Press releases
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1,114 rows where state = "NM" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending
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- 2015 · 1,114 ✖
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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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| http://lujangrisham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujan-grisham-outlines-efforts-improve-disability-access-social-security | Lujan Grisham Outlines Efforts to Improve Disability Access to Social Security Office | 2015-12-23 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Michelle Lujan Grisham | L000580 | lujangrisham.house.gov | legacy | ALBUQUERQUE Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham announced today that city and federal officials are making progress to improve parking, including new metered parking and a drop-off zone for people with disabilities, at the Social Security Administration building in Downtown Albuquerque. Rep. Lujan Grisham had asked Social Security Commissioner Carolyn W. Colvin for assistance to make the building, which was designed to serve as a call center, more accessible to the public. Officials from the Social Security Administration are working with the federal General Services Administration to design a drop-off zone that will give people, particularly clients with disabilities, easier access to the building. The federal officials are also working with city Planning Department officials who have agreed to install parking meters around the Social Security building, located between 5th and 6th streets and Lead and Coal avenues. The metered parking will give clients more parking options closer to the entrance of the building. Individuals with a handicapped placard will be able to park for free at the metered spaces. I appreciate the cooperation between federal and city agencies to get together and do the right thing on behalf of the thousands of people who need services from the Social Security office, Rep. Lujan Grisham said. I wish these details would have been considered and finalized before moving to the Downtown location. I will continue to push for federal legislation that requires federal agencies to analyze the impact on the public before changing locations. The Social Security Administration moved its Albuquerque office in August from a building in Midtown to the Downtown facility that previously served as a teleservice center for SSA. Rep. Lujan Grisham sent a letter and spoke on the phone with Commissioner Colvin, who agreed to pursue a secure drop-off zone for the disabled or wheel-chair bound clients. She also spoke with regional and local officials about parking and other concerns. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://lujangrisham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/udall-heinrich-lujan-lujan-grisham-secure-pledge-dhs-real-id-enforcement | Udall, Heinrich, Lujan, Lujan Grisham Secure Pledge from DHS on REAL ID Enforcement | 2015-12-23 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Michelle Lujan Grisham | L000580 | lujangrisham.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and Representatives Ben Ray Lujn and Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has informed them that the state of New Mexico can still get an extension of the deadline for REAL ID enforcement if Gov. Susana Martinez and the leadership of the N.M. House and Senate can verify to DHS that they agree on legislation that ensures REAL ID compliance. Seeking answers on behalf of New Mexicans about the standards and procedures that DHS will follow to enforce REAL ID, the state's Democratic congressional delegation recently held a joint meeting with DHS Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. As of Jan. 10, 2016, New Mexico drivers' licenses will no longer be considered valid forms of identification to enter federal facilities because the governor and the legislature have not agreed to pass a law bringing the state's drivers' licenses into compliance with the the REAL ID Act of 2005. But Mayorkas pledged to the congressional leaders that DHS would delay enforcement if New Mexico takes steps before Jan. 10 to prove that the governor and legislators are committed to complying with the law this year. "It is still possible for the State of New Mexico to request, and receive, an extension of the deadline for REAL ID enforcement," the congressional lawmakers wrote in a letter to Martinez on Dec. 18, informing her of Mayorkas' promise. "Mr. Mayorkas stated that DHS will grant the state an extension if the Department receives a letter stating that your administration and the leadership of the state House and Senate have an agreement on legislation that ensures REAL ID compliance; that the leadership will bring the bill up for a vote at the upcoming legislative session; and that you will sign the bill into law if it passes." "Our offices remain in close contact with DHS and we stand ready to support a request for an extension that allows the legislature time to pass a bipartisan, pragmatic solution that ensures New Mexicans can … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/in-the-news/albuquerque-journal-85m-approved-for-upgrade-of-columbus-port-of-entry | Albuquerque Journal: $85M approved for upgrade of Columbus Port of Entry | 2015-12-23 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | ALBUQUERQUE 400 Gold Avenue SW, Ste. 1080 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102 p: (505) 346-6601 f: (505) 346-6780 Get Directions FARMINGTON 7450 East Main St., Ste. A Farmington, NM 87402 p: (505) 325-5030 f: (505) 325-6035 Get Directions LAS CRUCES Loretto Towne Center 505 South Main St., Ste. 148 Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001 p: (575) 523-6561 f: (575) 523-6584 Get Directions ROSWELL 200 East 4th St., Ste. 300 Roswell, New Mexico 88201 p: (575) 622-7113 f: (575) 622-3538 Get Directions SANTA FE 123 East Marcy St., Ste 103 Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 p: (505) 988-6647 f: (505) 992-8435 Get Directions WASHINGTON, D.C. 303 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 p: (202) 224-5521 f: (202) 228-2841 Get Directions | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-lujn-and-lujan-grisham-secure-pledge-from-dhs-that-nm-can-get-delay-of-real-id-enforcement-if-governor-and-legislature-agree-on-real-id-fix | Udall, Heinrich, Luján and Lujan Grisham Secure Pledge from DHS that NM Can get Delay of REAL ID Enforcement if Governor and Legislature Agree on REAL ID Fix | 2015-12-23 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Udall, Heinrich, Lujn and Lujan Grisham Secure Pledge from DHS that NM Can get Delay of REAL ID Enforcement if Governor and Legislature Agree on REAL ID Fix Also at Congressional lawmakers' urging: DHS will act immediately to work with DoD and provide clear guidance on how REAL ID will apply to military installations Wednesday, December 23, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and Representatives Ben Ray Lujn and Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has informed them that the state of New Mexico can still get an extension of the deadline for REAL ID enforcement if Gov. Susana Martinez and the leadership of the N.M. House and Senate can verify to DHS that they agree on legislation that ensures REAL ID compliance. Seeking answers on behalf of New Mexicans about the standards and procedures that DHS will follow to enforce REAL ID, the state's Democratic congressional delegation recently held a joint meeting with DHS Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. As of Jan. 10, 2016, New Mexico drivers' licenses will no longer be considered valid forms of identification to enter federal facilities because the governor and the legislature have not agreed to pass a law bringing the state's drivers' licenses into compliance with the the REAL ID Act of 2005. But Mayorkas pledged to the congressional leaders that DHS would delay enforcement if New Mexico takes steps before Jan. 10 to prove that the governor and legislators are committed to complying with the law this year. "It is still possible for the State of New Mexico to request, and receive, an extension of the deadline for REAL ID enforcement," the congressional lawmakers wrote in a letter to Martinez on Dec. 18, informing her of Mayorkas' promise. "Mr. Mayorkas stated that DHS will grant the state an extension if the Department receives a letter stating that your administration and the leadership of the state House and Senate have an agreement on… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-luj-and-aacuten-and-lujan-grisham-secure-pledge-from-dhs-that-nm-can-get-delay-of-real-id-enforcement-if-governor-and-legislature-agree-on-real-id-fix | Udall, Heinrich, Lujn and Lujan Grisham Secure Pledge from DHS that NM Can get Delay of REAL ID Enforcement if Governor and Legislature Agree on REAL ID Fix | 2015-12-23 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 23, 2015 Udall, Heinrich, Lujn and Lujan Grisham Secure Pledge from DHS that NM Can get Delay of REAL ID Enforcement if Governor and Legislature Agree on REAL ID Fix Also at Congressional lawmakers' urging: DHS will act immediately to work with DoD and provide clear guidance on how REAL ID will apply to military installations WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and Representatives Ben Ray Lujn and Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has informed them that the state of New Mexico can still get an extension of the deadline for REAL ID enforcement if Gov. Susana Martinez and the leadership of the N.M. House and Senate can verify to DHS that they agree on legislation that ensures REAL ID compliance. Seeking answers on behalf of New Mexicans about the standards and procedures that DHS will follow to enforce REAL ID, the state's Democratic congressional delegation recently held a joint meeting with DHS Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. As of Jan. 10, 2016, New Mexico drivers' licenses will no longer be considered valid forms of identification to enter federal facilities because the governor and the legislature have not agreed to pass a law bringing the state's drivers' licenses into compliance with the the REAL ID Act of 2005. But Mayorkas pledged to the congressional leaders that DHS would delay enforcement if New Mexico takes steps before Jan. 10 to prove that the governor and legislators are committed to complying with the law this year. "It is still possible for the State of New Mexico to request, and receive, an extension of the deadline for REAL ID enforcement," the congressional lawmakers wrote in a letter to Martinez on Dec. 18, informing her of Mayorkas' promise. "Mr. Mayorkas stated that DHS will grant the state an extension if the Department receives a letter stating that your administration and the leadership of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2201 | Udall Provision to Require VA Report on Burn Pits will help Advance Care and Treatment for Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan [press_release] | 2015-12-22 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 22, 2015 Udall Provision to Require VA Report on Burn Pits will help Advance Care and Treatment for Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall announced that he secured a provision in the "omnibus" appropriations bill signed by the president last week requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report on the status and findings of its burn pit registry. The registry -- which was created by Udall's Burn Pits Registry Act -- is the first step toward providing medical care and research for service members and veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes from open-air burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. Udall is working to ensure the VA and Department of Defense (DOD) strengthen and build on the creation of the registry and continue to advance their understanding of how burn pit exposure has affected veterans' health. The VA's findings are a crucial step in that process. This provision is the next step after Udall's amendment to this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requiring the VA and the DOD to share information about when and how service members may have been exposed to airborne hazards and open burn pits. The military used burn pits to incinerate everything from medical waste to unexploded ordnance. "Many of our servicemen and women were exposed to toxic fumes and chemicals from burn pits while serving our country overseas," Udall said. "Some, like Master Sergeant Jessey Baca of New Mexico, are already battling illnesses that they can trace to that exposure. We don't know the longterm effects others will experience throughout their lives, but the burn pits registry was a first step. The VA and DOD need to keep working to share research and information so that we can ensure Iraq and Afghanistan veterans get the treatment they have earned. And the VA's report, which is now required under law thanks to my work as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, will keep this process moving forward." Veterans and service membe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-secure-856-million-for-columbus-port-of-entry-expansion | Udall, Heinrich Secure $85.6 Million for Columbus Port of Entry Expansion | 2015-12-22 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Udall, Heinrich Secure $85.6 Million for Columbus Port of Entry Expansion Tuesday, December 22, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. -Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Martin Heinrich announced that they have secured $85.6 million for construction of a new, replacement land port of entry in Columbus, New Mexico. The project will expand the current border crossing facilities to safely and efficiently accommodate increases in car, commercial and pedestrian traffic -- improving security, encouraging trade and creating jobs in Southern New Mexico. The funding will also be used to address significant stormwater drainage issues at the port. The current Columbus Port of Entry was built in 1989 to screen visitors entering the United States, but the existing facility provides less than a third of the space U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) needs for current and future traffic. Construction plans include a new main building, commercial and noncommercial inspection facilities, additional pedestrian processing, export facilities, a hazardous materials containment area, increased parking capacity and more. Similar efforts are underway south of the border, where the government of Mexico is working to reroute traffic and improve access to port facilities. "I've been working to secure funding to modernize the facility through my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, and I'm very pleased to have been able to use that position to secure this $85.6 million to enable the project to move forward," said Udall,who also secured an initial $7.4 million to design the expansion."The Columbus Port of Entry is incredibly important to trade, economic development and security for our nation and Southwest New Mexico. But the current facility can't keep up with commercial or pedestrian traffic and faces other issues like frequent flooding. Once complete, the expanded port will ensure Columbus can keep up with demand and attract new business to New Mexico… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-secure-856-million-for-columbus-port-of-entry-expansion | Udall, Heinrich Secure $85.6 Million for Columbus Port of Entry Expansion | 2015-12-22 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 22, 2015 Udall, Heinrich Secure $85.6 Million for Columbus Port of Entry Expansion WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Martin Heinrich announced that they have secured $85.6 million for construction of a new, replacement land port of entry in Columbus, New Mexico. The project will expand the current border crossing facilities to safely and efficiently accommodate increases in car, commercial and pedestrian traffic -- improving security, encouraging trade and creating jobs in Southern New Mexico. The funding will also be used to address significant stormwater drainage issues at the port. The current Columbus Port of Entry was built in 1989 to screen visitors entering the United States, but the existing facility provides less than a third of the space U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) needs for current and future traffic. Construction plans include a new main building, commercial and noncommercial inspection facilities, additional pedestrian processing, export facilities, a hazardous materials containment area, increased parking capacity and more. Similar efforts are underway south of the border, where the government of Mexico is working to reroute traffic and improve access to port facilities. "I've been working to secure funding to modernize the facility through my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, and I'm very pleased to have been able to use that position to secure this $85.6 million to enable the project to move forward," said Udall, who also secured an initial $7.4 million to design the expansion. "The Columbus Port of Entry is incredibly important to trade, economic development and security for our nation and Southwest New Mexico. But the current facility can't keep up with commercial or pedestrian traffic and faces other issues like frequent flooding. Once complete, the expanded port will ensure Columbus can keep up with demand and attract new business to New Mexico." Udall also toured the Col… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-provision-to-require-va-report-on-burn-pits-will-help-advance-care-and-treatment-for-veterans-of-iraq-and-afghanistan | Udall Provision to Require VA Report on Burn Pits will help Advance Care and Treatment for Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan | 2015-12-22 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 22, 2015 Udall Provision to Require VA Report on Burn Pits will help Advance Care and Treatment for Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall announced that he secured a provision in the "omnibus" appropriations bill signed by the president last week requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report on the status and findings of its burn pit registry. The registry -- which was created by Udall's Burn Pits Registry Act -- is the first step toward providing medical care and research for service members and veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes from open-air burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. Udall is working to ensure the VA and Department of Defense (DOD) strengthen and build on the creation of the registry and continue to advance their understanding of how burn pit exposure has affected veterans' health. The VA's findings are a crucial step in that process. This provision is the next step after Udall's amendment to this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requiring the VA and the DOD to share information about when and how service members may have been exposed to airborne hazards and open burn pits. The military used burn pits to incinerate everything from medical waste to unexploded ordnance. "Many of our servicemen and women were exposed to toxic fumes and chemicals from burn pits while serving our country overseas," Udall said. "Some, like Master Sergeant Jessey Baca of New Mexico, are already battling illnesses that they can trace to that exposure. We don't know the longterm effects others will experience throughout their lives, but the burn pits registry was a first step. The VA and DOD need to keep working to share research and information so that we can ensure Iraq and Afghanistan veterans get the treatment they have earned. And the VA's report, which is now required under law thanks to my work as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, will keep this process moving forward." Veterans and service membe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-secures-sports-safety-provisions-to-protect-youth-athletes-from-concussions | Udall Secures Sports Safety Provisions to Protect Youth Athletes from Concussions | 2015-12-22 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 22, 2015 Udall Secures Sports Safety Provisions to Protect Youth Athletes from Concussions WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations and Commerce committees, announced that the president has signed into law as part of the "omnibus" appropriations measure several sports safety provisions that Udall has championed to help protect youth athletes from the dangers of sports-related traumatic brain injuries. Udall has led efforts in Congress to improve equipment safety standards and curb false advertising claims, focusing on ensuring parents, coaches and players have the information they need to make important decisions about how to prevent head injuries. The concussion-related provisions instruct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to vigilantly enforce rules against using deceptive safety claims to sell youth sports gear and dietary supplements. The bill also directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to report on voluntary industry standards and product labeling requirements for youth sports protective headgear and helmets, as well as CPSC staff involvement in developing sports equipment safety standards. The bill also encourages the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to investigate ways to develop new and better standards for testing sports equipment. These measures follow Udall's persistent efforts to improve safety equipment standards and curb dangerous claims for so-called "anti-concussion" products that actually put young athletes at greater risk of injury. Additionally, Udall secured a provision to advance the medical understanding of concussions and the effectiveness of policies designed to prevent such injuries in youth sports. The law now encourages the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor concussions nationwide and track their prevalence, especially among youth ages 5 to 21. This was recommended in an extensive National Academy of Sciences report, Sports-Related Concussions in Youth: Impr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/in-the-news/op-ed-the-hill-something-congress-can-agree-to-fully-repealing-the-cadillac-tax | OP-ED: The Hill: Something Congress can agree to: Fully repealing the ‘Cadillac tax’ | 2015-12-21 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | OP-ED: The Hill: Something Congress can agree to: Fully repealing the Cadillac tax By: U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich & Dean Heller Monday, December 21, 2015 The American people have witnessed bitter partisan fights for the better part of the last decade over how to best solve the problems of rising costs and reduced access to insurance in our nations healthcare system. However, our bipartisan proposal to fully repeal the 40 percent excise tax on high-cost employer sponsored health coverage, commonly referred to as the Cadillac tax, is something we can all agree on. Congress passed year-end legislation that included a delay of the Cadillac tax for two years. This is a great start, but we cannot ignore the fact that middle class Americans will still bear the burden of a 40 percent excise tax. For the next two years, we will use this victory as momentum towards fully repealing the Cadillac tax. The popular name of the tax implies that it is only going to hit a few individuals with gold-plated health insurance plans. When this was proposed and included in the ACA, people cited Goldman Sachs' executive health benefits plans as the poster child for the Cadillac plan. But in reality, this tax targets many plans that aren't gold plated at all. In fact, they are barely bronze plated. It taxes middle class workers. In September we introduced the Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2015 after years of hearing from our constituents about the devastating impact this tax will have on Americans who have job-based insurance. Last week, 90 senators voted on the record in support of repealing the tax. The Cadillac tax will hurt middle class families who, for reasons outside of their control, have health plans that already or soon wil… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-lujn-statement-on-national-nuclear-security-administrations-review-of-los-alamos-national-security-contract | Udall, Heinrich, Luján Statement On National Nuclear Security Administration’s Review Of Los Alamos National Security Contract | 2015-12-19 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Udall, Heinrich, Lujn Statement On National Nuclear Security Administrations Review Of Los Alamos National Security Contract Saturday, December 19, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Congressman Ben Ray Lujn (N.M.-03) released the following statement in response to the National Nuclear Security Administrations (NNSA) review of the Los Alamos National Security (LANS) contract: We have been informed of NNSAs performance review of LANS and NNSAs decision not to extend the LANS contract. Among the reasons cited by NNSA were a serious safety incident involving a worker and waste-handling mistakes that have had an expensive and severe impact on LANL, WIPP and DOE's nuclear waste cleanup We have high expectations of the Department of Energy and its contractors that they will go above and beyond to ensure our communities are not endangered. DOE must hold all of its contractors accountable and be responsible stewards of federal funds. It also must take the appropriate actions under the LANL contract that are in the best long-term interests of this essential national asset and that ensure the safety of workers, the community, and the environment. Los Alamos National Laboratory employs some of the best and brightest minds in the country whose contributions are indispensable to our national security. The lab also strengthens our economy by providing quality jobs, and we will always fight to protect its mission. As DOE prepares a new contract proposal, assuring continuity for the employees at LANL and the high-quality scientific, energy, and security contributions they make to our nation will be paramount. We are confident that Los Alamos will continue to have a critical role in national and international security, research and science. We expect to receive further details and regular briefings from NNSA as the process moves forward in the new year. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/in-the-news/congress-kills-us-oil-export-ban-boosts-solar-wind-power | Reuters: Congress kills U.S. oil export ban, boosts solar, wind power | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Reuters: Congress kills U.S. oil export ban, boosts solar, wind power By: Timothy Gardner Friday, December 18, 2015 The U.S. Congress voted on Friday to repeal the 40-year-old ban on exporting U.S. crude oil in an energy policy shift sought by Republicans as part of a bipartisan deal that also provided unprecedented tax incentives for wind and solar power. The Senate, on a 65-33 vote, approved lifting the ban and providing five-year extensions of tax breaks to boost renewable energy development as part of a $1.8 trillion government spending and tax relief bill that President Barack Obama quickly signed into law. The House of Representatives passed legislation containing the energy provisions earlier in the day by a 316-113 tally. The energy deal was hammered out in secret talks among congressional leaders over two weeks. Senators Lisa Murkowski, a Alaska Republican, and Democrats Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico had worked for more than a year to get the deal. Democrats who backed the deal asserted that its provisions encouraging renewable energy were important for combating global climate change. "This is the biggest deal for addressing climate change that we are going to see," Heinrich said in an interview. Heinrich said Democrats may not have been able to get a better deal even if they controlled both chambers of Congress, now led by Republicans. Many Republicans have opposed Democratic proposals to address climate change. Congress, concerned about U.S. dependence on imported oil, imposed the crude oil export ban after the Arab oil embargo of the early 1970s that sent gasoline prices soaring and contributed to runaway inflation. Arab members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Coun… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-lujn-include-provision-to-support-gold-king-mine-monitoring-efforts-in-end-of-year-legislation | Udall, Heinrich, Luján Include Provision to Support Gold King Mine Monitoring Efforts in End-of-Year Legislation | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Udall, Heinrich, Lujn Include Provision to Support Gold King Mine Monitoring Efforts in End-of-Year Legislation Friday, December 18, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, the lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representative Ben Ray Lujn announced that they included a provision in the end-of-year appropriations billthat encourages the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct long-term monitoring efforts following the Gold King Mine blowout. The accident spilled toxic wastewater into the Animas and San Juan rivers in New Mexico and Colorado. The provision directs the EPA to coordinate with states and Tribes impacted by the spill to develop a robust plan for independent monitoring, and directs the agency to provide support for states' and Tribes' monitoring efforts. "I'm pleased that language I pushed for in this appropriations bill will help hold the EPA accountable and ensure it upholds its commitment to prioritizing transparent water quality monitoring for farmers, ranchers and families in Northwestern New Mexico and on the Navajo Nation," Udall said. "If a situation like a flash flood or thunderstorm were to cause contamination in the water once again, we need the EPA making determinations and giving prompt warnings to impacted communities based on the best scientific advice. The language we've included in this bill helps directs the agency's role coordinating between states and Tribes and supporting communities' recovery from Gold King Mine blowout." Families in northwestern New Mexico and on the Navajo Nation deserve to be fairly and fully compensated for the damages incurred after the Gold King Mine spill, said Heinrich. Farmers, ranchers, and livestock owners were hit especially hard after struggling to protect their crops from contaminated wastewater. I will continue to hold the EPA accountable for its actions and work to overhaul our nations … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-welcome-nm-priorities-included-in-government-funding-bill | Udall, Heinrich Welcome NM Priorities Included in Government Funding Bill | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Udall, Heinrich Welcome NM Priorities Included in Government Funding Bill Appropriations bill funds labs and bases, PILT, LWCF, veterans' programs, water projects and more Friday, December 18, 2015 WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich joined the full Senate in voting 65-33 for a so-called omnibus appropriations bill to fund the government through September 2016. The U.S. House of Representatives approved the bill earlier today and it now heads to the president, who is expected to sign it into law. The bill funds several critical New Mexico programs such as veterans services; Tribal and Head Start programs; Los Alamos and Sandia national labs; construction at Holloman, Kirtland and Cannon Air Force bases; New Mexico's national parks, monuments and refuges; public lands agencies; water projects across the state; Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT); and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The funding bill follows spending levels set in a bipartisan budget agreement that Congress approved earlier this fall. That framework rolled back devastating sequestration budget cuts that have hurt military readiness, rural development and other programs that New Mexico families depend on. Udall said: This bill will support jobs and economic development in every corner of our state. Funding for our national labs and military bases will ensure New Mexico can continue contributing to our national security and tomorrows technological breakthroughs. The funding levels in this bill follow through with our bipartisan agreement to end sequestration cuts that have devastated federal investments that benefit our state's hardworking families. Now were able to provide much-needed boosts to early childhood programs like Head Start, Tribal health and education, and quality services for our veterans. Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and lead Democrat on the Subcommittee for Interior,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-coalition-of-senators-hails-senate-passage-of-historic-chemical-safety-law | Bipartisan Coalition of Senators Hails Senate Passage of Historic Chemical Safety Law | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 18, 2015 Bipartisan Coalition of Senators Hails Senate Passage of Historic Chemical Safety Law WASHINGTON - Today, a bipartisan coalition of senators, led by U.S. Sens. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and David Vitter (R-La.), celebrated the Senate's historic passage of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, a chemical safety reform bill to overhaul the nation's broken Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA). The bill passed the Senate last night by a unanimous voice vote and now has 61 bipartisan cosponsors. The 39-year-old TSCA is the last of the major environmental laws passed in the 1960s and '70s that has not yet been modernized. The bill must now be reconciled with the U.S. House of Representatives-passed legislation on the same issue. Passage of the bill was thanks to hard work from many senators. At a news conference this morning, Udall and Vitter thanked several partners who have worked hard to make the bill stronger and more bipartisan: Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman James Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Sens. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). Udall said: "After years of negotiations, collaboration and working with stakeholders across the country, we have made tremendous progress toward historic, bipartisan environmental reform. I want to thank Senator Vitter and our partners in the Senate who rolled up their sleeves and worked to make this day possible: Chairman Inhofe and Senator Carper; Senators Booker, Merkley and Whitehouse; and Senators Durbin and Markey; and Senator Coons. Everyone put partisanship aside in order to address the substance and make this bill better. As many as 1,500 new chemicals come on the market each year, but there is no cop on the beat making sure they're safe for consumers or our environment. This bill will require the EPA to test all of them, make sure they're safe and put the focus w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-luj-and-aacuten-include-provision-to-support-gold-king-mine-monitoring-efforts-in-end-of-year-legislation | Udall, Heinrich, Lujn Include Provision to Support Gold King Mine Monitoring Efforts in End-of-Year Legislation | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 18, 2015 Udall, Heinrich, Lujn Include Provision to Support Gold King Mine Monitoring Efforts in End-of-Year Legislation WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, the lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representative Ben Ray Lujn announced that they included a provision in the end-of-year appropriations bill that encourages the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct long-term monitoring efforts following the Gold King Mine blowout. The accident spilled toxic wastewater into the Animas and San Juan rivers in New Mexico and Colorado. The provision directs the EPA to coordinate with states and Tribes impacted by the spill to develop a robust plan for independent monitoring, and directs the agency to provide support for states' and Tribes' monitoring efforts. "I'm pleased that language I pushed for in this appropriations bill will help hold the EPA accountable and ensure it upholds its commitment to prioritizing transparent water quality monitoring for farmers, ranchers and families in Northwestern New Mexico and on the Navajo Nation," Udall said. "If a situation like a flash flood or thunderstorm were to cause contamination in the water once again, we need the EPA making determinations and giving prompt warnings to impacted communities based on the best scientific advice. The language we've included in this bill helps directs the agency's role coordinating between states and Tribes and supporting communities' recovery from Gold King Mine blowout." "Families in northwestern New Mexico and on the Navajo Nation deserve to be fairly and fully compensated for the damages incurred after the Gold King Mine spill," said Heinrich. "Farmers, ranchers, and livestock owners were hit especially hard after struggling to protect their crops from contaminated wastewater. I will continue to hold the EPA accountable for its actions and work to overhaul our nation's hardrock mining and abandoned … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-welcome-nm-priorities-included-in-government-funding-bill | Udall, Heinrich Welcome NM Priorities Included in Government Funding Bill | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 18, 2015 Udall, Heinrich Welcome NM Priorities Included in Government Funding Bill Appropriations bill funds labs and bases, PILT, LWCF, veterans' programs, water projects and more WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich joined the full Senate in voting 65-33 for a so-called "omnibus" appropriations bill to fund the government through September 2016. The U.S. House of Representatives approved the bill earlier today and the president signed it into law this afternoon. The bill funds several critical New Mexico programs such as veterans' services; Tribal and Head Start programs; Los Alamos and Sandia national labs; construction at Holloman, Kirtland and Cannon Air Force bases; New Mexico's national parks, monuments and refuges; public lands agencies; water projects across the state; Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT); and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The funding bill follows spending levels set in a bipartisan budget agreement that Congress approved earlier this fall. That framework rolled back devastating sequestration budget cuts that have hurt military readiness, rural development and other programs that New Mexico families depend on. Udall said: "This bill will support jobs and economic development in every corner of our state. Funding for our national labs and military bases will ensure New Mexico can continue contributing to our national security and tomorrow's technological breakthroughs. The funding levels in this bill follow through with our bipartisan agreement to end sequestration cuts that have devastated federal investments that benefit our state's hardworking families. Now we're able to provide much-needed boosts to early childhood programs like Head Start, Tribal health and education, and quality services for our veterans." Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-in-speech-udall-hails-senate-passage-of-historic-chemical-safety-law | VIDEO: In Speech, Udall Hails Senate Passage of Historic Chemical Safety Law | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 18, 2015 VIDEO: In Speech, Udall Hails Senate Passage of Historic Chemical Safety Law VIDEO: https://youtu.be/fhGEa6pXD0g WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor to celebrate the Senate's historic passage of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, a landmark chemical safety reform bill to overhaul the nation's broken Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA). Udall and Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) authored the bill, which passed the Senate last night by a unanimous voice vote and now has 61 bipartisan cosponsors. The 39-year-old TSCA is the last of the major environmental laws passed in the 1960s and '70s that has not yet been modernized. The bill must now be reconciled with the U.S. House of Representatives-passed legislation on the same issue. In his speech, Udall thanked some of the many partners and chemical safety reform advocates who have helped to make the bill stronger and more bipartisan, including Vitter, Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman James Inhofe (R-Okla.), and Sens. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). He also recognized Bonnie Lautenberg for her unwavering efforts in the chemical safety reform fight. The bill is named after her husband, the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), who worked for many years to reform the broken and outdated TSCA. "We're on the verge of historic reform decades in the making and decades overdue. TSCA is the last of the environmental laws from the 1960s and 70s left to be updated," Udall said. "Some days you might not think we could pass a major environmental law in this Congress. But we've proven that wrong, and we have a very strong bill. Our bill finally gives the EPA the authority it needs. It sets clear guidelines for the EPA to evaluate new and existing chemicals and to protect the American people. That is… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://lujangrisham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujan-grisham-announces-support-bipartisan-spending-package-benefits-nm | Lujan Grisham Announces Support for Bipartisan Spending Package that Benefits NM | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Michelle Lujan Grisham | L000580 | lujangrisham.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham announced today that she will vote for the bipartisan spending package that addresses many of her top priorities for New Mexico, including full funding for jobs at the national labs, full funding for food-assistance programs, health benefits for 9/11 first-responders and three-year funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The budget bill also includes the $2 million that Rep. Lujan Grisham secured for the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Program. The Albuquerque Police Department recently received a grant under the program to pay for crisis intervention training. “New Mexico will benefit in many ways from this spending package, which is important as we work to create jobs and meet the needs of working families,” Rep. Lujan Grisham said. “In addition to critical funding for many services, I’m pleased that we avoided attempts to block funding for Planned Parenthood and critical climate change initiatives. “However, my biggest disappointment with the bill is the refusal to lift the ban on gun violence research,” Rep. Lujan Grisham said. “I will continue to support legislation that lifts this ban, and allows the Center for Disease Control to conduct this research.” The spending package and associated tax legislation also includes: Full funding for renewable energy programs, including the extension of wind and solar tax credits. Strengthens the VISA waiver program Keeps the horse slaughter ban in place Full funding for Payments in Lieu of Taxes which helps local governments pay for law enforcement, schools, roads and other critical services. New Indian Energy office to expedite the energy development permitting on Indian land ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-flake-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-include-social-media-background-checks-as-part-of-us-visa-screening-process- | Heinrich, Flake Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Include Social Media Background Checks As Part of U.S. Visa Screening Process | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Heinrich, Flake Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Include Social Media Background Checks As Part of U.S. Visa Screening Process Thursday, December 17, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C - Today, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M) and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) introduced legislation that would authorize the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to search public social media profiles of any foreigner seeking a U.S. visa. Reviewing the public social media posts of an individual seeking a U.S. visa is just common sense in the digital world we live in today, said Sen. Heinrich, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and Senate Armed Services Committee. In the wake of the Paris and San Bernardino terrorist attacks and the ongoing threats that have us all worried about the safety of our families, this bill makes practical security enhancements that modernize our visa system, ensure it's rigorous and comprehensive, and are critical to protecting our homeland. It should be crystal clear to those inside and outside of DHS that the agency has the authority to review publicly available social media posts when vetting visa applications, said Sen. Flake. A copy of the bill is available here. Earlier this week, Senator Heinrich also signed a letter to Secretary Jeh Johnson urging his agency to immediately conduct social media background checks as a part of the screening process for U.S. visa determinations. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/view/heinrich-highlights-gains-for-new-mexico-energy-economy | Heinrich Highlights Gains For New Mexico Energy Economy | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | ALBUQUERQUE 400 Gold Avenue SW, Ste. 1080 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102 p: (505) 346-6601 f: (505) 346-6780 Get Directions FARMINGTON 7450 East Main St., Ste. A Farmington, NM 87402 p: (505) 325-5030 f: (505) 325-6035 Get Directions LAS CRUCES Loretto Towne Center 505 South Main St., Ste. 148 Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001 p: (575) 523-6561 f: (575) 523-6584 Get Directions ROSWELL 200 East 4th St., Ste. 300 Roswell, New Mexico 88201 p: (575) 622-7113 f: (575) 622-3538 Get Directions SANTA FE 123 East Marcy St., Ste 103 Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 p: (505) 988-6647 f: (505) 992-8435 Get Directions WASHINGTON, D.C. 303 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 p: (202) 224-5521 f: (202) 228-2841 Get Directions | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-udall-and-039s-landmark-chemical-safety-bill | Senate Passes Udall's Landmark Chemical Safety Bill | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 17, 2015 Senate Passes Udall's Landmark Chemical Safety Bill WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall hailed the Senate's passage of his bipartisan Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, a landmark chemical safety reform bill to overhaul the nation's broken Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA) and finally protect families from dangerous chemicals. Udall and Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) wrote the bill, which passed the Senate by a unanimous voice vote. The 39-year-old TSCA is the last of the major environmental laws passed in the 1960s and 70s that has not yet been modernized. The bill must now be reconciled with the U.S. House of Representatives-passed legislation on the same topic. "This is an exciting day for the many thousands of Americans who have worked for chemical safety reform over the last four decades," Udall said. "Passing the Lautenberg Chemical Safety Reform bill with overwhelming support this evening is a great milestone, and I thank the numerous other senators who have worked to make this day possible." "This bill is the product of years of collaboration and positive input from lawmakers across the country, who understand that we need a national solution to our broken chemical safety law," Udall continued. "It will ensure that Americans in New Mexico and all states have necessary protections from toxic chemicals. With thousands of chemicals in existence, and as many as 1,500 new chemicals coming on the market each year, 39 years is too long to go without protections for children and families. I look forward to working with members of the House on a final product that the president will sign, but tonight we made tremendous progress toward historic bipartisan environmental reform." Details of the bill and other materials are available HERE. It has been cosponsored by 60 members of the U.S. Senate, including 25 Democratic Senators and 35 Republicans since its introduction in March, and was approved by the Senate Environment and Public Works Co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-announces-gains-for-nm-economy-in-bipartisan-deal-to-lift-ban-on-exporting-oil | Heinrich Announces Gains For N.M. Economy In Bipartisan Deal to Lift Ban on Exporting Oil | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Heinrich Announces Gains For N.M. Economy In Bipartisan Deal to Lift Ban on Exporting Oil Senators Efforts Pave Way for Extension of Wind And Solar Energy Tax Credits, Land And Water Conservation Fund Reauthorization Wednesday, December 16, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, announced that an extension of wind and solar energy tax credits and the reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund are included in the deal reached by Democratic and Republican negotiators to lift the ban on exporting oil. The policies are included in an end of the year spending bill that Congress will soon vote on. Senator Heinrich has played a key role in ensuring that any agreement to lift the ban on exporting oil be paired with policies that boost America's clean energy economy and help meet climate goals. "This balanced and bipartisan agreement to lift the ban on oil exports while making truly robust investments in clean energy production will create and preserve jobs in New Mexico at a time when we truly need them, said Sen. Heinrich. Im pleased that a change in policy of this magnitude, to lift the 40-year old ban on oil exports, is paired with strong, multi-year clean energy incentives that will move us toward our climate goals, including wind and solar tax credits, and investments in the Land and Water Conservation Funda landmark conservation program that has benefited New Mexicos outdoor recreation economy for 50 years. The bottom line is that this energy package is a win for New Mexico jobs by any standard." The bipartisan deal that lifts the ban on oil exports includes a five-year retroactive extension of the Production Tax Credit (PTC) through 2019, which supports wind energy, and a five-year extension of the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC).The deal also includes a three-year extension of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is one of the most successful government p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-secures-delay-of-cadillac-tax | Heinrich Secures Delay Of Cadillac Tax | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Heinrich Secures Delay Of Cadillac Tax Wednesday, December 16, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) worked to secure a two-year delay of a provision in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) known as the "Cadillac Tax," which would tax high-cost health insurance plans and impact health benefits for thousands of New Mexican workers. The provision to delay the tax was included in the "omnibus" spending bill that was announced last night by Democratic and Republican leaders that Congress will soon vote on. "Delaying this excise tax is a victory for the middle class as we continue to fight for its full repeal. Eliminating this onerous tax on employees' health coverage will protect important benefits for workers and ensure that businesses and families get a fair deal," said Sen. Heinrich. "The landmark reforms in the Affordable Care Act have given thousands of New Mexicans access to quality, affordable health care for the first time in their lives. But even the strongest supporters of the law know it isn't perfect and that there are some parts that need to be fixed. New Mexicans can always count on me to seek bipartisan, results-oriented solutions to the pressing challenges we face, and making the ACA work for everyone is no exception." Senator Heinrich joined U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-Nev.) in leading the bipartisan effort to eliminate the Cadillac Tax. The senators introduced the Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act to fully repeal this excise tax. The Cadillac Tax would tax employers whose health insurance plans cost more than $10,200 a year for individuals and $27,450 a year for families at 40 percent of the cost above those limits. The tax would force many employers to pay steep taxes on their employees' health plans and flexible spending accounts, and possibly eliminate some employer-provided health coverage plans altogether. In New Mexico, small business owners, labor unions, counties, rural electric co-ops, and municipalities all oppose the tax. Acr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/letter-signed-by-22-senate-democrats-comes-after-reports-that-female-san-bernardino-assailant-may-have-expressed-support-for-terrorism-on-social-media-before-applying-for-visa | Heinrich Calls On Department Of Homeland Security To Immediately Require Social Media Background Checks As Part Of Visa Screening Process | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Heinrich Calls On Department Of Homeland Security To Immediately Require Social Media Background Checks As Part Of Visa Screening Process Letter Signed By 22 Senate Democrats Comes After Reports That Female San Bernardino Assailant May Have Expressed Support For Terrorism On Social Media Before Applying For Visa Wednesday, December 16, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C.(Dec. 15, 2015) - Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and Senate Armed Services Committee, sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson urging the agency to immediately conduct social media background checks as a part of the screening process for U.S. visa determinations. The letter, led by U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen(D-N.H.),also requested more information from DHS on the existing screening process, resource constraints, and plans to integrate reviews of social media accounts into the background screening process to ensure it's as rigorous and comprehensive as possible. The letter comes in the wake of reports that the female assailant involved in the San Bernardino terrorist attack may have expressed support for terrorism on social media platforms before her fianc the male attacker and a U.S. Citizen applied for a K-1 fianc visa on her behalf. The letter to Secretary Johnson reads in part, We believe these checks, focused on possible connections to terrorist activity, should be incorporated into DHSs vetting process for visa determinations, and that this policy should be implemented as soon as possible.Ensuring that the screening processes for our nations visa programs are rigorous and comprehensive must be a top priority, as these programs are critical to our security, our economy, and for our bilateral relationships with nations around the world. In addition to Senators Heinrich and Shaheen, the letter was also signed by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Barbara Mukulski (D-Md.), Chris… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-end-of-year-legislation-includes-hard-fought-wins-that-support-nm-jobs-environment-including-lwcf-funding-pilt-tribal-services | Udall: End-of-Year Legislation Includes Hard-Fought Wins that Support NM Jobs, Environment - Including LWCF Funding, PILT, Tribal Services | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 16, 2015 Udall: End-of-Year Legislation Includes Hard-Fought Wins that Support NM Jobs, Environment - Including LWCF Funding, PILT, Tribal Services As lead Democrat on Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, Udall successfully blocked harmful anti-environment policy riders WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, ranking Democrat on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, released the following statement on the finalized appropriations and tax bills released late last night, which will fund the government for the next year and extend a number of tax provisions. The U.S. House of Representatives will vote first on the bills -- an "omnibus" appropriations bill and a bill extending numerous tax provisions. If approved, the two bills will head to the Senate where they may be considered as one. "I'm extremely pleased with the funding levels in the omnibus appropriations bill, which will support jobs at New Mexico's national labs and military bases, continued work toward reopening the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, fighting and mitigating wildfires, expanding visitor services and improving facilities at our national parks in preparation for the National Park Service centennial celebration, and Tribal health and education priorities. After years of sequestration budget cuts that were devastating for New Mexico communities, we're sticking to an agreement reached earlier this year and continuing to move toward realistic funding levels that provide certainty to the contractors and communities that rely on federal funding. "The omnibus agreement also extends funding for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program, which reimburses counties across New Mexico and pays for services like schools and public safety. The bill extends the authorization for the Land and Water Conservation Fund for three years. This year, the bill provides $450 million for LW… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-staff-to-hold-mobile-office-hours-at-veterans-event-in-espaola | Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours At Veterans Event In Española | 2015-12-15 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours At Veterans Event In Espaola Tuesday, December 15, 2015 SANTA FE, N.M. - In an ongoing effort to provide top-notch constituent service, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's (D-N.M.) staff will hold Mobile Office Hours at the Military Veteran Stand Downevent in Espaola on Friday, December 18, 2015. Staff will be on hand to assist residents who have questions regarding Social Security benefits, Medicare, immigration, veterans benefits, student loans, and other federal programs. All are encouraged to attend. The Military Veteran Stand Downevent brings together representatives from support agencies, businesses, and non-profit groups to help those who have sacrificed to serve our country. The event is hosted by the Veterans Resource Center at Northern New Mexico College. More information on the event is availablehere. Constituents who are not able to attend Mobile Office Hours are encouraged to visit the Helping You section of Senator Heinrich's online office at www.Heinrich.Senate.Gov. Espaola - Friday, December 18, 2015 WHO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's Staff WHAT: Mobile Office Hours WHEN: From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. WHERE: Northern New Mexico College, 921 N. Paseo de Oate, Espaola, N.M. 87522 QUESTIONS: Contact Senator Heinrich's Santa Fe Office (505) 988-6647 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-highlight-initiatives-for-native-american-students-in-new-education-law | Udall, Heinrich Highlight Initiatives for Native American Students in New Education Law | 2015-12-15 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Udall, Heinrich Highlight Initiatives for Native American Students in New Education Law The Every Student Succeeds Act will help close achievement gaps & address unique challenges facing Tribal schools Tuesday, December 15, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich highlighted several provisions that support Tribes, Native students and schools serving Native students in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which the president signed into law last week. Udall and Heinrich both worked to include several bipartisan reforms supporting Native students in the bill, which overhauls the nations controversial No Child Left Behind education law. Provisions the senators pushed for in the new law emphasize the importance of teaching Native languages; address serious issues faced by Indian Country, such as suicide prevention and domestic abuse; and are designed to help close achievement gaps in Tribal communities. ESSA will improve programs for Native students by facilitating greater self-governance and more Tribal consultation and ensuring that Tribes are involved in designing education programs that will best serve their communities. The new law also provides critical funding to school districts that primarily serve Tribal communities and makes updates to strengthen the relationship between states and Tribes. Importantly, ESSA updates the Impact Aid program so schools in Tribal communities will receive funds faster and will be more financially secure from year to year. Impact Aid compensates school districts for educating students who live on federal lands such as military bases and Indian reservations where many residents are exempt from local property taxes that traditionally would fund these school districts. ESSA also establishes a reasonable hold harmless provision to prevent districts from experiencing a dramatic funding cut due to base realignments, school consolidations or other unexpected enrollment drops. This new law makes critical up… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-highlight-initiatives-for-native-american-students-in-new-education-law | Udall, Heinrich Highlight Initiatives for Native American Students in New Education Law | 2015-12-15 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 15, 2015 Udall, Heinrich Highlight Initiatives for Native American Students in New Education Law The Every Student Succeeds Act will help close achievement gaps & address unique challenges facing Tribal schools WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich highlighted several provisions that support Tribes, Native students and schools serving Native students in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which the president signed into law last week. Udall and Heinrich both worked to include several bipartisan reforms supporting Native students in the bill, which overhauls the nation's controversial No Child Left Behind education law. Provisions the senators pushed for in the new law emphasize the importance of teaching Native languages; address serious issues faced by Indian Country, such as suicide prevention and domestic abuse; and are designed to help close achievement gaps in Tribal communities. ESSA will improve programs for Native students by facilitating greater self-governance and more Tribal consultation and ensuring that Tribes are involved in designing education programs that will best serve their communities. The new law also provides critical funding to school districts that primarily serve Tribal communities and makes updates to strengthen the relationship between states and Tribes. Importantly, ESSA updates the Impact Aid program so schools in Tribal communities will receive funds faster and will be more financially secure from year to year. Impact Aid compensates school districts for educating students who live on federal lands -- such as military bases and Indian reservations -- where many residents are exempt from local property taxes that traditionally would fund these school districts. ESSA also establishes a reasonable "hold harmless" provision to prevent districts from experiencing a dramatic funding cut due to base realignments, school consolidations or other une… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-hires-greg-bloom-to-direct-his-nm-offices | Udall Hires Greg Bloom to Direct his NM Offices | 2015-12-15 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 15, 2015 Udall Hires Greg Bloom to Direct his NM Offices ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall announced that Greg Bloom has joined his staff as state director and will lead his New Mexico operations. Bloom worked from 2009-2012 as state director for former U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman, where he focused on energy, public lands, health and education issues. Bloom will be based in Albuquerque and supervise staff in Udall's field offices in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Carlsbad and Portales. "Greg is a dedicated public servant, and I'm very pleased to bring him on to lead my team in New Mexico," Udall said. "The state director is a vitally important leader in my office, supervising staff, leading casework, and making sure we're in touch with people in communities throughout the state. Greg has strong New Mexico roots, a great track record of accomplishments for the state, and he will be an excellent leader for my state office." Bloom said, "I'm honored to join Senator Udall's team. Senator Udall is working hard to expand economic opportunities for the state, improve education and health care, conserve our beautiful landscapes - and especially to provide excellent service to New Mexicans. I'm excited to get started." After Bingaman's retirement, Bloom worked for Commissioner of Public Lands Ray Powell at the New Mexico State Land Office from 2012-2014 as assistant commissioner for mineral resources. During Bloom's tenure, his two divisions earned over $2 billion in revenue for the state. Most recently, Bloom was an energy and environment consultant. He lives with his family in Albuquerque. Bloom succeeds Namb native Bianca Ortiz Wertheim, who was promoted to chief of staff in Washington, D.C., earlier this year. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-urges-senate-to-confirm-roberta-jacobson-as-ambassador-to-mexico | Udall Urges Senate to Confirm Roberta Jacobson as Ambassador to Mexico | 2015-12-15 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 15, 2015 Udall Urges Senate to Confirm Roberta Jacobson as Ambassador to Mexico Jacobson is an example of the consequences of senators blocking qualified nominees ? her confirmation waits over disagreement with the president's Cuba policy WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a longtime advocate for Senate reform, took his concerns over lack of progress on a key confirmation to the Senate floor. Udall urged the Senate to act on Roberta Jacobson's nomination to serve as ambassador to Mexico. Although she has been called one of the most qualified nominees for the position ever, there is a Senate "hold" on Jacobson's confirmation because of a disagreement with the Obama administration over its Cuba policy. Jacobson has served as the State Department's Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, where she helped carry out the president's policy of re-opening diplomatic relations with Cuba - a move that Udall strongly agrees with but that is opposed by others in Congress who do not support diplomatic engagement with the Cuban government. Udall pointed out that Jacobson's confirmation has nothing to do with diplomatic relations with Mexico, which are critical to U.S. security and the economy. She is qualified for the job and deserves to be confirmed, he said. "Our relations with Mexico are critical, and the ambassador plays a key role on issues ranging from our economy to our national security. Those of us who live in border states understand how urgent these issues are - drug trafficking, the Central American child migrant crisis, gang violence, immigration. All of these issues touch us almost daily in a border state," Udall said after his speech. "Frankly, it's embarrassing that we haven't filled this position since former Ambassador Anthony Wayne retired in July. As someone who has worked with Roberta on multiple issues, I kno… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2191 | Udall Welcomes Historic International Agreement to Address Climate Change [press_release] | 2015-12-12 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 12, 2015 Udall Welcomes Historic International Agreement to Address Climate Change WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations and Appropriations committees, released the following statement on the agreement reached by the United States and almost 200 other countries to fight climbing temperatures and rising sea levels by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Udall was among a group of 10 senators who attended the United Nations climate talks in Paris last weekend. He has also been a strong defender of U.S. action on climate change, including leading the fight on the Appropriations Committee against "riders" that would roll back the administration's plan to reduce carbon emissions. "The agreement announced in Paris today marks a major turning point in the fight to reduce harmful greenhouse gas pollution. After 20 years of debate and two weeks of intense negotiations, the United States and almost 200 other countries have overcome numerous differences and challenges and agreed to work together on a plan to turn the tide on global warming. Every nation has a stake if climate change continues, and now nearly every nation in the world will have a role to play in fighting it. All nations must now work toward a healthier, more secure world for our children and the generations to come. "New Mexico has already seen the impact of global warming in the form of devastating wildfires, droughts and floods. We are also seeing the benefits of investing in clean energy like wind and solar. The commitment to diversify our energy sources is boosting the economy and creating new jobs. New Mexico and the United States have the knowledge and entrepreneurial drive to lead the global clean energy economy. Now we need to capitalize on the international agreement and lead the world in reducing carbon pollution and fighting global warming." Udall has long fought for a national plan to invest in renewable energy. He passed a renewable electricity standard (RES) through the U.S… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/in-the-news/reader-view-enhance-visa-waiver-program-to-protect-homeland | Santa Fe New Mexican: Reader View: Enhance Visa Waiver Program to protect homeland | 2015-12-12 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Santa Fe New Mexican: Reader View: Enhance Visa Waiver Program to protect homeland By: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich Saturday, December 12, 2015 The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, also known as ISIL or ISIS, has barbarically killed and tortured innocent civilians, including Americans, not just in last months unconscionable attacks in Paris, but also recently in Beirut, and routinely in Iraq and Syria. Its brand of radical ideology has inspired horrific violence in places such as Chattanooga, Tenn., and San Bernardino, Calif. Unfortunately, many of my colleagues in Congress and elected officials across the country in a knee-jerk reaction to ISILs terrorism, have called for a halt to our nations longstanding refugee resettlement program. Lets remember that the enemy is ISIL, not the refugees who flee from their destruction. Theres a real difference between terrorists and victims of terrorism. Our refugee resettlement program has long helped victims of violence and civil strife find a new home in America. Every single refugee whether from Syria, the Congo or Burma is subject to the highest levels of vetting and scrutiny, including repeated biometric screenings, before entering the United States. It takes years to pass through the strenuous screening process. The implicit assumption that Syrian refugees many of whom have suffered terribly at the hands of ISIL are a threat because of their country of origin is a rejection of American values and represents giving in to our worst ethnic and religious prejudices. The real priority in protecting our country should be addressing the security gaps that currently exist under our nations Visa Waiver Program something both Democrats and Republicans agree on. The Visa Waiver… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-welcomes-historic-international-agreement-to-address-climate-change | Udall Welcomes Historic International Agreement to Address Climate Change | 2015-12-12 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 12, 2015 Udall Welcomes Historic International Agreement to Address Climate Change WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations and Appropriations committees, released the following statement on the agreement reached by the United States and almost 200 other countries to fight climbing temperatures and rising sea levels by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Udall was among a group of 10 senators who attended the United Nations climate talks in Paris last weekend. He has also been a strong defender of U.S. action on climate change, including leading the fight on the Appropriations Committee against "riders" that would roll back the administration's plan to reduce carbon emissions. "The agreement announced in Paris today marks a major turning point in the fight to reduce harmful greenhouse gas pollution. After 20 years of debate and two weeks of intense negotiations, the United States and almost 200 other countries have overcome numerous differences and challenges and agreed to work together on a plan to turn the tide on global warming. Every nation has a stake if climate change continues, and now nearly every nation in the world will have a role to play in fighting it. All nations must now work toward a healthier, more secure world for our children and the generations to come. "New Mexico has already seen the impact of global warming in the form of devastating wildfires, droughts and floods. We are also seeing the benefits of investing in clean energy like wind and solar. The commitment to diversify our energy sources is boosting the economy and creating new jobs. New Mexico and the United States have the knowledge and entrepreneurial drive to lead the global clean energy economy. Now we need to capitalize on the international agreement and lead the world in reducing carbon pollution and fighting global warming." Udall has long fought for a national plan to invest in renewable energy. He passed a renewable electricity standard (RES) through the U.S… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2189 | Udall, Heinrich Announce Over $63 Million to Repair Eddy County Roads Damaged by September 2014 Storms, Floods [press_release] | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 11, 2015 Udall, Heinrich Announce Over $63 Million to Repair Eddy County Roads Damaged by September 2014 Storms, Floods WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced more than $63.6 million for Eddy County for hazard mitigation and to repair roads damaged by severe storms and flooding caused by Hurricane Odile in September 2014. The funding will help to permanently repair 24 aggregate, asphalt, and chip and seal roads, which suffered significant damage. "This $63 million in disaster funding for Eddy County is a much-needed boost that will help repair damage caused by last year's severe storms from Hurricane Odile," Udall said. "I met with Eddy County community leaders shortly after the storms, and they told me that the magnitude of the damage was devastating - the hurricane disrupted oil and gas development, affected farms, damaged roads, and took a real toll on the economy. This needed funding will help Eddy County finally recover and rebuild." "This is outstanding news for Eddy County," Heinrich said. "Last year's extreme weather conditions severely damaged roads and other critical infrastructure that New Mexicans rely on. The local economy depends on the oil and gas industry, WIPP, and potash mining, which all require functional roads to operate. This much-needed federal assistance will help restore our communities and businesses, and is a critical step toward the recovery effort." The $63,602,780 grant will be provided to the state of New Mexico to distribute to Eddy County. Udall and Heinrich supported the state's request for disaster recovery assistance following Hurricane Odile. The funding for Eddy County was awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Print Email Tweet Next Article … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20160225222047/https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/?p=blog&id=2190 | Driving Progress on Climate Change [blog] | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | web.archive.org | legacy | Urging Congress to work together to fight global warming at a recent press conference. New Mexico is at the center of the storm when it comes to climate change, and we're already seeing the impacts in the form of devastating drought, extremefloods and increasingly severe wildfires.In recent decades, temperatures have risen 50 percent faster in New Mexico than the global average.New Mexicans and the majority of Americans know that climate change is real and that we must act now to protect our future. I'mproud of the steps we have taken to diversify our energy portfolio and reduce carbon emissions. New Mexico has every kind of energy resource fossil fuels, solar, wind, algae biofuels and moreand we're hitting renewable energy goals. Our efforts are boosting the economy, building new opportunities and creating well-paying clean energy jobs in our state. For example, 98 solar companies in New Mexico employ 1,600 people. New Mexico isn't alone29 states and the District of Columbia have set goals to reduce their dependence on fossil fuel. And that's the message I delivered last weekend when I attended the United Nations climate talks, known as COP21. Even though Congress is still playing catch-up on the urgency of addressing climate change, the American people are enthusiastically calling for bipartisan action, and they're backing efforts the president is taking to reduce carbon pollution and help lead the global effort to reduce global warming. As the Paris talks solidify into an action plan, America's leadership on reducing carbon pollution and addressing climate change will be critical, and we must drive progress.Earlier this year, nearly half the U.S. Senate supported my proposal to require 25 percent of our energy nationwide come from renewable resources by 2025. We need to do more. As a leader on key Foreign Relations and Appropriations subcommittees in the Senate,I'm going to continuepushingCongress to listen to the exp… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-staff-to-hold-mobile-office-hours-at-meet-the-mayor-event-in-santa-fe | Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours At Meet The Mayor Event In Santa Fe | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours At Meet The Mayor Event In Santa Fe Friday, December 11, 2015 SANTA FE, N.M. -In an ongoing effort to provide top-notch constituent service, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's (D-N.M.) staff will hold Mobile Office Hours at the Meet the Mayor event in Santa Fe on Monday, December 14, 2015. Staff will be on hand to assist residents who have questions regarding Social Security benefits, Medicare, immigration, veterans benefits, student loans, and other federal programs. All are encouraged to attend. The Meet the Mayor event will give attendees the opportunity to learn important tips ahead of the holiday season relating to safety in winter conditions, crime and fire prevention. There will be a guest appearance by Santa Claus. More informatoin on the event is availabel here. Constituents who are not able to attend Mobile Office Hours are encouraged to visit the Helping You section of Senator Heinrich's online office at www.Heinrich.Senate.Gov. Santa Fe - Monday, December 14, 2015 WHO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's Staff WHAT: Mobile Office Hours WHEN: From 4 to 6 p.m. WHERE: Genoveva Chavez Community Center, 3221 W. Rodeo Road, Santa Fe, NM 87507 QUESTIONS: Contact Senator Heinrich's Santa Fe Office (505) 988-6647 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-staff-to-hold-mobile-office-hours-in-lincoln-county | Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Lincoln County | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Lincoln County Friday, December 11, 2015 ROSWELL, N.M. - In an ongoing effort to provide top-notch constituent service, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's (D-N.M.) staff will hold Mobile Office Hours in Ruidoso Downs on Thursday, December 17. Staff will be on hand to assist residents who have questions regarding Social Security benefits, Medicare, immigration, veterans benefits, student loans, and other federal programs. All are encouraged to attend. Constituents who are not able to attend Mobile Office Hours can visit theHelping Yousection of Senator Heinrich'sonline officeatwww.Heinrich.Senate.Gov. Ruidoso Downs - Thursday, December 17, 2015 WHO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's Staff WHAT: Mobile Office Hours WHEN: From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. WHERE: Ruidoso Downs Senior Center, 26337 Highway 70, Ruidoso Downs, N.M. 88346 QUESTIONS: Contact Senator Heinrich's Roswell Office (575) 622-7113 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-announce-over-63-million-to-repair-eddy-county-roads-damaged-by-september-2014-storms-floods | Udall, Heinrich Announce Over $63 Million to Repair Eddy County Roads Damaged by September 2014 Storms, Floods | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Udall, Heinrich Announce Over $63 Million to Repair Eddy County Roads Damaged by September 2014 Storms, Floods Friday, December 11, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced more than $63.6 million for Eddy County for hazard mitigation and to repair roads damaged by severe storms and flooding caused by Hurricane Odile in September 2014. The funding will help to permanently repair 24 aggregate, asphalt, and chip and seal roads, which suffered significant damage. "This $63 million in disaster funding for Eddy County is a much-needed boost that will help repair damage caused by last year's severe storms from Hurricane Odile," Udall said. "I met with Eddy County community leaders shortly after the storms, and they told me that the magnitude of the damage was devastating the hurricane disrupted oil and gas development, affected farms, damaged roads, and took a real toll on the economy. This needed funding will help Eddy County finally recover and rebuild." This is outstanding news for Eddy County, Heinrich said. "Last years extreme weather conditions severely damaged roads and other critical infrastructure that New Mexicans rely on. The local economy depends on the oil and gas industry, WIPP, and potash mining, which all require functional roads to operate. This much-needed federal assistance will help restore our communities and businesses, and is a critical step toward the recovery effort. The $63,602,780 grant will be provided to the state of New Mexico to distribute to Eddy County. Udall and Heinrich supported the state's request for disaster recovery assistance following Hurricane Odile. The funding for Eddy County was awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/driving-progress-on-climate-change | Driving Progress on Climate Change | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 11, 2015 Driving Progress on Climate Change New Mexico is at the center of the storm when it comes to climate change, and we're already seeing the impacts in the form of devastating drought, extremefloods and increasingly severe wildfires.In recent decades, temperatures have risen 50 percent faster in New Mexico than the global average.New Mexicans and the majority of Americans know that climate change is real and that we must act now to protect our future. I'mproud of the steps we have taken to diversify our energy portfolio and reduce carbon emissions. New Mexico has every kind of energy resource fossil fuels, solar, wind, algae biofuels and moreand we're hitting renewable energy goals. Our efforts are boosting the economy, building new opportunities and creating well-paying clean energy jobs in our state. For example, 98 solar companies in New Mexico employ 1,600 people. New Mexico isn't alone29 states and the District of Columbia have set goals to reduce their dependence on fossil fuel. And that's the message I delivered last weekend when I attended the United Nations climate talks, known as COP21. Even though Congress is still playing catch-up on the urgency of addressing climate change, the American people are enthusiastically calling for bipartisan action, and they're backing efforts the president is taking to reduce carbon pollution and help lead the global effort to reduce global warming. As the Paris talks solidify into an action plan, America's leadership on reducing carbon pollution and addressing climate change will be critical, and we must drive progress.Earlier this year, nearly half the U.S. Senate supported my proposal to require 25 percent of our energy nationwide come from renewable resources by 2025. We need to do more. As a leader on key Foreign Relations and Appropriations subcommittees in the Senate,I'm going to continuepushingCongress to listen to the experts at Los Alamos and Sandia national labs and across the country biologists, physicists, mathematicians, geol… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-announce-over-63-million-to-repair-eddy-county-roads-damaged-by-september-2014-storms-floods | Udall, Heinrich Announce Over $63 Million to Repair Eddy County Roads Damaged by September 2014 Storms, Floods | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 11, 2015 Udall, Heinrich Announce Over $63 Million to Repair Eddy County Roads Damaged by September 2014 Storms, Floods WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced more than $63.6 million for Eddy County for hazard mitigation and to repair roads damaged by severe storms and flooding caused by Hurricane Odile in September 2014. The funding will help to permanently repair 24 aggregate, asphalt, and chip and seal roads, which suffered significant damage. "This $63 million in disaster funding for Eddy County is a much-needed boost that will help repair damage caused by last year's severe storms from Hurricane Odile," Udall said. "I met with Eddy County community leaders shortly after the storms, and they told me that the magnitude of the damage was devastating - the hurricane disrupted oil and gas development, affected farms, damaged roads, and took a real toll on the economy. This needed funding will help Eddy County finally recover and rebuild." "This is outstanding news for Eddy County," Heinrich said. "Last year's extreme weather conditions severely damaged roads and other critical infrastructure that New Mexicans rely on. The local economy depends on the oil and gas industry, WIPP, and potash mining, which all require functional roads to operate. This much-needed federal assistance will help restore our communities and businesses, and is a critical step toward the recovery effort." The $63,602,780 grant will be provided to the state of New Mexico to distribute to Eddy County. Udall and Heinrich supported the state's request for disaster recovery assistance following Hurricane Odile. The funding for Eddy County was awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Print Email Tweet Next Article … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2187 | Udall Calls for a Strong Deal to Combat Climate Change, Build NMs Clean Energy Economy [press_release] | 2015-12-10 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 10, 2015 Udall Calls for a Strong Deal to Combat Climate Change, Build NMs Clean Energy Economy WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall spoke on the Senate floor about the importance of U.S. action on global warming and international collaboration as negotiators near a deal to reduce global emissions. Udall, who serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and attended the United Nations climate talks (COP21) last weekend, said that an international agreement to fight climate change will spur clean energy innovation. "We're close to a deal that will fight global warming and help New Mexico build its clean energy economy," Udall said. "Now we need to keep up the momentum. There are two things we can do right now to signal to the world that the United States is committed to tackling climate change. First, we need to drive capital to new energy efficient technology. That means renewing the Production Tax Credit for renewables. And second, we need to send a positive signal to the markets by stopping efforts to turn back progress toward meeting our climate goals. That will also drive investment in sustainable energy, spurring job growth in New Mexico and across the nation." Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) joined Udall on the Senate floor in support of the climate negotiations. Below are Udall's remarks as delivered: Let me first say to Senator Cardin - who led our delegation. Senator Cardin's the ranking member on the Foreign Relations Committee. Foreign Relations has a lot to do with this issue. He showed great leadership, and I believe he's passionate about this issue in finding solutions. And so we were somewhat disappointed that 10 of us that went - all Democrats. We were disappointed that Republicans didn't join us. This is an issue that really needs bipartisanship. We need to join Republicans and Democrats to an issue… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-leads-effort-to-repeal-cadillac-tax-before-end-of-year | Heinrich Leads Effort To Repeal Cadillac Tax Before End Of Year | 2015-12-10 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Heinrich Leads Effort To Repeal Cadillac Tax Before End Of Year Provision Would Impact Middle-Class Health Benefits In New Mexico Thursday, December 10, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 10, 2015) - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) is leading the effort to fully repeal a provision in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) known as the "Cadillac Tax," which would tax high-cost health insurance plans and impact health benefits for New Mexicans. He spoke on the Senate Floor with U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-Nev.) last night to call for the elimination of this excise tax before the end of the year and to discuss the bipartisan legislation they introduced, the Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2015. "Doing away with this onerous tax on employees' health coverage before it goes into effect will protect important benefits for workers and ensure that businesses and families get a fair deal," said Sen. Heinrich during his speech. "The landmark reforms in the Affordable Care Act have given thousands of New Mexicans access to quality, affordable health care for the first time in their lives. But even the strongest supporters of the law know it isn't perfect and that there are some parts that need to be fixed. That is why I'm leading a bipartisan effort with Senator Heller to repeal the Cadillac tax that places an unfair burden on middle-class families who rely on employer-provided health plans." Beginning in 2018, the Cadillac Tax will tax employers whose health insurance plans cost more than $10,200 a year for individuals and $27,450 a year for families at 40 percent of the cost above those limits. The tax will force many employers to pay steep taxes on their employees' health plans and flexible spending accounts, and possibly eliminate some employer-provided health coverage plans altogether. In New Mexico, small business owners, labor unions, counties, rural electric co-ops, and municipalities all oppose the tax. Across the state, 751,000 workers--including 43,000 union… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-calls-for-a-strong-deal-to-combat-climate-change-build-nm-and-146s-clean-energy-economy | Udall Calls for a Strong Deal to Combat Climate Change, Build NMs Clean Energy Economy | 2015-12-10 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 10, 2015 Udall Calls for a Strong Deal to Combat Climate Change, Build NMs Clean Energy Economy WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall spoke on the Senate floor about the importance of U.S. action on global warming and international collaboration as negotiators near a deal to reduce global emissions. Udall, who serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and attended the United Nations climate talks (COP21) last weekend, said that an international agreement to fight climate change will spur clean energy innovation. "We're close to a deal that will fight global warming and help New Mexico build its clean energy economy," Udall said. "Now we need to keep up the momentum. There are two things we can do right now to signal to the world that the United States is committed to tackling climate change. First, we need to drive capital to new energy efficient technology. That means renewing the Production Tax Credit for renewables. And second, we need to send a positive signal to the markets by stopping efforts to turn back progress toward meeting our climate goals. That will also drive investment in sustainable energy, spurring job growth in New Mexico and across the nation." Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) joined Udall on the Senate floor in support of the climate negotiations. Below are Udall's remarks as delivered: Let me first say to Senator Cardin - who led our delegation. Senator Cardin's the ranking member on the Foreign Relations Committee. Foreign Relations has a lot to do with this issue. He showed great leadership, and I believe he's passionate about this issue in finding solutions. And so we were somewhat disappointed that 10 of us that went - all Democrats. We were disappointed that Republicans didn't join us. This is an issue that really needs bipartisanship. We need to join Republicans and Democrats to an issue… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2186 | Udall Joins Senate in Passing Landmark 'No Child Left Behind' Reform [press_release] | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 09, 2015 Udall Joins Senate in Passing Landmark 'No Child Left Behind' Reform Bipartisan bill headed to the president's desk reduces high-stakes testing, invests in STEM subjects & early childhood education WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall joined a bipartisan majority of senators in passing a bill that will make much-needed reforms to the nation's controversial No Child Left Behind education law. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) -- a final compromise between two bills the Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives approved earlier this year -- passed the Senate on a strong bipartisan 85-12 vote. It was approved by the House of Representatives last week, and now goes to President Obama to be signed into law. The bill reforms No Child Left Behind by reducing duplicative testing while adding flexibility to help states respond to assessments, improve school outcomes and ensure all students have the chance to get a quality education. It also makes strong investments to improve preschool programs and expand access to early childhood education. The bill authorizes a $250 million competitive grant program to increase access to preschool programs for low-income children, which marks the first time that the nation's primary elementary and secondary education legislation includes dedicated funding to support early learning. The bipartisan ESSA will ensure that the schools performing in the lowest 5 percent, high schools with graduation rates of 67 percent or less, and schools that fail to help subgroups of students improve, receive locally designed, evidence-based interventions. In practice, this will mean that states will be required to set annual goals for student performance and graduation rates for all students and subgroups of students to help close the achievement gap. Udall worked to include several New Mexico priorities in the bill, including investments in science, technology, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-votes-to-expand-high-quality-education-for-nm-students | Heinrich Votes To Expand High-Quality Education For N.M. Students | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Heinrich Votes To Expand High-Quality Education For N.M. Students Wednesday, December 9, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) voted to pass the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) a bipartisan, bicameral bill to overturn No Child Left Behind (NCLB), and reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The bill passed the senate by a vote of 85 to 12. "After more than a decade of high-stakes standardized testing of No Child Left Behind that robbed our students of instruction time and devastated teacher morale, we have finally passed a bill to do away with policies that jeopardize our kids' prospects of a good education," said Sen. Heinrich. "This bipartisan bill includes many provisions that will benefit New Mexico, including programs for Native students and English language learners and investments in early childhood education and STEM. These improvements will enable our teachers and schools to provide quality instruction, while preparing our kids to compete in a 21stcentury economy." Under NCLB, accountability was centered on test scores, which pressured schools, teachers, and students to focus more on testing than instruction. NCLB set a high bar for student achievement, but never followed through with the resources and support necessary to achieve those goals. When schools failed, it mandated a one-size-fits-all approach for struggling schools that ignored the unique needs of local communities. The ESSA eliminates Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), which placed one-size-fits-all benchmarks on schools, and replaces it with a State-designed accountability system. Senator Heinrich included a provision in the legislation that passed today to require state accountability plans to have a comment period to ensure that state assessments and accountability plans are developed with parent, educator and stakeholder input. During a 30-day public comment period, every New Mexican will have an opportunity to view and weigh in on the state's educati… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-joins-senate-in-passing-landmark-and-039no-child-left-behind-and-039-reform | Udall Joins Senate in Passing Landmark 'No Child Left Behind' Reform | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 09, 2015 Udall Joins Senate in Passing Landmark 'No Child Left Behind' Reform Bipartisan bill headed to the president's desk reduces high-stakes testing, invests in STEM subjects & early childhood education WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall joined a bipartisan majority of senators in passing a bill that will make much-needed reforms to the nation's controversial No Child Left Behind education law. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) -- a final compromise between two bills the Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives approved earlier this year -- passed the Senate on a strong bipartisan 85-12 vote. It was approved by the House of Representatives last week, and now goes to President Obama to be signed into law. The bill reforms No Child Left Behind by reducing duplicative testing while adding flexibility to help states respond to assessments, improve school outcomes and ensure all students have the chance to get a quality education. It also makes strong investments to improve preschool programs and expand access to early childhood education. The bill authorizes a $250 million competitive grant program to increase access to preschool programs for low-income children, which marks the first time that the nation's primary elementary and secondary education legislation includes dedicated funding to support early learning. The bipartisan ESSA will ensure that the schools performing in the lowest 5 percent, high schools with graduation rates of 67 percent or less, and schools that fail to help subgroups of students improve, receive locally designed, evidence-based interventions. In practice, this will mean that states will be required to set annual goals for student performance and graduation rates for all students and subgroups of students to help close the achievement gap. Udall worked to include several New Mexico priorities in the bill, including investments in science, technology, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2183 | NM Delegation Announces $11.5 Million to Repair Roads Damaged in September 2014 Floods, Other Disasters [press_release] | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 08, 2015 NM Delegation Announces $11.5 Million to Repair Roads Damaged in September 2014 Floods, Other Disasters WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representatives Steve Pearce, Ben Ray Lujn and Michelle Lujan Grisham announced more than $11.5 million to rebuild infrastructure damaged by severe storms and flooding, including areas impacted by Hurricane Odile in September 2014. The new funding will help repair and rebuild highways and roads across the state, which suffered serious damage from the hurricane and other recent severe weather. "Just over a year ago, flooding from Hurricane Odile swept through communities across New Mexico, from Loving to Santa Fe, causing more than $10 million in damages," Udall said. "This new funding will help New Mexico make significant progress toward fully restoring roads and bridges damaged in the floods and make other urgent repairs to transportation infrastructure on federal lands, ensuring our communities can get back on track." "Extreme flooding and weather conditions from Hurricane Odile and other natural disasters damaged roads across New Mexico and Indian Country," Heinrich said. "This assistance will support restoration efforts so families can drive safely on bridges and highways. I will continue working with my colleagues to provide affected communities in New Mexico the support they need to rebuild and recover." "With this funding, not only will our communities be able to repair and improve the infrastructure damaged during Hurricane Odile, but it also ensures the federal government honors its commitment to providing assistance to communities impacted by disasters," Pearce said. "I thank my colleagues in the delegation for joining together to ensure that New Mexican communities received the assistance they deserved." "The damage caused by Hurricane Odile left many communities in New Mexico in need of critical repairs to roads and bridges," Lujn said. "Natural disasters such as this one damaged our communities … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2184 | At Press Conference, Udall Urges Bipartisan Work to Address Climate Change [press_release] | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 08, 2015 At Press Conference, Udall Urges Bipartisan Work to Address Climate Change Udall, Commerce Committee Democrats send message before Cruz-led hearing denying climate science WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall joined Democratic members of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee at a press conference to urge some in Congress to stop debating whether climate change is real and instead work together to fight global warming. The press conference was held in advance of a hearing that will be chaired by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) this afternoon. Cruz has stacked the panel with academics who doubt the impact of global warming. Cruz's hearing is timed to happen as the United Nations climate talks (COP21) continue. Udall attended COP21 last weekend, and discussed the importance of U.S. action on global warming, including critical climate change research being done at Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories in New Mexico. "New Mexico is really at the center of the storm when it comes to climate change impacts. We've seen devastating wildfires, drought and floods. And Los Alamos and Sandia national labs are doing critical research on the impact of global warming and ways to fight it," Udall said. "We need to stop debating whether climate change is real. The science is settled, and Senator Cruz is out of touch. The American people want action. Most of Congress wants action. We need to work together and lead the world in reducing carbon pollution and fighting global warming." "I was impressed by the excitement that people from all over the world feel about the efforts at COP21," Udall continued. "One hundred eighty-four countries are stepping forward with specific targets and specific plans to deal with climate change. Twenty-eight of the world's billionaires have stepped forward to invest billions of dollars in innovation. They're working together to find solutions, mobilizing governments aroun… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2185 | Udall, Matsui Introduce Legislation to Spur Breakthroughs in Spectrum Efficiency [press_release] | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 08, 2015 Udall, Matsui Introduce Legislation to Spur Breakthroughs in Spectrum Efficiency Spectrum Challenge Prize Act Would Encourage Wireless Innovation WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) and U.S. Representative Doris Matsui (D-CA) introduced legislation to create the first ever federal spectrum challenge prize. This would award up to $5 million for breakthrough wireless technologies that dramatically improve spectrum efficiency. Spectrum has become an increasingly scarce and valuable resource due to a growing demand from the modern mobile economy and a limited amount of spectrum that has not already been licensed to companies. A recent federal spectrum license auction generated over $40 billion in bids. The spectrum challenge competition would help incentivize innovators and entrepreneurs to develop technologies that eclipse the current state-of-the-art. "With so many wireless devices connecting to the Internet, we are facing a spectrum crunch' that could hinder the next technological revolution," Udall said. "American ingenuity can solve this. The Spectrum Challenge prize will help incentivize more innovators and researchers to focus on developing technologies to address the 21st century economy's spectrum needs." "The U.S. has always been a global leader in wireless technologies, but we need innovative spectrum solutions in order for our wireless economy to continue to grow," Matsui said. "The Spectrum Challenge Prize Act creates a new opportunity for the federal government and the private sector to work collaboratively in the pursuit of a spectrum breakthrough, which is ultimately a victory for our 21st century economy." The Spectrum Challenge Prize Act would instruct the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), in consultation with other federal partners, to award up to $5 million in prizes to participants who develop ground-breaking solutions to spe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/nm-delegation-announces-115-million-to-repair-roads-damaged-in-september-2014-floods-other-disasters | NM Delegation Announces $11.5 Million to Repair Roads Damaged in September 2014 Floods, Other Disasters | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | NM Delegation Announces $11.5 Million to Repair Roads Damaged in September 2014 Floods, Other Disasters Tuesday, December 8, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representatives Steve Pearce, Ben Ray Lujn and Michelle Lujan Grisham announced more than $11.5 million to rebuild infrastructure damaged by severe storms and flooding, including areas impacted by Hurricane Odile in September 2014. The new funding will help repair and rebuild highways and roads across the state, which suffered serious damage from the hurricane and other recent severe weather. Just over a year ago, flooding from Hurricane Odile swept through communities across New Mexico, from Loving to Santa Fe, causing more than $10 million in damages," Udall said. "This new funding will help New Mexico make significant progress toward fully restoring roads and bridges damaged in the floods and make other urgent repairs to transportation infrastructure on federal lands, ensuring our communities can get back on track. Extreme flooding and weather conditions from Hurricane Odile and other natural disasters damaged roads across New Mexico and Indian Country, Heinrich said. This assistance will support restoration efforts so families can drive safely on bridges and highways. I will continue working with my colleagues to provide affected communities in New Mexico the support they need to rebuild and recover. With this funding, not only will our communities be able to repair and improve the infrastructure damaged during Hurricane Odile, but it also ensures the federal government honors its commitment to providing assistance to communities impacted by disasters, Pearce said. I thank my colleagues in the delegation for joining together to ensure that New Mexican communities received the assistance they deserved. The damage caused by Hurricane Odile left many communities in New Mexico in need of critical repairs to roads and bridges, Lujn said. Natural disasters such as this one … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/video-heinrich-highlights-national-park-service-centennial-legislation-addresses-reducing-maintenance-backlog | VIDEO: Heinrich Highlights National Park Service Centennial Legislation, Addresses Reducing Maintenance Backlog | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | VIDEO: Heinrich Highlights National Park Service Centennial Legislation, Addresses Reducing Maintenance Backlog Tuesday, December 8, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. - During a Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) highlighted the need to provide support for the National Park Service and its conservation projects, and he discussed the importance of addressing the maintenance backlog facing U.S. national parks. The hearing was held to receive testimony on S. 2257, the National Park Service (NPS) Centennial Act, a bill to honor the agency's 100th anniversary--which will be celebrated in 2016--by establishing an endowment to fund NPS' critical infrastructure projects, partnerships to enhance visitor experiences, and volunteer opportunities in national parks and historic sites. Witnesses for today's hearing included U.S. National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis and National Park Foundation President and CEO Will Shafroth. During the hearing, Senator Heinrich addressed the need to reduce the maintenance backlog, particularly road transportation and other infrastructure projects, facing America's national parks. Senator Heinrich highlighted that New Mexico faces maintenance backlog issues, including in Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, and Bandelier National Monument. Later in the hearing, Senator Heinrich discussed why it's important to legislatively establish an endowment as part of the National Park Service Centennial Act and the type of conservation programs the funding aims to support. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/at-press-conference-udall-urges-bipartisan-work-to-address-climate-change | At Press Conference, Udall Urges Bipartisan Work to Address Climate Change | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 08, 2015 At Press Conference, Udall Urges Bipartisan Work to Address Climate Change Udall, Commerce Committee Democrats send message before Cruz-led hearing denying climate science WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall joined Democratic members of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee at a press conference to urge some in Congress to stop debating whether climate change is real and instead work together to fight global warming. The press conference was held in advance of a hearing that will be chaired by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) this afternoon. Cruz has stacked the panel with academics who doubt the impact of global warming. Cruz's hearing is timed to happen as the United Nations climate talks (COP21) continue. Udall attended COP21 last weekend, and discussed the importance of U.S. action on global warming, including critical climate change research being done at Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories in New Mexico. "New Mexico is really at the center of the storm when it comes to climate change impacts. We've seen devastating wildfires, drought and floods. And Los Alamos and Sandia national labs are doing critical research on the impact of global warming and ways to fight it," Udall said. "We need to stop debating whether climate change is real. The science is settled, and Senator Cruz is out of touch. The American people want action. Most of Congress wants action. We need to work together and lead the world in reducing carbon pollution and fighting global warming." "I was impressed by the excitement that people from all over the world feel about the efforts at COP21," Udall continued. "One hundred eighty-four countries are stepping forward with specific targets and specific plans to deal with climate change. Twenty-eight of the world's billionaires have stepped forward to invest billions of dollars in innovation. They're working together to find solutions, mobilizing governments aroun… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/nm-delegation-announces-115-million-to-repair-roads-damaged-in-september-2014-floods-other-disasters | NM Delegation Announces $11.5 Million to Repair Roads Damaged in September 2014 Floods, Other Disasters | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 08, 2015 NM Delegation Announces $11.5 Million to Repair Roads Damaged in September 2014 Floods, Other Disasters WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representatives Steve Pearce, Ben Ray Lujn and Michelle Lujan Grisham announced more than $11.5 million to rebuild infrastructure damaged by severe storms and flooding, including areas impacted by Hurricane Odile in September 2014. The new funding will help repair and rebuild highways and roads across the state, which suffered serious damage from the hurricane and other recent severe weather. "Just over a year ago, flooding from Hurricane Odile swept through communities across New Mexico, from Loving to Santa Fe, causing more than $10 million in damages," Udall said. "This new funding will help New Mexico make significant progress toward fully restoring roads and bridges damaged in the floods and make other urgent repairs to transportation infrastructure on federal lands, ensuring our communities can get back on track." "Extreme flooding and weather conditions from Hurricane Odile and other natural disasters damaged roads across New Mexico and Indian Country," Heinrich said. "This assistance will support restoration efforts so families can drive safely on bridges and highways. I will continue working with my colleagues to provide affected communities in New Mexico the support they need to rebuild and recover." "With this funding, not only will our communities be able to repair and improve the infrastructure damaged during Hurricane Odile, but it also ensures the federal government honors its commitment to providing assistance to communities impacted by disasters," Pearce said. "I thank my colleagues in the delegation for joining together to ensure that New Mexican communities received the assistance they deserved." "The damage caused by Hurricane Odile left many communities in New Mexico in need of critical repairs to roads and bridges," Lujn said. "Natural disasters such as this one damaged our communities … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-matsui-introduce-legislation-to-spur-breakthroughs-in-spectrum-efficiency | Udall, Matsui Introduce Legislation to Spur Breakthroughs in Spectrum Efficiency | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 08, 2015 Udall, Matsui Introduce Legislation to Spur Breakthroughs in Spectrum Efficiency Spectrum Challenge Prize Act Would Encourage Wireless Innovation WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) and U.S. Representative Doris Matsui (D-CA) introduced legislation to create the first ever federal spectrum challenge prize. This would award up to $5 million for breakthrough wireless technologies that dramatically improve spectrum efficiency. Spectrum has become an increasingly scarce and valuable resource due to a growing demand from the modern mobile economy and a limited amount of spectrum that has not already been licensed to companies. A recent federal spectrum license auction generated over $40 billion in bids. The spectrum challenge competition would help incentivize innovators and entrepreneurs to develop technologies that eclipse the current state-of-the-art. "With so many wireless devices connecting to the Internet, we are facing a spectrum crunch' that could hinder the next technological revolution," Udall said. "American ingenuity can solve this. The Spectrum Challenge prize will help incentivize more innovators and researchers to focus on developing technologies to address the 21st century economy's spectrum needs." "The U.S. has always been a global leader in wireless technologies, but we need innovative spectrum solutions in order for our wireless economy to continue to grow," Matsui said. "The Spectrum Challenge Prize Act creates a new opportunity for the federal government and the private sector to work collaboratively in the pursuit of a spectrum breakthrough, which is ultimately a victory for our 21st century economy." The Spectrum Challenge Prize Act would instruct the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), in consultation with other federal partners, to award up to $5 million in prizes to participants who develop ground-breaking solutions to spe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/in-the-news/kob-eyewitness-news-4-nm-vietnam-vet-awarded-purple-heart-bronze-star-40-years-later | KOB Eyewitness News 4: NM Vietnam vet awarded Purple Heart, Bronze Star 40 years later | 2015-12-07 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | KOB Eyewitness News 4: NM Vietnam vet awarded Purple Heart, Bronze Star 40 years later By: Stuart Dyson Monday, December 7, 2015 Theyre about 40 years overdue, but that didnt bother Stephen Bailey one bit. Friday afternoon, he finally got the military medals he earned in the Vietnam War and the years immediately afterward. Bailey enlisted in the Army in 1967 and was assigned to an explosive ordnance unit, and went off to the deadly jungles of Vietnam. He was wounded there, shot on Thanksgiving Day 1969. After three months in the hospital he was discharged, but turned right around and re-enlisted, serving another decade, including a security detail on Air Force One for three U.S. presidents. Baileys nine medals include the Purple Heart for that wound and the Bronze Star. "I never thought I was doing anything extraordinary," he said after receiving his medals in a ceremony at UNM. "But other people think I did, and its good to get that support." U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich met Bailey at a tax forum, heard about the overdue medals, and put his staff to work on the problem. Heinrich presented Bailey with the medals Friday, pinning the Purple Heart on the veterans left lapel. "The medals mean a lot to me because it was probably the most important part of my life," Bailey said. "You know, the saying goes may you live in interesting times. Well, I did!"Heinrich said the occasion was a time to remember and honor all those who have served the country and those who are doing that right now. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://lujangrisham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lujan-grisham-staff-hold-warriors-workshop-veterans-monday | Lujan Grisham Staff to Hold Warrior's Workshop for Veterans on Monday | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Michelle Lujan Grisham | L000580 | lujangrisham.house.gov | legacy | In honor of the 74th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Office will host a “Warrior’s Workshop” on Monday for all Veterans to receive assistance with disability claims, the VA Medical Center, Choice Program, GI Bill, VA home loan and any other assistance that can be provided. The workshop, which will be held each month in various locations around the Congressional District, is an opportunity for veterans to visit with other veterans and bring issues to the attention of the Congresswoman’s staff. Veterans are encouraged to wear hats, shirts, and other clothing that tell us about their service. “We want this to be a casual environment where veterans feel comfortable to come and visit, share a cup of coffee, and if they need assistance, our staff is ready to help them,” Rep. Lujan Grisham said. The workshop will be held on Monday, December 7, at the Simms Building, 400 Gold Avenue, SW, 5th Floor Conference Room from 1 to 6 p.m. There will be signs in the lobby. For more information, please call 505-346-6781. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2181 | Udall Participates in UN Conference on Climate Change ('COP21') [press_release] | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 04, 2015 Udall Participates in UN Conference on Climate Change ('COP21') WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall is participating in a two-day congressional delegation to the United Nations conference on climate change in Paris. Udall, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee, will meet with U.S. and international negotiators and others gathered for the 21st annual Conference of the Parties (COP21) on the U.N. Convention on Climate Change. Delegates from more than 190 countries are seeking an international agreement to reduce global carbon emissions. A longtime advocate for action to prevent global warming and its serious consequences for national security and the economy, Udall will discuss his work on the Appropriations and Foreign Relations committees to prevent efforts in Congress to roll back U.S. commitments to reduce the carbon pollution that contributes to global warming. Udall will discuss the global warming impacts the United States is already experiencing -- particularly in New Mexico -- including rising temperatures and increasingly severe drought and wildfires, as well as positive steps the states and the administration are taking to drive the global effort to fight climate change. "Americans want action to prevent climate change, and New Mexico is a great example of how we're taking that action. New Mexico has every kind of energy resource, and we've embraced efforts to diversify and reduce carbon emissions. We're hitting our renewable energy goals and our efforts are boosting the economy, building new opportunities and creating well-paying clean energy jobs," Udall said. "But we have to keep it up. America's leadership in reducing carbon pollution is crucial - the United States must drive progress across the world. As a member of key Foreign Relations and Appropriations subcommittees, I will be helping lead the charge in Congress to keep the U.S. climate goals on track. We will stop efforts that would turn back progress on global w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2182 | Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of Transportation Bill that Invests in Infrastructure, NMs Economy, Supports 1,000s of Jobs [press_release] | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 04, 2015 Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of Transportation Bill that Invests in Infrastructure, NMs Economy, Supports 1,000s of Jobs FAST Act boosts transportation funding for NM by 5%; president expected to sign it into law today WASHINGTON - Last night, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich joined the Senate in approving a major transportation bill that funds 74 percent of New Mexico highways and bridges and provides almost half of the total transportation dollars spent in the state. The bipartisan Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act passed the Senate on a 83-16 vote, after passing the U.S. House of Representatives earlier in the day. President Obama is expected to sign the legislation today, before current funding runs out at midnight. The FAST Act authorizes and funds transportation programs for the next five years, providing certainty for local governments that depend on federal funds to maintain roads, highways, bridges and other infrastructure. The bill boosts funding for New Mexico transportation projects by 5 percent -- $18 million -- this year, and continues to increase funding by an average of $8.5 million each year through fiscal year 2020. For the total five year period, it invests more than $1.9 billion in New Mexico. Funding is typically distributed to the states in the form of formula funding and competitive grants, and projects are determined by the state and the U.S. Department of Transportation. "I'm glad Congress came together and found a longterm solution to help New Mexico communities strengthen our roads, bridges and highways," Udall said. "In New Mexico alone, this bill will directly support over 6,000 construction jobs and thousands more New Mexicans who work in transportation and maintenance. It increases transit funding for our state by 5 percent, a much-needed boost to our highways and local economies. We've also secured several important safety and… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/photos/presenting-service-medals-to-new-mexico-vietnam-war-veteran-december-4-2015 | Presenting Service Medals To New Mexico Vietnam War Veteran, December 4, 2015 | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | ALBUQUERQUE 400 Gold Avenue SW, Ste. 1080 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102 p: (505) 346-6601 f: (505) 346-6780 Get Directions FARMINGTON 7450 East Main St., Ste. A Farmington, NM 87402 p: (505) 325-5030 f: (505) 325-6035 Get Directions LAS CRUCES Loretto Towne Center 505 South Main St., Ste. 148 Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001 p: (575) 523-6561 f: (575) 523-6584 Get Directions ROSWELL 200 East 4th St., Ste. 300 Roswell, New Mexico 88201 p: (575) 622-7113 f: (575) 622-3538 Get Directions SANTA FE 123 East Marcy St., Ste 103 Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 p: (505) 988-6647 f: (505) 992-8435 Get Directions WASHINGTON, D.C. 303 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 p: (202) 224-5521 f: (202) 228-2841 Get Directions | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/photo-heinrich-presents-service-medals-to-new-mexico-vietnam-war-veteran | PHOTO: Heinrich Presents Service Medals To New Mexico Vietnam War Veteran | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | PHOTO: Heinrich Presents Service Medals To New Mexico Vietnam War Veteran Friday, December 4, 2015 PHOTO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich presents the Purple Heart to U.S. Army veteran Stephen Bailey. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) presented nine medals, including the Purple Heart, a Bronze Star Medal, and an Air Medal to U.S. Army veteran Stephen Bailey. Senator Heinrich's office assisted Mr. Bailey, who served more than 10 years in the Army, obtain medals he earned, but never received, for his service in the Vietnam War. Mr. Bailey was joined by his wife, Kathy Bailey, and members of his family. "Stephen Bailey deserves recognition for the sacrifices he made. He deserves the medals he earned, but most of all he deserves our utmost respect and appreciation for his service to our country," said Sen. Heinrich. The medal presentation and tribute to Mr. Bailey's service took place at the University of New Mexico (UNM) and included the Presentation of the Colors by the UNM Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC). Senator Heinrich awarded Mr. Bailey with the following: Purple Heart; Bronze Star Medal; Air Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon; and Expert Badge. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-heinrich-hoeven-national-bison-legacy-act | Senate Unanimously Passes Heinrich, Hoeven National Bison Legacy Act | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Senate Unanimously Passes Heinrich, Hoeven National Bison Legacy Act Bill Makes Bison U.S. National Mammal, Recognizes Significance of America's Largest Land Mammal Friday, December 4, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) announced that the United States Senate unanimously passed the National Bison Legacy Act, which designates the American bison as the national mammal of the United States. The bill also recognizes the historical, cultural, and economic significance of the bison, the largest land mammal in America. "Bison hold a rich historic and cultural significance for the United States, and in particular for our tribal nations," Heinrich said. "They represent resiliency and are an enduring symbol of American strength. Recognition of our new national mammal will bring greater attention to the ongoing effort to conserve this unique species." "The bison has for many years been a symbol of America for its strength, endurance and dignity, reflecting the pioneer spirit of our nation," Hoeven said. "It makes sense for this noble animal to serve as our national mammal. The National Bison Legacy Act recognizes the important cultural and economic role the bison has played in our history, in North Dakota and across our nation." More than 40 million bison once roamed across most of North America. But by the late 1800s, fewer than one thousand bison remained. The species is acknowledged as the first American conservation success story, having been brought back from the brink of extinction by a concerted effort of ranchers, conservationists, and politicians to save the species in the early 20th century. In 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt and the American Bison Society led an effort to save bison from extinction by establishing a captive breeding program at the Bronx Zoo. Within a few years, the program, and others like it, were already successfully establishing bison back into its native habitat. Many Native American tribes r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-welcome-passage-of-transportation-bill-that-invests-in-infrastructure-nms-economy-supports-1000s-of-jobs | Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of Transportation Bill that Invests in Infrastructure, NM’s Economy, Supports 1,000s of Jobs | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of Transportation Bill that Invests in Infrastructure, NMs Economy, Supports 1,000s of Jobs FAST Act boosts transportation funding for NM by 5%; president expected to sign it into law today Friday, December 4, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Last night, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich joined the Senate in approving a major transportation bill that funds 74 percent of New Mexico highways and bridges and provides almost half of the total transportation dollars spent in the state. The bipartisan Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act passed the Senate on a 83-16 vote, after passing the U.S. House of Representatives earlier in the day. President Obama is expected to sign the legislation today, before current funding runs out at midnight. The FAST Act authorizes and funds transportation programs for the next five years, providing certainty for local governments that depend on federal funds to maintain roads, highways, bridges and other infrastructure. The bill boosts funding for New Mexico transportation projects by 5 percent $18 million this year, and continues to increase funding by an average of $8.5 million each year through fiscal year 2020. For the total five year period, it invests more than $1.9 billion in New Mexico. Funding is typically distributed to the states in the form of formula funding and competitive grants, and projects are determined by the state and the U.S. Department of Transportation. Im glad Congress came together and found a longterm solution to help New Mexico communities strengthen our roads, bridges and highways, Udall said. In New Mexico alone, this bill will directly support over 6,000 construction jobs and thousands more New Mexicans who work in transportation and maintenance. It increases transit funding for our state by 5 percent, a much-needed boost to our highways and local economies. Weve also secured several important safety and consumer protection provisions that will help families stay … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-welcome-passage-of-transportation-bill-that-invests-in-infrastructure-nm-and-146s-economy-supports-1-000s-of-jobs | Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of Transportation Bill that Invests in Infrastructure, NMs Economy, Supports 1,000s of Jobs | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 04, 2015 Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of Transportation Bill that Invests in Infrastructure, NMs Economy, Supports 1,000s of Jobs FAST Act boosts transportation funding for NM by 5%; president expected to sign it into law today WASHINGTON - Last night, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich joined the Senate in approving a major transportation bill that funds 74 percent of New Mexico highways and bridges and provides almost half of the total transportation dollars spent in the state. The bipartisan Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act passed the Senate on a 83-16 vote, after passing the U.S. House of Representatives earlier in the day. President Obama is expected to sign the legislation today, before current funding runs out at midnight. The FAST Act authorizes and funds transportation programs for the next five years, providing certainty for local governments that depend on federal funds to maintain roads, highways, bridges and other infrastructure. The bill boosts funding for New Mexico transportation projects by 5 percent -- $18 million -- this year, and continues to increase funding by an average of $8.5 million each year through fiscal year 2020. For the total five year period, it invests more than $1.9 billion in New Mexico. Funding is typically distributed to the states in the form of formula funding and competitive grants, and projects are determined by the state and the U.S. Department of Transportation. "I'm glad Congress came together and found a longterm solution to help New Mexico communities strengthen our roads, bridges and highways," Udall said. "In New Mexico alone, this bill will directly support over 6,000 construction jobs and thousands more New Mexicans who work in transportation and maintenance. It increases transit funding for our state by 5 percent, a much-needed boost to our highways and local economies. We've also secured several important safety and… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-participates-in-un-conference-on-climate-change-and-039cop21-and-039 | Udall Participates in UN Conference on Climate Change ('COP21') | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 04, 2015 Udall Participates in UN Conference on Climate Change ('COP21') WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall is participating in a two-day congressional delegation to the United Nations conference on climate change in Paris. Udall, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee, will meet with U.S. and international negotiators and others gathered for the 21st annual Conference of the Parties (COP21) on the U.N. Convention on Climate Change. Delegates from more than 190 countries are seeking an international agreement to reduce global carbon emissions. A longtime advocate for action to prevent global warming and its serious consequences for national security and the economy, Udall will discuss his work on the Appropriations and Foreign Relations committees to prevent efforts in Congress to roll back U.S. commitments to reduce the carbon pollution that contributes to global warming. Udall will discuss the global warming impacts the United States is already experiencing -- particularly in New Mexico -- including rising temperatures and increasingly severe drought and wildfires, as well as positive steps the states and the administration are taking to drive the global effort to fight climate change. "Americans want action to prevent climate change, and New Mexico is a great example of how we're taking that action. New Mexico has every kind of energy resource, and we've embraced efforts to diversify and reduce carbon emissions. We're hitting our renewable energy goals and our efforts are boosting the economy, building new opportunities and creating well-paying clean energy jobs," Udall said. "But we have to keep it up. America's leadership in reducing carbon pollution is crucial - the United States must drive progress across the world. As a member of key Foreign Relations and Appropriations subcommittees, I will be helping lead the charge in Congress to keep the U.S. climate goals on track. We will stop efforts that would turn back progress on global w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2177 | Udall, Heinrich Welcome $6.2 Million for Energy Innovation [press_release] | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 03, 2015 Udall, Heinrich Welcome $6.2 Million for Energy Innovation Los Alamos, Albuquerque companies receive awards for fuel cell and transformer projects WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich congratulated two New Mexico businesses on receiving $6.2 million to jump-start innovative energy projects. Pajarito Powder, based in Albuquerque, is receiving $2,790,000 to develop a cost-effective regenerative hydrogen electrode for fuel-cell vehicles. Tibbar Technologies of Los Alamos has been awarded $3,500,000 to create a low-cost transformer for HVDC transmission. The projects were selected for funding through the Department of Energy's (DOE) Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) open call to scientists and engineers for transformational technologies that help advance economic prosperity, national security and environmental well-being. ARPA-E funds innovative technologies that display promise for both technical and commercial impact, but are too early for private-sector investment. U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz announced the funding, which is part of a $125 million award to 41 cutting-edge energy technologies nationwide. "Clean energy innovation is helping create high-tech jobs and grow New Mexico's economy," Udall said. "I'm proud that Pajarito Powder and Tibbar Technologies are rising to the challenge and helping our nation build a secure energy future. Investing in alternative energy development also helps us fight climate change, and I'll continue to support smart investments in New Mexico innovators." "This investment will support private research and development projects that will spur innovation to help modernize our electric grid and provide clean-energy solutions to combat climate disruption," Heinrich said. "New Mexico's history of ingenuity and creating new technology drives our economy and contributes to our great nation. By developing new ways… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2179 | Udall Honors Victims of Drunk Driving on National Day of Remembrance [press_release] | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 03, 2015 Udall Honors Victims of Drunk Driving on National Day of Remembrance WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall honored victims of drunk and drugged driving by introducing a bipartisan resolution in the U.S. Senate designating today, December 3, 2015, as a National Day of Remembrance. He released the following statement: "Last year, nearly 10,000 people were killed in crashes involving drunk drivers. Thousands more were injured - one person every two minutes. New Mexicans are all too familiar with these tragedies, including a horrific crash that cost the lives of three young people this past holiday weekend. All of these deaths are one hundred percent preventable. "Today we join together to honor the victims of drunk and drugged driving. They aren't just numbers - they are our friends, brothers, sisters, parents and children. Their families are coping with unimaginable loss. To them, I say this: We have not forgotten. We remember your loved ones. And we will do all we can to prevent these tragedies. "Ending drunk driving starts with each of us taking responsibility for ourselves and one another. Designate a driver. Take a cab. Step in when it isn't safe for a friend or family member to get behind the wheel. We must continue investing in efforts to raise awareness and stop people from driving when they're impaired. Together, we can hit the brakes on drunk driving and stop these deadly crimes." Text of the resolution is available here. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2180 | Udall Votes to Protect Health Care for Hundreds of Thousands of New Mexicans [press_release] | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 03, 2015 Udall Votes to Protect Health Care for Hundreds of Thousands of New Mexicans WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall cast several votes to protect important health care services for New Mexicans. The series of votes were on amendments to and final passage of a budget reconciliation bill, which Republicans put forward in an attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The bill passed by a vote of 52-47, though it is expected to be vetoed by the president, and the Senate vote is far short of what would be needed to override that veto. Udall voted against the bill and released the following statement: "Just five and a half years ago, thousands of New Mexicans couldn't afford to see a doctor when they got sick. Many more were one major illness away from bankruptcy. Insurance companies determined whether they could get covered for health care, and they could be denied for a pre-existing condition - or be required to pay more simply for being a woman. Today, over 230,000 more New Mexicans have insurance, and - thanks to the Affordable Care Act - health care is one of the strongest parts of our economy. Most importantly, I hear from New Mexicans regularly about how, thanks to the law, they can get life-saving care that they couldn't afford before. "We can't afford to go back to the days when insurance companies were in charge, and when something as basic as health care was out of reach. And I will fight any effort to take health insurance away from tens of thousands of New Mexicans. This bill would void portions of the ACA that New Mexicans depend on, including the Medicaid expansion. But while it passed the Senate, it's headed for failure: the president will veto it, and there aren't enough votes in Congress to override the veto. "Rather than orchestrating political show votes, I hope that from here on, we can agree to roll up our sleeves and work together on improving our health care system and - just as importantly -- strengthening our economy." The reconciliation bill also defunds Plan… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20160405054801/http://www.tomudall.senate.gov/?p=blog&id=2176 | A Day of Remembrance [blog] | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | web.archive.org | legacy | The holidays are a joyous time, full of celebrations with family and friends. But Thanksgiving through New Years is also a dangerous time on the roads. We were tragically reminded of that this past weekend, when three young New Mexicans were killed in a horrific crash involving a drunk driver in Albuquerque. I know all of us have their families and friends in our hearts. Already this year, nearly 100 people have been killed by drunk drivers in New Mexico. Their deaths were completely preventable. And while they dont all make headlines, each accident is a tragedy. Today is the first National Day of Remembrance for victims of drunk and drugged driving. I'm introducing a resolution in the U.S. Senate to show that our nation stands together to honor those killed or injured. Take time today to remember the victims of drunk driving. They aren't just numbers they're our friends, brothers, sisters, parents and children. I've been working with Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Bernalillo County Sheriff Manny Gonzales to spread the word that ending drunk driving starts with each of us. We want New Mexicans to have fun safely. Designate a driver. Take a cab. Step in when it isn't safe for a friend or family member to get behind the wheel. If you see a driver you suspect is impaired, report it by calling New Mexicos Drunk Busters Hotline, 877-DWI-HALT. Or simply dial #DWI from a cell phone. Click here to learn more about the program and free ride options in your area. When I was elected Attorney General 25 years ago, New Mexico had the highest rate of DWI deaths in the nation. Weve made progress since then, thanks to the efforts of passionate advocates who have helped push to overhaul New Mexicos DWI and traffic safety laws saving countless lives. Someday soon, I hope well be able to stop all drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel. Ive pushed for funding to create technology called the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety, or DADSS that would analyze a drivers breath or blood alcohol content automatically a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/in-the-news/op-ed-navajo-times-guest-column-clean-up-abandoned-mines-milling-sites-once-and-for-all | OP-ED: Navajo Times: Guest Column: Clean up abandoned mines, milling sites once and for all | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | OP-ED: Navajo Times: Guest Column: Clean up abandoned mines, milling sites once and for all By: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich Thursday, December 3, 2015 For far too long, Indian Country has been left to fend for itself in dealing with the legacy of hardrock mining. Too many tribal communities, including many on the Navajo Nation, live among abandoned mining and milling sites that contaminate their water, air, and food. In August, a large plume of bright orange toxic waste spilled from the abandoned Gold King Mine in Southwest Colorado into the Animas and San Juan Rivers and polluted the Four Corners region, including the Navajo Nation. The spill served as yet another wake-up call to finally fix our nations policies on abandoned mines and hardrock mining. The General Mining Act of 1872 came along in an era of unrestrained western expansion. It allowed individuals and companies to claim ownership of minerals in the public domain such as gold, silver, copper, uranium, molybdenum, and others simply by locating a mineral source, staking a claim, and paying $5 an acre for the land. Miners did not have to consider environmental impacts or make any plans to clean up the waste they left behind, which has created the pollution and contamination we confront today. This law drew thousands of people to the West my father and my mothers father both made their living working in hardrock mines. Hardrock mines provided the raw materials to build this country, and during the Cold War, uranium from the Navajo Nation was transformed into nuclear weapons to defend our nation. But shortsighted policy left behind a scarred legacy on our lands. There are estimates that 40 percent of Western watersheds have been polluted by toxic mining waste and that r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-headlines-energy-forum-hosted-by-the-hill | Heinrich Headlines Energy Forum Hosted By The Hill | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Heinrich Headlines Energy Forum Hosted By The Hill Thursday, December 3, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) participated in a forum on the future of energy delivery entitled Energy Across America: A Policy Discussion on Microgrid Technology hosted by The Hill. During the forum, Heinrich highlighted on the importance of energy storage, modernizing our electric grid, and the clean energy economy. VIDEO: Watch Senator Heinrich at Energy Across America: A Policy Discussion hosted by The Hill Heinrich, a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and Senate Armed Services Committee, is a leading voice on building a more secure and robust 21st century energy infrastructure, which is critical to realizing the nation's true clean energy potential and creating jobs. Heinrich introduced the Energy Storage Promotion and Deployment Act to create America's first energy storage standard. The bill would establish an energy storage portfolio standard for electric utility companies. Heinrich also secured key provisions to promote energy workforce development, reduce government energy usage, and protect the U.S. electric grid in the Energy Policy and Modernization Act of 2015, a bipartisan energy package that cleared the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-to-join-taos-community-in-local-service-projects | Heinrich To Join Taos Community In Local Service Projects | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Heinrich To Join Taos Community In Local Service Projects Thursday, December 3, 2015 SANTA FE, N.M. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) will travel to Taos on Saturday, December 5, to tour the Military Family Respite Center with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) members and join volunteers in preparing food baskets for the Taos Feeds Taos annual service project. On Saturday afternoon, Senator Heinrich will tour the Taos Military Family Respite Center and meet with an AmeriCorps NCCC team that is currently working on remodeling the facility. The center is owned and managed by Not Forgotten Outreach Inc., a local organization dedicated to motivating veterans and their families to participate in recreational activities in order to facilitate the transition from active duty to civilian life. The Military Family Respite Center connects veterans to job opportunities, helps them access benefits, and provides peer counseling and mentorship opportunities. Senator Heinrich is the first AmeriCorps alum to serve in the United States Senate and a member of the National Service Congressional Caucus. Later on Saturday, Senator Heinrich will join Taos Feeds Taos volunteers to help prepare food baskets for needy families this holiday season. Volunteers will pick up non-perishable foods from the Taos Mesa Brewery--the facility hosting this year's Eighth Annual Food Drive and Benefit Show--and deliver them to the Taos U.S. Army National Guard Armory, where the baskets will be sorted and prepared for distribution to 1,100 families. This year marks Taos Feeds Taos' 30th anniversary. Beginning December 17 and 18, baskets will be distributed in Taos, Peasco, Questa, and Amalia. ***Press interested in attending should email press@heinrich.senate.gov or call (202) 228-1578*** Taos - Saturday, December 5, 2015 WHAT: Tour Military Family Respite Center With AmeriCorps NCCC Members WHEN: 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. MT WHERE: Not Forgotten Outreach Inc., 461 Valverde Commons Dr., Taos, N… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-to-present-medals-to-vietnam-war-veteran-in-albuquerque | Heinrich To Present Medals To Vietnam War Veteran In Albuquerque | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Heinrich To Present Medals To Vietnam War Veteran In Albuquerque Thursday, December 3, 2015 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - On Friday, December 4, at 3:15 p.m., U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) will present nine medals to a U.S. Army veteran, including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, and Air Medal. Senator Heinrich's office assisted this veteran, who served 10 years in the Army, obtain medals he earned, but never received, for his service in the Vietnam War.The medal presentation and tribute to the veteran's service will take place inside the Roberts Room in Scholes Hall at the University of New Mexico and will include a Presentation of the Colors. Prior to the medal presentation, Senator Heinrich will meet with Health Leadership High School students in Albuquerque who are studying for careers in the health care field. The school focuses on providing students with hands-on work experience through internships and career exploration opportunities. Senator Heinrich will tour the campus and host a discussion with students about their current projects, experience with the school, and plans to advance their education and careers. Health Leadership High School opened in August 2013 in partnership with First Choice Healthcare, Presbyterian Healthcare Services, and the University of New Mexico Hospital. ***Press interested in attending should email press@heinrich.senate.gov or call (202) 228-1578*** Albuquerque - Friday, December 4, 2015 WHAT: Meet With Health Leadership High School Students WHEN: From 12:15 to 1 p.m. MT WHERE: Health Leadership High School, 1900 Randolph Rd. SE, Albuquerque, N.M. 87106 WHAT: Medal Presentation to Vietnam War Veteran WHEN: From 3:15 to 4 p.m. MT WHERE: University of New Mexico, Roberts Room in Scholes Hall,Albuquerque, N.M. 87131 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-welcome-62-million-for-energy-innovation | Udall, Heinrich Welcome $6.2 Million for Energy Innovation | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Udall, Heinrich Welcome $6.2 Million for Energy Innovation Los Alamos, Albuquerque companies receive awards for fuel cell and transformer projects Thursday, December 3, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich congratulated two New Mexico businesses on receiving $6.2 million to jump-start innovative energy projects. Pajarito Powder, based in Albuquerque, is receiving $2,790,000 to develop a cost-effective regenerative hydrogen electrode for fuel-cell vehicles. Tibbar Technologies of Los Alamos has been awarded $3,500,000 to create a low-cost transformer for HVDC transmission. The projects were selected for funding through the Department of Energys (DOE) Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) open call to scientists and engineers for transformational technologies that help advance economic prosperity, national security and environmental well-being. ARPA-E funds innovative technologies that display promise for both technical and commercial impact, but are too early for private-sector investment. U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz announced the funding, which is part of a $125 million award to 41 cutting-edge energy technologies nationwide. Clean energy innovation is helping create high-tech jobs and grow New Mexicos economy, Udall said. Im proud that Pajarito Powder and Tibbar Technologies are rising to the challenge and helping our nation build a secure energy future. Investing in alternative energy development also helps us fight climate change, and Ill continue to support smart investments in New Mexico innovators. This investment will support private research and development projects that will spur innovation to help modernize our electric grid and provide clean-energy solutions to combat climate disruption, Heinrich said. New Mexicos history of ingenuity and creating new technology drives our economy and contributes to our great nation. By developing new ways to generate, deliver, store and use energy, we not only create… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/a-day-of-remembrance | A Day of Remembrance | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 03, 2015 A Day of Remembrance The holidays are a joyous time, full of celebrations with family and friends. But Thanksgiving through New Year's is also a dangerous time on the roads. We were tragically reminded of that this past weekend, when three young New Mexicans were killed in a horrific crash involving a drunk driver in Albuquerque. I know all of us have their families and friends in our hearts. Already this year, nearly 100 people have been killed by drunk drivers in New Mexico. Their deaths were completely preventable. And while they don't all make headlines, each accident is a tragedy. Today is the first National Day of Remembrance for victims of drunk and drugged driving. I'm introducing a resolution in the U.S. Senate to show that our nation stands together to honor those killed or injured. Take time today to remember the victims of drunk driving. They aren't just numbers they're our friends, brothers, sisters, parents and children. I've been working with Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Bernalillo County Sheriff Manny Gonzales to spread the word that ending drunk driving starts with each of us. We want New Mexicans to have fun safely. Designate a driver. Take a cab. Step in when it isn't safe for a friend or family member to get behind the wheel. If you see a driver you suspect is impaired, report it by calling New Mexico's Drunk Busters Hotline, 877-DWI-HALT. Or simply dial #DWI from a cell phone. Click here to learn more about the program and free ride options in your area. When I was elected Attorney General 25 years ago, New Mexico had the highest rate of DWI deaths in the nation. We've made progress since then, thanks to the efforts of passionate advocates who have helped push to overhaul New Mexico's DWI and traffic safety laws saving countless lives. Someday soon, I hope we'll be able to stop all drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel. I've pushed for funding to create technology called the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety, or DADSS that would analyze… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-welcome-62-million-for-energy-innovation | Udall, Heinrich Welcome $6.2 Million for Energy Innovation | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 03, 2015 Udall, Heinrich Welcome $6.2 Million for Energy Innovation Los Alamos, Albuquerque companies receive awards for fuel cell and transformer projects WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich congratulated two New Mexico businesses on receiving $6.2 million to jump-start innovative energy projects. Pajarito Powder, based in Albuquerque, is receiving $2,790,000 to develop a cost-effective regenerative hydrogen electrode for fuel-cell vehicles. Tibbar Technologies of Los Alamos has been awarded $3,500,000 to create a low-cost transformer for HVDC transmission. The projects were selected for funding through the Department of Energy's (DOE) Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) open call to scientists and engineers for transformational technologies that help advance economic prosperity, national security and environmental well-being. ARPA-E funds innovative technologies that display promise for both technical and commercial impact, but are too early for private-sector investment. U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz announced the funding, which is part of a $125 million award to 41 cutting-edge energy technologies nationwide. "Clean energy innovation is helping create high-tech jobs and grow New Mexico's economy," Udall said. "I'm proud that Pajarito Powder and Tibbar Technologies are rising to the challenge and helping our nation build a secure energy future. Investing in alternative energy development also helps us fight climate change, and I'll continue to support smart investments in New Mexico innovators." "This investment will support private research and development projects that will spur innovation to help modernize our electric grid and provide clean-energy solutions to combat climate disruption," Heinrich said. "New Mexico's history of ingenuity and creating new technology drives our economy and contributes to our great nation. By developing new ways… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-honors-victims-of-drunk-driving-on-national-day-of-remembrance | Udall Honors Victims of Drunk Driving on National Day of Remembrance | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 03, 2015 Udall Honors Victims of Drunk Driving on National Day of Remembrance WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall honored victims of drunk and drugged driving by introducing a bipartisan resolution in the U.S. Senate designating today, December 3, 2015, as a National Day of Remembrance. He released the following statement: "Last year, nearly 10,000 people were killed in crashes involving drunk drivers. Thousands more were injured - one person every two minutes. New Mexicans are all too familiar with these tragedies, including a horrific crash that cost the lives of three young people this past holiday weekend. All of these deaths are one hundred percent preventable. "Today we join together to honor the victims of drunk and drugged driving. They aren't just numbers - they are our friends, brothers, sisters, parents and children. Their families are coping with unimaginable loss. To them, I say this: We have not forgotten. We remember your loved ones. And we will do all we can to prevent these tragedies. "Ending drunk driving starts with each of us taking responsibility for ourselves and one another. Designate a driver. Take a cab. Step in when it isn't safe for a friend or family member to get behind the wheel. We must continue investing in efforts to raise awareness and stop people from driving when they're impaired. Together, we can hit the brakes on drunk driving and stop these deadly crimes." Text of the resolution is available here. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-votes-to-protect-health-care-for-hundreds-of-thousands-of-new-mexicans | Udall Votes to Protect Health Care for Hundreds of Thousands of New Mexicans | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 03, 2015 Udall Votes to Protect Health Care for Hundreds of Thousands of New Mexicans WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall cast several votes to protect important health care services for New Mexicans. The series of votes were on amendments to and final passage of a budget reconciliation bill, which Republicans put forward in an attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The bill passed by a vote of 52-47, though it is expected to be vetoed by the president, and the Senate vote is far short of what would be needed to override that veto. Udall voted against the bill and released the following statement: "Just five and a half years ago, thousands of New Mexicans couldn't afford to see a doctor when they got sick. Many more were one major illness away from bankruptcy. Insurance companies determined whether they could get covered for health care, and they could be denied for a pre-existing condition - or be required to pay more simply for being a woman. Today, over 230,000 more New Mexicans have insurance, and - thanks to the Affordable Care Act - health care is one of the strongest parts of our economy. Most importantly, I hear from New Mexicans regularly about how, thanks to the law, they can get life-saving care that they couldn't afford before. "We can't afford to go back to the days when insurance companies were in charge, and when something as basic as health care was out of reach. And I will fight any effort to take health insurance away from tens of thousands of New Mexicans. This bill would void portions of the ACA that New Mexicans depend on, including the Medicaid expansion. But while it passed the Senate, it's headed for failure: the president will veto it, and there aren't enough votes in Congress to override the veto. "Rather than orchestrating political show votes, I hope that from here on, we can agree to roll up our sleeves and work together on improving our health care system and - just as importantly -- strengthening our economy." The reconciliation bill also defunds Plan… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2178 | Udall Statement on Shooting in San Bernardino [press_release] | 2015-12-02 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 02, 2015 Udall Statement on Shooting in San Bernardino WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement: "The mass shooting in San Bernardino today is horrifying. That this happened within hours and days of shootings in Savannah, Georgia, and Colorado Springs and elsewhere is terrible beyond words. While law enforcement continues to respond to the situation in California, my thoughts are with the victims, their families, the first responders and the entire community of San Bernardino." Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/bipartisan-members-of-congress-join-alliance-to-fight-the-40-to-call-for-repeal-of-cadillac-tax | Bipartisan Members of Congress Join Alliance to Fight the 40 to Call for Repeal of Cadillac Tax | 2015-12-02 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Bipartisan Members of Congress Join Alliance to Fight the 40 to Call for Repeal of Cadillac Tax Wednesday, December 2, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Wednesday, December 2 at 2:30 p.m. EST, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) will participate in a media event to discuss the need to repeal the 40 percent tax on employee health benefits, commonly known as the "Cadillac Tax," before Congress leaves this month. Senators Heinrich and Dean Heller (R-Nev.) introduced bipartisan legislation to fully repeal the onerous tax. Details on the event are as follows: Who Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV), sponsor of the "Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2015" Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), original cosponsor of the "Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2015" Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT), sponsor of the "Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2015" Rep. Frank Guinta (R-NH), sponsor of the "Ax the Tax on Middle Class Americans' Health Plans Act" James Klein, Moderator, American Benefits Council Terry O'Sullivan, General President, Laborers' International Union of North America, LiUNA Ohio Public Employee Retirement System, invited Immune Deficiency Foundation, invited Janet Trautwein, Executive Vice President & CEO, National Association of Health Underwriters What Media event calling for repeal of the so-called "Cadillac Tax," a 40 percent tax on employer-sponsored health benefits. When Wednesday, December 2 at 2:30 p.m. EST Where Capitol Visitor Center, Congressional North Meeting Room, Washington, D.C. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-san-bernardino-mass-shooting | Heinrich Statement On San Bernardino Mass Shooting | 2015-12-02 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | ALBUQUERQUE 400 Gold Avenue SW, Ste. 1080 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102 p: (505) 346-6601 f: (505) 346-6780 Get Directions FARMINGTON 7450 East Main St., Ste. A Farmington, NM 87402 p: (505) 325-5030 f: (505) 325-6035 Get Directions LAS CRUCES Loretto Towne Center 505 South Main St., Ste. 148 Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001 p: (575) 523-6561 f: (575) 523-6584 Get Directions ROSWELL 200 East 4th St., Ste. 300 Roswell, New Mexico 88201 p: (575) 622-7113 f: (575) 622-3538 Get Directions SANTA FE 123 East Marcy St., Ste 103 Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 p: (505) 988-6647 f: (505) 992-8435 Get Directions WASHINGTON, D.C. 303 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 p: (202) 224-5521 f: (202) 228-2841 Get Directions | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-to-headline-energy-forum-hosted-by-the-hill | Heinrich To Headline Energy Forum Hosted By The Hill | 2015-12-02 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Heinrich To Headline Energy Forum Hosted By The Hill Wednesday, December 2, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Thursday, December 3 at 8:30 a.m. ET, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) will participate in a forum on the future of energy delivery hosted by The Hill at The Newseum in Washington, D.C. Editor in Chief Bob Cusack will moderate the discussion entitled, Energy Across America: A Policy Discussion on Microgrid Technology. The event will be streamed live online, here. Senator Heinrich, a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and Senate Armed Services Committee, is a leading voice on building a more secure and robust 21st century energy infrastructure, which is critical to realizing the nation's true clean energy potential and creating jobs. Details of the event are below: WHO: Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) Nathan Adams, General Manager, Microgrids North America, ABB Inc. Bill Gausman, Senior Vice President of Strategic initiatives, PEPCO Holdings Katherine Hammack, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy & Environment Charles Hanley, Senior Manager, Grid Modernization and Military Energy Systems Group, Sandia National Laboratories WHAT: Energy Across America: A Policy Discussion on Microgrid Technology WHEN: Thursday, December 3, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. ET WHERE: The Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Knight Studio (3rd Floor), Washington, D.C. 20001 LIVE STREAM: http://thehill.com/event/259106-energy-across-america-a-policy-discussion-on-microgrid-technology Join the conversation on Twitter with @MartinHeinrich and @thehillevents using #MicrogridsForum | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-statement-on-shooting-in-san-bernardino | Udall Statement on Shooting in San Bernardino | 2015-12-02 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | December 02, 2015 Udall Statement on Shooting in San Bernardino WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement: "The mass shooting in San Bernardino today is horrifying. That this happened within hours and days of shootings in Savannah, Georgia, and Colorado Springs and elsewhere is terrible beyond words. While law enforcement continues to respond to the situation in California, my thoughts are with the victims, their families, the first responders and the entire community of San Bernardino." Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20160907004241/http://www.tomudall.senate.gov/?p=audio&id=2175 | Tuesdays with Tom 12-1-2015 [audio] | 2015-12-01 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | web.archive.org | legacy | Play Audio requires Flash Player WASHINGTON - In the wake of the tragic drunken driving crash in Albuquerque over the holiday weekend, U.S. Senator Tom Udall held a press conference call with New Mexico reporters to discuss the need for all New Mexicans to act to combat drunken driving, particularly between Thanksgiving and New Year's when accidents spike. Nearly 100 people in New Mexico have been killed in drunken driving accidents so far this year. Udall urged New Mexicans to spread the word about steps everyone can take to make the roads safer. Udall is working with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to pass critical measures to combat drunken driving, and last week, he joined with MADD and Bernalillo County Sheriff Manny Gonzales to kick off the holiday season anti-drunken driving campaign. MADD is hosting the first National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Drunk and Drugged Driving on Dec. 3, and Udall is introducing a resolution in the Senate to mark the day of remembrance. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee, which oversees the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, Udall is fighting for funding to support technology called the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) that could keep drunken drivers off the road and help save 59,000 lives over 15 years. Below are highlights from Udall's remarks: 0:00 - Udall welcomes everyone to the call. 0:13 - "No family should lose a loved one to a drunk driver, but this week, two more families are mourning the loss of three young lives - deaths that were completely preventable. The Albuquerque community has been shaken by this tragic incident and my heartfelt condolences go out to the families. Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents are far too common." 0:54 - "And the holidays are a particularly dangerous time on the roads. Thanksgiving through New Year's is one of the deadliest times for drunk driving accidents." 1:04 - "Just last week, I joined with Mothers Against Drunk D… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-cosponsors-bill-to-tighten-visa-waiver-program-strengthen-national-security | Heinrich Cosponsors Bill To Tighten Visa Waiver Program, Strengthen National Security | 2015-12-01 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Heinrich Cosponsors Bill To Tighten Visa Waiver Program, Strengthen National Security Tuesday, December 1, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and Senate Armed Services Committee, is an original cosponsor of bipartisan legislation introduced today to tighten the Visa Waiver Program to help prevent terrorists from entering the United States. Currently, the Visa Waiver Program permits visa free travel to the United States for citizens of 38 countries that qualifyan average of 20 million visitors per year. The Visa Waiver Program Security Enhancement Act makes a number of security enhancements including requiring individuals who have traveled to Syria or Iraq in the past five years to acquire a traditional tourist visa instead of traveling without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. The legislation also requires all travelers using the Visa Waiver Program to submit biometric information, in the form of fingerprints and a photograph, before they travel to the United States. "In the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks and the ongoing threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters, this bipartisan bill makes security enhancements that are critical to protecting our homeland, said Sen. Heinrich. We must tighten our Visa Waiver Program as soon as possible to prevent foreign nationals who have traveled to Iraq and Syria to join training camps and sympathize with ISIL's cause from ever entering the United States." U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) are the lead sponsors of the bill. Additional original cosponsors include U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Dan Coats (R-Ind.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Angus King (I-Maine), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). The Visa Waiver Program Security Enhancement Act would … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2174 | Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of New Law to Foster Innovation, Increase Competitiveness of U.S. Space Industry [press_release] | 2015-11-30 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | November 30, 2015 Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of New Law to Foster Innovation, Increase Competitiveness of U.S. Space Industry WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich praised passage of the U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act to modernize commercial space regulations and encourage competitiveness in the industry. Udall and Heinrich are longtime champions of modernizing U.S. policies governing commercial spaceflight. The bill, which President Obama signed last week, provides an essential legal framework that will enable New Mexico's commercial spaceflight industry to grow in the years ahead. The new law will extend until 2025 a space launch risk-sharing provision that is crucial to maintaining the global competitiveness of U.S. commercial space companies. It includes measures championed by Udall and Heinrich to foster innovation in the industry while enabling safety advances for participants. These include encouraging the development of industry safety standards and streamlining the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) permitting process for launch vehicles designed for multiple trips to space. The law also will extend International Space Station (ISS) operations through at least 2024, enabling commercial entities to continue leveraging the ISS as a unique asset in low-Earth orbit. "The commercial spaceflight industry creates jobs in New Mexico and strengthens our economy," said Udall, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee. "Today's companies are early pioneers in a still-developing industry with enormous potential, including in New Mexico. This bill makes essential updates that will modernize and clarify the law to foster innovation and increase competitiveness. I'm pleased that members of Congress worked together in a bipartisan and bicameral manner to advance forward-looking spaceflight policies to help sustain American leadership in space." "New Mexico has a unique opportunity to take advantage of the emerging commercial spaceflight industry," Heinrich sai… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/udall-heinrich-welcome-passage-of-new-law-to-foster-innovation-increase-competitiveness-of-us-space-industry | Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of New Law to Foster Innovation, Increase Competitiveness of U.S. Space Industry | 2015-11-30 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of New Law to Foster Innovation, Increase Competitiveness of U.S. Space Industry Monday, November 30, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich praised passage of the U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act to modernize commercial space regulations and encourage competitiveness in the industry. Udall and Heinrich are longtime champions of modernizing U.S. policies governing commercial spaceflight. The bill, which President Obama signed last week, provides an essential legal framework that will enable New Mexicos commercial spaceflight industry to grow in the years ahead. The new law will extend until 2025 a space launch risk-sharing provision that is crucial to maintaining the global competitiveness of U.S. commercial space companies. It includes measures championed by Udall and Heinrich to foster innovation in the industry while enabling safety advances for participants. These include encouraging the development of industry safety standards and streamlining the Federal Aviation Administrations (FAA) permitting process for launch vehicles designed for multiple trips to space. The law also will extend International Space Station (ISS) operations through at least 2024, enabling commercial entities to continue leveraging the ISS as a unique asset in low-Earth orbit. "The commercial spaceflight industry creates jobs in New Mexico and strengthens our economy," said Udall, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee. "Today's companies are early pioneers in a still-developing industry with enormous potential, including in New Mexico. This bill makes essential updates that will modernize and clarify the law to foster innovation and increase competitiveness. I'm pleased that members of Congress worked together in a bipartisan and bicameral manner to advance forward-looking spaceflight policies to help sustain American leadership in space." New Mexico has a unique opportunity to take advantage of the emerging commercial sp… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-heinrich-welcome-passage-of-new-law-to-foster-innovation-increase-competitiveness-of-us-space-industry | Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of New Law to Foster Innovation, Increase Competitiveness of U.S. Space Industry | 2015-11-30 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | November 30, 2015 Udall, Heinrich Welcome Passage of New Law to Foster Innovation, Increase Competitiveness of U.S. Space Industry WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich praised passage of the U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act to modernize commercial space regulations and encourage competitiveness in the industry. Udall and Heinrich are longtime champions of modernizing U.S. policies governing commercial spaceflight. The bill, which President Obama signed last week, provides an essential legal framework that will enable New Mexico's commercial spaceflight industry to grow in the years ahead. The new law will extend until 2025 a space launch risk-sharing provision that is crucial to maintaining the global competitiveness of U.S. commercial space companies. It includes measures championed by Udall and Heinrich to foster innovation in the industry while enabling safety advances for participants. These include encouraging the development of industry safety standards and streamlining the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) permitting process for launch vehicles designed for multiple trips to space. The law also will extend International Space Station (ISS) operations through at least 2024, enabling commercial entities to continue leveraging the ISS as a unique asset in low-Earth orbit. "The commercial spaceflight industry creates jobs in New Mexico and strengthens our economy," said Udall, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee. "Today's companies are early pioneers in a still-developing industry with enormous potential, including in New Mexico. This bill makes essential updates that will modernize and clarify the law to foster innovation and increase competitiveness. I'm pleased that members of Congress worked together in a bipartisan and bicameral manner to advance forward-looking spaceflight policies to help sustain American leadership in space." "New Mexico has a unique opportunity to take advantage of the emerging commercial spaceflight industry," Heinrich sai… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/in-the-news/silver-city-sun-news-op-ed-we-cant-afford-to-put-wildfires-on-the-back-burner | Silver City Sun-News: Op-Ed: We can’t afford to put wildfires on the back burner | 2015-11-29 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Silver City Sun-News: Op-Ed: We cant afford to put wildfires on the back burner By: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich Sunday, November 29, 2015 As the seasons change in New Mexico, its a good time to reflect on what might have been possible during this wet and green year to prevent future devastating wildfires if we had a fire budget that made sense. Wildfire seasons have grown longer and more intense, forcing the U.S. Forest Service to cut back on other essential programs to pay for fighting fires many times taking away from the very forest health and restoration projects that help prevent catastrophic fires in the first place. This is a unique problem because wildfires in the West are not treated the same way in the federal budget as other natural disasters like tornados in the Midwest, hurricanes on the Gulf Coast, and floods in the Northeast. This means emergency federal funds that help communities with those disasters are not made available to help agencies and Western communities cope with the costs of fighting wildfires. Instead, when the costs of fighting fires exceed the regular fire budget, the difference must be made up by transferring funds from other forest health and restoration programs, a practice known as fire borrowing. In the Southwestern Region, which includes New Mexico and Arizona, $14.1 million was pulled from our forest management efforts this year to cover fire suppression costs. Fire borrowing delayed a grant to Santa Clara, Ohkay Owingeh, and Nambe pueblos to help them repair watersheds that supply their drinking and agricultural water. The Forest Service postponed the Moya-Oso Project in the Santa Fe National Forest a collaborative project with New Mexico Game & Fish to reduce vegetation that could fuel… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-staff-to-hold-mobile-office-hours-in-shiprock | Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Shiprock | 2015-11-25 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Shiprock Wednesday, November 25, 2015 FARMINGTON, N.M. -In an ongoing effort to provide top-notch constituent service, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's (D-N.M.) staff will hold Mobile Office Hours in Shiprock on Thursday, December 3, 2015. Staff will be on hand to assist residents who have questions regarding Social Security benefits, Medicare, immigration, veterans benefits, student loans, and other federal programs. All are encouraged to attend. Constituents who are not able to attend Mobile Office Hours are encouraged to visit the Helping You section of Senator Heinrich's online office at www.Heinrich.Senate.Gov. Shiprock - Thursday, December 3, 2015 WHO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's Staff WHAT: Mobile Office Hours WHEN: From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. WHERE:John Pinto Library, Dine College South Campus, Room 155, Highway 64 N570 (behind City Market), Shiprock, N.M. 87420 QUESTIONS: Contact Senator Heinrich's Farmington Office at (505) 325-5030 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-staff-to-hold-mobile-office-hours-in-gallup-december-2-2015 | Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Gallup | 2015-11-24 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Heinrich Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Gallup Tuesday, November 24, 2015 FARMINGTON, N.M. -In an ongoing effort to provide top-notch constituent service, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's (D-N.M.) staff will hold Mobile Office Hours in Gallup on Wednesday, December 2, 2015. Staff will be on hand to assist residents who have questions regarding Social Security benefits, Medicare, immigration, veterans benefits, student loans, and other federal programs. All are encouraged to attend. Constituents who are not able to attend Mobile Office Hours are encouraged to visit the Helping You section of Senator Heinrich's online office at www.Heinrich.Senate.Gov. Gallup - Wednesday, December 2, 2015 WHO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's Staff WHAT: Mobile Office Hours WHEN: From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. WHERE: University of New Mexico Gallup Campus, Zollinger Library, 705 Gurley Avenue, Gallup, N.M. 87301 QUESTIONS: Contact Senator Heinrich's Farmington Office at (505) 325-5030 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2172 | MADD, Senator Udall, Sheriff Gonzales Remind New Mexicans to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over [press_release] | 2015-11-23 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | November 23, 2015 MADD, Senator Udall, Sheriff Gonzales Remind New Mexicans to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over DWI-related deaths spike from Thanksgiving through New Years; Event kicked off holiday anti-drunken driving campaign ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Today, Mothers Against Drunk Driving New Mexico (MADD) teamed up with U.S. Senator Tom Udall and Bernalillo County Sheriff Manny Gonzales to kick off the 2015 holiday season anti-drunken driving campaign. The holidays are a particularly deadly time of year on the roads, with DWI-related crashes and deaths spiking from Thanksgiving to New Year's. MADD, Udall and Gonzales are reminding New Mexicans to plan ahead this holiday season and designate a non-drinking driver to get them home safely from holiday festivities. More than 98 million Americans will hit the road this holiday season and nearly 28,000 will be seriously injured in car accidents. Alcohol consumption is a major reason for the increase in accidents. In New Mexico, 166 people were killed last year in crashes involving drunken drivers -- crashes that were 100 percent preventable. And already this year, 94 people have lost their lives due to drunken driving in New Mexico. "The holiday season is a time for celebration, unfortunately, we also see an increased risk in our communities for underage drinking and impaired driving," said Aisha Smith, Executive Director of MADD-NM. "The fatalities and injuries due to impaired driving, as well as underage drinking, peak during the months of November, December and January. Join Mothers Against Drunk Driving in preventing underage drinking and impaired driving so we can enjoy a safer holiday season." "The holidays are a joyous time, but Thanksgiving through New Year's is also one of the deadliest times for drunk driving accidents," Udall said. "That's why I'm teaming up with MADD and Sheriff Gonzales to make sure the message is loud and clear: If you drink, don't d… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2173 | Udall Statement on NM Unit Agreement [press_release] | 2015-11-23 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | November 23, 2015 Udall Statement on NM Unit Agreement WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on the Secretary of the Interior's decision to further evaluate the impacts and costs of any potential New Mexico Unit Agreement to the Central Arizona Project: "Today's decision means the Interior Department will move forward with a legally required process to establish a framework for federal participation to study the environmental cost of diverting water from the Gila River. The process sets high standards and additional requirements that will have to be met for any potential New Mexico Unit of the Central Arizona Project to move forward. "Based on everything I've seen so far, this project simply isn't financially realistic or environmentally wise. Given federal budget constraints, funding outside the Arizona Water Settlements Act is extremely unlikely. Further, many New Mexicans are rightly concerned about the extremely high cost of this project and the damage that it could do to our thriving tourism and sporting businesses. The Gila is the last free-flowing main-stem river in New Mexico - to sacrifice it to a project that the state can't afford and that might not ever yield enough water, would be irresponsible. Those millions of dollars would be better spent to rebuild roads, bridges and the crumbling water infrastructure in communities across our state. "Three years ago, I co-hosted New Mexico's Water Resources Research Institute's annual water conference to discuss our water challenges and brainstorm forward-thinking solutions. The conclusion reached by the experts and stakeholders who participated was that given the financial and environmental realities we face, we must address water scarcity primarily through flexible water-sharing arrangements and by advancing innovative ways to conserve water and eliminate waste. I appreciate why the state is examining its options under the Arizona Water Settlements Act but given the hu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-gila-river-water-project-framework | Heinrich Statement on Gila River Water Project Framework | 2015-11-23 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Heinrich Statement on Gila River Water Project Framework Monday, November 23, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. -U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, made the following statement today after the U.S. Department of the Interior signed an agreement with the New Mexico Central Arizona Project Entity (CAP Entity) that initiates a process to thoroughly evaluate the full range of proposed water management alternatives for the upper region of the Gila River and examine their impacts and costs. "Today's announcement sets out the framework for the evaluation of the Gila River Water Project and important related considerations, like the exorbitant cost to New Mexico taxpayers. With the Bureau's initial cost estimates hovering around $1 billion, and only around 10 percent of that available from federal coffers, understanding the financial realities of this potential project will be critical. I look forward to this evaluation. However, based on all the analysis to date, it is hard to imagine a dam or diversion project on the Gila River that is not irresponsibly expensive as well as destructive to other economic and resource values. In addition, serious engineering questions continue to dog this proposal. "The Gila is the last free-flowing river in the Southwest. Its natural hydrology and gallery riparian forests make it a unique, last of its kind gem that is important to sportsmen, farmers, and tourists alike. We owe New Mexico's taxpayers cost effective, science-based solutions if we are to manage our limited water supplies in this era of drought, climate change, and constrained budgets. Damming or diverting the Gila River simply does not meet that standard. I believe that now would be a good time for the state to put forward a more fiscally responsible alternative. "I encourage the public and all stakeholders to stay engaged on this issue and continue to share their opinions, concerns, and additional information with my office. " | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/madd-senator-udall-sheriff-gonzales-remind-new-mexicans-to-drive-sober-or-get-pulled-over | MADD, Senator Udall, Sheriff Gonzales Remind New Mexicans to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over | 2015-11-23 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | November 23, 2015 MADD, Senator Udall, Sheriff Gonzales Remind New Mexicans to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over DWI-related deaths spike from Thanksgiving through New Years; Event kicked off holiday anti-drunken driving campaign ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Today, Mothers Against Drunk Driving New Mexico (MADD) teamed up with U.S. Senator Tom Udall and Bernalillo County Sheriff Manny Gonzales to kick off the 2015 holiday season anti-drunken driving campaign. The holidays are a particularly deadly time of year on the roads, with DWI-related crashes and deaths spiking from Thanksgiving to New Year's. MADD, Udall and Gonzales are reminding New Mexicans to plan ahead this holiday season and designate a non-drinking driver to get them home safely from holiday festivities. More than 98 million Americans will hit the road this holiday season and nearly 28,000 will be seriously injured in car accidents. Alcohol consumption is a major reason for the increase in accidents. In New Mexico, 166 people were killed last year in crashes involving drunken drivers -- crashes that were 100 percent preventable. And already this year, 94 people have lost their lives due to drunken driving in New Mexico. "The holiday season is a time for celebration, unfortunately, we also see an increased risk in our communities for underage drinking and impaired driving," said Aisha Smith, Executive Director of MADD-NM. "The fatalities and injuries due to impaired driving, as well as underage drinking, peak during the months of November, December and January. Join Mothers Against Drunk Driving in preventing underage drinking and impaired driving so we can enjoy a safer holiday season." "The holidays are a joyous time, but Thanksgiving through New Year's is also one of the deadliest times for drunk driving accidents," Udall said. "That's why I'm teaming up with MADD and Sheriff Gonzales to make sure the message is loud and clear: If you drink, don't d… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-statement-on-nm-unit-agreement | Udall Statement on NM Unit Agreement | 2015-11-23 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | www.tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | November 23, 2015 Udall Statement on NM Unit Agreement WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on the Secretary of the Interior's decision to further evaluate the impacts and costs of any potential New Mexico Unit Agreement to the Central Arizona Project: "Today's decision means the Interior Department will move forward with a legally required process to establish a framework for federal participation to study the environmental cost of diverting water from the Gila River. The process sets high standards and additional requirements that will have to be met for any potential New Mexico Unit of the Central Arizona Project to move forward. "Based on everything I've seen so far, this project simply isn't financially realistic or environmentally wise. Given federal budget constraints, funding outside the Arizona Water Settlements Act is extremely unlikely. Further, many New Mexicans are rightly concerned about the extremely high cost of this project and the damage that it could do to our thriving tourism and sporting businesses. The Gila is the last free-flowing main-stem river in New Mexico - to sacrifice it to a project that the state can't afford and that might not ever yield enough water, would be irresponsible. Those millions of dollars would be better spent to rebuild roads, bridges and the crumbling water infrastructure in communities across our state. "Three years ago, I co-hosted New Mexico's Water Resources Research Institute's annual water conference to discuss our water challenges and brainstorm forward-thinking solutions. The conclusion reached by the experts and stakeholders who participated was that given the financial and environmental realities we face, we must address water scarcity primarily through flexible water-sharing arrangements and by advancing innovative ways to conserve water and eliminate waste. I appreciate why the state is examining its options under the Arizona Water Settlements Act but given the hu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2171 | Udall, Heinrich Applaud Decision To Begin Nonstop Flight Service Between Roswell And Phoenix [press_release] | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | NM | Tom Udall | U000039 | tomudall.senate.gov | legacy | November 19, 2015 Udall, Heinrich Applaud Decision To Begin Nonstop Flight Service Between Roswell And Phoenix WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich applauded the decision by American Airlines to begin daily, nonstop commercial flight service between Roswell International Air Center (RIAC) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Flights are set to begin in March of 2016. "Flights between Roswell and Phoenix will help make travel to and from Southeastern New Mexico more convenient, opening up business opportunities in the entire region that can create jobs and boost the economy," Udall said. "I'm proud to work to expand our transportation options and connect New Mexico communities to the rest of the nation." "The decision to establish direct flights between Roswell and Phoenix is great news for New Mexico's economy," Heinrich said. "Nonstop flights attract businesses and visitors alike, and will increase economic opportunities for Chaves County and the southeastern part of the state." Senators Udall and Heinrich are strong supporters of New Mexico's aviation industry, and have long supported the Roswell community's efforts to expand Roswell flight service. Last October, they announced a $450,000 federal grant for the City of Roswell to begin nonstop air travel service from RIAC to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. In June, they announced a $9 million award to RIAC to fund rehabilitation of 5,000 feet of Runway 03/21, to help maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and clear debris from the runway. Last September, the senators announced more than $14 million in grants to support air transportation in New Mexico. The grants, which were awarded to Alamogordo, Albuquerque, Lea County, Questa, Roswell, and the New Mexico Department of Transportation, were to fund repairs and maintenance, runway extensions, emissions reduction, and strategic planning. Print Email Tweet … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/in-the-news/carlsbad-current-argus-roswell-air-service-to-boost-economy | Carlsbad Current-Argus: Roswell air service to boost economy | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Carlsbad Current-Argus: Roswell air service to boost economy By: Sarah Matott Thursday, November 19, 2015 ROSWELL, N.M. Beginning in March 2016, American Airlines at the Roswell International Air Center will start daily, nonstop commercial flight service to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. On Wednesday, U.S. Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich applauded American Airlines' decision to begin daily flights between the two destinations in a news release. "Flights between Roswell and Phoenix will help make travel to and from Southeastern New Mexico more convenient, Udall said, saying it would open more business opportunities for the entire region, which in turn would help create jobs. "The decision to establish direct flights between Roswell and Phoenix is great news for New Mexico's economy," Heinrich said. "Nonstop flights attract businesses and visitors alike, and will increase economic opportunities for Chaves County and the southeastern part of the state." Jennifer Brady Griego, director of the Roswell International Air Center, said the new flight addition is a big deal not just for Roswell, but for the surrounding communities. "It provides all the surrounding communities with service to the west coast," Griego said. "We have been fortunate to have surrounding communities like Carlsbad, Artesia and Ruidoso support us." Griego said people can already start booking their flights. "Just peeking in on the bookings, some of the flights are already looking pretty good," she said. Griego said prices will vary depending on the day and when the reservation is booked. She also said that at least 40 connecting flights are possible now with the service to Phoenix. Udall and Heinrich, who have passed legislation to support the a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-leads-in-advancing-bipartisan-sportsmens-act | Heinrich Leads In Advancing Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | NM | Martin Heinrich | H001046 | www.heinrich.senate.gov | legacy | Heinrich Leads In Advancing Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act Hunters and anglers spend more than $613 million per year in New Mexico; Outdoor recreation is directly responsible for 68,000 jobs across the state Thursday, November 19, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's (D-N.M.) Sportsmen's Act of 2015 cleared the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources today with bipartisan support. Senator Heinrich introduced the bill in February with Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). The Sportsmen's Act includes the text of Senator Heinrich's Hunt Unrestricted on National Treasures (HUNT) Act to improve access to public lands where hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation are permitted. Additional measures Senator Heinrich championed for New Mexico include reauthorizing the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act (FLTFA), and giving small media groups and individuals easier access to film and photograph on public lands. "The Sportsmen's Act has been a long time in the making, and I'm proud to lead this bipartisan effort with Senator Murkowski. Hunting and fishing are an integral part of our American heritage, but without our public lands, that tradition will be lost. This bill will make sure our kids and grandkids will be catching trout and chasing mule deer on our public lands for many years to come,"said Sen. Heinrich."Hunters and anglers alone spend more than $613 million per year in New Mexico, and outdoor recreation as a whole is directly responsible for 68,000 jobs in our state. The Sportsmen's Act will enhance opportunities for outdoor recreation, reauthorize key conservation programs, improve access to our public lands, and boost our economy." The Sportsmen's Act has 24 cosponsors, including 10 members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Original cosponsors include U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Joe Manchin (D-… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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