Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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10,984 rows where party = "Democrat" and state = "NM" sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-vasquez-nunn-introduce-bipartisan-beef-act-protect-american-ranchers-and | Reps. Vasquez, Nunn Introduce Bipartisan BEEF Act to Protect American Ranchers and Lower Beef Prices | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) and U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) introduced the BEEF (Banning External Entry of Foreign Beef) Act, legislation to stop the Administration’s latest expansion of foreign beef imports and advance a long-term strategy to rebuild the American cattle herd, strengthen domestic beef production, and lower costs for consumers. This bill is in response to the Administration’s announcement that it would import an additional 300,000 metric tons of foreign lean beef trimmings into the United States, hurting ranchers and raising prices for consumers. Vasquez has repeatedly opposed efforts by both Democratic and Republican administrations to increase foreign beef imports at the expense of American cattle producers. “If we want more affordable beef, the answer is to grow American production, strengthen competition, and make it easier for the next generation of ranchers to stay in business – not make our country more dependent on un-vetted foreign imports,” said Vasquez. “Cattlegrowers in New Mexico and across the nation have made it clear – they want to reverse the President’s foreign beef imports and they need more time, and more tools, to grow their herds and fix the domestic supply chain. My bipartisan BEEF Act does just that, and I hope that my colleagues from both sides of the aisle can join me in supporting American cattlegrowers and this commonsense proposal.” “Lowering beef prices for Iowa families and supporting our cattle producers should go hand-in-hand,” said Nunn. “If we want more affordable beef for the long term, we need more American beef being raised and produced here at home. After years of a shrinking cattle herd, that means giving our producers the stability and confidence to invest, rebuild, and grow. Our bipartisan bill puts producers at the table to develop a long-term plan to increase our domestic beef supply, while giving Congress a say before future decisions are made to expand foreign imports.” The BEEF Act would: Suspend the Admi… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-vasquez-announce-10-million-to-rebuild-roads-outside-of-wipp-in-carlsbad | Heinrich, Vasquez Announce $10 Million to Rebuild Roads Outside of WIPP in Carlsbad | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (N.M.) announced $10 million in federal funding to repair the US 285 Relief Route, a critical road for freight trucks transporting nuclear materials to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) near Carlsbad. In January, Heinrich announced he had successfully included $10 million in Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Appropriations to improve roads leading to and from WIPP, through recommended payments from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to the State of New Mexico. Since joining the Senate Appropriations Committee, Heinrich has been a steadfast advocate for appropriating these funds. This will be the first time that funds have been appropriated for this purpose since 2014. These repairs will improve safety for WIPP workers, shipments, and the surrounding communities. Earlier this year, Heinrich also introduced the WIPP Economic Assistance Assurance Act to amend the WIPP Land Withdrawal Act to ensure sustained, inflation-adjusted funding for New Mexico communities to maintain vital infrastructure projects, such as road maintenance and repairs for the duration of WIPP’s operation. “Last appropriations cycle, I fought like hell to secure this funding – to get New Mexico more of the funding we deserve for our role in maintaining the nation’s only deep geologic repository for radioactive defense waste. I am extremely proud to have succeeded in delivering this $10 million to help rebuild the roads to, from, and around WIPP and strengthen the infrastructure that workers and the Carlsbad community rely on every day,” said Heinrich. “But our work isn’t done. I’ll keep fighting to increase the federal government’s support of road and infrastructure improvements in New Mexico, including through my WIPP Economic Assistance Assurance Act.” “New Mexico and WIPP are the backbone of our nation’s nuclear program,” said V… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-calls-on-senate-leadership-to-establish-bipartisan-select-committee-on-ai/ | Luján Calls on Senate Leadership to Establish Bipartisan Select Committee on AI | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to establish a bipartisan Senate Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure that Congress can meet the unprecedented pace, scale, and rapidly advancing challenges associated with AI. “AI is accelerating faster than our existing legislative processes, committee structures, and technical capacity can consistently evaluate and respond. The recent news of increasing incidents makes it clear that this is no longer a theoretical concern,” wrote Senator Luján. “A bipartisan Select Committee on AI would complement, not displace, the work of existing committees. This approach would dedicate a platform to develop novel AI policy recommendations, hold hearings, and help coordinate across existing committees,” continued Senator Luján. “Establishing this bipartisan Committee gives Congress the institutional capacity to pull in expertise to understand this technology, drive its benefits, anticipate its consequences, and act with the urgency and responsibility that is demanded of us in our elected roles,” concluded Senator Luján. The full text of the letter is available here and below. Dear Leader Thune and Leader Schumer: I respectfully write today to urge the establishment of a bipartisan Senate Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure that Congress can meet the unprecedented pace, scale, and breadth of challenges presented by a rapidly advancing artificial intelligence landscape. AI is accelerating faster than our existing legislative processes, committee structures, and technical capacity can consistently evaluate and respond. The recent news of increasing incidents makes it clear that this is no longer a theoretical concern. In July, AI agents operating during cybersecurity evaluations were not properly maintained within their intended environments, allowing them unauthorized access to external systems. In independent testing by the Unite… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-statement-commemorating-national-public-lands-day | Heinrich Statement Commemorating National Public Lands Day | 2026-09-26 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement on National Public Lands Day: “Our public lands are part of our shared identity – they are a physical manifestation of our Jeffersonian democracy and belong to all of us, no matter where you come from or how much money you have. “But over the past two years, our public lands have been under relentless attacks. President Trump is trying to rip public lands from public hands, negotiating behind closed doors to sell off our national treasures to private equity firms and foreign mining companies, leaving our public lands behind a for sale sign. “To rub even more salt in the wound: our national parks are facing billions of dollars in deferred maintenance and severe staff shortages, while $1.8 billion of your taxpayer dollars are being spent on President Trump’s D.C. vanity projects. That’s bullshit. “On this National Public Lands Day, go out and enjoy our public lands. Then share why they matter to you and continue to fight to protect these lands for future generations.” As Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Heinrich is leading the fight in Congress to protect our public lands, expand access to national parks, and hold the Trump administration accountable for its attacks on our treasured places — from efforts to erase history in our national parks to diverting funding to Trump’s vanity projects. This month, Heinrich joined a bipartisan group of 153 lawmakers in urging the Department of the Interior (DOI) to abandon a proposed transfer of federally managed public land within Yosemite National Park that would facilitate private access to and development of an 83-acre parcel adjacent to the park known as Hazel Green Ranch. During a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, Heinrich criticized the Trump administration for its plan to exchange public land in Yosemite National Park for private devel… | 1 | 2026-09-27T10:23:37Z | 2026-09-27T10:25:08Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-whitehouse-joint-statement-on-permitting-deal-to-deliver-lower-energy-costs-good-paying-jobs-and-responsible-growth | Heinrich, Whitehouse Joint Statement on Permitting Deal to Deliver Lower Energy Costs, Good-Paying Jobs, and Responsible Growth | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, issued the following statement on the status of a permitting reform deal: “To be clear: permitting negotiations are ongoing, many of the major hurdles have been overcome, and we believe there is a good deal to be had. We’re focused on getting Americans cheaper energy, good-paying jobs, and responsible growth. To get that right, we need good, strong, legislative text and deliberation. “Our goal is to deliver for Americans struggling to pay their utility bills. And to do that, we must give Senators the opportunity to read and engage with legislation before they’re asked to vote on it. Rushing that process isn’t just unhelpful, it could sabotage the entire effort. “We are talking about major changes to how America builds energy and infrastructure. Getting that right has to matter more than election-year deadlines. We are committed to doing what’s needed to get this across the finish line in this Congress, and we look forward to working with the White House and our fellow Members to do that.” | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-legislation-to-secure-americas-satellite-systems-unanimously-passes-senate/ | Luján Legislation to Secure America’s Satellite Systems Unanimously Passes Senate | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Washington, D.C. – This week, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Secure Space Act, legislation led by U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, and U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Chair of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media. The bipartisan Secure Space Act would protect America’s satellite systems from foreign threats and strengthen national security. “As satellite technology continues to advance, so do the threats to our national security, and we must act swiftly to safeguard our critical infrastructure,” said Senator Luján. “I’m proud that the Senate unanimously passed my Secure Space Act, legislation that blocks satellite licenses for untrusted entities and protects our skies from foreign adversaries. This legislation is necessary to defend our communications networks from foreign entities that seek to undermine our security and technological leadership.” Background: The Secure Space Act prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from granting satellite licenses or U.S. market access for foreign-licensed satellite systems to any entity or its affiliates that produce or provide communications equipment or services deemed a national security risk. The legislation amends the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 to extend this prohibition to both geostationary and non-geostationary orbit satellite systems, including gateway stations. It applies to new licenses and authorizations issued after the bill’s enactment and requires the FCC to establish implementing regulations within one year. Click here to read text of the bill. ### | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-statement-on-trumps-illegal-pocket-recissions-that-strips-nearly-1-billion-from-american-families/ | Luján Statement on Trump’s Illegal Pocket Recissions that Strips Nearly $1 Billion From American Families | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after the Trump administration released an illegal “pocket rescission” that would strip nearly $1 billion in funds meant to support American families: “Donald Trump and Russ Vought are illegally stripping away nearly $1 billion in funding for kids, K-12 students, small businesses, and families across America. “At a time when families are being squeezed by the rising costs of food, fuel, and other essentials, these cuts will only make life harder for New Mexicans. “Senate Democrats will fight back against these illegal cuts, defend Congress’ authority, and lower costs for families.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=663 | Leger Fernández Calls for Pause on Data Center Development, Unveils “No Blank Checks for Data Centers” Principles | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Teresa Leger Fernandez | L000273 | fernandez.house.gov | fernandez | https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | SANTA FE, NM — Today, Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) unveiled her No Blank Checks for Data Centers Principles, a set of clear standards to protect New Mexico families, water, land, and local communities as companies seek to build massive data centers across the state. The Congresswoman called for a moratorium on new data center development in New Mexico until companies meet the principles she laid out. “The role of government is to protect us from greedy corporations,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. "Data centers want our water, our land, and our power. Communities may want the jobs they could bring to New Mexico. But we will not give them a blank check. I will only support data centers that pay their own way, protect our precious water, create good-paying union jobs, use clean energy, and earn the support of the communities where they want to build. Data centers must work for New Mexico, not the other way around. Communities must know how much water and electricity these projects will use, who will pay for them, and what residents will receive in return. If a project cannot answer those questions, it should not move forward. Congress must act to regulate data centers with these principles in mind. We cannot let AI and data centers regulate themselves.” The Congresswoman’s platform requires data centers to meet six principles: No Blank Checks for Data Centers Principles Don’t hike up electric bills. Data centers must pay for their own electricity and infrastructure without passing their costs on to New Mexico families. Don’t negatively impact water resources in the area. Use energy sources that meet New Mexico’s renewable energy and zero-carbon requirements. Create good-paying union jobs. Get community approval and do consultation before permitting and building. No taxpayer subsidies, projects must provide community benefits. “Our water. Our land. Our power. Our say,” said Leger Fernández. “Those are New Mexico’s terms.” Leger Fernández also linked her data center standards to a broa… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-secures-critical-resources-new-mexico-water-infrastructure | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Secures Critical Resources for New Mexico Water Infrastructure in House-Passed Bill | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | September 24, 2026 Vasquez delivers major wins for water security, wildfire recovery, flood protection and the Rio Grande WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) helped pass the Water Resources Development Act of 2026, securing up to $50 million in new water infrastructure authorizations for communities in New Mexico focused on drought and wildfire recovery, flood protection and the long-term health of the Rio Grande. “I fought to put New Mexico front and center in this bill, and I’m proud to have delivered,” said Vasquez. “This bill provides up to $50 million for local water infrastructure to protect the Rio Grande and help communities recover from wildfires – critical wins for New Mexicans as we face a dire water shortage.” The Water Resources Development Act, known as WRDA, authorizes water infrastructure projects, studies and policies carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This year, Vasquez pushed to make sure New Mexico’s unique water challenges were reflected in a bill that shapes water policy across the country. Rep. Vasquez secured the following wins for New Mexico: $25 million for Doña Ana County water infrastructure: Vasquez secured a $25 million authorization for water infrastructure in Doña Ana County, including water supply and desalination projects. This creates a major new federal opportunity to strengthen the region’s water supply and put brackish groundwater to productive use. $25 million for Valencia County water infrastructure: Vasquez secured a $25 million authorization for water and wastewater infrastructure in Valencia County, including stormwater management. The provision will help communities tackle flooding, improve water systems and build more resilient infrastructure. Major modernization of the Rio Grande Environmental Management Program: Vasquez secured an expansion of the program to support projects addressing drought, wildfire and flood resilience, fish and wildlife habitat, sedimentation and salinity, water infrastructure, and invasive species.… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-moreno-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-to-recognize-september-as-latin-music-appreciation-month/ | Luján, Moreno Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize September as Latin Music Appreciation Month | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) introduced a bipartisan resolution to celebrate the contributions of Hispanics and Latinos to the musical heritage of the United States and to designate September 2026 as Latin Music Appreciation Month. The resolution recognizes various Latin music styles, instruments, artists, bands, and journalists who have inspired and influenced American culture for generations. U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) plans to lead the resolution in the House of Representatives. “As one of the only Hispanics in the United States Senate, I’m honored to introduce this bipartisan resolution that recognizes and celebrates Hispanic and Latino achievements in music and culture,” said Senator Luján. “Across the U.S. and around the world, Hispanic and Latino artists have made significant contributions to musical heritage and driven cultural trends. This month, we can all take a moment to celebrate Hispanic and Latino artists and inspire future generations of artists and performers.” “Latin music is woven into the story of our nation, and its influence reaches communities across the United States and around the world. You can hear it everywhere, from reggaetón at celebrations to Latin ballads at weddings. It is the soundtrack of our lives. That’s why I’ve worked to ensure more Latino artists are a part of the prestigious National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress. Alongside Senator Luján, I look forward to calling September ‘Latin Music Appreciation Month’ to honor the artists who have shaped our nation’s culture,” said Representative Castro. “Latin music is one of the fastest-growing forces in the American music industry, driving streams, filling stadiums, topping the charts, and creating jobs for artists, producers, songwriters, and crews across the country,” said Nathaly Maurice, Founder and President of Operativo, who helped spearhead the effort alongside legendary music producer and executive Emilio Estefan. “This resolution rec… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-statement-on-voting-for-the-14th-time-to-end-trumps-war-with-iran/ | Luján Statement on Voting for the 14th Time to End Trump’s War with Iran | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after voting for the 14th time to end President Trump’s war with Iran: “I just voted for the 14th time to end Donald Trump’s disastrous war with Iran and bring our troops home. “At least 19 servicemembers have lost their lives, many remain in harm’s way, gas is over $4.53 a gallon, and record diesel prices are squeezing our farmers and working families. “I’ve opposed this war since day one, and I won’t stop fighting to bring our troops home and lower costs for New Mexicans.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-introduces-legislation-to-support-investments-to-build-a-more-resilient-reliable-grid | Heinrich Introduces Legislation to Support Investments to Build a More Resilient, Reliable Grid | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | The bill creates an investment tax credit to boost construction of significant transmission projects across the nation, could create 1 million jobs & help cut electricity costs by 0ver $27 billion annually WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, introduced the Grid Resiliency Tax Credit Act, legislation to incentivize the construction of new electric transmission infrastructure to help meet growing electricity demand, strengthen the grid, and lower costs for customers. The Grid Resiliency Tax Credit Act will provide a targeted 30% investment tax credit (ITC) to support investments in large-scale transmission projects and grid-enhancing technologies that help to provide consumers with low-cost, reliable electricity. At a time when energy costs are already through the roof, Americans need solutions that can bring down the cost of electricity while making sure our grid can keep up with growing demand. According to an analysis by ACORE and Grid Strategies, a 30% investment tax credit for transmission projects would create more than 1 million new American jobs building and maintaining transmission projects. Transmission expansion could save American families and businesses up to $27.7 billion per year on their residential electricity bills, according to Grid Strategies and Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG). “As our energy demand increases, we need to improve our grid infrastructure and invest in building more transmission lines that deliver on the promise of reliable, affordable, and clean power,” said Heinrich. “At a time when families are already facing sky-high energy costs, we need to make sure our investments in the grid actually help bring those costs down. My Grid Resiliency Tax Credit Act will do just that by incentivizing private investors to put their capital behind building critical energy infrastructure projects, creating long-term certainty, starting from planning to the construction of transmission pro… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-kim-introduce-legislation-to-address-rising-costs-of-school-meals-help-end-childhood-hunger-in-america | Heinrich, Kim Introduce Legislation to Address Rising Costs of School Meals, Help End Childhood Hunger in America | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, and U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) introduced the Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act, legislation to make it easier for students to access quality, nutritious school meals. School meals help shape lifelong healthy eating habits, and research shows that students who participate in school meal programs have better overall diet quality than nonparticipants. But as the cost of food and equipment continues to rise, school districts are struggling to keep up. The Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act will give school districts the certainty they need to strengthen their meal programs, provide nutritious meals to students, and plan for the future. “New Mexico has shown that when we make healthy school meals available to every student, we give kids a better chance to focus, learn, and succeed. But schools across the country are facing a financial crisis, with the skyrocketing cost of food, equipment, and labor making it harder to put nutritious meals on the table. My Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act will give schools the resources and certainty they need to serve healthy meals, buy more food from local farmers, and make sure every kid in America has the food they need to learn and thrive,” said Heinrich. “Kids can’t learn if they’re hungry, and our schools can’t get them nutritious food if they’re struggling with stretched budgets. As a parent, I know there’s nothing more important than being there for your kid; as a Senator, I know there’s nothing more important than using our voice to stand up for all kids. I’m proud to work with Senator Heinrich to introduce this bill and hope our colleagues join us in standing up for America’s kids,” said Kim. Under federal law, approximately 71% of all New Mexican students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. New Mexico enacted universal free school meals in 2023 when Senate Bill 4 was s… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-cotton-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-improve-medicare-patients-access-to-timely-necessary-care/ | Luján, Cotton Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Medicare Patients’ Access to Timely, Necessary Care | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) introduced the Timely Access to Coverage Decisions Act, legislation to improve Medicare patients’ access to timely and medically necessary care by making the Medicare coverage determination process more predictable, transparent, and rooted in medical evidence. National Coverage Determinations (NCDs) and Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) are the Medicare policies that determine whether specific medical services, procedures, and devices are considered reasonable and necessary for coverage within a Medicare Administrative Contractor’s (MAC) jurisdiction. The current process for issuing and updating coverage decisions can result in lengthy delays and uncertainty for patients and providers, even as medical evidence and technology continue to advance. By establishing clearer timelines, increasing transparency, and improving oversight, the Timely Access to Coverage Decisions Act would help ensure Medicare patients have timely access to medically necessary items and services. “Medicare beneficiaries should not have to wait years for cutting edge treatments while medical science and technology advance rapidly,” said Senator Luján. “Patients deserve a coverage process that is timely, transparent, and informed by qualified health experts. My Timely Access to Coverage Decisions Act will bring greater accountability and certainty to Medicare coverage decisions so patients can access the care they need without unnecessary delays.” “Arkansas seniors deserve access to high-quality medical treatments, and they shouldn’t have to wait on the slow clock of government to obtain coverage for them. Our bill would require Medicare administrators to give seniors prompt, transparent decisions about their coverage, ensuring they can address their health concerns in a timely manner,” said Senator Cotton. Specifically, the Timely Access to Coverage Decisions Act would: Establish a predictable timeframe for coverage decisions: Medicare Administrativ… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-van-hollen-colleagues-push-trump-to-negotiate-ai-guardrails-with-xi/ | Luján, Van Hollen, Colleagues Push Trump to Negotiate AI Guardrails with Xi | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Senators’ letter calls for global cooperation on AI development to preserve public safety and human control Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and 15 colleagues in calling on President Donald Trump to negotiate a formal agreement between the U.S. and China on guardrails and global standards for the development, testing, and use of frontier Artificial Intelligence (AI) models with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The lawmakers also urged President Trump to consider enacting a mutual pause in frontier AI development to prevent potential cyberattacks, the development of biological weapons, and other dangerous activities that could threaten humanity. Senators Luján and Van Hollen were joined in sending this letter by Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.). The lawmakers begin, “We write concerning public reporting that your administration plans to have discussions about artificial intelligence with China during the upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping currently planned for September 24, 2026. We support this dialogue and encourage you to have those discussions at the highest level. As extraordinary as the promise of some of AI’s advanced capabilities are, safety incidents make clear that both national and international infrastructure is threatened by unregulated testing and release of AI models. It is incumbent upon both governments to discuss necessary guardrails and global standards for the development, testing, and use of AI in order to mitigate the risks of unfettered advancement. As you prepare for the upcoming summit, we urge you to engage with President Xi directly to discuss efforts … | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-lujan-delivers-major-win-for-new-mexicos-land-grant-communities-and-traditional-uses/ | WATCH: Luján Delivers Major Win for New Mexico’s Land Grant Communities and Traditional Uses | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) led the unanimous Senate passage of the New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act, legislation to strengthen cooperation between the federal government and land grant communities. There are 27 community land grant-mercedes that are recognized as political subdivisions under New Mexico law. The legislation was introduced by Senator Luján and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.). WATCH: Luján Secures Unanimous Consent Request on U.S. Senate Floor Senator Luján has championed this legislation for years, previously passing it through the House of Representatives while serving in the House and continuing that effort in the Senate. “Land grant communities in New Mexico have cared for our lands, sustained our communities, and preserved traditions deeply rooted in our state’s history and culture,” said Senator Luján. “For too long, these communities have faced unnecessary barriers when working with the federal government. This legislation has been years in the making, and I’m proud that we are one step closer toward making this law. This is about making sure the people who have cared for these lands for generations have a stronger voice in the decisions that affect their communities, livelihoods, and traditions.” “The New Mexico Land Grant Council is excited that Senate Bill 1363, the New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act, passed the United States Senate today. The Bill has been in the works for over a decade, and Senator Luján has been a tireless advocate fighting for its passage. The Bill provides a mechanism for land grant-merced communities to get meaningful recognition of their connection to, and traditional use of former common lands now managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management in New Mexico,” said Chairman Juan Sánchez, New Mexico Land Grant Council. “El Consejo de Las Mercedes is pleased that the U.S. S… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-demands-answers-over-reported-delays-critical-new-world | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Demands Answers Over Reported Delays to Critical New World Screwworm Facility | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 22, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) led nine of his House colleagues in demanding answers from U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins following reports that USDA delayed construction of a critical New World Screwworm (NWS) containment facility in order to pursue a proposal from a politically connected contractor. The lawmakers’ demand comes as the threat of NWS continues in New Mexico. Last week, officials confirmed the state’s second case of New World screwworm. New Mexico’s first case was detected in June. “NWS is not an abstract threat. Every day lost preparing our defenses puts American cattle producers, rural communities, and our food supply at greater risk,” wrote Vasquez. “Ranchers should not have to pay the price for a federal contracting process influenced by political connections instead of experience, science, and the ability to get the job done.” “The federal government has a responsibility to move quickly when the livelihoods of American ranchers and the security of our food supply are at stake,” continued Vasquez. “It also has a responsibility to ensure contracts are awarded based on qualifications, value to taxpayers, and the ability to deliver, not political connections.” According to reports, USDA spent approximately six months considering a proposal from a firm with no significant biocontainment experience that has political ties to the Trump Administration. After it was determined that the politically-connected firm could not complete the project within its underbid budget and timeline, USDA then spent several additional months reviewing proposals before moving forward with another contractor for a facility now estimated to cost approximately $750 million. Vasquez and his colleagues are asking USDA to: Explain when officials became aware of the contractor’s political connections and lack of biocontainment experience; Share the research that was conducted on the proposal; Explain why the Department continued considering the … | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-demands-trump-admin-immediately-halt-construction-of-trumps-250-foot-arch | Heinrich Demands Trump Admin Immediately Halt Construction of Trump’s 250-Foot Arch | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, led his Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Doug Burgum demanding that the Trump administration stop work on President Trump’s commemorative arch on federal property, which federal officials have admitted will harm historic sites on public lands, including Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial. “We write with our continued concern that President Trump’s proposed 250-foot Triumphal Arch will cast a shadow over some of our nation’s most historic monuments and memorials, as indicated in the National Park Service’s (NPS) own assessment, and to renew our call for you to immediately halt work on the project,” the lawmakers began. Late last year, the President unveiled a plan to build a towering arch near a number of historic sites and landmarks, including Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial. In response, Heinrich and his colleagues raised significant concerns about the legality of the arch and its impact on neighboring historic sites—demanding the administration halt construction of the President’s latest vanity project. Those concerns have proven to be accurate. NPS’ own assessment now confirms what we all have known to be true. “Last month—under requirements set forth in section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act—NPS concluded that the President’s illegal arch could adversely affect 37 historic sites in and around the nation’s capital,” the lawmakers continued. “The proposed arch would have the most pronounced impact on the Memorial Avenue Corridor Cultural Landscape, Arlington Memorial Bridge, and Arlington National Cemetery Historic District. Other historic sites built decades ago, such as National Mall, U.S. Capitol, and Washington Monument, would also be affected by the construction of the arch. Section 106 is clear: the administration must seek to “avoid, minimize, or mitigate,” adverse ha… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-joins-bipartisan-congressional-push-to-stop-proposed-yosemite-land-transfer-to-trump-donor | Heinrich Joins Bipartisan Congressional Push to Stop Proposed Yosemite Land Transfer to Trump Donor | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — This week, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, joined a bipartisan group of 153 lawmakers in urging the Department of the Interior (DOI) to abandon a proposed transfer of federally managed public land within Yosemite National Park that would facilitate private access to and development of an 83-acre parcel adjacent to the park known as Hazel Green Ranch. U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), along with U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (D-Calif.) and Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), led the effort. In their letter to the Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the lawmakers condemned recent reporting that indicated the Trump administration is considering a proposal to exchange or convey an interest in an approximately quarter-mile strip of federally managed public land within Yosemite to facilitate access to private property owned by Kingsbarn, a company whose chief executive officer began making a series of donations to Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee in late 2024 — shortly after Kingsbarn acquired the Hazel Green Ranch property. “At its core, this proposal appears to provide a private benefit at the expense of land that belongs to all Americans,” the lawmakers wrote. “Any decision to relinquish public land to private ownership should be supported by a clear and compelling public benefit, not merely the economic interests of a private party.” The lawmakers also raised concerns about the Department’s proposal to use Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) authority to facilitate the exchange. The letter noted that the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee did not agree to move forward with the project due to congressional objections. “Public lands belong in public hands,” the lawmakers concluded. “Protection of public lands is a bipartisan issue, overwhelmingly supported by the American people from all walks of life.” As Ranking Member of the U.S. Sena… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-joins-110-bipartisan-colleagues-pushing-labor-protections-and | Rep. Vasquez Joins 110 Bipartisan Colleagues in Pushing for Labor Protections and Accountability from Data Centers | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | September 21, 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) joined a bipartisan letter with 110 of his congressional colleagues to tech industry leaders demanding data center construction follow strict guardrails to protect consumers from electricity and water price hikes, and to ensure strong labor and environmental standards. The letter calls for commonsense and fair practices when developing and operating data centers, including: Incorporating strong labor standards from the supply chain through operations and maintenance; Employing local workers and paying at least the prevailing wage; Using registered apprentices; Negotiating community benefit agreements with local stakeholders; Establishing strong safety practices procured from domestic sources; Companies paying their fair share for the resources used to operate and maintain data centers; Mitigating impacts on local air quality, drinking water, and water supplies. “Should you fall short of these standards and fail to provide anything other than a safe and direct benefit for the communities that house these data centers, we will reject their construction,” wrote the lawmakers. Read the full letter HERE. Vasquez’s work to protect New Mexico families from higher costs, pollution, and other data center harms includes: A Victory in Socorro: Earlier this year, after residents on both sides of the aisle in Socorro County raised serious concerns about a proposal to build one of the largest data centers in the world in their backyard, Vasquez was the only statewide or federal official to stand with residents and publicly call for an end to the proposal. In response to Vasquez’s public leadership, the foreign company behind the proposal pulled out, and Socorro County commissioners unanimously approved a one-year moratorium to give the community time to develop appropriate safeguards. Vasquez is championing the FAIR Data Act and the Data Center Water and Energy Transparency Act to protect families and small businesses from higher util… | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-statement-on-trumps-unconstitutional-press-ban/ | Luján Statement on Trump’s Unconstitutional Press Ban | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, issued the following statement on President Trump’s decision to ban journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House: “This is an outrageous attack on the First Amendment. The White House press corps show up to work every day on behalf of the American people to hold public officials accountable. “President Trump doesn’t like when the press report on his countless broken promises and failures, so he is trying to get rid of them. It’s page one in the authoritarian handbook.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-demands-transparency-on-hundreds-of-millions-in-taxpayer-dollars-spent-paying-employees-not-to-work | Heinrich Demands Transparency on Hundreds of Millions in Taxpayer Dollars Spent Paying Employees Not to Work | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Recent reporting from POLITICO states that the Interiorspent more than $150 million on administrative leave for employees in 2025 WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, sent a letter to the Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Doug Burgum demanding more information on why the Interior spent more than $150 million in paid administrative leave last year, according to recent reporting. “I write to request detailed information regarding the Department of the Interior’s (Department or DOI) misguided reductions in workforce under the deferred resignation program (DRP). It is clear from recent reporting that the Department’s downsizing was executed poorly and costly to taxpayers, to say nothing of its impact to the Department’s mission,” Heinrich began. In his letter, Heinrich demanded clarity on the Interior’s use of its deferred resignation program, and the total amount the Interior spent on employees placed on paid administrative leave due to the deferred resignation program since the start of the administration. “More than one year has passed since the Trump administration introduced the DRP, but Congress and the American people still do not know the full extent of its impact,” Heinrich continued. Heinrich specifically requested that the Interior disclose the number of employees placed on paid administrative leave since the start of the Trump administration, the total amount spent on employees placed on paid administrative leave due to the program, and a breakdown on the employees who were offered and accepted the program’s benefits and early retirement. Read the full text of the letter here and below. Secretary Burgum: I write to request detailed information regarding the Department of the Interior’s (Department or DOI) misguided reductions in workforce under the deferred resignation program (DRP). It is clear from recent reporting that the Department’s downsizing was executed poorly and costly to taxpayers, … | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-five-rep-gabe-vasquezs-critical-bipartisan-public-safety-bills | House Passes Five of Rep. Gabe Vasquez’s Critical, Bipartisan Public Safety Bills | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | September 17, 2026 In the final week of session before the midterm elections, Vasquez pushes five more bills through the House WASHINGTON, D.C. – During the House’s final week of session until November, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), voted to pass five of his bipartisan public safety bills through the House. The bills take on a range of issues from combatting fentanyl overdoses and substance abuse, stopping scams targeting seniors in Tribal communities, to improving law enforcement officer safety and helping first responders during emergencies. “Throughout this Congress, I have worked with Democrats and Republicans to introduce legislation to keep our communities safe and support public safety officers. It is great to get these five critical bills through the House to boost public safety,” said Vasquez. “I urge the Senate to send these bills to the President’s desk as soon as possible, and I’ll continue working to protect our officers and get illegal drugs off of our streets.” These bills include: The GUARD Act will expand the eligible uses of the Department of Justice grant funding to allow state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to strengthen their ability to investigate and prosecute financial crimes targeting our seniors. This legislation is supported by the National Police Association and AARP. Tyler’s Law will require the Health and Human Services to issue guidance to hospitals on implementing fentanyl testing in emergency rooms when a patient is experiencing an overdose. This bill was introduced to prevent fentanyl overdoses in the U.S. after Tyler Shamash, a Los Angeles teenager, died from fentanyl poisoning a day after doctors failed to test for the drug when he was admitted to the emergency room, and is supported by the American College of Emergency Physicians and Emergency Nurses Association. The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act will improve border security operations, classify fentanyl as a Schedule I drug, and categorize Xylazine as a Schedule III illicit substance to ensure… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-offers-his-grid-savings-act-to-force-ai-data-centers-to-pay-for-grid-upgrades-highlights-how-husted-backed-bill-falls-short | Heinrich Offers His GRID Savings Act to Force AI Data Centers to Pay for Grid Upgrades, Highlights How Husted-Backed Bill Falls Short | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, took to the Senate floor to object to Senate passage of the Ratepayer Protection Act, legislation offered by U.S. Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio), and pass Heinrich's GRID Savings Act instead. While the Husted-backed legislation relies on a voluntary framework and fails to adequately protect American families from AI data center-caused increases in energy costs, Heinrich's legislation forces large load customers—like data centers—to pay for the facilities needed to connect them to the grid. Unfortunately, U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) objected to Heinrich's request to pass the GRID Savings Act. “When I open my electricity bill, and read to see how much I owe for the month, it doesn’t say I ‘may’ pay that amount. It doesn’t say I ‘should’ pay that amount. It’s not optional. Just like every other bill-paying American out there, I open that bill and I have to pay it. The same needs to be true for AI data centers,” said Heinrich. “If hyperscalers and other big tech companies need expensive new facilities and more energy, they should pay for it—not our hardworking families and small businesses.” Heinrich continued, “The Senator from Ohio and I agree on that principle. And plenty of big tech companies have said that’s their plan. But it’s not enough to just take their word for it. And it’s not enough for us to just tell states to consider making data centers pay for grid upgrades. Rather than voluntary pledges or suggestions to states, Congress needs to pass real legislation with real teeth.” VIDEO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, urges his colleagues to pass his GRID Savings Act to force data centers to pay for their grid upgrades, rather than pass along those costs to families, September 17, 2026. A video of Heinrich’s floor speech can be found here. A transcript of Heinrich’s remarks as delivered i… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/200-days-into-trumps-38-billion-war-with-iran-new-mexicans-are-paying-the-price/ | 200 Days Into Trump’s $38 Billion War With Iran, New Mexicans Are Paying the Price | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Donald Trump: “It’s small potatoes for us. It’s not a big thing.” 9/4/26 New Mexico Diesel Prices Hit Record-High Under Donald Trump Washington, D.C. — Two hundred days ago, President Trump launched the United States into a reckless war with Iran with no plan, no strategy, and no end game. Although he repeatedly assured the American people of a quick and decisive victory. His timeline has moved again and again: from “total and complete victory” and a war “won” in its “first hour,” to promising success in “two or three days,” “two weeks,” “three weeks,” “four weeks,” “five weeks,” or “six weeks.” He later announced an agreement with Iran that he said achieved “everything we set out to accomplish,” only to declare that agreement “over” just weeks later. Now, 200 days into the war, he’s claiming his war will be over “shortly after” the November election. “New Mexicans are still paying the price for Donald Trump’s 200-day war in Iran, with no end in sight. This war has cost taxpayers nearly $40 billion, driven up prices for families, depleted critical resources, and put our service members in harm’s way,” said Senator Luján. “Yet as this war continues to spiral out of control, Congressional Republicans have repeatedly refused to stand up to President Trump.” “New Mexicans should not have to pay more at the pump and at the grocery store for a war they never wanted,” Senator Luján continued. “I will keep fighting to end this war and stop New Mexico families from being forced to foot the bill for this reckless president.” Americans are paying for every additional day this war drags on. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated the Department of Defense had already incurred approximately $38 billion in costs as of August 1—before the last month and a half of fighting. CBO estimates that every additional month of this war could add another $2 billion to $3 billion to the price tag, not including costs to repair the vast damage Iran has inflicted on our bases or what it will cost to rebuild our depleted munition… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-home-heating-season-approaches-lujan-bipartisan-colleagues-urge-trump-admin-to-swiftly-release-liheap-funding/ | As Home-Heating Season Approaches, Luján, Bipartisan Colleagues Urge Trump Admin. to Swiftly Release LIHEAP Funding | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Washington, D.C. – With energy costs rising and winter approaching, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) in leading a bipartisan push for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as swiftly and at the highest level possible. Appropriators worked on a bipartisan basis to make roughly $4 billion in federal LIHEAP funds available for the coming year. Thirty-one U.S. Senators joined in calling on HHS to swiftly distribute LIHEAP aid before winter home-heating bills arrive to help states and eligible households manage their energy costs. LIHEAP provides financial assistance to income-eligible homeowners and renters to help with energy bills and for reconnection of energy service. The program is targeted to assist vulnerable households facing high energy burdens—the share of a household’s income that goes toward their energy bills. Low-income homes generally spend the biggest percentage of their income on utility bills. However, factors such as income, weather, housing stock, fuel type, and energy-efficiency can all impact a household’s energy burden. “As you know, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (P.L. 119-103) requires the Department of Health and Human Services to distribute no less than 90 percent of its total LIHEAP allotment by November 1, 2026. Given the extraordinary pressure consumers will face this winter, we ask that you make this distribution well before the deadline,” the 31 U.S. Senators wrote. In addition to Luján, Reed, Collins, and Murkowski, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Angela D. Alsobrooks (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Chris Coons (D-DE), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mark Warner (D-VA), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Angus S. King, Jr. (I-ME), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NM), Chuck … | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-eviscerates-trump-admin-official-for-lying-under-oath-about-the-illegal-political-cancelation-of-energy-project-grants-in-states-that-didnt-vote-for-trump-in-2024 | Heinrich Eviscerates Trump Admin Official For Lying Under Oath About the Illegal, Political Cancelation of Energy Project Grants in States That Didn’t Vote for Trump in 2024 | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Heinrich to Fitzsimmons on his congressional testimony contradicting DOE lawyers admitting projects were canceled for political reasons: “I find your testimony completely uncredible” WASHINGTON – During a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing to receive testimony on pending legislation, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Committee, questioned Alex Fitzsimmons, U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Associate Deputy Secretary of Energy, and Dr. Sarah J. Ryker, Associate Director for the Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), on the Trump administration’s plan to sell off a part of Yosemite National Park to a private equity-owned firm, the Trump administration’s efforts to roll back efficiency standards, and the Trump administration’s illegal cancelation of energy projects grants in states that didn’t vote for President Trump in 2024. VIDEO: Ranking Member Heinrich (D-N.M.), questions Associate Deputy Secretary of Energy Alex Fitzsimmons and Associate Director for the Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area at the (USGS) Dr. Sarah J. Ryker during a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing to receive testimony on pending legislation, September 16, 2026. On the Trump Administration’s Plan to Transfer Part of Yosemite National Park to a Private Equity-Owned Property Heinrich began his line of questioning by asking about the Trump administration’s plan to sell off land in Yosemite National Park to a private equity-owned development, “Dr. Riker, the Land and Water Conservation Fund exists to acquire land for public conservation and recreational purposes. It was not authorized to facilitate private commercial development yet. The Department of the Interior is currently considering this land trade within Yosemite National Park, using funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund to facilitate commercial development. Can you share with this Committee the Department's reasoning behind why they would move forward wi… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-sounds-off-on-trump-admin-plan-to-sell-off-part-of-yosemite-national-park-raises-alarm-on-senate-republicans-attacks-on-energy-efficiency-standards-and-tribal-protections | Heinrich Sounds Off on Trump Admin Plan to Sell Off Part of Yosemite National Park, Raises Alarm on Senate Republicans’ Attacks on Energy Efficiency Standards and Tribal Protections | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — This week, during a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Committee, raised the alarm on the Trump administration’s proposed plan to sell off part of Yosemite National Park to a private equity-owned development, countered legislation proposed by U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chairman of the Committee, which would dismantle the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Appliance Standards Program and raise consumer costs, and exposed the lack of Tribal protections in proposed hydropower licensing legislation from U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.). VIDEO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, delivers opening remarks during a Committee hearing to consider pending legislation, September 16, 2026. Heinrich began by expressing serious concern over the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) proposal to exchange public land in Yosemite National Park for private development, requesting $300,000 in funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to facilitate the land transfer. “The LWCF exists to protect public lands and waters and expand recreational access nationwide for the public benefit, not to enrich private interests,” said Heinrich. “The protection of public lands is a bipartisan issue, and we will continue to raise our concerns over this proposal and demand that the Department provide transparency.” Heinrich also slammed two bills led by U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, that threaten to repeal energy efficiency standards, make it virtually impossible for DOE to set future standards, and raise consumer costs — S. 5338, the Energy Efficiency Reform Act, and S. 1658, the Liberating Incandescent Technology (LIT) Act, submitting several letters of opposition from consumer advocacy and industry groups into the record. “The Chairman's bill would make it virtually impossible for DOE to s… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-backs-data-center-moratorium-grant-county-champions-two-bills | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Backs Data Center Moratorium in Grant County, Champions Two Bills to Protect New Mexicans from Data Center Costs | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced a suite of new actions to address New Mexicans’ concerns about rapid data center development. He voiced his support for a data center moratorium in Grant County and championed two new bills — one of which passed out of the House on Wednesday — to stop developers from steamrolling their way into local communities by forcing working families to subsidize massive data center construction projects. Vasquez released the following statement in support of a data center moratorium in Grant County: “I’ve heard continuous and serious concerns from folks on both sides of the aisle in Grant and Hidalgo Counties about a large, out-of-state, private equity firm coming to town and trying to build a massive data center in their communities — all while failing to provide basic details to local residents and elected officials. These concerns are valid, and I share them. The current proposal lacks basic transparency about how much water and electricity the facility would consume, and it raises real concerns about air pollution from its use of 32 natural gas-fueled generators. There are also concerns that this project would generate excessive light pollution, impact the Continental Divide Trail, and alter the rural landscape significantly — degrading qualities that make this part of New Mexico so special. Grant and Hidalgo County residents deserve clear answers and a meaningful say before a project of this scale moves forward in their backyard. I stand with local residents and leaders in calling for a temporary moratorium on data centers in Grant County so the community has more time to understand the short- and long-term impacts of this proposal.” The scant details the developer has provided about the proposed project in Grant County are quite concerning. The public notice estimates the facility could use roughly 2.3 million cubic feet of natural gas per hour, about the same amount needed to power 900 homes for an entire year, and its yearly carbon em… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-takes-action-curb-catastrophic-risks-posed-rapid-ai | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Takes Action to Curb Catastrophic Risks Posed by Rapid AI Development | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 16, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced his support for bipartisan legislation to combat the growing risks posed by advanced artificial intelligence systems — the FRONTIER Act — and called on Speaker Mike Johnson to keep the House at work in Washington until Congress advances “meaningful, bipartisan AI safeguards.” These actions come amid a growing wave of warnings from researchers and executives at leading AI companies about the risks powerful AI systems pose to humankind. As the industry experts who know AI best are calling on Congress to quickly enact stronger safety measures, Speaker Mike Johnson is sending the House home for seven weeks, punting regulation of this rapidly advancing technology indefinitely and leaving the American people at risk. In the letter sent Tuesday night to Speaker Johnson urging him to keep the House in session, Vasquez and 106 other lawmakers noted that when it comes to reigning in advanced AI systems, the risks of inaction are dire, including “... mass cybersecurity breaches and development of biological or chemical weapons.” The letter goes on to state that as evidence of the safety risks posed by advanced AI pile up, these disclosures “must not constitute yet another in a long series of ‘warning shots,’ but rather, a starting gun. Congress must act.” “Congress must answer the urgent call for immediate action on AI regulation, and leaving Washington without addressing this matter would be reckless and irresponsible. It’s clear there is great risk in the continued development of super intelligence with no guardrails, and Speaker Johnson and the President refuse to act responsibly and decisively,” said Vasquez. “I have recently championed the bipartisan FRONTIER Act, one of several bills I’ve supported that merit debate and a vote on the House floor.” As one immediate step, Vasquez is backing H.R. 9925, the bipartisan Frontier Risk Oversight, National Transparency, Independent Evaluation, and Reporting (FRONTIER) Act. The FRO… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-heinrich-statement-commemorating-hispanic-heritage-month | Sen. Heinrich Statement Commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated from September 15 through October 15. Heinrich is a cosponsor of a bipartisan resolution recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month. “As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the remarkable contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to our country and our communities. From Senator Dennis Chaves to María Dolores Gonzales to Eva Enciñias, the story of New Mexico is infused with the resilience, connectedness, and brilliance of incredible Hispanic leaders. Hispanic heritage is also embedded in the fabric of our everyday lives — from our traditions, values, and the querencia that connects us to our lands to the food we eat, the art we create, and the collaborative ways we innovate. “Celebrating the richness of this cultural inheritance, in this moment, also must include standing up with Hispanic and Latino communities to protect their rights, dignity, and access to opportunities. Together, we can and must push back against the Trump administration as it continues trying to defund programs for bilingual students and Hispanic-owned small businesses, slashing healthcare and nutrition programs families rely on, and unlawfully targeting Hispanics and Latinos with out-of-control immigration enforcement tactics. “New Mexico families work hard, look out for one another, and build a better future for the next generation together. Resilience and tenacity are who we are. But every family deserves the opportunity to feel secure in their community, provide for the people they love, and build a future here at home. “This month and every month, I’ll continue working to protect the programs New Mexicans rely on, fight back against the Trump administration’s attack on programs that benefit Hispanic and Latino children and businesses, lift up the successes of Hispanic innovators and leaders, and push for the policies that give every family a fair shot at succeed.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-lujan-defends-new-mexico-against-trumps-threats/ | ICYMI: Luján Defends New Mexico Against Trump’s Threats | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Santa Fe, N.M. – In Case You Missed It: Following Donald Trump’s threats to rename New Mexico, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) led the New Mexico Congressional Delegation in defending New Mexico’s name and making clear that the President does not have the authority to rename the state unilaterally. Senator Luján led U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) in calling on Apple and Google to publicly commit to keeping New Mexico’s name on Apple Maps and Google Maps, regardless of pressure from President Trump. The push to protect New Mexico’s name garnered national and local coverage. See what they’re saying: Washington Post: New Mexico leaders ask Apple and Google not to use ‘New America’ on their maps New Mexico congressional leaders asked Google and Apple on Thursday not to rename their state “New America” on the platforms’ maps should President Donald Trump demand it. The delegation’s five members, Sens. Ben Ray Luján and Martin Heinrich, and Reps. Melanie Stansbury, Teresa Leger Fernández and Gabe Vasquez, are all Democrats. The Hill: New Mexico Democrats call on Apple, Google to keep state’s name on map A group of Democratic lawmakers who represent New Mexico urged Apple and Google on Thursday not to adopt President Trump’s proposed renaming of the state to “New America” on their map platforms. The Democratic lawmakers behind this request included Sens. Ben Ray Luján and Martin Heinrich and Reps. Melanie Stansbury, Teresa Leger Fernández and Gabe Vasquez. The Washington Sun: New Mexico Lawmakers Urge Apple, Google to Publicly Reject Trump’s ‘New America’ Name New Mexico lawmakers are calling on Apple and Google to keep using New Mexico on their map applications rather than President Donald Trump’s suggested name for the state, “New America.” In a letter sent Thursday, Democratic Sens. Ben Ray Luján and Martin Heinrich and Reps. Teresa Leger Fernández, Melanie Stansbury and Gabe Vasquez urge… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-the-news-lujan-hits-the-road-in-new-mexico-fighting-for-families-farmers-and-communities/ | IN THE NEWS: Luján Hits the Road in New Mexico, Fighting for Families, Farmers, and Communities | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Santa Fe, N.M. – During the August and September state work period, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) traveled thousands of miles across New Mexico to hear directly from New Mexicans and highlight his work to lower costs, protect access to food and health care, support farmers and ranchers, strengthen consumer protections, and deliver for communities across the state. His visits included Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos, Gallup, Grants, Las Cruces, Farmington, Derry, Tierra Amarilla, Las Vegas, and communities across New Mexico. Senator Luján met with families, health care providers, farmers, local leaders, advocates, and small businesses to discuss the challenges facing New Mexicans and how he is working to address them in Washington. See what New Mexico media are reporting on Senator Luján’s work across the state: Source NM – New Mexico food banks describe significant increase in demand after federal food aid cuts Officials from New Mexico food banks say recent changes to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, as well as rising grocery costs, have dramatically increased demand at community food distribution centers across the state. A leader of Roadrunner Food Bank, the largest food bank in New Mexico, told U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) during a roundtable Tuesday that demand increased 79% at the food bank between January 2025 and January 2026, which is the most-recent data available. NM Political Report – Luján, hospital leaders talk Medicaid ‘headwinds’ and rural health gaps at Rio Rancho roundtable U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján, a Democrat from New Mexico, told hospital administrators at Presbyterian Rust Medical Center that Republican-backed federal Medicaid cuts won’t just hurt New Mexicans enrolled in the program — they’ll raise care and insurance costs for everyone else, too. Cibola Citizen – Luján Visits Grants Pantry as Local Families Brace for SNAP Changes U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján visited the Grants Community Pantry Thursday, August 20, meeting with local families, food assistance wo… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-capito-champion-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-ticket-buyers-from-ticket-scams/ | Luján, Capito Champion Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Ticket Buyers from Ticket Scams | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) introduced the Guaranteeing Honest Ownership in Secondary Ticketing (GHOST) Act, legislation to protect fans and concertgoers from deceptive ticket resale practices by prohibiting resellers from selling tickets they do not actually possess. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation to protect ticket buyers because when New Mexicans spend their hard-earned money on a concert or event, they deserve to know the ticket they are buying actually exists,” said Senator Luján. “Too often, fans are misled into purchasing tickets from resellers who don’t even have them. That’s why I introduced the GHOST Act to protect consumers, hold bad actors accountable, and bring greater transparency and fairness to the ticket marketplace.” “West Virginians who spend their hard-earned money on tickets to see their favorite artist, team, or event should be able to trust that the tickets they’re purchasing actually exist. Unfortunately, deceptive practices in the resale market can leave consumers paying inflated prices for tickets that sellers don’t even possess. I’m proud to support this legislation, which includes commonsense protections that will bring greater transparency and accountability to the ticket marketplace and ensure a fairer ticket-buying experience,” Senator Capito said. Too often, consumers unknowingly purchase “speculative” or “ghost” tickets listed by resellers who do not actually have the tickets they are advertising. In some cases, buyers may not learn until shortly before an event that their tickets are unavailable, leaving them with little time to find legitimate replacements that may be sold out or significantly more expensive. Currently, there is no federal law specifically prohibiting speculative ticketing. The GHOST Act would establish nationwide protections to prevent resellers from advertising and selling tickets they do not possess. Specifically, the GHOST Act would: Ban ticket resellers from selling tickets they do… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-statement-on-partisan-republican-farm-bill/ | Luján Statement on Partisan Republican Farm Bill | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | GOP No-Shows Previously Derailed Republican Farm Bill, Failed to Earn the Support of Committee Democrats Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, issued the following statement after Senate Republicans voted to advance the Republican Farm Bill in committee: “For generations, the Farm Bil has been a bipartisan commitment to our nation’s farmers, ranchers, growers, rural communities, and every family that depends on them to put food on the table. Today, that bipartisan promise was abandoned by Senate Republicans who pushed through a partisan bill. “Families are already struggling with President Trump’s trade war, tariffs, and skyrocketing costs. Farmers and ranchers are paying more to keep their operations running, and families are paying more at the grocery store. This bill does nothing to meet the urgency of this crisis. “After Republicans gutted our nation’s food programs, this bill does nothing to reverse those devastating cuts or meet our responsibility to eliminate hunger in America. And at a time when farmers and ranchers are struggling, it fails to make the investments in agriculture that producers need. “The Farm Bill should be a bipartisan process. It should bring together everyone – Republicans and Democrats – who want to support the people who grow our food, strengthen rural communities, and ensure families don’t go hungry. That is the Farm Bill that New Mexicans deserve, and that is the Farm Bill that I will continue fighting for.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=661 | Leger Fernández Tribal Water Settlement Bill Passes House Natural Resources Committee | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Teresa Leger Fernandez | L000273 | fernandez.house.gov | fernandez | https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WATCH HEARING COMMENTS BY REP. LEGER FERNÁNDEZ WASHINGTON — Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources unanimously advanced Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández’s (NM-03) H.R. 4598, Technical Corrections to the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act, Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, and Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act. The amended legislation would authorize additional funding to help the Navajo Nation, Taos Pueblo, and the Pueblos of Nambé, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, and Tesuque develop, operate, and maintain water infrastructure. The funding covers interest the Tribes’ water settlement funds should have earned when the settlements first became law. “Agua es vida and water is key to Tribal sovereignty,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. “These Tribal nations agreed to settle their senior water rights, and the federal government has a responsibility to keep its word. Today’s bipartisan committee action moves us closer to helping them recover the interest their settlement funds should have earned and use it to build the water infrastructure their communities need. I am grateful to the Tribal leaders and communities who partnered with us on this legislation. The Senate has already acted. Now, let’s pass this bill through the House and send it to the President’s desk.” Indian water rights settlements commonly allow the Secretary of the Interior to invest trust funds after the funds are appropriated. This provides Tribes with additional resources to support their water infrastructure. However, some Indian water rights settlements enacted in 2009 and 2010 prohibited the Secretary from investing the trust funds prior to the respective settlement’s enforcement date. That included the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act (Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project/Navajo Nation Water Rights), the Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, and the Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act. As a result, the affected Tribes lost out on interest that was or could have been earned from inv… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=662 | Leger Fernández Introduces First-Of-Its-Kind Bill to Establish Financial Relief for Epstein Survivors & Survivors of Sexual Violence | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Teresa Leger Fernandez | L000273 | fernandez.house.gov | fernandez | https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Bill Text | Bill Summary | Press Conference | Photos WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswomen Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM), alongside Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), and Deborah Ross (D-NC) introduced the Survivors’ Rights Restitution Act, first-of-its-kind legislation that would create a restitution fund in the judicial branch for survivors of sexual violence whose rights were violated by the federal government, including all survivors of abuse by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Congresswoman Leger Fernández announced this historic proposal alongside survivors and survivors’ rights advocates at a press conference on Capitol Hill. The Survivors’ Rights Restitution Act would create a historic investment to support survivors of sexual violence and hold the federal government accountable when it fails to protect survivors’ rights under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act. The estimated lifetime cost of rape is $122,461 per victim. This legislation would address the burden survivors carry, including significant long-term economic and non-economic impacts of sexual violence, from lost income and medical costs to housing instability and enduring trauma. “Survivors should never have to pay the price when our government fails to protect them,” said Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández. “For too long, survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s horrific abuse were denied justice while powerful people were protected. That failure has real costs: lost wages, medical bills, housing instability, and trauma that can last a lifetime. We cannot undo the harm, but we can make sure survivors are not left to carry the burden alone. The Survivors’ Rights Restitution Act gives survivors that path to restitution.” “The financial, physical, and emotional trauma that survivors of sexual violence carry is a lifetime sentence,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “By no choice of their own, survivors can incur debilitating costs due to medical needs, lost income, housing instability, and mental health support. Far too often, the f… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-leads-fight-to-protect-state-and-tribal-gaming-rights-votes-against-advancing-clarity-act | Heinrich Leads Fight to Protect State & Tribal Gaming Rights, Votes Against Advancing CLARITY Act | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Heinrich to introduce an amendment to protect Indian Gaming Regulatory Act & Tribal-state compacts & prohibit CFTC-registered entities from online sports betting & casino-style gaming WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement after voting against advancing the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (CLARITY Act), legislation that fails to protect state regulatory authority and Tribal gaming rights from prediction markets’ unlawful online sports and casino-style gaming. “The legislation we voted on today undermines Tribal sovereignty and states’ police powers. And it directly threatens Tribes’ gaming revenues, which would mean less government services funding across Indian Country. That’s a lose-lose,” said Heinrich. “Giving prediction markets a free pass to sidestep existing law and Tribal sovereignty is wrong, in every conceivable way. That is not to say I oppose digital asset market structure legislation. But what that legislation absolutely must include is commonsense protections for state and Tribal gaming rights, including an Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and Tribal-state compact savings clause and a ban on prediction contracts that function like sports bets or casino games.” Heinrich plans to introduce an amendment to the CLARITY Act that provides: An Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and Tribal-state compacts savings clause; and Prohibitions on Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)-registered entities from listing prediction contracts that resemble sports bets or casino-style gaming products. The rapid expansion of sports event contracts and casino-style gaming through prediction markets threatens Tribal gaming revenues and the sovereignty of Tribal nations that rely on gaming to fund essential government services, including health care, public safety, education, housing, and social services. By offering products that function like sports bets while operating outside the regulatory framework governing gaming, prediction markets could divert a significant sha… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-meets-with-cadets-at-new-mexico-youth-challenge-academy-and-new-mexico-military-institute-tours-newly-renovated-health-science-center_expanded-nursing-program-at-eastern-nm-university-roswell | Heinrich Meets with Cadets at New Mexico Youth Challenge Academy & New Mexico Military Institute, Tours Newly Renovated Health Science Center & Expanded Nursing Program at Eastern NM University-Roswell | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | ROSWELL, N.M. — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, met with cadets at the New Mexico Youth Challenge Academy and the New Mexico Military Institute, and toured Eastern NM University-Roswell's (ENMU-R) newly renovated health science center, automotive and welding technology center, and expanded nursing program. Heinrich toured the New Mexico Youth Challenge Academy campus and met with cadets enrolled at the academy. While there, he also discussed an $87.5 million increase in federal funding he secured for the academy and programs like it across the country to help students earn their high school diploma, while also receiving advanced workforce training in the skilled trades and industry-recognized certifications. U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) meets with cadets at the New Mexico Youth Challenge Academy, September 8, 2026. Heinrich also met with the leadership of the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) to discuss federal funding opportunities for the institute, military academy pathways for New Mexicans, and campus modernization needs. Heinrich also met with cadets enrolled at NMMI. Heinrich nominates New Mexicans to the Military Service Academies each year and provides an online informational session and application process for those interested. U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) meets with cadets at the New Mexico Military Institute, September 8, 2026. Additionally, Heinrich toured Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell's (ENMU-Roswell) newly renovated health science center, automotive and welding technology center, and expanded nursing program. ENMU-Roswell's nursing program is ranked first in New Mexico. While there, Heinrich met with Rocio Rugelio from Las Cruces. Rocio participated in ENMU-Roswell's Adult Education Program before enrolling at ENMU-Roswell with the goal of earning a degree in Early Childhood Education and making a positive difference in the lives of young children and families. U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) tours… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-lujan-introduce-privileged-resolution-seeking-answers-on-west-bank-violence | Heinrich, Luján Introduce Privileged Resolution Seeking Answers on West Bank Violence | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced a 502B privileged resolution requiring the U.S. Department of State to report to Congress on increasing violence in the West Bank, including the killings of Americans in the West Bank. Nine Americans have been killed in the West Bank in recent years – and more detained – and none have received accountability or justice from either the Israeli or U.S. Governments. The resolution would require the State Department to provide information and assessments related to investigations of the killing of U.S. citizens by violent Israeli settlers or Israeli security forces in the West Bank, as well as an assessment of the human rights situation in the West Bank, specifically related to the detention of Palestinian children. "The United States cannot look the other way when Americans are killed or when Palestinians are subjected to violence and displacement, and neither can Israel. We must send a clear message to the Trump administration and the Israeli government: New Mexicans will not stand by while U.S. citizens are killed by violent Israeli settlers and the Israeli military,” said Heinrich. "We need to end the bloodshed and work toward lasting peace in the region. That starts with holding President Netanyahu accountable for the human rights abuses taking place in the West Bank and making clear that American taxpayers will not provide a blank check for the Israeli government to kill U.S. citizens and kill and displace Palestinians. This resolution will get us closer to real accountability from the Trump Administration and the Israeli Government.” “We have a responsibility to protect Americans abroad and seek justice when Americans are killed,” said Luján. “The escalating violence in the West Bank and lack of accountability for the deaths of American citizens are deeply concerning. This resolution will help us get the answers we need, demand accountability, and ensure that we have a better assessment of the human rights situation in… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-demands-secretary-kennedy-protect-head-start-programs-new | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Demands Secretary Kennedy Protect Head Start Programs for New Mexico Children | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy urging him to withdraw a proposed rule to cut Head Start funding, which would take away educational opportunities from New Mexico children. The “Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs,” rule would rescind over 1,400 regulations for Head Start. Educators warn that this rule would cut services, reduce program quality, and lead to large variations between states, leaving some children with less resources than others. “Head Start is a critical lifeline for over 7,000 hardworking families in New Mexico,” said Vasquez. “But instead of working with parents and communities to make early childhood education and childcare more affordable and accessible, the Administration has spent two years attacking Head Start and taking money away from children. I’m calling on Secretary Kennedy to rescind this threat — our kids deserve better.” “While Head Start needs improvements and additional investments, staffing, and capacity, the proposed rule does not effectively address these needs. Instead, it risks gutting the program and sowing chaos across the country at a time when hardworking families are struggling more than ever to cover the cost of childcare,” wrote Vasquez in the letter. “Your agency should be working hand-in-hand with Head Start providers and communities to improve the program, not causing additional concern, chaos, and confusion.” You can read the full letter HERE. Rep. Vasquez has consistently fought to secure funding for Head Start programs: Visiting Isleta Pueblo Head Start to discuss the importance of early childhood education, language and cultural preservation, and securing a key report on effective ways to improve Tribal Head Start programs. Sending a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services urging action to address the severe impacts of recent federal funding interruptions and the government shutdown risks on Head Start programs in N… | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-joins-roundtable-with-new-mexico-voices-for-children-and-wk-kellogg-foundation-tours-presbyterian-kaseman-hospitals-food-pharmacy-speaks-at-array-technologies-new-facility-ribbon-cutting-urges-new-mexicans-to-raise-their-voices-for-roadless-rule | Heinrich Joins Roundtable with New Mexico Voices for Children and W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Tours Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital’s Food Pharmacy, Speaks at ARRAY Technologies’ New Facility Ribbon Cutting, Urges New Mexicans to Raise Their Voices for Roadless Rule | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, participated in an event in Albuquerque on improving the well-being of children and families, toured Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital’s food pharmacy, joined a ribbon-cutting ceremony for ARRAY Technologies’ solar manufacturing facility, and spoke in support of protecting the Roadless Rule at a New Mexico Wild community event. Heinrich began the day participating in a roundtable event hosted in partnership with New Mexico Voices for Children and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, along with representatives from the UNM School of Medicine, Changing Women Initiative, Future Focused Education, and Breath of My Heart, to discuss New Mexico Voices for Children’s Roadmap Report and policy solutions to improve the well-being of children and families in New Mexico. U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) joins a roundtable to discuss policy solutions to improve the well-being of children and families in New Mexico, September 9, 2026. “I got involved early in the conversation around universal pre-K and early childhood education in New Mexico because we need to invest in our greatest asset: the next generation,” said Heinrich, a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee. “Right now, we’re seeing the Trump administration walk away from investing in our children and families. We need to be thinking about the future. That’s why I’ve long championed legislation and funded programs that give our children a strong start and ensure they have access to high-quality care. We’ve done some incredible things here in New Mexico over the last few years, but we’re just getting started. I’ll keep pushing to make sure every child in our state has the opportunity to succeed.” Notably, in 2014, Heinrich was the first member of the New Mexico Congressional Delegation to publicly support unlocking investments from the state’s Land Grant Permanent Fund to sustainably support early childhood education. After the … | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-the-25th-anniversary-of-the-september-11th-terrorist-attacks | Heinrich Statement on the 25th Anniversary of the September 11th Terrorist Attacks | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) issued the following statement in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. “Today, we honor and mourn all those who lost their lives at the World Trade Center, in the Pentagon, and in the fields of Western Pennsylvania. We honor the first responders and countless others who risked their lives or made the ultimate sacrifice to help neighbors and strangers in a moment of unfathomable tragedy. “We remember the way our country came together, through the grief, with determined, united resilience. And we honor the military service members who served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and around the world in the years that followed, and the allies and interpreters who supported their work. We know the sacrifices of our service members, their families, and our allies extended far beyond the battlefield. “Now, 25 years following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, we say again: We will never forget. We must always strive to carry the spirit of service, unity, and compassion we witnessed in New York, Virginia, and the skies above Pennsylvania on that day and across the country in the weeks that followed. And we will remember the heavy cost of endless wars as we strive to ensure that future generations do not bear the same burdens.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-statement-on-the-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-terrorist-attacks/ | Luján Statement on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Terrorist Attacks | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Santa Fe, N.M. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001: “September 11, 2001, remains one of the most tragic days in our nation’s history. Twenty-five years later, we remember the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives and the families and loved ones whose lives were forever changed. “In the face of unimaginable loss, Americans showed extraordinary courage, compassion, and bravery. First responders and ordinary citizens ran toward danger to save others, while communities across the country came together to support those who were grieving. “Today and every day, we honor the memory of every person who never made it home. We will never forget.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-southern-new-mexico-lujan-delivers-keynote-at-domenici-public-policy-conference-highlights-support-for-new-mexico-chile-farmers/ | In Southern New Mexico, Luján Delivers Keynote at Domenici Public Policy Conference, Highlights Support for New Mexico Chile Farmers | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO – This week, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) was in Southern New Mexico to engage with students and community leaders on the issues facing New Mexico and the country and highlight his continued support for New Mexico farmers. Keynote Address at Domenici Public Policy Conference At New Mexico State University on Wednesday, Senator Luján delivered the luncheon keynote address at the Domenici Public Policy Conference and took questions from students on issues impacting New Mexicans and Americans across the country. Senator Luján’s address focused on his work on behalf of New Mexicans and his continued commitment to deliver for communities across the state. “It was an honor to deliver the keynote address at the Domenici Public Policy Conference and speak directly with students about the issues shaping New Mexico and our country,” said Senator Luján. “The Domenici Public Policy Conference exemplifies a commitment to public service and thoughtful debate, and I was proud to join students and community leaders who share a dedication to making life better for New Mexicans. I was especially grateful for the opportunity to hear from students and discuss the work ahead to build a stronger future for New Mexico.” Supporting New Mexico’s Chile Producers During his visit to Derry on Tuesday, Senator Luján visited Ogaz Farms to see firsthand the challenges chile producers are facing. Senator Luján heard directly from local producers about the stresses impacting their operations and discussed his efforts to support specialty crop producers across New Mexico. In June, Senator Luján introduced the Cultivating Horticultural Innovation in Local Economies (CHILE) Act, legislation to strengthen support for specialty crop producers, including New Mexico farmers who grow chile and other specialty crops that are vital to the state’s agricultural economy. “This week in Derry, I had the honor of meeting with New Mexico chile producers at the height of harvest season,” said Senator Luján. “I heard directly from … | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-n-m-delegation-call-on-apple-google-to-keep-new-mexicos-name-on-mapping-services/ | Luján, N.M. Delegation Call on Apple, Google to Keep New Mexico’s Name on Mapping Services | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | N.M. Delegation Demands Commitment Following Trump’s Post to Rename New Mexico “New America” Luján’s Reaction Following Trump’s Post: It’s New Mexico, always has been and always will be. Just like how you’ll always be a sinvergüenza and corrupt. Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) called on Apple and Google to publicly commit to keeping New Mexico’s name on their mapping services following President Trump’s threatening post that the state be renamed “New America.” In a letter to Apple CEO John Ternus and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Senator Luján and the New Mexico Delegation clearly state that President Trump does not have the legal authority to unilaterally rename New Mexico and calls on the companies to commit to continuing to identify the state as New Mexico on Apple Maps and Google Maps, regardless of pressure from the Trump administration. Over Labor Day weekend, President Trump published a series of erratic social media posts, including posts suggesting that New Mexico be renamed “New America.” President Trump has previously directed the federal government to use new names for geographic features, including the Gulf of Mexico, Denali, and Lake Ontario. “Let us be clear: the President has no legal authority to rename New Mexico. Our state’s name belongs to the people of New Mexico and is rooted in our history and our Constitution, which clearly states that ‘the name of this state is New Mexico,’” wrote the lawmakers. “We ask each of you to publicly commit that Apple Maps and Google Maps will continue to identify the State of New Mexico as New Mexico, regardless of what the President posts on social media, what executive order he attempts to issue, or what pressure he puts on your companies,” continued the lawmakers. Full text of the letter is available here and below. Dear Mr. Ternus and Mr. Pichai: This weekend, rather than addressing t… | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/breaking-vasquez-releases-new-report-illustrating-how-administration-has-cost | BREAKING: Vasquez Releases New Report Illustrating How Administration Has Cost New Mexico Families Over $3,000 | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 10, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) released a new report detailing how much prices have spiked under the Trump Administration, costing New Mexicans $3,100 on average. “Since this Administration took office, reckless tariffs, the war of choice in Iran, and countless short-sighted policies have caused prices to soar for everything from gas, to groceries, to healthcare and more,” said Vasquez. “New Mexico families can’t take any more of this. In contrast, I’ve introduced an affordability agenda that would lower prices and help working New Mexicans. We must put an end to these economic policies and make New Mexico affordable again.” Read the full report HERE. In addition to this report, Rep. Vasquez released a report in April detailing how much energy prices have spiked since the Administration took control in January 2025: Annual energy bills went up by an average of $70 per New Mexico family in 2025 compared to 2024. New Mexico has consistently ranked among the top states nationally for highest gas price jumps since the war started. Since introducing his Affordability Agenda to lower the high cost of living in New Mexico, the Congressman has: Introduced the Tax Relief from Tariffs and High Costs Act to offer a fully refundable 10% tax credit to households making under $100,000 to offset rising prices — under this bill, a New Mexican making $70,000 could expect around $700 back in their pocket to offset higher prices caused by tariffs. Cosponsored the Capping Prescription Costs Act, which caps annual prescription drug costs at $2,000 for individuals and $4,000 for families with private health insurance plans. Cosponsored two bills — the Bipartisan Families First Housing Act and the Stop Wall Street Landlords Act — to address New Mexico’s housing affordability crisis by cracking down on greedy, corporate landlords to ensure hardworking New Mexicans have a fair shot at homeownership. Has introduced legislation to roll back harmful cuts to food assistanceenacted… | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-announces-another-milestone-over-76-million-returned-new-mexicans | Vasquez Announces Another Milestone: Over $7.6 Million Returned to New Mexicans | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 9, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced that his office has returned more than $7.6 million to constituents in New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District through casework services, just over a month since announcing the $6 million milestone. Rep. Vasquez’s casework team helps constituents cut past red tape and resolve issues with federal agencies, including the IRS, Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, and more. “I’m incredibly proud of this milestone for our office and most importantly, for the $7.6 million we’ve returned to our constituents,” said Vasquez. “My staff and I remain laser-focused on helping every constituent that walks through our door navigate the excessive red tape in federal agencies, resolve their issues, and get justice and the money they are owed. Our work for New Mexicans continues.” “I retired from the military on 31-Dec-25. Working with DFAS and other Military agencies, I hadn’t received retirement payment or proper deductions for 8 months. I contacted Gabe Vasquez’s office and they spoke with DFAS and the Air Force on my behalf. Gabe Vasquez’s office had everything corrected within 10 business days of them starting their inquiry on my behalf,” said Jacob of Holloman AFB. “I contacted Congressman Vasquez for help regarding the delay I was experiencing with the Social Security Administration in converting my spousal benefits to survivor benefits after my husband's death. I was quite frustrated for several months after I had made repeated calls to SSA to find out when they would make this adjustment. In just a week after contacting Congressman Vasquez I was delighted to receive my retroactive payments and notice that I would from now on receive my new monthly survivor benefits,” said Sara of Albuquerque. “My 2025 tax return was set aside and not processed for an administrative reason, holding up my refund. [Vasquez’s Office] responded quickly to my request for help and was able to resolve the issue holding up the… | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-oil-hits-100-a-barrel-heinrich-details-how-trumps-war-in-iran-will-continue-to-harm-working-families | As Oil Hits $100 a Barrel, Heinrich Details How Trump’s War in Iran Will Continue to Harm Working Families | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Report outlines how Trump’s war in Iran continues to strain the United States’ Strategic Petroleum Reserve, threatening to further hike gasoline prices WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released a report detailing how draining the United States’ oil reserves to historic lows as a result of President Trump’s ongoing war in Iran — a war that financially benefits him — will cause prices at the pump to continue to rise. In the report, Heinrich spells out how the historically low U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) endangers critical energy infrastructure, risking the United States’ ability to release more oil from the SPR and threatening our energy security. As President Trump’s war with Iran continues, a depleted SPR could cause gasoline prices to potentially rise to $6 per gallon according to oil executives, putting a greater financial strain on working families. This report follows the Joint Economic Committee’s (JEC) August 2026 report, which found that Trump is financially benefitting from his ongoing war in Iran and has gained $15.5 million from oil and gas stocks. “Instead of tackling rising energy prices or ending his war in Iran, President Trump is irresponsibly draining our fuel reserves. That's making things worse, not better. And working families could be forced to pay more at the pump as a result,” said Heinrich. The SPR was created in 1975 to mitigate the impacts of global crises on consumers, protecting the economy from severe oil shortages and price surges. It’s designed to hold up to 713.5 million barrels of crude oil spread across 60 salt caverns in Texas and Louisiana and is the largest reported government-owned stockpile in the world. In April 2026, the U.S. — at the direction of President Trump — released 172 million barrels of crude oil from the SPR. The decision to release oil came as Trump’s war with Iran caused gas prices to surge from $3 per gallon to over $5 per gallon in some parts of… | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-celebrates-first-ever-permit-issued-under-his-good-samaritan-mine-cleanup-law | Heinrich Celebrates First-Ever Permit Issued Under His Good Samaritan Mine Cleanup Law | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, today celebrated the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) issuance of the first-ever permit under the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Pilot Program — established by legislation he authored and championed alongside U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) to remove a longstanding legal barrier to cleaning up abandoned mines. The House companion legislation was led by U.S. Representatives Celeste Maloy (R-Utah), Mary Peltola (D-Alaska), and Susie Lee (D-Nev.). The permit authorizes Trout Unlimited to move forward with the Bodie Mine Project in Okanogan County, Washington, marking the first time a Good Samaritan has received federal authorization under the pilot program created by Heinrich’s bipartisan Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act, which was signed into law in December 2024. For decades, nonprofits, state and local governments, and other groups willing to clean up abandoned hardrock mines faced a major obstacle: under existing environmental liability laws, organizations could potentially become legally liable for pollution they did not create simply by attempting to remediate it. Heinrich’s legislation created a new permitting pathway that provides eligible Good Samaritans with protections from certain liability risks while they carry out approved cleanup projects. “This is a landmark moment — and proof that our Good Samaritan law is working. After more than 25 years of hard work to break down the legal barriers standing in the way of abandoned mine cleanup, we are finally seeing volunteers get to work restoring polluted lands and waters without taking on liability for contamination they didn’t cause,” said Heinrich. “The first Good Samaritan permit has now been issued, and this is just the beginning. We can now use this new tool to clean up more abandoned mines, improve water quality, and make communities across New Mexico and the West safer… | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/news-ballistics-technology-heinrich-secured-helps-law-enforcement-identify-suspect-in-roswell-murders | NEWS: Ballistics Technology Heinrich Secured Helps Law Enforcement Identify Suspect in Roswell Murders | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Heinrich secured more than $1 million to expand NIBIN technology across New Mexico, including a new machine in Roswell that investigators used to connect ballistic evidence in multiple homicides ROSWELL, N.M. — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) today highlighted the critical role that new ballistics testing machines he secured helped law enforcement identify and arrest a suspect accused of two murders in the community. According to the New Mexico Department of Justice, the Roswell Police Department used the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) machine to identify a connection between ballistic evidence recovered in two of the homicides and a firearm recovered from the suspect’s home. “This is exactly why I fought to bring this technology to communities like Roswell,” said Heinrich. “When someone commits a violent crime with a firearm, law enforcement needs every possible tool to identify that weapon, connect it to other crimes, and get a dangerous criminal off the streets before they can hurt anyone else. That is what these investments are designed to do — help law enforcement solve crimes faster and keep New Mexicans safe.” In the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Appropriations process, Heinrich secured more than $1 million to purchase four new NIBIN machines for law enforcement agencies in Roswell, Las Cruces, Farmington, and Gallup. The investment expanded access to advanced ballistic intelligence beyond Albuquerque and Santa Fe and established a statewide network connecting local law enforcement agencies with the New Mexico Department of Justice’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center. Before Heinrich secured the funding, New Mexico had only three NIBIN machines — two in Albuquerque and one in Santa Fe. The new Roswell machine has given law enforcement in southeastern New Mexico direct access to the technology, eliminating the need to transport evidence long distances for testing. NIBIN machines use highly technical imaging to analyze the markings left on spent cartridge casings and determine whet… | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-lujan-n-m-delegation-call-on-doj-inspector-general-to-expand-investigation-into-dea-fentanyl-practices-in-new-mexico/ | ICYMI: Luján, N.M. Delegation Call on DOJ Inspector General to Expand Investigation into DEA Fentanyl Practices in New Mexico | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | NEW MEXICO – In Case You Missed It: U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) called on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Inspector General (OIG) to expand its recently announced review of federal fentanyl investigations to examine Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) practices dating back before 2024, with a specific focus on the DEA’s fentanyl practices in New Mexico. The Delegation’s request follows whistleblower complaints alleging that DEA agents allowed large quantities of fentanyl to reach New Mexico communities instead of seizing the drugs. On August 17th, the DOJ OIG announced a review of federal fentanyl investigations, including cases where investigators allowed fentanyl shipments to continue rather than seizing them. In the letter, the lawmakers point to whistleblower allegations that raise concerns that DEA’s practice of allowing fentanyl to “walk” may extend further than the OIG’s current two-year review period. Additionally, the lawmakers call on the DOJ OIG to examine whether the DEA’s decisions led to increased overdose deaths throughout New Mexico. “One of the whistleblowers claims that the DEA surveilled a drug trafficker ‘who made repeated deliveries of fentanyl from Phoenix to Albuquerque between 2022 and 2023.’ There is reason to suspect that the DEA’s policies of allowing fentanyl to ‘walk’ stretches back before 2023. For that reason, we believe the OIG should expand its scope of review.” wrote the lawmakers. “The people of New Mexico deserve answers as to why the agency charged with seizing drugs instead allowed deadly pills to flood their streets. We ask that the DOJ OIG conduct a full and thorough investigation to bring some measure of accountability to actions carried out by DEA,” continued the lawmakers. In July, the New Mexico Delegation demanded answers from U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Terrance Cole on … | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-statement-on-celebration-of-labor-day/ | Luján Statement on Celebration of Labor Day | 2026-09-07 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Santa Fe, N.M. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement recognizing New Mexico workers in honor of Labor Day: “This Labor Day, we recognize the hardworking New Mexicans who keep our communities strong. We celebrate the generations of New Mexican workers who have fought for fair pay, safer workplaces, and better opportunity for working families. “As the son of a union ironworker and a public school administrator, I understand the dignity of hard work, the importance of a good-paying job, and the necessity for a safe workplace. I remain committed to standing up to protect workers’ rights, expand opportunity, and ensure every New Mexican can build a better future for themselves.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-08T09:24:24Z | 2026-09-08T09:26:10Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-statement-honoring-labor-day | Heinrich Statement Honoring Labor Day | 2026-09-07 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement honoring Labor Day. “Today we honor the skilled workers who built our country and keep it running. We recognize all those, past and present, who have fought for labor protections and the right to organize. And we commit to creating an economy where hard work pays off. “As the son of an IBEW lineman and a wheel factory worker, I know how hard my parents worked to provide for our family. And I know that it was my dad’s union job that gave us a ticket to the middle class. “But even as union workers across New Mexico are building a future for their families and supporting our communities — lighting our homes, schools, and offices, and building the clean energy infrastructure that will power our economy for generations — too many others are working harder and falling further behind — asked to do more with far less. “I am committed to delivering policies that bring costs down and support the folks working hard for our communities. And I will continue holding President Trump accountable for the rising prices caused by his tariffs, war with Iran, and other reckless economic policies.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-calls-total-ban-ice-usage-electric-gloves | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Calls for Total Ban on ICE Usage of Electric Gloves | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) demanding the immediate cancellation of their wasteful $16.7 million contract to equip ICE agents with electric shock gloves and the total ban of abusive devices across all immigration enforcement and detention operations. “This Administration’s mass deportation campaign isn’t just targeting the ‘worst of the worst,’ it is terrorizing our communities,” said Vasquez. “Now, they’re wasting taxpayer dollars to give untrained agents electric shock gloves – everything about this goes against our American values and puts American citizens at risk. We need reform and accountability, not untrained agents with more dangerous weapons.” “Introducing low-visibility electric shock weapons into our immigration enforcement system is an unacceptable escalation that prioritizes physical intimidation and unaccountable force over human safety and administrative accountability,” wrote Vasquez in the letter. “We reiterate our demand that you immediately halt the acquisition and deployment of electric shock gloves, cancel the contract, and refocus the Department’s resources on accountability and humanitarian standards rather than expanding a paramilitary apparatus.” The letter, joined by over 40 Members of Congress, highlights concerns about the use of electric shock devices like the G.L.O.V.E. by the UN Special Rapportuer on Torture, Amnesty International, Center for Victims of Torture, and Physicians for Human Rights. It also requests information regarding training and protocol for the G.L.O.V.E usage, and detailed documents regarding testing of the device. You can read the full letter HERE. Rep. Vasquez has consistently stood up against MAGA Republican’s mass deportation agenda and called for common-sense ICE reforms, protecting due process and human rights, and targeted, effective immigration enforcement. Some of his efforts include: Introducing the New American Immigration Plan, a commonsense plan to secure… | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-introduce-beef-act-protect-american-ranchers-and-lower-beef | Rep. Gabe Vasquez to Introduce BEEF Act to Protect American Ranchers and Lower Beef Prices | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 4, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced that he will introduce the BEEF (Banning External Entry of Foreign Beef) Act, legislation to stop the Administration’s latest expansion of foreign beef imports and advance a long-term strategy to rebuild the American cattle herd, strengthen domestic beef production, and lower costs for consumers. This bill is in response to the Administration’s announcement that it would import an additional 300,000 metric tons of foreign lean beef trimmings into the United States, hurting ranchers and raising prices for consumers. Vasquez has repeatedly opposed efforts by both Democratic and Republican administrations to increase foreign beef imports at the expense of American cattle producers. “If we want more affordable beef, the answer is to grow American production, strengthen competition, and make it easier for the next generation of ranchers to stay in business – not make our country more dependent on un-vetted foreign imports,” said Vasquez. “Cattlegrowers in New Mexico and across the nation have made it clear – they want to reverse the President’s foreign beef imports and they need more time, and more tools, to grow their herds and fix the domestic supply chain. My BEEF Act does just that, and I hope that my colleagues from both sides of the aisle can join me in supporting American cattlegrowers and this commonsense proposal.” The BEEF Act would: Suspend the Administration’s latest expansion of foreign beef imports. Require congressional approval before future presidential actions expanding beef imports can take effect. Establish a four-year Beef Import and Domestic Supply Advisory Board within USDA and direct it to develop strategies to rebuild the American cattle herd and increase domestic beef production. Advance policies to expand domestic processing capacity, improve livestock market competition, and lower beef costs for American families over the long term. Rep. Vasquez has long been an ardent supporter of New Mexico… | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-nm-delegation-press-va-secretary-to-ensure-new-mexico-veterans-are-not-harmed-by-agency-reorganization | Heinrich, N.M. Delegation Press VA Secretary to Ensure New Mexico Veterans Are Not Harmed by Agency Reorganization | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and members of the N.M. Congressional Delegation, including U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), sent a letter pressing U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to ensure New Mexico veterans’ unique needs are not diminished in the agency’s planned reorganization of the Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN) structure into five regional networks under the VA RISE Initiative. New Mexico is home to more than 125,000 veterans, many of whom live in rural communities where access to healthcare is already limited. Veterans across the state face unique challenges, including long distances to VA medical centers, shortages of specialty care providers, and limited broadband access for telehealth services. New Mexico also has a disproportionately high share of Native American, Hispanic, and Latino veterans, whose healthcare needs are best served through culturally competent care and strong partnerships with Tribal governments and the Indian Health Service (IHS). New Mexico also has a particular need for local decision-making and resources that reflect the unique needs of veterans in geographically isolated areas. “While we appreciate the Department's efforts to modernize its healthcare delivery system, any restructuring must improve —not weaken — the quality, accessibility, and responsiveness of care for veterans living in rural communities,” the N.M. Congressional Delegation wrote to VA Secretary Collins. While New Mexico was previously aligned under VISN 22 and 17, veterans and stakeholders repeatedly expressed concerns that the state's priorities were overshadowed by larger population centers within the VISN. Resource allocation, executive attention, and operational decision-making often favored larger facilities, leaving New Mexico veterans underrepresented despite facing some of the greatest barriers to care. Differences in geog… | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-releases-fact-sheet-highlighting-how-clean-energy-is-keeping-the-lights-on-during-extreme-heat | Heinrich Releases Fact Sheet Highlighting How Clean Energy is Keeping the Lights on During Extreme Heat | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released a new fact sheet detailing how clean energy and energy storage resources have lessened the likelihood of power outages this summer and strengthened the reliability of the nation’s electric grid. This summer, as our grid is constrained the most due to increased energy usage, communities across the United States have faced dangerous, record-breaking heat, making reliable electricity a matter of public health and safety. During extreme heat, power outages can leave people without air conditioning for hours or even days, putting older adults, children, and other vulnerable Americans at serious risk. Despite clean energy being the cheapest, fastest source to deploy, the Trump administration has continuously blocked clean energy projects from connecting to the grid. If those actions continue, over 90% of planned new electricity generation capacity could be prevented from coming online in the next several years, straining our energy grid even further and increasing the likelihood of power outages. “Extreme heat is putting more pressure on our electric grid, and Americans need to know that when they flip the switch, the power will be there. Clean, American-made energy can help us meet growing demand, lower energy costs, strengthen the grid, and keep the lights and air conditioning on,” said Heinrich. “That is why it makes no sense that President Trump continues to block and stall new clean energy projects from connecting to the grid. Every summer, our grid faces an increase in demand, leaving communities across the country at risk of power outages that can be life-threatening. We should be building more reliable, affordable energy – not putting up more roadblocks.” The fact sheet finds that clean energy resources are already helping meet growing electricity demand and improve grid reliability. Between June 2025 and May 2026, as more clean energy sources connected to the grid, t… | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-n-m-delegation-call-on-doj-inspector-general-to-expand-investigation-into-dea-fentanyl-practices-in-new-mexico/ | Luján, N.M. Delegation Call on DOJ Inspector General to Expand Investigation into DEA Fentanyl Practices in New Mexico | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | NEW MEXICO – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) called on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Inspector General (OIG) to expand its recently announced review of federal fentanyl investigations to examine Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) practices dating back before 2024, with a specific focus on the DEA’s fentanyl practices in New Mexico. The Delegation’s request follows whistleblower complaints alleging that DEA agents allowed large quantities of fentanyl to reach New Mexico communities instead of seizing the drugs. On August 17th, the DOJ OIG announced a review of federal fentanyl investigations, including cases where investigators allowed fentanyl shipments to continue rather than seizing them. In the letter, the lawmakers point to whistleblower allegations that raise concerns that DEA’s practice of allowing fentanyl to “walk” may extend further than the OIG’s current two-year review period. Additionally, the lawmakers call on the DOJ OIG to examine whether the DEA’s decisions led to increased overdose deaths throughout New Mexico. “One of the whistleblowers claims that the DEA surveilled a drug trafficker ‘who made repeated deliveries of fentanyl from Phoenix to Albuquerque between 2022 and 2023.’ There is reason to suspect that the DEA’s policies of allowing fentanyl to ‘walk’ stretches back before 2023. For that reason, we believe the OIG should expand its scope of review.” wrote the lawmakers. “The people of New Mexico deserve answers as to why the agency charged with seizing drugs instead allowed deadly pills to flood their streets. We ask that the DOJ OIG conduct a full and thorough investigation to bring some measure of accountability to actions carried out by DEA,” continued the lawmakers. In July, the New Mexico Delegation demanded answers from U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Terrance Cole on why the DEA allo… | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/n-m-delegation-presses-va-secretary-to-ensure-new-mexico-veterans-are-not-harmed-by-agency-reorganization/ | N.M. Delegation Presses VA Secretary to Ensure New Mexico Veterans Are Not Harmed by Agency Reorganization | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and members of the N.M. Congressional Delegation, including U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), sent a letter pressing U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to ensure New Mexico veterans’ unique needs are not diminished in the agency’s planned reorganization of the Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN) structure into five regional networks under the VA RISE Initiative. New Mexico is home to more than 125,000 veterans, many of whom live in rural communities where access to healthcare is already limited. Veterans across the state face unique challenges, including long distances to VA medical centers, shortages of specialty care providers, and limited broadband access for telehealth services. New Mexico also has a disproportionately high share of Native American, Hispanic, and Latino veterans, whose healthcare needs are best served through culturally competent care and strong partnerships with Tribal governments and the Indian Health Service (IHS). New Mexico also has a particular need for local decision-making and resources that reflect the unique needs of veterans in geographically isolated areas. “While we appreciate the Department’s efforts to modernize its healthcare delivery system, any restructuring must improve —not weaken — the quality, accessibility, and responsiveness of care for veterans living in rural communities,” the N.M. Congressional Delegation wrote to VA Secretary Collins. While New Mexico was previously aligned under VISN 22 and 17, veterans and stakeholders repeatedly expressed concerns that the state’s priorities were overshadowed by larger population centers within the VISN. Resource allocation, executive attention, and operational decision-making often favored larger facilities, leaving New Mexico veterans underrepresented despite facing some of the greatest barriers to care. Differences in geog… | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=660 | Leger Fernández, N.M. Delegation Call on DOJ Inspector General to Expand Investigation into DEA Fentanyl Practices in New Mexico | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Teresa Leger Fernandez | L000273 | fernandez.house.gov | fernandez | https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | NEW MEXICO – Today, U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), and U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) called on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Inspector General (OIG) to expand its recently announced review of federal fentanyl investigations to examine Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) practices dating back before 2024, with a specific focus on the DEA’s fentanyl practices in New Mexico. The Delegation’s request follows whistleblower complaints alleging that DEA agents allowed large quantities of fentanyl to reach New Mexico communities instead of seizing the drugs. On August 17th, the DOJ OIG announced a review of federal fentanyl investigations, including cases where investigators allowed fentanyl shipments to continue rather than seizing them. In the letter, the lawmakers point to whistleblower allegations that raise concerns that DEA’s practice of allowing fentanyl to “walk” may extend further than the OIG’s current two-year review period. Additionally, the lawmakers call on the DOJ OIG to examine whether the DEA’s decisions led to increased overdose deaths throughout New Mexico. “One of the whistleblowers claims that the DEA surveilled a drug trafficker ‘who made repeated deliveries of fentanyl from Phoenix to Albuquerque between 2022 and 2023.’ There is reason to suspect that the DEA’s policies of allowing fentanyl to ‘walk’ stretches back before 2023. For that reason, we believe the OIG should expand its scope of review.” wrote the lawmakers. “The people of New Mexico deserve answers as to why the agency charged with seizing drugs instead allowed deadly pills to flood their streets. We ask that the DOJ OIG conduct a full and thorough investigation to bring some measure of accountability to actions carried out by DEA,” continued the lawmakers. In July, the New Mexico Delegation demanded answers from U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Terrance Cole on why the DEA allowed … | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-sends-bipartisan-demand-doj-release-critical-law-enforcement | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Sends Bipartisan Demand to DOJ to Release Critical Law Enforcement Funding | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) partnered with Rep. David Kustoff (R-TN) and demanded the Department of Justice (DOJ) release funding for the Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS) Program immediately in a bipartisan letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche. RISS funding goes towards law enforcement efforts to arrest violent criminals, get illegal drugs off our streets, resolve criminal investigations, and ensure officer and public safety. It has sustained strong bipartisan support in Congress because it is proven to work. Over the last ten years, officers leveraging RISS services reported more than $2.3 billion in narcotics, property, and currency seizures – a 500% return on federal investment – and aided in the arrest of more than 23,000 offenders. “Congress included $44 million for the RISS program in the FY26 spending bill, however, these funds have yet to be distributed,” wrote Vasquez in the letter. “This funding is critical for local law enforcement agencies, particularly those in rural and small communities, and any delay puts public safety at risk.” In 2025, RISS funding supported 94 criminal justice agencies and 5,464 sworn personnel throughout New Mexico, including the Cibola County Sheriff’s Office in a burglary investigation. The Sheriff’s office requested digital forensic examination from Rocky Mountain Information Network (RMIN), the regional RISS program for New Mexico. RMIN assisted the office with identifying a suspect of three burglaries spanning over 2 months, and accessing the suspect’s phone to gather critical data that allowed for Cibola County to bring the case to a jury trial before the suspect pled guilty. "I strongly urge you to release the funding for the RISS program,” said Steve Hebbe, President of the New Mexico Association of Chiefs of Police. “This program is instrumental in helping smaller agencies address serious crimes in their communities. Any delays hurt public safety." Read the full letter HERE. Rep. Vasquez has repeatedly led efforts to… | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-armstrong-introduce-legislation-to-give-tribes-more-flexibility-to-hire-qualified-native-language-educators-preserve-native-languages | Heinrich, Armstrong Introduce Legislation to Give Tribes More Flexibility to Hire Qualified Native Language Educators, Preserve Native Languages | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Alan Armstrong (R-Okla.) introduced the Native Language Educators in Classrooms Act, bipartisan legislation to give Tribal Head Start programs greater authority to determine how qualified educators can meet Head Start teaching requirements — helping Tribes hire more Native language educators and bring more fluent Native language speakers into the classroom. Tribal Head Start programs play a critical role in preserving and promoting Native languages, cultures, and traditions. But federal credentialing requirements can prevent Tribal programs from hiring qualified educators — particularly in communities with limited access to higher education. “Preserving Native languages is essential to maintaining cultural identity,” said Heinrich. “But today, federal requirements can prevent Tribal Head Start programs from hiring the people best equipped to pass those languages, cultures, and traditions on to the next generation. My Native Language Educators in Classrooms Act will give Tribes more flexibility to determine who is qualified to teach in their own communities and create more pathways for fluent Native language speakers and other qualified educators to enter the classroom. This is about making sure Tribal communities have the authority and resources they need to keep their languages and cultures strong for generations to come.” “Native languages are at the heart of Tribal culture, identity, and community. I’m proud to work across the aisle to strengthen Tribal Head Start programs and open more pathways for teachers to enter the classroom, helping Tribes preserve their languages and pass them on to the next generation,” said Armstrong. According to a recent U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) study, nearly all Tribal Head Start programs report difficulty hiring and retaining staff. These staffing challenges can limit programs’ ability to enroll eligible children and provide Native language education. New Mexico is at a critical junction when it comes … | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-tierra-amarilla-lujan-meets-with-local-leaders-to-fight-back-against-trump-administration-attacks-on-public-lands/ | In Tierra Amarilla, Luján Meets with Local Leaders to Fight Back Against Trump Administration Attacks on Public Lands | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Tierra Amarilla, N.M. – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) met with community leaders and public lands advocates in Tierra Amarilla to hear directly about the impact of the Trump administration’s attacks on New Mexico’s public lands and highlight his efforts to protect New Mexico’s public lands. During the discussion, Senator Luján met with community leaders and public lands advocates from Northern Rio Arriba County to discuss their policy priorities and concerns regarding the Trump administration’s recent attacks on public lands, including concerns about efforts to increase oil, gas, and mining development on public lands. Senator Luján heard directly about how these changes could impact Northern New Mexico communities and shared updates on his work in the Senate to push back against policies that threaten New Mexico’s public lands. “New Mexico’s public lands are central to our way of life,” said Senator Luján. “In Tierra Amarilla, I heard directly from local leaders and advocates about their concerns with the Trump administration’s attacks on our public lands. From drilling and mining proposals to the rollback of protections that New Mexicans depend on, we’ve seen this administration go after lands that have meant so much to generations of New Mexicans. I will continue fighting back against these attacks and working alongside our communities to protect New Mexico’s cherished lands and water for generations to come.” Senator Luján has long fought to protect New Mexico’s public lands and cherished sites. Recently, Senator Luján introduced the Chama Basin Watershed Protection Act, legislation to permanently withdraw certain federal lands in the Rio Chama Watershed from mineral development. Additionally, Senator Luján has fought to establish permanent protections for Chaco Canyon. ### | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-bennet-hickenlooper-demand-trump-administration-comply-with-injunction-to-ensure-prompt-approvals-of-wind-and-solar-energy-projects/ | Luján, Bennet, Hickenlooper Demand Trump Administration Comply with Injunction to Ensure Prompt Approvals of Wind and Solar Energy Projects | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Santa Fe, N.M. — U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, joined U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee’s Rural Development and Energy Subcommittee, and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) in demanding Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and the Department of the Interior (DOI) comply with a preliminary injunction and ensure covered wind and solar permitting reviews are conducted promptly and without illegal bureaucratic roadblocks. In July 2025, the DOI released an order requiring Secretary Burgum’s personal approval for routine wind and solar energy project permitting decisions, which led to massive delays in power projects across the West. In November 2025, Luján, Bennet, and Hickenlooper sent a letter demanding answers to the DOI’s order and highlighting its harmful effects to energy prices and reliability, but never received a response. In April 2026, the U.S. District Court issued a preliminary injunction to prohibit the DOI and its officials from applying the July 2025 order and other internal DOI orders that make wind and solar permitting processes needlessly delayed and difficult while the court case proceeds. Since then, numerous wind and solar developers report that DOI personnel have illegally continued to force project applicants to repeatedly document and prove their eligibility for these court protections. “[…] Applicants also report that DOI staff have received little or no internal guidance regarding implementation of the Court’s injunction. These reports are not isolated or short-lived: developers continue to describe these delays more than three months after the injunction took effect, indicating an ongoing pattern of noncompliance rather than a transitional implementation issue. DOI’s actions are creating severe regulatory uncertainty, threatening to permanently sideline projects at a time when Western families, farmers, and businesses are facing rising energy d… | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-calls-hearing-protect-manufactured-housing-communities | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Calls for Hearing to Protect Manufactured Housing Communities from Private Equity | 2026-09-02 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) called on the House Financial Services Committee to hold a hearing on institutional investors’ impact on Manufactured Housing Communities (MHCs) across the country. Congressman Vasquez led a letter to Chairman French Hill (R-AR) and Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-CA) — along with five other Members — urging the Committee to hold a hearing to address reports from MHC residents across the country who have said they have experienced price jacking, utilities neglect, and abuse in these communities after private equity firms purchased their communities. “Congress recently passed a landmark housing bill with overwhelmingly bipartisan support to help Americans purchase homes and specifically targeted institutional investors' role in purchasing single family homes. But the bill did not include equitable protections to address private equity’s role in purchasing hundreds of thousands of lots across several manufactured housing communities,” wrote Vasquez. “There is still more work to be done.” “The Land of Enchantment Manufactured Home Owners Alliance strongly endorses Representative Vasquez’s call for a House Financial Services Committee hearing on institutional investment and protections for manufactured homeowners,” said Joanne DeMichele, President, Land of Enchantment Manufactured Home Owners Alliance (LEMHOA). “Congress has recognized the damage institutional investors can cause in the single-family housing market through the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. Manufactured home communities deserve the same scrutiny. Homeowners in these communities own their homes but not the land beneath them, making them captive tenants when investors acquire that land and rapidly raise rents or neglect essential infrastructure. In Silver City, New Mexico, residents recently saw lot rents increase by 70% virtually overnight after investors purchased the land beneath their homes. This is exactly why Congress must examine private equity’s growing role in manufactured housin… | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-demands-action-expand-care-and-benefits-rural-new-mexico | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Demands Action to Expand Care and Benefits for Rural New Mexico Veterans | 2026-09-02 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 2, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) called for immediate action to ensure veterans living in rural and southern New Mexico can access the healthcare, benefits, and assistance they put their lives on the line to earn. After a recent meeting with veterans in Socorro, Vasquez sent a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Douglas Collins demanding that the VA expand in-person assistance and outreach in rural communities, including by placing a full-time VA liaison in Socorro. “New Mexico veterans – especially those living in rural areas – should never feel left behind by their government. We should be making it easier for them to access the benefits they have earned by serving our country, and I urge the VA to take meaningful action to expand access to services, benefits, and assistance to all veterans, starting by placing a full time liaison in Socorro and allowing veterans in southeast New Mexico to access service in El Paso,” said Vasquez in the letter. In the letter, Vasquez goes on to lay out a clear solutions to barriers that have continued to block New Mexican veterans accessing their benefits: Fix outdated VA regional boundaries that force veterans in Otero and Eddy counties to travel hours toward Albuquerque instead of accessing VA care closer to home in El Paso, building on Vasquez’s New Mexico Rural Veteran Health Care Access Act Increase VA staffing and in-person assistance across New Mexico, including placing a full-time VA liaison in Socorro, and reversing VA staffing cuts Vasquez also noted how the Administration’s cuts to VA funding and staffing have shortchanged New Mexico veterans, noting, “The recent restructuring and massive staffing cuts has exacerbated these issues, especially for our rural veterans who cannot easily access in-person resources. Existing VA staffing shortages are already causing delays for surgeries, making it hard to access mental health care, and devastating morale for providers, employees, and veterans. This Administration cu… | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-speaks-at-national-conference-of-tribal-historic-preservation-officers-visits-spiritus-pilot-facility-on-nambe-pueblo-meets-with-community-leaders-in-canjilon-to-protect-northern-new-mexico-from-uranium-mining | Heinrich Speaks at National Conference of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, Visits Spiritus Pilot Facility on Nambé Pueblo, Meets with Community Leaders in Canjilon to Protect Northern New Mexico from Uranium Mining | 2026-09-02 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | ALBUQUERQUE & ABIQUIÚ, N.M. — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) attended the 26th Annual Conference of the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (NATHPO), where he advocated for increased funding for Tribal Historic Preservation Offices and meaningful consultation; toured Spiritus Direct Air Capture pilot facility at Nambé Pueblo; and visited Canjilon in northern New Mexico to meet with community members opposed to a potential uranium mine. On Tuesday, August 25, Heinrich joined U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) at the NATHPO Conference for a discussion moderated by Santo Domingo Pueblo Governor Raymond Aguilar, Jr., and Acoma Governor Charles Riley. The discussion focused on the need for greater federal investment in Tribal historic preservation, and the importance of meaningful Tribal consultation in federal decision-making. Heinrich highlighted Tribal Historic Preservation Officers’ role in protecting and preserving cultural, historical, archaeological, and traditional Tribal resources, and called for the Historic Preservation Fund to be made permanent, adequately funded, and expanded. He has previously introduced legislation establishing a goal of $300 million annually for the Fund and requiring at least 20 percent of funding for Tribal Historic Preservation Officers — providing at least $60 million annually for Tribal Historic Preservation Offices. “We need to make the Historic Preservation Fund permanent. We need to adequately resource the fund as a whole. And we especially need to make sure that we're dedicating more of those funds to Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, so that you can expand your efforts and do the work that we all know has to get done,” said Heinrich. U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) speaking with Acoma Governor Charles Riley, Santo Domingo Pueblo Governor Raymond Aguilar, Jr., and U.S. Representative Teresa Ledger Fernández (D-N.M.) at the Annual NATHPO Conference, August 25, 2026. During the conversation, Heinrich also emphasize… | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-las-vegas-lujan-meets-with-hospital-leaders-highlights-fight-to-protect-rural-health-care-for-new-mexicans/ | In Las Vegas, Luján Meets with Hospital Leaders, Highlights Fight to Protect Rural Health Care for New Mexicans | 2026-09-02 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Las Vegas, N.M. – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined hospital leaders from Northern New Mexico at Alta Vista Regional Hospital to hear directly about the challenges facing rural health care. During the visit, Senator Luján met with leaders from Alta Vista Regional Hospital, Union County General Hospital, New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute, and Miners Colfax Medical Center. Senator Luján and the hospital leaders discussed the state of rural health care in Northern New Mexico and examined how cuts to Medicaid and other critical health programs impact their ability to provide care to rural communities. “New Mexicans in rural communities deserve ready access to quality, affordable health care, but Republican cuts to Medicaid and other critical health programs threaten the hospitals and services that families depend on,” said Senator Luján. “This week in Las Vegas, I heard directly from hospital leaders about the challenges they are facing and their concerns about what these cuts will mean for the patients and communities they serve. Rural hospitals are lifelines for communities across New Mexico, and I will continue fighting back against these devastating cuts and working to protect access to care across our state.” During the conversation, Senator Luján also provided an update on his work in the Senate to protect access to health care and highlighted his continued efforts to fight back against cuts that threaten rural hospitals and the New Mexicans they serve. Following Republican cuts to critical health care programs, Senator Luján introduced legislation to reverse all of the Republican health care cuts. ### | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-takes-capitol-steps-demand-real-stock-trading-ban-gets-vote | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Takes to Capitol Steps to Demand Real Stock Trading Ban Gets a Vote to Crack Down on Corruption | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 1, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) and U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02), and other Democratic members from across the country made it clear that the stock trading ban battle is far from over in the House, re-upping their demand that Speaker Johnson bring a stronger stock trading ban bill — the Restore Trust in Government Act — up for a vote immediately. The Restore Trust in Government Act would prohibit presidents, vice presidents, Members of Congress, and their families and trustees from owning and trading individual stocks. It would also require Members of Congress to divest from all assets covered under the bill within six months of the bill becoming law. During the press conference, Rep. Vasquez and others called out egregious examples of member trading from both sides of the aisle and outlined why the Stop Insider Trading Act, which is currently languishing in the Senate, is a sham bill that does not go far enough to truly clamp down on corruption in Congress. Some of these examples include: Since January 2025 alone, members of Congress have made millions off of insider trading on individual stocks — individual stocks whose values are directly tied to decisions made by Congress. The top five offenders — which included a fair number of Democrats — traded $329.3 million worth of individual stocks this Congress alone. The President: since January 2025, President Trump has traded an estimated $2.5 billion in individual stocks and securities — that’s more than all members of Congress combined. “The American people are sick of the self-enrichment, the wheeling and dealing, and the billions of dollars being harvested in this Administration, as members of Congress and others abuse their power to make themselves wealthier,” said Vasquez in his remarks. “Yet, the hardworking men and women of this country still wake up every single day, make it to their job on time, and do an honest day’s work, often juggling two jobs just to get by in this rigged economy.… | 1 | 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z | 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/trump-gains-155-million-from-oil-and-gas-stocks-amid-his-war-in-iran-meanwhile-new-mexicans-pay-526-million-more-for-gas | Trump Gains $15.5 Million From Oil & Gas Stocks Amid His War in Iran, Meanwhile New Mexicans Pay $526 Million More for Gas | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and a member and former Chairman of the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee, highlighted a new analysis finding that New Mexicans have spent an additional $526.2 million on gas since the start of President Trump’s Iran War — an average of $666 per New Mexico household. Meanwhile, according to the Joint Economic Committee’s analysis, President Trump’s portfolio of $45.6 million in oil and gas stocks has gone up since the end of 2025 by up to $61.1 million. That’s due to the sky-high oil and gas profits and stock prices tied to Trump’s war in Iran. And in just the first three months of 2026 – a period that covers both the U.S. operation in Venezuela and the start of the Iran War – the Committee found that Trump bought as much as $3.6 million in additional oil and gas stocks. “President Trump continues to put his personal financial interests and the interests of his ultrawealthy friends ahead of New Mexico families – folks who are already struggling with higher costs created by the President’s tariffs and reckless, illegal war in Iran,” said Heinrich. “New Mexicans shouldn’t have to pay more at the pump while Donald Trump and oil and gas executives rake in record returns.” Heinrich continued, “When a President uses the power of his office to benefit himself and his wealthy friends while working families are left to foot the bill, that’s corruption — plain and simple. We need energy policies that actually lower costs for families, not actions that pad the pockets of the President and his friends and family.” As detailed in the new Joint Economic Committee report, throughout his campaign and early in his term, Trump received millions in donations from oil company executives, and his administration began to enact favorable rules and regulations for the industry – including billions in tax giveaways. These companies have seen massive profits since the President launched his war with Iran. R… | 1 | 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z | 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-taos-lujan-hosts-roundtable-on-ticketing-marketplace-unveils-new-legislation-to-protect-ticket-buyers-from-ticket-scams/ | In Taos, Luján Hosts Roundtable on Ticketing Marketplace, Unveils New Legislation to Protect Ticket Buyers from Ticket Scams | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Taos, N.M. – On Monday, at Taos Mothership, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) unveiled the Guaranteeing Honest Ownership in Secondary Ticketing (GHOST) Act, legislation to protect fans and concertgoers from deceptive ticket resale practices by prohibiting resellers from selling tickets they do not actually possess. During the event, Senator Luján held a roundtable conversation with nonprofit promoters, small venue leaders, artists, and community members to hear directly about the challenges they face in the ticketing marketplace. Senator Luján discussed speculative ticketing, local and federal ticketing issues, and his efforts to protect consumers while supporting artists and independent venues. “This week in Taos, I was proud to announce my new legislation to protect ticket buyers because when New Mexicans spend their hard-earned money on a concert or event, they deserve to know the ticket they are buying actually exists,” said Senator Luján. “Too often, fans are misled into purchasing tickets from resellers who don’t even have them. I was grateful for the conversation and the opportunity to hear directly from local leaders about the challenges facing fans, artists, and venues. That’s why I introduced the GHOST Act to protect consumers, hold bad actors accountable, and bring greater transparency and fairness to the ticket marketplace.” Too often, consumers unknowingly purchase “speculative” or “ghost” tickets listed by resellers who do not actually have the tickets they are advertising. In some cases, buyers may not learn until shortly before an event that their tickets are unavailable, leaving them with little time to find legitimate replacements that may be sold out or significantly more expensive. Currently, there is no federal law specifically prohibiting speculative ticketing. The GHOST Act would establish nationwide protections to prevent resellers from advertising and selling tickets they do not possess. Specifically, the GHOST Act would: Ban ticket resellers from selling tickets they do not have a… | 1 | 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z | 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-calls-congress-renew-bipartisan-patriotic-tradition | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Calls on Congress to Renew Bipartisan, Patriotic Tradition of Protecting Public Lands | 2026-08-31 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On August 31, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), co-founder of the Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus, took to the House floor to make the case that protecting America’s public lands is an act of patriotism and called on lawmakers in both parties to revive Congress’ long tradition of bipartisan conservation. Vasquez pointed to landmark conservation laws including the Wilderness Act, the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, and the Endangered Species Act — all of which passed Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support. He argued that the same spirit of cooperation is urgently needed today as public lands face growing threats of sell-offs to the highest bidder, development, and efforts to roll back longstanding conservation protections. “Today, foreign companies have spread their tentacles and sprawl unto our forests, rivers and national monuments, all in search of a quick buck. Paired together with short-sighted proposals from this Administration that include threatening to undo the Roadless Rule, eliminating the Public Lands Rule, shrinking our national monuments, opening sensitive habitats to drilling in the Arctic Refuge, narrowing regulations of the Endangered Species Act, shrinking the US Forest Service, robbing crucial maintenance funds from the National Parks budget, and just recently, selling off part of Yosemite National Park to a private developer — we are in deep, deep trouble of losing what both Democrats and Republicans have long fought to conserve and protect,” said Vasquez. Vasquez added, “The truth is, Americans love nature. Hunters, anglers, and families alike agree that public lands are patriotic. Let us renew these concepts of bipartisan cooperation and protect our shared patriotism, even if it means standing up to your own party, standing up to this Administration, in the wake of the largest wave of attacks we’ve seen to our public lands in our nation’s history. I know I’ll be doing my damnedest to protect the places we love in New Mexico, across the West, and… | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-joins-grand-opening-of-dreamtrees-new-resource-center-and-housing-shelter-in-taos-made-possible-with-15-million-he-secured | Heinrich Joins Grand Opening of DreamTree’s New Resource Center & Housing Shelter in Taos, Made Possible with $1.5 Million He Secured | 2026-08-31 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | PHOTOS TAOS, N.M. — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, joined a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of DreamTree’s NEST Resource Center, a new space in Taos dedicated to helping New Mexicans access emergency housing, basic necessities and internet access, employment opportunities, connections to healthcare providers, case management services, and help navigating federal and state benefits. Heinrich secured a $1.5 million Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) grant in Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) appropriations funding for DreamTree to complete the final phase of renovations to the NEST Resource Center and purchase land for future on-site permanent supportive housing. U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, joins a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of DreamTree’s NEST Resource Center, August 28, 2026. “This economy has been pretty tough. A lot of folks are having a hard time, and they're having to make some really difficult decisions here in Taos and around the country. And that is where an incredible organization like DreamTree comes in – by breaking the stigma of receiving support in the first place. Through a culture of care and compassion, DreamTree is taking care of hundreds of Taoseños and helping them find clean clothing and warm food, and, most importantly, a pathway to stability,” said Heinrich. Heinrich continued, “Throughout my career, I've always advocated for funding to address housing and homelessness. It's because I truly believe that as a society, that we should be judged by how we treat those who are most in need, and I believe that every person deserves dignity and a real shot at a stable life, including the basics like food and shelter.” Heinrich continues to lead efforts to lower housing costs, help New Mexico families become first-time homeowners, and expand housing options for New Mexicans experiencing homelessness: Last month, Heinrich announced that the 21… | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-wyden-klobuchar-demand-answers-from-trump-official-who-diverted-federal-firefighting-resources-to-private-ranch | Heinrich, Wyden, Klobuchar Demand Answers from Trump Official Who Diverted Federal Firefighting Resources to Private Ranch | 2026-08-31 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Amid record wildfire season in Western U.S., top Trump official at USDA diverted scarce firefighting resources to a 7 acre fire near his private ranch in Idaho WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, joined U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins demanding answers from the Trump administration following reports that USDA Undersecretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment Michael Boren diverted federal firefighting resources away from active wildfires, in order to fight a seven acre fire near his personal ranch in Idaho. “Mr. Boren’s actions constitute potentially a misuse of taxpayer funds and put American families at further risk by diverting scarce resources from high-priority wildfires threatening communities elsewhere in the region and country,” the Senators wrote. “We request a full investigation into the nature and extent of Boren’s involvement in response to the Cabin Creek Fire and a detailed accounting of the safeguards the agency has implemented or plans to implement to prevent political interference and conflicts of interest in wildfire response.” Earlier this month, it was reported that Mr. Boren used his position to pressure U.S. Forest Service personnel to divert already scarce firefighting resources away from other fires to suppress a small fire near his 480-acre ranch in the Sawtooth National Forest. Nine aircraft were reportedly assigned to the fire, an extremely high number for a fire of this size. Western states are already facing a shortage of firefighting personnel and resources as a direct result of the Trump administration’s staffing and funding cuts. During this record setting fire season, fires of much larger size threatening American lives and homes have not received even a fraction of the same commitment of resources. In their letter, the Senators requested details on how the D… | 1 | 2026-09-01T09:48:49Z | 2026-09-01T09:49:51Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-colleagues-oppose-ice-rollout-of-electric-shock-gloves/ | Luján, Colleagues Oppose ICE Rollout of Electric Shock Gloves | 2026-08-28 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Santa Fe, N.M. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and 14 Senate colleagues in calling on the Trump Administration to abandon its reckless plan to outfit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers with gloves that deliver painful electric shocks. Their letter also demands that if ICE proceeds with this purchase, it first provide Congress with answers and documentation for over 30 questions about how these devices will be used, the protocol for using them, safety guardrails, and accountability measures. On August 10, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice concerning ICE’s planned acquisition of the CTG-5 G.L.O.V.E., a glove designed to deliver a painful electric shock. The notice estimates the potential value of the acquisition between $10 million and $20 million. “We write to express deep concern about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to spend up to $20 million on gloves that deliver electric shocks,” the Senators began. “…The blatant and tragic misuse of force in Los Angeles, Chicago, Minneapolis, Houston, Maine, and other locations around the country raises significant skepticism about the agency’s professional capability to safely deploy a new tool that could be used to harm Americans without cause. Therefore, we urge ICE to cancel the contract and reconsider the purchase.” “The proposed acquisition raises serious questions about necessity, proportionality, medical safety, training, accountability, and constitutional rights,” the Senators continued. “Those questions are particularly important given the significant public scrutiny surrounding ICE’s excessive use of force. A device capable of delivering an electrical shock through direct contact with an individual presents substantial risks if deployed during civil arrests – even more so if it is deployed without clear limits, appropriate training, and comprehensive oversight.” “At a time when the American people have demanded de-escalation in i… | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-colleagues-urge-blm-to-stop-rollback-of-waste-prevention-rule | Heinrich, Colleagues Urge BLM to Stop Rollback of Waste Prevention Rule | 2026-08-28 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, joined U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, in opposing BLM’s proposal to overturn the 2024 Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation rule (the 2024 Waste Prevention Rule). The BLM’s reversal of this commonsense rule will increase pollution on public lands, reduce domestic energy supply, expose nearby communities to avoidable health risks, and waste publicly owned natural gas, costing Americans tens of millions in foregone revenue. “Reversing these common-sense standards will waste publicly owned natural gas, cost the American people tens of millions in foregone revenue, and increase pollution on our public lands,” the lawmakers wrote. “We strongly urge BLM to reject this proposed rescission and maintain the 2024 Waste Prevention rule. The oil and gas resources on these lands belong to the American public and Tribal nations, and they deserve to benefit from the full value and benefits of responsible resource stewardship,” the lawmakers continued. Read the full text of the letter HERE and below. Dear Secretary Burgum and Director Pearce, We write to express our strong opposition to the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) proposed rule to overturn the 2024 Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation rule (the “2024 Waste Prevention Rule”). Reversing these common-sense standards will waste publicly owned natural gas, cost the American people tens of millions in foregone revenue, and increase pollution on our public lands. Between 2012 and 2021, operators lost an estimated 300 billion cubic feet of natural gas on federal lands to flaring and venting, valued at nearly $950 million, and resulting in a loss of between $76 and $135 million in potential taxpayer revenue. Routine venting and flaring of natural gas i… | 1 | 2026-08-29T11:31:28Z | 2026-08-29T11:32:37Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-visits-boundary-waters-canoe-area-wilderness-meets-with-local-nonprofits-advocates-and-tribal-leaders-vows-to-continue-to-fight-to-protect-public-lands | Heinrich Visits Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Meets with Local Nonprofits, Advocates, and Tribal Leaders, Vows to Continue to Fight to Protect Public Lands | 2026-08-28 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | PHOTOS HERE ELY, MINN. — Last week, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, visited gateway communities to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), where he met with local advocates, volunteers, non-profit leaders, and the Three Chippewa Bands, on how Senate Republicans and President Trump’s plan to allow sulfide-ore copper mining near the BWCAW will open up the pristine wilderness to permanent pollution, harming Tribes, local communities, and businesses in the area. Heinrich saw the proposed mining sites firsthand and observed how the mining pollution would affect the community and the watershed. Heinrich’s visit comes as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced that his administration is taking steps to constrain future sulfide-ore copper mining development in the Rainy River Headwaters, slowing Twin Metals’ path forward to mine near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. “I come from a mining family. I'm not against every mine everywhere. My dad worked for Anaconda Copper, and my grandfather was a gold miner. But I learned, negotiating with big companies over natural resource damages, that there are smart places to put mines — and there are places where they really don't belong. And you don't know which is which unless you get out on the landscape and see it. I think it's really hard to look at maps and listen to rhetoric in Washington, D.C., and make a good decision,” said Heinrich. Heinrich continued, “To put a mine where we went this week just seems insane to me. It would put at risk one of the last great wilderness areas in North America — not just the Boundary Waters, but the Boundary Waters, Quetico and Voyageurs. This is one of those last great landscapes in North America. I don't think these battles are ever won in one fell swoop. It takes decades. But I can tell from the passion of people on the ground, the polling I’m seeing in Minnesota, and the elected leaders who have stepped up and staked out a position that t… | 1 | 2026-08-29T11:31:28Z | 2026-08-29T11:32:37Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-visits-frijoles-fire-command-center-meets-with-firefighters-and-incident-commanders | Heinrich Visits Frijoles Fire Command Center, Meets with Firefighters and Incident Commanders | 2026-08-28 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | PHOTOS and VIDEOS SANTA FE, N.M. — This week, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, visited the Frijoles Fire Command Center to receive a briefing on the operations and status of the fire and meet with Incident Commanders, firefighters, first responders, and support staff working to contain the blaze. The Frijoles Fire has burned 15,333 acres and is 59% contained, with 803 personnel currently engaged in the firefighting effort. “I’m grateful to the firefighters, Incident Commanders, and support and medical crews who are working around the clock to protect New Mexico communities from the Frijoles Fire,” said Heinrich. “I also want to extend my deepest condolences to the family of Randy Lupe, who tragically lost his life supporting the response. Everyone who responds to wildfires puts themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities safe, and we have a responsibility to make sure they have the resources, equipment, and support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.” U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, meets with firefighters and emergency responders at the Frijoles Fire Incident Command Center, August 27, 2026. During the visit, Heinrich received a briefing from the Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 4, which is managing the firefighting operations, and met with crews and support staff. BACKGROUND: Heinrich has led efforts to strengthen the nation’s wildland firefighting workforce, improve wildfire preparedness and response, and ensure New Mexico communities have the federal resources they need in wildfire emergencies. Last month, Heinrich sent a letter urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure that communities in New Mexico and nationwide receive the federal resources they need to respond to and prevent wildfires, including by promptly approving and distributing Fire Management Assistance Grant and post-fire mitigati… | 1 | 2026-08-29T11:31:28Z | 2026-08-29T11:32:37Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-demands-answers-true-cost-iran-war-new-mexican-families | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Demands Answers on True Cost of Iran War for New Mexican Families | 2026-08-27 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) sent a letter to President Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanding a full public accounting of the economic costs of their cost-raising war of choice with Iran as prices continue to skyrocket for American families. "What was billed as a two-week operation is now a full-scale war that has lasted for over 150 days, cost at least $37 billion, and claimed the lives of 18 servicemembers. At the same time, prices across the country have gone up significantly, placing the burden of this conflict on American families.” wrote Vasquez. “This uncertainty, and the months of higher costs have taken a toll, impacting Americans’ ability to budget, plan, and save for the future. These costs are untenable, and the American people deserve better." “The President lied to the American people about no more forever wars. It’s clear there is no exit plan or any sense of a coherent strategy while prices surge at the gas pump and the grocery store, deeply hurting everyday Americans,” said Vasquez. “This war is costing taxpayers billions, skyrocketing our national debt, depleting our critical munitions stockpile, and putting our servicemen and women in continued danger. Americans deserve to know the true cost of this war, and I can already tell you, it’s too damn much.” The letter demands for information on the cost of military operations, changes in the oil and energy markets, and larger economic impacts. The request follows the Department of Defense’s supplemental request for tens of billions more to fund the ongoing war in Iran and concerns about the risks for American military personnel. Read the full letter HERE. Rep. Vasquez has led the charge to hold the Administration accountable for the war in Iran and bring down prices for New Mexicans: Pressed Pentagon officials on the Iran War cost, strategy and lack of exit plan. Calling for answers from the Administration on how the war is spiking gas prices in New Mexico. Pushing his Affordability Agenda to lo… | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=659 | Leger Fernández Leads 18 Members Demanding Answers on Trump Administration’s Rush to Strip Chaco Canyon Protections | 2026-08-26 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | NM | Teresa Leger Fernandez | L000273 | fernandez.house.gov | fernandez | https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs, and Congressman Jared Huffman (CA-02), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee led 18 members of Congress in demanding answers from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum about the Trump Administration’s rushed effort to revoke protections for lands surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The Department of the Interior is proposing to revoke Public Land Order No. 7923, which established a 10-mile mineral withdrawal surrounding Chaco Canyon. Revoking the order would reopen these culturally significant public lands to oil and gas leasing and mining activities. “Chaco Canyon is not just a historical site; it’s a living cultural landscape,” the lawmakers wrote. “The Department’s current fast-tracked efforts to overturn the withdrawal area do not respect the historical, cultural, and spiritual value of Chaco Canyon.” “The Department’s rushed review undermined the Department’s trust responsibility to Tribal nations and the Tribal consultation process under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act,” they continued. The lawmakers’ letter raises serious concerns that the Department failed to fulfill its trust responsibility to Tribal nations and honor Burgum’s public commitment to meaningful consultation. During a June 2025 House Natural Resources Committee hearing, Burgum committed to Leger Fernández to send an official with decision-making authority to conduct individual, in-person consultations with every Tribe with an interest in Chaco Canyon. However, Interior’s own draft Environmental Assessment indicates that the Department moved forward before completing all requested consultations. Several Tribes received only “informational meetings,” while requests to meet with a decision-maker remained unmet. The Department also provided only 21 days for public comment and held no public meetings before advancing its proposal. Despite that… | 1 | 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z | 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-demands-accountability-data-center-developers-reiterates-new | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Demands Accountability from Data Center Developers, Reiterates New Mexicans Must Have Final Say on Our Land, Air, Water, and Way of Life | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced his support for two new bills to hold massive data center developers accountable, protect New Mexico families from higher electricity costs, and give communities the information they need to weigh the costs and benefits and decide whether to allow these projects to move forward. “New Mexico’s water, air, and resources belong to us, not to billionaires from coastal states who see an opportunity to extract profit from our land. I’ve been appalled at the backroom deals, silencing of dissenting voices, shady NDAs and shell companies, and the overall lack of transparency from those who seek to do business in our state,” said Vasquez. “New Mexico should absolutely compete for the jobs and technology of the future, but we are not going to sell out our water, our clean air, or our way of life to do it. If you want to do business here, you need to be transparent, listen to local residents, and most importantly, prove to New Mexicans that projects will serve, not steal from, our communities.” Vasquez announced that he is championing the following legislation to put new guardrails in place around data center proposals: The FAIR Data Act (H.R. 9655), which would stop data center projects from driving up energy bills for families and small businesses. The bill would force large corporate electricity users to pay their own way, protecting residential customers and small businesses from being forced to foot the bill for costs related to massive data centers, including increased rates and electric grid upgrades needed to serve massive data centers. The Data Center Water and Energy Transparency Act (H.R. 9825), which requires data center developers to transparently disclose their energy and water usage. The bill would force developers to make information regarding data center energy and water consumption available to state and local governments that have or are considering new data center projects in their communities and force noncompliant data ce… | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-leads-35-members-demanding-speaker-johnson-bring-stock | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Leads 35 Members Demanding Speaker Johnson Bring Stock Trading Ban Bill to the Floor for a Vote | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) demanded House Speaker Mike Johnson bring H.R. 6731, the Restore Trust in Government Act, to the House floor for a vote in a letter he led along with 35 of his House colleagues. The bill would prohibit presidents, vice presidents, Members of Congress, and their families and trustees from owning and trading individual stocks. It would also require Members of Congress to divest from all assets covered under the bill within 180 days of the bill becoming law. “We urge you to bring H.R. 6731, the Restore Trust in Government Act to the floor immediately for a vote when the House of Representatives returns from the August recess”, wrote Vasquez. “The American people deserve a real stock trading ban for politicians in Washington, to end the corruption that lets politicians get rich off of inside information while working people struggle,” “The American people are sick of the corruption in Washington. They are sick of paying more for gas, groceries, and healthcare, and Congress doing nothing about it because politicians get rich by profiting from the industries and corporations that keep prices high,” the letter continues. “They want to end the corruption and we have a responsibility to deliver on that.” Speaker Johnson previously held a sham vote on a bill pretending to prevent stock trading which received bipartisan opposition. This political ploy included massive loopholes allowing members to keep the stocks they own and continue buying private stocks and profiting off of cryptocurrency. Additionally, Johnson added unrelated provisions to the bill that would erode voting rights for eligible voters, disenfranchise Tribal voters, and erode privacy rights by requiring some voters to mail a copy of their driver’s license, passport or Social Security information in order to cast a ballot. “Speaker Johnson should stop playing politics and holding show-votes on weak, watered-down bills that do nothing to stop corruption in Washington,” said Vasquez. “The Restore … | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-cosponsors-bipartisan-legislation-to-advance-responsible-international-nuclear-energy-cooperation | Heinrich Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Advance Responsible, International Nuclear Energy Cooperation | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, along with Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Ted Budd (R-N.C.), introduced the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) Act to codify the U.S. State Department’s FIRST program advocating for the responsible deployment of civil nuclear energy around the world. “Nuclear energy is an important part of our clean energy future, and the United States should lead in advancing its safe and responsible deployment around the world. By working with our allies and partners through the FIRST program, we can strengthen energy security, support American innovation, and promote the highest standards for nuclear safety and nonproliferation,” said Heinrich. “Nuclear energy is a source of clean and abundant power, and its growth in the U.S. and around the world will lower costs for consumers and combat climate change,” said Coons. “Right now, too many nations that want to embrace nuclear power need to buy Chinese and Russian technology at huge cost, trapping them in debt. The United States should offer an alternative that keeps us on the cutting edge, strengthens our relationships around the world and keeps Americans safe.” “The responsible development of civil nuclear energy, on an international scale, contributes to U.S. national security and bolsters our economy. The FIRST program has been a productive way for our nation to partner with good-faith actors who are building their nuclear arsenals, and continuing to leverage these public and private partnerships will help us advance our own energy dominance. Since North Carolina is a leader in next-generation nuclear technology, I am proud to partner with Senator Coons to bring this bipartisan solution forward and codify this program that will expand markets for our great innovators into law,” said Budd. Launched in 2019, the FIRST program has worked to leverage U.S. public-private partnerships and expand… | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-joins-colleagues-in-fight-against-rescission-of-key-energy-leasing-that-will-harm-access-to-americas-public-lands | Heinrich Joins Colleagues in Fight Against Rescission of Key Energy Leasing That Will Harm Access to America’s Public Lands | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, joined U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, in denouncing the BLM’s proposal to rescind the 2024 Fluid Mineral Leases and Leasing Process rule (the 2024 Onshore Leasing Rule). The recission, if approved, will harm public lands, reduce community input, increase pollution, and raise taxpayer costs. The 2024 Onshore Leasing Rule ensured that the concerns of states, Tribes, and local communities were included in decision-making and was a long-overdue correction to decades of BLM policies that favored oil and gas development over other uses and led to tens of thousands of dangerous abandoned wells that became the financial responsibility of taxpayers instead of the oil and gas companies. This rule had immense public support and established a balanced framework that saved taxpayer money, ensured multi-use management of public lands, and protected cultural resources and rural communities that depend on public lands. In this letter, the lawmakers ask that the administration specifically reconsider oil and gas bonding requirements; public participation, Tribal consultation, and landowner involvement; and leasing preference criteria. “We write to express our strong opposition to the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) proposal to rescind the 2024 Fluid Mineral Leases and Leasing Process rule (“2024 Leasing Rule”). The proposed replacement undermines the agency’s multiple-use mandate, promotes irresponsible oil and gas leasing, and fails to protect American taxpayers and private landowners,” the lawmakers began. “[…] BLM’s newly proposed rule threatens to dismantle this common-sense progress. We are deeply concerned that the proposed changes shift cleanup liabilities back to the public, restrict community and private landowner participation, and distort the balance required to manage Ame… | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-joins-ribbon-cutting-for-new-blackve-headquarters-and-manufacturing-facility-highlights-job-training-for-new-mexicans-living-with-disabilities-joins-groundbreaking-celebration-for-new-pacific-fusion-facility_leads-panel-with-former-google-ceo-on-unlocking-americas-clean-energy-future | Heinrich Joins Ribbon-Cutting for New BlackVe Headquarters & Manufacturing Facility, Highlights Job Training for New Mexicans Living with Disabilities, Joins Groundbreaking Celebration for New Pacific Fusion Facility & Leads Panel with Former Google CEO on Unlocking America’s Clean Energy Future | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, joined events in Albuquerque celebrating BlackVe’s new 30,000-square-foot headquarters and satellite manufacturing facility at MaxQ and Pacific Fusion’s new $1 billion state-of-the-art facility that positions New Mexico at the forefront of the emerging fusion energy industry. Heinrich began the day at BlackVe’s new facility, which will support the rapid design, production, integration, and operation of next-generation spacecraft — creating 200 high-quality jobs and strengthening New Mexico’s leadership in the space industry. ABOVE: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) attends a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open BlackVe’s new 30,000-square-foot headquarters and satellite manufacturing facility, August 25, 2026. Additional pictures here. |“BlackVe is a homegrown company committed to staying, building, and growing right here in New Mexico. Its brand-new manufacturing facility in Albuquerque will produce satellites and defense technology that will help keep our country safe, while creating more than 200 high-quality jobs New Mexicans can build their families around,” said Heinrich. “As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I’ll continue working to bring more investments to New Mexico that strengthen our leadership in space and defense technologies, grow our local workforce and businesses, and give the next generation the opportunity to build their careers right here at home.” Heinrich’s support of BlackVe includes continued funding for U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) satellite and space technology at Kirtland Air Force Base, helping the company expand local manufacturing in New Mexico, and meetingwith BlackVe workers. Prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Heinrich joined students from the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy (ASLA) to highlight a $300,000 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) grant he secured to develop the Adult Workforce Training Progr… | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-releases-statement-on-110th-anniversary-of-the-national-park-service-celebrates-national-park-week | Heinrich Releases Statement on 110th Anniversary of the National Park Service, Celebrates National Park Week | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement celebrating the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service (NPS) today, August 25, 2026, during National Park Week, which runs from August 22 to August 30 this year. All entrance fees to national parks are waived for U.S. citizens and residents today, August 25, 2026. “110 years ago, President Woodrow Wilson signed the law creating the National Park Service to protect some of the most treasured places in our country and ensure they belong to all Americans. “Our national parks and public lands are part of our shared identity. They are literally the anvil on which our collective identity was forged. They preserve the stories of generations who came before us, give everyone a place to explore and connect with the outdoors, and serve as an economic engine for communities across the country. In 2024 alone, visitors to our national parks spent $29 billion in communities near parks, supporting 340,000 jobs and generating more than $56 billion in economic activity. “But as the National Park Service celebrates 110 years, our parks face a $24 billion maintenance backlog and severe staffing shortages. The Trump administration has forced out thousands of employees, proposed deep cuts to the agency, and taken steps to erase history at our parks. “Instead of working to address these maintenance needs and keep visitors safe and our parks accessible, the administration is making hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars available for the President’s vanity projects. That’s bullshit. We should be investing in the national parks that belong to all of us – not a golden ballroom for the President. “This week, I encourage every American to get outside, enjoy a national park or public land, and help protect these national treasures for generations to come.” As Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Heinrich is leading the fight … | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-demands-answers-project-jupiters-water-use-new-mexico-supreme | Rep. Stansbury Demands Answers on Project Jupiter’s Water Use as New Mexico Supreme Court Issues Emergency Orders | 2026-08-24 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | NM | Melanie A. Stansbury | S001218 | stansbury.house.gov | stansbury | https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | ALBUQUERQUE — Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) is requesting answers from New Mexico state officials regarding the water use, water rights, permitting, quality, and compact compliance associated with Project Jupiter, a 1,400-acre artificial intelligence data center campus under construction near Santa Teresa in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. Stansbury’s calls for answers come as the New Mexico Supreme Court issued two emergency orders Sunday night regarding the project’s emergency well permit, used for construction of the project, and a proposed air quality permit. Stansbury is directing the public request for information by close of business this Friday, August 28, as the Court has ordered the parties to respond to its orders by Wednesday of next week. Stansbury’s letter, addressed to the New Mexico Attorney General, the State Engineer, the State Environment Secretary, and the Chair and Director of the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, requests information about the project’s proposed water use, analysis of potential impacts, and compliance requirements under the Rio Grande Compact. The request comes as New Mexico confronts unprecedented water challenges and works to meet its obligations under a court-supervised settlement following litigation with Texas over the Rio Grande Compact. Under the settlement, New Mexico must reduce groundwater pumping in the Lower Rio Grande Basin by 18,200 acre-feet annually by 2036. Project Jupiter is expected to become a significant industrial water user in the basin, with estimates putting its water use at over a million gallons a day. Stansbury is asking the Office of the State Engineer (OSE) and others to provide a clear public accounting of how the project’s water needs will be met and what water rights and permits support those needs. "In New Mexico we know water is life and our communities are facing a historic water crisis,” Rep. Stansbury said. "Every new major water use deserves a transparent accounting of where its water is coming from and how that use fi… | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-northwest-new-mexico-lujan-highlights-efforts-to-strengthen-care-for-seniors-and-protect-nutrition-assistance-for-new-mexicans/ | In Northwest New Mexico, Luján Highlights Efforts to Strengthen Care for Seniors and Protect Nutrition Assistance for New Mexicans | 2026-08-24 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | NORTHWEST NEW MEXICO – Last week in Farmington and Grants, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) held events highlighting his efforts to expand access to home and long-term care for older New Mexicans and people with disabilities and protect nutrition assistance for New Mexico families. “Whether it’s making sure our parents and grandparents can receive care in the place they call home or ensuring families have enough food on the table, New Mexicans deserve the support they need to live healthy lives with dignity,” said Senator Luján. “Last week, I heard directly from local leaders and providers about the challenges facing families in Northwest New Mexico. I’ll continue fighting to strengthen home-based care, support caregivers, and protect SNAP from attacks that would make it harder for families to get the food they need.” Supporting Care for Older New Mexicans in Farmington In Farmington at the Native American Disability Law Center, Senator Luján met with local leaders and providers to learn more about their work providing home- and community-based care in San Juan County. Senator Luján heard directly from providers about the challenges facing rural and Tribal communities and discussed how his recently introduced Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Access Act would expand access to long-term care for older adults and people with disabilities. Fighting to Protect Nutrition Assistance in Grants In Grants at the Grants Community Pantry, Senator Luján met with local food and nutrition leaders to discuss the impact of Republican cuts to SNAP on families and communities in Northwest New Mexico. During the event, Senator Luján heard directly about the challenges facing SNAP recipients and the local organizations that serve them. Senator Luján also highlighted his efforts to fight back against cuts to nutrition assistance and protect SNAP for New Mexico families, including families in rural and Tribal communities. ### | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-ranking-member-heinrich-on-supreme-court-allowing-continued-construction-for-president-trumps-ballroom | ICYMI: Ranking Member Heinrich on Supreme Court Allowing Continued Construction for President Trump’s Ballroom | 2026-08-24 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | MEMORANDUM To: Reporters and Editors From: Caty Payette, Office of U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) Date: August 24, 2026 Re: ICYMI: Ranking Member Heinrich on Supreme Court Allowing Continued Construction for President Trump’s Ballroom WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, published the following post online, reacting to the news that the Supreme Court has allowed President Trump to continue construction for his $400 million ballroom: “This doesn’t change the fact that Congress never authorized spending YOUR hard-earned taxpayer dollars on Trump’s golden ballroom. “I’ll keep fighting to ensure taxpayers aren’t footing the bill for Trump’s vanity projects while the cost of everyday expenses continues to soar.” Ranking Member Heinrich has led the fight to prevent taxpayer dollars from being used to fund President Trump’s ballroom. Earlier this month, Heinrich sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Acting Comptroller General Orice Williams Brown, calling for the GAO to audit and assess the full scope and cost of the White House ballroom project. In June, Heinrich sent a letter demanding answers from U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on the Trump administration redirecting tens of millions of dollars from fees paid to the National Park Service (NPS) to fund President Trump’s vanity projects in Washington, D.C. – including redirecting funds collected at New Mexico sites such as Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Bandelier National Monument. In May, Heinrich?successfully blocked Senate Republicans from funding Trump’s ballroom project through their partisan reconciliation budget bill, arguing it violated the Byrd Rule — a Senate rule designed to prevent unrelated policy provisions from being jammed into reconciliation bills that can pass with a simple majority instead of the usual 60-vote threshold. Last October, Heinrich … | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=657 | On Fourth Anniversary of Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Containment, Leger Fernández Demands Answers on Toxic Metals in Fire Retardants | 2026-08-21 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | NM | Teresa Leger Fernandez | L000273 | fernandez.house.gov | fernandez | https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | SANTA FE, N.M. — Four years after the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire was finally contained, U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) is demanding greater accountability for the federal government’s use of wildfire retardants that may contain toxic metals. Leger Fernández and House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) led a letter asking the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate the prevalence and potential effects of toxic metals in fire retardants used by the U.S. Forest Service and Department of the Interior. The letter was also signed by Representatives Judy Chu, Adelita Grijalva, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Pablo José Hernández, Lateefah Simon and Sara Jacobs. “Four years ago, the flames finally stopped. But for the families of Mora and San Miguel counties, this disaster did not end when the smoke cleared,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. “It lives in contaminated wells, flood-scarred fields, empty foundations and the endless paperwork of survivors still waiting for FEMA to do its job. The federal government started this fire, and the federal government has a responsibility to answer every question about the harm it caused. We do not yet know whether fire retardants contributed to the heavy metals found in northern New Mexico’s groundwater. Our families should not have to wonder whether the water coming from their tap is safe to drink. Accountability means following the evidence, telling the truth and fixing what was broken.” Federal agencies used 48.6 million gallons of fire retardant in wildfire operations in 2024 alone. One academic study estimated that aerial wildfire retardants released approximately 380,000 kilograms of toxic metals into the environment nationwide between 2009 and 2021. Following the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, testing found elevated levels of heavy metals in groundwater in parts of northern New Mexico. The lawmakers’ letter does not draw a conclusion about the source of that contamination. Instead, it asks GAO to deter… | 1 | 2026-08-22T05:24:59Z | 2026-08-22T05:26:16Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-tours-albuquerques-veterans-integration-center-reaffirms | Rep. Gabe Vasquez Tours Albuquerque’s Veterans Integration Center, Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Veterans | 2026-08-20 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On August 19, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) toured the Veterans Integration Center (VIC) of Albuquerque to discuss expanding VA benefits and opportunities with veterans and VIC leaders. The VIC is dedicated to providing stable housing, financial security, and community for veterans and their families. During the event, Rep. Vasquez spoke with VIC CEO Brock Wolf and Claudia Risner, a Board Member at the Veterans Integration Center and Previous Chair of the Veterans and Military Families Caucus. “Places like the VIC are serving our veterans with outstanding care, compassion and respect,” said Vasquez. “Folks who raise their hand to serve and protect our freedom deserve to have an opportunity to reintegrate into society. But too many of our veterans suffer from trauma and end up on the streets - that’s why resources like the VIC are so important. I’m going to continue fighting so that our federal budget reflects the true cost of care for our veterans – from healthcare and housing, to education and workforce training.” Rep. Vasquez’s advocacy reflects his ongoing commitment to supporting veterans and active-duty servicemembers. His previous work includes: Spearheading the TRICARE Travel Improvement Act, which Vasquez led and got passed into law with bipartisan support through the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act. The bill lowers the mileage requirement for TRICARE travel reimbursement from 100 miles to 75 miles — helping military families in rural communities more easily access medical care. Leading the New Mexico Rural Veteran Health Care Access Act, a bill to add Otero and Eddy county to the Veteran Integrated Service Network (VISN) 22, so that New Mexico veterans who live in these counties can be eligible to access care at the El Paso VA Medical Center which is far closer than many other VA healthcare facilities. Introducing the Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act, bipartisan legislation to increase the yearly book and supply stipend for student veterans whi… | 1 | 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z | 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-cosponsors-legislation-to-combat-maternal-health-crisis | Heinrich Cosponsors Legislation to Combat Maternal Health Crisis | 2026-08-20 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M) joined U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), alongside U.S. Representatives Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Alma Adams (D-N.C.), Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.), and Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) in reintroducing the Mamas First Act, legislation that would address the maternal mortality crisis by expanding Medicaid coverage to include prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care provided by doulas, midwives, Tribal midwives, and lactation support providers. These services have been proven to reduce C-sections, decrease maternal anxiety, and improve communication between pregnant women and their health care providers. "By expanding access to trusted providers like doulas, midwives, Tribal midwives, and lactation support professionals, this legislation can help make sure mothers get the care they need. That’s especially important in New Mexico, where more than half of all births are covered by Medicaid,” said Heinrich.“The Mamas First Act will particularly help mothers in rural and Tribal communities to access quality care before, during, and after childbirth – because every mother deserves the support she needs to have a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery.” “Instead of slashing healthcare for millions of Americans like Republicans in Congress are hellbent on doing, we should be expanding access to care to protect every momma and baby,” said Warren. “It’s unthinkable that the richest country in the world would also have one of the highest maternal mortality rates. The Mamas First Act will help fix this crisis by improving access to high-quality care and rooting out the deep disparities and systemic racism in our health care system.” “The Mamas First Act meets a crisis that is costing mothers their lives—especially Black and Indigenous women who walk into delivery rooms carrying risks no family should bear,” said Booker. “By ensuring Medicaid reimburses doulas, midwives, tribal midwives, and lactation support professionals, this bil… | 1 | 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z | 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-gallup-lujan-holds-forum-to-raise-awareness-of-expanded-reca-compensation-for-new-mexicans/ | In Gallup, Luján Holds Forum to Raise Awareness of Expanded RECA Compensation for New Mexicans | 2026-08-20 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Gallup, N.M. – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) led a public outreach forum in Gallup to raise awareness about expanded compensation available through the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) and help New Mexicans understand how they can apply for the compensation they deserve. During the forum, Senator Luján joined local leaders and advocates to provide information about expanded eligibility under RECA and the resources available to help New Mexicans apply for compensation. The forum included a presentation on how eligible individuals can submit claims through the U.S. Department of Justice and access resources to assist with the application process. “For generations, New Mexicans have carried the burden of our nation’s nuclear legacy, and for far too long, many were denied the recognition and compensation they deserved,” said Senator Luján. “After fighting alongside survivors, uranium workers, and their families, we secured a historic expansion of RECA to finally deliver justice to more New Mexicans. Now, we have to make sure every eligible New Mexican has the resources they need to apply. I will continue working to ensure no New Mexican who sacrificed for our national security is left behind.” More information regarding RECA eligibility and the application process can be found here. Since being elected to Congress, Senator Luján has played a leading role in advancing legislation to strengthen the RECA program, introducing RECA legislation in every Congress and twice passing it through the Senate. In January, Senator Luján announced that DOJ launched a new online portal for RECA claims. In September of last year, Senator Luján and the New Mexico Delegation sent an open letter to New Mexico’s holders of health care records, birth and death records, tax records, school records and any other necessary records to request their full cooperation in delivering long overdue justice for New Mexicans exposed to radiation. Last year, Senator Luján announced that he secured clear guidance to pro… | 1 | 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z | 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z |
| https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-announces-76-million-affordable-housing-programs-and-passage | Rep. Stansbury Announces $7.6 million in Affordable Housing Programs and Passage of the Most Significant Housing Legislation in Decades | 2026-08-20 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | NM | Melanie A. Stansbury | S001218 | stansbury.house.gov | stansbury | https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | ALBUQUERQUE – Today, Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) held a press conference with local organizations that she helped secure federal funding for through Community Project Funding. These projects work to expand the affordable housing supply and support seniors, families, and young people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity across New Mexico. Rep. Stansbury also celebrated the enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (H.R. 6644) as one of the most significant bipartisan housing bills to pass Congress in the last 30 years. The bill became law on July 11th without the President’s signature after Congress passed the legislation to dramatically increase the building of affordable housing, cut red tape, expand access to capital, modernize programs, and restrict private equity and institutional investors from buying family homes. Through Community Project Funding, the Congresswoman has secured more than $7.6 million for seven projects, including: $4.5 million for the City of Albuquerque for a homeless youth center to provide our first dedicated facility for young people experiencing homelessness, including a safe, transitional environment, secured in FY23 and FY24. $300,000 for the Veterans Integration Center for the first veterans transitional housing campus in New Mexico to provide transitional housing and programs for Veterans and their families experiencing housing insecurity, secured in FY23. $994,950 for Saranam for transitional housing for families experiencing homelessness - for construction of a new transitional housing project to serve unhoused families in Albuquerque’s west side and provide wrap-around services as families get back on their feet, secured in FY24. $500,000 for YDI to provide a transitional housing facility for at-risk youth in Albuquerque, secured in FY24. $850,000 for the City of Albuquerque to provide a senior stability shelter in Albuquerque to provide permanent supportive housing for seniors experiencing homelessness, secured in FY26. $250,000 for Berna… | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=656 | Leger Fernández Joins National Coalition for Expanded RECA Legislation | 2026-08-19 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | NM | Teresa Leger Fernandez | L000273 | fernandez.house.gov | fernandez | https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | SANTA FE, NM — Congresswoman Leger Fernández is co-leading the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act of 2026 (RECRA), bipartisan legislation that builds upon her work to compensate New Mexicans affected by radiation exposure from the Trinity and other nuclear tests. Congressman James Moylan (R-Guam) introduced the legislation. The Congresswoman has worked alongside Congressman Moylan to make sure communities harmed by the nation's nuclear testing receive the compensation and recognition they deserve. Congresswoman Leger Fernández introduced the RECA Amendments Act in 2021. She led the U.S. House of Representatives effort to expand RECA to cover New Mexico downwinders and post '71 uranium miners alongside Senator Ben Ray Lujan, the New Mexico congressional delegation, and New Mexico advocates. This latest proposal seeks to address the remaining gaps left after Congress partially expanded RECA in 2025. The legislation would expand eligibility to additional impacted communities, extends the filing deadline by fifteen years, increases compensation, authorizes reimbursement of medical expenses, broadens the list of eligible diseases, streamlines the claims process through the use of affidavits where records are unavailable, and establishes a process for adding future classes of eligible individuals without requiring additional acts of Congress. The bill also recognizes the unique challenges faced by many rural, Tribal, Native, and territorial communities, expands eligibility for atomic cleanup veterans, and directs a comprehensive study into the long-term and multi-generational health effects of radiation exposure. "For generations, New Mexico's downwinders and uranium workers have carried the cost of our nation's nuclear legacy in their bodies, their families, and their communities,” said Rep. Leger Fernández (D-New Mexico). “Last year, after years of bipartisan work and relentless advocacy from survivors, advocates, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, we finally expanded RECA. That was a hist… | 1 | 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z | 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-statement-condemning-trump-administration-proposal-to-repeal-the-roadless-rule-remove-protections-for-millions-of-acres-of-public-lands | Heinrich Statement Condemning Trump Administration Proposal to Repeal the Roadless Rule, Remove Protections for Millions of Acres of Public Lands | 2026-08-19 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement reacting to the Trump administration’s announcement that the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has filed a proposed rule to rescind the Roadless Rule. Established more than 20 years ago, the Roadless Rule protects nearly 45 million acres of public lands administered by the USFS. The Trump administration is proposing to repeal the Roadless Rule, which would increase the risk of wildfires in these areas, carve up wildlife habitat, degrade opportunities for recreation, and threaten the headwaters that communities across the country rely on for clean drinking water. The public has until September 21 to submit comments on the Trump administration’s proposed rule. This comment period is the last chance for Americans to voice their opposition to the Trump administration’s proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule before it is enacted, and help keep millions of acres of public lands in public hands. "Hunters, anglers, and public land lovers of all stripes will not take the Trump administration’s assault on the Roadless Rule sitting down. These are our backcountry campsites, our wild trout streams, and the security habitat where we chase elk in the fall,” said Heinrich. “These roadless areas are irreplaceable, and the Roadless Rule is what protects them. Americans have been clear – repeatedly and across party lines – that we don’t want President Trump screwing with our public lands. Someone needs to tell him to get out of his golf cart and touch some grass.” As Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Heinrich is leading the fight in Congress to protect the Roadless Rule and keep public lands in public hands. Earlier this summer, Heinrich hosted a press conference on Senate Republicans’ efforts to repeal the Roadless Rule and spoke out against the Trump administration’s efforts to rescind the Roadless Rule. Additionally, Heinrich wrote an … | 1 | 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z | 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z |
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-wyden-demand-accountability-from-doi-following-report-that-agency-officials-destroyed-official-records | Heinrich, Wyden Demand Accountability From DOI Following Report that Agency Officials Destroyed Official Records | 2026-08-19 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | heinrich | https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) sent a letter to the Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Doug Burgum demanding answers on whether DOI complies with federal records retention requirements, calling for accountability and transparency regarding the agency’s records preservation processes. The letter follows reporting that DOI officials have destroyed official documents and used encrypted mobile applications with disappearing message configurations to avoid preserving records. These actions would violate the Federal Records Act, which requires the head of each federal agency to properly preserve all records documenting the organization, policies, and functions of the agency. “We write to request information regarding the Department of the Interior’s compliance with federal records retention requirements. We are deeply concerned by recent reports that officials at the Department have reportedly engaged in actions in violation of the Federal Records Act,”the Senators began. “It is imperative that all employees at the Department – regardless of title or position – understand and comply with federal records retention requirements. Government must be transparent and accountable to the American people,” the Senators continued. The Senators concluded the letter by demanding Burgum provide clarity on DOI's record retention policies and procedures, how these procedures relate to encrypted mobile devices and mobile applications on government devices, and whether he has ever directed, ordered, or been aware of any DOI official destroying or concealing federal records. Read the full text of the letter here and below. Secretary Burgum: We write to request information regarding the Department of the Interior’s compliance with federal records retention requirements. We are deeply concerned by recent reports that officials at the Department have reportedly engaged in actions in violat… | 1 | 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z | 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z |
| https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-statement-on-trump-administration-rescinding-roadless-rule/ | Luján Statement on Trump Administration Rescinding “Roadless Rule” | 2026-08-19 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | NM | Ben Ray Luján | L000570 | www.lujan.senate.gov | lujan | https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list | scraper | Santa Fe, N.M. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on the Trump administration’s announcement that it will end the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule: “New Mexicans are facing another devastating fire season, and the Trump administration needs to listen to the communities living with these impacts every day. The Roadless Rule protects nearly 1.6 million acres, preserving our forests and the outdoor recreation economy that supports nearly 30,000 jobs and brings billions of dollars to our state. As fires continue to threaten our state, adding roads and increasing development could make communities even more vulnerable to the impacts of wildfire. New Mexicans must be heard.” | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-moylan-introduce-bipartisan-reca-reauthorization-act-standing-new | Rep. Vasquez, Moylan Introduce Bipartisan RECA Reauthorization Act, Standing up for New Mexico’s Downwinder Community | 2026-08-17 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | NM | Gabe Vasquez | V000136 | vasquez.house.gov | vasquez | https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON D.C. – On August 17, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) cosponsored the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act of 2026, an updated version of the bill to deliver New Mexico’s downwinder communities the compensation they deserve. "I stand with the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium and all those that refuse to let the world forget what happened at the Trinity Site in July 1945. It is past time the U.S. government took full responsibility for the harm it has wrought on our Downwinder and other impacted communities, and this bill marks a major step in the right direction toward the compensation and recognition they deserve," said Vasquez. "By cutting red tape for claimants, extending the filing period by 15 years, covering additional diseases caused by radiation, and so much more, this bill will make a meaningful difference in the lives of Downwinder communities in New Mexico and beyond, and I am proud to support it." “This legislation brings together a strong bipartisan coalition of Members of Congress, survivors, advocates, and communities who have refused to give up this fight,” said Rep. James Moylan (R-Guam). “Together, our voices are stronger, and together, we will keep fighting until every American harmed by radiation exposure receives the justice they have been denied. I’m not backing down until we get this across the finish line for the people of Guam who were impacted and all those still left behind.” The Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act of 2026 would continue and significantly expand RECA.The bill would increase compensation to a $150,000 lump sum, allow for reimbursement for documented out-of-pocket medical costs, and provide previously successful claimants the ability to be fully compensated for the maximum amount. It also adds additional cancers and diseases into the specified disease list for RECA claims and allows use of affidavits to prove physical presence, contraction of a specified disease, participation in testing, cleanup, response ef… | 1 | 2026-08-18T05:27:41Z | 2026-08-18T05:29:06Z |
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