Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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9,352 rows where chamber = "House", party = "Democrat" and state = "NM" sorted by date descending
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| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-vasquez-nunn-introduce-bipartisan-beef-act-protect-american-ranchers-and | Reps. Vasquez, Nunn Introduce Bipartisan BEEF Act to Protect American Ranchers and Lower Beef Prices | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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 (NM-02) and U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) introduced the BEEF (Banning External Entry of Foreign Beef) Act, legislation to stop the Administration’s latest expansion of foreign beef imports and advance a long-term strategy to rebuild the American cattle herd, strengthen domestic beef production, and lower costs for consumers. This bill is in response to the Administration’s announcement that it would import an additional 300,000 metric tons of foreign lean beef trimmings into the United States, hurting ranchers and raising prices for consumers. Vasquez has repeatedly opposed efforts by both Democratic and Republican administrations to increase foreign beef imports at the expense of American cattle producers. “If we want more affordable beef, the answer is to grow American production, strengthen competition, and make it easier for the next generation of ranchers to stay in business – not make our country more dependent on un-vetted foreign imports,” said Vasquez. “Cattlegrowers in New Mexico and across the nation have made it clear – they want to reverse the President’s foreign beef imports and they need more time, and more tools, to grow their herds and fix the domestic supply chain. My bipartisan BEEF Act does just that, and I hope that my colleagues from both sides of the aisle can join me in supporting American cattlegrowers and this commonsense proposal.” “Lowering beef prices for Iowa families and supporting our cattle producers should go hand-in-hand,” said Nunn. “If we want more affordable beef for the long term, we need more American beef being raised and produced here at home. After years of a shrinking cattle herd, that means giving our producers the stability and confidence to invest, rebuild, and grow. Our bipartisan bill puts producers at the table to develop a long-term plan to increase our domestic beef supply, while giving Congress a say before future decisions are made to expand foreign imports.” The BEEF Act would: Suspend the Admi… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=663 | Leger Fernández Calls for Pause on Data Center Development, Unveils “No Blank Checks for Data Centers” Principles | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Teresa Leger Fernandez | L000273 | fernandez.house.gov | fernandez | https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | SANTA FE, NM — Today, Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) unveiled her No Blank Checks for Data Centers Principles, a set of clear standards to protect New Mexico families, water, land, and local communities as companies seek to build massive data centers across the state. The Congresswoman called for a moratorium on new data center development in New Mexico until companies meet the principles she laid out. “The role of government is to protect us from greedy corporations,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. "Data centers want our water, our land, and our power. Communities may want the jobs they could bring to New Mexico. But we will not give them a blank check. I will only support data centers that pay their own way, protect our precious water, create good-paying union jobs, use clean energy, and earn the support of the communities where they want to build. Data centers must work for New Mexico, not the other way around. Communities must know how much water and electricity these projects will use, who will pay for them, and what residents will receive in return. If a project cannot answer those questions, it should not move forward. Congress must act to regulate data centers with these principles in mind. We cannot let AI and data centers regulate themselves.” The Congresswoman’s platform requires data centers to meet six principles: No Blank Checks for Data Centers Principles Don’t hike up electric bills. Data centers must pay for their own electricity and infrastructure without passing their costs on to New Mexico families. Don’t negatively impact water resources in the area. Use energy sources that meet New Mexico’s renewable energy and zero-carbon requirements. Create good-paying union jobs. Get community approval and do consultation before permitting and building. No taxpayer subsidies, projects must provide community benefits. “Our water. Our land. Our power. Our say,” said Leger Fernández. “Those are New Mexico’s terms.” Leger Fernández also linked her data center standards to a broa… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-secures-critical-resources-new-mexico-water-infrastructure | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Secures Critical Resources for New Mexico Water Infrastructure in House-Passed Bill | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | September 24, 2026 Vasquez delivers major wins for water security, wildfire recovery, flood protection and the Rio Grande WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) helped pass the Water Resources Development Act of 2026, securing up to $50 million in new water infrastructure authorizations for communities in New Mexico focused on drought and wildfire recovery, flood protection and the long-term health of the Rio Grande. “I fought to put New Mexico front and center in this bill, and I’m proud to have delivered,” said Vasquez. “This bill provides up to $50 million for local water infrastructure to protect the Rio Grande and help communities recover from wildfires – critical wins for New Mexicans as we face a dire water shortage.” The Water Resources Development Act, known as WRDA, authorizes water infrastructure projects, studies and policies carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This year, Vasquez pushed to make sure New Mexico’s unique water challenges were reflected in a bill that shapes water policy across the country. Rep. Vasquez secured the following wins for New Mexico: $25 million for Doña Ana County water infrastructure: Vasquez secured a $25 million authorization for water infrastructure in Doña Ana County, including water supply and desalination projects. This creates a major new federal opportunity to strengthen the region’s water supply and put brackish groundwater to productive use. $25 million for Valencia County water infrastructure: Vasquez secured a $25 million authorization for water and wastewater infrastructure in Valencia County, including stormwater management. The provision will help communities tackle flooding, improve water systems and build more resilient infrastructure. Major modernization of the Rio Grande Environmental Management Program: Vasquez secured an expansion of the program to support projects addressing drought, wildfire and flood resilience, fish and wildlife habitat, sedimentation and salinity, water infrastructure, and invasive species.… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-demands-answers-over-reported-delays-critical-new-world | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Demands Answers Over Reported Delays to Critical New World Screwworm Facility | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 22, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) led nine of his House colleagues in demanding answers from U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins following reports that USDA delayed construction of a critical New World Screwworm (NWS) containment facility in order to pursue a proposal from a politically connected contractor. The lawmakers’ demand comes as the threat of NWS continues in New Mexico. Last week, officials confirmed the state’s second case of New World screwworm. New Mexico’s first case was detected in June. “NWS is not an abstract threat. Every day lost preparing our defenses puts American cattle producers, rural communities, and our food supply at greater risk,” wrote Vasquez. “Ranchers should not have to pay the price for a federal contracting process influenced by political connections instead of experience, science, and the ability to get the job done.” “The federal government has a responsibility to move quickly when the livelihoods of American ranchers and the security of our food supply are at stake,” continued Vasquez. “It also has a responsibility to ensure contracts are awarded based on qualifications, value to taxpayers, and the ability to deliver, not political connections.” According to reports, USDA spent approximately six months considering a proposal from a firm with no significant biocontainment experience that has political ties to the Trump Administration. After it was determined that the politically-connected firm could not complete the project within its underbid budget and timeline, USDA then spent several additional months reviewing proposals before moving forward with another contractor for a facility now estimated to cost approximately $750 million. Vasquez and his colleagues are asking USDA to: Explain when officials became aware of the contractor’s political connections and lack of biocontainment experience; Share the research that was conducted on the proposal; Explain why the Department continued considering the … | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-joins-110-bipartisan-colleagues-pushing-labor-protections-and | Rep. Vasquez Joins 110 Bipartisan Colleagues in Pushing for Labor Protections and Accountability from Data Centers | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | September 21, 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) joined a bipartisan letter with 110 of his congressional colleagues to tech industry leaders demanding data center construction follow strict guardrails to protect consumers from electricity and water price hikes, and to ensure strong labor and environmental standards. The letter calls for commonsense and fair practices when developing and operating data centers, including: Incorporating strong labor standards from the supply chain through operations and maintenance; Employing local workers and paying at least the prevailing wage; Using registered apprentices; Negotiating community benefit agreements with local stakeholders; Establishing strong safety practices procured from domestic sources; Companies paying their fair share for the resources used to operate and maintain data centers; Mitigating impacts on local air quality, drinking water, and water supplies. “Should you fall short of these standards and fail to provide anything other than a safe and direct benefit for the communities that house these data centers, we will reject their construction,” wrote the lawmakers. Read the full letter HERE. Vasquez’s work to protect New Mexico families from higher costs, pollution, and other data center harms includes: A Victory in Socorro: Earlier this year, after residents on both sides of the aisle in Socorro County raised serious concerns about a proposal to build one of the largest data centers in the world in their backyard, Vasquez was the only statewide or federal official to stand with residents and publicly call for an end to the proposal. In response to Vasquez’s public leadership, the foreign company behind the proposal pulled out, and Socorro County commissioners unanimously approved a one-year moratorium to give the community time to develop appropriate safeguards. Vasquez is championing the FAIR Data Act and the Data Center Water and Energy Transparency Act to protect families and small businesses from higher util… | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-five-rep-gabe-vasquezs-critical-bipartisan-public-safety-bills | House Passes Five of Rep. Gabe Vasquez’s Critical, Bipartisan Public Safety Bills | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | September 17, 2026 In the final week of session before the midterm elections, Vasquez pushes five more bills through the House WASHINGTON, D.C. – During the House’s final week of session until November, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), voted to pass five of his bipartisan public safety bills through the House. The bills take on a range of issues from combatting fentanyl overdoses and substance abuse, stopping scams targeting seniors in Tribal communities, to improving law enforcement officer safety and helping first responders during emergencies. “Throughout this Congress, I have worked with Democrats and Republicans to introduce legislation to keep our communities safe and support public safety officers. It is great to get these five critical bills through the House to boost public safety,” said Vasquez. “I urge the Senate to send these bills to the President’s desk as soon as possible, and I’ll continue working to protect our officers and get illegal drugs off of our streets.” These bills include: The GUARD Act will expand the eligible uses of the Department of Justice grant funding to allow state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to strengthen their ability to investigate and prosecute financial crimes targeting our seniors. This legislation is supported by the National Police Association and AARP. Tyler’s Law will require the Health and Human Services to issue guidance to hospitals on implementing fentanyl testing in emergency rooms when a patient is experiencing an overdose. This bill was introduced to prevent fentanyl overdoses in the U.S. after Tyler Shamash, a Los Angeles teenager, died from fentanyl poisoning a day after doctors failed to test for the drug when he was admitted to the emergency room, and is supported by the American College of Emergency Physicians and Emergency Nurses Association. The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act will improve border security operations, classify fentanyl as a Schedule I drug, and categorize Xylazine as a Schedule III illicit substance to ensure… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-backs-data-center-moratorium-grant-county-champions-two-bills | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Backs Data Center Moratorium in Grant County, Champions Two Bills to Protect New Mexicans from Data Center Costs | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced a suite of new actions to address New Mexicans’ concerns about rapid data center development. He voiced his support for a data center moratorium in Grant County and championed two new bills — one of which passed out of the House on Wednesday — to stop developers from steamrolling their way into local communities by forcing working families to subsidize massive data center construction projects. Vasquez released the following statement in support of a data center moratorium in Grant County: “I’ve heard continuous and serious concerns from folks on both sides of the aisle in Grant and Hidalgo Counties about a large, out-of-state, private equity firm coming to town and trying to build a massive data center in their communities — all while failing to provide basic details to local residents and elected officials. These concerns are valid, and I share them. The current proposal lacks basic transparency about how much water and electricity the facility would consume, and it raises real concerns about air pollution from its use of 32 natural gas-fueled generators. There are also concerns that this project would generate excessive light pollution, impact the Continental Divide Trail, and alter the rural landscape significantly — degrading qualities that make this part of New Mexico so special. Grant and Hidalgo County residents deserve clear answers and a meaningful say before a project of this scale moves forward in their backyard. I stand with local residents and leaders in calling for a temporary moratorium on data centers in Grant County so the community has more time to understand the short- and long-term impacts of this proposal.” The scant details the developer has provided about the proposed project in Grant County are quite concerning. The public notice estimates the facility could use roughly 2.3 million cubic feet of natural gas per hour, about the same amount needed to power 900 homes for an entire year, and its yearly carbon em… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-takes-action-curb-catastrophic-risks-posed-rapid-ai | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Takes Action to Curb Catastrophic Risks Posed by Rapid AI Development | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 16, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced his support for bipartisan legislation to combat the growing risks posed by advanced artificial intelligence systems — the FRONTIER Act — and called on Speaker Mike Johnson to keep the House at work in Washington until Congress advances “meaningful, bipartisan AI safeguards.” These actions come amid a growing wave of warnings from researchers and executives at leading AI companies about the risks powerful AI systems pose to humankind. As the industry experts who know AI best are calling on Congress to quickly enact stronger safety measures, Speaker Mike Johnson is sending the House home for seven weeks, punting regulation of this rapidly advancing technology indefinitely and leaving the American people at risk. In the letter sent Tuesday night to Speaker Johnson urging him to keep the House in session, Vasquez and 106 other lawmakers noted that when it comes to reigning in advanced AI systems, the risks of inaction are dire, including “... mass cybersecurity breaches and development of biological or chemical weapons.” The letter goes on to state that as evidence of the safety risks posed by advanced AI pile up, these disclosures “must not constitute yet another in a long series of ‘warning shots,’ but rather, a starting gun. Congress must act.” “Congress must answer the urgent call for immediate action on AI regulation, and leaving Washington without addressing this matter would be reckless and irresponsible. It’s clear there is great risk in the continued development of super intelligence with no guardrails, and Speaker Johnson and the President refuse to act responsibly and decisively,” said Vasquez. “I have recently championed the bipartisan FRONTIER Act, one of several bills I’ve supported that merit debate and a vote on the House floor.” As one immediate step, Vasquez is backing H.R. 9925, the bipartisan Frontier Risk Oversight, National Transparency, Independent Evaluation, and Reporting (FRONTIER) Act. The FRO… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=661 | Leger Fernández Tribal Water Settlement Bill Passes House Natural Resources Committee | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Teresa Leger Fernandez | L000273 | fernandez.house.gov | fernandez | https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WATCH HEARING COMMENTS BY REP. LEGER FERNÁNDEZ WASHINGTON — Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources unanimously advanced Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández’s (NM-03) H.R. 4598, Technical Corrections to the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act, Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, and Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act. The amended legislation would authorize additional funding to help the Navajo Nation, Taos Pueblo, and the Pueblos of Nambé, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, and Tesuque develop, operate, and maintain water infrastructure. The funding covers interest the Tribes’ water settlement funds should have earned when the settlements first became law. “Agua es vida and water is key to Tribal sovereignty,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. “These Tribal nations agreed to settle their senior water rights, and the federal government has a responsibility to keep its word. Today’s bipartisan committee action moves us closer to helping them recover the interest their settlement funds should have earned and use it to build the water infrastructure their communities need. I am grateful to the Tribal leaders and communities who partnered with us on this legislation. The Senate has already acted. Now, let’s pass this bill through the House and send it to the President’s desk.” Indian water rights settlements commonly allow the Secretary of the Interior to invest trust funds after the funds are appropriated. This provides Tribes with additional resources to support their water infrastructure. However, some Indian water rights settlements enacted in 2009 and 2010 prohibited the Secretary from investing the trust funds prior to the respective settlement’s enforcement date. That included the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act (Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project/Navajo Nation Water Rights), the Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, and the Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act. As a result, the affected Tribes lost out on interest that was or could have been earned from inv… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=662 | Leger Fernández Introduces First-Of-Its-Kind Bill to Establish Financial Relief for Epstein Survivors & Survivors of Sexual Violence | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Teresa Leger Fernandez | L000273 | fernandez.house.gov | fernandez | https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Bill Text | Bill Summary | Press Conference | Photos WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswomen Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM), alongside Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), and Deborah Ross (D-NC) introduced the Survivors’ Rights Restitution Act, first-of-its-kind legislation that would create a restitution fund in the judicial branch for survivors of sexual violence whose rights were violated by the federal government, including all survivors of abuse by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Congresswoman Leger Fernández announced this historic proposal alongside survivors and survivors’ rights advocates at a press conference on Capitol Hill. The Survivors’ Rights Restitution Act would create a historic investment to support survivors of sexual violence and hold the federal government accountable when it fails to protect survivors’ rights under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act. The estimated lifetime cost of rape is $122,461 per victim. This legislation would address the burden survivors carry, including significant long-term economic and non-economic impacts of sexual violence, from lost income and medical costs to housing instability and enduring trauma. “Survivors should never have to pay the price when our government fails to protect them,” said Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández. “For too long, survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s horrific abuse were denied justice while powerful people were protected. That failure has real costs: lost wages, medical bills, housing instability, and trauma that can last a lifetime. We cannot undo the harm, but we can make sure survivors are not left to carry the burden alone. The Survivors’ Rights Restitution Act gives survivors that path to restitution.” “The financial, physical, and emotional trauma that survivors of sexual violence carry is a lifetime sentence,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “By no choice of their own, survivors can incur debilitating costs due to medical needs, lost income, housing instability, and mental health support. Far too often, the f… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-demands-secretary-kennedy-protect-head-start-programs-new | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Demands Secretary Kennedy Protect Head Start Programs for New Mexico Children | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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 (NM-02) sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy urging him to withdraw a proposed rule to cut Head Start funding, which would take away educational opportunities from New Mexico children. The “Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs,” rule would rescind over 1,400 regulations for Head Start. Educators warn that this rule would cut services, reduce program quality, and lead to large variations between states, leaving some children with less resources than others. “Head Start is a critical lifeline for over 7,000 hardworking families in New Mexico,” said Vasquez. “But instead of working with parents and communities to make early childhood education and childcare more affordable and accessible, the Administration has spent two years attacking Head Start and taking money away from children. I’m calling on Secretary Kennedy to rescind this threat — our kids deserve better.” “While Head Start needs improvements and additional investments, staffing, and capacity, the proposed rule does not effectively address these needs. Instead, it risks gutting the program and sowing chaos across the country at a time when hardworking families are struggling more than ever to cover the cost of childcare,” wrote Vasquez in the letter. “Your agency should be working hand-in-hand with Head Start providers and communities to improve the program, not causing additional concern, chaos, and confusion.” You can read the full letter HERE. Rep. Vasquez has consistently fought to secure funding for Head Start programs: Visiting Isleta Pueblo Head Start to discuss the importance of early childhood education, language and cultural preservation, and securing a key report on effective ways to improve Tribal Head Start programs. Sending a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services urging action to address the severe impacts of recent federal funding interruptions and the government shutdown risks on Head Start programs in N… | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/breaking-vasquez-releases-new-report-illustrating-how-administration-has-cost | BREAKING: Vasquez Releases New Report Illustrating How Administration Has Cost New Mexico Families Over $3,000 | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 10, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) released a new report detailing how much prices have spiked under the Trump Administration, costing New Mexicans $3,100 on average. “Since this Administration took office, reckless tariffs, the war of choice in Iran, and countless short-sighted policies have caused prices to soar for everything from gas, to groceries, to healthcare and more,” said Vasquez. “New Mexico families can’t take any more of this. In contrast, I’ve introduced an affordability agenda that would lower prices and help working New Mexicans. We must put an end to these economic policies and make New Mexico affordable again.” Read the full report HERE. In addition to this report, Rep. Vasquez released a report in April detailing how much energy prices have spiked since the Administration took control in January 2025: Annual energy bills went up by an average of $70 per New Mexico family in 2025 compared to 2024. New Mexico has consistently ranked among the top states nationally for highest gas price jumps since the war started. Since introducing his Affordability Agenda to lower the high cost of living in New Mexico, the Congressman has: Introduced the Tax Relief from Tariffs and High Costs Act to offer a fully refundable 10% tax credit to households making under $100,000 to offset rising prices — under this bill, a New Mexican making $70,000 could expect around $700 back in their pocket to offset higher prices caused by tariffs. Cosponsored the Capping Prescription Costs Act, which caps annual prescription drug costs at $2,000 for individuals and $4,000 for families with private health insurance plans. Cosponsored two bills — the Bipartisan Families First Housing Act and the Stop Wall Street Landlords Act — to address New Mexico’s housing affordability crisis by cracking down on greedy, corporate landlords to ensure hardworking New Mexicans have a fair shot at homeownership. Has introduced legislation to roll back harmful cuts to food assistanceenacted… | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-announces-another-milestone-over-76-million-returned-new-mexicans | Vasquez Announces Another Milestone: Over $7.6 Million Returned to New Mexicans | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 9, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced that his office has returned more than $7.6 million to constituents in New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District through casework services, just over a month since announcing the $6 million milestone. Rep. Vasquez’s casework team helps constituents cut past red tape and resolve issues with federal agencies, including the IRS, Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, and more. “I’m incredibly proud of this milestone for our office and most importantly, for the $7.6 million we’ve returned to our constituents,” said Vasquez. “My staff and I remain laser-focused on helping every constituent that walks through our door navigate the excessive red tape in federal agencies, resolve their issues, and get justice and the money they are owed. Our work for New Mexicans continues.” “I retired from the military on 31-Dec-25. Working with DFAS and other Military agencies, I hadn’t received retirement payment or proper deductions for 8 months. I contacted Gabe Vasquez’s office and they spoke with DFAS and the Air Force on my behalf. Gabe Vasquez’s office had everything corrected within 10 business days of them starting their inquiry on my behalf,” said Jacob of Holloman AFB. “I contacted Congressman Vasquez for help regarding the delay I was experiencing with the Social Security Administration in converting my spousal benefits to survivor benefits after my husband's death. I was quite frustrated for several months after I had made repeated calls to SSA to find out when they would make this adjustment. In just a week after contacting Congressman Vasquez I was delighted to receive my retroactive payments and notice that I would from now on receive my new monthly survivor benefits,” said Sara of Albuquerque. “My 2025 tax return was set aside and not processed for an administrative reason, holding up my refund. [Vasquez’s Office] responded quickly to my request for help and was able to resolve the issue holding up the… | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-calls-total-ban-ice-usage-electric-gloves | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Calls for Total Ban on ICE Usage of Electric Gloves | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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 (NM-02) sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) demanding the immediate cancellation of their wasteful $16.7 million contract to equip ICE agents with electric shock gloves and the total ban of abusive devices across all immigration enforcement and detention operations. “This Administration’s mass deportation campaign isn’t just targeting the ‘worst of the worst,’ it is terrorizing our communities,” said Vasquez. “Now, they’re wasting taxpayer dollars to give untrained agents electric shock gloves – everything about this goes against our American values and puts American citizens at risk. We need reform and accountability, not untrained agents with more dangerous weapons.” “Introducing low-visibility electric shock weapons into our immigration enforcement system is an unacceptable escalation that prioritizes physical intimidation and unaccountable force over human safety and administrative accountability,” wrote Vasquez in the letter. “We reiterate our demand that you immediately halt the acquisition and deployment of electric shock gloves, cancel the contract, and refocus the Department’s resources on accountability and humanitarian standards rather than expanding a paramilitary apparatus.” The letter, joined by over 40 Members of Congress, highlights concerns about the use of electric shock devices like the G.L.O.V.E. by the UN Special Rapportuer on Torture, Amnesty International, Center for Victims of Torture, and Physicians for Human Rights. It also requests information regarding training and protocol for the G.L.O.V.E usage, and detailed documents regarding testing of the device. You can read the full letter HERE. Rep. Vasquez has consistently stood up against MAGA Republican’s mass deportation agenda and called for common-sense ICE reforms, protecting due process and human rights, and targeted, effective immigration enforcement. Some of his efforts include: Introducing the New American Immigration Plan, a commonsense plan to secure… | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-introduce-beef-act-protect-american-ranchers-and-lower-beef | Rep. Gabe Vasquez to Introduce BEEF Act to Protect American Ranchers and Lower Beef Prices | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 4, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced that he will introduce the BEEF (Banning External Entry of Foreign Beef) Act, legislation to stop the Administration’s latest expansion of foreign beef imports and advance a long-term strategy to rebuild the American cattle herd, strengthen domestic beef production, and lower costs for consumers. This bill is in response to the Administration’s announcement that it would import an additional 300,000 metric tons of foreign lean beef trimmings into the United States, hurting ranchers and raising prices for consumers. Vasquez has repeatedly opposed efforts by both Democratic and Republican administrations to increase foreign beef imports at the expense of American cattle producers. “If we want more affordable beef, the answer is to grow American production, strengthen competition, and make it easier for the next generation of ranchers to stay in business – not make our country more dependent on un-vetted foreign imports,” said Vasquez. “Cattlegrowers in New Mexico and across the nation have made it clear – they want to reverse the President’s foreign beef imports and they need more time, and more tools, to grow their herds and fix the domestic supply chain. My BEEF Act does just that, and I hope that my colleagues from both sides of the aisle can join me in supporting American cattlegrowers and this commonsense proposal.” The BEEF Act would: Suspend the Administration’s latest expansion of foreign beef imports. Require congressional approval before future presidential actions expanding beef imports can take effect. Establish a four-year Beef Import and Domestic Supply Advisory Board within USDA and direct it to develop strategies to rebuild the American cattle herd and increase domestic beef production. Advance policies to expand domestic processing capacity, improve livestock market competition, and lower beef costs for American families over the long term. Rep. Vasquez has long been an ardent supporter of New Mexico… | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=660 | Leger Fernández, N.M. Delegation Call on DOJ Inspector General to Expand Investigation into DEA Fentanyl Practices in New Mexico | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Teresa Leger Fernandez | L000273 | fernandez.house.gov | fernandez | https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | NEW MEXICO – Today, U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), and U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) called on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Inspector General (OIG) to expand its recently announced review of federal fentanyl investigations to examine Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) practices dating back before 2024, with a specific focus on the DEA’s fentanyl practices in New Mexico. The Delegation’s request follows whistleblower complaints alleging that DEA agents allowed large quantities of fentanyl to reach New Mexico communities instead of seizing the drugs. On August 17th, the DOJ OIG announced a review of federal fentanyl investigations, including cases where investigators allowed fentanyl shipments to continue rather than seizing them. In the letter, the lawmakers point to whistleblower allegations that raise concerns that DEA’s practice of allowing fentanyl to “walk” may extend further than the OIG’s current two-year review period. Additionally, the lawmakers call on the DOJ OIG to examine whether the DEA’s decisions led to increased overdose deaths throughout New Mexico. “One of the whistleblowers claims that the DEA surveilled a drug trafficker ‘who made repeated deliveries of fentanyl from Phoenix to Albuquerque between 2022 and 2023.’ There is reason to suspect that the DEA’s policies of allowing fentanyl to ‘walk’ stretches back before 2023. For that reason, we believe the OIG should expand its scope of review.” wrote the lawmakers. “The people of New Mexico deserve answers as to why the agency charged with seizing drugs instead allowed deadly pills to flood their streets. We ask that the DOJ OIG conduct a full and thorough investigation to bring some measure of accountability to actions carried out by DEA,” continued the lawmakers. In July, the New Mexico Delegation demanded answers from U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Terrance Cole on why the DEA allowed … | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-sends-bipartisan-demand-doj-release-critical-law-enforcement | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Sends Bipartisan Demand to DOJ to Release Critical Law Enforcement Funding | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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 (NM-02) partnered with Rep. David Kustoff (R-TN) and demanded the Department of Justice (DOJ) release funding for the Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS) Program immediately in a bipartisan letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche. RISS funding goes towards law enforcement efforts to arrest violent criminals, get illegal drugs off our streets, resolve criminal investigations, and ensure officer and public safety. It has sustained strong bipartisan support in Congress because it is proven to work. Over the last ten years, officers leveraging RISS services reported more than $2.3 billion in narcotics, property, and currency seizures – a 500% return on federal investment – and aided in the arrest of more than 23,000 offenders. “Congress included $44 million for the RISS program in the FY26 spending bill, however, these funds have yet to be distributed,” wrote Vasquez in the letter. “This funding is critical for local law enforcement agencies, particularly those in rural and small communities, and any delay puts public safety at risk.” In 2025, RISS funding supported 94 criminal justice agencies and 5,464 sworn personnel throughout New Mexico, including the Cibola County Sheriff’s Office in a burglary investigation. The Sheriff’s office requested digital forensic examination from Rocky Mountain Information Network (RMIN), the regional RISS program for New Mexico. RMIN assisted the office with identifying a suspect of three burglaries spanning over 2 months, and accessing the suspect’s phone to gather critical data that allowed for Cibola County to bring the case to a jury trial before the suspect pled guilty. "I strongly urge you to release the funding for the RISS program,” said Steve Hebbe, President of the New Mexico Association of Chiefs of Police. “This program is instrumental in helping smaller agencies address serious crimes in their communities. Any delays hurt public safety." Read the full letter HERE. Rep. Vasquez has repeatedly led efforts to… | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-calls-hearing-protect-manufactured-housing-communities | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Calls for Hearing to Protect Manufactured Housing Communities from Private Equity | 2026-09-02 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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 (NM-02) called on the House Financial Services Committee to hold a hearing on institutional investors’ impact on Manufactured Housing Communities (MHCs) across the country. Congressman Vasquez led a letter to Chairman French Hill (R-AR) and Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-CA) — along with five other Members — urging the Committee to hold a hearing to address reports from MHC residents across the country who have said they have experienced price jacking, utilities neglect, and abuse in these communities after private equity firms purchased their communities. “Congress recently passed a landmark housing bill with overwhelmingly bipartisan support to help Americans purchase homes and specifically targeted institutional investors' role in purchasing single family homes. But the bill did not include equitable protections to address private equity’s role in purchasing hundreds of thousands of lots across several manufactured housing communities,” wrote Vasquez. “There is still more work to be done.” “The Land of Enchantment Manufactured Home Owners Alliance strongly endorses Representative Vasquez’s call for a House Financial Services Committee hearing on institutional investment and protections for manufactured homeowners,” said Joanne DeMichele, President, Land of Enchantment Manufactured Home Owners Alliance (LEMHOA). “Congress has recognized the damage institutional investors can cause in the single-family housing market through the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. Manufactured home communities deserve the same scrutiny. Homeowners in these communities own their homes but not the land beneath them, making them captive tenants when investors acquire that land and rapidly raise rents or neglect essential infrastructure. In Silver City, New Mexico, residents recently saw lot rents increase by 70% virtually overnight after investors purchased the land beneath their homes. This is exactly why Congress must examine private equity’s growing role in manufactured housin… | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-demands-action-expand-care-and-benefits-rural-new-mexico | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Demands Action to Expand Care and Benefits for Rural New Mexico Veterans | 2026-09-02 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 2, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) called for immediate action to ensure veterans living in rural and southern New Mexico can access the healthcare, benefits, and assistance they put their lives on the line to earn. After a recent meeting with veterans in Socorro, Vasquez sent a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Douglas Collins demanding that the VA expand in-person assistance and outreach in rural communities, including by placing a full-time VA liaison in Socorro. “New Mexico veterans – especially those living in rural areas – should never feel left behind by their government. We should be making it easier for them to access the benefits they have earned by serving our country, and I urge the VA to take meaningful action to expand access to services, benefits, and assistance to all veterans, starting by placing a full time liaison in Socorro and allowing veterans in southeast New Mexico to access service in El Paso,” said Vasquez in the letter. In the letter, Vasquez goes on to lay out a clear solutions to barriers that have continued to block New Mexican veterans accessing their benefits: Fix outdated VA regional boundaries that force veterans in Otero and Eddy counties to travel hours toward Albuquerque instead of accessing VA care closer to home in El Paso, building on Vasquez’s New Mexico Rural Veteran Health Care Access Act Increase VA staffing and in-person assistance across New Mexico, including placing a full-time VA liaison in Socorro, and reversing VA staffing cuts Vasquez also noted how the Administration’s cuts to VA funding and staffing have shortchanged New Mexico veterans, noting, “The recent restructuring and massive staffing cuts has exacerbated these issues, especially for our rural veterans who cannot easily access in-person resources. Existing VA staffing shortages are already causing delays for surgeries, making it hard to access mental health care, and devastating morale for providers, employees, and veterans. This Administration cu… | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-takes-capitol-steps-demand-real-stock-trading-ban-gets-vote | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Takes to Capitol Steps to Demand Real Stock Trading Ban Gets a Vote to Crack Down on Corruption | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 1, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) and U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02), and other Democratic members from across the country made it clear that the stock trading ban battle is far from over in the House, re-upping their demand that Speaker Johnson bring a stronger stock trading ban bill — the Restore Trust in Government Act — up for a vote immediately. The Restore Trust in Government Act would prohibit presidents, vice presidents, Members of Congress, and their families and trustees from owning and trading individual stocks. It would also require Members of Congress to divest from all assets covered under the bill within six months of the bill becoming law. During the press conference, Rep. Vasquez and others called out egregious examples of member trading from both sides of the aisle and outlined why the Stop Insider Trading Act, which is currently languishing in the Senate, is a sham bill that does not go far enough to truly clamp down on corruption in Congress. Some of these examples include: Since January 2025 alone, members of Congress have made millions off of insider trading on individual stocks — individual stocks whose values are directly tied to decisions made by Congress. The top five offenders — which included a fair number of Democrats — traded $329.3 million worth of individual stocks this Congress alone. The President: since January 2025, President Trump has traded an estimated $2.5 billion in individual stocks and securities — that’s more than all members of Congress combined. “The American people are sick of the self-enrichment, the wheeling and dealing, and the billions of dollars being harvested in this Administration, as members of Congress and others abuse their power to make themselves wealthier,” said Vasquez in his remarks. “Yet, the hardworking men and women of this country still wake up every single day, make it to their job on time, and do an honest day’s work, often juggling two jobs just to get by in this rigged economy.… | 1 | 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z | 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-calls-congress-renew-bipartisan-patriotic-tradition | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Calls on Congress to Renew Bipartisan, Patriotic Tradition of Protecting Public Lands | 2026-08-31 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On August 31, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), co-founder of the Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus, took to the House floor to make the case that protecting America’s public lands is an act of patriotism and called on lawmakers in both parties to revive Congress’ long tradition of bipartisan conservation. Vasquez pointed to landmark conservation laws including the Wilderness Act, the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, and the Endangered Species Act — all of which passed Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support. He argued that the same spirit of cooperation is urgently needed today as public lands face growing threats of sell-offs to the highest bidder, development, and efforts to roll back longstanding conservation protections. “Today, foreign companies have spread their tentacles and sprawl unto our forests, rivers and national monuments, all in search of a quick buck. Paired together with short-sighted proposals from this Administration that include threatening to undo the Roadless Rule, eliminating the Public Lands Rule, shrinking our national monuments, opening sensitive habitats to drilling in the Arctic Refuge, narrowing regulations of the Endangered Species Act, shrinking the US Forest Service, robbing crucial maintenance funds from the National Parks budget, and just recently, selling off part of Yosemite National Park to a private developer — we are in deep, deep trouble of losing what both Democrats and Republicans have long fought to conserve and protect,” said Vasquez. Vasquez added, “The truth is, Americans love nature. Hunters, anglers, and families alike agree that public lands are patriotic. Let us renew these concepts of bipartisan cooperation and protect our shared patriotism, even if it means standing up to your own party, standing up to this Administration, in the wake of the largest wave of attacks we’ve seen to our public lands in our nation’s history. I know I’ll be doing my damnedest to protect the places we love in New Mexico, across the West, and… | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-demands-answers-true-cost-iran-war-new-mexican-families | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Demands Answers on True Cost of Iran War for New Mexican Families | 2026-08-27 | 2026 | 2026-08 | 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 (NM-02) sent a letter to President Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanding a full public accounting of the economic costs of their cost-raising war of choice with Iran as prices continue to skyrocket for American families. "What was billed as a two-week operation is now a full-scale war that has lasted for over 150 days, cost at least $37 billion, and claimed the lives of 18 servicemembers. At the same time, prices across the country have gone up significantly, placing the burden of this conflict on American families.” wrote Vasquez. “This uncertainty, and the months of higher costs have taken a toll, impacting Americans’ ability to budget, plan, and save for the future. These costs are untenable, and the American people deserve better." “The President lied to the American people about no more forever wars. It’s clear there is no exit plan or any sense of a coherent strategy while prices surge at the gas pump and the grocery store, deeply hurting everyday Americans,” said Vasquez. “This war is costing taxpayers billions, skyrocketing our national debt, depleting our critical munitions stockpile, and putting our servicemen and women in continued danger. Americans deserve to know the true cost of this war, and I can already tell you, it’s too damn much.” The letter demands for information on the cost of military operations, changes in the oil and energy markets, and larger economic impacts. The request follows the Department of Defense’s supplemental request for tens of billions more to fund the ongoing war in Iran and concerns about the risks for American military personnel. Read the full letter HERE. Rep. Vasquez has led the charge to hold the Administration accountable for the war in Iran and bring down prices for New Mexicans: Pressed Pentagon officials on the Iran War cost, strategy and lack of exit plan. Calling for answers from the Administration on how the war is spiking gas prices in New Mexico. Pushing his Affordability Agenda to lo… | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=659 | Leger Fernández Leads 18 Members Demanding Answers on Trump Administration’s Rush to Strip Chaco Canyon Protections | 2026-08-26 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | NM | Teresa Leger Fernandez | L000273 | fernandez.house.gov | fernandez | https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs, and Congressman Jared Huffman (CA-02), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee led 18 members of Congress in demanding answers from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum about the Trump Administration’s rushed effort to revoke protections for lands surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The Department of the Interior is proposing to revoke Public Land Order No. 7923, which established a 10-mile mineral withdrawal surrounding Chaco Canyon. Revoking the order would reopen these culturally significant public lands to oil and gas leasing and mining activities. “Chaco Canyon is not just a historical site; it’s a living cultural landscape,” the lawmakers wrote. “The Department’s current fast-tracked efforts to overturn the withdrawal area do not respect the historical, cultural, and spiritual value of Chaco Canyon.” “The Department’s rushed review undermined the Department’s trust responsibility to Tribal nations and the Tribal consultation process under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act,” they continued. The lawmakers’ letter raises serious concerns that the Department failed to fulfill its trust responsibility to Tribal nations and honor Burgum’s public commitment to meaningful consultation. During a June 2025 House Natural Resources Committee hearing, Burgum committed to Leger Fernández to send an official with decision-making authority to conduct individual, in-person consultations with every Tribe with an interest in Chaco Canyon. However, Interior’s own draft Environmental Assessment indicates that the Department moved forward before completing all requested consultations. Several Tribes received only “informational meetings,” while requests to meet with a decision-maker remained unmet. The Department also provided only 21 days for public comment and held no public meetings before advancing its proposal. Despite that… | 1 | 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z | 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-demands-accountability-data-center-developers-reiterates-new | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Demands Accountability from Data Center Developers, Reiterates New Mexicans Must Have Final Say on Our Land, Air, Water, and Way of Life | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced his support for two new bills to hold massive data center developers accountable, protect New Mexico families from higher electricity costs, and give communities the information they need to weigh the costs and benefits and decide whether to allow these projects to move forward. “New Mexico’s water, air, and resources belong to us, not to billionaires from coastal states who see an opportunity to extract profit from our land. I’ve been appalled at the backroom deals, silencing of dissenting voices, shady NDAs and shell companies, and the overall lack of transparency from those who seek to do business in our state,” said Vasquez. “New Mexico should absolutely compete for the jobs and technology of the future, but we are not going to sell out our water, our clean air, or our way of life to do it. If you want to do business here, you need to be transparent, listen to local residents, and most importantly, prove to New Mexicans that projects will serve, not steal from, our communities.” Vasquez announced that he is championing the following legislation to put new guardrails in place around data center proposals: The FAIR Data Act (H.R. 9655), which would stop data center projects from driving up energy bills for families and small businesses. The bill would force large corporate electricity users to pay their own way, protecting residential customers and small businesses from being forced to foot the bill for costs related to massive data centers, including increased rates and electric grid upgrades needed to serve massive data centers. The Data Center Water and Energy Transparency Act (H.R. 9825), which requires data center developers to transparently disclose their energy and water usage. The bill would force developers to make information regarding data center energy and water consumption available to state and local governments that have or are considering new data center projects in their communities and force noncompliant data ce… | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-leads-35-members-demanding-speaker-johnson-bring-stock | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Leads 35 Members Demanding Speaker Johnson Bring Stock Trading Ban Bill to the Floor for a Vote | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | 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 (NM-02) demanded House Speaker Mike Johnson bring H.R. 6731, the Restore Trust in Government Act, to the House floor for a vote in a letter he led along with 35 of his House colleagues. The bill would prohibit presidents, vice presidents, Members of Congress, and their families and trustees from owning and trading individual stocks. It would also require Members of Congress to divest from all assets covered under the bill within 180 days of the bill becoming law. “We urge you to bring H.R. 6731, the Restore Trust in Government Act to the floor immediately for a vote when the House of Representatives returns from the August recess”, wrote Vasquez. “The American people deserve a real stock trading ban for politicians in Washington, to end the corruption that lets politicians get rich off of inside information while working people struggle,” “The American people are sick of the corruption in Washington. They are sick of paying more for gas, groceries, and healthcare, and Congress doing nothing about it because politicians get rich by profiting from the industries and corporations that keep prices high,” the letter continues. “They want to end the corruption and we have a responsibility to deliver on that.” Speaker Johnson previously held a sham vote on a bill pretending to prevent stock trading which received bipartisan opposition. This political ploy included massive loopholes allowing members to keep the stocks they own and continue buying private stocks and profiting off of cryptocurrency. Additionally, Johnson added unrelated provisions to the bill that would erode voting rights for eligible voters, disenfranchise Tribal voters, and erode privacy rights by requiring some voters to mail a copy of their driver’s license, passport or Social Security information in order to cast a ballot. “Speaker Johnson should stop playing politics and holding show-votes on weak, watered-down bills that do nothing to stop corruption in Washington,” said Vasquez. “The Restore … | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-demands-answers-project-jupiters-water-use-new-mexico-supreme | Rep. Stansbury Demands Answers on Project Jupiter’s Water Use as New Mexico Supreme Court Issues Emergency Orders | 2026-08-24 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | NM | Melanie A. Stansbury | S001218 | stansbury.house.gov | stansbury | https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | ALBUQUERQUE — Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) is requesting answers from New Mexico state officials regarding the water use, water rights, permitting, quality, and compact compliance associated with Project Jupiter, a 1,400-acre artificial intelligence data center campus under construction near Santa Teresa in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. Stansbury’s calls for answers come as the New Mexico Supreme Court issued two emergency orders Sunday night regarding the project’s emergency well permit, used for construction of the project, and a proposed air quality permit. Stansbury is directing the public request for information by close of business this Friday, August 28, as the Court has ordered the parties to respond to its orders by Wednesday of next week. Stansbury’s letter, addressed to the New Mexico Attorney General, the State Engineer, the State Environment Secretary, and the Chair and Director of the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, requests information about the project’s proposed water use, analysis of potential impacts, and compliance requirements under the Rio Grande Compact. The request comes as New Mexico confronts unprecedented water challenges and works to meet its obligations under a court-supervised settlement following litigation with Texas over the Rio Grande Compact. Under the settlement, New Mexico must reduce groundwater pumping in the Lower Rio Grande Basin by 18,200 acre-feet annually by 2036. Project Jupiter is expected to become a significant industrial water user in the basin, with estimates putting its water use at over a million gallons a day. Stansbury is asking the Office of the State Engineer (OSE) and others to provide a clear public accounting of how the project’s water needs will be met and what water rights and permits support those needs. "In New Mexico we know water is life and our communities are facing a historic water crisis,” Rep. Stansbury said. "Every new major water use deserves a transparent accounting of where its water is coming from and how that use fi… | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=657 | On Fourth Anniversary of Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Containment, Leger Fernández Demands Answers on Toxic Metals in Fire Retardants | 2026-08-21 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | NM | Teresa Leger Fernandez | L000273 | fernandez.house.gov | fernandez | https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | SANTA FE, N.M. — Four years after the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire was finally contained, U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) is demanding greater accountability for the federal government’s use of wildfire retardants that may contain toxic metals. Leger Fernández and House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) led a letter asking the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate the prevalence and potential effects of toxic metals in fire retardants used by the U.S. Forest Service and Department of the Interior. The letter was also signed by Representatives Judy Chu, Adelita Grijalva, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Pablo José Hernández, Lateefah Simon and Sara Jacobs. “Four years ago, the flames finally stopped. But for the families of Mora and San Miguel counties, this disaster did not end when the smoke cleared,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. “It lives in contaminated wells, flood-scarred fields, empty foundations and the endless paperwork of survivors still waiting for FEMA to do its job. The federal government started this fire, and the federal government has a responsibility to answer every question about the harm it caused. We do not yet know whether fire retardants contributed to the heavy metals found in northern New Mexico’s groundwater. Our families should not have to wonder whether the water coming from their tap is safe to drink. Accountability means following the evidence, telling the truth and fixing what was broken.” Federal agencies used 48.6 million gallons of fire retardant in wildfire operations in 2024 alone. One academic study estimated that aerial wildfire retardants released approximately 380,000 kilograms of toxic metals into the environment nationwide between 2009 and 2021. Following the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, testing found elevated levels of heavy metals in groundwater in parts of northern New Mexico. The lawmakers’ letter does not draw a conclusion about the source of that contamination. Instead, it asks GAO to deter… | 1 | 2026-08-22T05:24:59Z | 2026-08-22T05:26:16Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-tours-albuquerques-veterans-integration-center-reaffirms | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Tours Albuquerque’s Veterans Integration Center, Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Veterans | 2026-08-20 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On August 19, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) toured the Veterans Integration Center (VIC) of Albuquerque to discuss expanding VA benefits and opportunities with veterans and VIC leaders. The VIC is dedicated to providing stable housing, financial security, and community for veterans and their families. During the event, Rep. Vasquez spoke with VIC CEO Brock Wolf and Claudia Risner, a Board Member at the Veterans Integration Center and Previous Chair of the Veterans and Military Families Caucus. “Places like the VIC are serving our veterans with outstanding care, compassion and respect,” said Vasquez. “Folks who raise their hand to serve and protect our freedom deserve to have an opportunity to reintegrate into society. But too many of our veterans suffer from trauma and end up on the streets - that’s why resources like the VIC are so important. I’m going to continue fighting so that our federal budget reflects the true cost of care for our veterans – from healthcare and housing, to education and workforce training.” Rep. Vasquez’s advocacy reflects his ongoing commitment to supporting veterans and active-duty servicemembers. His previous work includes: Spearheading the TRICARE Travel Improvement Act, which Vasquez led and got passed into law with bipartisan support through the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act. The bill lowers the mileage requirement for TRICARE travel reimbursement from 100 miles to 75 miles — helping military families in rural communities more easily access medical care. Leading the New Mexico Rural Veteran Health Care Access Act, a bill to add Otero and Eddy county to the Veteran Integrated Service Network (VISN) 22, so that New Mexico veterans who live in these counties can be eligible to access care at the El Paso VA Medical Center which is far closer than many other VA healthcare facilities. Introducing the Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act, bipartisan legislation to increase the yearly book and supply stipend for student veterans whi… | 1 | 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z | 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z |
| https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-announces-76-million-affordable-housing-programs-and-passage | Rep. Stansbury Announces $7.6 million in Affordable Housing Programs and Passage of the Most Significant Housing Legislation in Decades | 2026-08-20 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | NM | Melanie A. Stansbury | S001218 | stansbury.house.gov | stansbury | https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | ALBUQUERQUE – Today, Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) held a press conference with local organizations that she helped secure federal funding for through Community Project Funding. These projects work to expand the affordable housing supply and support seniors, families, and young people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity across New Mexico. Rep. Stansbury also celebrated the enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (H.R. 6644) as one of the most significant bipartisan housing bills to pass Congress in the last 30 years. The bill became law on July 11th without the President’s signature after Congress passed the legislation to dramatically increase the building of affordable housing, cut red tape, expand access to capital, modernize programs, and restrict private equity and institutional investors from buying family homes. Through Community Project Funding, the Congresswoman has secured more than $7.6 million for seven projects, including: $4.5 million for the City of Albuquerque for a homeless youth center to provide our first dedicated facility for young people experiencing homelessness, including a safe, transitional environment, secured in FY23 and FY24. $300,000 for the Veterans Integration Center for the first veterans transitional housing campus in New Mexico to provide transitional housing and programs for Veterans and their families experiencing housing insecurity, secured in FY23. $994,950 for Saranam for transitional housing for families experiencing homelessness - for construction of a new transitional housing project to serve unhoused families in Albuquerque’s west side and provide wrap-around services as families get back on their feet, secured in FY24. $500,000 for YDI to provide a transitional housing facility for at-risk youth in Albuquerque, secured in FY24. $850,000 for the City of Albuquerque to provide a senior stability shelter in Albuquerque to provide permanent supportive housing for seniors experiencing homelessness, secured in FY26. $250,000 for Berna… | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=656 | Leger Fernández Joins National Coalition for Expanded RECA Legislation | 2026-08-19 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | NM | Teresa Leger Fernandez | L000273 | fernandez.house.gov | fernandez | https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | SANTA FE, NM — Congresswoman Leger Fernández is co-leading the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act of 2026 (RECRA), bipartisan legislation that builds upon her work to compensate New Mexicans affected by radiation exposure from the Trinity and other nuclear tests. Congressman James Moylan (R-Guam) introduced the legislation. The Congresswoman has worked alongside Congressman Moylan to make sure communities harmed by the nation's nuclear testing receive the compensation and recognition they deserve. Congresswoman Leger Fernández introduced the RECA Amendments Act in 2021. She led the U.S. House of Representatives effort to expand RECA to cover New Mexico downwinders and post '71 uranium miners alongside Senator Ben Ray Lujan, the New Mexico congressional delegation, and New Mexico advocates. This latest proposal seeks to address the remaining gaps left after Congress partially expanded RECA in 2025. The legislation would expand eligibility to additional impacted communities, extends the filing deadline by fifteen years, increases compensation, authorizes reimbursement of medical expenses, broadens the list of eligible diseases, streamlines the claims process through the use of affidavits where records are unavailable, and establishes a process for adding future classes of eligible individuals without requiring additional acts of Congress. The bill also recognizes the unique challenges faced by many rural, Tribal, Native, and territorial communities, expands eligibility for atomic cleanup veterans, and directs a comprehensive study into the long-term and multi-generational health effects of radiation exposure. "For generations, New Mexico's downwinders and uranium workers have carried the cost of our nation's nuclear legacy in their bodies, their families, and their communities,” said Rep. Leger Fernández (D-New Mexico). “Last year, after years of bipartisan work and relentless advocacy from survivors, advocates, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, we finally expanded RECA. That was a hist… | 1 | 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z | 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-moylan-introduce-bipartisan-reca-reauthorization-act-standing-new | Rep. Vasquez, Moylan Introduce Bipartisan RECA Reauthorization Act, Standing up for New Mexico’s Downwinder Community | 2026-08-17 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON D.C. – On August 17, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) cosponsored the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act of 2026, an updated version of the bill to deliver New Mexico’s downwinder communities the compensation they deserve. "I stand with the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium and all those that refuse to let the world forget what happened at the Trinity Site in July 1945. It is past time the U.S. government took full responsibility for the harm it has wrought on our Downwinder and other impacted communities, and this bill marks a major step in the right direction toward the compensation and recognition they deserve," said Vasquez. "By cutting red tape for claimants, extending the filing period by 15 years, covering additional diseases caused by radiation, and so much more, this bill will make a meaningful difference in the lives of Downwinder communities in New Mexico and beyond, and I am proud to support it." “This legislation brings together a strong bipartisan coalition of Members of Congress, survivors, advocates, and communities who have refused to give up this fight,” said Rep. James Moylan (R-Guam). “Together, our voices are stronger, and together, we will keep fighting until every American harmed by radiation exposure receives the justice they have been denied. I’m not backing down until we get this across the finish line for the people of Guam who were impacted and all those still left behind.” The Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act of 2026 would continue and significantly expand RECA.The bill would increase compensation to a $150,000 lump sum, allow for reimbursement for documented out-of-pocket medical costs, and provide previously successful claimants the ability to be fully compensated for the maximum amount. It also adds additional cancers and diseases into the specified disease list for RECA claims and allows use of affidavits to prove physical presence, contraction of a specified disease, participation in testing, cleanup, response ef… | 1 | 2026-08-18T05:27:41Z | 2026-08-18T05:29:06Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-named-one-most-bipartisan-members-congress | Rep. Vasquez Named One of the Most Bipartisan Members of Congress | 2026-08-17 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON D.C. – On August 17, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) was awarded the most bipartisan member of New Mexico’s Congressional Delegation. “I’m proud to receive one of the highest scores for bipartisanship in Congress because since day one, I’ve been working for everyone in my district, not any party or any special interest,” said Vasquez. “Right now, New Mexicans are struggling through a worsening economy and massive corruption in Washington – they want someone who will work for them, not their party or the president. I’m willing to work with anyone across the aisle who is serious about lowering costs, making healthcare and housing affordable, reducing crime, and protecting our public lands. I’ve proven that, and I’ll continue working on behalf of the people who elected me.” This is the second time in a row Rep. Vasquez has received an “A” from Bridge Grades, a nonprofit report card for Congress, for his ongoing willingness to break party ranks and work with anyone to deliver commonsense wins for New Mexicans. Vasquez’s bipartisanship score ranked higher than over 90% of all Members of Congress. Vasquez was also ranked as one of the most effective freshman Democrats in Congress during his first term by the Center for Effective Lawmaking, based on his record of passing legislation and working to deliver results for New Mexico. Rep. Vasquez’s many bipartisan accomplishments include: Founding the Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus to stop the selloff of our public lands, expand recreation opportunities, and ensure these spaces are preserved for future generations Passing the bipartisan Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act into law, signed by President Trump, to strengthen the aerial wildfire suppression fleet and better combat the year-round threat of catastrophic wildfires Leading the effort to pass the bipartisan Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025, which was signed into law, restoring $9 million in annual federal support for rural New Mexico counties to fund essential infrastr… | 1 | 2026-08-18T05:27:41Z | 2026-08-18T05:29:06Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-presses-administration-return-tariff-taxes-new-mexicans-not | Rep. Vasquez Presses Administration to Return Tariff Taxes to New Mexicans, Not Corporations | 2026-08-13 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON D.C. – On August 12, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott demanding that they push corporations to return the money from the Administration’s illegal tariffs to the consumers who paid for them. The cost of the President’s tariffs was paid by consumers in the form of higher prices – costing Americans about $1,000 last year. However, corporations that received a refund are not required to provide those refunds back to everyday consumers – effectively stealing money from New Mexico families, who are already under pressure from higher costs as a result of the failing war in Iran. “It’s simple: this Administration and the corporations it paid out owe each and every New Mexican $1,000,” said Vasquez. “More tariffs are the exact opposite of what American families need as they grapple with the cost increases caused by this Administration’s reckless actions, including soaring gas prices due to the war in Iran and skyrocketing healthcare and utility bill costs because of the Republican tax law,” demanded Vasquez in the letter. “The very least your agencies should do is work to ensure that corporations receiving refunds take actions to pass relief to American consumers and stop the reckless tariffs that are continuing to drive up prices.” Read the full letter HERE. Since introducing his Affordability Agenda to lower the high cost of living in New Mexico, the Congressman has: Introduced the Tax Relief from Tariffs and High Costs Act to offer a fully refundable 10% tax credit to households making under $100,000 to offset rising prices — under this bill, a New Mexican making $70,000 could expect around $700 back in their pocket to offset higher prices caused by tariffs. Cosponsored the Capping Prescription Costs Act, which caps annual prescription drug costs at $2,000 for individuals and $4,000 for families with private health insurance plans. Cosponsored two bills — the Bipartisan Fam… | 1 | 2026-08-14T06:13:05Z | 2026-08-14T06:14:08Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-stands-veterans-socorro-marking-pact-act-anniversary | Rep. Vasquez Stands With Veterans in Socorro, Marking PACT Act Anniversary | 2026-08-12 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | SOCORRO N.M. – To mark the fourth anniversary of the PACT Act, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) met with veterans in Socorro to discuss pressing issues including access to healthcare, affordable housing, and ensuring that veterans in rural areas continue to have access to the benefits they’ve earned. “Socorro veterans have come together to build a network of community and support, and I’m grateful to be able to sit down with them and talk shop about the federal issues that impact veterans and their care and benefits,” said Vasquez. “I’ve made supporting veterans a cornerstone of my work in Congress and I’ll continue to go to bat for them in the face of extreme cuts and changes at the VA to strengthen their access to healthcare, housing, reintegration, education and workforce opportunities — especially in rural communities.” “What struck me, I’ve only been in Socorro for about a year and 8 months, but Congressman [Vasquez] you’re the first one to come out and talk, to my knowledge, to veterans to hear their concerns. So pretty awesome that we’re celebrating that,” said Manny Gonzales, CEO of Socorro Electric and Sergeant Major (Ret.). “As a recipient of the PACT Act, I didn't know it was the anniversary date – it really means a lot for you to come out here.” The PACT Act passed in 2022 and expanded VA healthcare and benefits for millions of veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, radiation, and other toxic substances during their military service. Rep. Vasquez sat down with: Ravi Bhasker, Mayor of Socorro Manny Gonzales, CEO of Socorro Electric and Sergeant Major (Ret.) Sergeant Major Eugene McPeek (Ret.), VFW 1389 Commander Mack Dyer, NM VFW Army Department Commander Roxann Scott, Co-founder of Forget Me Not Veterans Park Daun Medaris, Co-founder of Forget Me Not Veterans Park Joe Gonzales, Socorro County Commissioner Chairman Peter Romero, Socorro City Councilor Rep. Vasquez’s advocacy reflects his ongoing commitment to supporting veterans and active-duty servicemembers. His previous wo… | 1 | 2026-08-13T06:17:16Z | 2026-08-13T06:18:13Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-helps-introduce-bill-ban-scam-advertisements-social-media | Rep. Vasquez Helps Introduce Bill to Ban Scam Advertisements on Social Media | 2026-08-10 | 2026 | 2026-08 | 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 (NM-02) co-sponsored the bipartisan, commonsense SCAM Act, a bill that would require social media companies to take action to prevent fraudulent and deceptive ads on their platforms. The bill would also strengthen accountability for those who perpetrate scams , giving the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state law enforcement agencies more support to enforce consumer protection laws and stop scams from happening. “Too many Americans are falling for scam advertising on social media, getting ripped off by fraudsters and fake companies,” said Vasquez. “Social media companies should follow the same standards as every other advertiser and verify the authenticity of what they’re promoting. That’s why I strongly support this bill to regulate tech companies and give law enforcement the tools they need to go after scammers.” Rep. Vasquez has worked to hold social media companies accountable for dangerous behavior on their sites that impacts our communities: Sent a letter to Big Tech CEOs at Meta, SnapChat, and Telegram demanding that they take action to curb illegal gun sales and cyber bullying on their platforms. This letter was sent after local law enforcement officers flagged illegal gun sales and bullying on these platforms as a driver of youth violence in New Mexico communities. Cosponsor of the Combating Cartels on Social Media Act to require DHS to develop and implement a national strategy to combat illicit recruitment of American citizens through social media and introduced the No More Narcos Actto create a coordinated educational campaign led by the Department of Justice to teach middle and high school students within 100 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border about the dangers of working with cartels SupportsSammy’s Law, a bipartisan, commonsense bill to bolster youth online safety by giving parents tools to help ensure their children are not using social media platforms to engage in drug deals and other dangerous behaviors. ### | 1 | 2026-08-11T05:54:29Z | 2026-08-11T05:56:25Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-warns-fight-protect-new-mexico-water-dhs-not-over-demands-answers | Rep. Vasquez Warns Fight to Protect New Mexico Water From DHS is Not Over, Demands Answers on Existing Wells for Ranchers | 2026-08-06 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On August 5, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) demanded answers from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding high-capacity groundwater wells that have already been drilled by federal border wall contractors in Luna County, warning that the fight to protect New Mexican ranchers’ water rights is far from over. Following concerns raised by Rep. Vasquez, local ranchers, and community stakeholders, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently directed contractors to stop drilling additional wells. However, in a letter sent to DHS Secretary Mullin today, Rep. Vasquez said the latest directive from CBP does not address ranchers’ critical unanswered questions about the wells that have already been drilled in the area and fails to bar CBP from pumping hundreds of gallons of water from the existing wells. “U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently ordered contractors to stop drilling new wells following concerns raised by my office, ranchers, and stakeholders. However, CBP’s order does not undo the unauthorized drilling that has already occurred, provide clarity around whether the existing wells will continue to be pumped, or provide clarity on how much water will be needed for the broader project,” Vasquez said in the letter, adding, “My constituents and I support securing our border. But the federal government does not get to disregard state law, threaten private property and water rights, and expect New Mexicans to accept it without protecting their land and resources. Ranchers, landowners, and local officials continue to be left in the dark while DHS contractors move forward with a project that could jeopardize scarce groundwater resources during a severe drought.” Following continued conversations with New Mexico ranchers, Rep. Vasquez called for an in-person meeting in Luna County with DHS and CBP officials, affected ranchers and landowners, local officials, the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer, and his office. “New Mexico’s ranching families embrace… | 1 | 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z | 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-demands-dot-and-dod-briefing-following-preliminary-report-deadly | Rep. Vasquez Demands DOT and DOD Briefing Following Preliminary Report on Deadly New Mexico Plane Crash | 2026-08-05 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) sent a letter to Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanding answers about the coordination between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) following a deadly plane crash in southern New Mexico impacted by military jamming technology. While the NTSB investigation has yet to determine the final cause of the crash, preliminary reports indicate that multiple aircrafts experienced navigational issues in the region while jamming technology was in use, as well as that the pilot of the plane that crashed was forced to manage a rapid series of incoming communications related to the jamming while also attempting to fly the aircraft. Vasquez’s request follows a preliminary National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report indicating that military jamming technology was being tested at White Sands Missile Range when the pilot of a medical transport aircraft reported navigational issues before the fatal crash near Ruidoso in May. The incident came just months after the February closure of El Paso airspace caused by inadequate coordination between the FAA, Customs and Border Protection, and the DoD during testing of military counter-drone technology. “New Mexicans deserve safety in the sky, especially those flying to deliver critical medical care. I have been briefed by the NTSB chair and regional officials on the incident in Ruidoso, and military technology definitely had a role to play in the flight path of this tragic crash,” said Vasquez. “If there were other missteps by this Administration or the Department of Defense, the American people deserve answers, and the safety of civilians flying near protected airspace must be guaranteed.” In the letter sent today, Rep. Vasquez requests a joint briefing from the Department of Transportation and Department of Defense by September 6, 2026, to explain their coordination procedures and answer questions regardi… | 1 | 2026-08-06T07:37:31Z | 2026-08-06T07:38:34Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-announces-34-million-public-safety-investments-new-mexico-law | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Announces $3.4 Million in Public Safety Investments for New Mexico Law Enforcement | 2026-07-31 | 2026 | 2026-07 | 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 (NM-02) recently announced over $3.4 million in federal funding for the New Mexico Department of Public Safety to combat gun violence, drug trafficking, substance abuse, and other violent crimes to improve public safety across New Mexico. Specifically, Vasquez announced the following federal funding to support state, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies in New Mexico: Over $1.4 million for the New Mexico Department of Public Safety through the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (Byrne SCIP) to combat gun violence, suicide, behavioral health crises, and threats of targeted violence across New Mexico. Over $2 million for the New Mexico Department of Public Safety through the Byrne JAG Statewide Public Safety Initiative to combat violent crime, drug trafficking, and firearm-related violence using a data-driven approach, especially in local, state, and Tribal jurisdictions with elevated crime rates. “I will always fight to bring money home to New Mexico to make our streets safer, and this latest $3.4 million win will combat gun violence, suicide, drug trafficking, and other violent crimes in our communities through a smart, data-driven approach,” said Vasquez. Earlier this year, Vasquez secured over $9 billion in public safety funding for state and local law enforcement to keep our kids safe, combat cartels, and support crime victims through the FY26 Commerce, Justice and Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. Rep. Vasquez has a strong history of successfully securing funding to keep New Mexicans safer, including: Secured $1.06 million for the Albuquerque Police Department to deploy morepublic safety cameras for the “Real Time Crime Center,” strengthening crime prevention, intervention, and investigation efforts across the city and in Albuquerque Public Schools. Secured $500,000 for Bernalillo County to invest in advanced public safety technology, including gunshot detection systems, improving law enforcement efficiency and crime respon… | 1 | 2026-08-01T07:27:26Z | 2026-08-01T07:28:22Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-helps-secure-29-million-infrastructure-upgrades-and-economic | Rep. Vasquez Helps Secure $2.9 Million for Infrastructure Upgrades and Economic Growth in Luna County | 2026-07-31 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 31, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced that he helped secure $2.9 million in new federal funding for Luna County to make critical infrastructure upgrades for Columbus and Deming and grow its economy. A 2017 Luna County planning study found that growing trade between the United States and Mexico had strained regional ports of entry and increased heavy freight traffic through downtown Columbus and Deming on aging roads not designed to carry that weight. This $2.9 million in Department of Transportation funding will help Luna County advance plans to develop an industrial park near the Columbus Land Port of Entry, improve roads to protect truckers and residents, and better connect local businesses to regional trade networks. “Luna County has a great opportunity to grow its international trade with Mexico and create more jobs and revenue, but the county’s roads and infrastructure must be improved. I’ve been working to ensure Luna County has the funding it needs to grow its economy without sacrificing the safety of local residents and truckers alike,” said Vasquez. “I’m proud to have brought home this $2.9 million infrastructure investment for Luna County, and I look forward to continuing to work with the County to strengthen regional trade, create good-paying jobs, and build a stronger future for Luna County.” “With this BUILD award, we can continue to move forward with our regional plans for a future industrial park at the Columbus Land Port of Entry and the Village of Columbus, and Luna County can set the stage for the largest strategic expansion and development the County has ever seen, resulting in additional trade, thousands of new jobs, and increased financial benefits to the community. With patience and persistence, that dream is closer to reality than ever before.” said Chris Brice, Luna County Manager. This year, Rep. Vasquez has already brought home millions in federal funding for critical infrastructure improvements across the district, including $9.9 mil… | 1 | 2026-08-01T07:27:26Z | 2026-08-01T07:28:22Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-celebrates-crossing-6-million-returned-new-mexicans-new | Rep. Vasquez Celebrates Crossing $6 Million Returned to New Mexicans at New Albuquerque Office Opening | 2026-07-28 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – On July 28, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) celebrated opening a new constituent service and field office in Albuquerque alongside the milestone of surpassing $6 million returned to constituents through constituent services. Since being sworn in in 2023, Vasquez’s offices in Albuquerque and Las Cruces have helped over 2,300 constituents solve issues with and collect payments they were owed by the federal government. These successful cases have included navigating red tape and delays with VA benefits, Social Security payments, tax returns, RECA claims, and more. If you or a loved one could use one of these services, you can request help here. “I’m thrilled to get the doors open on our new Albuquerque office so that my team and I can keep delivering results for New Mexican families,” said Vasquez. “I’m also thrilled to announce that since I've been in Congress, I’ve returned over $6 million from the federal government to my constituents that they were owed. New Mexicans deserve an accessible, accountable government that works for them – and I’ll continue to fight slow bureaucracy and cut red tape so that they can get the money they deserve.” During the event, three constituents shared how the Congressman’s office helped them resolve long-delayed issues with federal agencies: Paul, an Air Force veteran whose nearly $10,000 in delayed TRICARE medical claims were resolved with assistance from Rep. Vasquez's office. Alfonso, a Belen constituent whose spouse's long-delayed CHAMPVA health coverage was approved after intervention from Rep. Vasquez's office. Mindi, an Albuquerque constituent who received critical Social Security records needed to complete a RECA compensation claim with help from Rep. Vasquez's office. Rep. Vasquez’s office has delivered more than $300,000 in RECA claims. Vasquez’s office also frequently holds Mobile Office Hours to assist constituents in rural communities and cities throughout New Mexico – from Belen, to Anthony, to Deming, you can find the office availab… | 1 | 2026-07-29T07:41:48Z | 2026-07-30T07:34:08Z |
| https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-and-rep-guest-introduce-legislation-boost-tribal-schools-and | Rep. Stansbury and Rep. Guest Introduce Legislation to Boost Tribal Schools and Teacher Pay | 2026-07-28 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | NM | Melanie A. Stansbury | S001218 | stansbury.house.gov | stansbury | https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury (D-NM-01) and Michael Guest (R-MS-03) introduced the Indigenous Students Excel through Parity Act, bipartisan legislation that directs the Secretary of the Interior to recommend updates to the Indian School Equalization Formula, which governs funding for Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) funded schools. This includes funding for 183 schools across 64 tribal communities in 23 states that serve nearly 47,000 students through BIE-operated and Tribally controlled schools. For years, BIE-funded schools have been severely underfunded by the federal government, from operational funding to construction and maintenance of schools. This has left schools without adequate funding to meet student needs and left teachers and educators without parity in teacher salaries compared to other school systems. The Indigenous Students Excel through Parity Act works to address this issue by reexamining the formula funds that fund these schools and discovering ways to ensure teachers and staff have competitive salaries, small and rural Tribal schools have adequate funding, and new revenue sources are identified to bring BIE-funded schools into parity with other school systems. “Every student deserves the opportunity to thrive, and every teacher deserves to be paid what they’re worth. This bill is to ensure Bureau of Indian Education and Tribally controlled schools have the resources they need to succeed,” said Rep. Stansbury. “I'm proud to introduce the bipartisan Indigenous Students Excel through Parity Act, legislation to advance BIE funding, support Native students and teachers, and create new educational opportunities. Working with our Tribal nations and schools, we are fighting every day to ensure our schools have the resources they need!” “I am honored to co-lead the ISEP Act with Congresswoman Stansbury," said Rep. Guest. “Our students deserve access to a quality education. Schools funded through the Bureau of Indian Education often face unique funding, staffing, and rura… | 1 | 2026-08-11T05:54:29Z | 2026-08-11T05:56:25Z |
| https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=655 | Leger Fernández, Pingree Condemn Rushed Effort to Gut Tribal Consultation and Historic Preservation Protections | 2026-07-24 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | NM | Teresa Leger Fernandez | L000273 | fernandez.house.gov | fernandez | https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs, and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, condemned a proposal released by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) that would rush through sweeping changes to the regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. “History is not an obstacle for development. It is the story of who we are, and it should not be bulldozed without thought,” said Leger Fernández. “This week, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) will vote on drastic changes to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act regulations that will gut historic preservation reviews and tribal consultation. Section 106 is one of the most important promises our nation has made: before the federal government destroys, it must listen to the people from the community; listen to tribes and local governments. But the Trump administration wants to destroy that promise. By gutting tribal consultation and stripping protections for places of deep cultural and spiritual significance, they are saying that corporate profits are more important than our shared history. Worse still, they want to rush the proposed changes, giving ACHP members only a week to review and vote on sweeping changes. I call on the ACHP to protect our history and rescind its rushed and ill-conceived changes to the Section 106 historic preservation regulations.” “The ACHP’s decision to rewrite Section 106—behind closed doors, on an absurdly rushed timeline, and without meaningful input from states, Tribes, preservation experts, or the public—is beyond reckless and will dramatically weaken one of our nation’s most important historic preservation laws,” Congresswoman Pingree said. “For nearly 60 years, the National Historic Preservation Act has ensured that communitie… | 1 | 2026-07-25T07:13:44Z | 2026-07-25T07:15:09Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-vasquez-defends-luna-county-ranchers-water-rights-and-livelihoods | ICYMI: Rep. Vasquez Defends Luna County Ranchers’ Water Rights and Livelihoods on the House Floor | 2026-07-22 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 22, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) took to the House floor to condemn the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) reckless drilling of wells in Luna County that is stealing water ranchers desperately need. “For generations, ranching families in this border community have relied on water from the Mimbres and Hachita Basins to sustain their herds and way of life. And when the feds needed water, they bought it or trucked it in. Then they said, ‘Why buy it, when we can steal it?’ Our ranchers follow the state’s water laws. DHS doesn’t, and it appears they don’t care.” said Vasquez. Watch the full speech HERE. Image | 1 | 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z | 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-statement-against-insider-trading-loopholes-members-congress | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Statement Against Insider Trading Loopholes for Members of Congress and the Republican Attack on American Citizens’ Right to Vote | 2026-07-22 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 22, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) released the following statement on H.R. 7008, a MAGA-led bill that would allow members of Congress to keep the stocks they own and continue to profit off of their positions of power. The bill — which received bipartisan opposition — aims to impose excessive and unworkable voter identification requirements just weeks before the 2026 general election, sowing chaos and exposing voters to privacy risks by requiring them to mail photocopies of their personally identifiable information (such as a driver’s license or Social Security information) if they wish to exercise their right to vote by mail. “I support banning members of Congress from trading all stocks and profiting off their positions of power, and I support commonsense voter ID requirements to keep our elections secure. Unfortunately, this MAGA-led bill, H.R. 7008, does neither,” said Vasquez. “Under this bill, rich members of Congress are permitted to keep their existing stocks, buy new ones, and continue using their power to get richer through insider trading. I support the Restore Trust in Congress Act and the TRUST in Congress Act, comprehensive bills that truly tackle the corruption problem in D.C. rather than this partisan show-vote that does nothing to actually hold politicians accountable. ” The loopholes baked into H.R. 7008 allow members of Congress to continue to use their power to amass wealth. Under the bill: Members would be able to keep stocks they currently own. Members would be permitted to buy new privately traded stocks. Members could continue to profit off of financial vehicles like cryptocurrency. It also does not impose any anti-corruption restrictions on the executive branch. New voting requirements and concerns under H.R. 7008 include: A new photo ID requirement for individuals voting in-person in federal elections, eroding voting rights for American citizens who do not have driver’s licenses or passports, as well as those who rely on Tribal IDs that … | 1 | 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z | 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-introduces-chile-act-support-new-mexicos-specialty-crop-farmers | Rep. Vasquez Introduces CHILE Act to Support New Mexico’s Specialty Crop Farmers | 2026-07-22 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 22, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) introduced the CHILE Act, a bill to deliver much-needed federal funding to New Mexico’s specialty crop farmers who produce staples like red and green chile, onions, tomatoes, and more. Specifically, the bill would provide $5 billion in direct assistance to specialty crop producers, require the Department of Agriculture to use the Specialty Crop Emergency Assistance Framework when providing direct assistance to specialty crop growers, and clarify that specialty crops include New Mexico’s fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and nursery crops. Currently, USDA does not have a disaster assistance plan for specialty crop farmers. This bill would create a dedicated program and protect our farmers from increasingly common extreme weather events and economic instability. “There’s nothing more New Mexican than our chile, but unfortunately the farmers who grow these beloved crops have been through a lot in recent years, from extreme weather to tariffs to economic turmoil. That’s exactly why I introduced the CHILE Act,” said Vasquez. “This bill would provide $5 billion in much-needed federal funding to our specialty crop growers and create disaster relief programs so they have the stability they need to stay on the land they love and grow the chiles, onions, and tomatoes that New Mexicans love to eat every day.” This legislation is supported by the New Mexico Chile Association and Western Growers Association. "The New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau appreciates the continued efforts of our congressional delegation and federal leaders to engage with the needs of New Mexico agriculture. We welcome the introduction of the CHILE Act of 2026 as an important conversation about strengthening support for specialty crop producers," said Josh Wood, Coordinator of Government Affairs for the New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau. "New Mexico’s chile industry plays a vital role in our state’s economy and agricultural heritage, and we look forward to worki… | 1 | 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z | 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-votes-expand-access-capital-new-mexico-small-businesses-and | Rep. Vasquez Votes to Expand Access to Capital for New Mexico Small Businesses and Strengthen Community Banks | 2026-07-22 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 21, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) voted in favor of the Main Street Capital Access Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen community banks, expand access to credit for small businesses in places like New Mexico, and support economic growth in overlooked rural communities. “Small businesses are the heart of our economy in New Mexico, but too many entrepreneurs in small and rural communities are overlooked by Wall Street and struggle to get the financing they need to grow,” said Rep. Vasquez. “Community banks understand our communities because they live and work alongside the families and businesses they serve. They know our local small business owners personally, and they know what makes for a smart investment in communities like ours. This legislation gives local banks the tools to better compete with Wall Street institutions and megabanks while helping more small businesses, farmers, and families access the capital they need to succeed and grow our state’s economy.” The Main Street Capital Access Act updates federal banking regulations for community banks, easing unnecessary burdens on smaller financial institutions while maintaining oversight of the banking system. The legislation also includes provisions to prevent the nation's largest banks from gaining an unfair advantage through acquisitions of failing institutions. Specific measures in the bill include, among others: Tailors banking regulations to the class and categories of each bank, reducing unnecessary red tape for smaller community banks so they can spend more time lending to local families and businesses instead of complying with one-size-fits-all rules. Reduces unnecessary barriers for new and rural community banks by gradually phasing in capital requirements and adjusting the Community Bank Leverage Ratio (CBLR), allowing smaller banks to make more loans and invest in the communities they serve. Creates a more balanced bank rating process, helping well-managed community banks to continue supportin… | 1 | 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z | 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z |
| https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=651 | VIDEO: N.M. Delegation Joins Pueblo Governors to Push for Permanent Protections for Chaco Canyon | 2026-07-22 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | NM | Teresa Leger Fernandez | L000273 | fernandez.house.gov | fernandez | https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) and U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined the All Pueblo Council of Governors (APCG) at a press conference to call for permanent protection of Chaco Canyon. Located in northwestern New Mexico, the Greater Chaco landscape is a region of great cultural, spiritual, and historical significance to many Pueblos and Tribes and contains living sacred sites. Chaco was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and is one of only 24 such sites in the United States. Last week, the Trump administration announced a proposal to fully revoke a 20-year mineral withdrawal that has protected public lands surrounding the Chaco Culture National Historic Park, and only allowed 14 days for public comment. The N.M. Delegation released a statement strongly condemning the Trump administration’s actions. This week, Heinrich, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, led a N.M. Delegation letter urging U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to extend the public comment period to 90-days and conduct genuine Tribal consultation and extensive public engagement before revoking protections for the Chaco region. Most importantly, the Delegation urged Secretary Burgum to withdraw this proposal and leave Public Land Order No. 7923 in place. The Delegation also, once again, invited Secretary Burgum to visit Chaco before taking any action that would put this irreplaceable cultural landmark at risk. VIDEO: The N.M. Delegation joins the All Pueblo Council of Governors to call for permanent protection of the Chaco Canyon Cultural Protection Zone, July 22, 2026. “There is not a single molecule of gas worth sacrificing a landscape that holds more than 4,700 archaeological sites, the prayers and history of generations, and the living culture of Chaco Canyon,” said Leger Fernández, Ranking Member of the House Indian and Insular Affairs Subco… | 1 | 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z | 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z |
| https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=648 | Representative Leger Fernández, Attorney General Raúl Torrez Push New Legislation to Force DOJ to Release Remaining Epstein Files | 2026-07-16 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | NM | Teresa Leger Fernandez | L000273 | fernandez.house.gov | fernandez | https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC — Attorney General Raúl Torrez today voiced support for the Epstein Files Transparency Act II, bipartisan legislation sponsored by U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-New Mexico) Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky), Ro Khanna (D-California) to amend the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The bill gives state attorneys general, district attorneys, and survivors the right to sue the U.S. Department of Justice for withholding or redacting records, bars the department from invoking privilege to justify withholding files, and creates criminal penalties for federal officials who conceal, destroy, or falsify records covered by the Act. New Mexico has pursued records related to Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch property for months. The U.S. Department of Justice has not fully responded to the state's records requests, leaving New Mexico's investigation without access to files that bear directly on whether New Mexico laws were broken. "Survivors have waited too long for answers, and my office has waited too long for the federal government to turn over the unredacted records we need to complete our criminal investigation," said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. "This legislation gives state law enforcement the access this investigation requires, and it gives survivors control over their own records. Every day of delay is another day survivors are denied the justice they are owed." "Todd Blanche and the Department of Justice have refused to release as many as 3 million Epstein files: they are hiding the truth from the American people and creating even more injustice and trauma for survivors," said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. "When Trump’s administration does not comply with the law, there must be consequences. Attorney General Blanche is not fit to serve, should not be confirmed and should instead resign. In the meantime, we must pass this bill to put power where it belongs—with survivors. No administration, no Attorney General, and no Department of Justice is above the la… | 1 | 2026-07-17T07:15:58Z | 2026-07-17T07:17:05Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-holds-briefing-national-transportation-safety-board-answers-deadly | Rep. Vasquez Holds Briefing with National Transportation Safety Board for Answers on Deadly Civilian Plane Crash Near Ruidoso | 2026-07-16 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 14, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) met with National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) officials to help identify answers and accountability for the deadly medical plane crash that took place near Ruidoso in May, following reports that military testing may have played a role in the crash. Following the tragic crash near Ruidoso, Rep. Vasquez requested a briefing from the NTSB to ensure appropriate steps are being taken to understand the cause of the accident, address any underlying safety issues, and protect New Mexicans from similar incidents in the future. On Tuesday, Rep. Vasquez received a briefing from NTSB Chairwoman Homendy and other NTSB officials, during which they shared that investigations are still underway and were delayed by the Seven Cabins Fire which engulfed the crash site following the accident. “This week, I communicated with NTSB officials that a thorough investigation must be concluded to fully understand the cause of this tragic and fatal crash, and prevent future accidents in the future,” said Vasquez. “No pilot or their passengers should fly in uncertain conditions with multiple challenging circumstances that are preventable, but outside of their control. My prayers are with the families of those who passed and I promise them to get answers and prevent future tragedies.” On May 14, 2026, a medical transport plane crashed near Ruidoso in the Capitan Mountains. The plane had taken off from Roswell at 11:52 p.m. with a final destination of the Sierra Blanca Regional Airport in Alto, New Mexico. However, at 12:15 a.m., the plane crashed, killing all four passengers onboard and sparking the Seven Cabins wildfire in the surrounding area, which has since burned over 31,000 acres. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that the NTSB and FAA are investigating. In mid-June, the NTSB released a preliminary report on the crash noting that the pilot of the aircraft was having navigational issues while jamming technology testing was concurrent… | 1 | 2026-07-17T07:15:58Z | 2026-07-17T07:17:05Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-statement-presidents-primetime-address-nation | Rep. Vasquez Statement on President’s Primetime Address to the Nation | 2026-07-16 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 16, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) released the following statement in response to the President’s primetime address to the nation: “New Mexicans are suffering from the President’s failed economic policy — from skyrocketing gas prices to higher grocery costs to inflated healthcare — and the President is still focused on denying the 2020 election. I urge the President to focus on the pressing needs of all Americans and stop sowing doubt about the integrity of our elections and meddling with the midterms. The President’s focus should be on making Americans’ lives better, not jamming a voter disenfranchisement bill through Congress. New Mexicans see right through it.” ### | 1 | 2026-07-17T07:15:58Z | 2026-07-17T07:17:05Z |
| https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=649 | Leger Fernández, Heinrich Lead New Mexico & Texas Democrats to Introduce Legislation Reversing Rate Cuts for Veterans’ Essential Homecare Services | 2026-07-16 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | NM | Teresa Leger Fernandez | L000273 | fernandez.house.gov | fernandez | https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) and U.S. led New Mexico and Texas congressional Democrats in introducing the Protecting Home-Based Care for Rural Veterans Act, legislation to reverse the Trump administration’s cuts to reimbursement rates for essential homecare services for veterans in New Mexico and Texas. As of January 1, 2026, the reimbursement rate for veterans’ homecare services fell by nearly 20 percent in New Mexico and 43 percent in parts of Texas, which could result in homemaker and home health aide agency closures. Approximately 68,000 New Mexico veterans over the age of 65, in addition to many disabled veterans, rely on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare. Nationally, one in 10 of these veterans use at least one homecare service to maintain their independence and continue living in their own homes and communities. The rate cuts come as the Trump administration is reportedly spending nearly $900 million a day on their war in Iran — putting their reckless war of choice above caring for veterans. "Our veterans kept their promise to our country. We must keep ours to them. These reckless reimbursement cuts are making it harder for disabled veterans to receive the in-home care they rely on for everyday tasks like getting out of bed, bathing, getting dressed, or preparing meals. When home health providers can't afford to serve veterans, veterans pay a steep price. Our bill restores those cuts, brings transparency to how these rates are set, and makes sure the VA can never quietly pull the rug out from under veterans and their caregivers again," said Leger Fernández. “Homecare services are not luxuries. They are earned benefits that allow disabled and elderly veterans to remain in their homes and live with dignity,” said Heinrich. “The Trump administration has repeatedly refused to reverse its cuts to VA homecare reimbursement rates in New Mexico — denying veterans the care they have earned. It is insulting to New Mexico’s veterans that VA Secretary Collins r… | 1 | 2026-07-18T06:58:50Z | 2026-07-18T07:31:57Z |
| https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=647 | Leger Fernandez Votes to Cut Offensive Military Aid To Israel | 2026-07-15 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | NM | Teresa Leger Fernandez | L000273 | fernandez.house.gov | fernandez | https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Leger Fernandez voted for an amendment to the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations Act (H.R. 8595) introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) to prohibit funds appropriated by the Act from being used for Israel’s offensive weapons and activities. “Peace cannot be built with more bombs. Congress has a responsibility to make sure American taxpayer dollars reflect American laws, American values, and our commitment to human rights. When they do not, we have a duty to change course. I voted for the amendment because the United States cannot continue writing blank checks for offensive military assistance to Netanyahu’s government as he causes such death and destruction for innocent Palestinian civilians, villagers in the West Bank, and disrupts a world order that values peace and respect. The Israeli and Palestinian people both deserve to raise their children free from terror, violence, and fear. Israel has the right to exist and to live in security. Both sides deserve to practice their religion and faith. That’s why I continue to support defensive systems that protect civilian lives, which are not affected by this amendment,” said Leger Fernández. The House passed H.R. 8595 by a vote of 217-209, with Congresswoman Leger Fernández voting against the bill’s final passage. The bill undermines American diplomacy, weakens our national security, and makes significant cuts to lifesaving humanitarian aid. This bill also advances the Republican voter suppression bill called the SAVE America Act. “The SAVE America Act will make it harder to register to vote, especially if you’re a woman, live in a rural community, serve in the military, or are a Tribal voter. If you’re wealthy enough to have a passport, you’re fine. But more than 21 million Americans don’t have one. Under the SAVE America Act, a REAL ID driver’s license in most states or other common forms of ID wouldn’t be enough to register. This isn’t about election security. It’s about makin… | 1 | 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z | 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-supports-bipartisan-push-end-american-taxpayer-support | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Supports Bipartisan Push to End American Taxpayer Support for Israeli Military Operations | 2026-07-15 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 15, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) voted in favor of a bipartisan amendment to block $3.3 billion in security assistance and other funding for Netanyahu’s far-right Israeli government from the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. The amendment was introduced by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie (KY-04). “Hardworking New Mexicans’ tax dollars should not be spent on a blank check for Netanyahu’s far-right government to unleash senseless violence in Gaza and Lebanon, deny humanitarian aid, and continue the illegal settlements in the West Bank,” said Vasquez. “Enough is enough. The killing of innocent civilians and reckless destruction of homes and infrastructure must end. The American people should not take part in funding this senseless violence.” Rep. Vasquez has repeatedly advocated against spending U.S. taxpayer dollars on conflicts in the Middle East that do not align with American values. His actions on this front include: Being the first member of the New Mexico delegation to call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict. Sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the Administration to bring the conflict in southern Lebanon to an end and ensure that any expenditure of taxpayer dollars to pay for weapons for Israel are authorized by Congress. Pressed Pentagon officials on the Iran war, demanding answers for New Mexico regarding the war’s duration, cost, and the Administration’s lack of an exit plan. Voted in support of the Iran War Powers Resolution. ### | 1 | 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z | 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z |
| https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-votes-yes-massie-amendment-block-foreign-military-aid | Rep. Stansbury Votes ‘YES’ on Massie Amendment to Block Foreign Military Aid | 2026-07-15 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | NM | Melanie A. Stansbury | S001218 | stansbury.house.gov | stansbury | https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) released the following statement after voting ‘YES’ on Congressman Thomas Massie’s (KY-04) Amendment to the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriation Act: "Our country is at a crossroads. Will we continue to allow American taxpayer dollars to fund an illegal war in the Middle East and the killing and suffering of children and civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon? Or will we choose peace and human dignity? "Today, I voted for peace and human dignity—voting 'yes' on an Amendment to the National Security funding bill that would have blocked $3.3 billion in offensive military aid to fund violence in the Middle East. As a member of the House Progressive Congress, I am proud to stand with my colleagues on this vote. No more money for endless wars." ### | 1 | 2026-07-29T07:41:48Z | 2026-07-29T07:42:57Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-gabe-vasquez-speaks-out-against-latest-wave-ice-killings | ICYMI: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Speaks Out Against Latest Wave of ICE Killings | 2026-07-14 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 14, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) took to the House floor to condemn ICE’s latest wave of violence, which has claimed two lives on American streets in the past week alone. In the speech, he honored the memory of Lorenzo Salgado, a hardworking father of three who was killed by ICE agents in Houston last week, as well as Renee Good, Alex Pretti, and a young man from Maine whose identity has not been disclosed by authorities — all of whom lost their lives at the hands of the government. “We were told this was about dangerous, violent criminals. Trump's immigration enforcement has made everyone unsafe — Latinos for the way we look, and any American who dares to stand with them,” said Vasquez. “Lorenzo cried out, ‘¡Me están matando!’ — they are killing me. The ‘they’ were ICE agents. The ‘they’ was paid by YOUR tax dollars. The ‘they’ answers ONLY to this Administration — it does not answer to the people. Later today, many in this chamber will have the privilege of going home to dinner with their loved ones. Lorenzo Salgado Araujo should have had it too.” WATCH THE FULL CLIP HERE | 1 | 2026-07-15T07:12:08Z | 2026-07-15T07:13:45Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-opposes-omb-push-politicize-federal-grantmaking-inflict-chaos | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Opposes OMB Push to Politicize Federal Grantmaking, Inflict Chaos on New Mexico Institutions | 2026-07-14 | 2026 | 2026-07 | 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 (NM-02) recently opposed an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rule proposal that would inflict chaos on New Mexico institutions and grant the executive branch more unchecked power over federal spending activities. The proposed rule is being spearheaded by Russell Vought, the author of Project 2025 who now heads the agency that manages the country's budget. The rule would have major impacts on over $1 trillion in annual federal grantmaking and could harm local governments, Tribes, universities, nonprofits, school districts, healthcare organizations, small businesses, research institutes, and other organizations across New Mexico that rely on federal grants to serve their communities. Many of these grant recipients were already hit by funding freezes and uncertainty as a result of reckless actions and cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and this rule would amplify that ongoing uncertainty. The OMB Uniform Guidance serves as the federal government’s core rulebook for grantmaking, shaping everything from how nonprofits recover costs to how agencies design and administer grant programs. Under the current rules, grant applicants must already meet numerous standards and oversight requirements, and awards are based on merit and metrics meant to ensure fairness. The proposed changes would give individual agencies and their political leaders sweeping discretion, creating uncertainty and inconsistency for the nonprofits and community organizations that rely on stable federal partnerships to deliver essential services. Specifically, OMB’s proposed rule would: Politicize federal grantmaking by giving senior political appointees greater control over discretionary awards while weakening the role of independent, merit-based peer review. Allow administrations to abruptly cancel existing grants based on shifting “agency priorities” or the broadly defined “national interest,” creating uncertainty for communities, researchers, workers, and contractors r… | 1 | 2026-07-15T07:12:08Z | 2026-07-15T07:13:45Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/gila-national-forest-rep-vasquez-highlights-how-forest-service-cuts-put-new | At Gila National Forest, Rep. Vasquez Highlights How Forest Service Cuts Put New Mexico's Public Lands and People at Risk | 2026-07-10 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | SILVER CITY, N.M. – On July 10, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) led local conservationists, veterans, wildlife experts, and community members on a hike in the Gila National Forest to hear firsthand how recent U.S. Forest Service staffing cuts are impacting wildfire prevention, trail maintenance, outdoor recreation, and public lands management in southern New Mexico. The hike took place near the Trout Fire burn area, where participants discussed the growing challenges facing one of New Mexico's most treasured landscapes due to the Administration’s recent decision to gut the Forest Service workforce, cut research stations, and reorganize the agency — a move which Rep. Vasquez has condemned due to concerns about wildfire risks and threats to public lands. “The Administration is causing chaos, disruption, and thousands of consequential layoffs at the U.S. Forest Service, impacting rural forest communities like Silver City. We’re at peak fire season, and folks on the ground shared great concerns about the next big fire to hit Grant and Catron counties, as the trail-clearing crews that help clear the way for fire lines in wilderness areas were fired or RIF’d over a year ago,” said Vasquez. “Today I listened to a multitude of stakeholders, volunteers, business owners, and biologists about the future of the Gila as we took a hike through the Trout Fire burn scar. It’s clear to me that we need MORE resources, not less, during this crucial time, while USDA instead is focusing on a massive relocation effort and staff reassignments that hinder the department’s ability to respond quickly and decisively in rural communities. Fully staffing our Forest Service is one of my top priorities — for all public land users and for the safety and security of forest communities across my district.” To push back against the Forest Service cuts, Vasquez is championing the Public Lands Workforce Stability Act, legislation that would prevent reductions in force at the U.S. Forest Service and Department of the Interior throug… | 1 | 2026-07-11T07:10:48Z | 2026-07-11T07:14:29Z |
| https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=646 | N.M. Delegation Demands Answers After Reports of DEA Declining to Seize Massive Fentanyl Shipments, Calls for Immediate Reforms to Stop Deadly Fentanyl from Reaching New Mexico Communities | 2026-07-10 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | NM | Teresa Leger Fernandez | L000273 | fernandez.house.gov | fernandez | https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) and U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) sent a letter demanding answers from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Terrance Cole on why the DEA allowed large quantities of fentanyl to circulate unseized in New Mexico communities. Trafficking of fentanyl and other opioids poses one of the most severe — and often deadly — public health threats facing New Mexico and the nation. Illicit fentanyl, a Schedule I controlled substance, is an exceptionally potent synthetic opioid that can be fatal even in extremely small quantities. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl has been the primary driver of the overdose epidemic in the U.S. Whistleblower complaints allege that Albuquerque-based DEA agents declined to interdict at least 1.8 million fentanyl pills between 2023 and 2025 in hopes of taking down a larger supply chain. “We unequivocally assert that allowing fentanyl to go unseized creates an unconscionable risk to New Mexicans,” the lawmakers wrote to DEA Administrator Cole. In 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and DEA established "Fentanyl Protocols" directing agents to "seize or otherwise prevent the distribution" of fentanyl "as soon as practicable" to protect public safety. In 2024, the DOJ revised those protocols to provide law enforcement with greater discretion, allowing agents to weigh public safety risks against "the benefits to be achieved through preserving the investigation." A 2024 DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) investigative summary further states that the U.S. Attorney's Office acted reasonably in allowing certain drugs to remain unseized and concluded that doing so posed no "specific danger to public health and safety." “We adamantly disagree with this internal assessment, and we urge your agency to immediately revert fentanyl protocols to the 2017 standard of seize or otherwise prevent the distribution of f… | 1 | 2026-07-14T07:08:55Z | 2026-07-14T07:10:52Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-gabe-vasquez-stands-catholic-church-mount-cristo-rey-sunland-park | ICYMI: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Stands with Catholic Church at Mount Cristo Rey in Sunland Park | 2026-07-09 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | SUNLAND PARK, N.M. – On July 8, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) met with Deacon Jim Winder, Chancellor of the Diocese of Las Cruces, to discuss the latest developments in the Department of Homeland Security’s push to seize sacred land owned by the Catholic Diocese at Mount Cristo Rey. According to the church, the proposed wall would prevent thousands of worshippers from making pilgrimage to this holy site each year. Vasquez stood with the Catholic Church, calling for enhanced border security measures in the area that do not infringe on worshippers’ First Amendment rights, such as remote towers, drones, aerostats, and other smart technology that is proven and effective for preventing illegal crossings. “We can both protect sacred Catholic places of worship and secure the border,” said Vasquez. “The Diocese must be heard.” WATCH FULL CLIP HERE Photo courtesy of the Office of Rep. Gabe Vasquez ### | 1 | 2026-07-10T08:20:04Z | 2026-07-10T08:21:18Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-backs-law-enforcement-leaders-border-and-rural-communities | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Backs Law Enforcement Leaders from Border and Rural Communities, Working to Strengthen Public Safety Across Southern New Mexico | 2026-07-08 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | SUNLAND PARK, N.M. – On July 8, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) joined Sunland Park Police Chief Kiri Daines for a border ride-along and convened a regional meeting with rural law enforcement leaders to hear directly about the unique needs and challenges facing officers serving New Mexico's border communities. The conversations focused on strengthening border security, combating cartels and fentanyl trafficking, supporting recruitment and retention for rural departments, and ensuring local law enforcement has the funding, technology, and federal partnerships needed to keep communities safe. “Local law enforcement in border counties face unique public safety challenges that require our attention and investment,” said Vasquez. “I’ve been working with Sheriffs and local police along the U.S.-Mexico border for years, and I know firsthand the resources they need to combat cartels, drug trafficking, and human smuggling, all while working with staff shortages and limited resources. That's why I'm working across the aisle with Democrats and Republicans to make sure all New Mexico law enforcement — including those in rural and small communities — have the funding, tools, and support they need to keep both themselves and members of our communities safe.” During the morning border ride-along, Chief Daines provided an on-the-ground look at the latest trends and realities of policing a border community, where local officers coordinate daily with federal, state, and neighboring law enforcement agencies to respond to public safety incidents, cartel activity, emergency calls, and cross-border challenges. Following the ride-along, Vasquez met with Chief Daines, Doña Ana County Sheriff Kim Stewart, Hidalgo County Sheriff William Chadborn, Luna County Sheriff-Elect Glenn Chadborn, Chief of Police Sergio Lara of Deming, and other regional law enforcement leaders to discuss how the Congressman can best continue to support the unique needs of small and rural departments, including recruitment and retention challenge… | 1 | 2026-07-09T08:24:13Z | 2026-07-09T08:26:05Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-calls-usps-restore-permanent-reliable-mail-service-mule-creek | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Calls on USPS to Restore Permanent, Reliable Mail Service in Mule Creek After Two Years Of Temporary Solutions | 2026-07-07 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 7, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) sent a letter to the United States Postal Service (USPS) demanding immediate action and permanent solutions to restore reliable mail service for Mule Creek residents. After the Mule Creek postal office was damaged back in 2024, the landlord declined to make repairs, leaving USPS to locate a new property to continue operations. While USPS quickly established a mobile office, this temporary solution has turned into a two-year saga as Mule Creek residents continue to lack a permanent postal office and must cope with the reduced hours and services offered by the mobile unit. Currently, residents can only access services at the mobile unit from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on weekdays, limiting accessibility and raising the threat of potential permanent closure. “It has been over two years since USPS has taken any action to help the residents of Mule Creek. This saga has taken too long,” wrote Vasquez in the letter. “That is why, I am requesting a detailed explanation as to why there has been a delay in finding a new postal office location and the restoration of full mail service in Mule Creek, as well as a timeline of an estimated reopening of the office.” Residents of rural communities like Mule Creek, especially seniors, veterans, and small businesses, depend on reliable USPS services. On average, residents in rural counties travel 8.2 miles to reach a post office, and in 10 percent of those counties, that distance exceeds more than 16.2 miles. If this location were to close, it would leave Mule Creek residents nearly 20 miles away from the nearest USPS location, forcing them to deal with major hurdles when paying bills, receiving life-saving prescriptions, sending packages, and receiving Social Security checks in areas where internet access may be limited. Rep. Vasquez has continued to fight for essential, affordable, and reliable postal services in rural communities. Since the beginning of this Administration, Vasquez has opposed efforts… | 1 | 2026-07-08T07:27:19Z | 2026-07-08T07:28:28Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/one-year-after-passage-republican-tax-law-hr-1-rep-vasquez-underscores-ongoing | One Year After Passage of Republican Tax Law (H.R. 1), Rep. Vasquez Underscores Ongoing Harm to New Mexicans | 2026-07-03 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | LAS CRUCES, N.M. – On July 3, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) marked the one-year anniversary of the passage of the Republican tax law (also referred to as H.R. 1 or the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”), releasing the following statement: “A year ago today, MAGA extremists sold out hardworking Americans to pay for tax cuts for a small group of wealthy elites, but Americans don’t need to be told that — they’ve felt it every single day with their wallets. From health insurance to food to utilities, so many of the things that have gotten more expensive this past year can be traced back to this devastating tax law. I will keep fighting every step of the way to restore vital funding for healthcare, food assistance, and more so hardworking New Mexicans aren’t left out to dry by the very government that is supposed to help make their lives better.” Vasquez is also slated to meet with members of the Las Cruces community at El Caldito Soup Kitchen and Roadrunner Food Bank in the coming days to hear their firsthand accounts of how the cuts enacted one year ago under the Republican tax law are impacting them today. “The New Mexico HealthCare Authority reports that over 10,000 children have lost food assistance through SNAP since H.R. 1 was enacted in July 2025, and the number of people accessing services from Roadrunner Food Bank and our partners is now at levels we have not seen since the start of the pandemic,” said Jason Riggs, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Roadrunner Food Bank. “SNAP can provide nine times the number of meals as the national network of food banks. Cuts to SNAP inevitably increases need. The cost of food and fuel has not only impacted the people we serve, but it has also affected Roadrunner Food Bank’s operational budget. We are doing our best to meet the increased need in our communities.” The numbers speak for themselves: Food Cuts: The Republican tax law slashed $180 billion from SNAP and nutrition assistance benefits — the largest cut in history — and expanded red tape fo… | 1 | 2026-07-04T07:41:55Z | 2026-07-04T07:42:45Z |
| https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=645 | Leger Fernández Has Delivered More Than $6.7 Billion for New Mexico Communities, Water Infrastructure, Disaster Recovery Since Coming to Office | 2026-07-03 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | NM | Teresa Leger Fernandez | L000273 | fernandez.house.gov | fernandez | https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Santa Fe, N.M. — Since taking office, Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández has helped deliver more than $6.74 billion in federal funding to strengthen New Mexico communities, invest in critical infrastructure, and help families recover from devastating natural disasters. The funding includes: $5.48 billion for disaster relief, including compensation and recovery efforts for survivors of the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and flooding in Chaves County. $738.45 million for the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project, bringing reliable, clean drinking water to Navajo Nation, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, and northwestern New Mexico. $398.75 million for the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System, securing long-term water access for about 73,000 people in Clovis, Portales, Texico, Elida and Cannon Air Force Base. $124.4 million through Community Project Funding, supporting dozens of locally driven projects across New Mexico’s third Congressional District, including improvements for roads, water systems, fire fighters, sheriffs, housing, schools, community centers, health care facilities, tribal infrastructure, and economic development in our cities, rural and Tribal communities. See a full list of these projects here. In total, these investments amount to $6,742,683,785 delivered for New Mexico. | 1 | 2026-07-07T08:20:12Z | 2026-07-07T08:22:09Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-champions-bipartisan-solutions-protect-new-mexicans-fentanyl | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Champions Bipartisan Solutions to Protect New Mexicans From Fentanyl Crisis | 2026-07-02 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 2, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) championed two bipartisan bills to protect New Mexicans from the fentanyl crisis, Tyler’s Law (H.R. 2004) and Sammy’s Law (H.R. 2657). Tyler’s Law helps prevent fentanyl overdoses by encouraging hospitals to test for fentanyl more regularly when a patient is experiencing an overdose. Sammy’s Law bolsters youth online safety by giving parents tools to help ensure their children are not using social media platforms to engage in drug deals and other dangerous behaviors. These bipartisan solutions come on the heels of reports that federal officials knowingly let hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills flood into New Mexico communities. “Fentanyl is cutting too many lives short, ripping apart New Mexico families. We need to attack this crisis from every angle: stopping traffickers at the border, holding federal officials accountable when they fail our communities, giving parents tools to keep their kids safe online, and helping hospitals identify fentanyl overdoses faster,” said Vasquez. “Tyler’s Law and Sammy’s Law are bipartisan, commonsense solutions that will help protect families, save lives, and keep this poison off our streets.” Both Tyler’s Law and Sammy’s Law have support from Democratic and Republican lawmakers, with Tyler’s Law having endorsements from a host of community organizations, including the American College of Emergency Physicians, Emergency Nurses Association, AIDS United, National Drug & Alcohol Screening Association, Facing Fentanyl, Voices for Awareness, Project Eli, Song for Charlie, End Overdose, High Truths on Drugs and Addiction, Sun Shine on You Foundation, Drug Awareness Foundation, VOID, Victoria’s Voice, and Stop Drug Homicide. Sammy’s Law is named after Sammy Chapman, who, at the age of 16, was approached by a drug dealer on Snapchat and was unknowingly a victim of fentanyl poisoning. New Mexico faces one of the most severe drug abuse crises in the nation, with overdose rates almost double the national a… | 1 | 2026-07-03T08:00:00Z | 2026-07-03T08:01:30Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-speaks-out-about-rising-utility-costs-proposed-el-paso | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Speaks Out About Rising Utility Costs, Proposed El Paso Electric Rate Increase | 2026-06-30 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 30, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) released the following statement on El Paso Electric’s proposed rate hike, which could cost the average family in Doña Ana County up to $42 more per month — a 57% spike. While the utility company says this rate hike is necessary to cover rising production costs caused by state laws and regulations, rising supply costs, and increased demand, southern New Mexicans have made their opposition to the rate hike clear. “Hardworking New Mexico families are struggling to pay their bills as their costs increase from the gas station to the grocery store — asking them to pay 57% more for electricity in this economy is way, way too much,” said Vasquez. “I have been in contact with El Paso Electric and understand the company’s push to invest in grid modernization and safety, but raising prices over $500 a year is ridiculously high, and, frankly, unrealistic.” “Everything is already too expensive, with costs continuing to rise from the Trump Administration’s war with Iran and irresponsibly high tariffs, which have caused rapid inflation,” said Vasquez. “This abrupt hike will crush hardworking families who need that money to pay for gas, groceries, rent, and healthcare — all of which just keep getting more and more expensive. There must be a more responsible path forward that is not shouldered by New Mexico ratepayers.” Lowering utility bills for New Mexicans is a core pillar of Rep. Vasquez’s Affordability Agenda, a concrete plan to address the affordability crisis facing hardworking New Mexicans. Rep. Vasquez has: Introduced the Energy Bills Relief Act, which takes a multi-pronged approach to bring down prices for hardworking New Mexicans. Rolled out bipartisan legislation to cut red tape and reduce energy costs for families, such as the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act. Led efforts to reduce energy waste through the introduction of his bipartisan Waste Heat to Wattage Act, which passed the House. … | 1 | 2026-07-01T06:34:07Z | 2026-07-01T06:35:35Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-statement-supreme-court-ruling-birthright-citizenship-case | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on Birthright Citizenship Case | 2026-06-30 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 30, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s ruling on birthright citizenship: “For nearly 160 years, the law has been crystal clear — if you’re born in the U.S., you’re an American citizen under the 14th Amendment of our Constitution. Today, the Supreme Court thankfully upheld the law and protected birthright citizenship in this country. Birthright citizenship has lawfully paved the way for millions of successful, patriotic, and proud American citizens — and as America charts its next 250 years, that law must continue to stand.” ### | 1 | 2026-07-01T06:34:07Z | 2026-07-01T06:35:35Z |
| https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=644 | Reps Leger Fernández and Lieu Re-Introduce 21st Century Federal Writers’ Act | 2026-06-30 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Teresa Leger Fernandez | L000273 | fernandez.house.gov | fernandez | https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) and Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) introduced the 21st Century Federal Writers’ Project Act, legislation to create a new grant program administered by the National Endowment for the Arts that will empower America's writers and journalists to capture and document the American experience. As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, this legislation establishes a coordinated national effort to chronicle the full breadth of American life across all 56 states and territories. Modeled on the Federal Writers' Project (1935-1943), the 21st Century Federal Writers' Project Act will support writers in documenting the histories, communities, customs, and everyday experiences that define the country today. The bill also creates a nationally administered and searchable repository to preserve these books and other media, ensuring that the stories gathered during the semiquincentennial era remain accessible to future generations of Americans. “Reporters, writers, and poets have always opened our eyes to the realities of the world around us. Today, their work is more important than ever. With this legislation, our writers will be able to apply for federal funds to continue documenting American life as it looks like now,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. “Representative Ted Lieu and I are reintroducing the 21st Century Federal Writers' Project to revive the 1935 program that gave us an inside look at how diverse the American experience is across the country. This project gives our storytellers the opportunity to shape how American history will remember the 21st century.” “From the beaches of Los Angeles to the mountains of West Virginia, from the dairy farms of Wisconsin to the fishing vessels of Alaska, the American experience has a wide array of history, culture, customs, and communities. As we honor the 250th anniversary of the United States, let us celebrate what defines this great country – its people,” said Congressman L… | 1 | 2026-07-02T06:20:02Z | 2026-07-02T06:21:32Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-calls-administration-focus-lowering-costs-americans-instead | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Calls on Administration to Focus on Lowering Costs for Americans Instead of Spending Taxpayer Funds on Israeli War in Lebanon | 2026-06-29 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 29, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the Administration to bring the conflict in southern Lebanon to an end and to stop spending taxpayer dollars on foreign wars that don’t put Americans first As prices continue to rise for New Mexico families, Rep. Vasquez has pushed the Administration to redirect that spending to lower the cost of healthcare, gas, and housing instead of on conflicts overseas. On April 16, 2026, the Administration negotiated a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, but Israeli and Hezbollah forces have continued to violate the agreement multiple times. The letter strongly condemns violence against civilians in all forms and calls for the conflicts to be ended swiftly. “The systematic destruction of protected civilian infrastructure and the violence against innocent civilians is unacceptable,” said Vasquez. “This Administration negotiated a ceasefire months ago and has since let the fighting continue without any oversight — all on top of wasting billions on a war with Iran. Americans are tired of seeing their tax dollars used to fund foreign wars, especially ones killing civilians overseas.” As the only member of the New Mexican Delegation on the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Vasquez supported the following amendments to end the war in Iran and to oppose the expansion of U.S.-Israeli military partnerships: Cosponsored and voted for an amendment expressing a sense of disapproval for the war in Iran and calling for an end to this senseless conflict. Voted for an amendment to strip language from the NDAA which would strengthen U.S.-Israeli military security cooperation on the taxpayer dime. ### | 1 | 2026-06-30T06:29:10Z | 2026-06-30T06:30:42Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-pushes-new-mexico-strengthen-snap-accountability-protect | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Pushes New Mexico to Strengthen SNAP Accountability, Protect Families and Taxpayers | 2026-06-29 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 26, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) sent a letter to the New Mexico Health Care Authority urging the agency to quickly implement recommendations from the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) to improve the state’s administration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), reduce the state's payment error rate (which is the third-highest in the nation), and protect New Mexico from losing up to $173 million in federal funding annually. Rep. Vasquez strongly opposed the SNAP cuts included in last year's Republican tax law, and he emphasized that New Mexico must take immediate action to improve program accuracy, ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly, and protect the long-term availability of food assistance for families who depend on it. “HCA must take lowering the SNAP error rate seriously to protect this vital program for New Mexicans struggling to put food on the table and guard the state's budget from harmful impacts,” Vasquez wrote. New Mexico currently has the third-highest SNAP payment error rate in the country at 16.81 percent. Under changes enacted in the Republican tax law, states with persistently high error rates could be required to shoulder a larger share of SNAP costs, putting up to $173 million in federal funding to New Mexico at risk each year if improvements are not made. In his letter, Vasquez emphasized that he is committed to working with HCA to strengthen staff training, improve consistency across field offices, increase oversight, and leverage technology to verify data and reduce administrative errors. “When New Mexicans pay their taxes, they deserve to know that their hard-earned dollars are being spent responsibly, lawfully, and for the good of the public. We must do better to maintain the public's trust in government,” Vasquez added. Vasquez also highlighted the LFC's findings that many of the necessary reforms are straightforward and achievable, saying “Many of the changes that the LFC recommended are common sense.” The Co… | 1 | 2026-06-30T06:29:10Z | 2026-06-30T06:30:42Z |
| https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=642 | Reps. Leger Fernández, Stansbury, Vasquez Investigate Federal Drug Enforcement Actions that Allowed Fentanyl on to New Mexico’s Streets | 2026-06-26 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Teresa Leger Fernandez | L000273 | fernandez.house.gov | fernandez | https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), and Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) sent a letter to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administrator Terrance Cole demanding answers about reports that federal agents and prosecutors knowingly allowed hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to flood the streets of Albuquerque and other New Mexico communities. The practice, known as “walking,” is an investigative tactic where law enforcement agencies, like the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), deliberately allow illicit drugs to pass through supply chains and reach the streets. Rep. Leger Fernández and the New Mexico delegation pressed Administrator Cole for an immediate briefing on DEA policies and its actions in New Mexico with respect to the fentanyl crisis. “New Mexico families have lost too many loved ones because of fentanyl,” said Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández. “Every pill that makes it into our communities puts lives at risk. The law enforcement technology and drug interdiction resources our delegation has supported for years are meant to stop fentanyl from reaching our families—not let it through. New Mexicans deserve answers.” “New Mexicans are paying the price for a fentanyl epidemic that is tearing families apart and deserve answers. We are demanding answers as to whether federal agents knowingly allowed fentanyl to reach and harm our communities,” said Rep. Melanie Stansbury. “The DEA's own message is clear: one pill can kill. At a time when overdose deaths continue to devastate our state and communities, the DEA should be focused on stopping these drugs before they reach our streets—period.” “Introducing high quantities of fentanyl into communities where drug abuse is prevalent is a highly dangerous and volatile approach,” said Rep. Vasquez. “I’m demanding answers from the DEA to understand exactly how this operation went down, who approved it, and what results, if any, it yielded. Fentanyl is a highly lethal drug that should be treated as such, as our hardworking me… | 1 | 2026-06-27T06:16:17Z | 2026-06-27T06:17:30Z |
| https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=643 | Leger Fernández, Heinrich Introduce Bipartisan Defenders Of Bataan & Corregidor Congressional Gold Medal Act | 2026-06-26 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Teresa Leger Fernandez | L000273 | fernandez.house.gov | fernandez | https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | The legislation would bestow a collective Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest and most distinguished civilian honor, to the individuals who fought for or with the United States in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After the fall of Bataan and Corregidor, many of these servicemembers endured one of the most harrowing war experiences in history: the Bataan Death March and the forced labor and torture at prisoner of war camps that followed. Bestowing these veterans with a Congressional Gold Medal would recognize their personal service and sacrifice. “The American and Filipino defenders of Bataan and Corregidor endured an unimaginable level of abuse and responded with an equal amount of courage and strength,” said Leger Fernández. “The Bataan Death March was a horrific example of cruelty and inhumanity. As our Bataan veterans are passing, it's time we recognize the Bataan and Corregidor service members — including many New Mexican heroes — with the highest honor.” “Nearly 2,000 New Mexico National Guardsmen fought alongside Allied forces in the Pacific Theater during World War II. These brave Americans endured the unimaginably harrowing Bataan Death March, and years of forced labor and torture in prisoner of war camps,” said Heinrich. “It was the courage and sacrifices of these brave Americans that ultimately made Allied victory possible. That’s why I'm so honored to re-introduce this legislation to recognize these heroic veterans with our nation’s highest and most distinguished honor.” The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.). “Thousands of servicemembers, including many New Mexicans, bravely defended the Bataan Peninsula during World War II before enduring the Bataan Death March and imprisonment as prisoners of war,” said Luján. “Our nation can never fully repay the debt we owe these veterans. Their courage, resilience, and sacrifice in the face of unimaginable hardship exemplify the very… | 1 | 2026-07-01T06:34:07Z | 2026-07-01T06:35:35Z |
| https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-stansbury-vasquez-leger-fernandez-investigate-federal-drug-enforcement | Reps. Stansbury, Vasquez, Leger Fernández Investigate Federal Drug Enforcement Actions that Allowed Fentanyl on to New Mexico’s Streets | 2026-06-25 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Melanie A. Stansbury | S001218 | stansbury.house.gov | stansbury | https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury (D-NM),, Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) sent a letter to U.S. Drug Enforcement Administrator Terrance Cole demanding answers about reports that federal agents and prosecutors knowingly allowed hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to flood the streets of Albuquerque and other New Mexico communities. The practice, known as “walking,” is an investigative tactic where law enforcement agencies, like the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), deliberately allow illicit drugs to pass through supply chains and reach the streets. Rep. Stansbury and the New Mexico delegation pressed Administrator Cole for an immediate briefing on DEA policies and actions in New Mexico its actions with respect to the fentanyl crisis. “New Mexicans are paying the price for a fentanyl epidemic that is tearing families apart and deserve answers. We are demanding answers as to whether federal agents knowingly allowed fentanyl to reach and harm our communities,” said Rep. Melanie Stansbury. “The DEA's own message is clear: one pill can kill. At a time when overdose deaths continue to devastate our state and communities, the DEA should be focused on stopping these drugs before they reach our streets—period.” “Introducing high quantities of fentanyl into communities where drug abuse is prevalent is a highly dangerous and volatile approach,” said Rep. Vasquez. “I’m demanding answers from the DEA to understand exactly how this operation went down, who approved it, and what results, if any, it yielded. Fentanyl is a highly lethal drug that should be treated as such, as our hardworking members of local law enforcement work every day to eradicate this toxic substance from our streets, homes, and neighborhoods.” “New Mexico families have lost too many loved ones because of fentanyl,” said Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández. “Every pill that makes it into our communities puts lives at risk. The law enforcement technology and drug interdiction resources our delegation has suppo… | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:11:26Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-supports-usda-field-office-stability-act-keep-usda-offices | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Supports the USDA Field Office Stability Act to Keep USDA Offices Open for Farmers and Rural Communities | 2026-06-25 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 25, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) cosponsored bipartisan legislation led by Reps. Sharice Davids (D-KS) and Derek Schmidt (R-KS) to prevent the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from closing essential services due to staffing shortages — the USDA Field Office Stability Act. This bill prohibits USDA from closing or relocating Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), and Rural Development (RD) county and field offices and requires minimum staffing levels to ensure farmers, ranchers, and rural communities continue to have reliable, in-person access to USDA services during regular business hours. During a visit earlier this month to Myster E. Farms in Albuquerque, Vasquez met with local farmers and the Center for Southwest Culture to discuss the direct impact USDA staffing issues have on communities in New Mexico. He also heard concerns about staffing concerns from almost every member of his Agriculture Advisory Group during his most recent meeting with the group in June. Vasquez took these concerns directly to Secretary Rollins that same week. New Mexico alone has lost 640 USDA employees between 2025 and 2026, putting New Mexico in the top 10% of states experiencing rapid staff shortages and plunging local producers into uncertainty and lengthy delays. Vasquez’s support for the USDA Field Office Stability Act reflects his commitment to holding the USDA accountable and his support for the agricultural industry: In April 2025, Vasquez introduced the Honor Farmer Contracts Act to ensure the USDA fulfills its commitments to farmers by releasing frozen funds and preventing it from canceling legally binding contracts. He launchedthe NM-02 Agriculture Advisory Group, composed of agricultural leaders from across the district, and connected local farmers, ranchers, and business owners from New Mexico directly with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Thompson. Introduced the Strengthening Our Workforce Act to provide non-citizens working … | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:11:26Z |
| https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-leads-congressional-delegation-demanding-accountability-and | Rep. Stansbury leads Congressional Delegation in Demanding Accountability and Congressional Investigation into Fentanyl Flooding New Mexico’s Streets | 2026-06-25 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Melanie A. Stansbury | S001218 | stansbury.house.gov | stansbury | https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) sent a letter to House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) and Ranking Member Robert Garcia (D-CA), and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-MD), to demand the committees begin public hearings and investigations into the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. This follows whistleblower reports that federal agents may have allowed hundreds of thousands of deadly fentanyl pills to reach the streets of New Mexico’s communities over the last several years. Additionally, the delegation demanded an inquiry into the policies and practices that led to deadly fentanyl being allowed to be distributed and sold across New Mexico, and to examine necessary policy and legislative changes to address these issues. The practice, known as “walking,” is an investigative tactic where law enforcement agencies, like the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), deliberately allow illicit drugs to pass through supply chains and reach the streets. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, even a small amount of fentanyl can provide a potentially lethal dose. Fentanyl is incredibly potent—about 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine—a deadly quantity is roughly equivalent in size to a few grains of salt. New Mexico has now led the nation for two consecutive years in drug overdose deaths, and data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show the state’s overdose deaths rose nearly 23 percent over the past year while the national rate fell. Nonfatal suspected fentanyl overdoses treated in New Mexico emergency departments have reached their highest level since January 2023. These allegations also follow reports that DEA agents are being reassigned from drug trafficking cases to support the Administration’s mass deportation agenda. The call for public hearings and investigations follows reporting from the Albuq… | 1 | 2026-07-29T07:41:48Z | 2026-07-29T07:42:57Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-marks-four-years-roe-v-wade-was-overturned-announces-support | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Marks Four Years Since Roe v. Wade Was Overturned, Announces Support for Protecting Reproductive Freedom Act | 2026-06-24 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Four years ago today, on June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court issued the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision, overturning Roe v. Wade and ending the constitutional right to abortion. Since then, MAGA extremists have continued their assault on women’s reproductive rights across the country, with extreme Republican lawmakers repeatedly attacking access to abortion medication and contraception and attempting to rollback rights nationwide through the courts and Congress in recent months. To mark the milestone anniversary of this devastating court ruling, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) shared the below statement and announced his support of the Protecting Reproductive Freedom Act, a bill to protect women’s access to abortion medication, including mifepristone. “Four years after Roe was overturned, women are still paying the price for extremists’ attacks on reproductive freedom,” said Vasquez. “Abortion is health care, and politicians have no business making these deeply personal decisions for women and their families. Every woman deserves the freedom to make her own health care decisions in consultation with her doctor and guided by her own faith and values — not the government’s. I’m proud to support legislation protecting access to abortion medication, and I’ll never stop fighting to defend women’s rights and reproductive freedom.” The Protecting Reproductive Freedom Act safeguards access to medication abortion by reaffirming the Food and Drug Administration's longstanding approval of mifepristone, which has been safely used for more than 25 years. The bill also protects health care providers' ability to prescribe medication abortion through telehealth and allows patients to receive the medication by mail, helping ensure people can access care regardless of where they live. Rep. Vasquez is firmly committed to protecting reproductive freedom in this country and has consistently voted to protect women’s right to make their own health care decisions in consultation wit… | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:11:26Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-votes-expand-access-preventive-and-diagnostic-care-alzheimers-and | Rep. Vasquez Votes to Expand Access to Preventive and Diagnostic Care for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias | 2026-06-24 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 24, 2026 — during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month — U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) supported legislation that would combat Alzheimer's disease by expanding access to preventive and diagnostic healthcare under Medicare. Over 46,000 New Mexicans are currently living with Alzheimer’s, and 68,000 New Mexicans provide uncompensated care for loved ones living with the disease. Under current law, Medicare can cover a limited array of diagnostic tests and preventive services related to Alzheimer’s and dementia, but some screenings and blood tests are excluded. The bipartisan Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act would expand Medicare coverage for FDA-approved blood tests that can help detect Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia earlier, which would shorten the time to diagnosis and reduce costs for New Mexicans. Early detection gives New Mexicans valuable time to begin treatment, make informed decisions, and lean on loved ones and support services. “Over 46,000 New Mexicans are currently grappling with Alzheimer’s, and most of us have seen this disease’s devastating impact firsthand with our own loved ones or members of our community,” said Vasquez. “Early detection is our best tool when it comes to combating Alzheimer’s, and this Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness month, I’m supporting bipartisan legislation to make Alzheimer's treatment and prevention more affordable and accessible for hardworking folks.” Vasquez also supports the Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Provider Training (AADAPT) Act, which gives primary care providers additional tools and training to accurately and confidently diagnose Alzheimer’s and other dementias. This bill will educate primary care providers, including those in rural and underserved communities where speciality care can be out of reach, on the necessary steps to diagnose individuals experiencing cognitive decline. These bills honor the 46,000 New Mexicans living with Alzheimer’s disease by paving the way for acc… | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:11:26Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-champions-expanded-access-preventive-and-diagnostic-care | Rep. Vasquez Champions Expanded Access to Preventive and Diagnostic Care for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias | 2026-06-24 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 24, 2026 — during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month — U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) supported legislation that would combat Alzheimer's disease by expanding access to preventive and diagnostic healthcare under Medicare. Over 46,000 New Mexicans are currently living with Alzheimer’s, and 68,000 New Mexicans provide uncompensated care for loved ones living with the disease. Under current law, Medicare can cover a limited array of diagnostic tests and preventive services related to Alzheimer’s and dementia, but some screenings and blood tests are excluded. The bipartisan Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act would expand Medicare coverage for FDA-approved blood tests that can help detect Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia earlier, which would shorten the time to diagnosis and reduce costs for New Mexicans. Early detection gives New Mexicans valuable time to begin treatment, make informed decisions, and lean on loved ones and support services. “Over 46,000 New Mexicans are currently grappling with Alzheimer’s, and most of us have seen this disease’s devastating impact firsthand with our own loved ones or members of our community,” said Vasquez. “Early detection is our best tool when it comes to combating Alzheimer’s, and this Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness month, I’m supporting bipartisan legislation to make Alzheimer's treatment and prevention more affordable and accessible for hardworking folks.” Vasquez also supports the Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Provider Training (AADAPT) Act, which gives primary care providers additional tools and training to accurately and confidently diagnose Alzheimer’s and other dementias. This bill will educate primary care providers, including those in rural and underserved communities where speciality care can be out of reach, on the necessary steps to diagnose individuals experiencing cognitive decline. These bills honor the 46,000 New Mexicans living with Alzheimer’s disease by paving the way for acc… | 1 | 2026-06-30T06:29:10Z | 2026-06-30T06:30:42Z |
| https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-stansbury-schweikert-grijalva-stanton-and-leger-fernandez-send-bipartisan | Reps. Stansbury, Schweikert, Grijalva, Stanton, and Leger Fernandez send Bipartisan Letter to Secretaries Rollins, Kennedy on Screwworm Outbreak | 2026-06-22 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Melanie A. Stansbury | S001218 | stansbury.house.gov | stansbury | https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), David Schweikert (R-AZ), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), and Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM) sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to push for urgent action to address the confirmed detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in the United States for the first time in sixty years. The letter requests full agency coordination and deployment of all federal resources necessary to contain the New World Screwworm (NWS) outbreak in New Mexico and across the country. "New World screwworm has now reached New Mexico, putting our ranchers, livestock, wildlife, pets, and rural economies at risk," said Rep. Melanie Stansbury. "We successfully eradicated screwworm once before through innovation and coordination across every level of government. To do so again, federal agencies must work together with Congress, state, local, and Tribal governments, and producers to ensure that our response is fully resourced, rapid, and well-coordinated. We stand ready to work with our federal, state, and local partners to protect New Mexico's communities, livestock industry, and food supply." “Arizona’s ranchers and veterinarians need clear guidance as federal agencies respond to confirmed New World screwworm cases in Texas and New Mexico,” said Rep. David Schweikert. “I am asking USDA and HHS to provide Congress with a clear accounting of sterile fly production and dispersal capacity, surveillance capabilities, treatment guidance and the resources needed to contain this outbreak. Decades ago, the United States eradicated screwworm with sterile fly technology and aggressive field surveillance. Now we need to use those same tools, keep livestock producers informed and stop this outbreak from spreading.” The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the first case of New World screwworm in a calf in Zavala County, Texas, on June 3, 2026. Sin… | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:11:26Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-vasquez-visits-belen-highlight-1-million-investment-upgrade | ICYMI: Rep. Vasquez Visits Belen to Highlight $1 Million Investment to Upgrade Wastewater Treatment System | 2026-06-22 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | BELEN, N.M. – On June 18, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) visited Belen’s wastewater treatment facility to highlight the over $1 million he brought home to the city to make much-needed repairs. The funding, which was secured through the Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding process, will be used to repair cracks, rebuild a lift system, and build an aeration diffuser system – ensuring that every Belen resident has access to clean, safe drinking water. “Belen is growing, which means its infrastructure needs to grow with it. I’m proud to have secured over a million dollars to rebuild the Belen wastewater treatment facility, and it was great to see it up close this week,” said Vasquez. “New Mexicans know just how precious water is, and I’m making sure every Belen resident has clean and safe drinking water — and that water systems in every corner of our district have the best and latest technology to ensure safe water processing and clean results.” Through Community Project Funding, Rep. Vasquez has brought home over $30 million in funding to rebuild roads, police departments and firehouses — making New Mexico safer and more affordable, one project at a time. He’s also supported USDA Rural Development Water programs, which help rural communities construct and upgrade drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure systems. ### | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:11:26Z |
| https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=641 | Rep. Leger Fernández Introduces Bipartisan Solution to Protect America’s Herds From New World Screwworm | 2026-06-18 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Teresa Leger Fernandez | L000273 | fernandez.house.gov | fernandez | https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 18, 2026 — following confirmed cases of the New World screwworm (NWS) in Texas and New Mexico — U.S. Representatives Leger Fernández and Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) introduced the Protecting America’s Herds Act, an innovative, bipartisan solution to combat the spread of the parasite, herd loss, and a jump in beef prices. The bill — which has 13 cosponsors from both sides of the aisle, including Rep. Leger Fernández — helps ranchers fight NWS by funding local experts who can train inspectors, inspect livestock, educate producers, and provide the hands-on support needed to catch outbreaks early and stop them from spreading. The bill has been endorsed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, New Mexico State University, the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, the Public Lands Council, and Rocky Mountain Farmers Union. “The first confirmed case of New World screwworm in New Mexico is a reminder that we cannot take our agricultural security for granted. Ranchers, producers, veterinarians, and agricultural experts have been warning about this threat for months and calling for stronger preparation before it reached our communities,” said Leger Fernández. “Unfortunately, the federal response did not match the urgency of the moment. Now that screwworm has arrived, we have a responsibility to step up and give our producers the tools they need to protect their herds. The Protecting America’s Herds Act will help provide the training, technical assistance, and local support needed to identify outbreaks early, respond quickly, and limit the damage to livestock, rural economies, and the families who depend on them.” “For New Mexicans, the New World screwworm is not a distant problem. It's here, right in our backyard. That's why I'm raising the alarm in Congress and leading a bipartisan effort to make sure lawmakers understand this isn't just a New Mexico or Southwest issue — it's a national threat to our food supply, our ranchers, and American families — and we need to respond now,” said Vasquez.… | 1 | 2026-06-19T06:50:32Z | 2026-06-19T06:53:40Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-introduces-bipartisan-solution-protect-americas-herds-new | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Introduces Bipartisan Solution to Protect America’s Herds From New World Screwworm | 2026-06-18 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – On June 18, 2026 — following confirmed cases of the New World screwworm (NWS) in Texas and New Mexico — U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) introduced the Protecting America’s Herds Act, an innovative, bipartisan solution to combat the spread of the parasite, herd loss, and a jump in beef prices. The bill — which has 13 cosponsors from both sides of the aisle, including Rep. Leger-Fernández — helps ranchers fight NWS by funding local experts who can train inspectors, inspect livestock, educate producers, and provide the hands-on support needed to catch outbreaks early and stop them from spreading. The bill has been endorsed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, New Mexico State University, the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, the Public Lands Council, and Rocky Mountain Farmers Union. “For New Mexicans, the New World screwworm is not a distant problem. It's here, right in our backyard. That's why I'm raising the alarm in Congress and leading a bipartisan effort to make sure lawmakers understand this isn't just a New Mexico or Southwest issue — it's a national threat to our food supply, our ranchers, and American families — and we need to respond now,” said Vasquez. “Our ranchers have already been hit by years of drought, rising input costs, and record-low cattle herds. The last thing we need is a flesh-eating parasite threatening their herds and driving up beef prices for American families. That's why I'm leading this bill and calling on USDA to ramp up staffing, speed the completion of the sterile fly production facility, and give producers the resources they need to detect and stop this outbreak before it gets worse.” The NWS was eradicated from the U.S. in 1966, meaning many producers today have never encountered the pest. This bill provides the essential training and support they need to prevent the outbreak from spiraling into a crisis through early detection and rapid response efforts. Specifically, the bill would equip the Cooperative Extension System to: Train … | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:11:26Z |
| https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-senator-heinrich-introduce-bill-boost-college-success | Rep. Stansbury, Senator Heinrich Introduce Bill to Boost College Success | 2026-06-16 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Melanie A. Stansbury | S001218 | stansbury.house.gov | stansbury | https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) and U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) introduced the Postsecondary Student Success Act, legislation to authorize dedicated federal funding for evidence-based programs that help students stay enrolled in college, complete their degrees, and prepare for successful careers. The Postsecondary Student Success Act would formally authorize the Postsecondary Student Success Grant (PSSG) program, which is a highly successful initiative that has consistently delivered, but never been formally authorized in law. By enshrining the program in law, the legislation would provide long-term support for colleges and universities to implement proven strategies that improve student retention, persistence, and graduation rates. "Too many students leave college before finishing because they face academic, financial, and personal challenges without support," said Rep. Melanie Stansbury. “The Postsecondary Student Success Act will help make sure students who are veterans, first-generation graduates, low-income, historically underrepresented, and students with disabilities get the support and services they need to achieve their goals and finish their degrees. This bill will help students realize their dreams!” “Getting students to college is only part of the equation — we also need to make sure they have the tools and support to finish,” said Senator Martin Heinrich. “That’s why I helped fund the Postsecondary Student Success Grant Program and it’s why I am working to authorize it through our legislation, to invest in proven strategies that keep students on track, improve graduation rates, and expand opportunities for New Mexicans.” The Postsecondary Student Success Act will remove barriers that stand in the way of students’ academic success by permanently authorizing the Postsecondary Student Success Grant program. The bill authorizes funding to colleges and universities for evidence-based retention programs, such as: Faculty and peer mentoring and counseling… | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:11:26Z |
| https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-secures-federal-funding-albuquerque-water-security-project | Rep. Stansbury Secures Federal Funding for Albuquerque Water Security Project | 2026-06-15 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Melanie A. Stansbury | S001218 | stansbury.house.gov | stansbury | https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) delivered $512,320 in federal funding for the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority’s Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Project, to advance a major long-term investment in water security and drought resilience for central New Mexico. The funding, awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), was secured through Rep. Stansbury’s Community Project Funding request in the Fiscal Year 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act. The investment will support the design and construction of infrastructure needed to store surface water in the Albuquerque aquifer. The project will allow the Water Utility Authority to move stored water from Abiquiu Reservoir to underground storage in Albuquerque, where it can be recovered when needed to support the region’s long-term water supply. “Water is life, and protecting New Mexico’s water future requires bold investments in resilient infrastructure,” said Rep. Stansbury. “This funding will help the Water Utility Authority advance an innovative aquifer storage and recovery project that strengthens drought preparedness, protects groundwater resources, and ensures families across Albuquerque have reliable access to clean water for generations to come.” The Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project is a cornerstone of the Water Utility Authority’s 100-year water management strategy and is designed to improve the region’s ability to store water during wet years for use during times of drought or shortage. About the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority provides drinking water, wastewater, and reclaimed water services to more than 700,000 customers throughout the greater Albuquerque metropolitan area. ### | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:11:26Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-marks-14th-anniversary-daca-reaffirms-commitment-protecting | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Marks 14th Anniversary of DACA, Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting Dreamers | 2026-06-15 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) marked the 14th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program by reaffirming his commitment to protecting Dreamers and pushing for a permanent pathway to citizenship. “New Mexico is home to more than 4,000 DACA recipients who contribute millions in state and local taxes, support local businesses, and help power our state's workforce. These folks are our neighbors, coworkers, business owners, and community leaders,” said Vasquez. “Most came to the United States through no choice of their own, and for 14 years they have worked hard, played by the rules, and contributed to the communities they call home. They deserve certainty and a pathway to citizenship — not fear, legal limbo, forced lapses in work authorizations and healthcare coverage, and the threat of deportation.” Last month, Vasquez pressed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to address growing delays in DACA renewal processing. DACA renewal wait times have increased nearly 400 percent since 2025, leaving recipients who filed on time and followed all requirements at risk of losing work authorization and other protections. “My office has seen a surge in requests from DACA recipients who did everything right but are now facing uncertainty because of government processing delays,” Vasquez said. "USCIS must act immediately to reduce these backlogs and ensure families aren't punished for the Administration’s bureaucratic failures.” As legal protections for Dreamers face growing challenges, Vasquez has also continued to advocate for DACA recipients in Congress. He is a cosponsor of the American Dream and Promise Act, legislation that would provide Dreamers with a pathway to citizenship, and he recently joined a bicameral effort urging the Department of Justice to preserve protections for DACA recipients in immigration proceedings. Vasquez pledges to continue fighting for commonsense immigration reforms that strengthen the economy, support American fami… | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:11:26Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-demands-answers-after-national-park-fees-diverted-park-maintenance | Rep. Vasquez Demands Answers After National Park Fees Diverted from Park Maintenance to Pay for Vanity Projects | 2026-06-12 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 12, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) sent a letter to Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum raising concerns that approximately $90 million in National Park Service entrance fee revenues have been redirected from park maintenance and repairs to fund cosmetic “beautification” projects in Washington, D.C. The Congressman noted repairs and maintenance are being deprioritized at places like Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands National Park to pay for wasteful, ornamental projects in the nation’s capital, such as covering decorative structures in gold. “The National Park System currently faces billions of dollars in deferred maintenance needs. This irresponsible use of these funds represents a troubling departure from the purpose for which these funds are collected,” said the members in the letter. “Americans … expect those dollars to be reinvested in the places they visit, supporting trail repairs, campground improvements, visitor facilities, historic preservation, road maintenance, and the stewardship of some of our nation's most treasured landscapes. Visitors to places like Carlsbad Caverns, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon do not benefit from covering statues in gold leaf, spray painting a pool on the National Mall, or making bloated investments in ornamental fountains across Washington, D.C. with no-bid contracts.” Seven members of Congress joined Rep. Vasquez’s letter, which you can read in full here. ### | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:11:26Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-repvasquez-introduces-bipartisan-bill-protect-public-lands-being-sold | ICYMI: Rep.Vasquez Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Protect Public Lands from Being Sold Off in Backdoor Deals | 2026-06-11 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) introduced the bipartisan Public Lands Integrity Act, a commonsense bill to protect America's public lands from being sold off to the highest bidder through the budget reconciliation process. “Treating public lands as another item on a balance sheet goes against the will of the people, and Americans have made it clear that our public lands are not for sale,” said Vasquez. Learn More: NM U.S. Rep. Vasquez introduces bill to prevent ‘last-minute, backdoor deals’ to sell public lands The Public Lands Integrity Act is endorsed by various environmental groups including the American Rivers, American Whitewater, Alaska Wilderness League, America Outdoors Association, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, Conservation Lands Foundation, The Conservation Alliance, Grand Canyon Trust, League of Conservation Voters, National Wildlife Federation, New Mexico Wild, The Nature Conservancy, Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project, Outdoor Alliance, Outdoor Industry Association, Protect Our Winters, Sierra Club, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Trout Unlimited, Trust for Public Lands, Vet Voice Foundation, and The Wilderness Society. It is also cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Joe Neguse (D-CO), Dina Titus (D-NV), and Ryan Zinke (R-MT). The bill’s companion in the Senate is sponsored by U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO). This bill builds on the success of the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus, which Rep. Vasquez co-founded last May and of which all four sponsors are members. Last summer, bipartisan Public Lands Caucus members helped successfully defeat attempts to sell off millions of acres of public land under the Republican tax law. This bill would ensure that the reconciliation process could not be weaponized to carry out public lands sales in the future. ### | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:11:26Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-introduces-careworker-visa-act-address-childcare-and | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Introduces Careworker Visa Act to Address Childcare and Eldercare Worker Shortage, Bring Down Costs | 2026-06-09 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 9, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) introduced the Careworker Visa Act to address the nation's growing shortage of childcare providers, eldercare workers, and in-home caregivers and bring down care costs by creating a new legal visa pathway for qualified careworkers. This legislation recognizes a simple reality: America needs more caregivers to bring down rising costs, and our immigration system should reflect that. As the American population ages, there will be a projected 4.6 million unfilled caregiving jobs by 2032. Nationwide, the cost of childcare has spiked by about 8% since 2024, while the cost of in-home eldercare has risen three times faster than inflation, with prices jumping about 10% in 2025. The Administration’s immigration crackdown is only making matters worse. New Mexico has an especially pronounced need for additional careworkers: In 2025, New Mexico became the first state in the country to offer universal childcare, but as of May 2026, the state still faced significant caregiver labor shortages, leaving 15,000 New Mexican children unable to receive the free childcare their families were promised. New Mexico’s population is rapidly aging. By 2031, New Mexico is projected to be the state with the fourth-highest percentage of residents over 65 years old. The Careworker Visa Act creates a new W visa category for qualified careworkers, including childcare providers, eldercare workers, and in-home caregivers for individuals with disabilities. In addition to allowing those from other countries to apply for a W visa, this bill also allows individuals to apply for a work visa if they have been in the U.S. since 2024, pass a background check, and pay a $500 fee and all taxes — providing those who seek to work in this critical industry a path out of the shadows. The program is capped at 100,000 visas annually and requires participating employers to pay prevailing wages and comply with federal labor protections to ensure that U.S. wages are not impacted. Suc… | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:11:26Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-opposes-70-billion-blank-check-ice-no-guardrails-demands-answers | Rep. Vasquez Opposes $70 Billion Blank Check for ICE with No Guardrails, Demands Answers and Reform | 2026-06-09 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 9, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) remained firm in his calls for reform and accountability at ICE, rejecting MAGA extremists’ latest request for another $70 billion blank check for ICE through the budget reconciliation process. “Last summer, ICE got a $75 billion blank check with no spending guardrails, and we all saw how those taxpayer funds were used — to terrorize folks without accountability, infringe on civil rights across the country, and murder American citizens in the streets,” said Vasquez. “I have visited ICE detention centers across my district and seen firsthand how masked agents are using violent tactics to fill these facilities with detainees, the vast majority of whom have no criminal record. This does nothing to make our country safer, is an abuse of taxpayer funds, and goes against our American values. I cannot in good conscience vote to grant the agency another $70 billion blank check without guardrails, oversight, and reforms.” Rep. Vasquez also reiterated his demand that ICE answer questions he submitted after his Congressional Oversight visit at Camp East Montana on April 6. During the Congressman’s visit to the ICE detention facility on April 6, ICE refused to answer many of his questions, and detainees reported limited access to health care (including the withholding of medications), insufficient food containing little to no protein, a lack of access to personal care products (like shampoo), forced sleep deprivation, poor sanitation, and verbal abuse from facility guards. Following the visit, on April 9, Rep. Vasquez sent a list of Congressional Oversight questions (including the questions below, among others) to ICE’s Office of Congressional Relations for a response. Despite repeated follow up by the Congressman’s staff on April 21 and May 18, ICE has still failed to provide the answers New Mexicans deserve, despite two months having passed since the visit took place. This lack of a response is particularly concerning after reports emerged on … | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:11:26Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-supports-tribal-communities-and-strengthening-public-safety | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Supports Tribal Communities and Strengthening Public Safety with the BADGES Act | 2026-06-08 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 8, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) cosponsored the Bridging Agency Data Gaps & Ensuring Safety for Native Communities (BADGES) Act to support Tribal Law enforcement and strengthen public safety in Indian Country. In the United States there are an estimated 4,200 missing and murdered Indigenous People cases that have gone unsolved. In response, the bill improves coordination in missing persons investigations and support for the recruitment and retention of Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Law Enforcement Officers. Specifically, this bill would strengthen coordination between Tribal Law Enforcement and the BIA through initiatives such as: Increasing Tribal access to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System by creating Tribal facilitators to improve coordination, outreach, training, and reporting across jurisdictions. Requiring a comprehensive report on Tribal law enforcement needs. Allowing the BIA to conduct its own background checks for law enforcement applicants to speed up hiring and improve officer recruitment. Establishing a grant program to help states, Tribes, and Tribal organizations coordinate investigations into missing and murdered persons and sexual assault cases. Ensuring BIA officers and Tribal police have access to culturally appropriate mental health and wellness programs. “Stronger collaboration between the BIA and Tribal Law enforcement is long overdue, and I am proud to support this bill,” said Vasquez. “The BADGES Act brings us one step closer to ensuring justice is served for Tribal communities.” This comes after Rep. Vasquez’s recent meeting with Ramah Navajo Police Chief Rory Atcitty, during which they discussed strengthening federal support for Tribal law enforcement. Rep.Vasquez is an avid supporter of bolstering public safety for Tribal Communities, including advanced training and resources for Tribal law enforcement services. His previous work includes: Leading the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act to enhance public safety… | 1 | 2026-06-26T06:29:35Z | 2026-06-26T06:31:46Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-votes-advance-bipartisan-national-defense-bill-supports | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Votes to Advance Bipartisan National Defense Bill, Supports Ending War in Iran | 2026-06-05 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | June 5, 2026 Vasquez supports troop pay increase, secures $2.1 billion for New Mexico, and votes for oversight reform on DoD spending WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 4, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) — a member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) — voted in support of the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (FY27 NDAA), which included multiple of his amendments to support New Mexico. The NDAA is the annual, flagship bill that guides U.S. defense priorities and spending for the year. The FY27 NDAA includes significant investments in quality of life for active-duty servicemembers and their families, including $2 billion to improve barracks and a 3.6% pay raise for troops. The bill also includes the creation of a new Joint Task Force Audit, which would provide more rigorous spending oversight to ensure taxpayer dollars used by DoD are spent ethically and efficiently. “Today, I voted to support the active servicemen and women of the U.S. military, their families, and New Mexico’s military communities and the local economies that revolve around them. This bill brings $2.1 billion in total investment to our state, and I’m proud to continue supporting our military bases, research facilities, and pay raises for our brave servicemen and women,” said Vasquez. “While I continue to support strengthening our nation’s national defense, I voted in committee to strongly oppose the President’s illegal war with Iran and to strip Section 224 from the bill which unnecessarily ties the U.S. to Israel,” added Vasquez. “We cannot reward a nation responsible for mass civilian casualties in Gaza and constant violent aggression in the West Bank and Lebanon. The illegal war in Iran, Israeli settler violence, and atrocities in Gaza must stop. I will continue to support our military and work to improve this bill as it heads to the full House.” Ten of Vasquez’s amendments were included in the NDAA, including: Report requirement on El Paso Airport closure — this amendment requires the Depar… | 1 | 2026-06-23T06:27:52Z | 2026-06-23T06:29:20Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-introduces-bipartisan-public-lands-integrity-act-prevent | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Introduces the Bipartisan Public Lands Integrity Act to Prevent Backdoor Public Land Sell Offs | 2026-06-05 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 5, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) introduced the bipartisan Public Lands Integrity Act, alongside Representatives Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Joe Neguse (D-CO), and Dina Titus (D-NV). The legislation would ensure that America's public lands cannot be sold off to the highest bidder through the budget reconciliation process, which allows certain measures to pass the Senate by a simple majority vote. The Public Lands Integrity Act would amend a section of the Congressional Budget Act — commonly known as the Byrd Rule — to clarify that any provision resulting in the sale, transfer, or disposal of federal public lands is considered extraneous and outside the scope of budget reconciliation. As a result, future proposals to sell public lands could not be rushed through Congress using expedited reconciliation procedures and would require 60 votes in the Senate. This bill builds on the success of the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus, which Rep. Vasquez co-founded last May and of which all four sponsors are members. Last summer, bipartisan Public Lands Caucus members helped successfully defeat attempts to sell off millions of acres of public land under the Republican tax law. This bill would ensure that this couldn’t happen again. “Public lands are America’s best idea, and they belong to all of us and must remain in the public trust,” said Rep. Vasquez. “Treating public lands as another item on a balance sheet goes against the will of the people, and Americans have made it clear that our public lands are not for sale. That’s why I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan, bicameral bill to ensure these lands are held in trust for future generations and won’t be used in the reconciliation process in last-minute, backdoor deals to sell them off.” “Our public lands should never be subject to backroom deals or rushed budget negotiations. Selling or disposing of them through reconciliation is the wrong approach,” said Rep. Ciscomani. “That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan Public Land… | 1 | 2026-06-25T06:30:03Z | 2026-06-25T06:31:21Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-secures-win-fight-accountability-answers-dept-defense-el-paso | Rep. Vasquez Secures Win in Fight for Accountability & Answers from Dept. of Defense on El Paso Airport Closure | 2026-06-05 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 4, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) — in his role as a member of the House Armed Services Committee — secured a critical, bipartisan win in his ongoing fight to get the accountability and answers New Mexicans deserve from the Department of Defense regarding the chaotic closure of the El Paso Airport in February 2026. During committee markup, Rep. Vasquez introduced an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act requiring the Department of Defense to provide a report on its coordination process with DHS and FAA, an explanation as to what caused the chaotic closure of the El Paso Airport in February, and details on how such incidents can be prevented in the future. He also introduced an amendment pushing the DoD to share information and data on the safety, feasibility, capabilities of directed energy drones the Department is using and testing domestically to keep our country safe while preventing incidents like the El Paso Airport closure from happening again. Both measures passed and will move forward for consideration by the full House of Representatives. “On February 11, the Department of Defense and Federal Aviation Administration were responsible for a huge failure, and it left southern New Mexicans in a state of chaos and confusion. That is unacceptable,” said Vasquez. “I will keep fighting every step of the way to get the answers and accountability New Mexicans deserve and assurance that this will never happen again.” On February 11, 2026, the FAA announced a 10-day closure of the El Paso Airport citing “special security concerns.” The restrictions were lifted by the FAA within hours of being issued after Congressional inquiry. All flights, including commercial, cargo, and general aviation, were initially grounded, causing chaos and confusion in the region as the FAA provided no advance notice to Congress, local leadership, or airport officials. Today’s win builds on Rep. Vasquez’s ongoing work to get New Mexicans the answers they deserve… | 1 | 2026-06-25T06:30:03Z | 2026-06-25T06:31:21Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-takes-agriculture-stakeholders-questions-directly-usda-presses | Rep. Vasquez Takes Agriculture Stakeholders’ Questions Directly to USDA, Presses Secretary Rollins on Red Tape, Delays, New World Screwworm, and SNAP Data | 2026-06-04 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 4, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) pressed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins on New World Screwworm (NWS) containment, payment and service delays caused by USDA staffing shortages, and SNAP cuts after hearing directly from New Mexico farmers, ranchers, and food bank leaders on these issues. Yesterday, the first U.S. NWS case since 1966 was confirmed in south Texas, threatening New Mexico cattle herds and putting ranchers and consumers alike on edge. Rep. Vasquez hosted a meeting with agriculture stakeholders on Tuesday to receive suggestions on what they needed most from the USDA, and he pressed Rollins for answers and action today. Rep. Vasquez founded his Agriculture Advisory Group in 2023 to ensure that constituents from across New Mexico’s diverse agriculture sector have a direct voice in his work on the House Agriculture Committee. This morning. Rep. Vasquez asked the Secretary these questions, which he got directly from agriculture stakeholders in New Mexico: From a variety of stakeholders: Can you explain what steps USDA is taking to maintain service levels for rural states like New Mexico while these [USDA] staffing and restructuring changes are underway? From the New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau: My farmers can’t handle any more delays in receiving their Assistance for Specialty Crops Farmers (ASCF) program payments. When can New Mexico speciality crop producers expect their payments? From Roadrunner Food Bank and Others: Can you please share what your data collection plans entail to track the ongoing impact of SNAP cuts under H.R. 1? Vasquez secured a commitment from Secretary Rollins to work directly with New Mexico growers and producers to solve the challenges he raised on their behalf. If you are a grower or producer and are facing challenges with ASCF program payments or staffing shortages, please contact my office at (202) 225-2365. WATCH THE HEARING CLIP HERE Read an excerpt of the exchange below: Rep. Vasquez: “I s… | 1 | 2026-06-19T06:50:32Z | 2026-06-19T06:53:40Z |
| https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-oversight-committee-members-report-exposing-disastrous-impact | Rep. Stansbury, Oversight Committee Members Report Exposing Disastrous Impact of Trump Dismantling USAID | 2026-06-04 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Melanie A. Stansbury | S001218 | stansbury.house.gov | stansbury | https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE),Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs, released a report documenting the catastrophic humanitarian, national security, and economic consequences of President Trump’s decision to eliminate the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) one year ago. The report coincides with the deadly and rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. “The Trump Administration’s dismantling of USAID has had devastating consequences around the world. These reckless cuts have contributed to hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths, weakened our national security, and eliminated jobs across our communities. In New Mexico, we take care of one another. We know that when it comes to our global community’s health, our fates are intertwined. Turning our backs on the world doesn't make us safer or stronger—it weakens our economy, our national security, and our global leadership at home and abroad,” said Ranking Member Melanie Stansbury. “By shuttering USAID, Donald Trump is causing hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths, harming our national security, and now we are facing a deadly, rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak he and Elon Musk helped cause. Documenting the harm they caused is the first step to accountability,” said Ranking Member Robert Garcia. “The dismantling of USAID has not only left 10,000 dedicated federal workers out of work, including many of my constituents, but it has also made our world less safe and less healthy. What we’ve seen with the Ebola outbreak in the DRC is a tangible example of this carelessness. It’s clear from this report that hundreds of thousands of people have needlessly gone hungry, gotten sick, or died because of the elimin… | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:11:26Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-gabe-vasquez-conducts-small-business-tour-albuquerques-south-valley | ICYMI: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Conducts Small Business Tour of Albuquerque’s South Valley | 2026-06-01 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – On May 29, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) spent the day in Albuquerque meeting with local social services organizations, business owners, workers, and seniors to discuss efforts to grow the local economy, combat homelessness, and support New Mexico seniors. Combating Homelessness With Catholic Charities Rep. Vasquez began the day at Catholic Charities of Central New Mexico, where he met with staff and discussed work to combat homelessness in Albuquerque. Recently, Rep. Vasquez sent a letter to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner demanding the agency reverse proposed changes to its longstanding Continuum of Care program, one of one of the largest federal grants that helps people in Albuquerque experiencing homelessness find permanent housing and stay off the streets. Vasquez is also committed to protecting access to safe and affordable housing for all hardworking New Mexicans. He supports the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which recently passed the House. The bill marks the biggest win for housing affordability in a generation, and it includes investments in the construction of additional affordable housing projects to boost housing stock and bring down prices, provisions to protect everyday homebuyers from Wall Street corporations, expanded secure financing options to help New Mexicans buy a home, and a requirement that HUD help manufactured and mobile home manufacturers boost production. Supporting Small Businesses With State Rep. Art De La Cruz After that, Rep. Vasquez visited several small businesses in the South Valley with State Rep. Art De La Cruz. The two visited Larry’s South Valley Barbering, D&M Automotive, Mr. Shears Certified, and Alberto’s Tire Shop before ending at El Dorado Bakery. Rep. Vasquez has brought historic investments to the South Valley and Albuquerque small business community, including $850,000 for the economic development center and $500,000 to help upgrade up to 200 local businesses’ storefronts and surroundin… | 1 | 2026-06-16T06:53:21Z | 2026-06-16T06:55:02Z |
| https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=640 | Leger Fernández Celebrates $562,500 Community Funding and Community Match Support for El Valle Community Center in Villanueva | 2026-05-29 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | House | NM | Teresa Leger Fernandez | L000273 | fernandez.house.gov | fernandez | https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | VILLANUEVA, N.M. — Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) joined community leaders, local families, and philanthropic partners in Villanueva, NM, to celebrate a $562,500 federal Community Project Funding investment for the El Valle Community Center and Library she secured. With music, food, and some big checks, the community celebrated the successful completion of matching funds that will help bring critical renovations and improvements to the historic center. Leger Fernández secured the $562,500 investment through the FY24 Community Project Funding process. Since coming to Congress, she has delivered more than $124 million in Community Project Funding for projects across New Mexico. “Being here, surrounded by music and laughter, among people who care about the community, gives me hope,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. “When we talk about rural New Mexico, we are really talking about home. Places like this are the beating hearts of Nuevo Mexico, where families gather to celebrate weddings and baptisms, share food, or play basketball, and where children discover new worlds through books. This investment is about more than fixing a building — it’s about protecting culture, preserving community, and building a brighter future for Villanueva. That’s why we had to bring this funding home. I also want to shout out the partners who made this funding possible. The Masons inspired our revolutionary leaders 250 years ago, and their ethics of altruism shine through today. The Las Vegas Community Foundation has shown up in times of disaster and celebration, and Pattern Energy is not just powering our energy future — they’re investing in the very communities where their turbines capture the wind. ” The El Valle Community Center provides essential services for rural families, including literacy tutoring and library programming for local students, free computer and internet access, a community food pantry, yoga, art classes, a farmers market, and meeting spaces for residents across the region. If a community member… | 1 | 2026-05-30T06:11:53Z | 2026-05-30T06:13:24Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-champions-major-richard-star-act-provide-fair-compensation | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Champions the Major Richard Star Act to Provide Fair Compensation for Combat-Injured Veterans | 2026-05-28 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) signed a bipartisan discharge petition to require a House vote on the Major Richard Star Act, legislation that would allow combat-injured veterans to receive both their full military retirement pay and Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation. Under current law, most military retirees who have completed 20 years of service are eligible to receive their earned retirement and VA disability benefits concurrently. However, servicemembers who are forced into early retirement due to unforeseen combat-related medical injuries are denied that same benefit. This means combat-injured veterans must forfeit their hard-earned military retirement pay to receive VA disability compensation. The Major Richard Star Act addresses this inequity by allowing combat-injured veterans who were medically retired before reaching 20 years of service to receive both their full military retirement pay and full VA disability compensation. This bill has strong bipartisan support with 330 cosponsors, including 200 Democrats and 130 Republicans, but it has yet to receive a vote. Rep. Vasquez stressed that signing this discharge petition and holding a vote on this bipartisan legislation is a critical step towards ensuring medically retired veterans receive full and fair compensation for their hard work and sacrifice. “Veterans who have been injured on the frontlines are patriots who have risked it all for our country, and they deserve full and fair compensation,” said Vasquez. “I will keep pushing with colleagues from both sides of the aisle to put an end to the wounded veterans tax and ensure no combat-injured hero is forced to forgo their military retirement pay. Pass the Richard Star Act now.” Rep. Vasquez’s support of the Major Richard Star Act reflects his ongoing commitment to supporting veterans and active-duty service members. His previous work includes: Spearheading the TRICARE Travel Improvement Act, which Vasquez led and got passed into law with bipartisan… | 1 | 2026-06-13T06:32:19Z | 2026-06-13T06:34:27Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-secures-key-report-tribal-head-start-and-early-education | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Secures Key Report on Tribal Head Start and Early Education | 2026-05-27 | 2026 | 2026-05 | 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 (NM-02) recently secured the successful release of a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report he demanded back in June 2024, marking a key step toward ensuring Tribal Head Start programs receive adequate federal attention and resources. The GAO review found that Tribal Head Start programs play a critical role in preserving native languages, culture, and tradition, and it also identified significant administrative and communication challenges that have impacted enrollment and staffing efforts across essential Head Start programs. Key findings from the Tribal Head Start Government Accountability Office Report included: The Office of Head Start took an average of 199 days to communicate approval decisions to Tribal Head Start programs. Delays in communication, lasting up to 308 days, limited some Tribal programs' ability to increase teacher compensation and address staffing shortages. The review found the Office of Head Start had not fully identified or addressed the root causes of ongoing timelines and communication issues reported by Tribal programs. Enrollment in Tribal Head Start programs declined from approximately 26,000 children in the 2018-2019 school year to about 18,000 children in 2023-2024. These findings in the GAO report provide important recommendations and a path forward for the federal government to strengthen support for Tribal communities and ensure these critical early childhood education programs have the resources and responsiveness they deserve. “Students in Tribal communities deserve access to essential programs like Head Start, which provide foundational early childhood education and play a critical role in preserving culture and tradition for future generations,” said Vasquez. “This report outlines a roadmap for the federal government to do right by our Tribal communities and make sure Tribal Head Start programs are getting the attention and resources they need to help future generations thrive, and I plan to keep pushing e… | 1 | 2026-06-10T06:36:00Z | 2026-06-10T06:37:32Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-works-economic-growth-housing-affordability-and-immigration | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Works for Economic Growth, Housing Affordability, and Immigration and Border Security Solutions in Deming | 2026-05-27 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | DEMING, N.M. – On May 27, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) spent the day in Deming meeting with local business owners, workers, community leaders, and residents to discuss economic growth, housing affordability, agriculture, and his commonsense immigration and border security solutions for southern New Mexico. The Congressman’s time in Deming included a tour of Luna Rossa Winery to discuss the state’s burgeoning wine industry, a visit on housing affordability with manufactured housing producer Solitaire Homes, and a community town hall focused on immigration and border security issues. Supporting New Mexico’s Growing Wine Industry Rep. Vasquez began the day at Luna Rossa Winery, where he toured the vineyard alongside winery leaders and New Mexico agriculture stakeholders and discussed the state of New Mexico’s wine industry. During the visit, winery leaders shared that New Mexico’s wine industry — the nation’s oldest — is growing, noted the importance of federal grants for economic stability and growth, and outlined concerns, including labor issues. During the meeting, local business owners and leaders also thanked the Congressman for his support of the Farm Bill, which just passed out of the House with bipartisan support. The Farm Bill granted specialty crop growers, including New Mexico grape growers, $1 billion to protect their crops and supported critical programs to help these producers stay competitive amidst instability caused by climate change and the President’s trade wars. Fighting for Affordable Housing in Southern New Mexico Later in the day, Rep. Vasquez met with staff and toured Solitaire Homes’ factory to discuss efforts to boost New Mexico’s housing supply and address the housing affordability crisis. During the visit, the Congressman met with employees and company leadership to discuss housing demand, manufactured housing production, and federal efforts to make homeownership more affordable for hardworking New Mexicans. Rep. Vasquez also highlighted his support of the biparti… | 1 | 2026-06-12T06:37:16Z | 2026-06-12T06:39:00Z |
| https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-stansbury-and-joyce-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-address-us-rural | Reps. Stansbury and Joyce Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Address the U.S. Rural Healthcare Crisis | 2026-05-22 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | House | NM | Melanie A. Stansbury | S001218 | stansbury.house.gov | stansbury | https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON D.C. — Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) and Congressman John Joyce (R-PA) introduced the SURS Extension Act, to continue a vital federal program called Small, Underserved, and Rural Support (SURS)—which helps support small, rural healthcare clinics and practices across the U.S. Across the U.S., more than 43 million Americans do not have access to basic healthcare services. As rural clinics struggle to stay open due to ongoing financial pressures and workforce challenges, the SURS Extension Act addresses these challenges by providing technical support to clinics in underserved areas. This includes help participating in Medicare programs that help keep communities healthy. “Our healthcare providers in New Mexico and across the country are the backbone of our communities. Yet, far too many of our rural health care providers are struggling to continue to provide care,” said Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury. “The SURS Extension Act will help continue to support small clinics and practices across New Mexico--especially those in our rural communities where it is needed most.” "Rural practitioners confront a variety of challenges unique to their individual practice settings on a daily basis," said Congressman John Joyce, M.D. “The SURS Extension Act will provide necessary support for small practices in complying with complex Medicare reporting requirements so they can remain focused on delivering high quality care for our seniors." "As the healthcare system shifts towards value-based care and focuses on quality over volume, it is imperative that rural providers and patients are not left behind,” said Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association. “That is why the SURS Act is critical. The National Rural Health Association thanks Representatives Stansbury and Joyce for introducing this legislation and ensuring that small and rural providers have technical assistance available to help them participate in the Quality Payment Program.” “Rural and underserved providers and communities are faci… | 1 | 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z | 2026-06-27T22:21:02Z |
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[text] TEXT,
[has_text] INTEGER,
[collected_at] TEXT,
[updated_at] TEXT
);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_date]
ON [releases] ([date]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_year]
ON [releases] ([year]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_party]
ON [releases] ([party]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_chamber]
ON [releases] ([chamber]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_state]
ON [releases] ([state]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_bioguide_id]
ON [releases] ([bioguide_id]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_has_text]
ON [releases] ([has_text]);