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Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press

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977 rows where state = "NM" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending

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  • House 232

year 1

  • 2025 · 977 ✖

state 1

  • NM · 977 ✖

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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
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/trumps-assault-on-wind-energy-leaves-permitting-reform-dead-in-the-water Trump’s Assault on Wind Energy Leaves Permitting Reform Dead in the Water 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW), issued the following statement after the Trump Administration stopped five offshore wind farms that were under construction—adding to the growing number of onshore solar and wind energy projects that are still waiting for approval from the Department of Interior—preventing the delivery of affordable, reliable energy to tens of millions of Americans: “We want to thank Chairs Capito and Lee for their good-faith efforts to negotiate a permitting reform bill that would have lowered electricity prices for all Americans. There was a deal to be had that would have taken politics out of permitting, made the process faster and more efficient, and streamlined grid infrastructure improvements nationwide.” “But any deal would have to be administered by the Trump Administration. Its reckless and vindictive assault on wind energy doesn’t just undermine one of our cheapest, cleanest power sources, it wrecks the trust needed with the executive branch for bipartisan permitting reform. By sabotaging U.S. energy innovation and killing American jobs, the Trump Administration has made clear that it is not interested in permitting reform. It will own the higher electricity prices, increasingly decrepit infrastructure, and loss of competitiveness that result from its reckless policies.” “The illegal attacks on fully permitted renewable energy projects must be reversed if there is to be any chance that permitting talks resume. There is no path to permitting reform if this administration refuses to follow the law.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/2025-review-rep-vasquez-delivered-big-bipartisan-wins-new-mexico 2025 in Review: Rep. Vasquez Delivered Big, Bipartisan Wins for New Mexico 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat House NM Gabe Vasquez V000136 vasquez.house.gov vasquez https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a year marked by partisan gridlock and politics, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) managed to put common sense over D.C. dysfunction to deliver big, bipartisan wins for New Mexicans. In 2025, seven of Rep. Vasquez’s bipartisan bills were signed into law by President Trump, including: Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act – boosts resources for aerial wildfire suppression to better combat the year-round threat of catastrophic wildfires Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act – restores $9 million in annual federal support for rural New Mexico counties to fund essential infrastructure like roads and schools TRICARE Travel Improvement Act – expands access to medical travel reimbursement for military families by lowering the mileage threshold under TRICARE Prime to 75 miles, helping families stationed at White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base who routinely drive up to 95 miles each way for care Wolf and Livestock Fairness Act – ensures ranchers are made whole when wolves kill their livestock by raising federal reimbursement from 75% to 100% Downwinder Commemoration Act– directs the Department of Defense to establish permanent memorials at White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base honoring New Mexican Downwinders impacted by the 1945 Trinity Test COUNTERAct – combats national security risks posed by unidentified drones by bolstering military base commanders’ counter-drone authorities Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act – allows schools to serve whole milk to ensure that students receive the many health benefits and nutrients whole milk provides to young Americans In addition to fighting to pass the above pieces of practical, bipartisan legislation, Rep. Vasquez remained laser-focused on protecting his constituents from extreme Republican plans to jack up the price of health care and other essentials like food and utilities. He also introduced legislation to protect New Mexican renters from being priced out of their homes by greedy, corporate landlords. “From… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-statement-speed-act-vote Rep. Gabe Vasquez Statement on SPEED Act Vote 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat House NM Gabe Vasquez V000136 vasquez.house.gov vasquez https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – On December 18, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) released the following statement on his vote on the SPEED Act: “I strongly believe in an all-of-the-above energy approach. Southeast New Mexico is blessed with an abundance of natural energy resources, and I will always support smart energy policies that cut red tape and ensure our district remains an American energy powerhouse.” “Our energy producers have made it clear that to unleash our district’s full energy production potential, something must be done to slash costly regulatory delays, ease onerous permitting processes, and boost certainty for projects across the energy spectrum. Unfortunately, the SPEED Act goes too far and fails to deliver the permitting predictability New Mexico’s energy producers need across all energy sources.” Rep. Vasquez engaged in bipartisan, good faith negotiations to improve the SPEED Act, including leading a letter to House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman urging changes to the bill to make the permitting process more efficient and reduce energy costs for New Mexicans. However, the final bill failed to include provisions that would treat all energy sectors equally regardless of the political party in power, protect meaningful consultation with local and Tribal leaders, and increase certainty for American investments. “Over the past decade, we’ve seen how shifting policies from one administration to the next lead to stalled energy projects and make long-term planning impossible, and we cannot afford to leave our energy producers exposed to this political pendulum. That’s why I’m proud to be leading the CERTAIN Act, a bipartisan solution that protects the permitting process for all types of energy projects from undue political interference.” Congressman Vasquez is a strong advocate for smart energy policies that support New Mexico’s economy, prioritize domestic energy production to meet growing demand, lower electricity bills, and support the men and women who work every day t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-issues-statement-on-trump-administration-breaking-the-law-by-refusing-to-release-complete-epstein-files Heinrich Issues Statement on Trump Administration Breaking the Law by Refusing to Release Complete Epstein Files 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that President Trump’s Department of Justice would only release a portion of the Epstein files today, in direct violation of federal law: “The law could not have been clearer: President Trump’s Department of Justice had 30 days to release ALL the files. Presumably, President Trump signed the bill into law himself, so he should know that... “But let’s not forget — President Trump has always had the power to release these files on his own. Ignoring the law now isn’t confusion or delay. It’s a deliberate attempt to bury the truth and protect the pedophiles who exploited and abused young girls. “The American people deserve transparency. Survivors deserve justice. President Trump: Release all the files. Now.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-releases-new-fact-sheet-on-rising-electric-bills-on-trumps-watch Heinrich Releases New Fact Sheet on Rising Electric Bills on Trump’s Watch 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released a new fact sheet that details how President Trump’s actions are gutting the energy sector and hiking up costs for families across the country. Since President Trump took office, household electricity bills have gone up 13%, with consumers soon to face a total of $85.8 billion in proposed or approved cost increases. Additionally, the Trump Administration has stalled the permits of more than 500 clean energy projects, rolled back tax credits that are helping families save money, taxed critical metals that are the backbone of the electric grid, and forced rate payers to bear the cost of keeping fossil fuel plants online past their retirement dates, exacerbating the nation’s energy affordability crisis. Data Source: Monthly Form EIA-861M (formerly EIA-826) detailed data - Revenue, sales, customer counts, and retail price by state and sector (https://www.eia.gov/electricity/data/eia861m/xls/sales_revenue.xlsx) “Right now, Americans are facing an energy affordability crisis – electric bills are skyrocketing for families, and we’re not getting enough energy on our grid to meet the increasing demand from communities and data centers,” said Heinrich. “Donald Trump’s actions are single-handedly making this crisis worse. If we’re serious about lowering utility costs for working families, Donald Trump and his agencies need to stop sitting on routine approvals that are stalling projects across America and preventing them from bringing additional supply onto the grid.” Read the factsheet here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-during-committee-markup-heinrich-spotlights-need-to-pass-his-bipartisan-legislation-to-complete-continental-divide-trail ICYMI: During Committee Markup, Heinrich Spotlights Need to Pass His Bipartisan Legislation to Complete Continental Divide Trail 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — In his opening statement at a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee business meeting to examine pending legislation, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), the Committee’s Ranking Member, emphasized the need to pass legislation to improve New Mexicans’ access to their public lands, including his bipartisan Continental Divide Completion Act, which would complete the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail to better maintain the trail’s purpose while ensuring a safer more enjoyable journey for hikers. In addition to the Continental Divide Completion Act, Heinrich also highlighted the need to pass U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján's (D-N.M.) New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act to improve coordination of New Mexico land grants and public land agencies, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet’s (D-Colo.) Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act, which protects the Dolores River in Colorado by establishing a National Conservation Area and Special Management Area in the public land surrounding the river, and U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis’ (R-Wyo.) Wyoming Education Trust Modernization Act, which allows Wyoming greater flexibility on how to manage revenue from their state land. VIDEO: Ranking Member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) delivers opening remarks during a Committee business meeting, December 17th, 2025. “The CDT is not just for through-hikers; for many New Mexicans, the CDT is their local trail. The trail where they walk their dog or spend time with their families. And the problem has been that there are still many gaps in the trail, where hikers have to literally hike on roads, even highway shoulders to connect from one segment to the next,” noted Heinrich. “The Continental Divide Completion Act, which we will consider today, would direct the land management agencies to work with trail users and local communities to fill in the gaps and complete this trail,” continued Heinrich. “I want to thank Senator Daines for partne… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-applauds-committee-passage-of-legislation-toprovide-greater-cooperation-between-the-federal-government-and-land-grant-communities/ Luján Applauds Committee Passage of Legislation to Provide Greater Cooperation between the Federal Government and Land Grant Communities 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) applauded the passage of the New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act in the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. This legislation will provide greater cooperation between the federal government and land grant communities. There are 27 community land grant-mercedes that are recognized as political subdivisions under New Mexico law. “I’m proud that my legislation to strengthen cooperation between the federal government and land grant communities, which are an essential part of New Mexico’s history and culture, has passed through committee and is one step closer to becoming law. These communities have cared for our land for generations, and preserving that connection is crucial for our land and cultural heritage,” said Senator Luján, member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. “This legislation ensures that the federal government considers historical traditional uses in federal land management planning, helping to protect these valuable traditions for future generations.” “Land grant communities represent farmers and ranchers, families, and elders. They care for and sustain our lands,” said Rep. Leger Fernández, House lead of the legislation.“The New Mexico Land Grant Council’s work to advocate for their communities is a perfect example of the beauty of democracy in action. We’re happy to see that the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee took action on this bill today. We will continue to work towards passage to improve cooperation and communication between federal agencies and our land grant communities to make sure these communities can access lands for the historical and traditional uses they have been practicing for centuries.” The New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act: Directs the United States Department of the Interior (DOI) and Department of Agriculture (USDA), through a memorandum of u… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-fighting-for-new-mexicans-in-2025/ Luján: Fighting for New Mexicans in 2025 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Luján Saved Over $7.4 Million for New Mexicans, Closed 1,204 Constituent Cases in 2025 VIDEO: A Message From Senator Luján to New Mexicans Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) highlighted legislative victories, constituent services successes, and efforts to push back against extreme policies that hurt New Mexicans in 2025. “It is an honor and a privilege to represent New Mexico every day in the United States Senate,” said Senator Luján. “From securing an extension of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, to delivering more than $200 million for projects across New Mexico, I am proud to have delivered real results for New Mexicans in 2025 – even as the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans have continued to advance policies that harm our state. This year, we have seen this administration hurt New Mexico’s farmers, ranchers, small business owners, veterans, and families trying to make ends meet. I will continue fighting to defend New Mexicans from these extreme policies, mass firings, and deep cuts that unravel the fabric of our communities.” “Providing the best constituent services for New Mexicans has always been a top priority for my office, and I am extremely proud of the work that we accomplished for my constituents this year,” continued Senator Luján. “As always, I encourage New Mexicans to reach out to my office for assistance whenever they need help.” Hosting Town Halls Across New Mexico In 2025, Senator Luján held four in-person town halls across New Mexico to hear directly from hundreds of constituents and engage in conversations regarding issues impacting New Mexicans. During the town halls, Senator Luján highlighted his work on behalf of New Mexicans and took questions from community members on their concerns. Spotlight Forums Senator Luján led two Senate Spotlight Forums, events where he brought together Senate colleagues and industry experts to bring attention to policies implemented by the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans that are hur… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-statement-on-trump-administrations-failure-to-release-all-epstein-files/ Luján Statement on Trump Administration’s Failure to Release All Epstein Files 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after the Department of Justice refused to release the full Epstein files: “Today is the deadline for the Trump administration and the Department of Justice to release all of the documents related to the Epstein files. The DOJ was given sufficient time to properly review and redact information pertaining to the privacy of the victims in order to make the files available to the public and to brief Congress. “President Trump’s failure to release the full report only impedes long-awaited justice for Epstein’s victims and further implicates this administration in a cover-up. This administration must follow the law and release all of the files immediately.” Senators Luján and Merkley introduced the Epstein Files Transparency Act earlier this year to ensure full transparency for the American people, accountability for those involved with Epstein, and justice for victims. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/n-m-delegation-calls-on-trump-administration-to-support-states-application-for-federal-rural-health-transformation-program-funding/ N.M. Delegation Calls on Trump Administration to Support State’s Application for Federal Rural Health Transformation Program Funding 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), along with U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz in support of New Mexico’s Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program application. The RHT program was established following the passage of the Republican Budget Betrayal, which is estimated to cut $137 billion in funding for rural hospitals across the country. In their letter, the New Mexico delegation stresses the urgent need for federal support to meet New Mexico’s rural health needs. Following cuts made to rural health care in the Republican Budget Betrayal, 6 to 8 rural hospitals are at risk of closure in New Mexico in the next 18 months, with a potential of up to 15 closures. “We write to express our enthusiastic support for New Mexico’s Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program application. As members of New Mexico’s congressional delegation, we are proud to endorse our state’s ambitious plan to improve health care access, quality, and sustainability across New Mexico’s rural, frontier, and Tribal communities,” said the lawmakers. “New Mexico’s geography and demographics present unique challenges that our RHT program application will help us to address. Nearly one-third of our residents live in rural areas, and many face long travel distances to receive health care services and have limited provider availability in their immediate communities,” continued the lawmakers. “Our state’s rural health transformation plan is also actionable, designed to deliver both immediate and long-term benefits to our rural providers and community members,” concluded the lawmakers. The full text of the letter is available here and below: Dear Administrator Oz, We write to express our enthusiastic support for New Mexico’s Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program application. As members of New Mexico’s congressional del… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/albuquerque-journal-congressional-proposal-would-transfer-more-land-to-fast-growing-indian-pueblo-cultural-center-campus Albuquerque Journal: Congressional proposal would transfer more land to fast-growing Indian Pueblo Cultural Center campus 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper A fast-growing area of Albuquerque would get another boost from federal legislation that would transfer the nearly 10 acres that were part of the former Albuquerque Indian School to a trust run by the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. The transfer would be for the benefit of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, which is run jointly by the 19 pueblos of New Mexico. U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich sponsored the legislation, while U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján is a co-sponsor. Luján is a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. On the House side, U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury is supporting the legislation. All are New Mexico Democrats. “My legislation expands on decades of bipartisan work to put the former Albuquerque Indian School campus and surrounding tracts of land in to trust for the 19 Pueblos in New Mexico,” Heinrich said in a statement. “This land, in particular, will be used by the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to scale Native-owned businesses, create jobs, and expand business services for local and Native-owned businesses – an economic win for everyone.” “Our 19 Pueblos of New Mexico have come together to create a place in the heart of Albuquerque where Pueblo culture is celebrated and uplifted while creating pathways for progress,” Indian Pueblo Cultural Center President and CEO Monique Fragua said in a statement. “This congressional action to transfer federal land honors our mission and empowers us to expand economic opportunities and cultural initiatives. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sen. Heinrich and his team for their unwavering commitment to this cause and to the future of Pueblo people.” The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center campus includes 80 acres of land in Albuquerque, which includes a museum and gallery space. The campus is located in a cultural and business district, which is also owned and operated by the Pueblos. This includes the Indian Pueblo Kitchen, an entrepreneurial complex, the Four Winds convenience store, commercial retail and restaurant lease space, multiple hotels and more. “The Alb… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/nm-delegation-condemns-trumps-plan-to-cut-veterans-health-administration-positions N.M. Delegation Condemns Trump’s Plan to Cut Veterans Health Administration Positions 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) released the following statement condemning the Trump Administration’s announced plan to eliminate tens of thousands of positions within the Veterans Health Administration, which could include positions at the Raymond G. Murphy U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Albuquerque and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in New Mexico. “New Mexico veterans answered the call to serve our country and defend our freedoms. We owe it to these men and women to honor their sacrifice and ensure they have access to the care they have earned. The VA must be held accountable for plans to cut their essential workforce and for President Trump’s pattern of disrespecting our veterans by further delaying their care and benefits. “This is just another step toward the Trump Administration’s goal of privatizing the VA. Let’s be clear: New Mexico veterans do not want a private VA. They want a better VA that is their own. We will fight like hell to protect their VA and ensure these heroes receive the health care they were promised.” The VA has already lost more than 30,000 employees this year and Trump’s newest plan to eliminate tens of thousands more jobs will only exacerbate staffing shortages due to mass firings, hiring freezes, and contract cancellations earlier this year. Eliminating vacant positions will only make it even harder for VA to meet increased demand for services as more than one million veterans enrolled as a result of the expanded eligibility under the PACT Act for toxic exposure, as well as urgently needed mental health care resources aimed at reducing the veteran suicide rate. While the VA has not announced how many positions will be cut from New Mexico, the plan would shrink the VA’s essenti… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-fischer-lead-colleagues-to-preserve-states-ability-to-use-broadband-infrastructure-funds-as-congress-intended/ Luján, Fischer Lead Colleagues to Preserve States’ Ability to Use Broadband Infrastructure Funds as Congress Intended 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Chair of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, sent a letter to Arielle Roth, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), urging the administration to preserve states’ ability to use their non-deployment Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program funds consistent with congressional intent and the bipartisan infrastructure law. Luján and Fischer’s letter also requests NTIA to provide a public accounting of unspent BEAD funds for each state, clarification of NTIA’s current interpretation of allowable “non-deployment” uses, and a timetable for revised guidance on non-deployment funds. The lawmakers write: “We write to request the agency’s attention to a major question emerging within the BEAD Program. Under the latest BEAD Notice of Funding Opportunity, many states likely will — or already do — have leftover BEAD allocations. Given the intent of Congress that these resources be used to expand broadband access nationwide, we respectfully seek clarity on how NTIA will ensure proper stewardship and redistribution of non-deployment funds to close the digital divide.” In addition to Senators Luján and Fischer, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Moran (R-KS), Cantwell (D-WA), Risch (R-ID), Rosen (D-NV), Crapo (R-ID), Shaheen (D-NH), Sullivan (R-AK), Markey (D-MA), Murkowski (R-AK), Baldwin (D-WI), Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Klobuchar (D-MN). Full text of the letter is here and below. Dear Administrator Roth, We write to request the agency’s attention to a major question emerging within the BEAD Program. Under the latest BEAD Notice of Funding Opportunity, many states likely will — or already do — have leftover BEAD allocations. Given the intent of Congress that these resources be used to expand broadband access na… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-reintroduces-legislation-to-increase-multilingual-content-moderation-enforcement-and-transparency/ Luján Reintroduces Legislation to Increase Multilingual Content Moderation Enforcement and Transparency 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, led U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Ron Wyden (D-Oreg.) in introducing the Language-Inclusive Support and Transparency for Online Services (LISTOS) Act to improve multilingual large language models, automated decision-making systems, and content moderation practices online to better protect non-English speaking communities. The LISTOS Act requires online platforms to consistently communicate and enforce their policies across languages and transparently report on the processes used to enforce policies. “Despite having a global user base that speaks multiple languages, tech platforms do not make adequate investments in protecting families who speak Spanish and other non-English languages online,” said Senator Luján. “I’m proud to reintroduce the LISTOS Act to require platforms to provide more transparency of multilingual AI models and staff used to moderate content, and enforce their policies consistently across languages.” “The LISTOS ACT ensures inclusive access to AI and equitable online safety for non-English language communities who are currently underserved by major social media companies,” said Senator Padilla. “Investing in multilingual access to information and services will improve online communication and propel innovation while helping to bridge the gap between English and non-English speakers.” “Many non-English speaking communities are being left out of online safety measures, as protections and filters that would apply to content in English, are neglected for other languages, putting many online users at a higher risk of disinformation, scams, and fraud,” said Senator Hirono. “I am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this legislation to ensure that online platforms are consistent across languages, accessible to non-English speaking communities, and help to protect users against fraud attempts, reg… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-schiff-colleagues-blast-fcc-efforts-to-strip-broadband-price-transparency-labels-for-consumers-demand-reversal/ Luján, Schiff, Colleagues Blast FCC Efforts to Strip Broadband Price Transparency Labels for Consumers, Demand Reversal 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) led six senators to urge Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr to reverse the agency’s decision to weaken broadband label rules that help consumers understand the type of broadband services they are buying before committing to a provider. In a letter to Chairman Carr, the Senators expressed strong opposition to the FCC’s proposed rulemaking that would scale back key broadband consumer label requirements adopted unanimously in 2022. Congress gave the Commission explicit instructions in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to create these labels. “The broadband label framework was designed to work like nutrition labels, giving consumers a clear, consistent way to understand what services they are buying before they commit. After years of development and a bipartisan vote to implement these protections, we are now at the point where providers have integrated these labels into their systems and consumers are beginning to rely on them. This is not the moment to reverse course,” the Senators wrote. “The entire purpose of the broadband label is to show consumers the real, total cost of service so that they can make informed choices. Allowing providers to bundle these fees into vague line items recreates exactly the kind of billing opaqueness that Congress sought to end. Families need to see what they are being charged and why,” the Senators continued. Under the FCC’s proposal, internet service providers would be allowed to take actions such as bundling optional fees instead of listing them clearly and removing labels from customer account portals which consumers often use to compare and review their service terms. The proposal could also allow providers to not display labels in the same languages used to advertise their plans. In addition to Senators Luján and Schiff, this letter is also signed by Sena… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/n-m-delegation-condemns-trumps-plan-to-cut-veterans-health-administration-positions/ N.M. Delegation Condemns Trump’s Plan to Cut Veterans Health Administration Positions 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) released the following statement condemning the Trump Administration’s announced plan to eliminate tens of thousands of positions within the Veterans Health Administration, which could include positions at the Raymond G. Murphy U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Albuquerque and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in New Mexico. “New Mexico veterans answered the call to serve our country and defend our freedoms. We owe it to these men and women to honor their sacrifice and ensure they have access to the care they have earned. The VA must be held accountable for plans to cut their essential workforce and for President Trump’s pattern of disrespecting our veterans by further delaying their care and benefits. “This is just another step toward the Trump Administration’s goal of privatizing the VA. Let’s be clear: New Mexico veterans do not want a private VA. They want a better VA that is their own. We will fight like hell to protect their VA and ensure these heroes receive the health care they were promised.” The VA has already lost more than 30,000 employees this year and Trump’s newest plan to eliminate tens of thousands more jobs will only exacerbate staffing shortages due to mass firings, hiring freezes, and contract cancellations earlier this year. Eliminating vacant positions will only make it even harder for VA to meet increased demand for services as more than one million veterans enrolled as a result of the expanded eligibility under the PACT Act for toxic exposure, as well as urgently needed mental health care resources aimed at reducing the veteran suicide rate. While the VA has not announced how many positions will be cut from New Mexico, the plan would shrink the VA’s essenti… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-statement-venezuela-blockade Rep. Gabe Vasquez Statement on Venezuela Blockade 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House NM Gabe Vasquez V000136 vasquez.house.gov vasquez https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – On December 17, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) released the following statement in response to the administration’s blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. “This Administration is actively eroding the most basic Constitutional checks and balances for the use of military force, and it’s gravely concerning. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I stand by the Constitution and by our troops — we must follow the law and rules of engagement.” “Declaring war on a foreign government and sending American servicemembers into harm’s way is a solemn decision, and our Founding Fathers made it clear — only Congress has the power to declare war. The Administration owes it to the American people to respect the Constitution and provide evidence and transparency around what it is really doing with our taxpayer dollars in the Caribbean and Venezuela.” “The last thing Americans want is another drawn-out conflict in a faraway place that does nothing to make their lives better. I’m from our southern border, so I firmly believe we must be doing everything we can to combat bad actors and cartels smuggling drugs into our country. That means investing in smart border technology and supporting our law enforcement officers, not pouring our resources into a conflict with a weak nation, which won’t solve the fentanyl crisis here at home.” “Escalating hostilities in Venezuela will drive up energy prices for Americans and funnel taxpayer money away from things that actually matter here at home. My constituents are worried about the price of groceries and making rent on time, yet the Administration chooses to focus on starting new conquests overseas — it’s wrong, and we must refocus.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-lujan-applaud-senate-passage-of-legislation-to-amend-water-rights-settlements-and-return-earned-interest-to-tribes Heinrich, Luján Applaud Senate Passage of Legislation to Amend Water Rights Settlements and Return Earned Interest to Tribes 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, applauded the Senate passage of the Technical Corrections to the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act, Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, and Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act that authorizes the release of $18.312 million in water settlement interest funds to New Mexico Tribes to support water development projects. The legislation is co-led by Luján and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.). Alongside Heinrich, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.). Specifically, the legislation authorizes the appropriation of $6.3 million for the Navajo Nation Water Resources Development Fund; $7.8 million for the Taos Pueblo Water Development Fund; and $4.3 million for the Aamodt Settlement Pueblos’ Fund, which covers Nambé, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, and Tesuque Pueblos. The bill provides a technical fix so Tribes can access interest payments they are owed on their trust funds. The additional interest funding will support water resources development projects for the affected Tribes. “I’m proud the Senate passed our legislation, acknowledging the Federal government’s continued role in ensuring these Tribes have the necessary resources to use the water they own,” said Heinrich. “The amendments to these settlements will also ensure water security for many communities in northwest New Mexico. I urge the House to quickly take up and pass these bills to help New Mexico communities modernize and secure their water infrastructure.” “Water is a fundamental part of the federal trust responsibility,” said Luján. “Amending current law is vital to ensure the Navajo Nation, Taos Pueblo, and Aamodt Settlement Pueblos have access to clean, safe, and reliable water resources. I’m proud to have led the charge to get this legislation through the Senate, and to push for impacted Tribes to collect the interest owed to support critical wate… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-secures-wins-for-nm-service-members-military-installations-and-national-labs-in-fy2026-national-defense-bill Heinrich Secures Wins for N.M. Service Members, Military Installations, & National Labs in FY2026 National Defense Bill 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper NDAA includes Heinrich’s bills to reimburse service members and their families for medical travel and to honor New Mexico Downwinders WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) welcomed final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). The legislation includes major wins that Heinrich secured, including investments in New Mexico’s service members, military installations, national labs, job-creating initiatives throughout the state, and two specific Heinrich-led bills. “This bipartisan defense bill includes important provisions to support our service members, invest in New Mexico’s military installations, strengthen our national labs, and accelerate critical environmental clean-up work in New Mexico. It also includes my legislation to ensure military families stationed at White Sands Missile Range, Holloman Air Force Base, and rural bases across the U.S. are reimbursed for medical travel under TRICARE Prime,” said Heinrich. “I’m proud that this legislation also further cements New Mexico’s leadership on emerging defense and space capabilities, includes my Downwinder Commemoration Act and International Nuclear Energy Act, and builds on important cybersecurity provisions that grew out of my work in the Bipartisan Senate AI Working Group. This bill will help make New Mexico and our country stronger and safer.” Heinrich successfully included within the FY26 NDAA his TRICARE Travel Improvement Act to ensure active-duty service members and their families can be reimbursed when they travel for medical care. Currently, families stationed at White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base travel nearly 100 miles to El Paso, Texas, for specialist medical care, but are denied reimbursement because they are just under the 100-mile threshold. Heinrich’s TRICARE Travel Improvement Act will ensure fairness for military families serving in remote areas by lowering the travel reimbursement threshold under TRICARE Prime from 100 miles to 75 miles for military families. Hei… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-sheehy-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-to-reduce-deadly-roadway-collisions-and-expand-wildlife-migration-crossings Heinrich, Sheehy Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Reduce Deadly Roadway Collisions & Expand Wildlife Migration Crossings 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the Wildlife Road Crossings Program Reauthorization Act, bipartisan legislation to make permanent the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Wildlife Crossings Program and authorize funding for the program through 2031. U.S. Representatives Ryan Zinke (R-Mont) and Don Beyer (D-Va.) introduced companion legislation in the House. The Wildlife Crossings Program is a competitive grant program established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation Heinrich championed into law, to address dangerous wildlife-vehicle collisions by supporting wildlife crossing projects that save lives by reducing collisions, protect migration corridors, and improve habitat connectivity. “Building wildlife crossings is about saving lives and reducing the risk of dangerous vehicle collisions in New Mexico and across the country. I’m proud to have established the first-of-its-kind $350 million Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program in the Infrastructure Law, and to now lead the bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Program's funding and make it permanent,” said Heinrich. “I call on my Senate colleagues to pass this bill to keep people safe on the road — while also protecting big-game migration corridors and letting wildlife safely move within their ranges.” “Montanans know better than anyone the danger of running into wildlife on the road as we’re traveling the state. I’m proud to support this bipartisan, commonsense bill to invest in making our roads safer, protecting wildlife, and helping better connect communities in rural Montana and across the West,” said Sheehy. “The wildlife crossings program created by Congress in 2021 has proven to be one of the most effective, popular, and bipartisan actions Congress has taken on wildlife in recent decades. It has delivered real results on the ground by saving lives, creating jobs, improving outdoor recreation, and maintaining magnificent wildlife migrations. We are glad so many Senators from both parti… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-convenes-experts-to-create-roadmap-for-native-maternal-health-solutions/ Luján Convenes Experts to Create Roadmap for Native Maternal Health Solutions 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Most American Indian/Alaska Native Pregnancy-Related Deaths Were Deemed Preventable Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, convened more than 55 American Indian, Alaska Native (AI/AN), and Native Hawaiian (NH) maternal health experts and organizations to create a landmark set of five reports outlining the current state of Native maternal health. The five reports synthesize national findings on maternal mortality, workforce equity, access to health care services, data sovereignty, and funding inequities. AI/AN people face pregnancy-related mortality ratios two to three times higher than non-Hispanic White counterparts, and Native Hawaiian mortality remains similarly elevated. The reports underscore that today’s disparities are the result of generations of harmful federal Indian policies, underfunding of the Indian Health Service (IHS) and Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs), and ongoing barriers to culturally-based, accessible maternal health care. “For far too long, Native families have had to be subjected to a maternal health system that was never built for them. These reports offer a roadmap that is based on data sovereignty, community-led care, and sustained federal investment and support,” said Senator Luján. “I am proud of the work these experts from across the country have led to identify solutions to the unacceptable and preventable disparities in Native maternal health outcomes. I look forward to seeing many of these solutions put to work and to making things better for Native mothers and care facilities.” “One hundred percent of maternal deaths among American Indian and Alaska Native women were found to be preventable. We know exactly where the system is failing—now we need the courage and commitment to fix it. Native Hawaiian women face some of the highest rates of hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, and cardiometabolic complications in the nation—yet their risks remain masked by aggregated reporting. Disaggregation is not optional; … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-heinrich-applaud-senate-passage-of-legislation-to-amend-water-rights-settlements-and-return-earned-interest-to-tribes/ Luján, Heinrich Applaud Senate Passage of Legislation to Amend Water Rights Settlements and Return Earned Interest to Tribes 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, and U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) applauded Senate passage of the Technical Corrections to the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act, Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, and Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act, legislation led by Senator Luján that authorizes the release of $18.312 million in water settlement interest funds to New Mexico Tribes to support water development projects. Specifically, the bill authorizes the appropriation of $6.3 million for the Navajo Nation Water Resources Development Fund; $7.8 million for the Taos Pueblo Water Development Fund; and $4.3 million for the Aamodt Settlement Pueblos’ Fund, which covers Nambé, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, and Tesuque Pueblos. The bill provides a technical fix so Tribes can access interest payments they are owed on their trust funds. The additional interest funding will support water resources development projects for the affected Tribes. The bill is led by Senator Luján and Representative Leger Fernández. Senator Heinrich and Representative Stansbury are original cosponsors. “Water is a fundamental part of the federal trust responsibility,” said Senator Luján. “Amending current law is vital to ensure the Navajo Nation, Taos Pueblo, and Aamodt Settlement Pueblos have access to clean, safe, and reliable water resources. I’m proud to have led the charge to get this legislation through the Senate, and to push for impacted Tribes to collect the interest owed to support critical water infrastructure projects. Getting this legislation through the Senate is a vital step and we must continue to honor our trust responsibility and promote water security for Tribes and Pueblos, as well as non-Tribal users, in New Mexico.” “I’m proud the Senate passed our legislation, acknowledging the Federal government’s continued role in ensuring these Tribes have the necessary resources to use the water they own,” said Senator Heinrich. “The amendme… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-joins-leader-schumer-and-senate-democrats-to-unveil-new-initiative-to-lower-costs-as-trump-and-republicans-continue-to-burden-americans-with-tariffs-unstable-economy-and-skyrocketing-prices/ Luján Joins Leader Schumer and Senate Democrats to Unveil New Initiative to Lower Costs as Trump and Republicans Continue to Burden Americans with Tariffs, Unstable Economy, and Skyrocketing Prices 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Democrats to unveil a new forward-looking Democratic initiative to lower costs. Since taking office, President Trump—abetted by the Republicans in Congress—has plagued American families with higher costs. From slashing health care, housing, and food assistance to hiking prices with indiscriminate tariffs to handing new tax breaks to special interests and corporations, Republicans have tanked the economy and sent costs skyrocketing while prioritizing their billionaire donors over American families. Despite his lofty campaign promises, it is clear – Trump and Republicans are raising costs, catering to the wealthy and well-connected, and leaving American families behind. The American people know from utilities to housing to health care, this economy isn’t working for middle-class families. Rather than “starting on day one [to] end inflation and make America affordable again,” Republicans have relentlessly pursued an agenda that has raised prices for families and businesses. “President Trump promised to lower costs on day one, but prices for food and groceries continue to climb under his administration,” said Senator Luján. “President Trump might think the affordability crisis is a hoax, but the data shows, and hardworking families know the real story. Senate Democrats will continue to push back against harmful Republican policies and fight for an economy that works for American families, not just the wealthy.” “Quite simply – the Republicans are leaving the American people behind. Now, families are left with high prices, inflation, and an erratic economy,” said Leader Schumer. “The first year of Trump’s administration has been nothing more than broken promises and handouts to corporations and the ultra-wealthy, while families pay the price. Their incompetence and malice demands a new vision for our country, one that actually focuses on the folks in the middle, not those at the top. Trump c… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-questioning-exposes-that-fcc-is-no-longer-an-independent-agency/ Luján Questioning Exposes that FCC is no Longer an Independent Agency 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper FCC Chairman Carr in Response to Senator Luján’s Questioning: “The FCC is not an Independent Agency” FCC Edits Website Minutes After Questioning to Strip Word “Independent” Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, pressed Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing regarding the independence of the FCC. In Senator Luján’s questioning, he pressed FCC Chairman Carr on the independence of the FCC and displayed images of the FCC’s own website, which minutes prior to the hearing, stated in its mission statement that the FCC is “[a]n independent U.S. government agency.” In response to Senator Luján, Chairman Carr contradicted previous testimony he has given and the FCC’s own mission statement by stating that the FCC is not an independent agency. Minutes after Senator Luján’s questioning, the FCC edited its own website to remove the word “independent.” “Today’s hearing made clear to the American people that Chairman Brendan Carr has weaponized the FCC on behalf of President Trump. Just this morning, the FCC’s own website correctly stated that it was an independent agency. In 2022, before Congress, Chairman Carr himself testified that the FCC was ‘an independent, expert agency.’ However, in today’s hearing, Chairman Carr contradicted himself and his own agency’s stated mission. Minutes later, the FCC edited its own website to cover Chairman Carr’s tracks and to please President Trump. Chairman Carr continues to fail the American people by treating the FCC as an extension of the President’s corrupt agenda,” said Senator Luján. Watch Senator Luján’s exchange with FCC Chairman Carr here. KEY MOMENTS: Sen. Luján: Chairman Carr, yes or no, and please yes or no. Is the FCC an independent agency? Chairman Carr: Thanks for that question. Sen. Luján: Yes or no is all we need. Chairman Carr: There is a test for this in the law. Sen. Luján: On your website, it say… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-statement-on-passage-of-the-national-defense-authorization-act/ Luján Statement on Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which now heads to the President’s desk: “Today, I voted to pass the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act, which makes critical investments to ensure our Armed Forces remain prepared to meet an increasingly complex global landscape. New Mexico’s military installations and National Laboratories play an essential role in safeguarding our nation, and this year’s NDAA delivers the resources and support these vital facilities need to continue protecting Americans. “This legislation makes targeted investments in our most pressing national security objectives – prioritizing a well-deserved pay raise for our service members and making key investments that strengthen research and development at our National Laboratories. This NDAA reinforces both New Mexico’s contributions to our national defense and the security of our country. I was proud to support and help secure these critical measures for New Mexico and the nation.” Senator Luján helped secure the following provisions in the NDAA: Supporting Our Military Personnel: Provides a 3.8% pay raise for military service members; Requires DOD to document all servicemember radiation and toxic exposures, including those that occur domestically, so our veterans can be seen by the VA after they’ve separated from the military; Supports Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) crews like those stationed at Holloman and Cannon Air Force Bases by recognizing their combat participation and enabling access to combat-related mental health services. Boosting Energy Security and our National Laboratories: Authorizes $25.9 billion for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to support and sustain its system integration, engineering, and science programs; Authorizes $6.9 billion for DOE’s defense environmental cleanup activities, including $278.2 million for Los Alamos National Lab and $1.03 million for Sandia National Labs … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-stansbury-davids-bonamici-and-senators-kim-and-merkley-introduce-talents Reps. Stansbury, Davids, Bonamici and Senators Kim and Merkley Introduce TALENTS Act to Protect and Strengthen Federal Leadership Pipeline 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat House NM Melanie A. Stansbury S001218 stansbury.house.gov stansbury https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reps. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Sharice Davids (D-KS), and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) today announced the introduction of the Training Aspiring Leaders Emerging Now to Serve (TALENTS) Act, to codify and strengthen the Presidential Management Fellowship (PMF) Program—one of the federal government’s premier leadership development initiatives. Since 1977, the PMF Program has served as a cornerstone of federal workforce development, placing a highly accomplished cohort of emerging leaders into government agencies each year. The program has been a vital pipeline to strengthen public service and elevate the next generation of civil service leaders. However, in February, President Trump terminated the program through executive order after more than four decades of existence. “Without the Presidential Management Fellows Program, I likely would not have ended up in federal service,” said Congresswoman Stansbury. The PMF Program has long served as a pipeline for the next generation of federal leaders, bringing highly qualified talent from across the country to serve our nation. I am proud to colead this legislation to restore and build upon this program at a time when we need America’s best and brightest to address the challenges we face.” “Programs like the Presidential Management Fellows are how we bring the next generation of talented public servants into government,” said Rep. Davids (D-KS). “It also gives federal agencies a pool of highly qualified, pre-vetted candidates, saving them time and resources in hiring. Gutting this pipeline doesn’t make government work better for everyday Americans — it makes it weaker and harder to navigate. This bill keeps that pipeline intact so we can continue bringing top talent into public service, and I’m glad to support it.” "Creating more pathways for post-graduate students to enter into public service will benefit our country for generations to come,” said Rep. Bonamici (D-OR).“The late President Carter created the Presidential Management Fellowship Program mor… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/source-new-mexico-new-mexico-us-sen-heinrich-reintroduces-act-to-strengthen-tribal-buffalo-herds Source New Mexico: New Mexico U.S. Sen. Heinrich reintroduces act to strengthen tribal buffalo herds 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) announced Tuesday he is reintroducing legislation to improve federal support for tribal buffalo herds, an effort he said he hopes will return the buffalo within his lifetime “to the prominent place they once occupied as the keystone species on American shortgrass prairies.” Co-sponsored with U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.,), the Indian Buffalo Management Act directs the federal Interior Department to work with tribes to develop, protect and grow buffalo herds across the country, authorizing up to $14 million annually. The bill seeks to spur more coordination and consistent investment at the Interior Department, which has provided only “nominal” funds over the last 20 years to tribes that want to start or expand buffalo herds, according to a news release from Heinrich’s office. The InterTribal Buffalo Council, which has been pushing to return buffalo to tribal land for more than 30 years, endorsed the legislation. The council has 89 tribal members in 22 states, including at least 10 New Mexico tribes and pueblos, according to a recent membership list. “Helping Tribes reestablish herds of buffalo on our reservations is a righteous thing for the Congress to do and will be thoroughly welcomed by Tribes and Indian people across the county,” council leaders, including Delbert Chisholm of Taos Pueblo, said in a statement. At least 60 million buffalo once roamed throughout much of the United States before European settlers and the United States military destroyed all but a few hundred by the end of the 19th century. Indigenous people relied on the buffalo — “culturally and nutritionally” — for thousands of years, according to the council leaders’ statement. Versions of the legislation have passed either the House of Representatives or the Senate, but not both, in recent years. Heinrich and Mullin (R-Okla.) also cosponsored the bill last year, and it passed the Senate in December but never received a hearing in the House. “I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation to … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-introduces-legislation-to-support-new-mexico-family-farmers-and-grow-agritourism Heinrich Introduces Legislation to Support New Mexico Family Farmers & Grow Agritourism 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) joined Senate colleagues to introduce the Accelerating the Growth of Rural Innovation and Tourism Opportunities to Uphold Rural Industries and Sustainable Marketplaces (AGRITOURISM) Act, bipartisan legislation to support the economic development and growth of agritourism businesses in New Mexico and nationwide. “New Mexico family farmers and rural communities have been hit hard by Trump’s tariffs and affordability crisis. We need to do everything we can to support and expand opportunities for these New Mexicans,” said Heinrich. “I’m proud to cosponsor legislation that will give family farmers much-needed resources to not only survive but also grow and thrive.” From McGinn’s PistachioLand in Alamogordo to Los Poblanos Inn and Organic Farm in Albuquerque, Agritourism is an important and growing business strategy for small farms in New Mexico to diversify their income streams by offering outdoor recreational services like beer tasting, berry picking, seasonal festivities, bed-and-breakfast accommodations, and event venues. New Mexico farmers generated over $20.3 million in revenue in 2022 from agritourism, up from $18.6 million in 2017. However, without action, the number of participating farms is diminishing: the number of farms providing agritourism and recreational services in New Mexico has gone down from 465 in 2017 to 326 in 2022. The AGRITOURISM Act will support local, family-owned businesses by designating a senior official at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as the federal agritourism advisor. This role will coordinate with stakeholders and other federal agencies to promote the growth of family-owned farms and advise the USDA Secretary on this essential industry. The AGRITOURISM Act is led by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Ted Budd (R-N.C). Alongside Heinrich, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Patty Murray… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-leads-legislation-to-transfer-federal-land-to-pueblos-for-the-indian-pueblo-cultural-center Heinrich Leads Legislation to Transfer Federal Land to Pueblos for the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) introduced the Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025, legislation to place three tracts of land from the former Albuquerque Indian School campus and surrounding land into trust for the benefit of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. Heinrich’s Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025 is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and led in the House by U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.). “My legislation expands on decades of bipartisan work to put the former Albuquerque Indian School campus and surrounding tracts of land in to trust for the 19 Pueblos in New Mexico. This land, in particular, will be used by the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to scale Native-owned businesses, create jobs, and expand business services for local and Native-owned businesses – an economic win for everyone,” said Heinrich. “The Albuquerque Indian School Land Transfer Act of 2025 will expand economic development and cultural education opportunities for the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, which serves all nineteen of New Mexico’s Pueblos,” said Luján. “I am proud to introduce this legislation to help the center grow its capacity as a cultural and economic institution, creating jobs and generating revenue for New Mexico’s Pueblos and our communities.” Heinrich’s Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025 builds upon a longstanding, bipartisan effort to transfer the former Albuquerque Indian School campus and surrounding tracts to the 19 Pueblos in New Mexico for the development and growth of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a nationally recognized museum and cultural institution owned and operated by the Pueblos, dedicated to both preserving and perpetuating pueblo history, culture, and art, while facilitating their future economic growth and long-term economic sustainability. The text of the bill is here. In 2015, Heinrich, Luján, and the rest of the N.M. Delegation successful… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-mullin-reintroduce-bipartisan-indian-buffalo-management-act Heinrich, Mullin Reintroduce Bipartisan Indian Buffalo Management Act 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) reintroduced the bipartisan Indian Buffalo Management Act, legislation to direct the U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary to coordinate with Tribes and Tribal organizations that have an established buffalo herd and management program, as well as provide resources for Tribes that would like to establish new herds. "For generations, buffalo have been a critical part of our culture – in New Mexico, the West, and especially in Indian Country. And I hope that within my lifetime, thanks to our broad coalition, buffalo will return to the prominent place they once occupied as the keystone species on American shortgrass prairies,” said Heinrich. “That’s why I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation to strengthen federal support for Tribal buffalo programs and continue the growth of Tribal buffalo herds. I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Mullin to strengthen this federal partnership and secure future funding for this initiative.” “The buffalo is essential to our heritage and must be supported. I am proud to reintroduce this important legislation that will help Tribes reestablish buffalo herds on reservation lands,” said Mullin. “Doing so ensures that Native peoples across the country will continue reconnecting with a keystone of their historic culture and way of life.” The Indian Buffalo Management directs the Interior Secretary to work with Tribes and Tribal organizations to: Promote and develop the capacity of Tribes and tribal organizations to manage buffalo and buffalo habitat; Protect and enhance buffalo herds for the maximum benefit of Tribes; and Ensure that Tribes are directly involved in the Interior Department decision-making regarding buffalo. The bill has been endorsed by the InterTribal Buffalo Council, the National Wildlife Federation, the Nature Conservancy, the World Wildlife Fund, and the National Bison Association. “We are so pleased that Senators Heinrich and Mullin are reintroducing… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-heinrich-rosen-press-meta-on-dramatic-rise-in-antisemitism-on-their-social-media-platforms-and-artificial-intelligence-models/ Luján, Heinrich, Rosen Press Meta on Dramatic Rise in Antisemitism on Their Social Media Platforms and Artificial Intelligence Models 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) pressed Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Meta’s failure to address antisemitic content on its platforms and potentially promote antisemitism through its artificial intelligence models. Specifically, the senators highlight how a rise in antisemitic content can be linked to the recent changes in community standards and content moderation practices, which were announced by Meta in January. Additionally in the letter, the senators press Meta to disclose its policies and procedures to address antisemitism on their platforms and combat hate speech. “In recent months, there has been a nearly fivefold increase in antisemitic behavior on Meta’s platforms. The rise in antisemitic content has been linked to the recent changes in community standards and content moderation practices, which were announced by Meta in January,” wrote the senators. “We are deeply concerned about the increase of hate speech and antisemitic content on Meta’s platforms. Platforming antisemitic speech normalizes it and breeds further hateful speech. Additionally, online hateful conduct can and often leads to real-world violence,” continued the senators. “Meta has an outsized role in its ability to combat antisemitism and we encourage Meta to consider how its policies and practices can be a force to unite communities and foster understanding rather than promote hate speech,” concluded the senators. The full text of the letter is available here and below. Dear Mr. Zuckerberg, We write regarding the drastic rise of antisemitic content on Meta’s platforms and its artificial intelligence models. Before Congress, representatives of Meta, including yourself, have asserted Meta’s responsibility in ensuring its platforms are not used to “hurt others.” During a joint session of the Senate Commerce and Judiciary committees, you stated “It’s not enough to just give people a voice, we have to make sure people aren’t using it to hurt people.” When Neil… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-lummis-applaud-house-passage-of-bipartisan-congressional-award-reauthorization-act/ Luján, Lummis Applaud House Passage of Bipartisan Congressional Award Reauthorization Act 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Washington, D.C.— U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) applauded the Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act passing the U.S. House of Representatives, as it now goes to the president to be signed into law. This bill reauthorizes the board that administers the Congressional Award Program through FY2028. The Congressional Award is the highest honor bestowed by Congress for our nation’s youth ages 14 to 24, encouraging young Americans to unleash their potential by achieving personal goals focused on volunteerism, character, development, exploration, and fitness. “The Congressional Award Program has inspired thousands of young Americans to challenge themselves, build valuable skills, and give back to their communities through countless hours of volunteer service,” said Luján. “I am proud to have worked with Senator Lummis to pass this bipartisan legislation reauthorizing the Congressional Award Act, ensuring the program continues to inspire young people in New Mexico and across the nation to serve their communities.” “The Congressional Award has a rich history with the state of Wyoming, and I am proud to continue supporting this program that inspires our nation’s youth to serve selflessly and dutifully,” said Lummis. “Wyoming Senator Malcolm Wallop helped found this wonderful tradition in 1979, and more than four decades later, we continue to see the success and prosperity of the young Americans who choose to participate and serve their communities. I want to thank Senator Luján for his critical role in getting this bipartisan legislation across the finish line, and I am pleased to see it now headed to President Trump’s desk.” Click here to read the bill text. About the Congressional Award Program: As the United States Congress’ only non-profit and highest honor for youth civilians, the Congressional Award program was started by late Wyoming Senator Malcolm Wallop in 1979, and Senator Lummis is proud to carry on his legacy by serving on the national board of directors. To achiev… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-merkley-no-business-as-usual-until-justice-delivered-for-jeffrey-epsteins-victims/ Luján, Merkley: No Business as Usual Until Justice Delivered for Jeffrey Epstein’s Victims 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Oreg.)—the lead Senate sponsors of the Epstein Files Transparency Act—announced they would block any pending civilian nominations before the Senate from being carried over to the new session of Congress in response to the Trump Administration’s failure to provide a briefing to lawmakers on the release of the Epstein Files. Merkley and Luján issued this statement announcing their hold: “There can be no business as usual until justice is delivered for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein’s horrific crimes. The Trump Administration’s lack of transparency about its plans to release the Epstein Files signals it is gearing up to disregard the law we led the fight in the Senate to pass, which overwhelmingly passed both chambers of Congress. Without full transparency and accountability, there can be no ‘equal justice under the law.’ Until the administration reverses course and provides a common-sense briefing, which lawmakers from both parties requested, we are blocking the Senate from carrying over any outstanding civilian nominations into next year.” Earlier this month, Merkley teamed up with Luján and a bipartisan group of lawmakers to demand a briefing from Attorney General Pam Bondi on the U.S. Department of Justice’s efforts to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act and fully release the Epstein Files by December 19, 2025—as required by the law Merkley and Luján championed. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/ktsm-new-mexico-launches-gun-crime-center-inside-ags-office KTSM: New Mexico launches gun crime center inside AG’s Office 2025-12-15 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, along with state law enforcement partners, announced the creation of the first Crime Gun Intelligence Center housed within an attorney general’s office in the country. They made the announcement during a news conference on Monday, Dec. 13. The New Mexico Department of Justice’s (NMDOJ) Crime Gun Intelligence Center uses forensic evidence to find connections between firearms used in crimes across the state. “The information collected will help law enforcement in every corner of New Mexico identify key suspects, witnesses and other key information,” the NM Attorney General’s Office said. In addition to announcing the intelligence center, Torrez also announced that his office has received the funding to acquire four National Integrated Ballistic Information Network machines to be distributed across the state. Law enforcement officers will use these machines to conduct highly technical inspections of gun casings, which will provide meaningful leads connecting crimes and firearms used in crimes across the state, Torrez’s office said. “This Crime Gun Intelligence Center is the first of its kind, allowing for start-to-finish information gathering and intelligence analytics that will be key to the arrests of dangerous criminals,” Torrez said. “This unit and its statewide network will help law enforcement solve crimes at a faster rate and produce leads in criminal cases that would otherwise not be known. I’m extremely grateful to Senator Heinrich for his work to secure the funding we needed to get this crimefighting network up and running.” U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-New Mexico, said: “New Mexicans want to be safe in their homes and communities, and I am committed to delivering the resources and legislation to make that a reality. From cracking down on firearms trafficking and straw purchases to ensuring illicit fentanyl remains a controlled substance, I remain committed to protecting our communities from violence in all forms. But public safety cannot be maintained through… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-legislation-to-ensure-new-mexico-schools-offer-more-dairy-and-non-dairy-options-heads-to-white-house Heinrich Legislation to Ensure New Mexico Schools Offer More Dairy & Non-Dairy Options Heads to White House 2025-12-15 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration, welcomed the House passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, legislation he cosponsored that will allow schools to provide more dairy options and non-dairy alternatives for school lunches. Currently, schools participating in the National School Lunch Program must provide milk that is consistent with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which means that schools can only provide fat-free or low-fat milk. Heinrich’s Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act will alter that restriction and allow schools to offer whole milk, reduced-fat milk, and non-dairy beverages, in addition to fat-free and low-fat milk. Earlier this month, Heinrich secured Senate passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. The legislation now heads to the White House. “Every student in New Mexico and across the country deserves access to school meals that work for their needs. I’m proud that legislation I cosponsored to ensure schools can offer a wider range of dairy options, including non-dairy alternatives, has passed both chambers of Congress and is now headed to the White House,” said Heinrich. “This bipartisan bill is a meaningful step forward, making it easier for families to request alternatives for children who are lactose intolerant, while continuing to support our state’s dairy producers and agricultural workers. I urge the president to quickly sign this bill into law so New Mexico students and schools can benefit from these improvements.” The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is led by U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.). Alongside Heinrich, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators David McCormick (R-Pa.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Angus King (I-Maine), James Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Elissa Slotkin… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/albuquerque-journal-new-mexico-senators-ask-for-post-fire-money-to-clean-up-public-lands Albuquerque Journal: New Mexico senators ask for post-fire money to clean up public lands 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper As the state faces a dry winter, New Mexico’s U.S. senators are pushing for emergency funds to remove hazardous fuels from federally owned public lands in the state. “Repairing the wildfire damages to national parks, national forests and Bureau of Land Management lands is vital for the safety and economies of the entire country,” Democratic Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján wrote in a letter to U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee leadership — Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Patty Murray, D-Wash. The letter was led by Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., and supported by seven other Democratic senators. It asked that any emergency disaster appropriations bills drafted this year include money for wildfire recovery on federal lands. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds do not cover damage to federal lands. Instead, land agencies pay for fire cleanup and restoration costs. The mitigation work for ehich the senators want money includes removing hazard trees, road and bridge assessment, structural replacements and trail repairs. The letter points out that many western states experienced fires on federal lands this year, including the Gila National Forest in New Mexico. There were at least seven fires in the Gila National Forest and Gila Wilderness Area from May through November this year. The Turkeyfeather Fire burned more than 24,000 acres and the Trout Fire burned over 47,000 acres, according to U.S. Forest Service news releases. Both were caused by lightning strikes. Sens. Heinrich, Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., also led a letter asking Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz how prepared his agency is for wildfire risk reduction. The letter was signed by nine other Democratic senators, including Luján. “It is imperative that the Forest Service works closely with Congress to address shortfalls in wildfire mitigation and ensure staffing and budgetary resources are sufficient to fulfill the agency’s mission,” the senators wrote. A report from the nonprofit Grassroots Wildland Firefigh… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/kob-lawmakers-push-for-chimayo-post-office-rebuild-demand-clear-timeline KOB: Lawmakers push for Chimayó post office rebuild, demand clear timeline 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper CHIMAYÓ, N.M. – Nearly three years after the Chimayó post office burned down, lawmakers are pushing for its reopening next year. Senators Ben Ray Luján and Martin Heinrich, along with Congresswomen Teresa Leger Fernández and Melanie Stansbury, have taken action. They wrote a letter to the U.S. Postmaster General. The letter claims the United States Post Office has repeatedly failed to provide a clear timeline about the construction. They are asking for the Chimayó office to be a priority. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/santa-fe-new-mexican-heinrich-presses-top-forest-service-officials-for-meeting-on-pecos-protections Santa Fe New Mexican: Heinrich presses top Forest Service officials for meeting on Pecos protections 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper The yard signs and bumper stickers in western San Miguel County show the anxiety mining will someday return remains red-hot months after the Trump administration’s rollback of protections for the Upper Pecos watershed. Recently, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich announced he secured a commitment from a top U.S. Forest Service official during a committee meeting to host a public forum meeting in the Pecos area on the issue. However, it is unclear when such a meeting could occur. A 165,000-acre area in the Upper Pecos watershed was temporarily closed to mining by former Biden administration Interior Secretary Deb Haaland while the Forest Service considered a longer, 20-year withdrawal. But the agency, which manages the majority of the land in question, alerted the Bureau of Land Management earlier this year it wanted to cancel that withdrawal application, according to a BLM New Mexico spokesperson. A public meeting to discuss the withdrawal was canceled. Terrero, about 10 miles north of Pecos, was a major mining center in the early 20th century, and concerns have long simmered in the Pecos area over the potential environmental impact if mining were to return. Mining in the Pecos Valley has been contentious for decades, especially after contamination from abandoned mines got into the water, killing fish downstream from the spill, in the 1990s. Signs and bumper stickers with the words “Terrero Mine” in bold, a red line slashing across it signaling opposition, are a frequent sight in the area. Local and federal officials have also expressed opposition to renewed mining. Members of New Mexico’s congressional delegation have reintroduced the Pecos Watershed Protection Act this year to permanently withdraw the Upper Pecos watershed from mining, but the bill has not advanced in the Republican-controlled Congress. During a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources subcommittee hearing on Dec. 2, Heinrich, a New Mexico Democrat, pressed U.S. Forest Service Acting Associate Chief Christopher French on the matter. French did appe… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/source-new-mexico-senators-call-for-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-vaccine Source New Mexico: Senators call for highly pathogenic avian influenza vaccine 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Nearly two dozen U.S. senators urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in a letter, to “prioritize” a vaccine strategy for the highly pathogenic avian influenza. The virus has impacted more than 184 million commercial and backyard poultry birds and more than 1,000 head of dairy cattle since February 2022. The letter comes as detections of the bird flu have increased over the winter months in states across the country, according to reporting from the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. A case of bird flu was detected in Iowa Dec. 2, in a Hamilton County commercial turkey flock, and as recently as Tuesday in flocks in Indiana, North Dakota, Minnesota and Washington. The bipartisan letter, which included Iowa Republicans Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley, said a “thoughtful and comprehensive vaccine strategy” would “strengthen” the nation’s ability to fight the bird flu, as it prepares for a “resurgence.” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins launched a $1 billion plan in February to combat the ongoing outbreak of the H5N1 virus. Part of that plan included $100 million for research into a bird flu vaccine and other potential treatments. The letter said USDA has a “draft proposal of an avian flu vaccine strategy for poultry” that is “currently under review” and the signed senators urged the department to advance the process with “speed and diligence.” A draft proposal for a bird flu vaccine strategy had not been filed in the Federal Register as of Friday. In June, Reuters reported USDA was “considering” a plan to vaccinate poultry for HPAI and expected the plan would be completed in July. USDA did not respond Friday to a request for comment and for additional information on the vaccination plan. Members of the Congressional Chicken Caucus, representing the interests of poultry producing states, submitted a letter to Rollins in February, noting they were wary of a vaccine, as it might interrupt export markets. While the December letter from senators urged the advancement of the vaccine pr… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-cosponsors-legislation-to-close-the-charleston-loophole Heinrich Cosponsors Legislation to Close the Charleston Loophole 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) joined 25 Senate Democrats to introduce the Background Check Completion Act, legislation to close a current loophole that allows gun sales to proceed if a background check is not completed within a certain time period, even if the gun buyer is not legally allowed to purchase a gun. The gap in existing law has allowed thousands of gun sales to prohibited buyers, including the sale of the firearm used by the shooter in the deadly attack at Charleston’s Emanuel AME Church. The bill is led by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) in the Senate and the companion legislation is led by U.S. Representative James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.) in the House. When a criminal background check indicates that a firearm purchaser may have a criminal record, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) tries to determine whether the purchaser can legally buy a gun. If this process takes longer than 72 hours for those 21 years of age or older, or 10 days for those under 21, gun dealers can complete the sale even though there is a heightened risk that the purchaser is legally disqualified from purchasing a gun. The Background Check Completion Act will require a completed background check for every gun buyer who purchases a gun from a federally-licensed gun dealer. Alongside Heinrich, the Background Check Completion Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). The legislation has been endorsed by Everytown for Gun Safety, Giffords, Brady, … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/nm-delegation-demands-usps-take-urgent-action-to-restore-full-service-postal-operations-in-chimayo N.M. Delegation Demands USPS Take Urgent Action to Restore Full-Service Postal Operations in Chimayó 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) and Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), sent a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner urging the United States Postal Service (USPS) to take all necessary actions to prioritize and ensure that the rebuilding project for USPS operations in Chimayó is completed in 2026. This letter follows the USPS’s repeated failure to provide a clear timeline or adequate information about the construction of a new Chimayó Post Office, which burned down nearly three years ago. The N.M. Delegation has continually fought to restore a permanent, full-service post office in Chimayó, where it has long served as a cornerstone of the community. “Since the Chimayó Post Office burned down on February 14, 2023, we have persistently called on the United States Postal Service to reinstate operations in Chimayó. Time and again, however, our requests—and those of the community—have been met with a troubling lack of urgency,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter to Postmaster General David Steiner. “Despite the extensive correspondence, community engagement, and ongoing inquiries initiated by our offices, we remain concerned about USPS’s limited responsiveness to the needs of the Chimayó community. We recognize that rebuilding a facility requires time; however, more than two years have passed, and the community has received only broad assurances,” the lawmakers continued. “In the absence of direct and transparent communication from USPS, members of the community understandably question the status of the project and whether progress is being made.” The lawmakers concluded by demanding urgent action: “We strongly urge USPS to prioritize and expedite the rebuilding of the Chimayó Post Office and to commit publicly to a clear, achievable timeline for completion in 2026. The community of Chimayó deserves transparent communication and timely action from USPS.” Read the full letter here and below: Dear Postmas… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-sheehy-introduce-bill-to-provide-free-national-parks-passes-to-law-enforcement-wildland-firefighters/ Luján, Sheehy Introduce Bill to Provide Free National Parks Passes to Law Enforcement, Wildland Firefighters 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter Recreation Pass Act, a bill to provide free annual National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes to law enforcement officers and firefighters, including wildland firefighters. The bill ensures those who ensure the security and protection of these recreation spaces for Americans across the country are able to access them at no cost. “In New Mexico and across the country, our law enforcement officers and firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. I’m proud to partner with Senator Sheehy to introduce bipartisan legislation that would allow law enforcement officers and firefighters to enjoy National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands free of charge. Whether it’s visiting White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns, or New Mexico’s vast Federal Recreational Lands, allowing these heroes to visit for free is a simple way for us to say: thank you,” said Senator Luján. “Countless firefighters and law enforcement officials across our nation work day and night, year-round to keep our communities, national parks, and public lands safe for American families. It’s only right that we ensure these heroes can enjoy these treasured landscapes free of charge, and I’m proud to lead this commonsense, bipartisan bill in the Senate,” said Senator Sheehy. Senators Luján and Sheehy were joined by Senators Cassidy (R-La.), Crapo (R-ID), and Risch (R-ID) in introducing the Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter Recreation Pass Act. The House of Representatives companion to the bill was introduced by Representative Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) and passed the House under suspension of the rules in July of this year. Background: Under current law, members of the Armed Services and their dependents are provided free annual National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes. These passes cover entrance fees and standard amenity (day-use) fees at recreation areas managed by th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/members-of-the-n-m-delegation-demand-usps-take-urgent-action-to-restore-full-service-postal-operations-in-chimayo/ Members of the N.M. Delegation Demand USPS Take Urgent Action to Restore Full-Service Postal Operations in Chimayó 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) and Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) sent a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner urging the United States Postal Service (USPS) to take all necessary actions to prioritize and ensure that the rebuilding project for USPS operations in Chimayó is completed in 2026. This letter follows the USPS’s repeated failure to provide a clear timeline or adequate information about the construction of a new Chimayó Post Office, which burned down nearly three years ago. The N.M. Delegation has continually fought to restore a permanent, full-service post office in Chimayó, where it has long served as a cornerstone of the community. “Since the Chimayó Post Office burned down on February 14, 2023, we have persistently called on the United States Postal Service to reinstate operations in Chimayó. Time and again, however, our requests—and those of the community—have been met with a troubling lack of urgency,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter to Postmaster General David Steiner. “Despite the extensive correspondence, community engagement, and ongoing inquiries initiated by our offices, we remain concerned about USPS’s limited responsiveness to the needs of the Chimayó community. We recognize that rebuilding a facility requires time; however, more than two years have passed, and the community has received only broad assurances,” the lawmakers continued. “In the absence of direct and transparent communication from USPS, members of the community understandably question the status of the project and whether progress is being made.” The lawmakers concluded by demanding urgent action: “We strongly urge USPS to prioritize and expedite the rebuilding of the Chimayó Post Office and to commit publicly to a clear, achievable timeline for completion in 2026. The community of Chimayó deserves transparent communication and timely action from USPS.” Read the full letter here and below: Dear Postm… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/stansbury-introduces-claim-act-advance-fair-mining-claims-and-protect-public Stansbury Introduces CLAIM Act to Advance Fair Mining Claims and Protect Public Lands 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House NM Melanie A. Stansbury S001218 stansbury.house.gov stansbury https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. — Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) today introduced the Conserving Lands and Areas Incompatible with Mining (CLAIM) Act of 2025. This legislation seeks to modernize mining fee practices on federal lands and ensure the public is properly compensated after years of taxpayer giveaways to large corporate mining companies. In a massive giveaway to mining companies that were already benefitting from an outdated mining fee system from the 1800s, Trump and the GOPs Big Ugly Bill—provided additional massive giveaways to large multinational mining corporations. This includes opening lands to extensive mining and lowering royalty rates, essentially allowing corporations to hold valuable mining claims on public lands while paying egregiously low fees. As a result, thousands of acres and sensitive ecosystems are at risk, taxpayers have been shortchanged, and critical cleanup and conservation needs have gone unmet. The CLAIM Act seeks to correct these failures by modernizing mining claim maintenance fees and ensuring that companies pay a fair price for the privilege of accessing claims on lands owned by the American people—particularly those in proximity to important places like national parks, monuments, and culturally significant sites. Protecting sensitive public lands at this moment from mining operations is especially important as the Administration has targeted vast public lands for sale and lease, including even some of our most sacred landscapes. This includes sites such as Oak Flat in Arizona which is sacred to multiple Apache Nations in Arizona and New Mexico. “As Trump is prepared to sell our most precious public lands to the lowest bidder, we’re fighting to protect our lands and the public trust,” said Rep. Stansbury. “With the CLAIM Act, we’re working to protect sacred and important landscapes from unchecked development, while ensuring taxpayers get a fair return for the resources that belong to all of us.” This bill is also cosponsored by Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA). The legislation is endorsed b… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-lujan-urge-usda-to-prioritize-hpai-poultry-vaccine-strategy Heinrich, Luján Urge USDA to Prioritize HPAI Poultry Vaccine Strategy 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined their colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins to move forward with the USDA’s avian flu vaccine strategy for poultry while encouraging a comprehensive, science-based approach. “We are writing to encourage the U.S. Department of Agriculture to continue prioritizing an avian flu vaccine strategy that takes into account a comprehensive, science-based approach for the potential vaccination of poultry and livestock that have been impacted by this disease,” wrote the Senators. “Avian flu infections have already begun to increase as winter approaches, and it is essential that USDA take renewed action to address and fight this virus.” “The USDA recently noted that a draft proposal of an avian flu vaccine strategy for poultry was currently under review, and we strongly urge the Department to advance this review process with speed and diligence, while allowing for proactive consultation with affected stakeholders,” the Senators continued. “Any finalized vaccine strategy must take into account feedback from animal health stakeholders, industry experts, and be grounded in sound science. It must also be comprehensive in scope, addressing all impacted species, including turkeys and egg-laying hens. Once a vaccine is developed and USDA has confirmed its safety and efficacy, a vaccine strategy for dairy cattle should also be prioritized.” The National Turkey Federation, the United Egg Producers, the National Milk Producers Federation, the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, and the Minnesota Milk Producers Association endorsed the Senators’ call for an HPAI poultry vaccine strategy. “The National Turkey Federation (NTF) commends Senators Amy Klobuchar and Mike Rounds for their bipartisan leadership in elevating the need for a credible, science-driven approach to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) vaccination,” said Leslee Oden, president and CEO of the National Turkey Federation. “NTF … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-senate-republicans-blocking-aca-tax-credit-extension-and-raising-health-care-premiums-on-thousands-of-new-mexicans Heinrich Statement on Senate Republicans Blocking ACA Tax Credit Extension & Raising Health Care Premiums on Thousands of New Mexicans 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement after Senate Republicans blocked the Lower Health Care Costs Act, legislation led by Senate Democrats, which extends the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits through 2028. With Congressional Republicans and President Trump blocking this bill — alongside Republicans in the New Mexico state legislature refusing to call on Trump to address skyrocketing health care costs — Republicans are effectively raising the cost of health care for New Mexico families. “Working families are being crushed by soaring health care costs — and instead of helping, Senate Republicans slammed the door on extending the ACA tax credits. Their decision means New Mexicans will be stuck paying more for the care they rely on. Trump and Republicans love to preach affordability, but when it comes time to actually deliver for families, they walk away every time. “Republicans control the House, Senate, and the White House. And they made a choice — a choice that ignores the mom in Farmington trying to afford her kid’s next checkup and the retiree in Las Cruces who’s now wondering whether they can keep their health coverage. That level of callousness is infuriating. Make no mistake, Republicans are responsible for every consequence New Mexicans are about to feel. “I will keep fighting to rein in Trump’s affordability crisis and permanently extend the ACA tax credits. Because New Mexico families deserve certainty, stability, and a health care system that doesn’t force them to choose between paying their bills and staying healthy.” Heinrich remains unwavering in the fight to permanently extend the ACA tax credits and lower health care costs for New Mexico families. Republicans control the House, Senate, and the White House. In the most recent government shutdown, Trump and Republicans chose not to work with Heinrich and Democrats to extend the ACA tax credits, chose to shut down the government for 44 days, which made it the longest government shutdown in … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-heinrich-speaks-at-semafors-principals-event-on-permitting-reform ICYMI: Heinrich Speaks at Semafor’s Principals Event on Permitting Reform 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper PHOTOS HERE WASHINGTON — Last night, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, spoke at Semafor’s Principals Live – Powering America’s Future event in D.C. about permitting reform legislation in Congress. During the fireside chat moderated by Semafor’s Congressional Bureau Chief Burgess Everett, Heinrich emphasized the importance of passing bipartisan permitting legislation, the negative impacts of Trump’s actions to kill fully permitted projects, and how data centers play a role in permitting reform. VIDEO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, answers questions on future permitting legislation in Congress, December 9, 2025. On Working in a Bipartisan Fashion to Pass Permitting Reform “Has it been your experience that [Senator Mike Lee] is open to working with Democrats, and the Democratic Party on getting this done and trying to separate out the issues?” asked Semafor’s Congressional Bureau Chief Burgess Everett. Heinrich responded, “I’m optimistic that this is a space where... we're more aligned than maybe some of the other spaces. And so, I think we need to take advantage of that. And I'm a big believer, you know, do what you can, when you can, and don't wait for the perfect moment to suddenly manifest itself. We've got a lot of great foundational work that he and I were both part of in the previous Congress. And so let's build on that.” On Trump Canceling Energy Projects Burgess followed, “Yeah, and the dynamics, we were referencing this a little bit, have changed a bit, because the change in administrations.” Heinrich responded, “That's actually something that worries me more than him and I being in different places, on the policies. The dynamic where you have an administration that's willing to do things like issue stop work orders on fully permitted NEPA compliant projects, that's caused a lot of angst in my colleagues. And you know... we know things li… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-statement-on-republicans-voting-against-keeping-health-care-costs-down-for-millions-of-americans/ Luján Statement on Republicans Voting Against Keeping Health Care Costs Down for Millions of Americans 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after Senate Republicans voted against the Democratic proposal to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits that make health care affordable for families in New Mexico and people across the country: “Just days before ACA tax credits are set to expire — and health care costs spike for Americans across the country — Republicans chose to ignore the affordability crisis they created. “Senate Democrats offered a simple proposal that would have kept health care costs down for more than 20 million Americans: a clean, straightforward extension of the ACA tax credits. Instead of supporting hardworking families, Republicans voted against this commonsense solution, allowing health care costs to skyrocket when families are being crushed by the Republican affordability crisis. “The reality is clear: Republicans are not serious about making health care more affordable. They offered no meaningful proposal to prevent these looming price hikes, and the President refuses to acknowledge the affordability crisis. Now, millions of Americans will see their premiums double or even triple because Republicans failed to act. “New Mexico families should not be forced to pay the price for a crisis manufactured by Republicans. Democrats put forward a real plan to protect affordability, support rural hospitals, and maintain access to health care for millions of Americans. Republicans stood in the way, and now hardworking New Mexicans and Americans will pay the price.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-lujan-on-ms-now-extending-aca-tax-credits-is-the-best-way-to-prevent-a-major-price-hike-to-millions-of-americans/ VIDEO: Luján on MS NOW — Extending ACA Tax Credits is the Best Way to Prevent a Major Price Hike to Millions of Americans 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Watch Senator Luján’s full interview HERE. Washington, D.C. — Just days before Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits are set to expire, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined MS NOW’s Chris Jansing to discuss Democrats’ plan to avoid skyrocketing health care premiums for hardworking American families and Republicans’ refusal to prevent this crisis. Senator Luján stressed the impact of the Republican-made health care crisis on hard-working New Mexican families: “I’ve been receiving phone calls and messages from seniors across New Mexico who are even looking at what’s happening to their Medicare plans. They’re worried. “A single mom from New Mexico yesterday messaged me. She said, ‘Hey, if you need to know what’s going on, I just got my notice. And for me and my daughter, it’s going from $900 to $1300.’ Senator Luján underscored the fact that Americans are feeling the pain of this affordability crisis and need to be able to afford their health care: “The American people are paying way too much with health insurance companies. I say we should hold health insurance companies accountable. This notion that doctors can’t make decisions about how to treat a patient because they need some bean counter somewhere that works for an insurance company to see if you should or shouldn’t get it—I trust my doctor. I don’t trust that insurance company. So, I’m all about reform and working on this as well.” Senator Luján highlighted Republicans’ long history of not having a health care plan to bring to the table: “But don’t forget, Chris, Republicans have voted over 70 times to get rid of the Affordable Care Act. They don’t like it. They don’t want it in place. Well, over the last ten years, where is their plan? Let’s come up with something here. Stop playing games with the American people. “And the last thing that I would say to Leader Thune if he was talking to me, Chris — he knows I survived a stroke three years ago. He knows that I was in an ICU bed. I didn’t know if I was going to live one day to the next. But what… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-votes-no-national-defense-authorization-act Rep. Stansbury Votes "NO" on National Defense Authorization Act 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House NM Melanie A. Stansbury S001218 stansbury.house.gov stansbury https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON D.C. — Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) released the following statement after voting "NO" on the annual National Defense Authorization Act of 2025: "In New Mexico, we have a long and proud history of military service, and we honor our service members and veterans every day. I am proud of the bipartisan work on the National Defense Authorization Act this year, which has yielded significant wins for New Mexico, including a long-overdue pay raise of 3.8% for our service members, funding for Kirtland Air Force Base, and language we secured to hold DOD and DOE accountable for the cleanup of munitions on tribal lands, including at Isleta Pueblo. I am also grateful for bipartisan negotiations that removed some of the more harmful provisions in the bill, increased oversight over the Administration’s DOD activities, and restored funding for our European allies against Russian aggression, which the Administration zeroed out. "However, as a Member of the House Oversight Committee, I cannot in good conscience vote for a bill that authorizes over $900 billion in military spending while the President has turned his back on our allies in his National Security Strategy, is deploying U.S. troops on U.S. soil, and his Secretary of Defense is being investigated for potentially illegal strikes and military build-up in the Caribbean. Furthermore, the discriminatory thumbprint of this White House is evident throughout this bill with the inclusion of anti-transgender language, the removal of coverage for IVF, and continued attacks on diversity across our nation’s proud service members. "As such, I am grateful for the good that will come from provisions that will help New Mexico, but I must vote no in these extraordinary times, as this bill fails to rein in a President and Defense Secretary who are daily defying the Constitution, law, and values of this country." ### 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-passes-national-defense-bill-secures-major-wins-new-mexico Rep. Gabe Vasquez Passes National Defense Bill, Secures Major Wins for New Mexico 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House NM Gabe Vasquez V000136 vasquez.house.gov vasquez https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, December 10, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), delivering vital investments for New Mexico’s military installations, service members, and national laboratories. “As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I fought to ensure this year’s defense bill reflects the needs of New Mexico’s military families and makes smart investments that leave the U.S. stronger and safer,” said Vasquez. “From expanding access to care for rural service members to delivering long-overdue recognition to New Mexico’s Downwinders, this is a bipartisan win that honors those who have served and delivers real, meaningful progress for New Mexico.” Vasquez’s bipartisan TRICARE Travel Improvement Act was passed in the final NDAA. His legislation expands access to medical travel reimbursement for military families by lowering the mileage threshold under TRICARE Prime to 75 miles. This provision will directly help families stationed at White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base who routinely drive up to 95 miles each way for care. The bill also includes Vasquez’s Downwinder Commemoration Act, which directs the Department of Defense to establish memorials at White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base honoring New Mexicans impacted by the 1945 Trinity Test. By permanently commemorating the suffering endured by New Mexico’s Downwinder community, this bill delivers long-overdue recognition and preserves their legacy for future generations. Vasquez also secured bipartisan passage of the COUNTER Act, which strengthens the ability of base commanders to defend installations like White Sands Missile Range against dangerous drone incursions. Alongside these wins, the FY26 NDAA provides a 3.8% pay raise for service members and authorizes $1.5 billion for upgrades to quality of life infrastructure such as barracks, family housing, and child development cente… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-introduces-bipartisan-secure-our-skies-drone-safety-act-modernize Rep. Vasquez Introduces Bipartisan Secure Our Skies Drone Safety Act to Modernize Law Enforcement Efforts 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House NM Gabe Vasquez V000136 vasquez.house.gov vasquez https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – On December 10, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) introduced the bipartisan Secure Our Skies Drone Safety Act to ensure that law enforcement agencies’ use of drones and counter-drone technology are keeping pace with rapidly evolving threats to public safety and national security. Law enforcement officers have applauded this Fraternal Order of Police-endorsed bill as a definitive step forward for public safety. “Bad actors are rapidly innovating and increasing their use of drones to chip away at our public safety and national security,” said Vasquez. “But we won’t let them win. I’m proud to be introducing this bill to equip our law enforcement officers with the tools and authorities they need to keep pace.” The bill, co-led by Republican Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to submit a report to Congress on the use of drones and counter-drone systems by Federal, State, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies, as well as recommendations on what legal authorities or policies need to be changed to improve law enforcement’s ability to counter criminal drone threats. The report will also dictate what actions need to be taken to bolster the procurement of domestic and ally-produced drones and equipment. "It is critical for our law enforcement agencies to have the tools, training, and technology they need to keep our communities safe. Drones are becoming an increasingly common part of criminal activity, and we must ensure our officers can counter these threats effectively and responsibly," said Kiggans. "This bipartisan bill will give Congress the clear, comprehensive information we need to strengthen our laws, improve coordination, and support the use of secure, American-made and allied-made drone systems." Other required elements of the report include: The number of drones purchased by non-federal agencies from entities within adversarial countries, such as China; The number of drones that are domestically produced; Any cost rest… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-delivers-major-bipartisan-victory-rural-new-mexico Rep. Gabe Vasquez Delivers Major Bipartisan Victory for Rural New Mexico with Reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools Program 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat House NM Gabe Vasquez V000136 vasquez.house.gov vasquez https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – On December 9, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) delivered a major bipartisan victory for rural New Mexico with the passage of the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025. Now enacted, the law restores $9 million in annual federal support for rural New Mexico counties to fund essential infrastructure like roads and schools, and it requires missed payments from 2024 and 2025 to be issued to counties within 45 days. “This past August, I met with a bipartisan group of county officials, educators, and tribal leaders back home to discuss SRS and the need for reauthorization. Their message never wavered: rural communities needed Congress to act. They needed certainty. They needed this lifeline restored,” said Vasquez while leading the House Agriculture Committee’s floor debate on the reauthorization of the funds. “Today, after months of fighting for reauthorization, we are delivering. We are sending a clear message to rural towns across New Mexico and across the country that they are not invisible, not expendable, and not expected to bear the weight of this lapse alone.” You can view Rep. Vasquez’s full remarks from today here. The Congressman has championed Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding reauthorization for months, working to raise D.C. politicians’ awareness of the urgent need for Congress to reauthorize these funds and the dire impact the funding lapse has had on rural communities in New Mexico and nationwide. In 2024, the federal funds — paid to rural counties whose tax bases are limited by extensive federal land — expired, forcing rural communities in New Mexico to make drastic cuts to their school and road maintenance budgets. Back in August, Rep. Vasquez met with school and county officials from Catron, Sierra, Cibola, and Grant counties, as well as officials from the U.S. Forest Service, who raised grave concerns about the lapse in SRS funding and what it meant for their rural communities. The officials noted that the drop in funding was forcing them to make impo… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-demands-urgent-relief-all-new-mexico-farmers Rep. Gabe Vasquez Demands Urgent Relief for All New Mexico Farmers 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat House NM Gabe Vasquez V000136 vasquez.house.gov vasquez https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – On December 8, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) sent a letter urging Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to deliver timely, equitable relief to farmers across New Mexico who continue to face rising costs and uncertainty due to the administration’s tariff war. Nine of Rep. Vasquez’s colleagues joined him in sending this letter. In the letter, the Members underscored that any relief funding tied to the administration’s farmer aid plan — meant to reverse the harm caused by the tariffs they themselves imposed — must deliver real support to New Mexico’s farmers and ranchers. They urged the USDA to ensure the assistance reaches the chile growers, pecan producers, dairies, and cattle operations that anchor southern New Mexico’s economy, rather than allowing the bulk of funding to flow to large corporations that don’t need extra funding. “For months, the administration's disastrous tariff war has crushed farmers and producers with soaring prices and growing uncertainty,” said Vasquez. “Our real farmers — New Mexican growers and producers who bring millions into the state’s economy and keep our communities fed — deserve real, timely relief. Farm country is in crisis and needs our support, and that relief shouldn’t end up in the hands of the Wall Street billionaires buying up New Mexico’s farmland.” The letter calls out that across New Mexico, families are paying more for everyday essentials, from groceries to household goods to utility bills. Producers across southern New Mexico are facing higher input costs for fertilizer, fuel, and feed, while the administration’s tariff war drives up expenses and uncertainty across the agriculture sector. As a result, farmers are paying more for what they need and getting less for what they grow. That’s not a fair deal for New Mexico. The full text of the letter is below and here. Dear Madam Secretary: Right now, the cost of everyday goods from ground beef and coffee to clothes and car parts are crushing Americans in every corner of our countr… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-secures-nearly-500000-las-cruces-fire-department-train-additional Rep. Vasquez Secures Nearly $500,000 for Las Cruces Fire Department to Train Additional Paramedics 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat House NM Gabe Vasquez V000136 vasquez.house.gov vasquez https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – On December 9, 2025 U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced that he had secured $456,181 for the City of Las Cruces to expand paramedic training for local first responders. This funding was secured through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. This award, one of the most competitive federal firefighter grants, will strengthen emergency medical response capacity across southern New Mexico. The funding will allow the Las Cruces Fire Department to train 15 new paramedics by covering tuition and overtime costs for firefighters enrolled in the Doña Ana Community College paramedic program. Three firefighters currently in paramedic school will be supported through the grant, with an additional cohort of 12 beginning training early next year. “This funding will save lives and support the brave first responders who show up for our families every day,” said Rep. Gabe Vasquez. “I worked to bring this money home because southern New Mexicans deserve nothing but the best, including well-trained emergency medical teams that can respond quickly when every second counts.” Rep. Vasquez remains committed to delivering for New Mexico’s firefighters and improving EMS services: After meeting with the Las Cruces Fire Department earlier this year, Vasquez led a letter urging the Administration to protect and expand first responders' affordable access to overdose reversal medications, like Narcan, which are critical tools in combating the fentanyl and opioid crisis. Vasquez is a consistent supporter of increased funding for both AFG and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER), the two main sources of federal funding for local fire departments. Vasquez is a cosponsor of H.R. 2538, Comprehensive Alternative Response for Emergencies (CARE) Act, a bipartisan bill to allow seniors on Medicare to receive at-home emergency medical services to treat minor medical incidents by creating a model that reimburses EMS providers delivering … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-highlights-economic-benefits-of-americas-national-parks-condemns-recent-announcement-to-remove-fee-free-admission-of-juneteenth-and-martin-luther-king-jr-day Heinrich Highlights Economic Benefits of America’s National Parks, Condemns Recent Announcement to Remove Fee-Free Admission of Juneteenth and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — During a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks hearing to consider 26 pending bills, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the full committee, delivered opening remarks on the role national parks play in boosting our country’s economy and the importance of protecting public lands as the Trump Administration continues to divest from National Park Service sites. Heinrich also sounded the alarm on the Trump Administration’s recent announcement to remove fee-free admission on Juneteenth and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, both federal holidays, and instead implement a fee-free day on President Trump’s birthday, a move that reflects the Administration's ongoing commitment to erasing our nation’s history. VIDEO: Ranking Member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) delivers opening remarks during a National Parks Subcommittee hearing, December 9th, 2025. “Every single day, the public lands recreation economy contributes over $350 million a day to our nation’s economic health,” began Heinrich, citing the economic impact of our nation’s public lands. “And that’s not a typo. It’s a testament to just how deeply Americans value time outdoors and their nation’s history and how crucial our public lands are to supporting job growth, supporting small businesses, rural communities.” “The Administration recently announced that Martin Luther King Day and Juneteenth would no longer be fee-free days on our public lands, despite being federal holidays,” said Heinrich, pointing out the latest move the Trump Administration has made to denigrate our public lands. “Instead, Flag Day will be fee-free. And it’s a coincidence, I’m sure, that while Flag Day isn’t a federal holiday, it is the President’s birthday.” “Rest assured folks...when this President is in the past, Martin Luther King Day and Juneteenth will not only have fee-free National Park admission, but they will occupy again incredible places of pride in our nation's history,” closed Heinrich. A video of Heinrich’s opening re… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-joins-senate-democrats-to-introduce-legislation-to-extend-the-aca-tax-credit-and-protect-new-mexicans-from-trumps-affordability-crisis Heinrich Joins Senate Democrats to Introduce Legislation to Extend the ACA Tax Credit & Protect New Mexicans from Trump's Affordability Crisis 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) joined Senate Democrats to introduce the Lower Health Care Costs Act, legislation to extend the enhanced premium ACA tax credits for three years and protect New Mexicans from Trump's affordability crisis, which is skyrocketing the cost of health care. The legislation is led by U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). The full text of the Lower Health Care Costs Act is here. Republicans control the House, Senate, and the White House. In the most recent government shutdown, Trump and Republicans chose not to work with Heinrich and Democrats to extend the ACA tax credits, chose to shut down the government for 44 days, which made it the longest government shutdown in American history, and chose to pass a government funding bill that fails to extend the ACA tax credits. The ACA tax credits expire at the end of this month. BeWell New Mexico estimates that over 6,300 New Mexico enrollees will face increased health insurance costs starting January 1, 2026, if the enhanced APTC is not extended. Heinrich repeatedly voted for a government funding bill that included an extension of the ACA health tax credits and urged Congressional Republicans to come to the negotiating table to engage in good faith bipartisan negotiations with Democrats to extend these tax credits and reopen the government. Meanwhile, Republicans refused and voted to let insurance premiums skyrocket, let children go hungry, and let working people fend for themselves. Heinrich voted to pass the American Rescue Plan in 2021, which authorized initial enhancements to the premium tax credit to make health insurance more affordable for more people and increase subsidies for working, middle-income families in New Mexico. In 2022, Heinrich voted to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which extended the enhanced premium tax credit through 2025. Heinrich cosponsors the Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 (S.46) to make the enhanced Advance Premium Tax Credit permanent and build upon record health care marketp… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-pushes-for-additional-funding-for-the-federal-public-defender-program-in-fy26-funding Heinrich Pushes for Additional Funding for the Federal Public Defender Program in FY26 Funding 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, joined 23 Senate Democrats to send a letter calling on the Senate and House Appropriations Subcommittees on Financial Services and General Government to provide additional funding, beyond the recently released Republican budget proposal, for the Federal Defender Services program in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) bill. In their letter, the lawmakers urged subcommittee leaders to fully fund the program at $1.76 billion, as requested by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, to maintain baseline constitutional requirements for federal public defense instead of the lower amounts in House and Senate Republicans’ appropriations bills. “As you are aware, in FY24, an inadvertent failure to account for the federal defender program’s carryforward funding structure resulted in initial funding levels that were more than $100 million less than what the program needed. In response to those marks, the program implemented a set of cost-savings measures, including a hard hiring freeze, suspension of most in-person training opportunities, and deferral of other programmatic needs such as cybersecurity upgrades. In FY25, the Defender Services budget was frozen at the artificially low FY24 levels, leaving the program with a critical shortfall woefully inadequate to meet its identified needs,” the lawmakers wrote. “As a result of two years of underfunding because of a calculation error, Defender Services began FY26 significantly in the red. The current funding level, based on the recent anomaly, is still $194 million short of what is required to fund the program.” The lawmakers continued, “We are very appreciative of your inclusion of a $1.564 billion anomaly for Federal and Community Defenders in the Continuing Resolution. This is an important step in addressing the underfunding. Now we must fully fund the program as soon as possible. Full funding for the program to staff Federal Defender offices, pay the panel de… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-gillibrand-reintroduce-legislation-to-expand-workplace-rights-for-domestic-workers/ Luján, Gillibrand Reintroduce Legislation to Expand Workplace Rights for Domestic Workers 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Bill Would Guarantee Domestic Workers Basic Rights Like Overtime Pay, Time Off, Sick Leave, Meal and Rest Breaks, and Legal Protections from Harassment and Unsafe Working Conditions Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07) reintroduced the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act, commonsense legislation that would extend common workplace rights to the 2.2 million domestic workers in the United States. Under current law, domestic workers—including home health aides, nannies, cleaners, and live-in caretakers—are excluded from many of the labor, harassment, and discrimination protections guaranteed to other workers under federal law. As a result, severe financial insecurity and lack of workplace benefits are all too common in these professions. The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act would patch these flaws in existing labor law and also create new protections for domestic workers. “Domestic workers in New Mexico and across the country are essential members of our workforce and deserve dignity and respect. I’m proud to reintroduce legislation to require employers to establish clear standards for wages, responsibilities, schedules, and time-off policies to help protect the rights of the people who care for our families and support our communities,” said Senator Luján. “This legislation is critical to ensuring workplace protections and rights for domestic workers who have been left out for far too long.” “Caretakers, cleaners, nannies, and other domestic workers play a vital role in the economy and in American life. However, they’ve too often been overlooked in the fight for workers’ rights, leaving many working long hours, earning low wages, and struggling to make ends meet. This is unacceptable,” said Senator Gillibrand. “By closing loopholes that exclude domestic workers from federal labor and civil rights laws, theDomestic Workers Bill of Rights Act would afford these workers the safety, stability, and dignity that they… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-introduces-native-american-seeds-act Heinrich Introduces Native American Seeds Act 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) reintroduced the Native American Seeds Act of 2025, bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will assist Tribal governments working to protect seeds that are culturally significant to their communities. U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) is a cosponsor of the bill. “I’m proud to lead legislation that will help preserve Tribes’ cultural practices and way of life by protecting Native seeds and traditional foodways for future generations,” said Heinrich. “This effort will grow local economies in Indian Country and help ensure Tribal members remain connected to their culture and heritage.” “The Pueblo of Tesuque thanks Representatives Torres and LaMalfa and Senators Heinrich and Crapo for introducing the Native American Seeds Act of 2025. This legislation would assist us in our efforts to protect and preserve our traditional seeds and our agricultural systems that have nourished us physically, culturally, and spiritually since time immemorial. The Tesuque people have always had an unbroken relationship with plants for food and medicine, allowing our community and our culture to survive; and, this bill will help us foster our deep connections to these plants,” said Governor Earl Samuel, Pueblo of Tesuque. The Native American Seeds Act of 2025 will provide flexibility so that the U.S. Department of the Interior can support the efforts of Tribes to develop seed banks and engage in traditional forms of farming. Factors such as wildfires, droughts, insect and disease outbreaks, inclement weather, and contamination have increased the challenges that Tribes face in preserving their seeds. This bill will help ensure that Tribal connections to plants holding traditional importance will continue for future generations while also strengthening food security, improving physical and mental health outcomes, and expanding economic opportunity on Tribal lands. Heinrich co-led the Native American Seeds Act alongside U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and U.S. Representatives Norma… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-lujan-slam-trump-administration-for-latest-efforts-to-dismantle-the-department-of-education Heinrich, Luján Slam Trump Administration for Latest Efforts to Dismantle the Department of Education 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Senators Call on McMahon to Reverse Illegal Actions that Weaken Support for New Mexico Students WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined 34 Senate Democrats to send a letter to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon slamming her recent announcement that the Department of Education has illegally outsourced core functions that New Mexico students and their families rely on — and calling on Secretary McMahon to reverse these latest steps to dismantle the Department of Education. “The actions you announced on November 18th to continue hollowing out the U.S. Department of Education are outrageous, illegal, and will jeopardize the funding and support that tens of millions of students, teachers, and families across the country rely on,” the senators wrote to Secretary McMahon. “Your brazen attempt to dismantle the Department by transferring to other federal agencies complex and foundational responsibilities that Congress specifically charged to the Department — including more than half of all federal funds for elementary and secondary education programs and billions in higher education funding — will undermine public education.” “Let’s be very clear: You are choosing to create even more bureaucracy that states, school districts, and educational institutions across America will have to expend time and resources navigating at the expense of students and families,” the senators continued. “We urge you to immediately reverse course and to focus your time and attention on actions that actually help states, school districts and educational institutions improve educational outcomes and support for students.” In the letter, the senators make clear that, as McMahon has previously acknowledged, dismantling the Department would require an act of Congress, which has not been pursued by the Trump Administration: “We expect you to work with Congress to pursue any ideas to streamline programs and improve public education, as the law and the Constitution require, and you ha… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/four-lujan-led-bills-signed-into-law-as-part-of-major-bipartisan-bill-to-address-fentanyl-crisis/ Four Luján-Led Bills Signed Into Law as Part of Major Bipartisan Bill to Address Fentanyl Crisis 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) applauded legislation to reauthorize the SUPPORT Act – a landmark federal investment to combat the fentanyl crisis through addiction prevention, treatment, recovery, and law enforcement efforts – being signed into law by the President. The bipartisan package of fentanyl prevention bills, led by U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), contains four bills led by Senator Luján. Originally enacted in 2018, the SUPPORT Act represents the foundation of the federal response to the opioid epidemic and fentanyl crisis. Its reauthorization builds on years of progress reducing overdose deaths and strengthening community responses to addiction. “Families in New Mexico have felt the devastating toll of the fentanyl crisis. This bipartisan legislation will now deliver critical support for first responders, health care workers, and community organizations on the frontlines of this fight,” said Senator Luján. “The legislation will also expand access to treatment and recovery services, provide life-saving tools to first responders, and provide more resources to keep people in recovery connected to jobs and support. I’m proud to have led four critical bills that are now law.” As a then-member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, Senator Luján raised this legislation as an early priority in the last Congress. Senator Luján secured the following provisions in the SUPPORT Act: The Pregnant and Postpartum Women (PPW) Treatment Reauthorization Act to reauthorize residential treatment programs for pregnant and postpartum women who have a substance use disorder; The Strengthening Communities of Recovery Act to supports peer support services by reauthorizing grant programs that allow organizations to develop and enhance peer recovery and general recovery support while fostering collaboration with other harm reduction entities; The Improving Access to Addiction Medicine Providers Act to amend the Public Health Service Act to expand the Minority Fellowshi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-lujan-slam-trump-administration-for-latest-efforts-to-dismantle-the-department-of-education/ Heinrich, Luján Slam Trump Administration for Latest Efforts to Dismantle the Department of Education 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Senators Call on McMahon to Reverse Illegal Actions that Weaken Support for New Mexico Students WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined 34 Senate Democrats to send a letter to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon slamming her recent announcement that the Department of Education has illegally outsourced core functions that New Mexico students and their families rely on — and calling on Secretary McMahon to reverse these latest steps to dismantle the Department of Education. “The actions you announced on November 18th to continue hollowing out the U.S. Department of Education are outrageous, illegal, and will jeopardize the funding and support that tens of millions of students, teachers, and families across the country rely on,” the senators wrote to Secretary McMahon. “Your brazen attempt to dismantle the Department by transferring to other federal agencies complex and foundational responsibilities that Congress specifically charged to the Department — including more than half of all federal funds for elementary and secondary education programs and billions in higher education funding — will undermine public education.” “Let’s be very clear: You are choosing to create even more bureaucracy that states, school districts, and educational institutions across America will have to expend time and resources navigating at the expense of students and families,” the senators continued. “We urge you to immediately reverse course and to focus your time and attention on actions that actually help states, school districts and educational institutions improve educational outcomes and support for students.” In the letter, the senators make clear that, as McMahon has previously acknowledged, dismantling the Department would require an act of Congress, which has not been pursued by the Trump Administration: “We expect you to work with Congress to pursue any ideas to streamline programs and improve public education, as the law and the Constitution require, and you ha… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-alsobrooks-rosen-introduce-bill-to-break-barriers-in-stem-and-strengthen-americas-future-workforce/ Luján, Alsobrooks, Rosen Introduce Bill to Break Barriers in STEM and Strengthen America’s Future Workforce 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.)introduced the 21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act, designed to close persistent equity gaps in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and expand high-quality STEM education access for girls and students from underrepresented communities. “New Mexico is at the forefront of science, technology, and innovation in the United States. That’s why I’m proud to introduce legislation that will help tap into more homegrown talent from underrepresented communities and build up the next generation of New Mexico’s workforce,” said Senator Luján. “By expanding opportunity, we are helping to ensure our state continues to lead in discovery and innovation.” “I am laser-focused on finding opportunities for young women to succeed and thrive. Our 21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act would provide grants to local school districts to encourage girls and underrepresented students to pursue studies and careers in STEM fields. This legislation would create real pathways for success and wealth for our girls and students of color while also fueling our economy and keeping the United States a global leader in STEM,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “As a former computer programmer who worked in a male-dominated STEM industry, it’s always been important to me to provide more pathways for girls to join the STEM field,” said Senator Rosen. “By increasing access to STEM education and ensuring teachers have the resources they need, we can help many more young girls become interested in the exciting career opportunities in these fields. This bill will do just that, helping to educate the next generation of innovators and creators that is as diverse as the communities they serve.” “Our nation cannot afford to leave talent on the sidelines,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “Expanding STEM opportunities for girls and underrepresented minorities is essential for our economic future, our n… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-visits-bosque-del-apache-discuss-funding-staffing-and-his-push Rep. Vasquez Visits Bosque del Apache to Discuss Funding, Staffing, and His Push to Protect Public Lands 2025-12-06 2025 2025-12 Democrat House NM Gabe Vasquez V000136 vasquez.house.gov vasquez https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper San Antonio, N.M. – On December 6, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) visited the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge to meet with refuge staff, local partners, and members of the Friends of the Bosque to assess the impacts of chronic understaffing, federal budget cuts, and the recent government shutdown on one of New Mexico’s most important pieces of public land. During the visit, Rep. Vasquez toured the refuge’s North Loop, received a briefing from Deputy Refuge Manager Bernard Lujan and refuge staff, and met with leadership from the Friends of the Bosque. The group discussed the refuge’s growing operational challenges — including a decade-long staffing decline that has left just 10 employees to manage more than 57,000 acres — as well as drought pressures, reduced food production for migratory birds, and continued budget shortfalls following cuts that reduced the refuge’s funding from $2 million to $1.4 million. “Bosque del Apache is a place unlike any other in southern New Mexico — it’s a haven for migrating waterfowl and a huge economic engine for Socorro and its neighboring communities. That’s why I’m deeply concerned by recent cuts to the Wildlife Refuge system which have put an enormous strain on the staff who manage these places for the public,” said Vasquez. “Our public land agencies must be well-staffed and well-managed for the benefit of rural economies and all Americans. Once we lose these places, and the integrity of their management, we can’t get them back. We must protect our public lands at all costs.” Rep. Vasquez also highlighted the consequences of the cancellation of the annual Festival of the Cranes, a major cultural and economic event that typically brings $2 to $3 million in revenue to Socorro County and contributes to the refuge’s broader $15.8 to $17 million annual economic impact. Rep. Vasquez underscored recent efforts he has led in Congress, including founding the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus earlier this year and preventing a predatory attempt to sell off mill… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-leads-bipartisan-push-bolster-dod-counter-drone-authorities Rep. Vasquez Leads Bipartisan Push to Bolster DOD Counter-Drone Authorities, Protect WSMR, and Boost National Security 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Democrat House NM Gabe Vasquez V000136 vasquez.house.gov vasquez https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – On December 5, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) led a bipartisan push to boost national security, co-sponsoring a bipartisan bill to combat the risks posed by unidentified drones. The bill, the Comprehensive Operations for Unmanned-System Neutralization and Threat Elimination Response (COUNTER) Act introduced with Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), strengthens the Department of Defense’s counter-drone authorities by expanding the definition of “covered facilities” to include all military bases with a secured perimeter. This marks a major step toward combating national security risks posed by unidentified drones, which have entered restricted airspace at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) and other military installations, jeopardizing sensitive testing operations and endangering service members. These concerns were reiterated by military officials during Rep. Vasquez’s most recent visit to WSMR. In practice, this bill will bolster base commanders’ 130i authorities, giving them the power to protect against unidentified drones attempting to enter restricted military airspaces in the same way they would treat vehicular threats attempting to enter military installations by ground. These authorities grant DOD the ability to protect certain facilities from drone threats through detection, tracking, and disabling. “Cartels, criminal organizations, and foreign adversaries are using drones to gather intelligence at federal properties in New Mexico and nationwide, and it’s jeopardizing sensitive information, putting our troops and law enforcement at risk, and undermining U.S. national security,” said Vasquez. “The time to bolster our military’s ability to counter these unidentified drones is now, and I’m proud to be leading this push.” In New Mexico’s second district, this bill will materially improve security at WSMR, providing heightened airspace protections to administrative buildings, housing, and testing ranges located inside the installation’s secure perimeters. This effort builds on Rep. … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-secures-critical-funding-lower-utility-heating-bills-new-mexicans Rep. Vasquez Secures Critical Funding to Lower Utility & Heating Bills for New Mexicans This Winter 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Democrat House NM Gabe Vasquez V000136 vasquez.house.gov vasquez https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) and U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced that the administration had officially released overdue funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), following the delegation's successful push demanding the immediate release of the funds. This relief comes as New Mexico families prepare for colder temperatures this winter amidst sharply rising energy costs. Rep. Vasquez led the New Mexico delegation in calling for this funding to be released last week, underscoring that families across the state have been hit with an average 8.1 percent increase in utility costs this year alone. On December 2, the New Mexico Human Services Department received its award letter and notified the New Mexico delegation that the LIHEAP funding is now on the way to help thousands of New Mexico households keep the heat on this winter. This award letter came after a month-long delay, which is what prompted the New Mexico delegation’s demand for the funding’s immediate release. “Too many New Mexicans are already feeling the squeeze of rising utility costs, and they should never have to choose between staying warm and putting food on the table,” said Vasquez. “We demanded action, and I’m proud that this critical funding is now on the way to cover rising costs so that seniors, veterans, working parents, and families in rural and Tribal communities stay safe and warm this winter.” “New Mexico families deserve the support to weather the winter with dignity,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. “It shouldn’t have been this hard to unlock the funding that Congress had already appropriated to keep our kids, our elders, and families warm in our snowy winter months. While the Trump administration keeps pushing prices up, we will continue fighting to lower energy costs for everyone.” “As winter approaches and the temperature drops, so many struggling in our community… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/source-new-mexico-still-no-contract-for-nm-ice-lockup-as-detainees-report-interrupted-access-to-vital-tablets Source New Mexico: Still no contract for NM ICE lockup, as detainees report interrupted access to ‘vital’ tablets 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper More than a month after a contract expired governing the operation of a New Mexico immigrant detention facility, local officials have yet to receive any updates from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency or the facility’s private operator CoreCivic, officials told Source New Mexico on Thursday. The inter-governmental services agreement between Torrance County, ICE and CoreCivic expired Oct. 31 during the federal government shutdown. But even after the government reopened Nov. 13, County Manager Jordan Barela said he has neither received an updated contract from ICE nor word of when it could be renewed. “We’ve been checking weekly, and the feedback we have received is that ICE is still evaluating the terms and conditions of a potential extension,” Barela told Source via email Thursday. An ICE spokesperson did not respond to Source New Mexico’s request for comment on the contract. Ryan Gustin, a CoreCivic spokesperson, did not respond to questions about the contract status, but instead responded that the company is “committed to providing safe,?humane?and respectful care for everyone entrusted to us, and we take seriously our obligation to adhere to all applicable federal detention standards.” Advocates for approximately 550 ICE detainees in the jail, as well as U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), say the lack of a contract means ICE should immediately stop detaining immigrants at the facility. They point to ICE standard operating procedures that require ICE to remove detainees and equipment from the facility absent a contract, as well as long-standing issues about detainee treatment at the facility. In a statement Thursday to Source New Mexico, Heinrich said he remains “deeply concerned about the situation” at the facility in Estancia, noting that an inspector general overseeing ICE called for the facility’s closure in 2022. “Conditions have not improved, and now they’re purportedly running the facility without a contract,” he said. “ICE’s inaction on this contract, and refusal to meet their own minim… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-colleagues-urge-fda-action-on-preterm-infant-formula-fortifiers Heinrich, Colleagues Urge FDA Action on Preterm Infant Formula Fortifiers 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. demanding action from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on preterm infant formula. Heinrich’s demand comes in the wake of over 1,000 lawsuits against preterm infant formula manufacturers in the United States, stemming from failures to warn parents of the increased risk of a serious gastrointestinal illness, necrotizing enterocolitis, associated with the use of non-human milk-derived fortifiers. Heinrich sent the letter alongside U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (R- Kan.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.), Riley Moore (R-W.Va.), and Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.). “Protecting our youngest, most vulnerable infants should be our highest priority. We request your attention to nutritional products that feed very low birthweight infants,” the lawmakers wrote to Secretary Kennedy. “Necrotizing enterocolitis is among the most fatal diseases in the neonatal intensive care unit, with one baby a day dying of this debilitating disease. Over 1,000 lawsuits threaten the stability of the infant formula industry and endanger our most vulnerable.” “Human milk-derived formulas and fortifiers are proven to have a 77 percent reduction in the development of necrotizing enterocolitis, among other devastating complications of prematurity. Human milk has proven beyond doubt to be the best source of infant nutrition, and we urge the Department of Health and Human Services to investigate other preterm infant fortifiers and their potential impact on the gut health of premature infants,” the lawmakers continued. The lawmakers conclude their letter by emphasizing the need for HHS to thoroughly explore how very low birthweight babies are impacted by the components of the fortifiers and recommending HHS take the following steps: The text of the letter is here and below: Dear Secretary Kennedy: Protecting our youngest, most vu… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/nm-delegation-secures-critical-funding-to-lower-utility-and-heating-bills-for-new-mexicans-this-winter N.M. Delegation Secures Critical Funding to Lower Utility & Heating Bills for New Mexicans This Winter 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), and Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) announced that the Trump Administration released overdue funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), following the Delegation's successful push demanding the immediate release of the funds. This relief comes as New Mexico families prepare for colder temperatures this winter amidst sharply rising energy costs. On December 2, the New Mexico Human Services Department received its award letter and notified the N.M. Delegation that the LIHEAP funding is now on the way to help thousands of New Mexico households keep the heat on this winter. This award letter came after a month-long delay, which is what prompted the Delegation’s demand for the funding’s immediate release. “New Mexico families are being subjected to increasing utility costs due to Trump’s energy affordability crisis. Working families deserve affordable heat and reliable power – especially as temperatures drop far below freezing at night,” said Heinrich. “That’s why I fought alongside the New Mexico Delegation to release the funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program that help New Mexico families access affordable heat and power.” “As temperatures drop and energy costs continue to rise, New Mexicans need reliable support to keep their homes warm and their families safe. With prices up across the board, no one should have to choose between heating their home and putting food on the table,” said Luján. “I’m glad that after we demanded the Trump administration immediately release funding for this critical program that keeps New Mexican families safe, the funds are now on their way.” “Too many New Mexicans are already feeling the squeeze of rising utility costs, and they should never have to choose between staying warm and putting food on the table,… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-secures-4-million-federal-grant-launch-las-cruces-el-paso-express Rep. Vasquez Secures $4 Million Federal Grant to Launch Las Cruces–El Paso Express Bus Service 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat House NM Gabe Vasquez V000136 vasquez.house.gov vasquez https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) secured a $4 million Federal Transit Administration grant for the South Central Regional Transit District (SCRTD) to launch a new Las Cruces–El Paso Hybrid Express Bus Service. This award, one of SCRTD’s largest and most competitive federal grants to date, will connect southern New Mexico communities with fast, reliable, and environmentally sustainable transit. The new limited-stop express service will link Las Cruces, Anthony, Sunland Park, and the El Paso Downtown Transit Center, with future plans to extend to the El Paso International Airport. SCRTD is already moving forward with service planning, bus procurement, and driver training, keeping the Las Cruces–El Paso Express on track for an imminent launch. “This new bus service isn’t just about transportation, it’s about connecting communities, creating local jobs, and providing smart, reliable transit for our families,” said Rep. Gabe Vasquez. “I worked to make sure southern New Mexico received this investment because our communities deserve tangible investments that improve daily life and strengthen our regional economy.” “This grant provides the resources to operate a new bus service that will connect Las Cruces with Sunland Park and the El Paso International Airport,” said David Armijo, Executive Director of SCRTD. “This is a vital link between these communities, providing transportation to the people who rely on it most.” Rep. Vasquez remains committed to delivering practical solutions to make life easier for New Mexicans. Projects like this build a stronger, more connected future for the region. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/abc-7-senators-demand-dod-reverse-decision-to-delay-cleanup-of-forever-chemicals-at-cannon-afb ABC 7: Senators demand DOD reverse decision to delay cleanup of 'forever chemicals' at Cannon AFB 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper CLOVIS, NM (KVII) — Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján, and 26 other Senate Democrats, sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanding he reverse the DOD's decision to delay the cleanup of so-called forever chemicals at military installations nationwide -- including Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis. PFAS — or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances —are synthetic chemicals that have been used in everything from fast-food packaging to nonstick cookware, clothing, household cleaning products and even firefighting foam. They resist breaking down and as a result have found their way into drinking water, soil, air and the bloodstreams of 99% of Americans. “For years, communities contaminated by PFAS from nearby DOD installations in our states have waited for the DOD to take action,” the senators wrote. "Servicemembers, their families, and the communities surrounding contaminated military installations need to be able to make informed decisions about their health." PFAS-laden firefighting foam was used for years at Cannon AFB. According to state officials, PFAS have been detected in groundwater beyond the base at concentrations of 26,200 parts per trillion, exceeding state and federal drinking water standards by over 650,000%. Cannon reported earlier this year that it has spent more than $73 million so far on investigating the problem and installing pilot projects to treat contaminated groundwater. Exposure to PFAS is linked to an array of health problems, including various cancers, reduced immune function, reproductive challenges, birth defects, and thyroid issues. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/source-new-mexico-nm-us-senators-heinrich-lujan-call-on-forest-service-to-account-for-wildfire-prevention-decline Source New Mexico: NM U.S. Senators Heinrich, Luján call on Forest Service to account for wildfire prevention decline 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper United States senators from New Mexico joined Democratic colleagues this week in calling on the federal Forest Service to account for a reported steep decline in wildfire prevention measures, including forest thinning and prescribed burns, in New Mexico and other states during President Donald Trump’s second term. U.S. Sens. Ben Ray Luján and Martin Heinrich sent a letter Dec. 2 to Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz along with 10 other senators, calling on Schultz to “provide clear answers” about the Forest Service’s staffing to reduce wildfire risk across the West. The letter cited an analysis of publicly available data from Grassroots Wildland Firefighters finding a 38% decrease in the removal of hazardous fuels as of September 2025 when compared with the same period over the last four years. Between 2021 and 2024, the Forest Service completed hazardous fuel projects covering 3.6 million acres a year, according to the analysis. In the first nine months of 2025, the group found that the Forest Service treated less than 1.7 million acres. “The steep decline in hazardous fuels reduction efforts on Forest Service lands poses a serious risk to public safety, public health, and the economy,” the senators wrote. “It is imperative that the Forest Service works closely with Congress to address shortfalls in wildfire mitigation and ensure staffing and budgetary resources are sufficient to fulfill the agency’s mission.” The letter says Schultz previously provided misleading answers in response to criticism about his agency’s wildfire prevention efforts, including counting work done during President Joe Biden’s term as evidence that the agency was adequately staffed. But that data included staffing figures from before Trump’s “mass staff firings, forced retirements, and unnecessary pauses on projects,” the letter states. In New Mexico, the analysis found wildfire prevention efforts are down by 53% since President Donald Trump took office in January. The letter ends with a list of questions to Schultz about where staff… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-colleagues-trump-staffing-cuts-at-forest-service-are-threatening-wildfire-prevention-efforts-in-new-mexico-the-us Heinrich, Colleagues: Trump Staffing Cuts at Forest Service Are Threatening Wildfire Prevention Efforts in New Mexico, the U.S. 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper According to an independent analysis of publicly available data, the Forest Service is approximately 38 percent behind on hazardous fuels reduction work compared to recent years WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.),Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) led nine senators to demand urgent answers from U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz regarding the agency’s wildfire risk reduction efforts across the West and the nation. Their inquiry follows an independent analysis of publicly available data indicating that the Forest Service is approximately 38 percent behind on hazardous fuels reduction work, as compared to the previous four calendar years. The senators wrote to Forest Service Chief Schultz, “You have continued to maintain that the Forest Service has adequate resources and staffing to manage wildfire preparedness and response on federal lands, and that, while the Forest Service is significantly behind on hazardous fuels reduction work overall, there have been more positive results in certain regions like the Pacific Northwest. You have also claimed that in certain Western states, the Forest Service has even exceeded annual hazardous fuels reduction goals. However, it appears that to make these claims, you are referencing all Fiscal Year 2025 data, which began under the Biden Administration and includes five months of work prior to the beginning of the Trump Administration and its mass staff firings, forced retirements, and unnecessary pauses on projects.” This latest letter follows a series of actions by Heinrich, Merkley, and Klobuchar sounding the alarm over funding freezes and staffing cuts at the Forest Service that have undermined critical wildfire mitigation work across the United States. “The steep decline in hazardous fuels reduction efforts on Forest Service lands pose… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-lujan-demand-trump-administration-stop-stalling-pfas-cleanups-protect-military-families-and-nearby-communities-in-new-mexico Heinrich, Luján Demand Trump Administration Stop Stalling PFAS Cleanups, Protect Military Families and Nearby Communities in New Mexico 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined 26 Senate Democrats to send a letter demanding that U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Pete Hegseth reverse DoD’s decision to delay the cleanup of per-and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) at military installations in New Mexico and nationwide and to urge the DoD to take action to protect military families and nearby communities by addressing PFAS contamination at the affected sites. PFAS from industrial processes and products like firefighting foams can end up in waterways and soils. Exposure to PFAS from contaminated soils and water is linked to an array of health problems, including various cancers, reduced immune function, reproductive challenges, birth defects, thyroid issues, and more. In their letter, the senators called on the DoD to immediately restore the previous timetable for remediating PFAS contamination at U.S. military bases and to reverse plans that would further delay long-overdue cleanups. “For years, communities contaminated by PFAS from nearby DOD installations in our states have waited for the DOD to take action. We request that the Department reverse its decision, return to the previous timetable released in December 2024, and accelerate efforts to remediate confirmed PFAS contamination,” the senators wrote. The use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam at DoD facilities, and the subsequent stormwater runoff, is a significant source of ground water pollution. This contamination poses serious health risks to service members and their families, as well as surrounding communities. At least 700 military sites in the United States are known or suspected to have PFAS contamination from DoD activities — including 6 in New Mexico. DoD’s delayed timetable would postpone cleanup efforts at approximately 140 of them, in some cases for nearly a decade. Specifically, DoD pushed back the time frame of the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) phase for these bases, which involves collecting detailed informat… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-lujan-push-for-emergency-funding-for-wildfire-recovery-on-new-mexico-public-lands Heinrich, Luján Push for Emergency Funding for Wildfire Recovery on New Mexico Public Lands 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Heinrich and Luján’s push comes amid the Trump Administration’s failure to properly engage in forest management and wildfire prevention to keep New Mexico communities safe WASHINGTON – Amid the Trump Administration’s failure to properly engage in forest management and wildfire prevention — including slowing down the U.S. Forest Service’s rate of prescribed burns, fuel treatments, and other fire-prevention work — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, sent a letter calling on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee leadership to include additional funding to support wildfire recovery on federal lands in New Mexico and nationwide. In a letter to U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the senators pressed for additional resources to help National Parks, National Forests, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands recover from this year’s devastating wildfires. Since damage to federal lands is not covered by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding, federal land agencies themselves are responsible for cleanup and restoration costs. “We write to request that any emergency disaster appropriations bills drafted this year include funding for wildfire recovery on federal lands,” the senators wrote to Chair Collins and Vice Chair Murray. “Repairing wildfire damages to National Parks, National Forests, and Bureau of Land Management Lands is vital for the safety and economies of the entire country. Just as our forests and parks require restoration, so too do the surrounding counties and communities that bear the economic and infrastructure impacts of these disasters; their recovery is inseparable from that of the federal lands themselves.” While noting that the Gila National Forest experienced the damaging and widespread effects of wildfire this year, the… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-ranking-member-heinrich-delivers-remarks-on-senate-floor-stressing-need-to-protect-arctic-national-wildlife-refuge-blasts-trump-administration-for-relentless-ongoing-attacks-on-public-lands ICYMI: Ranking Member Heinrich Delivers Remarks on Senate Floor Stressing Need to Protect Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Blasts Trump Administration For Relentless, Ongoing Attacks on Public Lands 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — Yesterday, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, delivered remarks on the Senate floor stressing the need to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and urged his colleagues to vote no on a Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval that will upend the management plan for the Arctic Refuge, risking one of the world's last great wild landscapes. VIDEO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee delivers floor speech on Congressional Republicans’ Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval undoing a resource management plan aimed at protecting the Arctic Refuge, December 3, 2025. “Simply put, the Arctic Refuge is the crown jewel of the American national wildlife refuge system, and it has been ever since it was set aside in 1960 by President Eisenhower to protect its wildlife and habitat values,” started Heinrich. “But that’s only part of its story. The Arctic Refuge is also deeply connected to the traditions and daily life of the people who have lived there for thousands of years – longer than this building, this city, or this country have existed. Because the Refuge is not just land. For wildlife, it’s essential habitat.” “The Arctic Refuge is under threat from the Trump Administration’s relentless attacks on public lands – attacks that put so-called "energy dominance” above every other use. Every other value,” continued Heinrich. “Now we could be discussing ways, ways to lower electricity costs, which are spiraling out of control. Or doing something about the skyrocketing health care costs in this country right now, but instead, we're talking about industrial oil and gas development in the beating heart of our greatest wildlife refuge, literally developing the place where the Porcupine Caribou Herd drops their calves every year.” A video of Heinrich’s floor speech can be found here. A transcript of Heinrich’s remarks as delivered … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-lujan-demand-trump-administration-stop-stalling-pfas-cleanups-protect-military-families-and-nearby-communities-in-new-mexico/ Heinrich, Luján Demand Trump Administration Stop Stalling PFAS Cleanups, Protect Military Families and Nearby Communities in New Mexico 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined 26 Senate Democrats to send a letter demanding that U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Pete Hegseth reverse DoD’s decision to delay the cleanup of per-and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) at military installations in New Mexico and nationwide and to urge the DoD to take action to protect military families and nearby communities by addressing PFAS contamination at the affected sites. PFAS from industrial processes and products like firefighting foams can end up in waterways and soils. Exposure to PFAS from contaminated soils and water is linked to an array of health problems, including various cancers, reduced immune function, reproductive challenges, birth defects, thyroid issues, and more. In their letter, the senators called on the DoD to immediately restore the previous timetable for remediating PFAS contamination at U.S. military bases and to reverse plans that would further delay long-overdue cleanups. “For years, communities contaminated by PFAS from nearby DOD installations in our states have waited for the DOD to take action. We request that the Department reverse its decision, return to the previous timetable released in December 2024, and accelerate efforts to remediate confirmed PFAS contamination,” the senators wrote. The use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam at DoD facilities, and the subsequent stormwater runoff, is a significant source of ground water pollution. This contamination poses serious health risks to service members and their families, as well as surrounding communities. At least 700 military sites in the United States are known or suspected to have PFAS contamination from DoD activities — including 6 in New Mexico. DoD’s delayed timetable would postpone cleanup efforts at approximately 140 of them, in some cases for nearly a decade. Specifically, DoD pushed back the time frame of the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) phase for these bases, which involves collecting detailed informat… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-lujan-push-for-emergency-funding-for-wildfire-recovery-on-new-mexico-public-lands/ Heinrich, Luján Push for Emergency Funding for Wildfire Recovery on New Mexico Public Lands 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Heinrich and Luján’s push comes amid the Trump Administration’s failure to properly engage in forest management and wildfire prevention to keep New Mexico communities safe WASHINGTON – Amid the Trump Administration’s failure to properly engage in forest management and wildfire prevention — including slowing down the U.S. Forest Service’s rate of prescribed burns, fuel treatments, and other fire-prevention work — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, sent a letter calling on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee leadership to include additional funding to support wildfire recovery on federal lands in New Mexico and nationwide. In a letter to U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the senators pressed for additional resources to help National Parks, National Forests, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands recover from this year’s devastating wildfires. Since damage to federal lands is not covered by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding, federal land agencies themselves are responsible for cleanup and restoration costs. “We write to request that any emergency disaster appropriations bills drafted this year include funding for wildfire recovery on federal lands,” the senators wrote to Chair Collins and Vice Chair Murray. “Repairing wildfire damages to National Parks, National Forests, and Bureau of Land Management Lands is vital for the safety and economies of the entire country. Just as our forests and parks require restoration, so too do the surrounding counties and communities that bear the economic and infrastructure impacts of these disasters; their recovery is inseparable from that of the federal lands themselves.” While noting that the Gila National Forest experienced the damaging and widespread effects of wildfire this year, the… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-lujan-bipartisan-members-demand-doj-briefing-on-release-of-the-epstein-files/ ICYMI: Luján, Bipartisan Members Demand DOJ Briefing on Release of the Epstein Files 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Senate and House sponsors of Epstein Files Transparency Act – recently signed into law – lead the charge to ensure law is fully implemented Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), who introduced the Epstein Files Transparency Act that was signed into law, joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in calling on Attorney General Pam Bondi to brief Congress on the Department of Justice’s compliance with the Act and its plan to fully release the Epstein Files by the law’s December 19, 2025 deadline. Senators Luján, Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Representatives Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) issued the letter as the Justice Department approaches the law’s 30-day deadline to release all Epstein Files. Senators Luján and Merkley introduced the Epstein Files Transparency Act earlier this year to ensure full transparency for the American people, accountability for those involved with Epstein, and justice for victims. NBC: Lawmakers ask AG Pam Bondi for a status update on releasing the Epstein files Five members of Congress from both parties and both chambers are asking Attorney General Pam Bondi for a briefing and status update by the end of the week on the legally mandated release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. The signatories are Sens. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore.; Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska; and Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., as well as the law’s lead authors, Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif. They expressed in the letter a “shared interest in supporting the Department of Justice’s efforts to carry out the provisions of this critical new law.” WaPo: Lawmakers ask Bondi for Epstein files update as deadline nears The lawmakers who signed Wednesday’s letter — Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico) and Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) and Ro Khanna (D-California) — asked for a briefing “to discuss the full contents of this new information in your possession.” Daily Beast: Lawmakers Demand Urgent Briefing With Bon… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-protect-scientific-standards-and-safeguard-acip-vaccine-committee Heinrich, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect Scientific Standards & Safeguard ACIP Vaccine Committee 2025-12-03 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Senators introduce bill ahead of ACIP’s meeting tomorrow to revisit hepatitis B, other childhood shots This year, HHS Secretary replaced all 17 non-partisan experts on CDC’s top vaccine committee, attacked settled science WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) joined 8 Senate Democrats to introduce the Family Vaccine Protection Act, legislation to protect Americans’ access to vaccines and to safeguard proven science from recent Trump Administration efforts to undermine vaccines. The bill comes as the CDC’s top vaccine panel meets tomorrow to discuss – and potentially vote on – updates to the childhood vaccine schedule, including the hepatitis B vaccine. The Family Vaccine Protection Act codifies the structure and practices of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a 60-year-old federal panel at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention that recommends who should get vaccines and when. It strengthens transparency into how vaccine guidance is developed and adopted, reinforces science-based decision-making, and ensures accountability in the nation’s vaccine process. ACIP’s recommendations inform which vaccines are covered by insurers and government programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Vaccines for Children, which provides free vaccines to more than half of the children in the U.S. The senators’ legislation comes after Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Jr. undermined the ACIP and replaced all 17 non-partisan scientific experts with ideologues who have a history of undermining vaccines. Two weeks after Secretary Kennedy replaced all of the committee’s members, the new ACIP announced plans to revisit the childhood vaccine schedule, putting access to vaccines that children have received for decades, such as hepatitis B and polio, in danger. The new ACIP also invited a known vaccine denier and conspiracy theorist to speak on vaccines, and then made recommendations based solely on her pseudoscience-filled presentation. This attack on se… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-legislation-to-ensure-new-mexico-schools-offer-more-dairy-and-non-dairy-options-passes-senate Heinrich Legislation to Ensure New Mexico Schools Offer More Dairy & Non-Dairy Options Passes Senate 2025-12-03 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration, welcomed the Senate passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, legislation he cosponsored that will allow schools to provide more dairy options and non-dairy alternatives for school lunches. Currently, schools participating in the National School Lunch Program must provide milk that is consistent with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which means that schools can only provide fat-free or low-fat milk. Heinrich’s Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act will alter that restriction and allow schools to offer whole milk, reduced-fat milk, and non-dairy beverages, in addition to fat-free and low-fat milk. The bill now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives. “I’m proud that the Senate passed legislation I cosponsored to ensure schools can offer a wider range of dairy options, including non-dairy alternatives, so every student in New Mexico can access meals that work for their needs. This bipartisan bill is a meaningful step forward, making it easier for families to request alternatives for children who are lactose intolerant, while continuing to support our state’s dairy producers and agricultural workers,” said Heinrich. “I encourage the House to take up and pass this bill quickly so New Mexico students and schools can benefit from these improvements.” The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is led by U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.). Alongside Heinrich, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators David McCormick (R-Pa.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Angus King (I-Maine), James Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.). The text of the bill is here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-justice-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-crack-down-on-fentanyl-traffickers/ Luján, Justice Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Crack Down on Fentanyl Traffickers 2025-12-03 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) introduced the Strengthening Sanctions on Fentanyl Traffickers Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation that strengthens and expands the federal government’s ability to sanction individuals and entities involved in fentanyl trafficking. China remains the primary global source of the precursor chemicals used to manufacture illicit fentanyl. However, most of the fentanyl entering the United States is trafficked across the U.S.–Mexico border by transnational criminal cartels. The Strengthening Sanctions on Fentanyl Traffickers Act of 2025 would direct the President to prioritize sanctions against China-based persons and entities—including pharmaceutical companies—connected to fentanyl trafficking. The bill also mandates continued sanctions against transnational criminal cartels engaged in fentanyl trafficking. “Far too many families in New Mexico have felt the devastating impact of the fentanyl crisis. More must be done to stop the flow of fentanyl before it reaches our communities,” said Senator Luján. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Justice on this vital bipartisan legislation that empowers the government to go after those responsible for trafficking fentanyl. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation to combat the fentanyl crisis, keep deadly drugs off our streets, and help protect communities across New Mexico.” “Fentanyl and similar synthetic drugs continue to devastate communities across West Virginia and the country. Much has been done to stop the flow of fentanyl, but we must do more. This bill will build on that progress by strengthening our sanctions, holding foreign entities accountable, curbing the flow of this substance into our state, and ultimately saving lives across our nation,” said Senator Justice. Senator Luján has long fought to stop the flow of fentanyl into our communities. Senator Luján introduced legislation to crack down on the trafficking of illicit synthetic drugs, like f… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-merkley-murkowski-massie-khanna-demand-doj-briefing-on-release-of-the-epstein-files/ Luján, Merkley, Murkowski, Massie, Khanna Demand DOJ Briefing on Release of the Epstein Files 2025-12-03 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Senate and House sponsors of Epstein Files Transparency Act lead the charge to ensure law is fully implemented. Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) joined forces with U.S. Representatives Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) to call on Attorney General Pam Bondi to provide a briefing on the U.S. Department of Justice’s efforts to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Actand fully release the Epstein Files by December 19, 2025—as required by the law. Luján, Merkley, Murkowski, Massie, and Khanna’s letter comes as the Justice Department is legally required to release all the Epstein Files within the law’s 30-day requirement. “We write as the bipartisan lead sponsors of the Epstein Files Transparency Act to express our shared interest in supporting the Department of Justice’s efforts to carry out the provisions of this critical new law,” the bipartisan group of lawmakers wrote. “In light of the short 30 day deadline to release the Epstein Files, we are particularly focused on understanding the contents of any new evidence, information or procedural hurdles that could interfere with the Department’s ability meet this statutory deadline.” They demanded, “In the interest of transparency and clarity on the steps required to faithfully implement the Epstein Files Transparency Act, we request a briefing either in a classified or unclassified setting, to discuss the full contents of this new information in your possession at your convenience, but not later than Friday, December 5, 2025.” The Epstein Files Transparency Act overwhelmingly passed Congress and was signed into law by President Trump on November 19, 2025. The landmark transparency legislation includes strong protections to redact appropriate information to protect victims’ privacy and national security, while explicitly prohibiting redactions based on reputational harm or political sensitivity. “In addition, we underscore that protecting survivors’ privacy is central t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/nm-delegation-presses-usda-refund-new-mexico-30-million-shutdown-food-stamps N.M. Delegation Presses USDA to Refund New Mexico $30 Million for Shutdown Food Stamps Lapse 2025-12-02 2025 2025-12 Democrat House NM Gabe Vasquez V000136 vasquez.house.gov vasquez https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – On December 2, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) was joined by Reps. Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03) and Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) as well as U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) in demanding that the federal government reimburse New Mexico $30 million for the emergency state funds used to protect hardworking New Mexicans’ from a lapse in their November food assistance during the most recent government shutdown. The New Mexico delegation sent a letter pressing the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for accountability to New Mexico taxpayers after the USDA purposefully withheld November SNAP benefits it had the legal obligation to fund. “Funding SNAP is a federal responsibility, and New Mexican taxpayers should not be penalized for your failure to fulfill your duty,” the members wrote. “No state should have to raid their own budgets to fix a problem the administration created. In New Mexico, this failure placed more than 450,000 SNAP recipients at immediate risk of going without the food assistance they rely on each month.” The text of the letter is below and available here. +++ Dear Director Vought and Secretary Rollins: We write to demand full and immediate reimbursement to the State of New Mexico for the $30 million it was forced to reallocate to provide food assistance to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients for the month of November during the federal government shutdown. Funding SNAP is a federal responsibility, and New Mexican taxpayers should not be penalized for your failure to fulfill your duty. During the shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) refused to issue SNAP benefits despite having sufficient funding and transfer authority available to issue full benefits. After multiple court orders, USDA eventually allowed states to issue benefits, but their repeated appeals and conflicting guidance caused furthe… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/notus-the-us-forest-service-is-falling-further-behind-on-wildfire-prevention NOTUS: The U.S. Forest Service Is Falling Further Behind on Wildfire Prevention 2025-12-02 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper President Donald Trump and his top Cabinet officials have repeatedly blamed the most catastrophic wildfires on poor forest management. His administration, however, appears to be lagging on that very work. In the first nine months of this year, the United States Forest Service slowed its rate of prescribed burns, tree thinning and other fire-prevention work across its hundreds of millions of acres of land, according to an outside analysis of U.S. Forest Service data being circulated by Democratic senators. Sens. Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and nine other Democratic senators wrote the Forest Service on Tuesday, demanding details about staffing levels and plans to meet wildfire mitigation needs. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/santa-fe-new-mexican-new-mexico-congressional-delegates-push-for-federal-refund-of-30m-in-state-food-aid Santa Fe New Mexican: New Mexico congressional delegates push for federal refund of $30M in state food aid 2025-12-02 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper New Mexico’s members of Congress on Tuesday sent a letter to federal officials urging them to reimburse the state for $30 million in food aid the state provided during federal disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The Trump administration, meanwhile, threatened to pull future funding for the program from New Mexico and other states. The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Tuesday said it would stop directing federal funds to states that have refused to turn over sensitive personal data from SNAP recipients, including Social Security numbers, The New York Times reported. The federal shutdown, which lasted from Oct. 1 to Nov. 12, delayed the disbursal of food aid under SNAP, formerly known as food stamps. After the federal government refused to tap emergency funds to issue November benefits, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham ordered $30 million in emergency state funds to be distributed to New Mexicans enrolled in the program, covering around 30% of their monthly benefits. “New Mexico’s governor did what the administration would not: she kept children, seniors, and people with disabilities fed,” wrote New Mexico’s Democratic U.S. Reps. Gabe Vasquez, Teresa Leger Fernández and Melanie Stansbury, and U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján. “No state should have to raid their own budgets to fix a problem the administration created,” the delegation added in the letter. That $30 million in state-funded benefits went out Nov. 1. After a federal court ruling in November required the Trump administration to pay SNAP benefits, New Mexico administered the full federal benefits around one week later. The state did not require SNAP recipients to pay back the extra 30% in state-funded benefits they had received earlier in the month. The congressional delegates have said they’re hopeful New Mexico will ultimately be reimbursed, although the Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Services has said states that provided benefits won’t be reimbursed. The agency didn’t immediately respond to a re… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-secures-commitment-from-us-forest-service-to-visit-and-meet-with-new-mexicans-in-pecos-valley-slams-administration-for-repealing-roadless-rule Heinrich Secures Commitment from U.S. Forest Service to Visit and Meet with New Mexicans in Pecos Valley, Slams Administration for Repealing Roadless Rule 2025-12-02 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper VIDEO HERE WASHINGTON — During a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Public Lands, Forests, and Mining Subcommittee hearing to examine pending legislation, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Committee, secured a commitment from U.S. Forest Service Acting Associate Chief Christopher French to host a public forum meeting in the Pecos Valley on mining developments. Heinrich additionally brought attention to the Administration’s refusal to take public opinion into account prior to repealing the Roadless Rule. VIDEO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), secures commitment from U.S. Forest Service Acting Associate Chief Christopher French to host a public forum in Pecos Valley, December 2nd, 2025. On Additional Mining in Pecos Valley Heinrich began his questioning by asking French to commit to hosting a public forum in the Pecos Valley, “Mr. French, the Administration recently reversed a very popular administrative withdrawal in the upper Pecos watershed, despite overwhelming public support in that community for the withdrawal. Your agency even canceled a public forum that would have allowed for discussion with the, of the withdrawal and given the community a chance to share their views with the Forest Service. Would you commit to coming out to the Pecos Valley and meeting with that community and having a public meeting?” French affirmed his commitment, “Yeah, thank you very much for the question, Senator. Of course, and we'll have a conversation around any of those issues. We know that the comments that we received on the withdrawal itself, overwhelmingly supported the withdrawal, but across the agency, the Administration's policy is to preserve the spaces we have right now for future development until such time that we understand what our current mineral development is across the Agency. So, it's, it is about more about a broader administrative, administration policy around the use of public lands and...” Heinrich pushed back, “Well, why not meet with the local community before … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/nm-delegation-presses-usda-to-refund-new-mexico-30-million-for-shutdown-food-stamps-lapse N.M. Delegation Presses USDA to Refund New Mexico $30 Million for Shutdown Food Stamps Lapse 2025-12-02 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.), and Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) sent a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins to demand that the Trump Administration reimburse New Mexico $30 million for the emergency state funds used to protect hardworking New Mexicans’ from a lapse in their November food assistance during Trump's government shutdown. The N.M. Delegation is demanding accountability for New Mexico taxpayers from the Trump Administration after the USDA purposefully withheld New Mexicans' SNAP benefits, which the USDA had the legal obligation to fund during Trump's shutdown. “Funding SNAP is a federal responsibility, and New Mexican taxpayers should not be penalized for your failure to fulfill your duty,” the N.M. Delegation wrote. “No state should have to raid their own budgets to fix a problem the administration created. In New Mexico, this failure placed more than 450,000 SNAP recipients at immediate risk of going without the food assistance they rely on each month.” The full text of the letter is here and below here. Dear Director Vought and Secretary Rollins: We write to demand full and immediate reimbursement to the State of New Mexico for the $30 million it was forced to reallocate to provide food assistance to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients for the month of November during the federal government shutdown. Funding SNAP is a federal responsibility, and New Mexican taxpayers should not be penalized for your failure to fulfill your duty. During the shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) refused to issue SNAP benefits despite having sufficient funding and transfer authority available to issue full benefits. After multiple court orders, USDA eventually allowed states to issue benefits, but their repea… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ranking-member-lujan-leads-telecommunications-and-media-subcommittee-hearing-on-defending-americas-communications-networks/ Ranking Member Luján Leads Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee Hearing on Defending America’s Communications Networks 2025-12-02 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, helped lead a subcommittee hearing titled “Signal Under Siege: Defending America’s Communications Networks.” With Americans spending more time online, cybercriminals – both domestic and global – are evolving and finding new ways to disrupt, infiltrate, and attack U.S. telecommunications systems. During the hearing, Senator Luján examined how evolving threats and security vulnerabilities are impacting our communications networks and reviewed efforts the federal government can take to safeguard the communications industry. Additionally, Senator Luján raised concerns about actions taken by the Trump administration to dismantle efforts to protect our communications networks from fraud, espionage, and sabotage. Last year, as Chair of the Subcommittee, Senator Luján convened a hearing on communications networks safety and security in the wake of the Salt Typhoon hacks. The hearing witnesses included: Mr. Robert Mayer, Senior Vice President of Cybersecurity and Innovation, USTelecom—The Broadband Association Mr. Daniel Gizinski, President of Satellite and Space Communications Segment, Comtech Mr. Jamil N. Jaffer, Founder and Executive Director, National Security Institute at the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University Ms. Debra Jordan, Former Chief of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission Video of the hearing is available here. An excerpt of Senator Luján’s opening remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below: I think every member on this committee can agree that there is nothing more important than keeping our communities and our country safe. That’s why the security of our communications networks is vital. The networks are the foundation of our daily lives – they carry our phone calls, texts, internet traffic, health information, emergency services, and so much more. It’s also our responsibilit… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/albuquerque-journal-three-takeaways-from-sen-martin-heinrichs-roundtable-with-public-land-experts Albuquerque Journal: Three takeaways from Sen. Martin Heinrich’s roundtable with public land experts 2025-11-26 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper The 2026 fire season, staffing levels at national parks and monuments, and the long-term public land employee pipeline were top of mind for public land advocates and experts at a roundtable with Sen. Martin Heinrich on Friday. Public lands have been a priority for the New Mexico Democrat, who has long touted his identity as a hunter and led some of the opposition to Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee’s proposal to make it easier to sell public land earlier this year. Here are three takeaways from his conversation with public land experts and advocates. 1. The 2026 fire season is keeping New Mexico’s state forester up at night State Forester Laura McCarthy is concerned about a plan to combine federal firefighting teams next year in what she believes may be a bad fire season. The predictions for winter snowpack are not promising, part of why McCarthy is losing sleep over next year’s fire season. President Donald Trump ordered the nation’s wildland firefighting forces underneath the Interior and Agriculture departments to combine. In September, the federal agencies announced a plan for implementing the order in January 2026. McCarthy would like them to postpone implementation to January 2027. “With the six-week shutdown, we’ve not heard what progress they’ve made on that,” McCarthy said. “And our fire season, given the snowpack and the forecast, we’re going to be cranking in February.” The Interior Department’s effort to modernize the wildland fire response is on track, according to Interior spokeswoman Elizabeth Peace. “The transition is being implemented in deliberate phases to ensure continuity of operations and readiness for the 2026 fire season,” Peace said in a statement. “Current firefighting capability remains fully in place, and there will be no gap in response capacity.” The plan includes creating a joint federal firefighting aircraft service, modernizing training, streamlining cooperative agreements and integrating pre- and post-fire activities. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we are cutting thr… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/kfda-cannon-air-force-base-receives-80m-in-federal-funding-for-infrastructure KFDA: Cannon Air Force Base receives $80M in federal funding for infrastructure 2025-11-26 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper CLOVIS, N.M. (KFDA) - Cannon Air Force Base will receive over $80 million in federal funding for key infrastructure projects, part of more than $200 million secured by New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich for the state with a focus on military construction. The projects include an $80 million, 192-bed dormitory at the base, as well as over $8 million to renovate and construct a training facility for security forces. Cannon Air Force Base was founded in the 1920s and is home to the 27th Special Operations Wing. “These are the very best, our nation’s war fighters and they’re just awesome sons and daughters of America,” said Mayor Mike Morris, City of Clovis. “And so, we’re proud to be home to them while they’re stationed at Cannon and really everything that we do here is with them in mind. I think of us as one community.” The City of Clovis works closely with Cannon and families and said it is grateful for the support. Infrastructure improvements target quality of life The commander of the 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon Air Force Base said strengthening security forces infrastructure ensures that airmen remain mission-ready. “This kind of investment is not just about construction—it’s about giving our people the foundation they need to perform at their best, day in and day out. Our Air Force is strong because of the airmen who serve and the families who support them—and providing them the resources to do so is fundamental to our readiness," said Col. Robert Johnston, commander of the 27th Special Operations Wing. Senator Heinrich said he will always fight for federal resources that grow the economy, lower costs, put New Mexico families first, and honor the service of those who keep the nation safe. “Really, really appreciate our congressional delegation prioritizing Cannon Air Force Base directing some of that spending toward Cannon,” said Morris. “We’re always thrilled to see the continued investment.” Cannon said the funding will improve the quality of life for air commandos and enable airmen to t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-lujan-leger-fernandez-introduce-legislation-to-fulfill-taos-pueblo-water-rights-settlement Heinrich, Luján, Leger Fernández Introduce Legislation to Fulfill Taos Pueblo Water Rights Settlement 2025-11-25 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S> Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, along with U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), introduced the Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act, legislation that provides more funding, flexibility, and oversight to fulfill the Taos Pueblo Water Rights Settlement. Specifically, the legislation updates the original 2010 Taos Pueblo Water Rights Settlement and establishes two new trust funds to help Taos Pueblo build and maintain groundwater and surface water infrastructure. Additionally, the legislation sets clear timelines for state and local partners to finish shared “Mutual-Benefit Projects,” and authorizes $367 million in new federal funding and contemplates an additional $54 million in state funding. Further, the legislation ensures that if other entities fail to deliver on projects, the Pueblo or the Bureau of Reclamation can step in to ensure completion and the parties can use interim mitigation. “The United States has a moral obligation to uphold its trust responsibility to Tribes and Pueblos. I’m proud to help introduce the Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act to ensure the Pueblo can continue vital work to ensure reliable, safe drinking water — the foundation of a healthier, stronger community,” said Heinrich. “Delivering long-term water security to Tribes, Pueblos and to every community in New Mexico is absolutely essential, and I’m committed to that work.” “Water is a vital part of the federal trust responsibility,” said Luján. “Amending current law is vital to ensure Taos Pueblo has access to clean, safe, and reliable water. I’m proud to partner with Senator Heinrich and Representative Leger Fernández to introduce legislation to fulfill the Taos Pueblo Water Rights Settlementan and deliver much-needed water infrastructure. This legislation is vital to help us fulfill our trust responsibility and promote water security for Taos Pueblo.” “The wat… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-heinrich-leger-fernandez-introduce-legislation-to-fulfill-taos-pueblo-water-rights-settlement/ Luján, Heinrich, Leger Fernández Introduce Legislation to Fulfill Taos Pueblo Water Rights Settlement 2025-11-25 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate NM Ben Ray Luján L000570 www.lujan.senate.gov lujan https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), along with U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), introduced the Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act, legislation that provides more funding, flexibility, and oversight to fulfill the Taos Pueblo Water Rights Settlement. Specifically, the legislation updates the original 2010 Taos Pueblo Water Rights Settlement and establishes two new trust funds to help Taos Pueblo build and maintain groundwater and surface water infrastructure. Additionally, the legislation sets clear timelines for state and local partners to finish shared “Mutual-Benefit Projects,” and authorizes $367 million in new federal funding and contemplates an additional $54 million in state funding. Further, the legislation ensures that if other entities fail to deliver on projects, the Pueblo or the Bureau of Reclamation can step in to ensure completion and the parties can use interim mitigation. “Water is a vital part of the federal trust responsibility,” said Luján. “Amending current law is vital to ensure Taos Pueblo has access to clean, safe, and reliable water. I’m proud to partner with Senator Heinrich and Representative Leger Fernández to introduce legislation to fulfill the Taos Pueblo Water Rights Settlementan and deliver much-needed water infrastructure. This legislation is vital to help us fulfill our trust responsibility and promote water security for Taos Pueblo.” “The United States has a moral obligation to uphold its trust responsibility to Tribes and Pueblos. I’m proud to help introduce the Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act to ensure the Pueblo can continue vital work to ensure reliable, safe drinking water — the foundation of a healthier, stronger community,” said Heinrich. “Delivering long-term water security to Tribes, Pueblos and to every community in New Mexico is absolutely essential, and I’m committed to that work.” “The waters flow… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-leads-new-mexico-delegation-call-lower-utility-bills Rep. Gabe Vasquez Leads New Mexico Delegation in Call to Lower Utility Bills as Hardworking NM Families Brace Themselves for the Cold 2025-11-24 2025 2025-11 Democrat House NM Gabe Vasquez V000136 vasquez.house.gov vasquez https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – On November 24, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) led the New Mexican delegation in urging the administration to immediately fund the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as New Mexico families prepare for colder temperatures this winter amidst sharply rising energy costs. In a letter addressed to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., Rep. Vasquez emphasized that LIHEAP plays a critical role in ensuring hardworking families can make ends meet and protect their families from the elements, especially as New Mexico families grapple with an average 8.1% jump in utility costs this year. “In communities across our state, families are struggling to afford rising energy costs. As winter approaches, many households face difficult choices between paying their heating bills and covering other basic needs like groceries, rent, or prescription drugs,” the NM delegation wrote to Secretary Kennedy. “For New Mexicans living on fixed incomes, especially seniors, families with young children, and those in rural and Tribal areas, LIHEAP can mean the difference between safety and crisis.” Rep. Vasquez’s work to lower utility costs for New Mexicans is a core component of his Affordability Agenda — a concrete plan to make life more affordable for working class New Mexicans. He has also stood up against the Administration's reckless policies that are raising utility bills, including the Department of Energy’s decision to cut $135 million for next-generation energy projects in New Mexico and the Republican tax law that cut incentives for energy projects in order to pay for tax breaks for billionaires. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-calls-us-dot-restore-consumer-protections-air-travelers-ahead-peak Rep. Vasquez Calls on U.S. DOT to Restore Consumer Protections for Air Travelers Ahead of Peak Holiday Travel 2025-11-24 2025 2025-11 Democrat House NM Gabe Vasquez V000136 vasquez.house.gov vasquez https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of the upcoming peak in holiday travel, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM‑02) called on U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Duffy to restore a rule that requires airlines to compensate travelers anywhere from $200 to $775 for flight delays and cancellations. The letter from Rep. Vasquez, Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-04), and dozens of other Democratic lawmakers to the Secretary of Transportation noted that the rule they are seeking to restore would require “airlines to provide free meals, lodging and rebooking in cases where domestic flight changes were under the carrier’s control, such as a mechanical issue.” “This isn’t rocket science. Flights are expensive, and flight delays and cancellations are frustrating,” said Vasquez. “Many New Mexicans are out of luck and out of money when these preventable delays and cancellations happen, and they must be compensated, just as they would in any other industry. Let’s restore the rule and restore faith in air travel.” This effort builds on Vasquez’s record of working to hold corporations accountable for rising costs and protecting hardworking New Mexicans from footing the bill. The Congressman’s demand that the DOT restore these consumer protections comes as air travelers face all-time record delays and air traffic controllers recover from shutdown staffing shortages nationwide. This week, an estimated 6 million Americans are projected to take domestic flights during the Thanksgiving travel period. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-urges-federal-agencies-develop-cohesive-counter-drone-strategy Rep. Vasquez Urges Federal Agencies to Develop Cohesive Counter-Drone Strategy to Protect American Communities, Combat Cartels and Secure the Border 2025-11-24 2025 2025-11 Democrat House NM Gabe Vasquez V000136 vasquez.house.gov vasquez https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – On November 24, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) called on top national security, defense, and law enforcement agencies to take urgent action against the growing criminal use of drones across the United States. In a letter sent to the Departments of Defense, Justice, Homeland Security, and the Federal Aviation Administration, Vasquez urged leaders to establish clear federal guidance and strengthen authorities for law enforcement at all levels to counter illegal drone activity on U.S. turf. Following meetings with law enforcement and national security officials across southern New Mexico, Rep. Vasquez’s letter highlighted escalating threats posed by cartels, drug traffickers, and other bad actors, stating, “Criminals are using drones to harm Americans, and our communities are vulnerable in the absence of a cohesive federal counter-drone strategy. Whether it’s cartels smuggling illegal contraband across the border, foreign adversaries spying on military tests, or traffickers operating in our neighborhoods, these threats demand immediate action.” Based on his past trips to the border, Rep. Vasquez underscored that Border Patrol agents in southern New Mexico remain on the front lines of the fight against cartel drone activity, which includes surveillance flights, intelligence gathering, cross-border smuggling, and even threats involving explosives. “As a border legislator, protecting my community and the law enforcement personnel who keep us safe is my top priority,” said Vasquez. “We must ensure that U.S. Border Patrol agents have the tools, personnel, and guidance needed to disrupt cartel drone activity and secure our border.” The letter also warns of significant risks to national security and U.S. military operations. At White Sands Missile Range and other Department of Defense installations, unidentified drones have entered restricted airspace, jeopardizing sensitive testing operations and endangering service members. These concerns were reiterated during Rep. Vasquez’s most r… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/albuquerque-journal-more-than-200-million-in-federal-dollars-will-come-to-new-mexico-projects Albuquerque Journal: More than $200 million in federal dollars will come to New Mexico projects 2025-11-24 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper More than $206 million will come to New Mexico through congressionally directed spending in the 2026 fiscal year for high-dollar items like an Air Force dormitory and for smaller projects like buying a wildland fire engine in Questa. Along with a stopgap funding bill to keep the federal government open through January, three year long appropriations bills were included in the November deal to end the government shutdown. Those yearlong appropriations bills will pay for military construction and Veterans Affairs; provide annual appropriations for agriculture, rural development, nutrition assistance programs and the Food and Drug Administration; and fund Congress and agencies that support its function, like the Capitol Police and Library of Congress. Within those annual appropriations bills was congressionally directed spending, commonly called earmarks, money members of Congress secure to bring federal dollars to specific, local projects. By far, the largest allocations secured for New Mexico were for two of the state’s Air Force bases. New Mexico’s senators got more than $80 million to build new facilities and infrastructure at Cannon Air Force Base, including a new dormitory. More than $100 million will go to buildings and infrastructure at Kirtland Air Force Base, the most expensive item being $83 million for a Space Rapid Capabilities Office headquarters. Three of the allocations are for health care facilities: Sandoval County will get $1 million to build a health care facility, another $1 million is going to Valencia County to help it build a hospital and the Gila Regional Medical Center in Silver City will get $193,000 to upgrade hospital utility systems. Two cities, Estancia and Mesilla, will get funds to renovate their town halls. There’s also just over $3 million for fire trucks and firefighting communication equipment in San Juan County, Rio Arriba County, Questa and Truchas. Although they secured the money for New Mexico projects, every member of the state’s all-Democrat congressional delegation,… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-bennet-hickenlooper-and-lujan-urge-trump-administration-to-protect-taxpayers-and-ensure-oil-and-gas-companies-pay-for-site-cleanup Heinrich, Bennet, Hickenlooper, Luján Urge Trump Administration to Protect Taxpayers and Ensure Oil and Gas Companies Pay for Site Cleanup 2025-11-24 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) urged U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Acting Director Bill Groffy to maintain the federal oil and gas bonding requirements in the 2024 Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Rule to hold developers accountable for the costs of site cleanup on federal lands. The Trump Administration has proposed rescinding the 2024 rule, and the senators strongly oppose the potential repeal of the federal bonding requirements included in that rule, which could cost taxpayers over $15 billion to clean up orphaned wells and put local communities at risk from harmful methane leaks, water contamination, and degraded habitat across the West. “For years, we have championed stronger bonding standards to make sure oil and gas companies — not taxpayers — pay the true costs of cleaning up oil and gas drilling on federal lands. In 2022, the Oil and Gas Bonding Reform and Orphaned Well Remediation Act was introduced in the Senate to increase woefully outdated bonding rates. The 2024 Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Rule built directly on these efforts by modernizing federal bonding requirements for the first time since the 1950s and 1960s to better reflect the actual cost of reclamation, which frequently exceeds $300,000 per well,” the senators wrote to Secretary Burgum and Acting Director Groffy. The senators emphasized that rescinding the 2024 bonding requirements would undo the first meaningful step in decades to ensure fiscal accountability for oil and gas operations on federal lands. They also highlight the overwhelming public support for the rule, with 90 percent of Westerners believing oil and gas companies should pay to clean up their own drilling sites. “The bonding requirements in the Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Rule represent a balanced, responsible approach to energy developm… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-lujan-klobuchar-colleagues-press-usda-on-unnecessary-snap-reapplications Heinrich, Luján, Klobuchar, Colleagues Press USDA on Unnecessary SNAP Reapplications 2025-11-24 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate NM Martin Heinrich H001046 www.heinrich.senate.gov heinrich https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper In a letter to the USDA, the senators assert that the Trump Administration's plan is duplicative of existing programs rules, increases red tape, and will unnecessarily inhibit access to SNAP benefits Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research, and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry led 30 of their colleagues, to press U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins on the USDA’s plan to have all beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) “reapply” for their benefits. “We write to express serious concerns and request further details about the plan by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to have all beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 'reapply' for their benefits,” the senators wrote to Secretary Rollins. “These changes appear to be duplicative of existing SNAP rules and designed to create more red tape for families seeking to put food on the table.” “This reapplication requirement comes after repeated efforts to deny Americans in need of essential nutrition assistance,” the senators continued. “In addition to unprecedented cuts to SNAP enacted earlier this summer, decisions to disrupt food assistance during the shutdown have created additional uncertainty. We are therefore troubled that the Administration could choose, at this moment, to add additional red tape that creates duplicative and unnecessary barriers to accessing nutrition assistance for families.” The letter is led by Luján and Klobuchar. Alongside Heinrich, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Chuck Shumer (D-N.Y.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.)… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z

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