), and Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17). This bill strengthens border security operations to detect, interdict, disrupt and prevent narcotics like fentanyl from being smuggled into the United States.\n\nThe Expanding Regional Airports Act with Rep. Tracey Mann (R-KS-01). This bill helps smaller airports access much-needed federal funding to bring additional commercial services.\n\nThe Farm Workforce Support Actwith Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-6). This bill creates a path to H-2A visa reform that works for New Mexico\u2019s farmers while ensuring farmworkers are paid fair wages and have adequate housing conditions, among other reforms.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:08:25Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/stansbury-tlaib-introduce-bill-expand-access-public-lands-and-waters", "Stansbury, Tlaib Introduce Bill to Expand Access to Public Lands and Waters for Environmental Justice Communities", "2023-05-30", "2023", "2023-05", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Stansbury (N.M.-01), Member of the House Natural Resources Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (Mich.-12) reintroduced the Environmental Justice in Recreation Permitting Act to expand access to public lands and waters for environmental justice communities.\n\nThe Environmental Justice in Recreation Permitting Act would begin the process of breaking down barriers that environmental justice communities face when accessing our public lands and waters. This legislation will make the recreation permitting system more accessible, less burdensome, and will ensure that outdoor recreation groups and businesses serving environmental justice communities can more readily enjoy our pristine federal lands and waters.\n\n\u201cEach day, I am humbled to carry on Secretary Deb Haaland\u2019s work of fighting for the people of New Mexico\u2019s First Congressional District, and I am absolutely honored to reintroduce the Environmental Justice in Recreation Permitting Act with Representative Tlaib,\u201d said Congresswoman Stansbury, a member of the House Natural Resources Committee. \u201cOur beautiful outdoors is for everyone to enjoy, and this bill will make it easier for every community to recreate on New Mexico\u2019s iconic public lands and waters.\u201d\n\n\u201cEnabling greater connections between environmental justice communities and recreation opportunities on our public lands and waters is an important step towards delivering on the ideal that everyone, no matter your zip code, should be able to enjoy our natural resources,\u201d said Congresswoman Tlaib. \u201cMy residents in Michigan\u2019s 12th District Strong and people across the country deserve the ability to hike, paddle, ride, camp, and experience all that our great public lands and waters have to offer. This legislation previously passed the House in the Protecting America\u2019s Wilderness and Public Lands Act, and I hope the House will pass this common sense bill again this term.\u201d\n\nThe Environmental Justice in Recreation Permitting Act requires the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to complete an interagency study and report within one year on:\n\nThe use of special recreation permits by recreation service providers serving EJ communities;\n\nNational and local policies that facilitate public land access for recreation service providers serving EJ communities;\n\nBarriers to public land access for recreation service providers serving EJ communities;\n\nCase studies of effective uses of special recreation permits by recreation service providers serving EJ communities; and\n\nRecommendations for agency or Congressional action to increase public lands recreation access for EJ communities.\n\nPortions of the Environmental Justice in Recreation Permitting Act (H.R. 3687) passed the House in 2021 as part of the landmark Protecting America\u2019s Wilderness and Public Lands Act (H.R. 803). The bill received a legislative hearing in the Natural Resources Committee\u2019s Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands in the 117th Congress.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by the Black to the Land Coalition, Clean Water Action, Breathe Free Detroit, Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition, League of American Bicyclists, America Walks, LivableStreets Alliance, Detroit Greenways Coalition, Detroit People\u2019s Platform, We The People of Detroit, Michigan United, Michigan People\u2019s Campaign, and Detroit Hamtramck Coalition for Advancing Healthy Environments.\n\nThe Senate companion bill has been introduced by Sen. Cortez Masto (D-NV).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:55:44Z"], ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-introduces-bipartisan-joint-task-force-combat-opioid-trafficking", "Vasquez Introduces Bipartisan Joint Task Force to Combat Opioid Trafficking", "2023-05-30", "2023", "2023-05", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, May 26, 2023, Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) introduced H.R. 3658, the Joint Task Force to Combat Opioid Trafficking Act. This bipartisan piece of legislation will authorize the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to create a Joint Task Force (JTF) which will improve border security operations to detect, interdict, disrupt and prevent narcotics like fentanyl from being smuggled into the United States.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to be working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find common-sense solutions to the fentanyl crisis facing our country,\u201d said Rep. Vasquez. \u201cAs someone who was raised in and represents a border district, I know far too well the dangerous implications this drug has on the health and safety of our communities. As elected officials, our primary responsibility is to protect the well-being of our constituents, and I believe this bill takes concrete steps to prevent dangerous narcotics like fentanyl from ever reaching our streets.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs an EMT and former federal drug prosecutor, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating effect that opioids, including fentanyl, have on our communities,\u201d said Rep. Fitzpatrick. \u201cI\u2019m proud to partner with Congressman Vasquez on this bipartisan effort to crack down on the dangerous opioids that are smuggled onto our streets.\u201d\n\nThis bill, co-led by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-P.A.), Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-P.A.) and Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-A.Z.), is the latest step by Rep. Vasquez to lead bipartisan efforts to address the growing problem of fentanyl in American communities.\n\nRep. Vasquez has met with public safety officials and law enforcement agencies along the border and throughout the state, who have consistently echoed their shared concerns over the prevalence of fentanyl in New Mexico. Rep. Vasquez takes these concerns seriously and is committed to finding implementable solutions to address this issue.\n\n***\n\nBackground\n\nThe Joint Task Force to Combat Opioid Trafficking Act would provide much-needed authorization to DHS to stand up a JTF to:\n\nEnhance border security operations to detect, interdict, disrupt, and prevent illicit narcotics and synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, from being smuggled into the United States.\n\nCreate a reporting requirement for DHS to report back to Congress whether or not it will establish a task force, and if so, periodically report back on what resources are needed to effectively detect and prevent narcotics from entering the United States.\n\nAuthorize DHS JTF to cooperate with, and receive assistance from, groups outside of DHS to accomplish their mission. These groups can include private sector organizations, as well as federal, state, local, tribal and/or international entities.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:55:44Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-issues-statement-memorial-day", "Rep. Stansbury Issues Statement on Memorial Day", "2023-05-28", "2023", "2023-05", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.\u2014Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) issued the following statement recognizing New Mexico and the nation\u2019s fallen servicemembers ahead of Memorial Day:\n\n\u201cOn this Memorial Day, we honor the sacrifice that our service members have made for our country and our democracy. New Mexico has a long and proud tradition of military service\u2014from Navajo Code Talkers to the heroes of Bataan, to the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, I want to recognize every New Mexican who has served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation, our democracy and ideals that this nation was founded on, including that all people are created equal and that every person deserves the right to pursue happiness and opportunity.\n\n\u201cEvery day we have a responsibility to renew our commitment to our service members and their families. From veterans\u2019 legislation like the Honoring Our PACT Act to resources for Gold Star families, we must make good on our promises to those who have served. This Memorial Day, I join New Mexicans to remember and honor our fallen service members and commit to carry on their service to this great nation.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:55:44Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/democratic-womens-caucus-joins-advocates-urging-house-republicans", "Democratic Women\u2019s Caucus Joins Advocates in Urging House Republicans #DontDefaultOnWomenAndFamilies", "2023-05-26", "2023", "2023-05", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014This week, members of the Democratic Women\u2019s Caucus (DWC) joined advocates and moms from the National Women\u2019s Law Center, MomsRising, Community Change Action and Zero to Three to call on House Republicans to prevent a devastating default and stop holding the American economy hostage.\n\nAt the press conference, lawmakers and advocates made clear that the cuts House Republicans have proposed aren\u2019t just numbers on a page, they would have real-life, devastating consequences for women and families across the country\u2014and would mean more hungry kids, veterans stripped of their benefits, fewer child care slots, more parents unable to go to work, and steeper challenges for families to get nutrition assistance, health care, and housing.They also highlighted that House Republicans\u2019 threat of default would mean a disastrous economic catastrophe that would cause financial instability and devastating job loss that would hit families and moms already struggling the hardest.\n\n\u201cRepublicans are holding middle class families hostage to pass their extreme MAGA agenda and give tax cuts for the wealthy,\u201d Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said. \u201cA default on America's debt would eliminate jobs, increase housing costs and threaten retirement plans. As Republicans push America to the brink of default, Democrats are united in fighting for women and families.\u201d\n\n\"I want the American people to know today about what is actually going down in this chamber. We have spent months trying to get a debt ceiling passed\u2014this is a manufactured crisis,\u201d said DWC Member Services Co-Chair Rep. Stansbury. \u201cHouse Republicans are using this moment to negotiate to take away your programs, your freedom, your right to be able to make your own decisions about how you raise your family, the way you put food on the table, and the way you put a roof over your head. That's what this is about\u2013and we are standing firm for our families.\"\n\n\u201cTo my House Republican colleagues: you must listen to the women and families across the country who would be impacted by your cruel proposal. The cuts you have proposed aren\u2019t just numbers on a page, they would have real-life, devastating consequences that women would not soon forget. That\u2019s why we\u2019re fighting back, standing up, and speaking out. No matter what, the Democratic Women\u2019s Caucus will make sure women\u2019s voices are heard in the halls of power,\u201dsaid DWC Chair Lois Frankel.\n\n\u201cThe GOP-manufactured debt ceiling crisis has the country on the edge of a catastrophe. And what do Republicans want to do? Not only do they want to increase their so-called work requirements, but they want to stop states from being merciful to vulnerable women, children, and families. This debate around so-called work requirements is about resurrecting the welfare queen narrative and alleging that the most vulnerable Americans are unworthy of the full rights to housing, health care, and food on the kitchen table. I say to my Republicans colleagues, raise the debt ceiling, don\u2019t default on our debt, and don\u2019t default on our families!\u201dsaid DWC Comms Co-Chair Gwen Moore.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:55:44Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/nm-delegation-welcomes-175-million-provide-clean-and-reliable-electricity", "N.M. Delegation Welcomes $17.5 Million to Provide Clean and Reliable Electricity, Lower Utility Costs", "2023-05-26", "2023", "2023-05", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (N.M.) and Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fern\u00e1ndez (N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (N.M.) are welcoming $17.5 million from the Department of Energy (DOE) \u2014 funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law \u2014 to reduce impacts due to extreme weather and ensure the reliability of the power sector\u2019s infrastructure, so communities in New Mexico have access to affordable, reliable, clean electricity anytime.\n\n\u201cThis is exactly what our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was intended to do \u2014 create more affordable, more reliable infrastructure while bringing costs down for families,\u201dsaid Heinrich. \u201cBy reducing the number of weather-related power outages and installing new solar systems in Tribal communities, this investment will go a long way in improving lives across our state and across Navajo Nation. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to ensure all New Mexicans can reap the benefits of this landmark legislation in our transition to a clean energy future.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs the climate crisis continues, it\u2019s critical that we take steps to modernize our electric infrastructure to withstand the impacts of natural disasters,\u201d said Senator Luj\u00e1n. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join my colleagues to welcome over $17 million in funding to provide necessary infrastructure upgrades to New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. This investment will help reduce the number of power outages, increase renewable resources, and boost the clean energy workforce in our state. I\u2019m glad this funding will also help deploy clean energy technologies in the Navajo Nation to lower utility costs for tribal members.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn New Mexico and across the Navajo Nation people often have unreliable electricity, and sometimes no electricity at all,\u201d said Rep. Leger Fern\u00e1ndez. \u201cThis investment will improve a longstanding disparity that impacts New Mexicans. People need affordable, reliable power connections to do almost everything in our modern world. With these funds, we begin to reinvest in our communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering crucial climate resilience resources for our communities,\u201d said Stansbury. \u201cI am excited that the newest wave of funding is sending over $15 million to the Navajo Nation and New Mexico to modernize our electric grid and nearly $1.8 million for solar installation that will help power the Ojo Encino Chapter of the Navajo Nation and lower utility bills. This funding will help us drive our clean energy economy forward\u2014and be resilient in the face of rising temperatures.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe changing climate and environment requires us to invest in our electric infrastructure to ensure every community is prepared for any disaster. I am proud to see the federal government prioritizing funds for our tribal communities in New Mexico,\u201d said Vasquez.\n\nDOE funding includes:\n\n$14 million for the State of New Mexico.This investment will be used by the State to reduce the number and duration of outages caused by natural hazard disruptions by repairing and strengthening damaged or vulnerable systems.\n\n$1.8 million to Navajo Nation (Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah) to prevent weather-related power outages.This investment will be used by the Nation to reduce the number and duration of outages caused by natural hazard disruptions by hardening power lines, facilities, substations, and other systems. Selected projects will address other outdated and/or failing energy infrastructure items and materials like power lines and poles, transformers, and bucket trucks while reducing the energy burden experienced by low-income Tribal members and disadvantaged Tribal communities.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:55:44Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/we-all-have-places-are-sacred-us-ranking-member-stansbury-affirms-value", "\u201cWe All Have Places That Are Sacred to Us:\u201d Ranking Member Stansbury Affirms Value of Proposed BLM Rule", "2023-05-24", "2023", "2023-05", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014During today\u2019s House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing,Ranking Member Stansbury (N.M.-01)demonstrated how managing public lands for multiple uses benefits New Mexico and the nation\u2019s communities. Ranking Member Stansbury called New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard to testify before the Subcommittee about her strategy to achieve record-breaking public land royalty revenue and implement land lease modernization.\n\nVIDEO LINK: Rep. Stansbury\u2019s opening remarks arehere.\n\nRanking Member Stansbury also pushed back against attempts by House Republicans to cast the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)\u2019s proposed land management rule to put conservation on equal footing with other land uses as \u201climiting access\u201d to federal lands, noting that the rule will increase consultation with communities and open lands to multiple uses to combat climate change.\n\n\u201cUntil now, there has not been an effective mechanism to also ensure effective landscape level and conservation needs,\u201d Ranking Member Stansbury said. \u201cBLM's proposed rule, which we're here to discuss today, will help to fulfill the congressional mandate of multiple use by creating conservation leases, and by allowing federal lands for mitigation of harms from other developments like energy infrastructure.\u201d\n\nRanking Member Stansbury continued by highlighting New Mexico\u2019s leadership under State Land Commissioner Garcia Richard. \u201cNew Mexico has boldly initiated a pilot conservation leasing program of its own under her leadership. And like so many other things New Mexico is leading the way thanks to leaders like Ms. Garcia Richard.\u201d\n\nRanking Member Stansbury\u2019s full opening statement as delivered is below.\n\nHearing from individuals across our communities who represent states and local governments is indeed, very important.\n\nBut I will note, as we're getting started on this hearing, that this is an Oversight hearing over primarily a BLM rule. And I think it's noticeable to note that BLM is actually not present in the room because they were not invited.\n\nSo while it's important to hear from our communities, I think in our oversight role, it's also important to hear from the agencies themselves.\n\nWe all have places that are important and even sacred to us. For me, in my hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico, it's the Sandia Mountains, which I live near. For many of our communities, these spaces are not only important to their cultures, to their history, but also to the continuation of their identities as people. For indigenous communities, it's places like Chaco Canyon, Bears Ears, and Oak Flat. For our Land Grants and other communities that use these lands as working lands they're important places to gather firewood, for sustaining ranching and for other resource needs.\n\nAnd of course, these lands are vital to the continued conservation not only of special places, but also the lands water and habitat that sustain us on this planet. And that is really what is at the heart of today's conversation.\n\nOur communities began a movement more than a century ago to manage our lands at scale. The goal of this management was to make sure that we were preserving those important places and sustainably managing those so that we could ensure the integrity of those landscapes.\n\nTo manage these places effectively at scale, we need the best science, the best management tools, and the best ability to collaborate at the local level. That includes working with federal, state and tribal policies through grants and partnerships, tribal co-management, sustainable stewardship and public private partnerships with private landowners.\n\nTo help provide the federal government with these tools and make clear that the lands were to be managed for multiple uses, Congress passed the Federal Land Policy Management Act in 1976. And while Congress mandated the lands be managed for multiple uses, conservation has long been pushed aside.\n\nIn fact, 90% of all lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, which I will note were actually Indigenous lands long before the United States arrived, are actually open for oil and gas leasing. Most BLM lands are also open to hardrock mining, and more than 60% of BLM lands are leased for grazing.\n\nUp until now, there has not been an effective mechanism to also ensure effective landscape level and conservation needs. BLM's proposed rule, which we're here to discuss today will help to fulfill the congressional mandate of multiple use by creating conservation leases by allowing federal lands for mitigation of harms from other developments like energy infrastructure and other development.\n\nThe rule will help to accelerate transitions to renewable energy, while encouraging restoration of sensitive lands and protection of cultural landscapes.\n\nIt's helpful for land managers as well, as we'll hear today, from our various witnesses, and I especially want to welcome the one and only Stephanie Garcia Richard who is the Commissioner of Public Lands from New Mexico.\n\nNew Mexico has boldly initiated a pilot conservation leasing program of its own under her leadership. And like so many other things New Mexico is leading the way thanks to leaders like Ms. Garcia Richard.\n\nAnother federal land management tool, which we're going to discuss today is the Antiquities Act. When Congress has failed to act, seventeen of the last twenty-one presidents, including the previous administration, have used the authorities under the Antiquities Act to create 161 monuments. These monuments include iconic landscapes that we cherish.\n\nIn New Mexico, it's places like Chaco Canyon, El Morro, our Gila Cliff Dwellings, and Tent Rocks, places that are not only beautiful but sacred and culturally important. Nationally, it's the Grand Canyon, Olympic Park, Natural Bridges in Denver, and Devil's Tower.\n\nThese are places that are not only sacred and important, they are part of the iconic landscapes that define us as a country. And the Antiquities Act is a crucial land management tool to help ensure that we're able to protect these lands.\n\nThe public lands rule that we're discussing here today will help to bring us closer to the goal of a climate resilient, ecologically intact and culturally preserved landscape.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:55:44Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-outlines-prescription-drug-cost-savings-inflation-reduction-act", "Rep. Stansbury Outlines Prescription Drug Cost Savings from the Inflation Reduction Act", "2023-05-23", "2023", "2023-05", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014Today,U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01),amember of theHouseCommittee on Oversight and Accountability,affirmed the need for the United States to adopt universal health insurance as Americans see cost savings from therecently-passedInflation Reduction Act during a hearing on Pharmacy Benefit Managers.\n\nThe Inflation Reduction Actlowers prescription drug prices by empowering Medicare tonegotiate the priceof prescription drugs, as well as rebates for higher costing drugs.The law also cappedinsulinat $35per month,with the addition of 10 new drugs per year by 2026,and20 new drugs per year starting in 2029.\n\n\u201cI think a lot of people don't really know what the Inflation Reduction Act is,\u201dRep. Stansbury said. \u201cNot only did it address pharmaceutical prices, but it extended access to Medicaid, in New Mexico for thousands of individuals, those are lives that will be saved.\u201d\n\nDuring her questioning, Rep. Stansbury asked witnessDr.FrederickIsasi, Executive Director of Families USA, what else can be done to build on the Inflation Reduction Act to help Americans.Dr.Isasi noted that Congress should prioritizeextendingnegotiated prices to the 180 million people whoreceiveemployer-basedinsuranceand expanding thenumber of drugssubject to negotiation to at least50 by 2026.\n\n\u201cIf we really believe that healthcare is a human right, then it's not just about one bipartisan hearing,\u201dRep. Stansbury said. \u201cIt's about making sure that the laws that we pass and the arguments that we have in these chambers actually reflect that we believe and are going to take action to make healthcare a reality for every American.\u201d\n\nRepresentative Stansbury\u2019s full remarks as delivered are below:\n\nRep. Stansbury: Thank you Mr. Chairman, and I want to say thank you also to our witnesses. Thank you for serving, caring for, and fighting for our families and communities.\n\nI personally believe that health care is a human right, a fundamental right. The ability to access health care obviously is not just about the dignity and wellbeing of our communities, but about the survival of our family members. Yet millions of Americans and thousands of New Mexicans struggle to access even the most basic care.\n\nIn New Mexico in my home state, over 60 percent of our community members are dependent on Medicaid and Medicare to receive care of any kind. We have one of the highest rates of Medicaid and Medicare need in the entire country.\n\nYou know, today, we've talked a lot about policy, we've talked about very technical issues around billing and insurance. But at the end of the day, what we're talking about is people's lives. These are our parents, or grandparents, or children, people who are unable to actually access lifesaving care medications, because number one, they cannot afford it. Number two, in New Mexico, we have such a severe provider shortage, they're not actually able to access providers. And I think as we heard today, these for-profit companies are helping to drive more and more care providers out of business. So, when we talk about these issues, we're talking about the life and death of our communities.\n\nAnd for me, this is a very personal issue. I grew up in a very low-income family. Before the Affordable Care Act, I did not have health care insurance. I have watched as countless members of my community could not access care or could not access lifesaving medication.\n\nAnd that's why I've spent much of my elected career since I was first elected in 2018 fighting to change this broken system, advocating in the state legislature to reform prescription drugs, and prior authorizations and other necessary improvements in insurance, and here fighting for the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. We've talked a lot this morning about the Inflation Reduction Act, and the ways in which it will enable Medicare in particular to address prescription drug costs.\n\nBut I was struck Mr. Isasi, in your testimony. And I really appreciated that you provided a pretty detailed description of many of the ways we can build on the IRA to address these issues. So, I wonder if you could briefly just share some of those solutions so that we can walk away with some real solutions?\n\nDr. Isasi: Absolutely. Thank you for the question. First and foremost, we have to extend the negotiated price to the 180 million Americans who have employer sponsored coverage, who right now, don't get the benefit of that, too.\n\nWe have to expand the number of drugs right now. You know, in 2026, we'll have 10 drugs negotiated, right, we should have at least 50 that are subject to negotiation. So those would be two really, really important reforms, make sure the inflationary caps apply across all patient populations, etc.\n\nRep. Stansbury: Yeah, and in your testimony, you said, and I quote, that the Inflation Reduction Act is the most significant legislation ever passed by Congress to end the abusive price gouging by pharmaceutical companies.\n\nAnd I think a lot of people don't really know what the Inflation Reduction Act is. And not only did it address pharmaceutical prices, but it extended access to Medicaid in New Mexico for thousands of individuals. Those are lives that will be saved. Those are people who can go to see doctors like Dr. Atkins, in order to get lifesaving care and to get their medications.\n\nWhat we do in this chamber isn't just a bunch of talking points.\n\nAnd, you know, I want to add on the note that my colleague from Texas made that while I do appreciate the bipartisan tone and tenor of this particular hearing, we are in the midst of a battle right now in the halls of this chamber, over our debt ceiling. And part of the cost of that battle right now is our colleagues across the line are threatening to take away access to Medicaid for millions of Americans.\n\nWhile we can sit here in this hearing room and talk about how discouraged we are that these for-profit companies are price gouging our elders and our family members, our friends across the aisle are actually trying to take away your health care right now. So, let's be real about what's actually happening in the chambers of this Congress right now. I appreciate the conversation. I do appreciate that.\n\nWe've talked about some real solutions today. I appreciate Dr. Atkins, your lived experience and your sharing about your patients. Thank you for bringing those stories into this room.\n\nBut if we really believe that healthcare is a human right, then it's not just about one bipartisan hearing. It's about making sure that the laws that we pass, the arguments that we have in these chambers actually reflect that we believe and are going to take action to make healthcare a reality for every American, and with that I yield back.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:07:47Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/international-day-biological-diversity-stansbury-padilla-lead-group-12", "On International Day for Biological Diversity, Stansbury, Padilla Lead Group of 12 Lawmakers in Bicameral Resolution to Join United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity", "2023-05-22", "2023", "2023-05", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014As the world marks the International Day for Biological Diversity and over one million species are threatened with extinction, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (Calif.) led a group of 12 Members of Congress in introducing a concurrent resolution expressing the need for the U.S. Congress to ratify the United Nations (UN) Convention on Biological Diversity.\n\nThe UN Convention on Biological Diversity is the international legal instrument that encourages actions by signatories to protect habitats and natural resources that sustain biodiversity. The United States is the only UN member state that has not ratified the treaty despite already legally complying with the obligations under the convention. The climate crisis, habitat destruction, and other human-related causes have been linked with a 69% average decline in wildlife population over the last 50 years, while 30% of mammals worldwide are at risk of extinction.\n\n\u201cThe United States leads the world in conservation efforts\u2014and it is well past time to formalize our participation in global conservation by ratifying the UN Convention on Biological Diversity,\u201d said Rep. Stansbury. \u201cAs we are all interconnected on this planet, the United States must have a more active seat at the table as we work to foster global cooperation, honor Indigenous knowledge, and preserve the incredible ecosystems that sustain human life.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe United States is home to a rich array of plants, animals, and ecosystems, but our biodiversity is at risk and we must reverse course to protect it,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cAmerica cannot afford to stand on the sidelines while one million species are at risk of extinction. That\u2019s why I\u2019m excited to co-lead introduction of this resolution to push the Senate to ratify the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity.\u201d\n\nDespite being one of the top contributors in international conservation funding and biological diversity expertise, the United States is currently limited to observer status during the deliberations and decision-making processes of the Convention on Biological Diversity. While the treaty was signed in 1993, it has never been formally ratified, limiting our ability to fully participate in protecting global biodiversity.\n\nIn the House of Representatives, the resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Ra\u00fal M. Grijalva, (Ariz.-07), Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (Calif.-44), Suzanne Bonamici (Ore.-01), Eleanor Homes Norton (D.C.-AL), Summer Lee (Pa.-12), Doris Matsui (Calif.-07), Adam Schiff (Calif.-30) and Rashida Tlaib (Mich.-12).\n\nIn the Senate, the resolution is cosponsored by Peter Welch (D-Vt.).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:07:47Z"], ["https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/after-66-rural-postal-workers-experienced-pay-cut-rep-stansbury-presses", "After 66% of Rural Postal Workers Experienced a Pay Cut, Rep. Stansbury Presses Postmaster General DeJoy for Answers", "2023-05-17", "2023", "2023-05", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Melanie A. Stansbury", "S001218", "stansbury.house.gov", "stansbury", "https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01), a member of the House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Workforce, sought answers from Postmaster General Louis DeJoy about a new policy that cut pay for 66% of rural mail carriers.\n\nThe Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System, a new compensation formula for rural mail carriers, has reduced pay. Tasked with the mission of serving every address in New Mexico and the nation, rural mail carriers are currently understaffed and overworked, conditions projected to worsen under DeJoy\u2019s \u201cDelivering for America\u201d plan.\n\n\u201cOur postal workers are members of our communities. They need a living wage. They need safe working conditions, we need to ensure the livelihoods of our communities,\u201d said Rep. Stansbury. \u201cAnd part of the job as a federal agency is to ensure that we are adequately paying and ensuring the safety and safe working conditions of our workers.\u201d\n\nRep. Stansbury\u2019s remarks as delivered are below.\n\nThank you very much, Mr. Chairman and Ranking Member. And thank you, Mr. DeJoy for being here with us today.\n\nI want to start out by thanking all of our USPS staff, I see some of your staff sitting behind you. But of course, all of our postal workers and letter carriers not only in my district, but across the country who day in day out, deliver the mail across all of our communities, and are really the backbone of our communities.\n\nI represent New Mexico's first Congressional District, which includes the Albuquerque metro area, and over half dozen rural communities and issues around rural postal service are really crucial for the communities that I represent.\n\nIn particular, as we've been heading into this hearing, we've been hearing from a lot of our letter carriers about issues around new policies that the Postal Service is implementing around rural compensation.\n\nAnd so I want to focus my attention especially on these issues. The first question I want to ask you, Mr. DeJoy, is how much consultation the Postal Service did with rank and file rural letter carriers before deciding to implement this policy?\n\nMr. DeJoy: The recent policy on rural carrier pay adjustment? Yes. About 10 years worth?\n\nRep. Stansbury: Can you please characterize that because what we heard from folks who work in our district is that they didn't find out about it until it was actually being implemented.\n\nDeJoy: So the, this was a decision that was made in 2012, through arbitration between the union and the Postal Service. And we worked for seven, eight, I think, by 2019, we had the structure of it decided how it was going to be rolled out, we did a sampling that year of 4000 routes, and came up with some adjustments that needed to be made.\n\nAnd then in consultation with the union, our HR department, we began to roll the process out to you know, across the nation. So from my I don't know that every single detail detail as to how this got communicated, but it wasn't, I can't imagine it wasn't effectively communicated to everybody. Now the result of it is, you know, is unfortunate the results, because a lot of it has resulted in the aggregation of mail decline over 10 years, impacting the overall carrier, you know, one one shot,\n\nRep. Stansbury: Mr. DeJoy, you know, I think among the many concerns, in addition to in fact, what you just highlighted about not knowing how it was communicated down to the rank and file is the impact that it's going to have on rural carrier pay? Are you aware that 66% of our carriers are actually going to lose pay in their paychecks because of this adjustment?\n\nMr. DeJoy: Yes, I am. And what I said was, I mean, I'm aware of my HR department and the union representatives working to deliver the message across the ranks of the organization. I'm not aware of the specific detail of what they were set. And yes,\n\nRep. Stansbury: Mr. DeJoy, I apologize for interrupting, but because there's short time, you know, I think that something of this significance, that's going to affect 66% of our rural carriers and rural coverage of our mail service, certainly the tone gets at the top and how that gets communicated. It affects the livelihoods of our carriers, it affects our communities, it affects local economies. So my question is, in addition to improving communications with our, with the staff of the Postal Service, what plans has USPS put into place to ensure that this doesn't affect recruitment and retention of carriers as well as actual service delivery in our rural areas?\n\nMr. DeJoy: So we, we have worked with a union union leadership, and we are continuing with our recruiting aspects which have been significantly enhanced. I don't believe that the not to minimize anything. I don't believe the cut is 60% on it, and I believe that all the participants what we're told and known that this has been coming. It's an unfortunate consequence. But on the same token, you know, we need to align the compensation for the work that is being done and that's in fact what--\n\nRep. Stansbury: Well, I appreciate your business approach to the solvency issues of the Postal Service. Our postal workers are members of our communities. They need a living wage. They need safe working conditions, we need to ensure the livelihoods of our communities.\n\nAnd part of the job as a federal agency is to ensure that we are adequately paying and ensuring the safety and safe working conditions of our workers. 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