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1,335 rows where chamber = "House", state = "NM" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending

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  • 2017 · 1,335 ✖

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https://pearce.house.gov/press-release/pearce-putting-american-taxpayer-and-economy-first PEARCE: PUTTING THE AMERICAN TAXPAYER AND ECONOMY FIRST 2017-12-29 2017 2017-12 Republican House NM Steve Pearce P000588 pearce.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC (December 29,2017)Congressman Steve Pearce today released the following statement after the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced its decision to rescind their hydraulic fracturing rule in an effort to reduce burdensome federal regulations that hinder energy development and economic growth: I applaud the BLM today for putting the American economy and taxpayer first by rescinding this unnecessary regulation. Many of these Obama-era environmental rules were duplicative in nature and made in order solely to cripple energy production on federal lands. This doesnt better preserve our environment, but cuts off sources of revenues for states like New Mexico who rely on the production and development of resources to support our teachers, infrastructure, and more. From the very beginning, federal courts declared that the BLM did not have the proper authority to regulate hydraulic fracturing on public lands. By rescinding the rule altogether, the BLM upholds the rule of law and moves the nation closer towards becoming less reliant on foreign energy production. With that, New Mexico can once again have the opportunity to become a leader in energy development. Background On June 21, 2016, the U.S. District Court of Wyoming issued a final rule blocking the hydraulic fracturing rule from being implemented, stating the BLM doesnt have proper authority to do so without congressional action. This decision by the BLM to publish a final rule rescinding the hydraulic fracturing rule follows Executive Order 13771 that requires agencies to reduce regulatory compliance costs. To view the announcement by BLM on the final rule, click here. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pearce.house.gov/press-release/icymi-pearce-daca-bill-picks-local-support ICYMI: PEARCE DACA BILL PICKS UP LOCAL SUPPORT 2017-12-28 2017 2017-12 Republican House NM Steve Pearce P000588 pearce.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC (December 11, 2017) Congressman Steve Pearce introduced legislation earlier this month to provide certainty to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. Rep. Pearces proposal has gained traction throughout local news outlets in New Mexico. Pearce DACA bill good faith compromise Las Cruces Sun News December 8, 2017 having a bill ready to go that was introduced by a Republican member may be the best hope to ensure that those who signed up for this program in good faith dont suddenly have the information they provided to the government used against them. We credit U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce for taking the initiative in introducing compromise legislation to deal with one of this areas most pressing legislative issue Click here to read the full article. Pearce proposes compromise on DACA recipients Albuquerque Journal December 1, 2017 Rep. Steve Pearce, a Republican who represents New Mexicos border with Mexico, filed legislation late Thursday that would allow the children of parents who came to the U.S. illegally a chance to remain in the country lawfully... The move represents a proposed compromise between Democrats and President Donald Trumps administration, which has announced it would end the Obama-era DACA program... An estimated 800,000 young peoples legal status is in limbo. Click here to read the full article. Editorial: Pearces Dreamers bill offers interim solution Albuquerque Journal December 8, 2017 Its a reasonable alternative to President Donald Trumps mandate that DACA expire on March 6. his proposal takes the pressure off those immigrants facing Trumps March 6 deadline. It also gives Congress time to craft solutions to the nations unmanageable immigration system As an interim solution to the numerous and vexing problems of immigration, Pearces bill has merit. Pearces bill has merit. But the real work lies ahead. Click here to read the full editorial. Pearce bill would protect DREAMers from deportation Las Cruces Sun News December 1, 2017 U.S. Rep. St… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/in-the-news-bill-proposes-adding-protection-for-native-american-children-officers IN THE NEWS: Bill proposes adding protection for Native American children, officers 2017-12-26 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy Noel Lyn Smith, nsmith@daily-times.com Published 10:00 p.m. MT Dec. 26, 2017 Shiprock Chapter President Duane "Chili" Yazzie, left, talks with U.S. Sen. Tom Udall during a Sept. 2017 visit to Shiprock. Udall introduced a bill Dec. 14 designed to further develop tribal jurisdiction provisions in the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.(Photo11: Daily Times file photo)FARMINGTON A federal measure introduced this month proposes increasing protection for Native American children and tribal policeinvolved in domestic violence incidents on tribal lands. The Native Youth and Tribal Officer Protection Act would further develop the tribal jurisdiction provisions in the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act by expanding protectionto children and law enforcement personnel. The bill also calls for enhancing victim resources for tribal communities. In March 2013, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act was signed into law. It recognizes tribes' authority to exercise jurisdiction over natives and non-natives who commit acts of domestic violence, dating violence or criminally violate protection orders. The 2013 act did not allow tribes to arrest or prosecute offenders for threatening or committing domestic violence against children or committing violence against officers responding to such incidents. U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., introduced the bill on Dec. 14 and it was referred to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. "There are far too many desperate stories illustrating how Native American women, children and law enforcement are caught up in acts of domestic violence while the perpetrator goes unpunished. The failure to shield these individuals from violence should outrage us all," Udall said in a press release from his office. "With this bill, we can close a dark and desperate loophole in tribal criminal jurisdiction," Udall said. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., are cosponsoring the bill. "I am pleased to join with my colleagues in expanding this j… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/in-the-news-new-mexicos-best-and-brightest-nominated-for-us-service-academies IN THE NEWS: New Mexico's 'best and brightest' nominated for U.S. service academies 2017-12-25 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy Albuquerque Jounral Published 10:59 a.m. MT Dec. 25, 2017 Buy PhotoU.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M.(Photo11: Robin Zielinski / Sun-News)Buy PhotoALBUQUERQUE- U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., is saluting the 50 New Mexico students he has nominated to attend a U.S. service academy in 2018. Students receiving a nod completed a competitive application process, including an interview with the senator's Military Academy Service Panels, according to a news release. "These students represent New Mexico's best and brightest, and I wish them luck as they continue with the admissions process," Udall said in a statement. "(They) ... have demonstrated strong leadership in both their academic and extracurricular endeavors, as well as a commitment to serve -- a true testament to their character and motivation." A congressional, vice-presidential or service-connected nomination is required for admission to a U.S. service academy. Nominated to West Point were: Micah Bibb of Albuquerque, Ainsley Burrell of Albuquerque, Robert "Frankie" Coyle of Albuquerque, Tyler Pittman of Albuquerque and Adam Winters of Albuquerque; Travis Alarcon of Roswell; Annika Davenport of Los Alamos; Cameron Kuykendall of Clovis; Lauren Naranjo of Espaola; and August Rannow of White Sands. Nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy were: Henry Berry of Albuquerque, Eric Howe of Albuquerque and Caleb Meyer-Hagen of Albuquerque; Joseph Heinlein of Tome; Brittany Holden-Rhodes of Placitas; Gabriella Mayes of Rio Rancho; Ryan Ortiz of Las Cruces; Thomas Smith of Bosque Farms; Brenden Strickland of Hobbs; and Landry Truex of Portales. Nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy were: Benjamin Dallas of Albuquerque, Marisa Granados of Albuquerque, Sean Jahner of Albuquerque, Adam Kedge of Albuquerque, Markus Parrish of Albuquerque, Joshua Pavek of Albuquerque, Luca Seazzu of Albuquerque and Grace White of Albuquerque; Andrea Almodovar of Rio Rancho, Justin Cabiltes of Rio Rancho, Justin Hontanosas of Rio Rancho, and Angelina Lopez of Rio Rancho; Jacqueline Cerv… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/in-the-news-trumps-controversial-epa-nominee-withdraws-following-gop-objections IN THE NEWS: Trumps controversial EPA nominee withdraws following GOP objections 2017-12-24 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy Michael Dourson, a researcher whose work had been frequently used by chemical companies to downplay the hazards posed by their products, has withdrawn his name from consideration to oversee the Environmental Protection Agency's chemical safety division. Dourson became the target of substantial opposition from both Democrats and public health advocacy groups when his nomination was announced, according to NBC News. The concern was that, because he had spent decades conducting research that chemicals companies used to allay public concerns about the safety risks posed by their products, Dourson might not be impartial enough to effectively serve the public's interest in his position at the Environmental Protection Agency. His relationship with close relationship with the American Chemistry Council was apparently so egregious thatRepublican Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis of North Carolinacame out in opposition to his his nomination last month. Republican Sen. Susan Collins also stated that she was leaning against him. "Instead of draining the swamp, [Trump] has filled it up with some of the swampiest creatures ever. And it keeps getting scarier Michael Dourson might be the worst yet. Dr. Dourson has made a career of creating junk science for industry," Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., said in November. His concerns were echoed by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. "We need someone who's going to be a watchdog, not a lapdog for the special-interest chemical industry and other producers of contaminants and substances that can literally kill people, or stunt the growth of children, or make people sick," Blumenthal said at the time. Dourson's nomination never reached the point where it was scheduled for a confirmation vote. Sen. Thomas Carper, D-Del., mounted a behind-the-scenes effort to convince his colleagues to reject Dourson's nomination, according to The New York Times. Dourson notified the White House on Wednesday that he was withdrawing his name. "I sincerely believe he is the wrong person to hold this important pos… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lujan.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=4707 Lujn and Schakowsky Urge Federal Trade Commission to Scrutinize Uber's Handling of Data Breach Involving 57 Million Customers 2017-12-22 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Ben Luján L000570 lujan.house.gov     legacy [WASHINGTON, DC] Reps. Ben Ray Lujn (D-NM) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) this week sent a letter to the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) expressing significant concerns regarding Ubers privacy and security practices. Earlier this year, Uber and the federal government reached an agreement to address privacy and data security violations. However, while the company was negotiating this settlement, it was also concealing a massive data breach involving more than 57 million consumers and Uber drivers. The lawmakers letter urges the FTC to consider reopening the case and re-evaluate the adequacy of the remedies imposed on Uber in the settlement. In the letter, Lujn and Schakowsky wrote: We write to express our concern regarding recent revelations that Uber Technologies, Inc. was actively concealing a massive data breach at the same time it was negotiating a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for poor privacy and data security practices. Instead of notifying law enforcement and the public of the breach, Uber paid the hackers a $100,000 ransom in exchange for an agreement to destroy the stolen information and keep the incident secret. Uber took steps to conceal the incident by pushing the hackers to sign nondisclosure agreements and disguising the ransom as legitimate payments from a bug bounty program. . . At the same time that Uber was covering up the 2016 breach, the company was negotiating a consent agreement with FTC to address earlier privacy and data security violations. Uber's conduct indicates a troubling pattern of disregard for accountability and transparency with respect to its handling of users personal information . . . Uber has also repeatedly deceived the public about its privacy practices. Lujan and Schakowsky also posed a series of detailed questions regarding Ubers past actions and asked the FTC to provide them with an official briefing on the matter. Full text of the letter is below: -30- December 21, 2017 Maureen K. Ohlhausen … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pearce.house.gov/press-release/pearce-statement-trump-signing-historic-tax-plan-law PEARCE STATEMENT ON TRUMP SIGNING HISTORIC TAX PLAN INTO LAW 2017-12-22 2017 2017-12 Republican House NM Steve Pearce P000588 pearce.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. (December 22, 2017)Congressman Steve Pearce released the following statement after President Trump signed the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act into law: For the first time in 31 years, our nations tax code is going to see a complete overhaul, putting more money back in the pockets of hard-working taxpayers. The nations complex and antiquated tax code has made it harder for families, when it should be working to help them. For a business, taxes can be the difference between keeping the doors open or closing up shop. By signing this bill into law today, we will see a more fair and simple tax code that creates jobs, raises wages, and reduces taxes across the board. This means you get to decide what to do with more of your heard-earned money. Background Major companies announced new investments moments after the tax reform bill was sent to the Presidents desk. AT&T said they plan on investing $1 billion in the U.S. next year, and a bonus of $1,000 to over 200,000 employees. Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg also praised the passing of the tax bill by Congress, announcing the company would take action to encourage innovation and growth by making a $300 million employee-related and charitable investment. The final version of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act includes: Lowers individual tax rates to 0%, 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37% Nearly doubles the standard deduction from $6,500 and $13,000 under current law to $12,000 and $24,000 for individuals and married couples, respectively Allows people to write off state and local taxes up to $10,000 Expands the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 Preserves the mortgage interest deduction up to $750,000 for first and second homes Lowers corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% to create a more competitive environment Expands medical expense deduction Maintains Earned Income Tax Credit Retains retirement savings options Maintains tax exempt status of graduate student tuition waivers Maintains tax exempt status of Private Activity Bonds for low-income housing Repeals … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-tillis-and-heinrich-bill-to-help-american-consumers-by-modifying-product-regulations Senate Unanimously Passes Tillis & Heinrich Bill To Help American Consumers By Modifying Product Regulations 2017-12-22 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy Senate Unanimously Passes Tillis & Heinrich Bill To Help American Consumers By Modifying Product Regulations Friday, December 22, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. This week, the Senate unanimously passed the Ceiling Fan Energy Conservation Harmonization Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) that modifies the implementation of two upcoming regulations that would have passed on new costs to millions of American consumers if left unchanged. There are currently two efficiency requirement regulations on ceiling fans that will begin enforcement one year apart from each other: light bulbs in January 2019 and motors in January 2020. These misaligned dates could create a significant problem for the industry when multiplied over thousands of stores, supply chain lead times, redundant employee work hours, and the transition of inventory. The separate timing of the regulations could result in wasted time and cost tens of millions of dollars in total resources, including duplicative labor, labeling, testing, and reversing and replacing product models. This would ultimately harm affordability and availability for American consumers. The Tillis-Heinrich legislation makes a simple change to streamline the enforcement of both regulations to the 2020 date, avoiding wasteful costs that could have been passed onto Americans families. The residential ceiling fan market is roughly $1.8 billion, with 15 million units moved annually. The House companion version of the Ceiling Fan Energy Conservation Harmonization Act was introduced by Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC-8) and G.K. Butterfield (D-NC-1). The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power included the bill in a hearing last month. Energy efficiency standards for ceiling fans and other appliances are a proven way to help consumers save money on their utility bills, while also lowering emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants,said Senator Heinrich.Im glad this b… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lujan.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=4706 Lujn Statement on Republican Short-Term CR 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Ben Luján L000570 lujan.house.gov     legacy [WASHINGTON, DC] Congressman Ben Ray Lujn (D-NM) today issued the following statement shortly after voting against the Republican short-term CR: For the past month, Congressional Republicans have been completely preoccupied with ramming through a tax bill that showers tax breaks on corporations and the wealthiest Americans. Despite controlling the White House, the House of Representatives, and the Senate, Republicans have advanced yet another stop-gap spending bill that makes a complete mess of the very basics of governing and fails the American people. The bill does not include a long-term reauthorization of the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Any short term extension threatens childrens health coverage. States are already running out of money and freezing their programs putting at risk 9 million children and families who depend on the program. This bill also breaks the Presidents promise to protect young people who were brought to this country as small children from deportation by not including the bipartisan DREAM Act. Republicans will allow thousands of young people to live in fear of being deported during the holidays.Tearing families apart to achieve a political end does not reflect American values. In addition, by failing to bolster their Medicaid programs, the Republican disaster supplemental short-changes the hurricane ravaged areas of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Congressional Republicans want to pass this bill and go home for the holidays. I cannot support a bill that leaves so many urgent needs unaddressed. The American people deserve better and I am willing to stay and work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle until we get this right. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lujangrisham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujan-grisham-s-statement-funding-bill-fails-american-priorities Lujan Grishams Statement on Funding Bill that Fails American Priorities 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Michelle Lujan Grisham L000580 lujangrisham.house.gov     legacy For Immediate Release: December 21, 2017 Lujan Grishams Statement on Funding Bill that Fails American Priorities WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Michelle Lujan Grisham released the following statement after voting against a funding bill that fails to resolve several national priorities, including reauthorizing the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), protecting Dreamers, and strengthening national security. I cannot vote to kick the can down the road on life-threatening issues that Congress has known about and left unaddressed for months. Nine million children are at risk of losing health care as states run out of CHIP funding; 122 Dreamers are losing protection and are at risk of deportation every day; veterans continue to lack timely, quality health care and services; our national laboratories and homeland security programs do not have the funding they need to accomplish their national security mission; and countless Americans in Puerto Rico are waiting for emergency support for their stretched Medicaid programs as they try to recover from Hurricane Maria. It is irresponsible, cruel, and heartless for Congress to leave Washington to go back with their families, while so many Americans are left abandoned. The American people deserve better than governing by chaos. The House voted in favor of the stopgap measure, 231-188. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pearce.house.gov/press-release/icymi-companies-announce-new-investments-after-tax-reform-bill-passes-congress ICYMI: COMPANIES ANNOUNCE NEW INVESTMENTS AFTER TAX REFORM BILL PASSES CONGRESS 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Republican House NM Steve Pearce P000588 pearce.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. (December 20, 2017)Not long after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to send the tax reform bill onto the Presidents desk, AT&T announced they will invest $1 billion more in the United States in 2018, and will pay a special bonus of $1,000 to over 200,000 of their U.S. employees. AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson said in a statement: This tax reform will drive economic growth and create good-paying jobs. In fact, we will increase our U.S. investment and pay a special bonus to our U.S. employees." Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg also praised the passing of the tax bill by Congress, announcing the company would take action to encourage innovation and growth by making a $300 million employee-related and charitable investment: "For Boeing, the reforms enable us to better compete on the world stage and give us a stronger foundation for the investment in innovation, facilities and skills that will support our long-term growth. This is proof that tax reform will put confidence back into the nations economy. It will also drive growth that we havent seen in decades. With economic success comes more good-paying jobs for not only New Mexicans, but people across the nation. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pearce.house.gov/press-release/new-mexico-delegation-announces-disaster-declaration-help-pueblo-acoma-recover-october New Mexico Delegation Announces Disaster Declaration To Help Pueblo Of Acoma Recover From October Storms 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Republican House NM Steve Pearce P000588 pearce.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 21, 2017) U.S. Representatives Steve Pearce, Ben Ray Lujn, and Michelle Lujan Grisham and Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced a major disaster declaration has been issued for the Pueblo of Acoma to provide federal aid for the severe storm and flooding that occurred between October 4 and October 6, 2017. The lawmakers sent a letter to the President earlier this month asking for prompt action on the Pueblo of Acomas request for help with hazard mitigation and to repair public infrastructure damaged by severe weather and flooding. The storm caused extreme damage to tribal infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and sewer lines. The piled-up debris and wreckage created treacherous driving conditions along 10 miles of roads and bridges, isolating parts of the Pueblo lands from the rest of the territory. This funding will provide relief for the Pueblo of Acoma as they recover from severe storms and flooding, which damaged crucial infrastructure like roads, bridges, and sewer lines, Udall said. I appreciate that the administration responded swiftly to the New Mexico delegations request for this urgently needed assistance. Ill keep working to ensure that the federal government honors its obligations to Tribes and works to protect the land, resources and livelihoods of Native communities like the Pueblo of Acoma." The October storm had a severe impact on the everyday lives of the Acoma community. Im pleased our call for federal assistance was promptly answered to help the Pueblo recover and rebuild, Heinrich said. When disaster strikes in New Mexico, it requires this kind of full and coordinated approach to provide affected communities the support they need. In October, severe weather and flooding caused devastating damage to the Pueblo of Acoma. The government has a responsibility to assist in these recovery efforts for the future success of the Pueblo, Pearce said. I thank my colleagues in the New Mexico Delegation and the Administration for guaranteeing federal disaster assistance wi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pearce.house.gov/press-release/pearce-we-cannot-lose-sight-bigger-picture PEARCE: WE CANNOT LOSE SIGHT OF THE BIGGER PICTURE 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Republican House NM Steve Pearce P000588 pearce.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. (December 21, 2017)Congressman Steve Pearce released the following statement after voting to pass the continuing resolution to fund the government through January 19, 2018: We have a responsibility in Congress to fund the government, and I could not stand by while Washington votes to shut down operations just one day after passing historic legislation that will revitalize our nations economy. I am disappointed that as a government, we failed to complete a core responsibility. It is reckless to continue to pass short-term, patchwork spending bills that do little to provide certainty for our government agencies, nations defense, and businesses. This bill, however, contained important funding for vital programs that affect the day-to-day lives many people in New Mexico, and across the nation. By passing this extension today, Congress waives the pay-as-you-go law to prevent a sequester from taking place, ensuring the economy-boosting tax plan will be able to benefit families and businesses across the nation. We are already seeing major support for this tax plan come in from companies announcing new investments in the coming year along with pay raises for U.S. employees. This tax plan, once signed into law, has the ability and strength to significantly benefit New Mexican families, help grow and expand small business, and revitalize our nations manufacturing industries. Overall, we cannot lose sight of the bigger picture people, families, and local job creators in New Mexico will see greater opportunities to keep their hard-earned money once the tax reform gets signed into law. For the first time in 31 years, Congress has delivered necessary tax relief to middle-income people and families who are tired of working hard and seeing little in return. This funding bill, while far from perfect, will ensure that programs like the Childrens Health Insurance Program will continue to receive the crucial funding they need for people throughout the nation. In the coming weeks, I will continue to work hard with… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-joins-lankford-to-introduce-major-bipartisan-election-security-bill Heinrich Joins Lankford To Introduce Major Bipartisan Election Security Bill 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy Heinrich Joins Lankford To Introduce Major Bipartisan Election Security Bill Bill Would Protect Against Foreign Interference of Future Elections Thursday, December 21, 2017 Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) joined U.S. Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) in introducing the bipartisanSecure Elections Act, a bill to strengthen election cybersecurity in America and protect against foreign interference in future elections. During the 2016 election, intelligence reports have factually established that Russia hacked presidential campaign accounts, launched cyberattacks against at least 21 state election systems, and attacked a US voting systems software company. While there is no evidence that a single vote outcome was tampered with, this dangerous precedent should be a wake-up call as we head into the 2018 election cycle.To protect against these threats, the Secure Elections Act streamlines cybersecurity information-sharing between federal intelligence entities and state election agencies; provides security clearances to state election officials; and provides support for state election cybersecurity operations. This bipartisan solution to fix these existing problems aims to bolster our election systems against future threats while protecting states primacy in running elections. Our democracy hinges on protecting Americans' ability to fairly choose our own leaders. We must do everything we can to protect the security and integrity of our elections,said Heinrich.As a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I remain committed to uncovering the full extent of Russia's interference in the 2016 election and ensuring that we create protections against similar actions from foreign actors going forward. The U.S. needs to improve and modernize protections for our voting systems, registration data, and ballots to prevent theft, manipulation, and malicious computer hack… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-continuing-resolution-to-prevent-government-shutdown Heinrich Statement On Continuing Resolution To Prevent Government Shutdown 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy ALBUQUERQUE 400 Gold Avenue SW, Ste. 1080 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102 p: (505) 346-6601 f: (505) 346-6780 Get Directions FARMINGTON 7450 East Main St., Ste. A Farmington, NM 87402 p: (505) 325-5030 f: (505) 325-6035 Get Directions LAS CRUCES Loretto Towne Center 505 South Main St., Ste. 148 Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001 p: (575) 523-6561 f: (575) 523-6584 Get Directions ROSWELL 200 East 4th St., Ste. 300 Roswell, New Mexico 88201 p: (575) 622-7113 f: (575) 622-3538 Get Directions SANTA FE 123 East Marcy St., Ste 103 Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 p: (505) 988-6647 f: (505) 992-8435 Get Directions WASHINGTON, D.C. 303 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 p: (202) 224-5521 f: (202) 228-2841 Get Directions 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/nm-delegation-announces-disaster-declaration-to-help-pueblo-of-acoma-recover-from-october-storms NM Delegation Announces Disaster Declaration To Help Pueblo Of Acoma Recover From October Storms 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy NM Delegation Announces Disaster Declaration To Help Pueblo Of Acoma Recover From October Storms Lawmakers had requested expedited action to help Acoma recover from October storm damage Thursday, December 21, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Reps. Steve Pearce, Ben Ray Lujn and Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a major disaster declaration has been issued for the Pueblo of Acoma to provide federal aid for the severe storm and flooding that occurred between October 4 and October 6, 2017. The lawmakers sent aletterto the President earlier this month asking for prompt action on the Pueblo of Acomas request for help with hazard mitigation and to repair public infrastructure damaged by severe weather and flooding. The storm caused extreme damage to tribal infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and sewer lines. The piled-up debris and wreckage created treacherous driving conditions along 10 miles of roads and bridges, isolating parts of the Pueblo lands from the rest of the territory. This funding will provide relief for the Pueblo of Acoma as they recover from severe storms and flooding, which damaged crucial infrastructure like roads, bridges, and sewer lines,Udall said.I appreciate that the administration responded swiftly to the New Mexico delegations request for this urgently needed assistance. Ill keep working to ensure that the federal government honors its obligations to Tribes and works to protect the land, resources and livelihoods of Native communities like the Pueblo of Acoma." The October storm had a severe impact on the everyday lives of the Acoma community. Im pleased our call for federal assistance was promptly answered to help the Pueblo recover and rebuild,Heinrich said.When disaster strikes in New Mexico, it requires this kind of full and coordinated approach to provide affected communities the support they need. In October, severe weather and flooding caused devastating damage to the Pueblo of Acoma. The gover… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/ro-grande-del-norte-wilderness-bill-passes-the-senate-unanimously Río Grande del Norte Wilderness Bill Passes The Senate Unanimously 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy Ro Grande del Norte Wilderness Bill Passes The Senate Unanimously Thursday, December 21, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resource, led in advancing legislation to protect wilderness within the Ro Grande del Norte National Monument northwest of Taos, New Mexico. TheCerro del Yuta and Rio San Antonio Wilderness Act, introduced by Senator Heinrich and U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), passed the full Senate today with unanimous support. The bill establishes two new wilderness areas, the Cerro del Yuta Wilderness and Rio San Antonio Wilderness, within the Ro Grande del Norte National Monument. "From the tops of Cerro de la Olla and UteMountain,to the depths of the Rio Grande Gorge, the Ro Grande del Norte is one of the most spectacular places on earth,"Heinrich said."New Mexico's community-driven monuments permanently protected iconic landscapes that have long been revered. This legislation will further complete the vision of the diverse coalition and stakeholders who fought so hard to protect the Ro Grande del Norte National Monument and will preserve traditional practices and boost New Mexico's growing outdoor recreation economy. By designating the most rugged and unique habitat inthe Ro Grande del Norte as wilderness, we can protect New Mexico's natural heritage for our children and for generations to come." Designating the Cerro del Yuta and Rio San Antonio areas as wilderness is a final step toward protecting the Ro Grande del Norte's deep heritage, traditional practices and treasured landscapes that Northern New Mexicans and countless visitors have cherished for generations, Udall said. Passage of this bill is thanks to the strong grassroots network of supporters and the coalition of local stakeholders including sportsmen and small business owners who have worked for years to create this monument and preserve these special places for generations to come. The Ro Grande del Norte National Mo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/nm-delegation-announces-disaster-declaration-to-help-pueblo-of-acoma-recover-from-october-storms NM Delegation Announces Disaster Declaration to Help Pueblo of Acoma Recover from October Storms 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy December 21, 2017 NM Delegation Announces Disaster Declaration to Help Pueblo of Acoma Recover from October Storms Lawmakers had requested expedited action to help Acoma recover from October storm damage WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Reps. Steve Pearce, Ben Ray Lujn and Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a major disaster declaration has been issued for the Pueblo of Acoma to provide federal aid for the severe storm and flooding that occurred between October 4 and October 6, 2017. The lawmakers sent a letter to the President earlier this month asking for prompt action on the Pueblo of Acomas request for help with hazard mitigation and to repair public infrastructure damaged by severe weather and flooding. The storm caused extreme damage to tribal infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and sewer lines. The piled-up debris and wreckage created treacherous driving conditions along 10 miles of roads and bridges, isolating parts of the Pueblo lands from the rest of the territory. This funding will provide relief for the Pueblo of Acoma as they recover from severe storms and flooding, which damaged crucial infrastructure like roads, bridges, and sewer lines, Udall said. I appreciate that the administration responded swiftly to the New Mexico delegations request for this urgently needed assistance. Ill keep working to ensure that the federal government honors its obligations to Tribes and works to protect the land, resources and livelihoods of Native communities like the Pueblo of Acoma." The October storm had a severe impact on the everyday lives of the Acoma community. Im pleased our call for federal assistance was promptly answered to help the Pueblo recover and rebuild, Heinrich said. When disaster strikes in New Mexico, it requires this kind of full and coordinated approach to provide affected communities the support they need. In October, severe weather and flooding caused… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ro-grande-del-norte-wilderness-bill-passes-the-senate-unanimously Ro Grande del Norte Wilderness Bill Passes the Senate Unanimously 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy December 21, 2017 Ro Grande del Norte Wilderness Bill Passes the Senate Unanimously WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced that their legislation to protect wilderness within the Ro Grande del Norte National Monument northwest of Taos, N.M., has passed the Senate with unanimous support. The bill establishes two new wilderness areas, the Cerro del Yuta Wilderness and Rio San Antonio Wilderness, within the Ro Grande del Norte National Monument. Designating the Cerro del Yuta and Rio San Antonio areas as wilderness is a final step toward protecting the Ro Grande del Norte's deep heritage, traditional practices and treasured landscapes that Northern New Mexicans and countless visitors have cherished for generations, Udall said. Passage of this bill is thanks to the strong grassroots network of supporters and the coalition of local stakeholders including sportsmen and small business owners who have worked for years to create this monument and preserve these special places for generations to come. "From the tops of Cerro de la Olla and Ute Mountain, to the depths of the Rio Grande Gorge, the Ro Grande del Norte is one of the most spectacular places on earth," Heinrich said. "New Mexico's community-driven monuments permanently protected iconic landscapes that have long been revered. This legislation will further complete the vision of the diverse coalition and stakeholders who fought so hard to protect the Ro Grande del Norte National Monument and will preserve traditional practices and boost New Mexico's growing outdoor recreation economy. By designating the most rugged and unique habitat in the Ro Grande del Norte as wilderness, we can protect New Mexico's natural heritage for our children and for generations to come." The Ro Grande del Norte National Monument is widely supported by Taos county residents, who have seen major economic activity since designation in 2013. A year after the national monument was designated, it was reported that the town of Taos lodgers' tax reve… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-statement-on-vote-for-stopgap-measure-to-keep-the-government-open Udall Statement on Vote for Stopgap Measure to Keep the Government Open 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy December 21, 2017 Udall Statement on Vote for Stopgap Measure to Keep the Government Open Congress now must act in January to stop sequester, fund CHIP, and protect DREAMers WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall voted for the continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government funded through Jan. 19, 2018. In addition to continuing federal funding into next year, the measure waives so-called PAYGO laws to prevent a $136 billion cut to Medicare, state mineral leasing payments, farm bill payments, and other critical funding in 2018. Waiving PAYGO was necessary to offset massive budget cuts caused by President Trump and the Republicans tax cut, which will cost $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years. Udall issued the following statement: New Mexicans are furious that Republicans and President Trump have spent the past year dead set on undermining working families by sabotaging health care, trying to defund Medicaid for millions of Americans, attacking our public lands, stacking the courts with unqualified and extreme judges, and passing a massive tax cut that benefits their billionaire campaign donors and corporations and that even provides an unprecedented windfall for President Trump and his family. Trump and the Republicans have ended this year with health care for 9 million children at risk, funding for other crucial health programs lapsed, no action on the DREAM Act, and people in hurricane- and wildfire-ravaged states and territories still waiting for disaster aid. I have been fighting for months to reauthorize and fully fund the Childrens Health Insurance Program, community health centers, the Special Diabetes Program for Indians, and the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program. I am angry and frustrated that Republicans chose to pursue tax cuts for billionaires while 800,000 young DREAMers feel that their world is crashing around them. It is unforgivable that people in Puerto Rico… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lujan.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=4705 Congressman Lujn and Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Help Drive Investment in New Energy Technologies 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Ben Luján L000570 lujan.house.gov     legacy [WASHINGTON, DC] Congressman Ben Ray Lujn (D-NM), along with fellow House member Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) and U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE.) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) today introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation, the IMPACT for Energy Act, to establish a nonprofit foundation for the U.S. Department of Energy that would channel private-sector investments and accelerate the commercialization of innovative technologies in energy. Research and development (R&D) drives innovation and accounts for nearly 7% of the United States real GDP growth. However, recent declines in research funding have jeopardized U.S. economic competitiveness. For example, from 2008 to 2013, venture capital funding in energy startups fell by 60% and resulted in a steep decline in the development of these important startup companies. Unlike other sectors, the energy sector has several unique challenges to innovation including requiring high capital needs, long development times, the need to overcome incumbent technologies, and operating within a shifting regulatory environment. Addressing these challenges requires partnerships with government, industry, startups, and outside funding organizations. This bill establishes a nonprofit foundation to engage with the private sector to raise funds that support the creation, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies that address tomorrows energy challenges. The non-profit foundation created by this bill will serve as the ideal framework to organize, connect, and coordinate a diverse group of partners from government, industry and the venture capital sectors, said Congressman Lujn.Similar foundations at the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have all demonstrated that they can raise tens of millions of private sector dollars towards cutting-edge research and innovation. This foundation will complement and enhance the agencys mission, leverage the work of our national laboratories and enable new… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lujangrisham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujan-grisham-introduces-land-grants-mercedes-conservation-program Lujan Grisham Introduces Land Grants-Mercedes Conservation Program Eligibility Act 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Michelle Lujan Grisham L000580 lujangrisham.house.gov     legacy For Immediate Release: December 20, 2017 Lujan Grisham Introduces Land Grants-Mercedes Conservation Program Eligibility Act WASHINGTON D.C. Yesterday, U.S. Representative Lujan Grisham introduced the Land Grants-Mercedes Conservation Program Eligibility Act (H.R. 4688). The bill will make land grants throughout New Mexico eligible to apply for conservation program funding administered by the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). I am proud to recognize land grants as an integral part of New Mexicosagricultural community and culture,saidRep. Lujan Grisham. That is why I introduced this bill to enable land grants to apply for NRCS funding. By making this addition to the Farm Bill, land grants will be able to enhance conservation practices on their common lands. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Agriculture Committee to pass this important bill. The bill allows NRCS to enter into alternative funding arrangements with land grants. NRCS may enter into these arrangements to provide funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). NRCS may also provide technical and administrative assistance to ensure successful implementation of these funds. Land grant communities are part of the unique cultural and agricultural heritage of New Mexico, said Juan Snchez, Chairman of the New Mexico Land Grant Council. Land grant governing bodies have managed their common lands for the benefit of their local communities for centuries. Making community land grants eligible for programs likeEQIP provides access to important resources that will further conservation and restoration efforts on land grant common lands, as well as generate new community and economic development opportunities. These activities will positively impact the socio-economic and ecological health of rural communities throughout New Mexico, and will provide lasting benefits fo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lujangrisham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujan-grisham-responds-gop-tax-bill-passage-house Lujan Grisham Responds To GOP Tax Bill Passage in the House 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Michelle Lujan Grisham L000580 lujangrisham.house.gov     legacy For Immediate Release: December 19, 2017 Lujan Grisham Responds To GOP Tax Bill Passage in the House WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Michelle Lujan Grisham voted today against the GOP tax bill that would add $2 trillion to federal deficits as well as increase taxes on working families. Apart from voting against legislation stripping health care for millions of Americans, this bill is the most destructive and immoral piece of legislation I have voted against since serving in Congress. The bills $2 trillion price tag would trigger devastating automatic cuts that will be used by Republicans to justify ransacking Medicare, Medicaid, work training services, or agricultural programs that the New Mexico economy depends on. It further erodes the financial security of countless New Mexico middle-class families by increasing their taxes and health care premiums, in order to help massive corporations pad their profits and reward their wealthy investors. Shockingly, it actually gives new tax incentives to corporations outsourcing jobs overseas and concentrates 83 percent of its benefits in just the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans. I firmly believe that New Mexico desperately needs bi-partisan tax reform to boost our sluggish economy. We have the third highest unemployment rate in the nation, half of our population is on Medicaid, and one in every four New Mexico children do not know where their next meal is coming from. New Mexicans deserve a tax package that prioritizes middle-class families and small businesses; lifts families out of poverty; increases targeted investments in education and innovation; and incentivizes businesses to grow wages and create jobs. That is the economic vision that I have been and will continue to fight for. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pearce.house.gov/press-release/pearce-congratulates-joel-carson-new-mexico-nomination-us-court-appeals PEARCE CONGRATULATES JOEL CARSON OF NEW MEXICO ON NOMINATION TO U.S. COURT OF APPEALS 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Republican House NM Steve Pearce P000588 pearce.house.gov     legacy PEARCE CONGRATULATES JOEL CARSON OF NEW MEXICO ON NOMINATION TO U.S. COURT OF APPEALS Dec 20, 2017 Washington, D.C. (December 20, 2017) Congressman Steve Pearce released the following statement after President Trump nominated Joel M. Carson III of New Mexico to serve as Circuit Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit: I congratulate Joel Carson of New Mexico on being nominated to serve as a Circuit Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. I am confident that Joel will serve in this highly respected position with honor and integrity. I appreciate my colleagues, Senator Heinrich and Senate Udall, working with me to identify and recommend qualified candidates with knowledge of New Mexico for this Presidentially appointed position. I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to swiftly work to confirm Joel. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pearce.house.gov/press-release/pearce-votes-pass-historic-tax-reform PEARCE VOTES TO PASS HISTORIC TAX REFORM 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Republican House NM Steve Pearce P000588 pearce.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. (December 19, 2017)The U.S. House of Representatives today voted to pass the House and Senate Conference Committee final report on the compromised version of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act: Today, the House passed historic legislation to completely overhaul our nations tax code for the first time in 30 years. Passage of this bill moves us one step closer to helping lower- and middle-class families in New Mexico keep more money in their pockets. This will allow New Mexicans to move closer to their goals of saving for retirement, going to school, or simply having enough money to afford emergencies. Additionally, this tax overhaul will reduce taxes on corporate and small businesses, which will encourage more job creation and put confidence back in our economy, stated Rep. Pearce. Raising wages, reducing taxes, and creating a more fair and simple tax code this is what will help Americans succeed. I look forward to seeing this final version of the tax plan be swiftly passed by the Senate and signed into law. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-reckless-gop-tax-bill-abandons-working-families Heinrich: Reckless GOP Tax Bill Abandons Working Families 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy Heinrich: Reckless GOP Tax Bill Abandons Working Families Wednesday, December 20, 2017 U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich issued the following statement after voting against the Republican tax bill in the Senate: Today Republicans have made it clear where their priorities stand. Theyve abandoned working American families while recklessly blowing up the deficit in order to reward their wealthy friends and corporations with a tax cut that they do not need. When this legislation is fully implemented, millions of middle-class families will face a tax increase. Republicans talked and talked about simplicity. But with all the loopholes and giveaways for special interests, Republicans have made the tax code more complex. They said they would reduce the number of tax brackets, but they didnt. And, at the last minute, they inserted additional tax breaks for the wealthy, cutting the top tax rate for individuals with incomes of $500,000 or more. Republicans also used the tax bill to undercut health care coverage that New Mexicans count on, repealing a key provision of the Affordable Care Act that will result in 13 million Americans losing their health insurance over the next decade. And health insurance premiums paid by many others will increase by about 10 percent in most years. This tax plan puts at risk the jobs of public school teachers, police officers, and firefighters by capping the deduction for property taxes and state and local income taxes. They even opened up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling. The Republican plan fails to meet our countrys needs. It does not deliver tax relief to those who need it. It is also fiscally irresponsible, deepens inequality in the country, and it wont do much to accelerate economic growth in New Mexico. I am extremely disappointed that my Republican colleagues jammed this legislation through both chambers without any input from Democrats, putting the interests of their donors and corporations ahead of those of the millions of … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-condemns-provision-in-gop-tax-bill-that-opens-arctic-refuge-to-drilling Udall Condemns Provision in GOP Tax Bill that Opens Arctic Refuge to Drilling 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy December 20, 2017 Udall Condemns Provision in GOP Tax Bill that Opens Arctic Refuge to Drilling WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Tom Udall, vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and ranking member of the Appropriations subcommittee for the Interior Department, released the following statement after the late-night passage of the Republican tax plan which included a backdoor measure to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling. "The Republican tax bill will be remembered in history as a terrible deal for the middle class, but it also is one of the greatest attacks on our public lands. A provision buried deep in the Republicans tax bill allows the government to sell off one of the world's last truly wild, most pristine landscapes to the highest bidder in order to pay for massive tax cuts for their millionaire donors and big corporations. They voted to open the Arctic Refuge to drilling despite the harm drilling will do to its ecosystem and the way of life of those who call it home, despite pleas from the American people to protect it, despite opposition from the Gwichin people who live there, and despite a complete lack of evidence that drilling in the area will result in the windfall revenue Republicans have promised to produce. Since the day my Uncle Mo championed the protection of this precious land almost 40 years ago, we have been fending off these attacks and winning the fight to protect the Arctic Refuge for future generations. And this fight is still not over. There will be challenges in court. I will continue to educate the owners of this landthe American peopleabout the precious resource we are giving away. And I will hold the administrations feet to the fire by making sure it is genuinely assessing the environmental impacts of development in this sacred region." Print Email Tweet Next Article … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-votes-against-trump-republican-tax-break-for-millionaires-and-corporations Udall Votes Against Trump-Republican Tax Break for Millionaires and Corporations 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy December 20, 2017 Udall Votes Against Trump-Republican Tax Break for Millionaires and Corporations WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Tom Udall released the following statement after voting against President Trump and the Republicans' tax plan. Earlier in the evening, Udall spoke on the Senate floor in opposition to the bill, and his speech can be viewed here. The Trump-Republican tax bill will line the pockets of President Trump, his family, and the GOPs billionaire donors. It will be a boon for the multinational corporations that have spent years shipping jobs overseas. But for working New Mexicans and for the rest of the country, this bill will be an utter disaster. "In order to give the richest Americans a massive tax break, Republicans have voted to leave 13 million Americans without health care and send premiums across the country skyrocketing. Meanwhile, the Trump-Republican bill explodes the deficit by a whopping $1.5 trillion debt that will mean tax increases on most Americans down the road in the form of Republican cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security and other priorities. I want to support tax cuts for middle class families, and I want to help make sure working people can take home more of their pay. But I also want to make sure we can pay for roads and bridges, schools, scientific research and national defense and take care of our nation's most vulnerable. The Trump-Republican tax bill does nothing for working families in New Mexico. This bill wasnt written for those working families. It was written to benefit the most fortunate in our country at the expense of everyone else." The following is the full text of Udalls remarks on the Trump-Republican tax bill, as prepared for delivery. Mr. President. Working families in New Mexico want good jobs and fair wages. They want affordable health care and retirement security. They want job and educational opportunities for their children. But, Mr. President, the Republicans latest tax plan does nothing for regular families in New Mexico or a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lujangrisham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujan-grisham-statement-fcc-vote-repeal-net-neutrality Lujan Grisham Statement On FCC Vote To Repeal Net Neutrality 2017-12-18 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Michelle Lujan Grisham L000580 lujangrisham.house.gov     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 14, 2017 Lujan Grisham Statement On FCC Vote To Repeal Net Neutrality WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham released the following statement today in response to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) vote to rollback net neutrality protections. I am extremely disappointed with the FCCs short-sided vote to overturn net neutrality and create fast lanes which would allow internet service providers to unfairly discriminate against certain companies and consumers. After explicitly ignoring millions of Americans supporting net neutrality, the FCCs decision to dismantle equal access to the internet undermines important protections for users. This will jeopardize economic growth in New Mexico and across the country, where innovators and small companies depend on an open, free, and fair internet. The FCC voted 3-2 to repeal the Net Neutrality rule adopted in 2015. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-announces-nominees-to-the-united-states-service-academies- Heinrich Announces Nominees To The United States Service Academies 2017-12-15 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy Heinrich Announces Nominees To The United States Service Academies Friday, December 15, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced his nominees to the United States Service Academies. A nomination is required to attend the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academythe Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination. Being nominated is a significant honor. The application process is rigorous, and only the most qualified and meritorious candidates receive a nomination. "Our service academies provide exceptional education and training that prepare students for leadership roles in our armed forces as well as the skills needed to succeed after their military service," said Sen. Heinrich. "I'm pleased to announce and congratulate this year's nomineesthese students have shown incredible initiative and I commend them on their commitment to serve our country." Our nation's service academies offer four-year college educations to qualified students. Graduates of the U.S. Military Academy(West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the Merchant Marine Academy, and the Coast Guard Academy receive commissions in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Merchant Marine, or Coast Guard, and are obligated to serve for at least five years after graduation. The following students received nomination through Senator Heinrich's office: United States Military Academy at West Point, New York Micaela Abeyta of Bloomfield Andrea Almodovar of Rio Rancho Micah Bibb of Washington Ainsley Burrell of Albuquerque Jacqueline Cervantes-Vanderlugt of Las Cruces Robert Coyle of Albuquerque Annika Davenport of Los Alamos Jacob Echevarria of Albuquerque Lauren Jaramillo of Los Lunas Cameron Kuykendall of Clovis Christian Lewis of Bloomfield Tomas Lujan of Albuquerque Elena Martinez of Placitas Caleb Meyer-Hagen of Albuquerque Lauren Naranjo of Espanola August Rannow … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-cosponsors-resolution-to-restore-fccs-net-neutrality-rules Heinrich Cosponsors Resolution To Restore FCC's Net Neutrality Rules 2017-12-15 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy Heinrich Cosponsors Resolution To Restore FCC's Net Neutrality Rules CRA resolution would reinstate robust net neutrality protections and the Open Internet Order Friday, December 15, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced that he will be joining a group of 15 Senators in introducing a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution that would reinstate robust net neutrality protections and the 2015 Open Internet Order. Yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted along party lines to approveChairman Ajit Pai's proposalthat guts the Open Internet Order, which the D.C. Circuit Court upheld in 2016. The Open Internet Order prohibited internet service providers from setting up internet fast and slow lanes and ensured they could not block or slow down internet traffic. As a staunch supporter of net neutrality, I'm appalled that the FCC is choosing to ignore the comments of millions of Americans, including many from New Mexico, who want to keep these protections in place. This is another example of the Trump administration ignoring the will of the American people and doing away with commonsense protections,saidSenator Heinrich.This decision will be challenged in court, Congress and by voters. I'm proud to join this effort to correct the Commissions misguided and partisan decision and fight for rules that ensure free speech, protect consumers, and preserve competition. The resolution of disapproval would rescind FCC Chairman Ajit Pais item and fully restore the Open Internet Order. CRA resolutions allow Congress to overturn regulatory actions at federal agencies with a simple majority vote in both chambers.In accordance with the Congressional Review Act, the Senators will formally introduce the resolution once the rule is submitted to both houses of Congress and published in the federal register. Congressman Mike Doyle (D-Penn.) plans to introduce a CRA resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives. The resolution led by Senator… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-statement-on-gop-tax-conference-report Udall Statement on GOP Tax Conference Report 2017-12-15 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy December 15, 2017 Udall Statement on GOP Tax Conference Report WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall released the following statement after Senate and House Republicans released the final text of their tax plan: Republicans released their tax plan on a Friday evening, wrote it entirely behind closed doors without any Democratic input, and now want to force it through Congress days before Christmas and before the duly elected senator from Alabama can take his seat. Thats not the behavior of members of Congress who have any confidence in the quality of the product they're putting before the American people. And thats because this bill wasnt written to benefit the average New Mexican or American it was written to satisfy billionaire donors and to help the ultra-wealthy and multi-national corporations, at the expense of everyone else. I am still studying the full effects this bill would have on New Mexico, but the big picture is clear. This Republican tax plan gives the biggest corporations and the wealthiest Americans a massive, permanent tax break. Meanwhile, it would saddle the rest of the country with a $1.5 trillion deficit hole, which would mean a huge tax increase on most Americans down the road in the form of $12,500 in debt per family and cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. This bills attack on the Affordable Care Act will leave 13 million Americans without health care, and send premiums and out-of-pocket costs soaring across the country. This tax bill would be especially disastrous for New Mexico, sending us on a collision course for a huge budget cut. The Republicans are trying desperately to force this through to give their donors a big gift before the holidays. But theres still time to stop it. We need every New Mexican and American who opposes this terrible deal to call Congress and make their voices heard before its too late. Print Email Tweet … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lujan.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=4703 Lujn Statement On FCC Vote To Repeal Net Neutrality 2017-12-14 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Ben Luján L000570 lujan.house.gov     legacy [WASHINGTON, DC] Congressman Ben Ray Lujn (D-NM) today released the following statement in response to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) vote to rollback net neutrality protections: We must protect a free and open internet, which has spawned countless innovations that have bettered our lives. It has revolutionized the way we do business, changed how we learn, and expanded our ability to access information. It is essential we keep the innovative spirit alive by ensuring strong protections that prevent internet service providers from blocking or discriminating against internet content. That is why I called on Commissioner Ajit Pai to delay todays vote and to remove his proposal from the FCCs agenda. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-fcc-vote-to-dismantle-net-neutrality Heinrich Statement On FCC Vote To Dismantle Net Neutrality 2017-12-14 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy Heinrich Statement On FCC Vote To Dismantle Net Neutrality Thursday, December 14, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) issued the following statement today in response to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) party line vote to overturn net neutrality protections: “As a staunch supporter of net neutrality, I'm appalled that the FCC is choosing to ignore the comments of millions of Americans, including many from New Mexico, who want to keep these protections in place. This is another example of the Trump administration ignoring the will of the American people and doing away with commonsense protections. “By repealing net neutrality, internet providers will be able to create 'fast lanes' for favored content, while leaving everything else in a 'slow lane.' Small businesses and creative entrepreneurs in New Mexico could face significant obstacles in the pay-to-play environment created by the FCC's proposal, and all internet users could pay more or experience slower broadband speed and blocked content. “A free and open internet is essential to fostering innovation and education, and promoting civic engagement. I will continue fighting for rules that ensure free speech, protect consumers, and preserve competition.” Senator Heinrich is cosponsoring a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution that would undo today’s action by the FCC and restore the 2015 net neutrality rules. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-murkowski-cortez-masto-bill-would-restore-tribal-jurisdiction-over-domestic-violence-incidents-on-tribal-land-to-children-and-law-enforcement Udall, Murkowski, Cortez Masto Bill Would Restore Tribal Jurisdiction Over Domestic Violence Incidents on Tribal Land to Children and Law Enforcement 2017-12-14 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy December 14, 2017 Udall, Murkowski, Cortez Masto Bill Would Restore Tribal Jurisdiction Over Domestic Violence Incidents on Tribal Land to Children and Law Enforcement WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.), vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced the bipartisan Native Youth and Tribal Officer Protection Act (NYTOPA) to build on the Tribal jurisdiction provisions in the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA 2013) by extending protections to children and law enforcement personnel involved in domestic violence incidents on Tribal lands. The bill also will enhance federal coordination of victim resources for Tribal communities. VAWA 2013 restored the authority of Tribes to arrest and prosecute offenders, regardless of their race, for acts of domestic violence committed within the boundaries of their jurisdiction. Since enactment, at least 16 Tribes have undertaken the steps to exercise the special domestic violence criminal jurisdiction (SDVCJ) restored by VAWA 2013 – leading to over 120 arrests. But VAWA 2013 did not allow Tribes to arrest or prosecute offenders for threatened domestic violence, domestic violence against children, or violence committed against law enforcement personnel enforcing SDVCJ. NYTOPA addresses these gaps to help protect Native families and Tribal justice officials from violent offenders. “There are far too many desperate stories illustrating how Native American women, children and law enforcement are caught up in acts of domestic violence while the perpetrator goes unpunished. The failure to shield these individuals from violence should outrage us all," said Udall, who helped craft the Tribal provisions in VAWA 2013 and has worked to strengthen Tribes’ ability to prevent and prosecute domestic violence since he served as New Mexico’s attorney general. “With this bill, we can close a dark and desperate loophole in Tribal criminal jurisdiction.” “All indi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-statement-on-fcc-republicans-repeal-of-net-neutrality Udall Statement on FCC Republicans Repeal of Net Neutrality 2017-12-14 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy December 14, 2017 Udall Statement on FCC Republicans’ Repeal of Net Neutrality WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall released the following statement after Republican Commissioners on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), led by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, voted to repeal net neutrality protections: “Today’s vote is a major blow to the internet as we know it. Chairman Pai’s legacy will be leading the surrender of the free and open internet to corporate giants, letting Internet Service Providers create internet toll lanes, and stifling the competition, innovation, and dynamism that has made the internet a bedrock of modern life. The FCC has abdicated its responsibility to protect consumers from harmful practices – and instead is passing the buck to the Federal Trade Commission to monitor these practices. The FTC is not the expert agency – and is not prepared to stop harm from happening. “The real world implications of today’s vote could be severe and far-reaching — in New Mexico, and across the country. Ending net neutrality will make it harder for small business owners and entrepreneurs to build up a significant web presence and sell their products online. It will likely worsen the user experience of the countless New Mexicans and Americans who use the internet to stream television shows and movies instead of paying higher costs for cable. It will undermine the internet’s platform as a catalyst for free expression and innovation. “Too many New Mexicans, especially those in rural areas, are already stuck in an internet slow lane. When it comes to internet policy, we should be working to expand broadband access and bridge the digital divide — not destroying the essential protections that keep the internet free and open.” Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pearce.house.gov/press-release/pearce-native-american-housing-bill-passes-committee PEARCE NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSING BILL PASSES COMMITTEE 2017-12-13 2017 2017-12 Republican House NM Steve Pearce P000588 pearce.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. (December 13, 2017) The House Committee on Financial Services held a legislative markup that debated and passed H.R. 3864, the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA), sponsored by Congressman Steve Pearce: “This legislation provides Native American tribes greater autonomy and authority over their federal affordable housing funds, which is a driving force for increased access to safe and affordable housing on tribal lands. From increased access to quality housing, to lease-to-own programs aimed at providing rural tribes with the resources and flexibility to develop modern communities, NAHASDA empowers tribes to meet the unique housing challenges of each community. Prosperity and opportunity have eluded Native American families on tribal lands for too long. The reforms I’ve laid out in this legislation will reduce inefficiencies within government spending, and ultimately, support some of the most vulnerable communities throughout New Mexico and our country. I’m pleased to see this legislation pass through Committee today, moving one step closer to providing greater prosperity and opportunity for Native American families on tribal lands.” Watch Rep. Pearce open debate on H.R. 3864 in Financial Services Committee here. Background In September 2017, Rep. Pearce introduced H.R. 3864, the reauthorization of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA), to increase access to safe and affordable housing for Native Americans across the nation. This 5-year reauthorization bill is a model in how the federal government can, by increasing stakeholder participation, assist millions in creating better living conditions and housing opportunities for low-income families. NAHASDA was first signed into law in 1996 to make housing assistance directly available to tribes through the Indian Housing Block Grant program. The program works to increase and strengthen the tribal authority and autonomy in housing development, construction, and management. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-call-on-fcc-chairman-pai-to-abandon-reckless-plan-to-end-net-neutrality Udall, Heinrich Call on FCC Chairman Pai to Abandon ‘Reckless’ Plan to End Net Neutrality 2017-12-13 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy Udall, Heinrich Call on FCC Chairman Pai to Abandon ‘Reckless’ Plan to End Net Neutrality 39 senators tell FCC not to repeal net neutrality rules that protect the free and open internet Wednesday, December 13, 2017 WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced that they have joined a group of 39 Democratic senators in urging Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai to abandon his plan to repeal the agency’s net neutrality rules in favor of giving internet providers the ability to freely block or slow down consumers’ access to the internet. The senators’ letter comes ahead of a Thursday vote by the FCC to dismantle net neutrality protections. “Your plan gives a broadband provider the ability to significantly alter their subscribers’ internet experience,” the lawmakers wrote. “Once adopted, this proposal will permit that provider to freely block, slow down or manipulate a consumer’s access to the internet as long as it discloses those practices – no matter how anti-consumer – somewhere within mounds of legalese in a new 'net neutrality’ policy. …It is a stunning regulatory overreach.” "The future of the internet hangs in the balance,” the lawmakers continued. "The FCC’s responsibilities over the nation’s communications networks remain, and are more crucial than ever, as the internet has become fundamental to every aspect of our society.  On behalf of our constituents – and future generations of Americans – we urge you to abandon this radical and reckless plan to turn the FCC’s back on consumers and the future of the free and open internet.” Repealing net neutrality rules will affect New Mexicans in many ways – from small business owners who rely on the internet to compete with bigger companies, to students who need to access internet content for school, to the growing number of consumers who stream television shows and movies instead of paying higher costs for cable. The letter was led by U.S. Senator Bill N… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-call-on-fcc-chairman-pai-to-abandon-reckless-plan-to-end-net-neutrality Udall, Heinrich Call on FCC Chairman Pai to Abandon Reckless Plan to End Net Neutrality 2017-12-13 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy December 13, 2017 Udall, Heinrich Call on FCC Chairman Pai to Abandon ‘Reckless’ Plan to End Net Neutrality 39 senators tell FCC not to repeal net neutrality rules that protect the free and open internet WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced that they have joined a group of 39 Democratic senators in urging Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai to abandon his plan to repeal the agency’s net neutrality rules in favor of giving internet providers the ability to freely block or slow down consumers’ access to the internet. The senators’ letter comes ahead of a Thursday vote by the FCC to dismantle net neutrality protections. “Your plan gives a broadband provider the ability to significantly alter their subscribers’ internet experience,” the lawmakers wrote. “Once adopted, this proposal will permit that provider to freely block, slow down or manipulate a consumer’s access to the internet as long as it discloses those practices – no matter how anti-consumer – somewhere within mounds of legalese in a new 'net neutrality’ policy. …It is a stunning regulatory overreach.” "The future of the internet hangs in the balance,” the lawmakers continued. "The FCC’s responsibilities over the nation’s communications networks remain, and are more crucial than ever, as the internet has become fundamental to every aspect of our society. On behalf of our constituents – and future generations of Americans – we urge you to abandon this radical and reckless plan to turn the FCC’s back on consumers and the future of the free and open internet.” Repealing net neutrality rules will affect New Mexicans in many ways – from small business owners who rely on the internet to compete with bigger companies, to students who need to access internet content for school, to the growing number of consumers who stream television shows and movies instead of paying higher costs for cable. The letter … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-welcomes-withdrawal-of-michael-doursons-nomination-to-head-the-epas-toxics-bureau Udall Welcomes Withdrawal of Michael Doursons Nomination to Head the EPAs Toxics Bureau 2017-12-13 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy December 13, 2017 Udall Welcomes Withdrawal of Michael Dourson’s Nomination to Head the EPA’s Toxics Bureau WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tom Udall, the co-author of the landmark bipartisan Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, released the following statement about news that Michael Dourson, the embattled nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, has withdrawn his nomination. "I am glad Michael Dourson did the right thing. As someone who has spent his career working for weaker safety standards for dangerous chemicals, he was a terrible choice to be the chemical safety watchdog, and the opposition to his nomination was bipartisan. I want to thank the many advocates for chemical safety who spoke out — especially the brave families who lost loved ones due to unsafe and unscrupulous practices. Their willingness to speak out about their personal experiences truly made a difference for others across the nation. I hope the Trump administration will commit to nominating someone dedicated to protecting public health. Parents and children deserve to know the products that they use every day are safe.” Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-udall-calls-for-immediate-passage-of-the-dream-act VIDEO: Udall Calls for Immediate Passage of the Dream Act 2017-12-13 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy December 13, 2017 VIDEO: Udall Calls for Immediate Passage of the Dream Act VIDEO: https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4699164/sen-udall-passage-dream-act WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall joined a group of Democratic senators on the Senate floor to call for immediate passage of the DREAM Act, which would protect 800,000 young DREAMers — including almost 7,000 New Mexicans — from deportation, and allow them to continue to work, go to school, and support their families. DREAMers are undocumented young people who were brought to this country as children by their parents through no fault of their own. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, created during the Obama administration, allowed them to apply for temporary legal status so they could work and go to school without the fear of being deported. However, the Trump administration announced on Sept. 5 that it would rescind the program, putting DREAMers’ fate in the hands of Congress. More than 11,000 DREAMers across the country have already lost their DACA status. Beginning early next year, 1,000 additional young people will lose this protection each day. Udall is fighting for passage of the bipartisan DREAM Act, which would allow these young people to earn lawful permanent residence and access to a path toward citizenship. "We have almost 800,000 young people whose lives, dreams, and future hang in the balance. They are scared. Their families are scared. Everything they have worked for is at risk," Udall said in his speech. "[DREAMers] came here as children, and they are American through and through. They love our country as much as any of us, and they want to stay and contribute." Udall told the story of Carlos, a student in Las Cruces who came to New Mexico when he was a baby. "Carlos registered with DACA two years ago, and – in his words – he was given 'wings.' He is a now full-time student at New Mexico State University, studying to be a mechanical engineer. He volunteers as firefighter. He works as a server at a local r… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pearce.house.gov/press-release/national-defense-authorization-act-signed-law NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT SIGNED INTO LAW 2017-12-12 2017 2017-12 Republican House NM Steve Pearce P000588 pearce.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. (December 12, 2017) Congressman Steve Pearce released the following statement after President Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018 into law: “The NDAA focuses on modernizing our military forces so our nation is ready to take on tomorrow’s threats.  To do so, it prioritizes vital missions ongoing at New Mexico’s labs and bases, like White Sands Missile Range that tests next-generation missile defense systems required to combat the growing threats around the world.  By authorizing equipment, training, and resources our nation’s military relies upon to complete its mission, we are reaffirming the nation’s commitment to ensuring our troops will not face the enemy unprepared.  Along with these significant reforms and rebuilding of our military, the NDAA includes a military pay raise, which is the largest raise the military has seen in eight years. America’s service members, veterans, and their families have sacrificed greatly to defend our freedoms and preserve democracy.  We must never revert to a place where we do not stand up and show our thanks for the sacrifices service members make so that we can live free and safe.  With this bill, our military will have resources to combat the threats of today, while preparing for what the future holds.  I’m pleased to see this legislation signed into law, and will continue being steadfast in my commitment to stand by the brave men and women who answer the call of duty.” Background In November 2017, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 2810, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018, sending the bill to the President’s desk. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-pushes-for-extension-of-secure-rural-schools-program_ Heinrich Pushes For Extension Of Secure Rural Schools Program 2017-12-12 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy Heinrich Pushes For Extension Of Secure Rural Schools Program Tuesday, December 12, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. -  U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, joined a group of bipartisan senators in sending a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), urging them to include a reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Program in any end-of-year legislation. SRS supports public schools, public roads, forest health projects, emergency services and many other essential county services for more than 775 counties across the country.  The SRS program expired on September 30, 2015, and has not been reauthorized. Forest counties and schools received their last authorized SRS payment in 2016. Without the SRS program, existing revenue-sharing payments are not sufficient to support the critical services that these counties must provide. Two-thirds of counties in New Mexico rely on SRS payments, however since SRS expired, payments have decreased from over $9 million in 2016 to $779,000 this year.  “The SRS program continues to be a critical safety-net for forest counties as we work to diversify rural economies, improve forest management and forest health, strengthen historic forest revenue sharing with local governments, and ensure that our forests provide a range of values such as clean water, jobs, and wood fiber for local economies,” the senators wrote.  “In the interest of working together in a bipartisan way to support local rural communities, we ask that you include a reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools in any end-of-the-year legislation. We appreciate your assistance with this matter,” the senators continued.  A copy of the letter is available below and here:  December 6, 2017  The Honorable Mitch McConnellMajority Leader, U.S. SenateU.S. Senate U.S. Capitol, S-230Washington, DC 20510  The Honorable Chuck Schumer Minority Leader, U.S. Senate U.S. Capitol, … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/in-the-news-trump-signs-modernizing-government-technology-act-into-law IN THE NEWS: Trump signs Modernizing Government Technology Act into law 2017-12-12 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy Written by Carten Cordell Dec 12, 2017 | FEDSCOOP The highly anticipated legislation to modernize the federal government's aging information technology infrastructure is now law. President Donald Trump codified the Modernizing Government Technology Act on Tuesday when he signed the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act. The IT legislation was attached as an amendment to the defense authorization bill. The move fulfills a year-pluseffort to pass the legislation, which allows federal agencies to reprogram unused IT budget allocation to fund future modernization projects. Industry stakeholders eager to collaborate with agencies on the technologicallift applauded the new law. The Modernizing Government Technology Act is an important step in the journey to a next-gen federal government, CSRA President and CEO Larry Prior said in a statement. The MGT gives agencies more resources to modernize, helping to enable moving to the cloud, implementing shared services, and improving their cyber defenses. The MGT Act began as a September 2016 compromise, combining Texas Republican Rep. Will Hurd's Modernizing Outdated and Vulnerable Equipment and Information Technology or MOVE IT Actwith the Information Technology Modernization Act from Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., into a single bill. The bill took Hurd's plan to create individual accounts for the 24 CFO Act agencies that would be populated by reprogrammed budget monies and combined it with Hoyer's proposal for a central fund for larger projects. The single legislative package quickly drew bipartisan support. While the MGT Act passed the House in its first run in late 2016, it was stopped cold in the Senate after the Congressional Budget Office gave the bill at a $9 billion price tag. Hurd recrafted the House version of the bill in April to bring the cost down to $500 million, again winning support from his chamber. Sens. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., and Tom Udall, D-N.M., tacked their Senate-version of the … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udalls-landmark-bipartisan-mgt-act-to-reduce-wasteful-it-spending-strengthen-cybersecurity-included-in-fy18-ndaa-signed-into-law Udalls Landmark Bipartisan MGT Act to Reduce Wasteful IT Spending, Strengthen Cybersecurity Included in FY18 NDAA Signed into Law 2017-12-12 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy December 12, 2017 Udall’s Landmark Bipartisan MGT Act to Reduce Wasteful IT Spending, Strengthen Cybersecurity Included in FY18 NDAA Signed into Law New law would save taxpayers up to $20 billion a year WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) welcomed news that his Modernizing Government Technology (MGT) Act has been signed into law. Udall introduced the bill with U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and it was passed through Congress as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY2018. This bipartisan legislation will encourage federal agencies to cut wasteful spending and modernize and strengthen government information technology (IT) and security to save taxpayers up to $20 billion a year. “This major legislation will save taxpayers tens of billions of dollars and strengthen our cybersecurity by finally bringing the federal government’s grossly outdated IT systems into the 21st century,” Udall said. “Today, the federal government spends over $80 billion on IT – and a whopping 75 percent goes toward maintaining old and legacy systems that date back as far as the 1960s. The MGT Act will enable federal agencies to replace these legacy systems with better services at lower cost. It also will give federal agencies the ability to tackle dangerous cyber vulnerabilities and better protect Americans’ data from cyberattacks.” The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found that many of the federal government’s IT systems and components are increasingly obsolete and, in some cases, over 60 years old. Such “legacy” IT systems often use old software languages and unsupported hardware. Cloud computing and other modern IT solutions can often offer faster processing time, more flexibility and greater efficiency than older systems. Yet cloud computing adoption by the federal government is hampered by traditional federal acquisition approaches and bottlenecks for commercial providers seeking… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-udall-dont-let-grinch-bots-steal-christmas VIDEO: Udall: Dont Let Grinch Bots Steal Christmas 2017-12-12 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy December 12, 2017 VIDEO: Udall: Don’t Let Grinch Bots Steal Christmas Joins Schumer, Blumenthal in urging trade cops to protect consumers and kids from online scammers this holiday season Scammers are deploying online software to scoop up Fingerlings and other popular toys & re-selling for jacked up prices VIDEO: Udall questions AI experts on efforts to stop Grinch Bots WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) urged the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to take action to protect kids and not let “Grinch Bots” steal Christmas toys. So-called Grinch Bots are algorithms and software deployed by online scammers to buy up popular toys and merchandise at lightning speed, and then re-sell those items at wildly inflated prices on websites like Ebay. After The New York Times reported that Grinch Bots have caused a shortage of Fingerlings, the Barbie Hello Dreamhouse and the Vampirina Scare B&B, among other toys, Udall, Schumer, and Blumenthal called on the FTC to convene a workshop to assess and address the damage these scammers have caused to kids and families this holiday season. Also today, during a hearing of the Senate Commerce Committee, Udall questioned Artificial Intelligence experts on how retailers can prevent software bots from taking advantage of internet deals to jack up the prices of goods. Video of Udall’s questioning is available HERE. Udall, Schumer, and Blumenthal wrote that they plan to introduce legislation to combat Grinch Bots in the coming week. “Millions of Americans are turning to online retailers in search of hard-to-find gifts for their family and friends this holiday season. Unfortunately, unscrupulous scammers are also taking note of the limited availability of popular items online, and are succeeding at gaming the system by aggressively deploying cyber bots that automatically spot and snap up the most … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pearce.house.gov/press-release/pearce-calls-fbi-release-details-expand-preventative-efforts PEARCE CALLS ON FBI TO RELEASE DETAILS, EXPAND PREVENTATIVE EFFORTS 2017-12-11 2017 2017-12 Republican House NM Steve Pearce P000588 pearce.house.gov     legacy PEARCE CALLS ON FBI TO RELEASE DETAILS, EXPAND PREVENTATIVE EFFORTS Dec 11, 2017 Washington, D.C. (December 8, 2017) Congressman Steve Pearce released the following statement after learning some details about the shooter in yesterdays of the tragic event that took place at Aztec High School in Aztec, New Mexico: “My heart hurts immensely for not only the families of the students who were taken too early from this earth, but for all students and community members affected by yesterday’s senseless and tragic shooting. Many have asked, what can be done to stop situations like this. Now, news reports state the shooter had been previously noticed by the FBI. We need to know what can be done in situations like this, so if it’s not the FBI’s responsibility then some other authority is tasked with trying to help. Many have discussed that mental health is often a factor in these crimes. Let’s put credible and helpful policies in place to deal with this. Therefore, I call on the FBI to release all details on the shooter as soon as possible understanding there is an active investigation going on, so we can examine further what changes need to be made so individuals in need of help can be identified and assisted.” According to press reports, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) stated they opened an investigation into Atchison back in 2016 for comments he made online. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pearce.house.gov/press-release/pearce-commends-doj-action-review-criminal-referrals PEARCE COMMENDS DOJ ACTION TO REVIEW CRIMINAL REFERRALS 2017-12-11 2017 2017-12 Republican House NM Steve Pearce P000588 pearce.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC (December 11, 2017) The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed that the Criminal Investigative Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will review the two criminal referrals sent to the New Mexico Attorney General by the U.S. House Select Investigative Panel on Infant Lives regarding violations made by the University of New Mexico (UNM) and the Southwestern Women’s Options (SWWO). “I’ve worked tirelessly with New Mexico officials and Members in Congress to ensure the rights and liberties of women and the unborn are protected. After violations were unearthed between the University of New Mexico Health Center and the Southwestern Women’s Options, the New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas took no action to hold those accountable. The state of New Mexico must stand for the rule of law. I applaud the action taken by the U.S. DOJ to take up not only the criminal referrals that were sent to New Mexico, but all fifteen criminal referrals that were sent out but not acted upon at the conclusion of the Select Panel’s investigation. These infant lives are precious, and it is completely disgraceful and negligent to sit back while the rights of unborn lives are disregarded,” stated Rep. Steve Pearce. "We are thankful that the findings from our work with the Select Panel on Infant Lives are now being investigated by the Department of Justice [before the statute of limitations runs out]," stated Elisa Martinez, Executive Director of New Mexico Alliance for Life. "These are serious violations of the [federal and state] law where baby body parts were treated like commodities, women were deceived for years and nobody has held the abortion industry accountable, including Attorney General Hector Balderas. It's time for women, babies, and taxpayers to receive some justice and anyone found in violation of the law to be held accountable, whether they are abortionists, researchers or university officials, no one is above the law." “I thank Congressman Pearce along with the Select Panel on Infant Lives for… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lujan.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=4702 Lujn Introduces Bill to Spur Partnerships Between Labs & Local Businesses 2017-12-08 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Ben Luján L000570 lujan.house.gov     legacy Bill Makes it More Affordable for NM Businesses to Partner with Labs [WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) introduced legislation to help foster relationships between businesses and national laboratories that can help spur new economic growth and create new jobs.  Luján’s bill authorizes funding for Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA) that foster partnership with businesses and startups to transfer commercially relevant technologies to the private sector. “For over a half a century, our national laboratories have served as the nation’s leading research and development facilities, tasked with performing the R&D for national projects that cannot be undertaken by the private sector or in academic labs due to their scope, multidisciplinary nature, or infrastructure requirements,” Congressman Luján said.  “Transferring the innovative technologies that are being developed at the national labs is a critical component to building a stronger economy in New Mexico and communities across the country.  By making it more cost effective for businesses to partner with the labs, this legislation will pave the way for local businesses to commercialize new technologies and create new ventures that spur job creation.” CRADAs are common mechanisms to support collaboration between a business and a national lab to bring technology from the lab to the marketplace.  While it is permissible for the Department of Energy to use its funds to pay for the government’s share of a CRADA, most CRADAs are funded entirely by private businesses.  Given the large amount of risk in commercializing a new technology, paying for the government’s share of the CRADA in addition to its own share is prohibitively expensive for most small businesses.  This bill creates a fund to pay for the government’s portion of the CRADA and authorizes $20 million a year for five years. Luján has long been one of the leading advocates for the national labs, working to expand their mission, and striving to ensure… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pearce.house.gov/press-release/pearce-congratulates-congressional-app-challenge-winner PEARCE CONGRATULATES CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE WINNER 2017-12-08 2017 2017-12 Republican House NM Steve Pearce P000588 pearce.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. (December 8, 2017) Congressman Steve Pearce today announced that Jenna McClellan of Centennial High School in Las Cruces, New Mexico is the winner of the 2017 Congressional App Challenge for the Second Congressional District of New Mexico: “I congratulate Jenna on being our winner of this year’s Congressional App Challenge. This competition is a wonderful way to empower the youth in our communities to engage in STEM education. New Mexico is home to some of the nation’s premier STEM research and development facilities. As a State, we must continue to do all we can to assist and encourage the next generation to continue to lead in these fields.” Background Jenna McClellan created a mobile app called ‘The Allergen Cookbook.’ The Allergen Cookbook is designed to simplify the cooking process of those inflicted with food allergies by allowing them to store and search recipes by allergen. Nearly thirteen million Americans are hindered by a food allergy, and this app seeks to make food allergies more manageable for individuals. Learn more about Jenna’s app here. The 2017 Congressional App Challenge is an annual competition to encourage students to get involved in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activities. Students will compete by creating and exhibiting a software application, or “app,” for mobile, tablet or computer devices. All students K-12 in New Mexico's Second Congressional District are encouraged to participate, even if they've never coded before. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pearce.house.gov/press-release/pearce-udall-heinrich-announce-alamogordo-veterans-may-access-specialized-care-el-paso Pearce, Udall, Heinrich Announce Alamogordo Veterans May Access Specialized Care at El Paso VA Medical Center 2017-12-08 2017 2017-12 Republican House NM Steve Pearce P000588 pearce.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Representative Steve Pearce, and Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced the Department of Veterans Affairs will make specialized medical care more accessible for veterans in Alamogordo by giving them the option to seek care either at the El Paso VA Medical Center or the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center in Albuquerque for advanced care. Until now, veterans in Alamogordo needing specialized care have been referred to the Albuquerque VA hospital, which is three and a half hours away, rather than the El Paso VA Medical Center, which is just an hour and a half drive. Udall, Heinrich, and Pearce urged VA Secretary Shulkin to make the administrative changes after hearing from a number of veterans who said they were delaying or going without specialized care because the drive to Albuquerque was too difficult. Several members of the N.M. legislature followed up with another letter this month supporting the delegation’s request. This week, Shulkin responded that the VA would work to honor the veterans’ preferences.  "This is welcome news that will give veterans in Alamogordo the option to receive care much closer to home. Our veterans risk their lives to defend our freedom, and they deserve the absolute best care we can provide when they return home, but for many of our veterans in Alamogordo, their specialized care was just too far away," Udall said. "This is a small change that will provide big relief for our veteran community in Alamogordo. We made a solemn promise to our veterans to ensure they get the best care possible, and I will continue working with the VA to ensure that New Mexico's veterans are getting the care and benefits they have earned." “This is welcome news that will ensure veterans in southern New Mexico have the flexibility and choice they need to access health care closer to home instead of having to drive all the way to the VA in Albuquerque,” said Heinrich. “Our ability to maintain the strongest and most dedicated military in the world depends on our nation's abi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-heller-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-increase-high-speed-internet-access-in-indian-country Heinrich, Heller Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Increase High-Speed Internet Access In Indian Country 2017-12-08 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy Heinrich, Heller Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Increase High-Speed Internet Access In Indian Country Tribal Connect Act would invest $100 million for broadband connectivity in Indian Country. Bill would help close the digital divide for students and children living in Tribal communities Friday, December 8, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Joint Economic Committee, and Dean Heller (R-Nev.) introduced the Tribal Connect Act of 2017 to improve broadband connectivity in Indian Country. The bill would increase access to the Federal Communications Commission's schools and libraries universal service support program, known as E-rate, that provides discounts to assist public schools and libraries obtain high-speed internet access and telecommunications at affordable rates. While most of the nation’s public libraries have received E-rate support, only an estimated 15 percent of Tribal libraries have received critical E-rate funds. “Access to high-speed internet is increasingly essential to daily life and brings unprecedented economic opportunities for users, especially for people living in remote areas. Unfortunately, over 80 percent of rural Tribal communities in New Mexico lack access to broadband internet, which means less access to educational, health, and career-related resources. The Tribal Connect Act is an investment in broadband connectivity in Indian Country so all of our students and children can compete on an even playing field and learn the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century,” said Senator Heinrich. “Connecting more Tribes to the E-rate program will strengthen broadband across rural New Mexico and improve education, boost the economy and increase public safety and civic engagement.”  “According to the FCC, more than 70 percent of Nevada’s Tribal communities do not have access to high-speed internet. That is an enormous barrier to success for students, educators, and the community as … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-pearce-announce-alamogordo-veterans-may-access-specialized-care-at-el-paso-va-medical-center Udall, Heinrich, Pearce Announce Alamogordo Veterans May Access Specialized Care at El Paso VA Medical Center 2017-12-08 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy Udall, Heinrich, Pearce Announce Alamogordo Veterans May Access Specialized Care at El Paso VA Medical Center Friday, December 8, 2017 WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representative Steve Pearce (R-N.M.) a announced the Department of Veterans Affairs will make specialized medical care more accessible for veterans in Alamogordo by giving them the option to seek care either at the El Paso VA Medical Center or the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center in Albuquerque for advanced care. Until now, veterans in Alamogordo needing specialized care have been referred to the Albuquerque VA hospital, which is three and a half hours away, rather than the El Paso VA Medical Center, which is just an hour and a half drive.   Udall, Heinrich, and Pearce urged VA Secretary Shulkin to make the administrative changes after hearing from a number of veterans who said they were delaying or going without specialized care because the drive to Albuquerque was too difficult. Several members of the N.M. legislature followed up with another letter this month supporting the delegation’s request. This week, Shulkin responded that the VA would work to honor the veterans’ preferences.    "This is welcome news that will give veterans in Alamogordo the option to receive care much closer to home. Our veterans risk their lives to defend our freedom, and they deserve the absolute best care we can provide when they return home, but for many of our veterans in Alamogordo, their specialized care was just too far away," Udall said. "This is a small change that will provide big relief for our veteran community in Alamogordo. We made a solemn promise to our veterans to ensure they get the best care possible, and I will continue working with the VA to ensure that New Mexico's veterans are getting the care and benefits they have earned."   “This is welcome news that will ensure veterans in southern New Mexico have the flexibility and choice they need to ac… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/in-the-newsstudents-killed-in-aztec-shooting-remembered-community-reacts IN THE NEWS:Students killed in Aztec shooting remembered, community reacts 2017-12-08 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy AZTEC, N.M. (KRQE) - There has been an outpouring of support for the small town of Aztec after a shooter opened fired Thursday morning, killing two students. The shooter is also dead. Aztec is a community that has been described as tight-knit. Police identifiedCasey Jordan-Marquez and Paco Fernandezas the two students who died in the shooting. Casey was a senior at Aztec High School. She was also a cheerleader who many say was a leader on the squad. A friend described her as popular and outgoing, the kind of person that remembered everyone's birthday. The other student killed, Paco was a junior at Aztec High School. A GoFundMe page made for his family says Paco was a great, loving kid who had a bright future ahead of him. Others on social media said he liked sports. Many Friday are still in shock as state leaders and people on social media react to the shooting. The hashtags, #AztecStrong and #PrayForAztec are circulating on Twitter and Facebook. Many people are also sharing photos and memories of the two students who were killed and sharing images of orange ribbons. Local churches in Aztec are offering their help on social media for anyone who may need someone to talk with about the shooting. New Mexico leaders are also sharing their thoughts as well. Thursday night, Governor Susana Martinez spoke at the community vigil saying she is sending resources to Aztec. "As a family and as a community this shook us to our core but we have to remember that as a community we can heal," Gov. Martinez said. Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham, says her heart dropped when she heard the news. Senator Tom Udall says his thoughts are with students and their families. Senator Martin Heinrich released a statement saying he is distraught adding "we have an epidemic of gun violence, that has touched far too many of us." Representative Steve Pearce wrote on Facebook "my heart hurts for the families and loved ones." There are also posts circulating on social media from various schools and businesses in the Aztec area encouraging peo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-pearce-announce-alamogordo-veterans-may-access-specialized-care-at-el-paso-va-medical-center Udall, Heinrich, Pearce Announce Alamogordo Veterans May Access Specialized Care at El Paso VA Medical Center 2017-12-08 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy December 08, 2017 Udall, Heinrich, Pearce Announce Alamogordo Veterans May Access Specialized Care at El Paso VA Medical Center WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, and U.S. Representative Steve Pearce announced the Department of Veterans Affairs will make specialized medical care more accessible for veterans in Alamogordo by giving them the option to seek care either at the El Paso VA Medical Center or the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center in Albuquerque for advanced care. Until now, veterans in Alamogordo needing specialized care have been referred to the Albuquerque VA hospital, which is three and a half hours away, rather than the El Paso VA Medical Center, which is just an hour and a half drive. Udall, Heinrich, and Pearce urged VA Secretary Shulkin to make the administrative changes after hearing from a number of veterans who said they were delaying or going without specialized care because the drive to Albuquerque was too difficult. Several members of the N.M. legislature followed up with another letter this month supporting the delegation’s request. This week, Shulkin responded that the VA would work to honor the veterans’ preferences. "This is welcome news that will give veterans in Alamogordo the option to receive care much closer to home. Our veterans risk their lives to defend our freedom, and they deserve the absolute best care we can provide when they return home, but for many of our veterans in Alamogordo, their specialized care was just too far away," Udall said. "This is a small change that will provide big relief for our veteran community in Alamogordo. We made a solemn promise to our veterans to ensure they get the best care possible, and I will continue working with the VA to ensure that New Mexico's veterans are getting the care and benefits they have earned." “This is welcome news that will ensure veterans in southern New Mexico have the flexibility and choice they need to access health care closer to home instead of having to drive all the way to… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lujan.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=4701 Lujn Statement in Response to Tragic Shooting in Aztec 2017-12-07 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Ben Luján L000570 lujan.house.gov     legacy [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) today released the following statement following reports of a shooting at Aztec High School this morning: “My heart breaks for the victims and the families of the tragic shooting at Aztec High School this morning. While the details are still coming in, we grieve for the innocent victims shot in this senseless act of violence.” “This is just the latest example of gun violence that has filled us with anguish and has left another community reeling. Too many lives have been disrupted and too many futures cut short. We must come together to heal, but this tide of violence must not continue.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lujangrisham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujan-grisham-statement-aztec-school-shooting Lujan Grisham Statement on Aztec School Shooting 2017-12-07 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Michelle Lujan Grisham L000580 lujangrisham.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham released the following statement today in response to the shooting at a school in Aztec: “My heart dropped when I heard reports about the shooting at Aztec High School.  Every shooting is tragic, and it is even more tragic when the victims are children.  I join with every New Mexican sending their thoughts to the families, students, and first responders in the Four Corners community and across New Mexico.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-aztec-high-school-shooting Heinrich Statement On Aztec High School Shooting 2017-12-07 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy Heinrich Statement On Aztec High School Shooting Thursday, December 7, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement today on the shooting at Aztec High School in Aztec, New Mexico: “I am distraught to learn of this tragic shooting at Aztec High School. This is a parent’s biggest nightmare--every child deserves to be safe at school. I want to thank and commend our local law enforcement officers, emergency first responders, teachers and staff who took immediate action to protect and aid those who were hurt. But Aztec now joins a list of communities touched by school shootings and gun violence that is far too long. We should all do what we can to support this great community in the days ahead. But we should also do more than that. “While at this moment, it is too early for me to know the specific circumstances of this violent act, what is clear is that we have an epidemic of gun violence in this country that has touched far too many of us. All of us should feel an urgency to take concrete action to address this disease. I can promise you that I refuse to give in to the feeling of helplessness that too often follows these events. No matter the odds, I will continue to seek common ground with my colleagues in order to keep firearms out of the hands of those who would turn them on our families, friends and neighbors. ” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-statement-on-aztec-high-school-shooting Udall Statement on Aztec High School Shooting 2017-12-07 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy December 07, 2017 Udall Statement on Aztec High School Shooting WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tom Udall released the following statement on the shooting at Aztec High School: “Words can’t express the sadness and shock we all feel at news of another school shooting in our own backyard. My thoughts are with the students and faculty at Aztec High School along with their families, the first responders on the scene, and the community at large. All of New Mexico stands with the Aztec community as they begin to heal. “All of us are asking why and how this senseless tragedy happened, and we know that answers will emerge over the course of the investigation. But we can’t ignore one truth: gun violence is not inevitable. We owe it to our children and our communities to come together and take sensible actions to stop it from happening.” Print Email Tweet Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lujan.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=4700 Lujn Reaction to Trump Administration's Decision on Jerusalem 2017-12-06 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Ben Luján L000570 lujan.house.gov     legacy [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) today released the following statement following President Trump’s decision to formally recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital: “The United States and Israel share an unbreakable bond and Israel has long-been our most important ally in the region. Jerusalem is the eternal capital of the Jewish homeland.  But in the absence of a negotiated settlement between Israel and the Palestinians, I am concerned that President Trump’s action today heightens tensions in the Middle East and could endanger U.S. national security and American interests abroad.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pearce.house.gov/press-release/pearce-we-must-stand-israel PEARCE: WE MUST STAND WITH ISRAEL 2017-12-06 2017 2017-12 Republican House NM Steve Pearce P000588 pearce.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. (December 6, 2017) The U.S. House of Representatives last night passed H.R. 1164, the Taylor Force Act, to withhold nearly all economic aid to the West Bank and Gaza that directly benefits the Palestinian Authority. Congressman Steve Pearce released the following statement as a cosponsor of the bill: “We must hold Palestinian Authority (PA) accountable for their deliberate support of violence and terror in Israel and around the region. Just last year, PA spent over $300 million supporting terrorist activity. Through my time as Chairman of the Terrorism and Illicit Finance Subcommittee, I have become all too aware the impact money has on terrorist and criminal enterprise’s ability to perpetuate violence. The United States in no way should be contributing or supporting these actions. As a nation, we must not reward those that support violence against Israel and the United States.” H.R. 1164 passed the night before President Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and announced the State Department will begin a process of moving the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. “Israel is a steadfast ally of the United States,” stated Rep Pearce. “As a nation, we must continue to do what we can to support our ally. Recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital reinforces the bond between our nation’s. A stable middle-east is a stable America, and we must continue to support our allies in the region to prevent further risks to global security.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-calls-on-senator-franken-to-step-down Heinrich Calls On Senator Franken To Step Down 2017-12-06 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy ALBUQUERQUE 400 Gold Avenue SW, Ste. 1080 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102 p: (505) 346-6601 f: (505) 346-6780 Get Directions FARMINGTON 7450 East Main St., Ste. A Farmington, NM 87402 p: (505) 325-5030 f: (505) 325-6035 Get Directions LAS CRUCES Loretto Towne Center 505 South Main St., Ste. 148 Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001 p: (575) 523-6561 f: (575) 523-6584 Get Directions ROSWELL 200 East 4th St., Ste. 300 Roswell, New Mexico 88201 p: (575) 622-7113 f: (575) 622-3538 Get Directions SANTA FE 123 East Marcy St., Ste 103 Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 p: (505) 988-6647 f: (505) 992-8435 Get Directions WASHINGTON, D.C. 303 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 p: (202) 224-5521 f: (202) 228-2841 Get Directions 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-president-trump-moving-us-embassy Heinrich Statement On President Trump Moving US Embassy In Israel To Jerusalem 2017-12-06 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy ALBUQUERQUE 400 Gold Avenue SW, Ste. 1080 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102 p: (505) 346-6601 f: (505) 346-6780 Get Directions FARMINGTON 7450 East Main St., Ste. A Farmington, NM 87402 p: (505) 325-5030 f: (505) 325-6035 Get Directions LAS CRUCES Loretto Towne Center 505 South Main St., Ste. 148 Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001 p: (575) 523-6561 f: (575) 523-6584 Get Directions ROSWELL 200 East 4th St., Ste. 300 Roswell, New Mexico 88201 p: (575) 622-7113 f: (575) 622-3538 Get Directions SANTA FE 123 East Marcy St., Ste 103 Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 p: (505) 988-6647 f: (505) 992-8435 Get Directions WASHINGTON, D.C. 303 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 p: (202) 224-5521 f: (202) 228-2841 Get Directions 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-testifies-before-us-trade-representative-on-tariffs-that-would-harm-solar-industry Heinrich Testifies Before U.S. Trade Representative On Tariffs That Would Harm Solar Industry 2017-12-06 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy Heinrich Testifies Before U.S. Trade Representative On Tariffs That Would Harm Solar Industry Wednesday, December 6, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, testified before the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to oppose raising tariffs on imported solar panels and modules. The USTR held a public hearing to help inform the decision of President Trump, who received a range of formal remedy recommendations from the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) on November 13 and must make a final determination in the case in January 2018. Earlier this year, Senator Heinrich testified before the U.S. ITC and led a bipartisan letterwith Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) urging the ITC to not impose tariffs that would negatively affect the American solar industry as a whole.  The Albuquerque Journal published an op-ed today authored by Senator Heinrich outlining how solar tariffs would negatively impact the growing solar industry in New Mexico.  Senator Heinrich’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below. Good morning, and thank you for allowing me to testify this morning. I’m Senator Martin Heinrich from New Mexico. I am very concerned that imposing high tariffs or quotas on imported solar cells and panels would be a major setback to our nation’s efforts to transition to clean energy. And trade barriers on solar panels would threaten thousands of good-paying jobs across the American solar industry. It is important to remember that the production of solar panels is just a small piece of the solar industry as a whole. Only a little more than one percent of the hundreds of thousands of American solar workers manufacture solar panels or modules. Tariffs and quotas for solar panels may help a small number of domestic solar panel manufacturers. But major price increases would threaten the rest of the entire American solar industry including the manufacturing jobs tied to racking, trackers, in… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-statement-on-trumps-decision-to-recognize-jerusalem-as-capital-of-israel-move-us-embassy Udall Statement on Trumps Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as Capital of Israel, Move US Embassy 2017-12-06 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy December 06, 2017 Udall Statement on Trump’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as Capital of Israel, Move US Embassy WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall condemned President Trump’s announcement that he will break with longstanding U.S. presidential policy by recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and begin the process of moving the U.S. embassy: “President Trump thrives on chaos, but chaos in foreign policy is often the enemy of peace and security. Like the chaotic positions taken regarding North Korea and Iran, this decision increases the danger to Americans and potentially risks lives in a volatile region. This move is a major setback in the long effort to reach peace in one of the world’s most troubled regions. The president has undermined America’s role as the most effective broker for a two-state solution to the conflict, and his decision will have long-lasting implications. The final status of Jerusalem should be resolved through peace negotiations, which has been the bipartisan position of U.S. presidents for decades.” Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-water-settlements-are-critically-important-to-fulfilling-obligations-to-tribes-long-term-economic-vitality Udall: Water Settlements are Critically Important to Fulfilling Obligations to Tribes, Long-term Economic Vitality 2017-12-06 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy December 06, 2017 Udall: Water Settlements are ‘Critically Important’ to Fulfilling Obligations to Tribes, Long-term Economic Vitality WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, led a legislative hearing to review two bills that would resolve the water rights claims of the Navajo Nation and the Hualapai Tribe. The bills would authorize negotiated settlements based on years of collaboration between Tribal, local, state, and federal parties. "Indian water settlements are critically important -- not only to fulfilling the United States’ fiduciary obligations to Tribes, but also for the long-term economic vitality of the surrounding communities,” Udall said in remarks submitted for the record. “This is especially true for my home state of New Mexico and across the West, where water is the lifeblood of many communities, both Indian and non-Indian.” Water insecurity challenges faced by Indian and non-Indian communities in the West have been exacerbated by climate change, Udall added. "Our long-term water supply and consumption are out of balance – even with current conservation efforts. Every year brings a new 'warmest year on record' forecast and with it increased water insecurity across the arid West,” he said. "We must work together to tackle these big challenges. Collectively, we must step up our efforts to combat climate change as we plan for a changing planet and what it means for our future water supplies.” “We need more collaboration and less litigation when it comes managing water in the 21st century,” Udall continued. “Indian water rights settlements are a perfect example of the benefits of collaboration over litigation. These settlements fund vital water infrastructure for communities that may have gone decades without adequate sources of water, while also providing certainty and fostering cooperation within and among communities and all water stakeholders." Looking toward the future, Udall said he will work to ensure that Congress "ma… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lujan.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=4699 New Mexico Delegation Requests Disaster Declaration To Help Pueblo Of Acoma Recover From October Storms 2017-12-05 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Ben Luján L000570 lujan.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 5, 2017) – Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Reps. Steve Pearce, Ben Ray Luján and Michelle Lujan Grisham sent a letter to President Trump urging him to respond quickly to a request for disaster assistance for the Pueblo of Acoma. The Pueblo of Acoma is asking the federal government for help with hazard mitigation and to repair public infrastructure damaged by severe weather and flooding that occurred between Oct. 4 and Oct. 6, 2017. The storm caused extreme damage to tribal infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and sewer lines. The piled-up debris and wreckage created treacherous driving conditions along 10 miles of roads and bridges, isolating parts of the Pueblo lands from the rest of the territory. “These conditions directly impacted the everyday lives of the Pueblo’s community members, including individuals who were looking to gather firewood to heat their homes, and cattle farmers who were trying to ensure grazing areas were sufficient for their cattle needs,” the lawmakers wrote. “Native communities deserve full and complete protection of their resources, land, and livelihoods. Recovering from this incident will require a full and coordinated approach. We appreciate your past responsiveness to the State of New Mexico when our communities have sought federal disaster assistance, and thank you for your attention to this important issue.” According to Pueblo of Acoma Governor Kurt Riley’s letter requesting the disaster declaration, damages resulting from the storms have currently been assessed at $2 million, seven times above the eligible damage required for public assistance consideration through major disaster declaration. Text of the full letter below. December 5, 2017  The Honorable Donald Trump President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear President Trump: We respectfully request that you take prompt action on Pueblo of Acoma Governor Kurt Riley’s request fo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lujangrisham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/nm-delegation-writes-air-force-support-restoring-nm-air-national-guard NM Delegation Writes to Air Force in Support of Restoring NM Air National Guard Tacos Flying Mission 2017-12-05 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Michelle Lujan Grisham L000580 lujangrisham.house.gov     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 5, 2017 NM Delegation Writes to Air Force in Support of Restoring NM Air National Guard Tacos’ Flying Mission Urge Air Force to Transfer Legacy PAVE Hawk Combat Search-and-Rescue Helicopters to NM Air National Guard WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representatives Michelle Lujan Grisham, Steve Pearce and Ben Ray Luján announced that they are urging the Air Force to transfer legacy HH-60G PAVE Hawk combat search-and-rescue helicopters to the N.M. Air National Guard when the Air Force fields the new HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter at Kirtland Air Force Base. The leadership of the 58th Special Operations Wing (SOW) at Kirtland has told the delegation that they anticipate that the transition from the PAVE Hawk to the Combat Rescue Helicopter will cause a shortage of flight instructors. And, because the wing may soon train in up to four different helicopters at once, it could face challenges finding enough hangar space and classrooms in which to train combat rescue airmen.   In a letter to Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson, the lawmakers wrote that moving the PAVE Hawk helicopters to the 150th Special Operations Wing – under the N.M. National Guard “Tacos” –  would help the 58th SOW address the shortage of manpower and hangar and training space, while also providing the Tacos with aircraft of its own to operate. The Tacos have operated in association with the 58th SOW for several years but have not had a flying mission of their own since 2010. The lawmakers reminded Wilson that, during a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, she agreed that she would like to see the Tacos back in a flying mission. Additionally, the lawmakers wrote, the transfer would satisfy one of the Air National Guard’s goals of ensuring that each state has a fully equipped flying squadron. “We are fully confident that the New Mexico Air National Guard can provide quality, timely, and cost-effective solutions with its available personnel and infrastruct… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pearce.house.gov/press-release/nm-delegation-writes-air-force-support-restoring-nm-air-national-guard-tacos%E2%80%99-flying NM Delegation Writes to Air Force in Support of Restoring NM Air National Guard Tacos Flying Mission 2017-12-05 2017 2017-12 Republican House NM Steve Pearce P000588 pearce.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Steve Pearce, Michelle Lujan Grisham, and Ben Ray Luján and U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced that they are urging the Air Force to transfer legacy HH-60G PAVE Hawk combat search-and-rescue helicopters to the N.M. Air National Guard when the Air Force fields the new HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter at Kirtland Air Force Base. The leadership of the 58th Special Operations Wing (SOW) at Kirtland has told the delegation that they anticipate that the transition from the PAVE Hawk to the Combat Rescue Helicopter will cause a shortage of flight instructors. And, because the wing may soon train in up to four different helicopters at once, it could face challenges finding enough hangar space and classrooms in which to train combat rescue airmen.   In a letter to Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson, the lawmakers wrote that moving the PAVE Hawk helicopters to the 150th Special Operations Wing – under the N.M. National Guard “Tacos” –  would help the 58th SOW address the shortage of manpower and hangar and training space, while also providing the Tacos with aircraft of its own to operate. The Tacos have operated in association with the 58th SOW for several years but have not had a flying mission of their own since 2010. The lawmakers reminded Wilson that, during a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, she agreed that she would like to see the Tacos back in a flying mission. Additionally, the lawmakers wrote, the transfer would satisfy one of the Air National Guard’s goals of ensuring that each state has a fully equipped flying squadron. “We are fully confident that the New Mexico Air National Guard can provide quality, timely, and cost-effective solutions with its available personnel and infrastructure,” the lawmakers wrote. “As you look at the feasibility of this transfer, you will find the 150th SOW has the infrastructure to support the HH-60G and, with a minimal increase in authorized personnel, can support training and maintenance indepe… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pearce.house.gov/press-release/tax-reform-moves-one-step-closer TAX REFORM MOVES ONE STEP CLOSER 2017-12-05 2017 2017-12 Republican House NM Steve Pearce P000588 pearce.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. (December 4, 2017) The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Motion to Go to Conference on H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, moving the bill another step forward. “This is the legislative process at work,” stated Rep. Pearce. “As a nation, we have not come this close to passing a major overhaul to our tax system in over 30 years. This plan will help middle-income New Mexican families by allowing them to keep more hard-earned money in their pocket. It will help ease the burden on small businesses so they can hire more employees and expand. And it will help the United States become a manufacturing hub for the world again – bringing good-paying jobs with it. I look forward to getting this bill passed the finish line.” On November 2, 2017, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and passed in the U.S. Senate on December 2, 2017. The Tax Foundation released a report highlighting the differences between the House and Senate versions of the tax reform bill, and how the legislative process will work to get a final bill agreed upon in both chambers.   ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-to-zinke-if-it-aint-broke-dont-fix-it Heinrich To Zinke: If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It 2017-12-05 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy Heinrich To Zinke: If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It Tuesday, December 5, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, issued the following statement in response to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s report on national monuments, that includes recommended changes to Rio Grande del Norte and Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monuments in New Mexico: “The Department of Interior’s report is based on hearsay and erroneous data. There’s no question that it threatens both of New Mexico’s community-driven monuments that permanently protected iconic landscapes, increased recreational access, and have proven to be major drivers for our local economies. “For months, thousands of New Mexicans have told the Trump Administration to keep their hands off our public lands, but it appears they aren’t listening. New Mexico’s national monuments are vitally important to our tribes, the economy, and our way of life as Westerners—and Secretary Zinke should know that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. “I am deeply disappointed Secretary Zinke and President Trump have turned a deaf ear to the overwhelming consensus to protect New Mexico’s conservation legacy, but it comes as no surprise given their track record of declining public meetings, making decisions behind closed doors, and never even stepping foot in the Rio Grande del Norte. “This has been a deeply flawed process and any decision by President Trump to weaken protections for these special places is illegal and will be met with fierce opposition. “Since Theodore Roosevelt signed the Antiquities Act into law more than a century ago, presidents from both political parties have used it to protect the places we all treasure. Places like Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, Rio Grande del Norte, and Bears Ears are exactly the types of places that the Antiquities Act was intended to protect for future generations. Dismantling protections for these landscapes sets a dang… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/new-mexico-delegation-requests-disaster-declaration-to-help-pueblo-of-acoma-recover-from-october-storms New Mexico Delegation Requests Disaster Declaration To Help Pueblo Of Acoma Recover From October Storms 2017-12-05 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy New Mexico Delegation Requests Disaster Declaration To Help Pueblo Of Acoma Recover From October Storms Tuesday, December 5, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Reps. Steve Pearce, Ben Ray Luján and Michelle Lujan Grisham sent a letter to President Trump urging him to respond quickly to a request for disaster assistance for the Pueblo of Acoma. The Pueblo of Acoma is asking the federal government for help with hazard mitigation and to repair public infrastructure damaged by severe weather and flooding that occurred between Oct. 4 and Oct. 6, 2017. The storm caused extreme damage to tribal infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and sewer lines. The piled-up debris and wreckage created treacherous driving conditions along 10 miles of roads and bridges, isolating parts of the Pueblo lands from the rest of the territory.  “These conditions directly impacted the everyday lives of the Pueblo’s community members, including individuals who were looking to gather firewood to heat their homes, and cattle farmers who were trying to ensure grazing areas were sufficient for their cattle needs,” the lawmakers wrote. “Native communities deserve full and complete protection of their resources, land, and livelihoods. Recovering from this incident will require a full and coordinated approach. We appreciate your past responsiveness to the State of New Mexico when our communities have sought federal disaster assistance, and thank you for your attention to this important issue.” According to Pueblo of Acoma Governor Kurt Riley’s letter requesting the disaster declaration, damages resulting from the storms have currently been assessed at $2 million, seven times above the eligible damage required for public assistance consideration through major disaster declaration. The full letter is available here and below. December 5, 2017  The Honorable Donald Trump President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania AvenueWashington, D.C. 20500 … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/nm-delegation-writes-to-air-force-in-support-of-restoring-nm-air-national-guard-tacos-flying-mission NM Delegation Writes to Air Force in Support of Restoring NM Air National Guard Tacos’ Flying Mission 2017-12-05 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy NM Delegation Writes to Air Force in Support of Restoring NM Air National Guard Tacos’ Flying Mission Urge Air Force to Transfer Legacy PAVE Hawk Combat Search-and-Rescue Helicopters to NM Air National Guard Tuesday, December 5, 2017 WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.), Steve Pearce (R-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) announced that they are urging the Air Force to transfer legacy HH-60G PAVE Hawk combat search-and-rescue helicopters to the N.M. Air National Guard when the Air Force fields the new HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter at Kirtland Air Force Base. The leadership of the 58th Special Operations Wing (SOW) at Kirtland has told the delegation that they anticipate that the transition from the PAVE Hawk to the Combat Rescue Helicopter will cause a shortage of flight instructors. And, because the wing may soon train in up to four different helicopters at once, it could face challenges finding enough hangar space and classrooms in which to train combat rescue airmen.   In a letter to Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson, the lawmakers wrote that moving the PAVE Hawk helicopters to the 150th Special Operations Wing – under the N.M. National Guard “Tacos” –  would help the 58th SOW address the shortage of manpower and hangar and training space, while also providing the Tacos with aircraft of its own to operate. The Tacos have operated in association with the 58th SOW for several years but have not had a flying mission of their own since 2010. The lawmakers reminded Wilson that, during a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, she agreed that she would like to see the Tacos back in a flying mission. Additionally, the lawmakers wrote, the transfer would satisfy one of the Air National Guard’s goals of ensuring that each state has a fully equipped flying squadron. “We are fully confident that the New Mexico Air National Guard … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/new-mexico-delegation-requests-disaster-declaration-to-help-pueblo-of-acoma-recover-from-october-storms New Mexico Delegation Requests Disaster Declaration to Help Pueblo of Acoma Recover from October Storms 2017-12-05 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy December 05, 2017 New Mexico Delegation Requests Disaster Declaration to Help Pueblo of Acoma Recover from October Storms WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Reps. Steve Pearce, Ben Ray Luján and Michelle Lujan Grisham sent a letter to President Trump urging him to respond quickly to a request for disaster assistance for the Pueblo of Acoma. The Pueblo of Acoma is asking the federal government for help with hazard mitigation and to repair public infrastructure damaged by severe weather and flooding that occurred between Oct. 4 and Oct. 6, 2017. The storm caused extreme damage to tribal infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and sewer lines. The piled-up debris and wreckage created treacherous driving conditions along 10 miles of roads and bridges, isolating parts of the Pueblo lands from the rest of the territory. “These conditions directly impacted the everyday lives of the Pueblo’s community members, including individuals who were looking to gather firewood to heat their homes, and cattle farmers who were trying to ensure grazing areas were sufficient for their cattle needs,” the lawmakers wrote. “Native communities deserve full and complete protection of their resources, land, and livelihoods. Recovering from this incident will require a full and coordinated approach. We appreciate your past responsiveness to the State of New Mexico when our communities have sought federal disaster assistance, and thank you for your attention to this important issue.” According to Pueblo of Acoma Governor Kurt Riley’s letter requesting the disaster declaration, damages resulting from the storms have currently been assessed at $2 million, seven times above the eligible damage required for public assistance consideration through major disaster declaration. The full letter is available below. December 5, 2017 The Honorable Donald Trump President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear President Trump: We respectfully req… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/nm-delegation-writes-to-air-force-in-support-of-restoring-nm-air-national-guard-tacos-flying-mission NM Delegation Writes to Air Force in Support of Restoring NM Air National Guard Tacos Flying Mission 2017-12-05 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy December 05, 2017 NM Delegation Writes to Air Force in Support of Restoring NM Air National Guard Tacos’ Flying Mission Urge Air Force to Transfer Legacy PAVE Hawk Combat Search-and-Rescue Helicopters to NM Air National Guard WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representatives Michelle Lujan Grisham, Steve Pearce and Ben Ray Luján announced that they are urging the Air Force to transfer legacy HH-60G PAVE Hawk combat search-and-rescue helicopters to the N.M. Air National Guard when the Air Force fields the new HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter at Kirtland Air Force Base. The leadership of the 58th Special Operations Wing (SOW) at Kirtland has told the delegation that they anticipate that the transition from the PAVE Hawk to the Combat Rescue Helicopter will cause a shortage of flight instructors. And, because the wing may soon train in up to four different helicopters at once, it could face challenges finding enough hangar space and classrooms in which to train combat rescue airmen. In a letter to Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson, the lawmakers wrote that moving the PAVE Hawk helicopters to the 150th Special Operations Wing – under the N.M. National Guard “Tacos” – would help the 58th SOW address the shortage of manpower and hangar and training space, while also providing the Tacos with aircraft of its own to operate. The Tacos have operated in association with the 58th SOW for several years but have not had a flying mission of their own since 2010. The lawmakers reminded Wilson that, during a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, she agreed that she would like to see the Tacos back in a flying mission. Additionally, the lawmakers wrote, the transfer would satisfy one of the Air National Guard’s goals of ensuring that each state has a fully equipped flying squadron. “We are fully confident that the New Mexico Air National Guard can provide qu… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-blasts-interior-departments-sham-report-on-national-monument-designations Udall Blasts Interior Departments Sham Report on National Monument Designations 2017-12-05 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy December 05, 2017 Udall Blasts Interior Department’s ‘Sham’ Report on National Monument Designations WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tom Udall, lead Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees funding for the Interior Department, issued the following statement about Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s report to President Trump on his review of national monuments, including the two in New Mexico, Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks and Rio Grande del Norte: “Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks and Rio Grande del Norte help drive New Mexico’s outdoor recreation and tourism economy; they sustain hundreds good jobs, and they are part of what makes our state a wonderful place to visit and live. I will continue reviewing this report carefully, but Senator Heinrich and I identified a number of errors in Secretary Zinke’s draft report in September — which were based on hearsay and bad data — and it appears that he’s still relying on that wrong information. While Secretary Zinke has assured me that he doesn’t plan major changes, the question of New Mexico’s monuments is now in President Trump’s hands. Until we see what the president will sign, this fight is not over, and New Mexicans should keep calling and writing and making their voices heard. “The president doesn’t have the legal authority to unilaterally revoke or shrink the boundaries. And when it comes to decisions about the future of public lands, Americans deserve an open and above-board approach – not the sham process the Trump administration has used to try to justify loosening protections. President Trump and Secretary Zinke withheld information from Congress and the public, declined public meetings about their plans, made recommendations in secret, announced part of their decision, and — only then — released a report attempting to legitimize their conclusions. New Mexicans, and the American people were right to be suspicious of the administration’s motives. And after President Trump’s proclamation drastically cutting and re-shaping Utah’s Bears Ears and Gr… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-heller-introduce-bipartisan-public-lands-bill2017 Heinrich, Heller Introduce Bipartisan Public Lands Bill 2017-12-04 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy Heinrich, Heller Introduce Bipartisan Public Lands Bill Legislation Would Reauthorize the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act Monday, December 4, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. —  U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Dean Heller (R-Nev.) led a group of senators to introduce a bill to reauthorize the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act (FLTFA). Before it expired in 2011, FLTFA allowed the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Park Service in the western United States to use the proceeds from sales of certain federally designated areas to protect lands of exceptional conservation value.  “This program takes a balanced approach to conservation of public lands in the West, and as a result, it has a long history of bipartisan support,” said Senator Heinrich. “FLTFA is a commonsense program that achieves the dual goals of conservation and economic development. These funds have been used to protect iconic lands in New Mexico including in the Aztec Ruins National Monument, Santa Fe National Forest, and Elk Springs. FLTFA helps our state preserve the places that draw visitors from around the world and sustain outdoor traditions like hunting and fishing for generations to come.” “This bipartisan program provides a fiscally responsible way to protect and manage important public lands in Nevada and throughout the West. Not only will it spur economic growth and development, it will also keep conservation at the forefront of the region’s needs,” said Senator Heller. For more than a decade until it expired in 2011, FLTFA allowed the preservation of important sites across the western United States without the use of taxpayer money. The program also assisted in better land management practices by disposing of isolated or difficult to manage parcels identified by the public land management agencies themselves. Additional cosponsors of the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act are U.S. Senators Tom Udall … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-president-trumps-attempt-to-erase-bears-ears-and-grand-staircase-escalante-national-monuments Heinrich Statement On President Trump's Attempt To Erase Bears Ears And Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments 2017-12-04 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy Heinrich Statement On President Trump's Attempt To Erase Bears Ears And Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments Monday, December 4, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, issued the following statement after President Trump signed proclamations eliminating Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments and replacing them with five new and much smaller monuments: “The President’s unprecedented move to drastically shrink Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments in southern Utah tears at the heart of America’s conservation legacy and is a direct assault on sacred lands and tribal sovereignty. President Trump has denied future generations the opportunity to learn about the past and explore the remote mesas and canyons that have inspired visitors and inhabitants, dating back thousands of years. “In the century plus since Theodore Roosevelt signed the Antiquities Act into law, presidents from both political parties have used it to protect the places we all treasure and integral parts of who we are as Americans. Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante are unquestionably the types of places that the Antiquities Act was intended to protect for future generations. Dismantling protections for these landscapes sets a dangerous precedent that fuels an even larger campaign to attack many of our most treasured public lands across the nation. “I was proud to stand with southwestern tribes, including the Navajo Nation and Zuni Pueblo, who were part of an Inter-Tribal Coalition that called for monument protection for the sacred sites and irreplaceable cultural resources in Bears Ears. For the tribes who hold this land in deep reverence, Bears Ears National Monument and the thousands of historic and cultural sites within it serve as essential symbols of their rich history and continued perseverance. “In recent years, I’ve joined communities in New Mexico to welcome… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/tomorrow-heinrich-staff-to-hold-mobile-office-hours-in-sunland-park TOMORROW: Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Sunland Park 2017-12-04 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy TOMORROW: Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Sunland Park Monday, December 4, 2017 LAS CRUCES, N.M. - In an ongoing effort to provide top-notch constituent service, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's (D-N.M.) staff will hold Mobile Office Hours in and Sunland Park on Tuesday, December 5, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Sunland Park City Hall. Staff will be on hand to assist residents who have questions regarding Social Security benefits, Medicare, immigration, veterans benefits, student loans, and other federal programs. All are welcome to attend. Constituents who are not able to attend Mobile Office Hours can visit the Helping Yousection of Senator Heinrich's online office at www.Heinrich.Senate.Gov. Sunland Park - Tuesday, December 5,  2017WHO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's StaffWHAT: Mobile Office HoursWHEN: From 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. WHERE: Sunland Park City Hall, 1000 McNutt Road, Sunland Park, N.M. 88063  QUESTIONS: Contact Senator Heinrich's Las Cruces Office (575) 523-6561 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-pearce-seek-applicants-to-fill-upcoming-vacancy-on-us-district-court Udall, Heinrich, Pearce Seek Applicants to Fill Upcoming Vacancy on US District Court 2017-12-04 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy Udall, Heinrich, Pearce Seek Applicants to Fill Upcoming Vacancy on US District Court Monday, December 4, 2017 WASHINGTON -- On Nov. 30, 2017, the Honorable Robert C. Brack announced his intention to assume senior status after 15 years of distinguished service on the federal bench. Judge Brack’s announcement, effective July 25, 2018, will create a vacancy in Las Cruces, N.M., for a U.S. District Judge for the District of New Mexico. In accordance with their constitutional responsibility as senators to provide advice and consent with respect to federal appointments, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, with the assistance of U.S. Representative Steve Pearce, will recommend to the president a short list of qualified candidates for the position.  Individuals who are interested in the position must complete and return an application no later than Dec. 31, 2017. To download the application and instructions, please click here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/video-heinrich-releases-video-promoting-computer-science-education-week-stem-education- VIDEO: Heinrich Releases Video Promoting Computer Science Education Week, STEM Education 2017-12-04 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy VIDEO: Heinrich Releases Video Promoting Computer Science Education Week, STEM Education Monday, December 4, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Joint Economic Committee, released the following video promoting "Hour of Code" events taking place across New Mexico during Computer Science Education Week that starts this year on December 4, 2017.  The Hour of Code is a national initiative to introduce millions of students to one hour of computer science and computer programming, designed to demystify "code," to show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science. Schools and companies across New Mexico will be hosting and participating in Hour of Code events. To mark Computer Science Education Week, Joint Economic Committee Democrats are highlighting the importance of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and released a report today on how STEM strengthens the economy.  The transcript of Senator Heinrich’s Computer Science Education Week video is below:  Hi I’m Senator Martin Heinrich. As one of the few people in Congress with a background in science and engineering, I know how important it is to learn computer science. And as a father, I know that encouraging innovation doesn’t just mean my boys are spending their afternoons playing on tablets or smartphones. By learning computer science, they’re learning how to design and build the next generation of technology and devices. Every New Mexico student should learn how to code. Coding is becoming an increasingly important skill in the 21st century economy. Coders work in high-paying tech jobs, inventing new ideas and solving our most important problems. And it’s fun to learn how to code! Just ask any kid who has ever played Minecraft or learned to build their own website. Kids who learn to code today will absolutely become the next generation of science and technology innovators. I encourage each of you to… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-pearce-seek-applicants-to-fill-upcoming-vacancy-on-us-district-court Udall, Heinrich, Pearce Seek Applicants to Fill Upcoming Vacancy on US District Court 2017-12-04 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy December 04, 2017 Udall, Heinrich, Pearce Seek Applicants to Fill Upcoming Vacancy on US District Court WASHINGTON -- On Nov. 30, 2017, the Honorable Robert C. Brack announced his intention to assume senior status after 15 years of distinguished service on the federal bench. Judge Brack’s announcement, effective July 25, 2018, will create a vacancy in Las Cruces, N.M., for a U.S. District Judge for the District of New Mexico. In accordance with their constitutional responsibility as senators to provide advice and consent with respect to federal appointments, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, with the assistance of U.S. Representative Steve Pearce, will recommend to the president a short list of qualified candidates for the position. Individuals who are interested in the position must complete and return an application no later than Dec. 31, 2017. To download the application and instructions, please click here. Print Email Tweet Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-trump-attack-on-bears-ears-grand-staircase-is-an-assault-on-public-lands Udall: Trump Attack on Bears Ears, Grand Staircase is an Assault on Public Lands 2017-12-04 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy December 04, 2017 Udall: Trump Attack on Bears Ears, Grand Staircase is an Assault on Public Lands WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tom Udall, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and the lead Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee overseeing the Interior Department’s budget, issued the following response to President Trump’s decision to massively roll back protections for Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante national monuments. “Let’s get one thing clear: Donald Trump’s decision to roll back Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante national monuments by over 80 percent isn’t a reconfiguration of the boundaries. His proclamation revokes the original monument boundaries, eviscerating protections for the lands and artifacts found upon them, and amounts to the largest frontal assault on public lands in history. These are lands of stunning natural beauty, unique ecology, and sacred meaning that the United States holds in trust for all of the American people. And today, the president attacked their cultural and historical significance, the outdoor recreation jobs in Southeastern Utah that depend on the monuments, and the stunning natural heritage we preserve for future generations. “Most serious of all, the president’s actions are deeply insulting to the Native American Tribes who worked over many years to establish Bears Ears National Monument and now co-manage the monument. The Navajo, Ute, Ute Mountain Ute, Zuni, and Hopi tribes urged protection to shield sacred land and cultural sites from looting, vandalism, and energy development. The president is lifting protections for tens of thousands of Native American sacred sites, putting them at risk, and opening them for coal, oil and gas development. Trump’s decision to rescind protections and create new boundaries was made in secret — the public had no opportunity to review the plans or the decision-making process, and the Tribes were not consulted. Donald Trump’s ignorance and repeated disrespect for Native Americans diminish the of… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-statement-in-opposition-to-senate-republican-tax-bill Heinrich Statement In Opposition To Senate Republican Tax Bill 2017-12-02 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy Heinrich Statement In Opposition To Senate Republican Tax Bill Saturday, December 2, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after passage of the Senate Republican tax bill: “Tonight, Senate Republicans passed their disastrous tax bill that harms working families, will blow a huge hole in the deficit, and I fear will lead to drastic cuts to vital programs in the years ahead. Yet again, our children and our communities will end up paying the price for irresponsible and immoral Republican tax giveaways. Under the Senate bill, 200,000 households in New Mexico who earn less than $74,000 a year will see their taxes go up. This is far from a middle-class tax cut. “This bill spends money we don’t have on tax breaks the rich don’t need. The legislation adds $1.4 trillion to the national debt, an average of $140 billion each year in increased deficits, further damaging our long-term fiscal situation. When tax revenues dry up because of this plan, Congress will be forced to make hard decisions about funding Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid, public schools, our national labs, and our military. “Meaningful tax reform is a big, complicated, and complex undertaking. It shouldn’t happen behind closed doors with the public in the dark, or with just one party calling all the shots. We could craft a better bill that would lower taxes in a way that doesn’t add to the deficit. We must work together to find real solutions to health care, to tax reform, and to all of our nation’s challenges.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pearce.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-manufactured-housing-reform HOUSE PASSES MANUFACTURED HOUSING REFORM 2017-12-01 2017 2017-12 Republican House NM Steve Pearce P000588 pearce.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. (December 1, 2017) The U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R. 1699, the Preserving Access to Manufactured Housing Act, to preserves consumer protections, and allows for additional flexibility in lending to ensure consumers have access to the credit they need.  “Nearly half of the families in New Mexico live in manufactured housing and depend on having access to manufactured housing loans. The burdensome Dodd-Frank Act has crippled manufactured housing lenders’ ability to provide mortgage for these people who rely on manufactured homes as their primary housing option. These homes provide a safe and affordable housing option for New Mexicans as well as communities across the country,” stated Rep. Pearce. “Contrary to many of my colleagues in Congress, my first house was manufactured. I have a firsthand understanding of the importance of having access to both manufactured housing and the credit needed to purchase it. This bill today provides a crucial fix for those rural families in New Mexico, and across the nation, that have few housing options already and would simply like to purchase a manufactured home.” Watch Rep. Pearce speak on the House Floor in support of H.R. 1699 by clicking on the image below or here. H.R. 1699 includes technical corrections to allow for additional flexibility in lending while preserving important consumer protections including Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) oversight. Due to restrictive changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act, many manufactured housing lenders have stopped making loans under $20,000 and others have stopped lending entirely. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pearce.house.gov/press-release/pearce-introduces-legislation-provide-certainty-daca-recipients PEARCE INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE CERTAINTY TO DACA RECIPIENTS 2017-12-01 2017 2017-12 Republican House NM Steve Pearce P000588 pearce.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. (December 1, 2017) Congressman Steve Pearce introduced H.R. 4488, the Preserving Opportunity for Childhood Arrivals Act, which will provide certainty to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. “Working diligently through school to get into college, working nights and weekends to pay your way through college to earn a degree, and getting a good-paying job to help provide for yourself and your family – that’s the American dream. It reminds me of a brilliant young man in New Mexico who was brought to the United States and raised here since the age of two – this country is his home. He worked nights and weekends to pay his way through law school. He has dedicated his career to helping others navigate their way through the immigration system. While he qualified for the DACA program, he didn’t sign up fearing its temporary nature and privacy concerns. Even though it does not benefit him, he supports this bill, and understands the profoundly positive impact it will have on the lives of DACA recipients,” stated Rep. Pearce. On September 5, 2017, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, more commonly known as DACA, would end on March 5, 2018. Instantly, nearly 800,000 young immigrants brought to the United States who were benefitting from this administrative action had their worlds flipped upside down. “After learning the DACA program would come to an end in just six months, I immediately went to work to develop a solution. One that will provide young immigrants around the nation with even greater certainty so they can continue to work, go to school, and provide for their families with no strings attached. The bill I introduced does just that. We in New Mexico know firsthand the harmful impacts of our nation’s outdated and broken immigration system. DACA recipients have only known the U.S. as their home. That is why, my bill ensures those who were brought to the country by no fault of their own can live and thrive in the U.S. witho… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pearce.house.gov/press-release/pearce-introduces-protecting-wounded-warriors-right-serve-act-0 PEARCE INTRODUCES THE PROTECTING WOUNDED WARRIORS RIGHT TO SERVE ACT 2017-12-01 2017 2017-12 Republican House NM Steve Pearce P000588 pearce.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. (November 28, 2017) Congressman Steve Pearce introduced H.R. 4453, the Protecting Wounded Warriors Right to Serve Act, which enables Wounded Warriors to continue serving in the emerging field of Remotely Piloted Aircrafts (RPA), regardless of their military branch. “Today’s service men and women face dangers in an ever-evolving battlefield, including IEDs, suicide bombers, and a host of brutal tactics that have left countless soldiers permanently injured. Many times, these men and women want to continue serving their country, but are unable to due to their combat or service related injuries. Wounded Warriors have sacrificed greatly for our nation. The least we can do is provide them with the ability to continue to serve our nation, and my bill provides the opportunity to do just that. Passage of H.R. 4453 will result in the creation of a program for Wounded Warriors to continue their service in the emerging field of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) as both pilots and operators. RPA’s have changed the way our nation is able to support and assist our troops in harm’s way. They play a critical role in the global reach of the Air Force by providing unique airstrike capabilities, over watch, target development, disaster relief, close air support, and play various other roles for the nation’s deployed forces. The demand for troops in this field is ever expanding,” stated Rep. Pearce. Background H.R. 4453 streamlines the process for transferring Wounded Warriors to the Air Force and creates a process to pipeline them into the RPA field to serve as pilots and sensor operators. There is an RPA pilot shortage for Officers, as well as, a sensor operators’ shortage for Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO)s and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs). RPA pilot and sensor operator manning levels have dwindled due to the constant deployment posture, nature of the mission, and the dual emergence of the private RPA/UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) sector. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-offer-amendment-to-protect-state-mineral-leasing-payments-for-nm Udall, Heinrich Offer Amendment to Protect State Mineral Leasing Payments for NM 2017-12-01 2017 2017-12 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy December 01, 2017 Udall, Heinrich Offer Amendment to Protect State Mineral Leasing Payments for NM 2 other amendments would ensure full PILT funding WASHINGTON – Today, as the Senate continues debate on the GOP tax bill, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich have offered an amendment to prevent the federal government from paying for massive tax cuts for corporations and the ultra-wealthy by cutting or even entirely eliminating mineral leasing payments that the state of New Mexico and other Western states depend on to fund schools. The GOP tax bill stands to raise the deficit by at least $1.4 trillion, which will result in deep, mandatory federal budget cuts, in order to comply with the Pay-As-You-Go Act. The cuts would jeopardize several programs that the state of New Mexico depends on, including royalties the federal government pays for oil, gas and coal developed on public lands. For fiscal year 2017, New Mexico will receive $455 million through the program. The Udall-Heinrich amendment would prevent the federal government from reducing mineral leasing payments to states on any legislation, including the GOP tax bill currently under debate. "These royalties belong to the people of New Mexico – they are not a source of free money for the Republicans to use to pay for their tax cuts for billionaires, hedge funds and multinational corporations," Udall said. "New Mexico can’t afford a $450 million budget cut, especially one that would slash the budget for public schools. And New Mexico's school children shouldn't have to pay for tax cuts for the top 1 percent. I will push for this amendment, but at the end of the day, the real solution is for Republicans to change course and work with Democrats on a responsible tax reform bill – one that doesn’t set New Mexico on a collision course for a huge budget cut." "The Republican tax bill being rushed through Congress is a massive tax giveaway for the wealth… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lujan.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=4697 Lujn Announces 2017 Nominees to U.S. Service Academies 2017-11-30 2017 2017-11 Democrat House NM Ben Luján L000570 lujan.house.gov     legacy [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) today announced that he has nominated 29 students from northern New Mexico to enter the United States Service Academies as part of the freshman class of 2018. “Our state has a long tradition of serving our nation in all the branches of our military.  Having the chance to nominate some of New Mexico’s best and brightest young people to our United States Service Academies is a distinct honor for me each year,” said Luján. “I am proud of each and every one of these students, who have demonstrated a commitment to service, the drive to succeed and tremendous dedication to our state and our nation.” Congressman Luján’s 2017 Service Academy nominees include: US Military Academy – West Point, NY ·         Micaela Abeyta – Bloomfield High School – Bloomfield, NM ·         Micah Bibb – School Without Borders High School (Washington DC) – Santa Fe, NM ·         Annika Davenport – Home Schooled – Los Alamos, NM ·         Cameron Kuykendall – Clovis High School – Clovis, NM ·         Christian Lewis – Bloomfield High School – Bloomfield, NM ·         Laureen Naranjo – St. Michael’s High School – Espanola, NM US Naval Academy – Annapolis, MD ·         Angelina Lopez – Rio Rancho High School – Rio Rancho, NM ·         Gabriella Mayes – Rio Rancho High School – Rio Rancho, NM ·         Jacob Thompson – Los Alamos High School – Los Alamos, NM ·         Jacob Torrez – Los Alamos High School – White Rock, NM ·         Landry Truex – Elida High School – Portales, NM ·         Neil Wilkerson – Los Alamos High School – Los Alamos, NM US Air Force Academy – Colorado Springs, CO ·         Andrea Almodover – Rio Rancho High School – Rio Rancho, NM ·         Markus Baumann – Clovis High School – Clovis, NM ·         Justin Cabiltes – Rio  Rancho High School – Rio Rancho, NM ·         Megan Edwards – Clovis High School – Clovis, NM ·         Ashley Gabaldon – Rio Rancho High School – Rio Rancho, NM … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lujan.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=4698 Lujn Urges Additional Funding for Opioid Treatment and Prevention 2017-11-30 2017 2017-11 Democrat House NM Ben Luján L000570 lujan.house.gov     legacy [WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) today sent a letter to the leaders of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Committee urging continued investment to combat the opioid epidemic. Earlier this year, Lujan introduced legislation that would provide $2.5 billion in additional funding for five years at the rate of $500 million a year. More than 64,000 people in the U.S. died of drug overdoses in 2016, the deadliest year on record. That number represents a nationwide increase of more than 20 percent over the previous year. Heroin deaths rose 23 percent, to 12,989, higher than the number of gun homicides. Deaths from synthetic opioids rose 73 percent, and prescription painkillers had the highest toll - abuse of drugs like OxyContin and Vicodin killed 17,536 in 2016. Luján wrote: “Congress took important first steps by passing the Comprehensive Addiction and Control Act (CARA), and providing $1 billion dollars over two years in 21st Century Cures (Cures) to bolster state efforts to respond to the opioid crisis. But two years won’t be enough time to turn the tide against this epidemic in our communities. This money was just an important down payment to fight this epidemic. We can and should do more by extending the 21st Century Cures funding.” Earlier this year, Luján introduced H.R. 3692, the Addiction Treatment Access Improvement Act, a bill that would significantly expand access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder, and the Opioid and Heroin Abuse Crisis Investment Act, to extend funding to combat the growing public health crisis of opioid-related addiction and deaths. Last Congress, he also introduced legislation which called for additional resources for treatment and prevention programs to address the opioid abuse problem and was instrumental in securing the first installment of federal funding for 2017. The letter goes on to say: “In order to combat this epidemic, we need to make a focused effort to implement tangible measures that monitor and offer su… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lujangrisham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/nm-delegation-announces-senate-passage-bill-promote-preservation-native NM Delegation Announces Senate Passage of Bill to Promote Preservation of Native American Languages 2017-11-30 2017 2017-11 Democrat House NM Michelle Lujan Grisham L000580 lujangrisham.house.gov     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 30, 2017 NM Delegation Announces Senate Passage of Bill to Promote Preservation of Native American Languages   WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representatives Steve Pearce, Ben Ray Luján, and Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that the full Senate passed the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act by unanimous consent late Wednesday. The bill, S. 254, is backed by the full N.M. delegation and provides grants to Native American language educational organizations to maintain and revitalize endangered Native languages in Indian Country. The bill will reauthorize federal Native American language programs until 2023, and includes improvements to expand eligibility to smaller-sized Tribal language programs and allow for longer grant periods. S. 254 is now headed to the U.S. House of Representatives, where Luján and Pearce introduced companion legislation.   The Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act, is named for an Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo traditional storyteller and language advocate. It amends existing law to strengthen Native language revitalization programs that expand and fund Native language nests, Native language survival schools, and Native American language restoration programs.   “I am enormously proud that the Senate passed our bipartisan legislation to honor – and carry on — Esther Martinez’s fight to keep Native American languages and cultural heritage alive,” Udall said. “Native language revitalization builds connections between generations of Native Americans, and promotes higher academic achievement outcomes among Native youth. The grants made possible by the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act devote needed resources to the revitalization of Native languages in Tribal communities.”   “Preserving Native languages is central to maintaining cultural identity,” Heinrich said. "I’m proud to … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/nm-delegation-announces-senate-passage-of-bill-to-promote-preservation-of-native-american-languages NM Delegation Announces Senate Passage of Bill to Promote Preservation of Native American Languages 2017-11-30 2017 2017-11 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy NM Delegation Announces Senate Passage of Bill to Promote Preservation of Native American Languages Thursday, November 30, 2017 WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Steve Pearce (R-N.M.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.) announced that the full Senate passed the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act by unanimous consent late Wednesday. The bill, S. 254, is backed by the full N.M. delegation and provides grants to Native American language educational organizations to maintain and revitalize endangered Native languages in Indian Country. The bill will reauthorize federal Native American language programs until 2023, and includes improvements to expand eligibility to smaller-sized Tribal language programs and allow for longer grant periods. S. 254 is now headed to the U.S. House of Representatives, where Luján and Pearce introduced companion legislation. The Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act, is named for an Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo traditional storyteller and language advocate. It amends existing law to strengthen Native language revitalization programs that expand and fund Native language nests, Native language survival schools, and Native American language restoration programs. “I am enormously proud that the Senate passed our bipartisan legislation to honor – and carry on — Esther Martinez’s fight to keep Native American languages and cultural heritage alive,” Udall said. “Native language revitalization builds connections between generations of Native Americans, and promotes higher academic achievement outcomes among Native youth. The grants made possible by the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act devote needed resources to the revitalization of Native languages in Tribal communities.” “Preserving Native languages is central to maint… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/in-the-news-congress-democrats-push-for-daca-replacement-program IN THE NEWS: Congress, Democrats push for DACA replacement program 2017-11-30 2017 2017-11 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - Democrats -- including a New Mexico senator -- are pressing for a vote to replace the DACA program before the end of the year. President Donald Trump ended DACA in September and gave Congress six months to create a permanent program to replace it. Sen. Tom Udall says if Republicans want Democrats' cooperation on a bill to fund the government beyond next week, they need to keep so-called "Dreamers" in the U.S. "We need to make sure that this is part of it and I am going to fight for that," Sen. Udall said. Congress has until Dec. 8 to reach a new budget deal or the government will shut down. ----Send a Breaking News TipReport an error or typoLearn about the KRQE apps 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/nm-delegation-announces-senate-passage-of-bill-to-promote-preservation-of-native-american-languages NM Delegation Announces Senate Passage of Bill to Promote Preservation of Native American Languages 2017-11-30 2017 2017-11 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy November 30, 2017 NM Delegation Announces Senate Passage of Bill to Promote Preservation of Native American Languages WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representatives Steve Pearce, Ben Ray Luján, and Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that the full Senate passed the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act by unanimous consent late Wednesday. The bill, S. 254, is backed by the full N.M. delegation and provides grants to Native American language educational organizations to maintain and revitalize endangered Native languages in Indian Country. The bill will reauthorize federal Native American language programs until 2023, and includes improvements to expand eligibility to smaller-sized Tribal language programs and allow for longer grant periods. S. 254 is now headed to the U.S. House of Representatives, where Luján and Pearce introduced companion legislation. The Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act, is named for an Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo traditional storyteller and language advocate. It amends existing law to strengthen Native language revitalization programs that expand and fund Native language nests, Native language survival schools, and Native American language restoration programs. “I am enormously proud that the Senate passed our bipartisan legislation to honor – and carry on — Esther Martinez’s fight to keep Native American languages and cultural heritage alive,” Udall said. “Native language revitalization builds connections between generations of Native Americans, and promotes higher academic achievement outcomes among Native youth. The grants made possible by the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act devote needed resources to the revitalization of Native languages in Tribal communities.” “Preserving Native languages is central to maintaining cultural identity,” Heinrich said. "I’m proud to honor Esther Martinez’s legacy by ensuri… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-announces-senate-passage-of-bill-to-expand-amber-alert-system-in-indian-country Udall Announces Senate Passage of Bill to Expand AMBER Alert System in Indian Country 2017-11-30 2017 2017-11 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy November 30, 2017 Udall Announces Senate Passage of Bill to Expand AMBER Alert System in Indian Country Senate Passes Legislative Package of Nine Indian Affairs Bills WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, announced that the full Senate passed the AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act of 2017 by unanimous consent late Wednesday. The bill comes in response to the tragic abduction and murder of 11-year-old Ashlynne Mike on the Navajo Nation in 2016 – when authorities did not issue an AMBER Alert until a day after Ashlynne’s abduction was reported. The bipartisan legislation led by Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) would make the Tribal AMBER Alert pilot program permanent and extend it to all Indian Tribes to manage and operate their own comprehensive AMBER Alert systems. The bill also authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to make Indian Tribes that put AMBER Alert systems in place for law enforcement agencies eligible for grants. “Unfortunately, the AMBER Alert was issued too late to save Ashlynne. No words can adequately express the sadness and anger we feel at the senseless act of violence that took her from her family and community and deprived her of a bright future,” Udall said. “We have a moral responsibility to ensure Native children like Ashlynne receive the same protections as all other children. The AMBER Alert system has proven to be an effective tool throughout the U.S. in combating child abductions and we must ensure that Tribes are on a level playing field when it comes to providing these basic services. My hope is that this bill will help achieve that, and I applaud Senator McCain’s leadership to address this issue.” The AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act of 2017 was part of a legislative package, which also included the following bills: H.R. 228, Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Consolidation Act of 2017 S. 343, Rep… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-presses-dhs-nominee-nielsen-on-sensitive-location-policy Udall Presses DHS Nominee Nielsen on Sensitive Location Policy 2017-11-30 2017 2017-11 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy November 30, 2017 Udall Presses DHS Nominee Nielsen on Sensitive Location Policy WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall pressed Kirstjen Nielsen, President Trump’s nominee to be secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to commit to adhering to longstanding federal policies regarding immigration enforcement at sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, and religious institutions. During a meeting with Nielsen ahead of her confirmation hearings, Udall expressed his serious concern about reports of ongoing violations of DHS’s existing policies prohibiting enforcement at sensitive locations, noting that he has sent multiple inquiries to DHS leadership on the matter that have gone unanswered. Udall is aware of many troubling reports from New Mexicans who say they are afraid to report crimes or seek health care or services at schools, churches, and hospitals due to accounts that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is conducting enforcement operations at these locations. In addition, a 10-year-old girl with cerebral palsy was recently detained in South Texas after being stopped by immigration authorities on her way to the hospital for gallbladder surgery. Armed agents later arrested her directly from her hospital bed as she was recovering from the surgery. Udall issued this statement following his meeting with Nielsen: “President Trump’s anti-immigrant policies and rhetoric have sent shockwaves of fear throughout immigrant communities in New Mexico and across the country. No one should have to be afraid of going to the doctor, going to a place of worship, or going to school. I’m extremely disturbed by continued reports that federal agents are conducting enforcement operations at these sensitive locations, violating established policies and, quite frankly, putting public health and safety in danger. ICE should focus its limited resources on targeting dangerous criminals, not innocent families who have built a life in this country and who make our state and our nation strong. If s… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-to-oppose-gop-tax-plan Udall to Oppose GOP Tax Plan 2017-11-30 2017 2017-11 Democrat House NM Tom Udall U000039 www.tomudall.senate.gov     legacy November 30, 2017 Udall to Oppose GOP Tax Plan GOP bill would raise taxes for hundreds of thousands of working New Mexicans, drive up health care premiums, cost NM hundreds of millions in revenue, and open the Arctic Refuge to drilling WASHINGTON — Today, ahead of a vote on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Tom Udall spoke out against the devastating GOP tax plan, highlighting the many ways the bill will hurt New Mexico families. The bill would gut tax deductions for the middle class and working families and force drastic cuts to mandatory federal programs like Medicare and state mineral leasing payments in order to pay for massive tax cuts for corporations and the ultra wealthy. He released the following statement: “I want to support responsible tax relief for New Mexico families, but unless you’re a very wealthy individual, a multinational corporation, or a private equity or hedge fund, this bill will leave you worse off – not better. It would actually raise taxes on many working families, drastically cut Medicare, drive health care costs through the roof, and slash a major source of revenue that New Mexico uses to pay for schools, roads and other critical services. "Republicans are setting up a fiscal trainwreck by adding $1.4 trillion to the deficit, which threatens future government revenues and long-term budgets for our labs, bases, scientific research funding, and public lands. Not only that but unless Congress takes some future, uncertain actions, this tax cut for the wealthy would also jeopardize the royalties the federal government pays New Mexico and other Western states for oil, gas and coal developed on public lands. These payments are compensation for resources on publicly owned land in our state, and New Mexico uses the roughly $450 million in royalties to pay for schools, roads, emergency response and other crucial services that taxpayers rely on. These royalties belong to New Mexico taxpay… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pearce.house.gov/press-release/pearce-leads-joint-subcommittee-hearing-modifying-bank-secrecy-act PEARCE LEADS JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING ON MODIFYING BANK SECRECY ACT 2017-11-29 2017 2017-11 Republican House NM Steve Pearce P000588 pearce.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. (November 29, 2017) Congressman Steve Pearce today led the Terrorism and Illicit Finance Subcommittee and the Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittee joint hearing on countering terrorism financing. This joint hearing examined H.R. 2219, the End Banking for Human Traffickers Act of 2017, and the Counter Terrorism and Illicit Finance Act to modernize the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), which is sponsored by Rep. Pearce. “From the Treasury Department, down to local law enforcement, many moving parts are involved in thwarting the funding of terrorist activities and criminal schemes. As the threat of terrorism evolves, so should the regulations that are used to detect and disrupt the illicit financing within our nation’s financial system,” stated Rep. Pearce. “I appreciate the dedication and work of my colleagues as we work to modernize the Bank Secrecy Act and improve our nation’s framework to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The Bank Secrecy Act provides agencies within the Treasury Department the vital ability to safeguard our financial system from money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit uses. It is imperative to national security that they have the resources needed to detect and disrupt the funding of criminal activity and terroristic acts.” Watch Rep. Pearce give his opening statement at today’s hearing by clicking on the image below or here. Background H.R. 2219 would add the Secretary of the Treasury to the President’s Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking. This task force is required to submit recommendations to Congress on revisions to anti-money laundering programs to target money laundering as it relates to human trafficking. This bill also reforms training and procedures of anti-money laundering programs in efforts to eliminate human trafficking by eradicating the illicit financing. Rep. Pearce’s discussion draft titled Counter Terrorism and Illicit Finance Act would modernize the Bank Secrecy Act. This bill will reform the BSA t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pearce.house.gov/press-release/pearce-statement-final-mexican-wolf-recovery-program-plan PEARCE STATEMENT ON FINAL MEXICAN WOLF RECOVERY PROGRAM PLAN 2017-11-29 2017 2017-11 Republican House NM Steve Pearce P000588 pearce.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. (November 29, 2017) Congressman Steve Pearce released the following statement after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) released their final Mexican Wolf Recovery Program’s plan: “I appreciate the Fish and Wildlife Service’s attempt at greater collaboration with local governments and communities as they finalized this plan, unfortunately the plan itself continues to fall short. It once again places the burden of recovery on the backs of New Mexicans and disregards the serious concerns of ranchers and farmers whose livelihoods are affected by the program. Additionally, the updated recovery plan ignores the fact that the vast majority of traditional habitat lies in Mexico. Any recovery plan must include responsibility and cost on the Mexican government. I am disappointed in Fish and Wildlife Service’s actions, and remain committed to the creation of recovery plan that is both productive for the species and protective of the New Mexican way of life.” Background On March 10, 2017, Rep. Pearce sent a letter to Secretary Zinke of the Department of the Interior calling for a 90-day extension to the comment period for the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Mexican Wolf Recovery Program’s Release and Translocation Proposal so they can provide local communities and governments directly affected by the program suitable time to provide their input. On September 6, 2017, Rep. Pearce sent a letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the Draft Mexican Wolf Recovery Play, First Revision in efforts to update the current plan which was developed in 1982. According to FWS’s 1982 Recovery Plan, the Mexican Wolf’s historic habitat is largely located in Mexico. This plan calls for 320 Mexican Wolves in the U.S. for four consecutive years to down list and eight consecutive years for delisting. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-air-force-domestic-violence-reporting-deficiencies Heinrich Statement On Air Force Domestic Violence Reporting Deficiencies 2017-11-29 2017 2017-11 Democrat House NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov     legacy Heinrich Statement On Air Force Domestic Violence Reporting Deficiencies Wednesday, November 29, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Following the release of the Air Force's preliminary findings of its domestic violence reporting deficiencies that allowed the Sutherland Springs, Texas shooter to purchase firearms, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) is calling for the immediate consideration of the Domestic Violence Loophole Closure Act; bipartisan legislation he introduced with U.S. Senators Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) to close the background check loophole. “The preliminary findings by the Air Force Inspector General solidify how critical it is for Congress to do more to address gun violence and ensure that any individual convicted of domestic violence – whether it is in criminal or military court – cannot legally purchase a firearm. We now know that the reporting failure at Holloman Air Force Base was not an isolated incident – similar lapses occurred across the armed services.  “The Air Force must continue to take swift action to identify and remedy shortfalls in its reporting, but we must also pass our bipartisan bill to close these loopholes and leave no room for error. The Department of Defense has a responsibility to report domestic violence convictions and ensure the National Instant Criminal Background Check System database is accurate to keep victims and the public safe. These are actions Republicans and Democrats can agree on and ones we must take to prevent future tragedies.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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