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://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-nm-delegation-secure-key-funding-rebuild-roads-outside-wipp-carlsbad,"Vasquez, NM Delegation Secure Key Funding to Rebuild Roads Outside of WIPP in Carlsbad",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NM,Gabe Vasquez,V000136,vasquez.house.gov,vasquez,https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, September 24, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) secured $10 million in federal funding to repair the US 285 Relief Route, a critical road for freight trucks transporting nuclear materials to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) near Carlsbad. The New Mexican delegation, along with the New Mexico Governor’s Office, worked closely to ensure that the federal government fulfilled its promises related to this project.

“WIPP serves a critical role for nuclear waste storage in our state and for our nation,"" said Vasquez. ""This funding is much needed to ensure the safety and improvement of transportation of volatile materials to the facility. We cannot accept any shortcuts or funding shortfalls with a mission this sensitive, and this important. I am proud to have secured this funding working with Senator Heinrich despite the ongoing challenges releasing these funds from the Department of Energy.”

“Last appropriations cycle, I fought like hell to secure this funding – to get New Mexico more of the funding we deserve for our role in maintaining the nation’s only deep geologic repository for radioactive defense waste. I am extremely proud to have succeeded in delivering this $10 million to help rebuild the roads to, from, and around WIPP and strengthen the infrastructure that workers and the Carlsbad community rely on every day,” said Heinrich. “But our work isn’t done. I’ll keep fighting to increase the federal government’s support of road and infrastructure improvements in New Mexico, including through my WIPP Economic Assistance Assurance Act.”

“WIPP is critical to our national security, and it is vital that we have the infrastructure needed to support its operations and safely manage the disposal of nuclear waste,” said Luján. “I’m proud to have worked to bring this $10 million in federal funding home to rebuild the roads around WIPP that workers and the Carlsbad community rely on. I look forward to continuing my work to deliver for communities in every corner of New Mexico.”

WIPP, located near Carlsbad, New Mexico, is the nation’s only deep geologic repository for the disposal of transuranic waste generated by the United States’ nuclear weapons program. Since opening in 1999, WIPP has played a critical role in supporting the national defense mission by managing legacy nuclear materials and supporting national security-related cleanup efforts across the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

In 2025, Rep. Vasquez’s proactive and vocal efforts working alongside local stakeholders prevented the federal government from closing WIPP and leaving New Mexico without a key nuclear waste treatment plant.

###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-secures-senate-passage-of-legislation-to-transfer-a-portion-of-the-former-albuquerque-indian-school-campus-to-pueblos-for-the-indian-pueblo-cultural-center,Heinrich Secures Senate Passage of Legislation to Transfer a Portion of the Former Albuquerque Indian School Campus to Pueblos for the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced Senate passage of his Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2026, legislation that places portions of the former Albuquerque Indian School campus, currently managed by the General Services Administration, into trust for the benefit of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico.

“Our legislation will help the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center expand its reach, create new economic opportunities, foster entrepreneurship, and help local small businesses grow. Now that our bill has passed the Senate, I urge Speaker Mike Johnson and House Leadership to take it up and pass it without delay. This legislation will deliver an important win for the 19 Pueblos and for everyone who calls New Mexico home,” said Heinrich.

In the Senate, the legislation is led by Heinrich and cosponsored by U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. In the House, it is led by U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) and cosponsored by U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) in the House.

“Expanding economic development and cultural education opportunities for the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is critical for the 19 New Mexico Pueblos it serves. I cosponsored the Albuquerque Indian School Act because it will help the center grow, support job creation, and generate new revenue for New Mexico’s Pueblos and our communities,” said Luján, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. “Having this bill pass the Senate is a vital step toward getting this bill across the finish line and signed into law.”

The Albuquerque Indian School Act now heads to the House for final passage.

The Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2026 builds upon a longstanding, bipartisan effort to transfer the former Albuquerque Indian School campus and surrounding buildings 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.

Last month, Heinrich and Luján announced the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs passage of their Albuquerque Indian School Act.

Earlier this summer, Heinrich testified in support of the bill and urged his colleagues to advance the legislation out of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. Watch the full video of Heinrich’s testimony here.

In 2015, Heinrich, Luján, and the rest of the N.M. Delegation successfully passed into law the Albuquerque Indian School Land Transfer Act, legislation to place four tracts of land from the former Albuquerque Indian School into trust for the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico, consolidating the last parcels of the old school property into the Albuquerque Indian School campus. This followed several prior bipartisan efforts, from 1969 to 2008, led by former U.S. Senator Pete Domenici (R-N.M.), former U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), and former U.S. Representative Manuel Luján Jr. (R-N.M.).

###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-nm-delegation-secure-key-funding-to-rebuild-roads-outside-of-wipp-in-carlsbad/,"Luján, NM Delegation Secure Key Funding to Rebuild Roads Outside of WIPP in Carlsbad",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"$10 million in federal funding will help improve driver safety and nuclear waste containment

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), and U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) secured $10 million in federal funding to repair the US 285 Relief Route, a critical road for freight trucks transporting nuclear materials to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) near Carlsbad.

“WIPP is critical to our national security, and it is vital that we have the infrastructure needed to support its operations and safely manage the disposal of nuclear waste,” said Senator Luján. “I’m proud to have worked to bring this $10 million in federal funding home to rebuild the roads around WIPP that workers and the Carlsbad community rely on. I look forward to continuing my work to deliver for communities in every corner of New Mexico.”

“WIPP serves a critical role for nuclear waste storage in our state and for our nation,” said Vasquez. “This funding is much needed to ensure the safety and improvement of transportation of volatile materials to the facility. We cannot accept any shortcuts or funding shortfalls with a mission this sensitive, and this important. I am proud to have secured this funding working with Senator Heinrich despite the ongoing challenges releasing these funds from the Department of Energy.”

“Last appropriations cycle, I fought like hell to secure this funding – to get New Mexico more of the funding we deserve for our role in maintaining the nation’s only deep geologic repository for radioactive defense waste. I am extremely proud to have succeeded in delivering this $10 million to help rebuild the roads to, from, and around WIPP and strengthen the infrastructure that workers and the Carlsbad community rely on every day,” said Heinrich. “But our work isn’t done. I’ll keep fighting to increase the federal government’s support of road and infrastructure improvements in New Mexico, including through my WIPP Economic Assistance Assurance Act.”

WIPP, located near Carlsbad, New Mexico, is the nation’s only deep geologic repository for the disposal of transuranic waste generated by the United States’ nuclear weapons program. Since opening in 1999, WIPP has played a critical role in supporting the national defense mission by managing legacy nuclear materials and supporting national security-related cleanup efforts across the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-vasquez-nunn-introduce-bipartisan-beef-act-protect-american-ranchers-and,"Reps. Vasquez, Nunn Introduce Bipartisan BEEF Act to Protect American Ranchers and Lower Beef Prices",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NM,Gabe Vasquez,V000136,vasquez.house.gov,vasquez,https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) and U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) introduced the BEEF (Banning External Entry of Foreign Beef) Act, legislation to stop the Administration’s latest expansion of foreign beef imports and advance a long-term strategy to rebuild the American cattle herd, strengthen domestic beef production, and lower costs for consumers.

This bill is in response to the Administration’s announcement that it would import an additional 300,000 metric tons of foreign lean beef trimmings into the United States, hurting ranchers and raising prices for consumers. Vasquez has repeatedly opposed efforts by both Democratic and Republican administrations to increase foreign beef imports at the expense of American cattle producers.

“If we want more affordable beef, the answer is to grow American production, strengthen competition, and make it easier for the next generation of ranchers to stay in business – not make our country more dependent on un-vetted foreign imports,” said Vasquez. “Cattlegrowers in New Mexico and across the nation have made it clear – they want to reverse the President’s foreign beef imports and they need more time, and more tools, to grow their herds and fix the domestic supply chain. My bipartisan BEEF Act does just that, and I hope that my colleagues from both sides of the aisle can join me in supporting American cattlegrowers and this commonsense proposal.”

“Lowering beef prices for Iowa families and supporting our cattle producers should go hand-in-hand,” said Nunn. “If we want more affordable beef for the long term, we need more American beef being raised and produced here at home. After years of a shrinking cattle herd, that means giving our producers the stability and confidence to invest, rebuild, and grow. Our bipartisan bill puts producers at the table to develop a long-term plan to increase our domestic beef supply, while giving Congress a say before future decisions are made to expand foreign imports.”

The BEEF Act would:

Suspend the Administration’s latest expansion of foreign beef imports.

Require congressional approval before future presidential actions expanding beef imports can take effect.

Establish a four-year Beef Import and Domestic Supply Advisory Board within USDA and direct it to develop strategies to rebuild the American cattle herd and increase domestic beef production.

Advance policies to expand domestic processing capacity, improve livestock market competition, and lower beef costs for American families over the long term.

Rep. Vasquez has long been an ardent supporter of New Mexico’s ranchers and cattle growers. Some of his recent work to support them includes:

In June, he introduced the Protecting America’s Herds Act, an innovative, bipartisan solution to combat the spread of the New World Screwworm parasite, herd loss, and a jump in beef prices.

He was also integral in securing the necessary funding to build a sterile fly production and dispersal facility through the STOP Screwworms Act, legislation that required the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a New World Screwworm fly rearing facility to combat the spread of Screwworms.

On March 3, 2026, Rep. Vasquez secured unanimous, bipartisan support in the House Agriculture Committee for his Farm Bill amendment condemning the Administration’s push to prioritize Argentinian beef imports at the expense of our American cattle ranchers. The amendment ultimately passed out of the House in the Farm Bill.

In 2024, Vasquez adamantly opposed the Biden administration’s push to import beef from Paraguay. No matter the political party, Rep. Vasquez is fully committed to fighting for American ranchers.

###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-vasquez-announce-10-million-to-rebuild-roads-outside-of-wipp-in-carlsbad,"Heinrich, Vasquez Announce $10 Million to Rebuild Roads Outside of WIPP in Carlsbad",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (N.M.) announced $10 million in federal funding to repair the US 285 Relief Route, a critical road for freight trucks transporting nuclear materials to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) near Carlsbad.

In January, Heinrich announced he had successfully included $10 million in Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Appropriations to improve roads leading to and from WIPP, through recommended payments from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to the State of New Mexico. Since joining the Senate Appropriations Committee, Heinrich has been a steadfast advocate for appropriating these funds. This will be the first time that funds have been appropriated for this purpose since 2014. These repairs will improve safety for WIPP workers, shipments, and the surrounding communities.

Earlier this year, Heinrich also introduced the WIPP Economic Assistance Assurance Act to amend the WIPP Land Withdrawal Act to ensure sustained, inflation-adjusted funding for New Mexico communities to maintain vital infrastructure projects, such as road maintenance and repairs for the duration of WIPP’s operation.

“Last appropriations cycle, I fought like hell to secure this funding – to get New Mexico more of the funding we deserve for our role in maintaining the nation’s only deep geologic repository for radioactive defense waste. I am extremely proud to have succeeded in delivering this $10 million to help rebuild the roads to, from, and around WIPP and strengthen the infrastructure that workers and the Carlsbad community rely on every day,” said Heinrich. “But our work isn’t done. I’ll keep fighting to increase the federal government’s support of road and infrastructure improvements in New Mexico, including through my WIPP Economic Assistance Assurance Act.”

“New Mexico and WIPP are the backbone of our nation’s nuclear program,” said Vasquez. “The hardworking New Mexicans who run WIPP provide a critical service to the entire country – and the least the DOE can do is hold up their end of the bargain and meet their safety needs. I’m proud to have worked with Senator Heinrich to deliver this funding, and I’ll continue to deliver for the needs of our district.”

WIPP, located near Carlsbad, New Mexico, is the nation’s only deep geologic repository for the disposal of transuranic waste generated by the United States’ nuclear weapons program. Since opening in 1999, WIPP has played a critical role in supporting the national defense mission by managing legacy nuclear materials and supporting national security-related cleanup efforts across the U.S. Department of Energy.

###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-calls-on-senate-leadership-to-establish-bipartisan-select-committee-on-ai/,Luján Calls on Senate Leadership to Establish Bipartisan Select Committee on AI,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to establish a bipartisan Senate Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure that Congress can meet the unprecedented pace, scale, and rapidly advancing challenges associated with AI.

“AI is accelerating faster than our existing legislative processes, committee structures, and technical capacity can consistently evaluate and respond. The recent news of increasing incidents makes it clear that this is no longer a theoretical concern,” wrote Senator Luján.

“A bipartisan Select Committee on AI would complement, not displace, the work of existing committees. This approach would dedicate a platform to develop novel AI policy recommendations, hold hearings, and help coordinate across existing committees,” continued Senator Luján.

“Establishing this bipartisan Committee gives Congress the institutional capacity to pull in expertise to understand this technology, drive its benefits, anticipate its consequences, and act with the urgency and responsibility that is demanded of us in our elected roles,” concluded Senator Luján.

The full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Leader Thune and Leader Schumer:

I respectfully write today to urge the establishment of a bipartisan Senate Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure that Congress can meet the unprecedented pace, scale, and breadth of challenges presented by a rapidly advancing artificial intelligence landscape.

AI is accelerating faster than our existing legislative processes, committee structures, and technical capacity can consistently evaluate and respond. The recent news of increasing incidents makes it clear that this is no longer a theoretical concern. In July, AI agents operating during cybersecurity evaluations were not properly maintained within their intended environments, allowing them unauthorized access to external systems. In independent testing by the United Kingdom’s AI Security Institute, frontier models repeatedly took unsanctioned actions against real people and organizations, including deceptive attempts to inject malicious code into external projects.

At the same time, leading AI researchers and developers are publicly warning that this technology is advancing beyond our ability to reliably understand or control it. Over 1,300 employees from frontier AI companies recently called for the United States to develop the technical and governance tools necessary to deliberately pace frontier AI development. Researchers and leaders at top AI laboratories have also publicly raised the possibility of catastrophic outcomes, suggesting there’s a 10% to 20% chance of existential risks associated with these platforms. These warnings, going back as far as the early 2000s, deserve our full attention and serious examination—not because Congress should assume any prediction to be correct, but because we should listen to the developers when they say our existing governing structure, safeguards, and defenses are not sufficient.

We are seeing this threat landscape continue to broaden. Just last week, Anthropic shared their threat intelligence report documenting AI-enabled cyber operations, influence operations, surveillance, biological misuse, conventional weapons development, and increasingly autonomous attacks. In some cases, AI systems have been used to automate reconnaissance, exploitation, and data theft simultaneously against multiple victims. These developments touch nearly every major area of policy: national security, economic competitiveness, cybersecurity, biotechnology, energy, communications, financial markets, workforce development, and more.

Our challenge is not a lack of congressional interest; it is that AI does not fit neatly within a single policy lane. As delineated above, each committee has an essential role to play, but the results become fragmented and competitive rather than working together to develop a common technical understanding and comprehensive legislative framework. Task forces, caucuses, and working groups have helped educate and build consensus, but they are not a substitute for a standing institution with the capacity to develop broad and deep expertise, conduct sustained oversight, and translate findings into durable and bipartisan legislation.

A bipartisan Select Committee on AI would complement, not displace, the work of existing committees. This approach would dedicate a platform to develop novel AI policy recommendations, hold hearings, and help coordinate across existing committees. We have the responsibility to understand and safely guide these technologies that are reshaping our economy, innovation, and national security before events force us to only react. Establishing this bipartisan Committee gives Congress the institutional capacity to pull in expertise to understand this technology, drive its benefits, anticipate its consequences, and act with the urgency and responsibility that is demanded of us in our elected roles.

I respectfully urge your prompt consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-statement-commemorating-national-public-lands-day,Heinrich Statement Commemorating National Public Lands Day,2026-09-26,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement on National Public Lands Day:

“Our public lands are part of our shared identity – they are a physical manifestation of our Jeffersonian democracy and belong to all of us, no matter where you come from or how much money you have.

“But over the past two years, our public lands have been under relentless attacks. President Trump is trying to rip public lands from public hands, negotiating behind closed doors to sell off our national treasures to private equity firms and foreign mining companies, leaving our public lands behind a for sale sign.

“To rub even more salt in the wound: our national parks are facing billions of dollars in deferred maintenance and severe staff shortages, while $1.8 billion of your taxpayer dollars are being spent on President Trump’s D.C. vanity projects. That’s bullshit.

“On this National Public Lands Day, go out and enjoy our public lands. Then share why they matter to you and continue to fight to protect these lands for future generations.”

As Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Heinrich is leading the fight in Congress to protect our public lands, expand access to national parks, and hold the Trump administration accountable for its attacks on our treasured places — from efforts to erase history in our national parks to diverting funding to Trump’s vanity projects.

This month, Heinrich joined a bipartisan group of 153 lawmakers in urging the Department of the Interior (DOI) to abandon a proposed transfer of federally managed public land within Yosemite National Park that would facilitate private access to and development of an 83-acre parcel adjacent to the park known as Hazel Green Ranch. During a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, Heinrich criticized the Trump administration for its plan to exchange public land in Yosemite National Park for private development.

This month, Heinrich led his Senate colleagues in sending a letter to DOI Secretary Doug Burgum demanding that the Trump administration stop work on President Trump’s commemorative arch on federal property, which federal officials have admitted will harm historic sites on public lands, including Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial.

This month, Heinrich spoke in support of the Roadless Rule at a New Mexico Wild community event, encouraging New Mexicans to submit public comment in support of preserving the Roadless Rule. The public has until October 6, 2026 to submit comments on the Trump administration’s repeal of the Roadless Rule, which is the last chance for Americans to voice their opposition and help keep millions of acres of public lands in public hands. You can read more about Heinrich’s actions to protect the Roadless Rule here.

Last month, Heinrich led his colleagues in opposing the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) proposal to overturn the 2024 Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation rule (the 2024 Waste Prevention Rule). The move will increase pollution on public lands, reduce domestic energy supply, expose nearby communities to avoidable health risks, and waste publicly owned natural gas, costing Americans tens of millions in foregone revenue.

Last month, Heinrich joined top Senate Democrats in sending a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Acting Comptroller General Orice Williams Brown to audit and assess the full scope and cost of the White House ballroom project.

Last month, Heinrich sent a letter requesting that the DOI Deputy Inspector General Caryl Brzymialkiewicz investigate what Department officials knew – and when they knew it – about engineering failures at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and whether Department employees withheld evidence from federal prosecutors.

In July, Heinrich criticized legislation that removes protections for public lands, emphasizing the need for bipartisan collaboration within the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Heinrich additionally fact-checked Trump administration actions that undo protections for the Chaco Canyon Cultural Protection Zone. You can read about Heinrich’s actions to protect Chaco Canyon here and here.

In July, Heinrich sent a letter to DOI Secretary Doug Burgum and U.S Park Chief of Police Scott Brecht demanding answers and transparency about the U.S. Park Police’s new vehicle pursuit policy following news reports that an innocent bystander, Nolberto Armando Sanabria Meza, a 46-year-old food delivery driver, was hit and tragically killed in D.C. by a driver being chased by U.S. Park Police.

In June, Heinrich helped advance the America the Beautiful Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Angus King (I-Maine) to reauthorize the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund, out of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

In June, Heinrich sent a letter demanding answers from DOI Secretary Doug Burgum about the Trump administration redirecting tens of millions of dollars from fees paid to the NPS to fund President Trump’s vanity projects in Washington, D.C. – including redirecting funds collected at New Mexico sites such as Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Bandelier National Monument.

In April, during a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing to examine the Trump administration’s Budget Request for the DOI Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27), Heinrich grilled DOI Secretary Doug Burgum about the Department’s draconian staff cuts at the NPS.

In March, Heinrich joined lawmakers in filing an amicus brief that would put a stop to President Trump’s plan to construct a commemorative arch on federal property. The amicus brief argues that the President’s plan is illegal unless Congress authorizes it.

In March, Heinrich led his colleagues in delivering remarks on the Senate floor in condemning and drawing attention to the Trump administration’s efforts to erase American history from public lands.

In March, Heinrich sent a letter to DOI demanding answers from the NPS following reports that NPS staff across the country are removing signage from national parks about slavery, Tribal history, and climate change.

In February, Heinrich led his colleagues in calling on DOI Secretary Doug Burgum to halt efforts to create the Department’s new U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS), citing potential life-or-death consequences that could come as a result of decoupling wildfire management from land management agencies, and emphasizing concerns related to recent reductions in staffing, combined with improperly severing wildfire management from land stewardship.

Last December, during a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks hearing to consider 26 pending bills, Heinrich criticized the Trump administration for removing fee-free admission on Juneteenth and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Last October, Heinrich delivered remarks on the Senate floor, criticizing Republicans for pushing forward Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions of disapproval targeting BLM Resource Management Plans (RMPs) that would undo protections for national parks, including the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve.

Last October, during the government shutdown, Heinrich urged the DOI Secretary Doug Burgum to classify the Department’s staff as essential during the Republican government shutdown to maintain the health and safety of Americans who visit public lands, wildlife refuges, and national park sites.

In June of 2025, Heinrich successfully fought Senate Republican provisions to sell off public lands in the Big Bad Bill, lead an amendment to prevent the privatization of our public lands, hosted a roundtable and sounded the alarm about New Mexico public lands that were at risk of being sold off by Republicans, continuously uplifted New Mexicans’ voices who called his office to raise their concern with Republicans’ plan to sell off these lands, and released a statement immediately criticizing Senate Republicans’ plan to sell off public lands following the release of the reconciliation text.

In June of 2025, Heinrich blasted the Trump administration for its plans to transfer national park units to state control, criticizing the administration for “cutting off our access to public lands and devastating state economies in the process, overwhelming state budgets and dismantling the systems that keep public lands running.”

In June of 2025, Heinrich grilled the DOI Secretary Doug Burgum over the Trump administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget request for the Department, which slashes funding for national parks and guts staffing for the agency.

In May of 2025, Heinrich sent a letter to DOI Secretary Doug Burgum, demanding answers from the Trump administration regarding its plans to transfer National Park System units from federal management. The letter follows Heinrich’s questioning of Secretary Burgum during a Senate Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, where Burgum failed to provide sufficient answers on the Trump administration’s plan to transfer hundreds of sites managed by the NPS to the states.

In January of 2025, Heinrich’s Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation (SOAR) Act and Every Kid Outdoors Extension Act, which extends free access to national parks and other public lands to all American fourth grade students and their families through 2031 — were signed into law as part of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act. The broader bipartisan package bolsters outdoor recreation and promotes public lands in New Mexico and across the United States.",1,2026-09-27T10:23:37Z,2026-09-27T10:25:08Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-whitehouse-joint-statement-on-permitting-deal-to-deliver-lower-energy-costs-good-paying-jobs-and-responsible-growth,"Heinrich, Whitehouse Joint Statement on Permitting Deal to Deliver Lower Energy Costs, Good-Paying Jobs, and Responsible Growth",2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, issued the following statement on the status of a permitting reform deal:

“To be clear: permitting negotiations are ongoing, many of the major hurdles have been overcome, and we believe there is a good deal to be had. We’re focused on getting Americans cheaper energy, good-paying jobs, and responsible growth. To get that right, we need good, strong, legislative text and deliberation.

“Our goal is to deliver for Americans struggling to pay their utility bills. And to do that, we must give Senators the opportunity to read and engage with legislation before they’re asked to vote on it. Rushing that process isn’t just unhelpful, it could sabotage the entire effort.

“We are talking about major changes to how America builds energy and infrastructure. Getting that right has to matter more than election-year deadlines. We are committed to doing what’s needed to get this across the finish line in this Congress, and we look forward to working with the White House and our fellow Members to do that.”",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-legislation-to-secure-americas-satellite-systems-unanimously-passes-senate/,Luján Legislation to Secure America’s Satellite Systems Unanimously Passes Senate,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – This week, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Secure Space Act, legislation led by U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, and U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Chair of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media. The bipartisan Secure Space Act would protect America’s satellite systems from foreign threats and strengthen national security.

“As satellite technology continues to advance, so do the threats to our national security, and we must act swiftly to safeguard our critical infrastructure,” said Senator Luján. “I’m proud that the Senate unanimously passed my Secure Space Act, legislation that blocks satellite licenses for untrusted entities and protects our skies from foreign adversaries. This legislation is necessary to defend our communications networks from foreign entities that seek to undermine our security and technological leadership.”

Background:

The Secure Space Act prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from granting satellite licenses or U.S. market access for foreign-licensed satellite systems to any entity or its affiliates that produce or provide communications equipment or services deemed a national security risk.

The legislation amends the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 to extend this prohibition to both geostationary and non-geostationary orbit satellite systems, including gateway stations. It applies to new licenses and authorizations issued after the bill’s enactment and requires the FCC to establish implementing regulations within one year.

Click here to read text of the bill.

###",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-statement-on-trumps-illegal-pocket-recissions-that-strips-nearly-1-billion-from-american-families/,Luján Statement on Trump’s Illegal Pocket Recissions that Strips Nearly $1 Billion From American Families,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after the Trump administration released an illegal “pocket rescission” that would strip nearly $1 billion in funds meant to support American families:

“Donald Trump and Russ Vought are illegally stripping away nearly $1 billion in funding for kids, K-12 students, small businesses, and families across America.

“At a time when families are being squeezed by the rising costs of food, fuel, and other essentials, these cuts will only make life harder for New Mexicans.

“Senate Democrats will fight back against these illegal cuts, defend Congress’ authority, and lower costs for families.”

###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=663,"Leger Fernández Calls for Pause on Data Center Development, Unveils “No Blank Checks for Data Centers” Principles",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NM,Teresa Leger Fernandez,L000273,fernandez.house.gov,fernandez,https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"SANTA FE, NM — Today, Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) unveiled her No Blank Checks for Data Centers Principles, a set of clear standards to protect New Mexico families, water, land, and local communities as companies seek to build massive data centers across the state. The Congresswoman called for a moratorium on new data center development in New Mexico until companies meet the principles she laid out.

“The role of government is to protect us from greedy corporations,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. ""Data centers want our water, our land, and our power. Communities may want the jobs they could bring to New Mexico. But we will not give them a blank check. I will only support data centers that pay their own way, protect our precious water, create good-paying union jobs, use clean energy, and earn the support of the communities where they want to build. Data centers must work for New Mexico, not the other way around. Communities must know how much water and electricity these projects will use, who will pay for them, and what residents will receive in return. If a project cannot answer those questions, it should not move forward. Congress must act to regulate data centers with these principles in mind. We cannot let AI and data centers regulate themselves.”

The Congresswoman’s platform requires data centers to meet six principles:

No Blank Checks for Data Centers Principles

Don’t hike up electric bills. Data centers must pay for their own electricity and infrastructure without passing their costs on to New Mexico families.

Don’t negatively impact water resources in the area.

Use energy sources that meet New Mexico’s renewable energy and zero-carbon requirements.

Create good-paying union jobs.

Get community approval and do consultation before permitting and building.

No taxpayer subsidies, projects must provide community benefits.

“Our water. Our land. Our power. Our say,” said Leger Fernández. “Those are New Mexico’s terms.”

Leger Fernández also linked her data center standards to a broader call for federal oversight of artificial intelligence. In a post earlier this week, she said:

“Trump called AI concerns “a HOAX.” He said opponents of data centers “want to end up being backwards and poor.” No, Mr. President, Americans want Congress and you to do your job protecting humanity, protecting our utility bills, and protecting us from out-of-control, corrupt greed.

A principal role of government is to protect the American people. Safety must always be our first mandate. It is also the government’s job to protect the American people from unmitigated greed. The billionaires that you are listening to now would prefer the government stay on the sidelines. But the U.S. government knows how to regulate corporate greed and how to address new technologies that could destroy our world.

What we do now will matter. We cannot just let AI and data centers regulate themselves or depend on their goodwill to lower utility costs and limit the most destructive possibilities inherent in this rapidly evolving technology. We must let local communities have a say in what is built in their neighborhoods so they can protect their water, environment, and cost burdens.

But Congress must act. There must be a strong, enforceable national regulatory framework. We must have civil and criminal liability. We must protect the local and national financial interests of working families.

It is not a hoax, Mr. President. And we have a job to do.”",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-secures-critical-resources-new-mexico-water-infrastructure,Rep. Gabe Vasquez Secures Critical Resources for New Mexico Water Infrastructure in House-Passed Bill,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NM,Gabe Vasquez,V000136,vasquez.house.gov,vasquez,https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"September 24, 2026

Vasquez delivers major wins for water security, wildfire recovery, flood protection and the Rio Grande

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) helped pass the Water Resources Development Act of 2026, securing up to $50 million in new water infrastructure authorizations for communities in New Mexico focused on drought and wildfire recovery, flood protection and the long-term health of the Rio Grande.

“I fought to put New Mexico front and center in this bill, and I’m proud to have delivered,” said Vasquez. “This bill provides up to $50 million for local water infrastructure to protect the Rio Grande and help communities recover from wildfires – critical wins for New Mexicans as we face a dire water shortage.”

The Water Resources Development Act, known as WRDA, authorizes water infrastructure projects, studies and policies carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This year, Vasquez pushed to make sure New Mexico’s unique water challenges were reflected in a bill that shapes water policy across the country.

Rep. Vasquez secured the following wins for New Mexico:

$25 million for Doña Ana County water infrastructure: Vasquez secured a $25 million authorization for water infrastructure in Doña Ana County, including water supply and desalination projects. This creates a major new federal opportunity to strengthen the region’s water supply and put brackish groundwater to productive use.

$25 million for Valencia County water infrastructure: Vasquez secured a $25 million authorization for water and wastewater infrastructure in Valencia County, including stormwater management. The provision will help communities tackle flooding, improve water systems and build more resilient infrastructure.

Major modernization of the Rio Grande Environmental Management Program: Vasquez secured an expansion of the program to support projects addressing drought, wildfire and flood resilience, fish and wildlife habitat, sedimentation and salinity, water infrastructure, and invasive species. WRDA authorizes $20 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 and strengthens reporting and long-term planning for the Rio Grande.

Post-fire watershed assessments across New Mexico: Vasquez secured post-disaster watershed assessments covering areas impacted by the Buck, Trout, Cotton, South Fork and Salt Fires in Catron, Grant and Valencia Counties and near Ruidoso. These assessments can help identify long-term watershed restoration and flood-risk reduction projects needed to protect communities recovering from devastating wildfires.

Greater scrutiny of large new water users: Vasquez pushed for greater federal scrutiny of the enormous water demands that can come with new data centers, and WRDA requires the Army Corps to examine how new commercial and industrial water users affect federal water supply and water conservation projects. The provision provides a new tool for understanding how major new developments could put additional pressure on limited water resources.

New Rio Grande Basin water supply study: Vasquez secured a new Army Corps feasibility study focused on water supply and ecosystem restoration across the Rio Grande Basin in New Mexico. WRDA also adds the Middle Rio Grande to federal watershed assessments that examine future municipal, domestic, industrial, and agricultural water needs. This is especially important as New Mexico tries to meet its water compact obligations to Texas.

New tools to protect the Rio Grande: Vasquez secured the addition of the Middle Rio Grande to the Army Corps’ watershed assessment program, advancing efforts to improve the health and long-term resilience of the river. WRDA also expands drought-resiliency tools to address harmful nonnative riparian species such as salt cedar and restore native vegetation.

Federal action along the Rio Chama: Vasquez, along with the New Mexico delegation, secured language directing the Army Corps to expedite environmental and drought-resiliency project modifications along the Rio Chama and Rio Grande between Abiquiu and Cochiti Reservoirs. The provision advances his push for stronger federal management of this critical stretch of New Mexico’s river system.

This bill is supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Iron and Steel Institute, American Public Works Association, American Rivers, American Road & Transportation Builders Association, American Society of Civil Engineers, American Society of Landscape Architects, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, National Association of Counties, National Association of Flood & Stormwater Management Agencies, National Association of Manufacturers, National League of Cities, National Parks Conservation Association, National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, National Utility Contractors Association, National Water Resources Association, National Water Supply Alliance, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and many others.

###

Issues:Environment & Conservation",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-moreno-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-to-recognize-september-as-latin-music-appreciation-month/,"Luján, Moreno Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize September as Latin Music Appreciation Month",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) introduced a bipartisan resolution to celebrate the contributions of Hispanics and Latinos to the musical heritage of the United States and to designate September 2026 as Latin Music Appreciation Month. The resolution recognizes various Latin music styles, instruments, artists, bands, and journalists who have inspired and influenced American culture for generations. U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) plans to lead the resolution in the House of Representatives.

“As one of the only Hispanics in the United States Senate, I’m honored to introduce this bipartisan resolution that recognizes and celebrates Hispanic and Latino achievements in music and culture,” said Senator Luján. “Across the U.S. and around the world, Hispanic and Latino artists have made significant contributions to musical heritage and driven cultural trends. This month, we can all take a moment to celebrate Hispanic and Latino artists and inspire future generations of artists and performers.”

“Latin music is woven into the story of our nation, and its influence reaches communities across the United States and around the world. You can hear it everywhere, from reggaetón at celebrations to Latin ballads at weddings. It is the soundtrack of our lives. That’s why I’ve worked to ensure more Latino artists are a part of the prestigious National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress. Alongside Senator Luján, I look forward to calling September ‘Latin Music Appreciation Month’ to honor the artists who have shaped our nation’s culture,” said Representative Castro.

“Latin music is one of the fastest-growing forces in the American music industry, driving streams, filling stadiums, topping the charts, and creating jobs for artists, producers, songwriters, and crews across the country,” said Nathaly Maurice, Founder and President of Operativo, who helped spearhead the effort alongside legendary music producer and executive Emilio Estefan. “This resolution recognizes what the industry already knows: Latin music is essential to the business of American music. We’re grateful to Senators Luján and Moreno for coming together across party lines to honor the artists and professionals who built that success and the next generation working to carry it forward.”

Full text of the resolution is available HERE.

###",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-statement-on-voting-for-the-14th-time-to-end-trumps-war-with-iran/,Luján Statement on Voting for the 14th Time to End Trump’s War with Iran,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after voting for the 14th time to end President Trump’s war with Iran:

“I just voted for the 14th time to end Donald Trump’s disastrous war with Iran and bring our troops home.

“At least 19 servicemembers have lost their lives, many remain in harm’s way, gas is over $4.53 a gallon, and record diesel prices are squeezing our farmers and working families.

“I’ve opposed this war since day one, and I won’t stop fighting to bring our troops home and lower costs for New Mexicans.”

###",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-introduces-legislation-to-support-investments-to-build-a-more-resilient-reliable-grid,"Heinrich Introduces Legislation to Support Investments to Build a More Resilient, Reliable Grid",2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The bill creates an investment tax credit to boost construction of significant transmission projects across the nation, could create 1 million jobs & help cut electricity costs by 0ver $27 billion annually

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, introduced the Grid Resiliency Tax Credit Act, legislation to incentivize the construction of new electric transmission infrastructure to help meet growing electricity demand, strengthen the grid, and lower costs for customers.

The Grid Resiliency Tax Credit Act will provide a targeted 30% investment tax credit (ITC) to support investments in large-scale transmission projects and grid-enhancing technologies that help to provide consumers with low-cost, reliable electricity.

At a time when energy costs are already through the roof, Americans need solutions that can bring down the cost of electricity while making sure our grid can keep up with growing demand. According to an analysis by ACORE and Grid Strategies, a 30% investment tax credit for transmission projects would create more than 1 million new American jobs building and maintaining transmission projects. Transmission expansion could save American families and businesses up to $27.7 billion per year on their residential electricity bills, according to Grid Strategies and Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG).

“As our energy demand increases, we need to improve our grid infrastructure and invest in building more transmission lines that deliver on the promise of reliable, affordable, and clean power,” said Heinrich. “At a time when families are already facing sky-high energy costs, we need to make sure our investments in the grid actually help bring those costs down. My Grid Resiliency Tax Credit Act will do just that by incentivizing private investors to put their capital behind building critical energy infrastructure projects, creating long-term certainty, starting from planning to the construction of transmission projects.”

The Grid Resiliency Tax Credit Act could be applied for the following investments:

Large significant transmission lines and line upgrades that cross certain geographic jurisdictions or are at least 100 miles which are:

At least 500 MW in capacity

At least 345 kV AC or 200 kV DC in voltage

Generator-tie lines and network upgrades to connect additional electricity supply and storage to the grid.

Innovative technologies such as advanced transmission conductors and grid-enhancing technologies.

The Grid Resiliency Tax Credit Act would provide a 10-year tax credit. Starting in 2026, all qualifying transmission projects that are placed in service would qualify for the credit and any qualifying project that starts construction before December 31, 2036, could claim the credit. The Grid Resiliency Tax Credit would support investments in new transmission projects, modifications to existing transmission projects, interconnection, subcomponents, and grid-enhancing technologies.

The Grid Resiliency Tax Credit Act is endorsed by the National Rural Electric Cooperative (NRECA), Berkshire Hathaway Energy, the American Public Power Association (APPA), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), Oceti Sakowin Power Authority (OSPA), Navajo Transitional Energy Company (NTEC), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), SouthWestern Power Group, Pattern Energy, ACORE, Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG), and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

“Investing in transmission infrastructure is critically important to meet soaring electricity demand and maintain a reliable grid. As electric cooperatives make the investments necessary to achieve these goals, having access to the transmission investment tax credit is crucial to reducing costs for consumers. We appreciate Sen. Heinrich’s leadership on this issue and his commitment to ensuring that all Americans reap the benefits of this critical federal resource,” said Jim Matheson, CEO of the NationalRural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

“We applaud Sen. Heinrich’s reintroduction of the Grid Resiliency Tax Credit Act, which would leverage private capital to build the new transmission capacity needed to meet today’s surging electricity demand. If enacted into law, the Grid Resiliency Tax Credit Act would unleash historic grid infrastructure investment, enhance system security and reliability, and help keep electricity prices affordable for the customers we serve,” said Patrick Reiten, Senior Vice President of Berkshire Hathaway Energy.

“Customers nationwide are facing rising electricity costs, including increasing transmission costs, which are reflected in monthly bills. Senator Heinrich’s bill would help address that challenge by reducing transmission investment expenses, including for public power utilities, which would access the credit’s benefits through elective pay. This allows community-owned, not-for-profit public power utilities to receive the full investment incentive, keeping benefits local, supporting grid reliability, and reducing customers’ transmission rates,” said Scott Corwin, President and CEO of the American Public Power Association (APPA).

“IBEW members proudly build, operate, and maintain our nation's bulk electric grid, and Sen. Heinrich's proposed tax credit will spur the massive transmission buildout that our country urgently needs. This bill will catalyze private investment to create thousands of good-paying jobs for the lineworkers who build these projects while improving reliability and lowering costs for consumers, and the IBEW looks forward to working with Congress to pass this important legislation,” said Kenneth Cooper, International President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).

“Across the Great Plains, Tribal lands hold some of the strongest renewable energy potential in the country, but inadequate transmission capacity remains one of the biggest barriers to bringing that power to market. The Oceti Sakowin Power Authority strongly supports the Resiliency Tax Credit Act, and we thank Senator Heinrich for his efforts to accelerate investment in the high-voltage transmission infrastructure our country urgently needs. Expanding transmission is fundamental to unlocking Tribal clean energy resources, advancing energy sovereignty, meeting America’s growing energy needs, and creating lasting economic opportunity for Tribal communities,” said Lyle Jack, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Oceti Sakowin Power Authority (OSPA), a Tribal utility authority owned by seven Sioux Tribes in South Dakota.

“The Navajo Transitional Energy Company (NTEC) supports Senator Martin Heinrich's legislation establishing a 30% investment tax credit for qualifying transmission infrastructure. Expanding the nation's transmission system is essential. Rising demand, mounting reliability pressures, and long interconnection queues all point to the same conclusion: America needs more wires, substations, and switchyards, and it needs them soon. By taking a technology-neutral approach, the bill focuses on the infrastructure itself rather than any generation resource. That is the right frame. Every customer and every resource depend on a stronger grid,”said Vern Lund, CEO of the Navajo Transitional Energy Company (NTEC).

“America's electric grid is under mounting strain from record demand growth, and the tools to relieve that strain — including grid-enhancing technologies like advanced conductors — already exist and are ready for deployment. What's needed now is a policy framework that makes building them easier,"" said Will Hupman, SVP of Government Affairs of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). ""Sen. Heinrich's Grid Resiliency Tax Credit Act does exactly that, offering an investment tax credit for qualified, regionally significant electric power transmission or generator-tie lines that meet rigorous performance standards for capacity, efficiency, and resilience. By providing an incentive to deploy high-performing transmission technology rather than just new poles and wires, Senator Heinrich's legislation will help deliver the faster capacity expansion our economy needs.”

“Our country cannot meet our ever-growing energy needs without more modern transmission. But the patient capital required to work through the approval process, and then the high cost of construction, limits who is willing to take on necessary and large transmission projects. An Investment Tax Credit is one of the best vehicles to bring key investors and developers to the table to grow our grid. We deeply thank Senator Heinrich for his continued dedication and work to this end and are so appreciative for how much he prioritizes smart, needed transmission policy,” said Darryl Sockwell, General Manager of SouthWestern Power Group.

“A stable policy environment is key to unlocking investment in American energy infrastructure to strengthen grid reliability, support economic growth, and deliver affordable energy to communities across the country. Meeting growing energy demand requires significant investment in transmission, which serves to both improve reliability and provide the backbone to efficiently utilize both existing and new generation assets. Senator Heinrich’s Grid Resiliency Tax Credit Act recognizes the critical role transmission plays in advancing these priorities,” said Hunter Armistead, CEO of Pattern Energy.

“We need to add enough electricity supply to our grid by 2030 to power New York City 15 times over. That pace of growth is unlike anything we’ve seen, and this bill is a constructive step toward preparing our grid to affordably and reliably deliver that power,” said Ray Long, President and CEO of ACORE. “We at ACORE look forward to working across the aisles of Congress to deliver bipartisan solutions to grid modernization, permitting reform, and energy security.”

“This bill supports smart investments to help us build the grid that Americans deserve,” said Grace Henley, tax attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council. “We need a resilient grid for the 21st century that delivers affordable, clean, and reliable energy across the nation.”

A fact sheet of the bill is here.

The full text of the bill is here.

This Congress, as Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Heinrich has introduced multiple bills aimed at strengthening our electrical grid and lowering energy costs for families.

Last month, Heinrich introduced the GRID Savings Act, legislation that aims to ensure that the biggest new electricity users play by the same basic rules that have applied to new power plants for two decades, while increasing transparency, protecting grid reliability, and making sure that families and businesses aren’t left paying for infrastructure that only serves new, high-demand customers. Last week, Heinrich took to the Senate floor to encourage his colleagues to put the GRID Savings Act up for a vote, however, Senate Republicans blocked the effort.

In July, Heinrich introduced the Grid Connection and Congestion Management Act, which would require grid operators to establish a fast-track process for connecting new energy projects to the electric grid, reducing delays and easing congestion.",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-kim-introduce-legislation-to-address-rising-costs-of-school-meals-help-end-childhood-hunger-in-america,"Heinrich, Kim Introduce Legislation to Address Rising Costs of School Meals, Help End Childhood Hunger in America",2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, and U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) introduced the Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act, legislation to make it easier for students to access quality, nutritious school meals.

School meals help shape lifelong healthy eating habits, and research shows that students who participate in school meal programs have better overall diet quality than nonparticipants. But as the cost of food and equipment continues to rise, school districts are struggling to keep up. The Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act will give school districts the certainty they need to strengthen their meal programs, provide nutritious meals to students, and plan for the future.

“New Mexico has shown that when we make healthy school meals available to every student, we give kids a better chance to focus, learn, and succeed. But schools across the country are facing a financial crisis, with the skyrocketing cost of food, equipment, and labor making it harder to put nutritious meals on the table. My Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act will give schools the resources and certainty they need to serve healthy meals, buy more food from local farmers, and make sure every kid in America has the food they need to learn and thrive,” said Heinrich.

“Kids can’t learn if they’re hungry, and our schools can’t get them nutritious food if they’re struggling with stretched budgets. As a parent, I know there’s nothing more important than being there for your kid; as a Senator, I know there’s nothing more important than using our voice to stand up for all kids. I’m proud to work with Senator Heinrich to introduce this bill and hope our colleagues join us in standing up for America’s kids,” said Kim.

Under federal law, approximately 71% of all New Mexican students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. New Mexico enacted universal free school meals in 2023 when Senate Bill 4 was signed into law, which covers the cost of universal school meals after federal reimbursements to ensure all students receive free meals.

In the School Nutrition Association’s School Year (SY) 2025-26 School Nutrition Trends Report, nearly all respondents reported challenges related to costs. 99% of respondents cited the need for more funding for their programs with 98% reporting challenges with the cost of food; 95% reported challenges with the cost of labor; and 95% also reported challenges with the cost of equipment. Additionally, over half of respondents shared that they have “serious concern” about the financial sustainability of their program in three years.

A new report found that meal revenues — including federal reimbursements, paid meals, and à la carte sales — covered only an average of 81% of program expenses. A July 2026 report also revealed that 35% of school meal programs operated at a deficit at the end of the 2023-24 school year, nearly double the 18% reported in 2021–22.

The Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act permanently increases the federal reimbursement level for all free, reduced-price, and paid-rate school meals by 45 cents for every lunch served and 28 cents for every breakfast served, with a yearly adjustment— making it easier for school districts to provide healthy meals to students.

The full text of the bill is here.

This legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Cory Booker (D-N.M.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.).

The Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act has the support of more than a dozen organizations in New Mexico and across the country, including the School Nutrition Association, New Mexico School Nutrition Association, New Mexico Appleseed, Roadrunner Food Bank, Farm to Table New Mexico, Center for Science in the Public Interest, Urban School Food Alliance, New Mexico Voices for Children, Chef Ann Foundation, National Farm to School Network, American Heart Association, National Education Association, National Education Association-NM, Superintendent of Santa Fe Public Schools, Food Research & Action Center, and National Parent Teacher Association, Share Our Strength - No Kid Hungry campaign.

""With prices rising for everything from fresh produce to kitchen equipment and skilled labor, federal reimbursements no longer cover the cost of preparing healthy school meals,"" said School Nutrition Association President Ashley Powell, PhD, RD, FAND, SNS. ""To meet updated federal nutrition standards, schools need additional funds to purchase more fresh, whole foods and invest in kitchen upgrades and culinary training. The Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act will ensure school meal programs have the necessary resources to fuel students for success in and out of the classroom.""

""The New Mexico School Nutrition Association proudly supports Senator Martin Heinrich's Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act. School nutrition professionals across our state see firsthand how critical a well-nourished day is to a child’s ability to focus, learn, and grow. By permanently increasing federal reimbursement rates for school meals, this legislation provides our school food authorities with the vital resources they need to combat rising food costs, enhance daily menus, and successfully sustain New Mexico's commitment to universal free school meals. We applaud Senator Heinrich’s continued leadership in ensuring that no child has to face the school day on an empty stomach,"" said New Mexico School Nutrition Association Legislative Chair and Director of Student Nutrition at Hobbs Municipal Schools Sonya Moore, SNS.

“Roadrunner Food Bank is once again honored and committed to endorse Senator Heinrich’s Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act. We believe that every child should have consistent access to the nutritious meals they need to be successful in school and in life. By increasing reimbursement for school breakfasts and lunches, this legislation will help reduce childhood food insecurity in every state. It will also help strengthen New Mexico’s own groundbreaking universal school meals program,” said Roadrunner Food Bank President and CEO Dana Yost.

“One of the most powerful tools we have in education is the USDA school meal program. It is an evidence-based antidote to chronic absenteeism, low academic performance, and disruptive classroom behavior. USDA school meals provide critical nutrition to children for brain growth, focus, and behavior at school. Ample research shows that there is a high correlation between USDA school breakfast and lunch with higher test scores, improved attendance rates and even better behavior in class. We are grateful to Senator Heinrich for making sure kids cannot just show up to school, but thrive when they are there,” said Child Poverty Expert and Founder of New Mexico Appleseed Jennifer Ramo.

“As one of the first states to provide healthy school meals to every student, we know the significant value of federal meal reimbursements through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. With federal cuts impacting SNAP enrollment and rising costs of food, it's more important than ever to increase the reimbursements for school meal programs so we can continue to keep our students fed and ready to learn,” said Director of Policy at New Mexico Voices for Children Emily Wildau.

""Every child deserves to come to school ready to learn, and we know that is much harder when a child is hungry,” said Superintendent of Santa Fe Public Schools Dr. Christine Griffin. “At SFPS, we see every day the difference healthy school meals make for our students and families. Universal school meals remove one more barrier for students, ease some of the financial pressure on families, and allow our kids to focus on learning instead of worrying about their next meal. We appreciate Senator Martin Heinrich’s continued support for school nutrition programs and his understanding that taking care of our students is an important part of helping them succeed.”

“Increasing investment in school meals is one of the best ways to ensure every kid gets the nutrition they need to thrive, and that school nutrition professionals have the resources to do the local purchasing and healthy menu planning they strive for,” said National Farm to School Network Executive Director Jessica Gudmundson.

""Schools want to cook healthier food for students, but the outdated federal meal reimbursement rate is holding them back,” said Chef Ann Foundation CEO and Co-Founder Mara Fleishman. “Raising this rate is the most direct way we can help all schools in every state unlock better meals for kids and fairer wages for our essential school food professionals. We believe passing this legislation is an absolutely necessary step toward prioritizing children's health in America, and we're grateful to Senator Heinrich for championing this critical effort.""

“Healthy school meals are an investment in student success. By increasing federal reimbursements, the Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act would provide schools with more resources to keep pace with the growing demand for school meals and help ensure children have the nutrition they need for their health and learning. We applaud Sen. Heinrich for reintroducing this bill and urge Members of Congress to co-sponsor this important legislation that would fuel bright futures for our nation’s children,” said President of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) Crystal FitzSimons.

""For students to achieve their academic dreams, school breakfasts and lunches are as essential as reading and math. As schools face pressure from rising costs, they need more resources to continue providing the healthy food that families can count on,"" said Director for Share Our Strength and Its No Kid Hungry Campaign Claire Borzne. ""Increasing the federal reimbursement rate for meals is an investment in our future that will help schools continue to prepare meals that fuel kids so that they can learn, grow and thrive.""

“Students cannot learn without adequate nutrition and for far too many children, school meals are a necessity and often the most nutritious meals they receive,” said Dr. Bill Datema, president of National PTA. “Our association applauds Senator Heinrich for reintroducing the Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act. Federal investments are critical to help schools feed students breakfast and lunch and provide healthier options.”

###",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-cotton-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-improve-medicare-patients-access-to-timely-necessary-care/,"Luján, Cotton Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Medicare Patients’ Access to Timely, Necessary Care",2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) introduced the Timely Access to Coverage Decisions Act, legislation to improve Medicare patients’ access to timely and medically necessary care by making the Medicare coverage determination process more predictable, transparent, and rooted in medical evidence.

National Coverage Determinations (NCDs) and Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) are the Medicare policies that determine whether specific medical services, procedures, and devices are considered reasonable and necessary for coverage within a Medicare Administrative Contractor’s (MAC) jurisdiction. The current process for issuing and updating coverage decisions can result in lengthy delays and uncertainty for patients and providers, even as medical evidence and technology continue to advance. By establishing clearer timelines, increasing transparency, and improving oversight, the Timely Access to Coverage Decisions Act would help ensure Medicare patients have timely access to medically necessary items and services.

“Medicare beneficiaries should not have to wait years for cutting edge treatments while medical science and technology advance rapidly,” said Senator Luján. “Patients deserve a coverage process that is timely, transparent, and informed by qualified health experts. My Timely Access to Coverage Decisions Act will bring greater accountability and certainty to Medicare coverage decisions so patients can access the care they need without unnecessary delays.”

“Arkansas seniors deserve access to high-quality medical treatments, and they shouldn’t have to wait on the slow clock of government to obtain coverage for them. Our bill would require Medicare administrators to give seniors prompt, transparent decisions about their coverage, ensuring they can address their health concerns in a timely manner,” said Senator Cotton.

Specifically, the Timely Access to Coverage Decisions Act would:

Establish a predictable timeframe for coverage decisions: Medicare Administrative Contractors would be required to determine whether formal LCD requests and reconsideration requests are complete within 60 days.

Increase transparency in the coverage decision process: Medicare Administrative Contractors would be required to hold public meetings on proposed LCDs, provide advance notice of meeting agendas, seek input from an expert panel that includes patients, physicians, and industry stakeholders, and make meeting records publicly available.

Ensure logical outgrowth of draft LCDs: Final LCDs would be required to be a logical outgrowth of the draft LCD. Any updates to an LCD that are not a logical outgrowth of the draft must be reissued as a draft LCD before finalization.

Strengthening oversight of Medicare coverage decisions: Would provide for additional review by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services following the completion of certain reconsideration requests.

“Patients should not face delays in care because Medicare coverage decisions are developed through processes that lack transparency, consistency, or meaningful stakeholder input,” said Dr. Zhai, College of American Pathologists. “Local Coverage Determinations play an important role in ensuring access to medically necessary services, and it is critical that these policies are based on clear evidence and informed by practicing physicians and patients. This legislation represents an important step toward improving the LCD process by strengthening transparency, increasing accountability, and creating more opportunities for stakeholder engagement. These reforms will help ensure coverage decisions are made through a fair, predictable, and evidence-based process. We commend the bipartisan Senate sponsors for advancing this legislation and for recognizing the importance of timely, transparent coverage policies that support patient access to medically necessary care.”

“Medicare beneficiaries should not have to wait months or years for a decision on whether they can access a technology or service that may be medically necessary to maintain their health, mobility, independence, and quality of life. Timely, transparent, and accountable coverage decisions are essential to a Medicare program that keeps pace with advances in technology and the needs of beneficiaries. The ITEM Coalition commends Senators Luján and Cotton for recognizing that timely access to Medicare coverage is not simply an administrative issue; it is fundamental to ensuring that beneficiaries can access the care and technologies they need,” said Michael Barnett, J.D., ITEM Coalition Co-Coordinator.

“The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) commends Senators Luján and Cotton for their bipartisan leadership on the Timely Access to Coverage Decisions Act. Medicare beneficiaries and their physicians deserve timely, transparent, and evidence-based coverage decisions. This legislation would establish clearer timelines for coverage decisions and ensure physicians and other stakeholders have meaningful opportunities to provide input throughout Medicare’s Local Coverage Determination process,” said Patrick A. DeHeer, DPM, APMA President.

“Timely Medicare coverage is critical to ensuring patients can benefit from the latest lifesaving, life-changing medtech,” said Scott Whitaker, president and CEO of AdvaMed, the medtech association. “By setting clear expectations for Local Coverage Determination reviews and strengthening transparency and accountability, the Timely Access to Coverage Decisions Act would help reduce unnecessary delays and make the process more predictable for patients, providers, and innovators. AdvaMed strongly supports this bipartisan legislation and thanks Senators Luján and Cotton and Representatives Dunn, Tenney, Barragán, and Foushee for their leadership.”

Full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-van-hollen-colleagues-push-trump-to-negotiate-ai-guardrails-with-xi/,"Luján, Van Hollen, Colleagues Push Trump to Negotiate AI Guardrails with Xi",2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"Senators’ letter calls for global cooperation on AI development to preserve public safety and human control

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and 15 colleagues in calling on President Donald Trump to negotiate a formal agreement between the U.S. and China on guardrails and global standards for the development, testing, and use of frontier Artificial Intelligence (AI) models with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The lawmakers also urged President Trump to consider enacting a mutual pause in frontier AI development to prevent potential cyberattacks, the development of biological weapons, and other dangerous activities that could threaten humanity.

Senators Luján and Van Hollen were joined in sending this letter by Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.).

The lawmakers begin, “We write concerning public reporting that your administration plans to have discussions about artificial intelligence with China during the upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping currently planned for September 24, 2026. We support this dialogue and encourage you to have those discussions at the highest level. As extraordinary as the promise of some of AI’s advanced capabilities are, safety incidents make clear that both national and international infrastructure is threatened by unregulated testing and release of AI models. It is incumbent upon both governments to discuss necessary guardrails and global standards for the development, testing, and use of AI in order to mitigate the risks of unfettered advancement. As you prepare for the upcoming summit, we urge you to engage with President Xi directly to discuss efforts to avoid the potential harms of this technology for the safety and benefit of the world. America leads in AI innovation, and we must lead the world in AI safety and international cooperation, including by working with China to develop a formal agreement that would slow down, and potentially enact a mutual pause in, frontier AI development to prevent cyberattacks, the development of biological weapons, and other dangerous activities that threaten the lives of the American people and humanity writ large.”

They note specifically, “The conversations should include specific focus on the standards needed for development and testing processes, oversight and monitoring of models, enforcing human control over the use of autonomous systems, and technological verification of any agreed upon terms to ensure that an agreement is being enforced. Protecting American safety and leadership in AI will require international cooperation with many countries, but it must start with serious engagement by your administration and China at this summit.”

“AI technology is too powerful, and its risks too many, for the U.S. and China to forgo discussions on parameters around its development and use. What our two countries develop as guardrails will serve as a standard for how the technology is used worldwide. Given how quickly AI technology is developing and how transformative it may be, we cannot delay our pursuit of diplomatic efforts to mitigate its risks. Those efforts must start with direct engagement with China to ensure the safety and well-being of all people as AI innovation continues,” the lawmakers conclude.

The full text of the letter is available here and below.

President Trump:

We write concerning public reporting that your administration plans to have discussions about artificial intelligence with China during the upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping currently planned for September 24, 2026. We support this dialogue and encourage you to have those discussions at the highest level. As extraordinary as the promise of some of AI’s advanced capabilities are, safety incidents make clear that both national and international infrastructure is threatened by unregulated testing and release of AI models. It is incumbent upon both governments to discuss necessary guardrails and global standards for the development, testing, and use of AI in order to mitigate the risks of unfettered advancement. As you prepare for the upcoming summit, we urge you to engage with President Xi directly to discuss efforts to avoid the potential harms of this technology for the safety and benefit of the world. America leads in AI innovation, and we must lead the world in AI safety and international cooperation, including by working with China to develop a formal agreement that would slow down, and potentially enact a mutual pause in, frontier AI development to prevent cyberattacks, the development of biological weapons, and other dangerous activities that threaten the lives of the American people and humanity writ large.

The development, release, and proper and improper use of AI present several risks unique to this technology. Testing AI models without constant monitoring and safe sandboxing has resulted in security breaks. Current publicly available models are concerningly capable of detecting and exploiting cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Companies developing AI have even more powerful models internally. An international race between the U.S. and China to advance these capabilities without safety guardrails, as is currently unfolding, poses unnecessary and dangerous risks to the American people. CIA Director John Ratcliffe recently said that it would “not be misplaced” to refer to the capabilities of AI as “akin to digital nuclear weapons.” At the same time, despite serious warnings from those in your administration and bipartisan Congressional action, your administration has loosened export controls of semiconductors to China and refused to close relevant loopholes on the remaining regulations, enabling China to access the U.S. chips it needs to accelerate its own AI development. Both countries are currently integrating AI tools into military and defense applications, including in autonomous and unmanned systems, which Congress and AI developers alike have warned against without significant safeguards. AI has many applications and many of them are tools we will find beneficial, but its significant dangers and potential use in lethal applications without meaningful human control must be addressed, in part, through international cooperation.

In addition, efforts to engage with China should not stop the U.S. from constructing and implementing guardrails domestically, and Congress and U.S. companies should not wait to do so. In fact, both the U.S. and the Chinese government have already put some guardrails in place, but these provisions are not sufficient on their own. Your administration has implemented a voluntary testing scheme before the public release of advanced AI models. China reportedly has put in place several testing and capability restrictions, including registration and safety requirements for certain applications, although consistent implementation remains uncertain. The mutual recognition between the two countries that AI poses significant risks both during development and after release should be the foundation of discussions centered on reaching concrete terms for an international safety agreement. The conversations should include specific focus on the standards needed for development and testing processes, oversight and monitoring of models, enforcing human control over the use of autonomous systems, and technological verification of any agreed upon terms to ensure that an agreement is being enforced. Protecting American safety and leadership in AI will require international cooperation with many countries, but it must start with serious engagement by your administration and China at this summit.

While advanced AI may be new, engagement between two superpowers over a technology that poses an existential threat is not. The U.S. and Soviet Union, over decades, negotiated and implemented multiple nuclear arms control agreements with each other, despite many deep-seated ideological differences during the Cold War. At the core of those agreements were verification mechanisms to ensure both countries were complying. Like those agreements that have helped keep the world safe from mutually assured destruction, identifying and coming to terms with the technical specifications for AI safety will require some of the smartest minds in the world committed to diplomacy. We encourage you to embrace these challenges because the stakes are existential, and our response must match the moment.

The experts building frontier AI models have also been raising concerns for some time that the capabilities of AI models may soon accelerate beyond our ability to understand or control them. In July, over 1,300 employees of frontier AI companies, who are uniquely aware of AI’s potential and risks, called on the U.S. government to engage in an international effort to create the tools necessary to pace the frontier of AI development, particularly as increased automation of AI research may lead to even faster advancement. We should take these warnings seriously. Former Treasury Secretaries Henry Paulson and Robert Rubin recently published an op-ed calling for you and President Xi to work on an “ACT” — AI Cooperation Treaty.” We may not get another moment to take the actions necessary to protect our citizens and people around the world.

AI technology is too powerful, and its risks too many, for the U.S. and China to forgo discussions on parameters around its development and use. What our two countries develop as guardrails will serve as a standard for how the technology is used worldwide. Given how quickly AI technology is developing and how transformative it may be, we cannot delay our pursuit of diplomatic efforts to mitigate its risks. Those efforts must start with direct engagement with China to ensure the safety and well-being of all people as AI innovation continues.

###",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-lujan-delivers-major-win-for-new-mexicos-land-grant-communities-and-traditional-uses/,WATCH: Luján Delivers Major Win for New Mexico’s Land Grant Communities and Traditional Uses,2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) led the unanimous Senate passage of the New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act, legislation to strengthen cooperation between the federal government and land grant communities. There are 27 community land grant-mercedes that are recognized as political subdivisions under New Mexico law. The legislation was introduced by Senator Luján and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.).

WATCH: Luján Secures Unanimous Consent Request on U.S. Senate Floor

Senator Luján has championed this legislation for years, previously passing it through the House of Representatives while serving in the House and continuing that effort in the Senate.

“Land grant communities in New Mexico have cared for our lands, sustained our communities, and preserved traditions deeply rooted in our state’s history and culture,” said Senator Luján. “For too long, these communities have faced unnecessary barriers when working with the federal government. This legislation has been years in the making, and I’m proud that we are one step closer toward making this law. This is about making sure the people who have cared for these lands for generations have a stronger voice in the decisions that affect their communities, livelihoods, and traditions.”

“The New Mexico Land Grant Council is excited that Senate Bill 1363, the New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act, passed the United States Senate today. The Bill has been in the works for over a decade, and Senator Luján has been a tireless advocate fighting for its passage. The Bill provides a mechanism for land grant-merced communities to get meaningful recognition of their connection to, and traditional use of former common lands now managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management in New Mexico,” said Chairman Juan Sánchez, New Mexico Land Grant Council.

“El Consejo de Las Mercedes is pleased that the U.S. Senate passed Senate Bill 1363 today. The New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act is a monumental step forward to ensuring that land grant-merced communities have continued access to traditional uses on our historic lands that are now under the control of the Federal Government,” said Jason Quintana, President, El Consejo de Las Mercedes.

“I am so excited to here that our Traditional Use legislation was passed by the U.S. Senate. This is truly an accomplishment for our land grants and our traditional communities. This will allow to work more closely with federal and state agencies to accomplish great things for our gente. Que vivan las Mercedes!” said Andrea Padilla, President Town of Tome Land Grant.

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 understanding (MOU) with the New Mexico Land Grant Council, to clarify existing agency processes that qualified land grant-mercedes may use to seek authorization for historical or traditional uses on Federal public lands, including permit requirements and associated fees;

Clarifies that the MOU does not directly authorize any uses or activities on Federal public lands;

Directs the DOI and USDA to consult with Tribes when the MOU is entered into, extended, renewed or revised;

Ensures that the MOU contains a description of the notice and comment procedures on agency land management planning decisions, and that qualified land grant-mercedes, the New Mexico Land Grant Council, and Tribes are notified of opportunities to comment on and be involved in agency land management planning decisions; and

Requires the DOI and the USDA to evaluate impacts on historical or traditional uses in Federal land use planning.

In April 2025, Senator Luján and Representative Leger Fernández reintroduced the New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act. In December 2025, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources passed the legislation.

A summary of the bill is available HERE. Full text of the legislation is available HERE.

###",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-demands-answers-over-reported-delays-critical-new-world,Rep. Gabe Vasquez Demands Answers Over Reported Delays to Critical New World Screwworm Facility,2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NM,Gabe Vasquez,V000136,vasquez.house.gov,vasquez,https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 22, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) led nine of his House colleagues in demanding answers from U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins following reports that USDA delayed construction of a critical New World Screwworm (NWS) containment facility in order to pursue a proposal from a politically connected contractor.

The lawmakers’ demand comes as the threat of NWS continues in New Mexico. Last week, officials confirmed the state’s second case of New World screwworm. New Mexico’s first case was detected in June.

“NWS is not an abstract threat. Every day lost preparing our defenses puts American cattle producers, rural communities, and our food supply at greater risk,” wrote Vasquez. “Ranchers should not have to pay the price for a federal contracting process influenced by political connections instead of experience, science, and the ability to get the job done.”

“The federal government has a responsibility to move quickly when the livelihoods of American ranchers and the security of our food supply are at stake,” continued Vasquez. “It also has a responsibility to ensure contracts are awarded based on qualifications, value to taxpayers, and the ability to deliver, not political connections.”

According to reports, USDA spent approximately six months considering a proposal from a firm with no significant biocontainment experience that has political ties to the Trump Administration. After it was determined that the politically-connected firm could not complete the project within its underbid budget and timeline, USDA then spent several additional months reviewing proposals before moving forward with another contractor for a facility now estimated to cost approximately $750 million.

Vasquez and his colleagues are asking USDA to:

Explain when officials became aware of the contractor’s political connections and lack of biocontainment experience;

Share the research that was conducted on the proposal;

Explain why the Department continued considering the contractor for approximately six months;

How much the process delayed construction on the key facility to stop the spread of NWS and what effect that delay has had on USDA’s ability to protect livestock producers.

Vasquez has advocated for ranchers in their fight against NWS time and time again:

In June, Rep. Vasquez took ranchers' straight to Washington and pressed Secretary Rollins on New World Screwworm (NWS) containment, payment and service delays caused by USDA staffing shortages.

In April, he sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins demanding answers on the Administration’s preparedness strategy for a New World Screwworm (NWS) outbreak as the warmer months approach.

On March 3, 2026, Rep. Vasquez secured unanimous, bipartisan support in the House Agriculture Committee for his Farm Bill amendment condemning the Administration’s push to prioritize Argentinian beef imports at the expense of our American cattle ranchers.

Last year, he sounded the alarm on NWS by calling on the USDA to take immediate steps to protect ranchers while balancing the interests of New Mexico’s small businesses.

He was also integral in securing the necessary funding to build a sterile fly facility through the STOP Screwworms Act, legislation that required the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a New World Screwworm fly rearing facility to combat the spread of Screwworms.

In 2024, Vasquez adamantly opposed the Biden administration’s push to import beef from Paraguay. No matter the political party, Rep. Vasquez is fully committed to fighting for American ranchers.

###",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-demands-trump-admin-immediately-halt-construction-of-trumps-250-foot-arch,Heinrich Demands Trump Admin Immediately Halt Construction of Trump’s 250-Foot Arch,2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, led his Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Doug Burgum demanding that the Trump administration stop work on President Trump’s commemorative arch on federal property, which federal officials have admitted will harm historic sites on public lands, including Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial.

“We write with our continued concern that President Trump’s proposed 250-foot Triumphal Arch will cast a shadow over some of our nation’s most historic monuments and memorials, as indicated in the National Park Service’s (NPS) own assessment, and to renew our call for you to immediately halt work on the project,” the lawmakers began.

Late last year, the President unveiled a plan to build a towering arch near a number of historic sites and landmarks, including Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial. In response, Heinrich and his colleagues raised significant concerns about the legality of the arch and its impact on neighboring historic sites—demanding the administration halt construction of the President’s latest vanity project. Those concerns have proven to be accurate. NPS’ own assessment now confirms what we all have known to be true.

“Last month—under requirements set forth in section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act—NPS concluded that the President’s illegal arch could adversely affect 37 historic sites in and around the nation’s capital,” the lawmakers continued. “The proposed arch would have the most pronounced impact on the Memorial Avenue Corridor Cultural Landscape, Arlington Memorial Bridge, and Arlington National Cemetery Historic District. Other historic sites built decades ago, such as National Mall, U.S. Capitol, and Washington Monument, would also be affected by the construction of the arch. Section 106 is clear: the administration must seek to “avoid, minimize, or mitigate,” adverse harm to historic sites.”

“Putting the President’s ego ahead of these memorials adds another stain on this administration’s legacy,” the lawmakers continued.

The lawmakers ended their letter by demanding that the Trump administration halt work on its 250-foot arch.

In April, Heinrich voted against a resolution in Senate Republicans’ budget resolution that allowed for the construction of Trump’s arch.

In March, Heinrich joined lawmakers in filing an amicus brief that would stop President Trump’s plan to construct a commemorative arch on federal property. The amicus brief argues that President Trump’s plan is illegal unless Congress authorizes it.

In addition to Heinrich, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).

You can read the letter here and below.

We write with our continued concern that President Trump’s proposed 250-foot Triumphal Arch will cast a shadow over some of our nation’s most historic monuments and memorials, as indicated in the National Park Service’s (NPS) own assessment, and to renew our call for you to immediately halt work on the project.

Late last year, the President unveiled a plan to build a towering arch near a number of historic sites and landmarks, including Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial. In response, we raised significant concerns about the legality of the arch and its impact on neighboring historic sites—demanding the Administration halt construction of the President’s latest vanity project. Those concerns have proven to be accurate. NPS’ own assessment now confirms what we all have known to be true.

Last month—under requirements set forth in section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act—NPS concluded that the President’s illegal arch could adversely affect 37 historic sites in and around the nation’s capital. According to the assessment, the arch would impact the “integrity” of historic sites and change “character-defining visual and spatial relationships.” The proposed arch would have the most pronounced impact on the Memorial Avenue Corridor Cultural Landscape, Arlington Memorial Bridge, and Arlington National Cemetery Historic District. Other historic sites built decades ago, such as National Mall, U.S. Capitol, and Washington Monument, would also be affected by the construction of the arch. Section 106 is clear: the Administration must seek to “avoid, minimize, or mitigate,” adverse harm to historic sites.

This threat is no longer hypothetical. You recently announced that the Administration intends to begin excavation work on the arch within two weeks despite the project lacking final approval from the National Capital Planning Commission and required reviews of aviation safety and historic preservation impacts. The next day, the veterans challenging the arch in federal court asked the court to intervene before ground is broken, and U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan ordered the Administration to provide 48 hours’ notice before undertaking any activity on Memorial Circle other than on-site information gathering. We share that same concern, and it underscores the urgency of our request.

Historic sites in and around the nation’s capital have been carefully planned over decades and hold significant symbolic value to the nation and our shared history as Americans. In particular, the Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and Arlington House form a single memorial landscape honoring the unity of our nation, its military history, and the ultimate sacrifice of service members who gave their lives to our nation. Putting the President’s ego ahead of these memorials adds another stain on this Administration’s legacy.

The Department should adhere to the highest standards in avoiding adverse impacts to some of our nation’s most sacred memorials. We demand the Administration immediately halt work on the arch in light of the unavoidable damage it will do to these memorials to honor those who gave the greatest sacrifice for our nation’s freedom.",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-joins-bipartisan-congressional-push-to-stop-proposed-yosemite-land-transfer-to-trump-donor,Heinrich Joins Bipartisan Congressional Push to Stop Proposed Yosemite Land Transfer to Trump Donor,2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — This week, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, joined a bipartisan group of 153 lawmakers in urging the Department of the Interior (DOI) to abandon a proposed transfer of federally managed public land within Yosemite National Park that would facilitate private access to and development of an 83-acre parcel adjacent to the park known as Hazel Green Ranch. U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), along with U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (D-Calif.) and Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), led the effort.

In their letter to the Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the lawmakers condemned recent reporting that indicated the Trump administration is considering a proposal to exchange or convey an interest in an approximately quarter-mile strip of federally managed public land within Yosemite to facilitate access to private property owned by Kingsbarn, a company whose chief executive officer began making a series of donations to Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee in late 2024 — shortly after Kingsbarn acquired the Hazel Green Ranch property.

“At its core, this proposal appears to provide a private benefit at the expense of land that belongs to all Americans,” the lawmakers wrote. “Any decision to relinquish public land to private ownership should be supported by a clear and compelling public benefit, not merely the economic interests of a private party.”

The lawmakers also raised concerns about the Department’s proposal to use Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) authority to facilitate the exchange. The letter noted that the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee did not agree to move forward with the project due to congressional objections.

“Public lands belong in public hands,” the lawmakers concluded. “Protection of public lands is a bipartisan issue, overwhelmingly supported by the American people from all walks of life.”

As Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Heinrich is leading efforts to protect our public lands and to hold the Trump administration accountable for their attacks on these treasured places.

In July, Heinrich criticized legislation that removes protections for public lands, emphasizing the need for bipartisan collaboration within the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

In June, Heinrich helped advance the America the Beautiful Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Angus King (I-Maine) to reauthorize the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund, out of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

In March, Heinrich led his colleagues in delivering remarks on the Senate floor in condemning and drawing attention to the Trump administration’s efforts to erase American history from public lands.

In October of 2025, Heinrich delivered remarks on the Senate floor, criticizing Republicans for pushing forward Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions of disapproval targeting Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Resource Management Plans (RMPs) that would undo protections for national parks, including the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve.

In July of 2025, Heinrich blasted the Trump administration for its plans to transfer national park units to state control, criticizing the administration for “cutting off our access to public lands and devastating state economies in the process, overwhelming state budgets and dismantling the systems that keep public lands running.”

In June of 2025, Heinrich successfully fought Senate Republican provisions to sell off public lands in the Big Bad Bill, and led an amendment to prevent the privatization of our public lands.

In May of 2025, Heinrich sent a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, demanding answers from the Trump administration regarding its plans to transfer National Park System units from federal management. The letter follows Heinrich’s questioning of Secretary Burgum during a Senate Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, where Burgum failed to provide sufficient answers on the Trump administration’s plan to transfer hundreds of sites managed by the NPS to the states.

Full letter is available here and below:

Dear Secretary Burgum:

Yosemite National Park is a cornerstone of the National Park System and is one of California’s crown jewels. President Theodore Roosevelt once said that “nothing in the world is more beautiful than the Yosemite” and that our national parks should be “preserved” and “their majestic beauty all unmarred.” Yosemite is a national treasure preserved for the benefit of the American people. Its continued beauty, status as a wildlife sanctuary, and source of enjoyment is contingent upon preservation and proper maintenance of its land—not parts being sold off to enrich nearby private property owners. We are extremely concerned that the Department of the Interior is considering selling off portions of the park to private development and we strongly oppose the proposed land transfer.

Recent reporting indicates that since early 2025, the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service have been considering a proposal to exchange or convey an interest in an approximately quarter-mile strip of federally managed public land within Yosemite National Park to facilitate access to an 83-acre privately owned ranch. This is not the first time this property has sought to have private access to Yosemite, with federal courts blocking this right to access in both 2007 and 2012. Now that the ranch has a new owner, they are once again seeking to acquire this land to enhance the value of their property, and the political leadership at DOI is pressuring career staff to approve the exchange.

At its core, this proposal appears to provide a private benefit at the expense of land that belongs to all Americans. This transaction does not seek to expand public access to Yosemite, improve visitor services, or address transportation deficiencies in park access. Rather, this land exchange seeks to merely cut down on driving time for a select few on private property. Any decision to relinquish public land to private ownership should be supported by a clear and compelling public benefit, not merely the economic interests of a private party.

We were alarmed that the Department submitted to Congress a proposal to use money from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) authority to facilitate this exchange. That fund exists to acquire and protect public lands for the benefit of the American public—not sell them off to corporate developers. In response to the Department’s request to fund this exchange through the LWCF, the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee did not agree to move forward on this project due to our objection.

Further, in response to inquiries from Congress, the Department indicated that it has not identified any land to be exchanged for the parcel of Yosemite National Park that the Department is seeking to sell to the private developer. This gives further credence to the notion that this exchange is not being done in the public interest, but rather solely to benefit a private developer. In its justification for the LWCF proposal, the Department indicated that this exchange was a “priority,” while providing no compelling explanation for why it was in the interest of the United States to pursue this exchange. Instead, when explaining the need for the project, the Department simply stated that the private landowner requested an interest in federally owned property within the national park.

Public lands belong in public hands. Protection of public lands is a bipartisan issue, overwhelmingly supported by the American people from all walks of life. We oppose any effort to privatize, sell off, give away, or otherwise undermine the continued existence of public lands, in Yosemite or across the country. We ask that you honor congressional objections and abandon this effort to sell off a piece of Yosemite National Park.

Sincerely,",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vasquez-joins-110-bipartisan-colleagues-pushing-labor-protections-and,Rep. Vasquez Joins 110 Bipartisan Colleagues in Pushing for Labor Protections and Accountability from Data Centers,2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NM,Gabe Vasquez,V000136,vasquez.house.gov,vasquez,https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"September 21, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) joined a bipartisan letter with 110 of his congressional colleagues to tech industry leaders demanding data center construction follow strict guardrails to protect consumers from electricity and water price hikes, and to ensure strong labor and environmental standards.

The letter calls for commonsense and fair practices when developing and operating data centers, including:

Incorporating strong labor standards from the supply chain through operations and maintenance;

Employing local workers and paying at least the prevailing wage;

Using registered apprentices;

Negotiating community benefit agreements with local stakeholders;

Establishing strong safety practices procured from domestic sources;

Companies paying their fair share for the resources used to operate and maintain data centers;

Mitigating impacts on local air quality, drinking water, and water supplies.

“Should you fall short of these standards and fail to provide anything other than a safe and direct benefit for the communities that house these data centers, we will reject their construction,” wrote the lawmakers.

Read the full letter HERE.

Vasquez’s work to protect New Mexico families from higher costs, pollution, and other data center harms includes:

A Victory in Socorro: Earlier this year, after residents on both sides of the aisle in Socorro County raised serious concerns about a proposal to build one of the largest data centers in the world in their backyard, Vasquez was the only statewide or federal official to stand with residents and publicly call for an end to the proposal.

In response to Vasquez’s public leadership, the foreign company behind the proposal pulled out, and Socorro County commissioners unanimously approved a one-year moratorium to give the community time to develop appropriate safeguards.

Vasquez is championing the FAIR Data Act and the Data Center Water and Energy Transparency Act to protect families and small businesses from higher utility bills and require data center developers to disclose how much water and electricity their projects consume.

Rep. Vasquez is an original cosponsor on the Energy Bills Relief Act, which includes a provision directing states to enact policies to protect consumers from utility rate increases stemming from data center energy demands.

Rep. Vasquez signed onto an appropriations letter during the FY27 appropriations process that requested the inclusion of report language directing the Department of Energy to develop a National Strategic Data Center Plan to guide the responsible growth of data center infrastructure across the United States.

###",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-statement-on-trumps-unconstitutional-press-ban/,Luján Statement on Trump’s Unconstitutional Press Ban,2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, issued the following statement on President Trump’s decision to ban journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House:

“This is an outrageous attack on the First Amendment. The White House press corps show up to work every day on behalf of the American people to hold public officials accountable.

“President Trump doesn’t like when the press report on his countless broken promises and failures, so he is trying to get rid of them. It’s page one in the authoritarian handbook.”

###",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-demands-transparency-on-hundreds-of-millions-in-taxpayer-dollars-spent-paying-employees-not-to-work,Heinrich Demands Transparency on Hundreds of Millions in Taxpayer Dollars Spent Paying Employees Not to Work,2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Recent reporting from POLITICO states that the Interiorspent more than $150 million on administrative leave for employees in 2025

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, sent a letter to the Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Doug Burgum demanding more information on why the Interior spent more than $150 million in paid administrative leave last year, according to recent reporting.

“I write to request detailed information regarding the Department of the Interior’s (Department or DOI) misguided reductions in workforce under the deferred resignation program (DRP). It is clear from recent reporting that the Department’s downsizing was executed poorly and costly to taxpayers, to say nothing of its impact to the Department’s mission,” Heinrich began.

In his letter, Heinrich demanded clarity on the Interior’s use of its deferred resignation program, and the total amount the Interior spent on employees placed on paid administrative leave due to the deferred resignation program since the start of the administration.

“More than one year has passed since the Trump administration introduced the DRP, but Congress and the American people still do not know the full extent of its impact,” Heinrich continued.

Heinrich specifically requested that the Interior disclose the number of employees placed on paid administrative leave since the start of the Trump administration, the total amount spent on employees placed on paid administrative leave due to the program, and a breakdown on the employees who were offered and accepted the program’s benefits and early retirement.

Read the full text of the letter here and below.

Secretary Burgum:

I write to request detailed information regarding the Department of the Interior’s (Department or DOI) misguided reductions in workforce under the deferred resignation program (DRP). It is clear from recent reporting that the Department’s downsizing was executed poorly and costly to taxpayers, to say nothing of its impact to the Department’s mission.

According to a recent report, the Department paid employees more than $150 million in paid administrative leave to stay at home from the start of the administration through December 31, 2025. Of the 1,764 employees put on administrative leave, more than two-thirds – 1,468 – participated in the DRP and mostly worked in locations outside of the Beltway—from New Mexico to Ohio to North Carolina. Additionally, it appears the Department continues to utilize the DRP. In April 2026, the Department announced a new round of DRPs and voluntary early retirement offers to employees.

More than one year has passed since the Trump administration introduced the DRP , but Congress and the American people still do not know the full extent of its impact. To understand the Department’s use of the DRP and the total cost shouldered by taxpayers as a result, I request the following data and information by October 1, 2026:

The number of employees placed on paid administrative leave since the start of the administration. In responding to this question, please provide the office, agency, or bureau the employee works or worked in; reason for placing the person on administrative leave (e.g., DRP); their grade or level; position title; salary or pay rate; duty station; and the number of days of leave.

The total amount the Department spent (salaries and benefits) on employees placed on paid administrative leave due to the deferred resignation program, since the start of the administration.

Provide the following information related to the Department’s April 2026 announcement of DRPs and voluntary early retirement offers:

A detailed breakdown of employees offered the deferred resignation program and early retirement. Please provide the following as part of your response: which office, agency, or bureau the employee works in; their grade or level; position title; salary or pay rate; and duty station.

The number of employees that have accepted the deferred resignation program and early retirement and are now or have been previously on paid administrative leave. Please provide the following as part of your response: which office, agency, or bureau the employee works in; their grade or level; position title; salary or pay rate; and duty station.

Thank you for your attention to this request. Should you have any questions, please contact my staff at (202) 224-4971.",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-five-rep-gabe-vasquezs-critical-bipartisan-public-safety-bills,"House Passes Five of Rep. Gabe Vasquez’s Critical, Bipartisan Public Safety Bills",2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NM,Gabe Vasquez,V000136,vasquez.house.gov,vasquez,https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"September 17, 2026

In the final week of session before the midterm elections, Vasquez pushes five more bills through the House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – During the House’s final week of session until November, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), voted to pass five of his bipartisan public safety bills through the House. The bills take on a range of issues from combatting fentanyl overdoses and substance abuse, stopping scams targeting seniors in Tribal communities, to improving law enforcement officer safety and helping first responders during emergencies.

“Throughout this Congress, I have worked with Democrats and Republicans to introduce legislation to keep our communities safe and support public safety officers. It is great to get these five critical bills through the House to boost public safety,” said Vasquez. “I urge the Senate to send these bills to the President’s desk as soon as possible, and I’ll continue working to protect our officers and get illegal drugs off of our streets.”

These bills include:

The GUARD Act will expand the eligible uses of the Department of Justice grant funding to allow state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to strengthen their ability to investigate and prosecute financial crimes targeting our seniors. This legislation is supported by the National Police Association and AARP.

Tyler’s Law will require the Health and Human Services to issue guidance to hospitals on implementing fentanyl testing in emergency rooms when a patient is experiencing an overdose. This bill was introduced to prevent fentanyl overdoses in the U.S. after Tyler Shamash, a Los Angeles teenager, died from fentanyl poisoning a day after doctors failed to test for the drug when he was admitted to the emergency room, and is supported by the American College of Emergency Physicians and Emergency Nurses Association.

The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act will improve border security operations, classify fentanyl as a Schedule I drug, and categorize Xylazine as a Schedule III illicit substance to ensure our New Mexico agriculture community still has access to necessary substances. New Mexico veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers rely on Xylazine to care for their animals and protect their livelihood, and this legislation is supported by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Actwill require the Department of Transportation to issue a rule ensuring that all new passenger vehicles have equipment that can access as part of their standard equipment, which is critical for rural communities that rely on emergency weather alerts. This legislation is supported by the National Association of Broadcasters, National Emergency Management Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, and AARP.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Actwill establish a program within the Department of Interior to enhance community outreach, public education, and officer safety programming of the National Law Enforcement Museum through grants to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. This bill is supported by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Fraternal Order of Police, and multiple law enforcement organizations.

Rep. Vasquez has consistently worked across the aisle to support New Mexico’s law enforcement officers and public safety:

Introducing bipartisan legislation to counter criminal drone activity and protect youth from cartels.

Cosponsoring the bipartisan Invest to Protect Act to expand the use of COPS grants to improve recruitment, retention, and training efforts for small to medium sized police departments.

Championing bipartisan efforts in support of additional investment and the immediate release of Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS) Program funding to support law enforcement agencies.

Leading the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Reauthorization Actto provide federal resources to local law enforcement to crack down on drug trafficking and speaking out against the current Administration’s proposal to cut funding to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program– which combats drug trafficking in critical high-trafficking regions of the United States – by 35%.

###",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-offers-his-grid-savings-act-to-force-ai-data-centers-to-pay-for-grid-upgrades-highlights-how-husted-backed-bill-falls-short,"Heinrich Offers His GRID Savings Act to Force AI Data Centers to Pay for Grid Upgrades, Highlights How Husted-Backed Bill Falls Short",2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, took to the Senate floor to object to Senate passage of the Ratepayer Protection Act, legislation offered by U.S. Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio), and pass Heinrich's GRID Savings Act instead.

While the Husted-backed legislation relies on a voluntary framework and fails to adequately protect American families from AI data center-caused increases in energy costs, Heinrich's legislation forces large load customers—like data centers—to pay for the facilities needed to connect them to the grid. Unfortunately, U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) objected to Heinrich's request to pass the GRID Savings Act.

“When I open my electricity bill, and read to see how much I owe for the month, it doesn’t say I ‘may’ pay that amount. It doesn’t say I ‘should’ pay that amount. It’s not optional. Just like every other bill-paying American out there, I open that bill and I have to pay it. The same needs to be true for AI data centers,” said Heinrich. “If hyperscalers and other big tech companies need expensive new facilities and more energy, they should pay for it—not our hardworking families and small businesses.”

Heinrich continued, “The Senator from Ohio and I agree on that principle. And plenty of big tech companies have said that’s their plan. But it’s not enough to just take their word for it. And it’s not enough for us to just tell states to consider making data centers pay for grid upgrades. Rather than voluntary pledges or suggestions to states, Congress needs to pass real legislation with real teeth.”

VIDEO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, urges his colleagues to pass his GRID Savings Act to force data centers to pay for their grid upgrades, rather than pass along those costs to families, September 17, 2026.

A video of Heinrich’s floor speech can be found here.

A transcript of Heinrich’s remarks as delivered is below:

M. President, reserving the right to object—

The Senator from Ohio and I agree on one thing: AI data centers could mean higher costs for American families.

And in a lot of places, they already do.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas found that data center demand has already pushed electricity prices across the nation up by two to six percent – a number that they expect to increase to 20 to 30 percent by 2028.

In the mid-Atlantic region, that means an extra $840 a year per family in the next two years. $840.

We expect to see increases like this across the country as more AI data centers come online. But the Ratepayer Protection Act falls short of what we need to do to respond.

When I open my mail and unfold my electricity bill, and read how much I owe for the month, it doesn’t say I “may” pay that amount.

It doesn’t say I “should” pay that amount.

It’s not optional.

Just like every other bill-paying American family out there, I open that bill and I have to pay it.

The same needs to be true for AI data centers.

If hyperscalers and other big tech developers need expensive new facilities and more energy, they should pay for it—not our hardworking families and small businesses.

I think the Senator from Ohio and I agree on that principle. And plenty of big tech companies have said that’s their plan.

But it’s not enough to just take their word for it.

It’s not enough for us to tell states to consider making data centers pay for grid upgrades.

Rather than voluntary pledges or suggestions to states, Congress needs to pass real legislation with real teeth.

That’s why I introduced the GRID Savings Act to require, not a voluntary agreement, large load customers—like data centers—to pay for the facilities needed to connect them to the grid.

Not to consider it. Not to make pledges about it.

To actually do it. To pay for the upgrades they need.

That way, we can ensure reliable, low-cost energy to power our everyday lives.

?My bill is what is needed to start to bring down energy prices.

We also need to do more to get data centers to actually engage with communities from the beginning to the very end.

We need to conserve local resources, especially water.

And we need to protect communities from air pollution by using clean energy and battery storage.

But we’re not going to get there with the bill the Senator from Ohio has proposed, and therefore, Mr. President, I object.

Mr. President, as if in legislative session, and notwithstanding, I would ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources be discharged from further consideration of S.5199, the GRID Savings Act, and that the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration. Further, that the bill be considered read a third time and passed, and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/200-days-into-trumps-38-billion-war-with-iran-new-mexicans-are-paying-the-price/,"200 Days Into Trump’s $38 Billion War With Iran, New Mexicans Are Paying the Price",2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"Donald Trump: “It’s small potatoes for us. It’s not a big thing.” 9/4/26

New Mexico Diesel Prices Hit Record-High Under Donald Trump

Washington, D.C. — Two hundred days ago, President Trump launched the United States into a reckless war with Iran with no plan, no strategy, and no end game. Although he repeatedly assured the American people of a quick and decisive victory. His timeline has moved again and again: from “total and complete victory” and a war “won” in its “first hour,” to promising success in “two or three days,” “two weeks,” “three weeks,” “four weeks,” “five weeks,” or “six weeks.” He later announced an agreement with Iran that he said achieved “everything we set out to accomplish,” only to declare that agreement “over” just weeks later. Now, 200 days into the war, he’s claiming his war will be over “shortly after” the November election.

“New Mexicans are still paying the price for Donald Trump’s 200-day war in Iran, with no end in sight. This war has cost taxpayers nearly $40 billion, driven up prices for families, depleted critical resources, and put our service members in harm’s way,” said Senator Luján. “Yet as this war continues to spiral out of control, Congressional Republicans have repeatedly refused to stand up to President Trump.”

“New Mexicans should not have to pay more at the pump and at the grocery store for a war they never wanted,” Senator Luján continued. “I will keep fighting to end this war and stop New Mexico families from being forced to foot the bill for this reckless president.”

Americans are paying for every additional day this war drags on. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated the Department of Defense had already incurred approximately $38 billion in costs as of August 1—before the last month and a half of fighting. CBO estimates that every additional month of this war could add another $2 billion to $3 billion to the price tag, not including costs to repair the vast damage Iran has inflicted on our bases or what it will cost to rebuild our depleted munitions supply.

Americans have also already spent more than $107 billion extra on gasoline and diesel because of Trump’s war, amounting to over $820 per household. The New Mexico average for gas has surged to $4.47 per gallon while diesel has reached a high of $6.34 per gallon. Higher gas and diesel prices are also pushing up Americans’ costs on everything from groceries to home energy to air travel.

Two hundred days into the conflict, Americans are facing billions in federal costs, nearly two-thirds say going to war was the wrong decision—and there is still no end in sight.

February

President Donald Trump: “I can go long and take over the whole thing, or end it in two or three days.” [Axios, 2/28/26]

March

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth: “We can say four weeks, but it could be six, it could be eight, it could be three.” [Press Briefing, 3/4/26]

President Donald Trump: “We’ve already won in many ways, but we haven’t won enough.” [Speech, 3/9/26]

President Donald Trump: “We had to do a little excursion, if you don’t mind, a little excursion to take care of nuclear weaponry in the hands of maniacs. But other than that, in a couple of weeks and won’t be much longer, it’s moving along fast. We’re way ahead of schedule. Did you know that, Mr. Speaker? I’m trying to save a lot of money by being ahead of schedule. We’re way ahead of schedule.” [Remarks,3/17/26]

President Donald Trump: “Well, I think we’re going to end it. I can’t tell you for sure. You know, I don’t like to say this, we’ve won this – this war has been won.” [Press Conference, 3/24/26]

President Donald Trump: “We estimated it would take approximately four to six weeks to achieve our mission, and we’re way ahead of schedule. If you look at what we’ve done in terms of the destruction of that country, I mean, we’re way ahead. Think of it, they have no Navy, and they had good ships. 154 ships have been shot down and are resting very nicely at the bottom of the sea. And we did that in a matter of less than a week, because we have the greatest military in the world by far, nobody even close. So, we estimated it would take approximately four to six weeks to achieve our mission. 26 days in, we’re extremely – really a lot ahead of schedule.” [Cabinet Meeting, 3/26/26]

President Donald Trump: “I would say that within two weeks, maybe two weeks, maybe three, we’re hitting them very hard. Last night we knocked out tremendous amounts of missile making facilities. We, as you probably read or wrote, we’ll be gone.” [Remarks, 3/31/26]

April

President Donald Trump: “The war is going to be over in three days. My prediction.” [Remarks, 4/1/26]

President Donald Trump: “We are the winner. We won.” [Press Conference,4/6/26]

President Donald Trump: “If you told me that we were going to be at only 92 a barrel, $92 a barrel, I would have been very surprised. And you know what? I’m very happy and it’s going to come dropping down very big as soon as it’s over and I think it can be over very soon. If they’re smart, it will end soon.” [Fox Business,4/15/26]

President Donald Trump: “I will say the war in Iran is going along swimmingly. We can do whatever we want. And it should be ending pretty soon. It was perfect. [Speech, 4/16/26]

President Donald Trump: “We won everything. We have all the cards.” [Press Gaggle, 4/25/26]

May

President Donald Trump: “We’ve taken out much of what we’d have to do,probably another two weeks, two weeks, maybe three weeks.” [Interview,5/4/26]

Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “The operation is over.” [Press Briefing, 5/5/26]

President Donald Trump: “I think we’re going to be finished with that very quickly and they won’t have a nuclear weapon and hopefully we’re going to get it done in a very nice manner.” [Remarks, 5/19/26]

June

Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “The war is over.” [Committee Hearing, 6/2/26]

President Donald Trump: “You’re really going to win it over the next two weeks when we declare total victory. It’ll be a total victory. It’ll happen very soon.” [Tele-Rally, 6/8/26]

President Donald Trump: “Two or three days.” [Press Gaggle, 6/9/26]

President Donald Trump: “I don’t know if you heard, but we ended the war with Iran today.” [Tele-Rally, 6/11/26]

Defense Secretary Pete Hesgeth: “We’re on the verge of a deal.” [CBS News Face the Nation, 6/14/26]

President Donald Trump: “On Sunday, we reached an agreement with Iran that achieves everything we set out to accomplish—everything and much more.” [Press Conference, 6/17/26]

July

President Donald Trump: “We have many ways we can win, but we’ve already won militarily. They have very little left, and they want to make a deal so badly.” [Press Gaggle, 7/9/26]

President Donald Trump: “We’ll have Iran defeated soon. They’ll be defeated very soon.” [Remarks, 7/15/26]

President Donald Trump: “We are, likewise, winning big in Iran, and you will see the fruits of that labor very shortly.” [Remarks, 7/17/26]

August

President Donald Trump: “We’re moving along very nicely.” [Press Gaggle,8/5/26]

President Donald Trump: “Some good things are going to happen very soon. They’ve already happened.” [Remarks, 8/16/26]

President Donald Trump: “I have no time schedule…I’m not in a hurry.” [Fox News,8/17/26]

President Donald Trump: “But right now, I think the situation is so good.” [Press Gaggle, 8/19/26]

September

President Donald Trump: “It’s small potatoes for us. It’s not a big thing.” [Press Briefing, 9/4/26]

President Donald Trump: “The war will be over very shortly after the election.” [Speech, 9/9/26]

###",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-home-heating-season-approaches-lujan-bipartisan-colleagues-urge-trump-admin-to-swiftly-release-liheap-funding/,"As Home-Heating Season Approaches, Luján, Bipartisan Colleagues Urge Trump Admin. to Swiftly Release LIHEAP Funding",2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – With energy costs rising and winter approaching, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) in leading a bipartisan push for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as swiftly and at the highest level possible.

Appropriators worked on a bipartisan basis to make roughly $4 billion in federal LIHEAP funds available for the coming year.

Thirty-one U.S. Senators joined in calling on HHS to swiftly distribute LIHEAP aid before winter home-heating bills arrive to help states and eligible households manage their energy costs.

LIHEAP provides financial assistance to income-eligible homeowners and renters to help with energy bills and for reconnection of energy service. The program is targeted to assist vulnerable households facing high energy burdens—the share of a household’s income that goes toward their energy bills. Low-income homes generally spend the biggest percentage of their income on utility bills. However, factors such as income, weather, housing stock, fuel type, and energy-efficiency can all impact a household’s energy burden.

“As you know, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (P.L. 119-103) requires the Department of Health and Human Services to distribute no less than 90 percent of its total LIHEAP allotment by November 1, 2026. Given the extraordinary pressure consumers will face this winter, we ask that you make this distribution well before the deadline,” the 31 U.S. Senators wrote.

In addition to Luján, Reed, Collins, and Murkowski, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Angela D. Alsobrooks (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Chris Coons (D-DE), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mark Warner (D-VA), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Angus S. King, Jr. (I-ME), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NM), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Gary Peters (D-MI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The bipartisan group of Senators say the federal government should put preparation ahead of politics and ensure LIHEAP funding is allocated in a timely manner to keep vulnerable citizens safe and warm during winter by helping low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes pay their energy bills. The program also helps reduce energy costs through improved energy efficiency initiatives.

Nationwide, an estimated 6 million households received assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP over the last year. And more households may need heating assistance this winter as temperatures drop and the cost of oil, gas, propane, and other residential fuels rise.

States and tribes typically receive their LIHEAP allocations from HHS by early November. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources. While eligibility varies by state, most applicants must have a household income below 150 percent of the federal poverty guideline or 60 percent of the state median income.

LIHEAP applications are open for all income-eligible households. Senior citizens and those receiving Social Security Disability or SSI benefits are encouraged to apply as early as possible, but applications will be open to everyone through spring of 2027 — or until the funding is exhausted. To find your state agency, visit HHS’s LIHEAP State Map of Contacts.

LIHEAP provides direct payments to utility companies on behalf of approved applicants with demonstrated need.

According to a new forecast from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), heating will be more expensive for allU.S. households this year, but some homes will be hit with steeper increases than others.

Heating oil costs are projected to soar by 31.3 percent this winter, the largest increase among the major heating fuels.

Overall, the average American household is projected to spend an average of $1,030 to heat their homes this winter, an 8.7 percent increase over last year.

Full text of the letter follows:

Dear Secretary Kennedy:

As you know, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (P.L. 119-103) requires the Department of Health and Human Services to distribute no less than 90 percent of its total LIHEAP allotment by November 1, 2026. Given the extraordinary pressure consumers will face this winter, we ask that you make this distribution well before the deadline.

October marks the start of the heating season for many states, and with temperatures already dropping, low-income families and seniors are feeling additional strains on their household budgets. As the main federal program benefiting these individuals with their energy bills, LIHEAP provides critical assistance to vulnerable families and seniors during the cold winter and hot summer months. State agencies and tribes are already activating their LIHEAP programs for the coming winter. A quick release of funding will ensure no gaps in assistance.

We look forward to working with you on this critical program. Thank you for your attention to our concerns and those of our constituents.

Sincerely,",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-eviscerates-trump-admin-official-for-lying-under-oath-about-the-illegal-political-cancelation-of-energy-project-grants-in-states-that-didnt-vote-for-trump-in-2024,"Heinrich Eviscerates Trump Admin Official For Lying Under Oath About the Illegal, Political Cancelation of Energy Project Grants in States That Didn’t Vote for Trump in 2024",2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Heinrich to Fitzsimmons on his congressional testimony contradicting DOE lawyers admitting projects were canceled for political reasons: “I find your testimony completely uncredible”

WASHINGTON – During a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing to receive testimony on pending legislation, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Committee, questioned Alex Fitzsimmons, U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Associate Deputy Secretary of Energy, and Dr. Sarah J. Ryker, Associate Director for the Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), on the Trump administration’s plan to sell off a part of Yosemite National Park to a private equity-owned firm, the Trump administration’s efforts to roll back efficiency standards, and the Trump administration’s illegal cancelation of energy projects grants in states that didn’t vote for President Trump in 2024.

VIDEO: Ranking Member Heinrich (D-N.M.), questions Associate Deputy Secretary of Energy Alex Fitzsimmons and Associate Director for the Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area at the (USGS) Dr. Sarah J. Ryker during a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing to receive testimony on pending legislation, September 16, 2026.

On the Trump Administration’s Plan to Transfer Part of Yosemite National Park to a Private Equity-Owned Property

Heinrich began his line of questioning by asking about the Trump administration’s plan to sell off land in Yosemite National Park to a private equity-owned development, “Dr. Riker, the Land and Water Conservation Fund exists to acquire land for public conservation and recreational purposes. It was not authorized to facilitate private commercial development yet. The Department of the Interior is currently considering this land trade within Yosemite National Park, using funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund to facilitate commercial development. Can you share with this Committee the Department's reasoning behind why they would move forward with this?”

Ryker responded, “Ranking Member, thank you for the question. I do not oversee or participate in those decisions by the Department, but I'll be happy to take your question back for response by the Department.”

Heinrich followed, “I would appreciate that. I would love to hear from Secretary Burgum some rationale for this. I know Burgum hasn't been in front of this committee for a number of months, but I think that both myself and the California delegation have very serious concerns about whether this is an appropriate use of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and if this is just good for Yosemite National Park. It is one of our iconic national parks, and we should think very carefully about transferring land from a national park unit like this to commercial developers.”

On Energy Efficiency Standards

Heinrich continued, asking the Trump administration about repealing energy efficiency standards, which undermine domestic manufacturing and support China’s manufacturing, “Mr. Fitzsimmons, one of the concerns that has been raised to us repeatedly from industry groups is that rolling back some of these efficiency rules will facilitate an advantage for Chinese manufacturers’ cheaper, more poorly made manufacturing goods. Is that something that the administration is considering? And do you have concerns about that line of reasoning?”

Fitzsimmons answered, “Senator, we would say that trade issues should be addressed through trade remedies and trade policies that are in the jurisdiction of other agencies, not the Appliance Standards Program. The Appliance Standards Program is designed to increase energy efficiency and, in our view, balance consumer choice. And so, our guiding principle here is consumer choice. And if those groups are concerned about trade issues, there are other avenues to address the trade aspects.”

Heinrich followed, underscoring why the Trump administration should be concerned with appliance standards that benefit our adversaries, “But if the net effect is to make a Chinese heat pump, for example, mini-split dominant in the market at the expense of American manufacturing, shouldn't that be something that the Department of Energy is also concerned with?”

Fitzsimmons answered, “The net effect for us is making sure that products that consumers want to buy are not regulated out of the market, that they have the choice to choose which products they want. Trade issues, as I said, should be addressed through trade policies, not the appliance standards program.”

Heinrich followed, stressing the fact that updated energy efficiency standards support American-made manufacturing and should be supported by DOE, “Well, I want to make it very clear that members of this committee think that American manufacturing is something that the Department of Energy should be thinking about each and every day.”

On the Trump Administration Illegally Canceling Energy Project Grants in States That Didn’t Vote for President Trump in 2024

Heinrich continued, asking Fitzsimmons about the Trump administration canceling energy project grants in states that didn’t vote for President Trump in 2024, and whether he lied under oath about the nature of these cancelations, “Mr. Fitzsimmons, in a House Energy and Commerce hearing earlier this year, you were asked directly whether political retribution was a factor in the $8 billion of funding that DOE canceled in grant cancelations, and at that time you responded, it is certainly not a factor. Those were your words. More recently, DOE's own lawyers have now testified in court that cancelations were quote ‘based solely on the political identity of the grant recipient state.’ Do you stand by your earlier testimony?

Fitzsimmons answered, “I do.”

Heinrich followed, “And so, why would DOE's lawyers make that statement?”

Fitzsimmons continued, “I can tell you about the process that we use. The process does not involve politics.”

Heinrich interjected, blasting Fitzsimmons for the costly impact the cancelations had on New Mexico, “Well, I would just tell you that I find that not credible. New Mexico saw $135 million dollars in projects canceled, 10 different projects, and I think based on the testimony in court, the impression of the people of New Mexico is those projects were canceled because the state of New Mexico did not vote for the current president of the United States.”

Fitzsimmons followed, “Do you have a question?”

Heinrich asked, “Yeah, why is your testimony in contradiction of the DOE's own lawyers?”

Fitzsimmons doubled down, “It is not in contradiction at all. You're conflating two different issues between the timing of announcements and the process that we use to make decisions. We make decisions based on what is technologically feasible and economically viable, based on physics and math, not on politics.”

Heinrich concluded, “I find your testimony completely uncredible.”",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-sounds-off-on-trump-admin-plan-to-sell-off-part-of-yosemite-national-park-raises-alarm-on-senate-republicans-attacks-on-energy-efficiency-standards-and-tribal-protections,"Heinrich Sounds Off on Trump Admin Plan to Sell Off Part of Yosemite National Park, Raises Alarm on Senate Republicans’ Attacks on Energy Efficiency Standards and Tribal Protections",2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — This week, during a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Committee, raised the alarm on the Trump administration’s proposed plan to sell off part of Yosemite National Park to a private equity-owned development, countered legislation proposed by U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chairman of the Committee, which would dismantle the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Appliance Standards Program and raise consumer costs, and exposed the lack of Tribal protections in proposed hydropower licensing legislation from U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.).

VIDEO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, delivers opening remarks during a Committee hearing to consider pending legislation, September 16, 2026.

Heinrich began by expressing serious concern over the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) proposal to exchange public land in Yosemite National Park for private development, requesting $300,000 in funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to facilitate the land transfer.

“The LWCF exists to protect public lands and waters and expand recreational access nationwide for the public benefit, not to enrich private interests,” said Heinrich. “The protection of public lands is a bipartisan issue, and we will continue to raise our concerns over this proposal and demand that the Department provide transparency.”

Heinrich also slammed two bills led by U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, that threaten to repeal energy efficiency standards, make it virtually impossible for DOE to set future standards, and raise consumer costs — S. 5338, the Energy Efficiency Reform Act, and S. 1658, the Liberating Incandescent Technology (LIT) Act, submitting several letters of opposition from consumer advocacy and industry groups into the record.

“The Chairman's bill would make it virtually impossible for DOE to set future efficiency standards, forgoing significant additional savings for consumers. The bill could also increase electricity demand by 32 gigawatts in 2040, at a time when we desperately need more electrons on the grid. Furthermore, the bill would eliminate several existing standards and give the administration the authority to cancel standards as it sees fit,” said Heinrich on the Energy Efficiency Reform Act.

On the LIT Act, “Families in New Mexico are not clamoring for incandescent light bulbs. Most people just want to be able to afford their energy bills. The LIT Act aims to walk back a commonsense rule that has saved consumers an estimated $3 billion — billion with a ‘B’— and is supported by industry as well.”

Heirich also expressed disappointment that Lee would not consider bipartisan legislation to weatherize American’s homes, “Rather than turning back the clock on progress, I had hoped this hearing would offer a chance to consider several bipartisan bills to help more families lower their energy bills through the popular weatherization assistance program. I hope the Chair will work with me to advance weatherization legislation.”

Heinrich concluded his remarks by criticizing the lack of appropriate witnesses present at the hearing to answer questions on S. 5048, the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act, referencing concerns from Tribal Nations and Tribal organizations on how provisions of the bill would strip protections from reservation lands and treaty resources.

“I share the Tribes’ concerns, and if an appropriate witness from the Department of Interior or the Department of Commerce were present today, I would ask them to confirm that the bill would limit Tribal rights, including fishing rights and if the bill could lead to an increase in litigation,” said Heinrich.

A video of Heinrich’s opening remarks is here.

Heinrich’s full remarks as delivered are below:

Before I begin to address the bills in today’s legislative hearing, I want to raise my deep concern over the Department of the Interior’s consideration of trading away National Park land in Yosemite National Park to a private equity-owned development.

What is equally alarming is that the Department filed a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) request for $300,000 to support the transfer of this National Park Service land.

LWCF exists to protect public lands and expand recreational access nationwide for the public benefit, not to enrich private equity.

We also don’t know what private land would be exchanged for the parcel, which indicates that the exchange is likely not in the public interest. How can it be, if we don’t even know where it is?

The protection of public lands and particularly our National Parks is a bipartisan issue, and we will continue to raise our concerns over this proposal and demand that the Department provide more transparency.

With that, I would like to address the bills in today’s hearing.

I am glad to see a number of the bills included on today’s agenda.

In particular, Senator Bennet’s Glenwood Hot Springs Protection Act would ensure that Glenwood, Colorado’s famous hot springs are not threatened by a proposed mine expansion that could disrupt the groundwater hydrology at the springs.

This is a great example of locally driven public land management, and I hope this committee can move this bill forward soon.

I’m also glad to see Senator Durbin’s Gateway Arch National Park Boundary Revision Act on the agenda.

The communities in the St. Louis area have long supported the growth of this park to encompass both sides of the Mississippi River and add new park land in neighboring Illinois, and this bill would do just that.

I am concerned that we find the Energy Efficiency “Reform” Act on the agenda today.

The Chairman’s bill would thoroughly dismantle the Department of Energy’s Appliance Standards Program. This is a successful, bipartisan program that has been providing real savings for American families for 50 years.

Thanks to the Appliance Standards Program, American households save almost $600 a year on their utility bills, all while having better performing and wide-ranging options of home appliances.

The Chairman's bill would make virtually impossible for DOE to set future efficiency standards, forgoing significant additional savings for consumers.

The bill would also increase electricity demand by as much as 32 gigawatts in 2040, at a time when we desperately need more electrons on the grid.

Furthermore, the bill would eliminate several existing standards and give the administration the authority to cancel standards as it sees fit.

This type of “backsliding” on existing standards has been opposed by industry leaders because it would undermine domestic manufacturing and allow Chinese products to flood the market.

Groups such as the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, and the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers have all submitted public comments to the Department of Energy opposing the very backsliding this bill authorizes.

I would ask for unanimous consent to submit three letters of opposition to S. 5338 for the record.

The first letter is from consumer groups including Consumer Reports, the Consumer Federation of America, and the National Consumer Law Center. The second is from seven public health organizations, and the third is from 60 environmental organizations.

Additionally, I am deeply concerned by S. 1658, the “Liberating Incandescent Technology Act” or LIT Act, which would repeal energy efficiency standards for light bulbs.

Families in New Mexico are not clamoring for incandescent light bulbs. Most people just want to be able to afford their energy bills.

The LIT Act aims to walk back a commonsense rule that has saved consumers an estimated $3 billion — billion with a “B” — and is supported by industry as well.

So, I would ask for unanimous consent to submit a letter of opposition to S. 1568 for the record from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association and the American Lighting Association.

The letter states that ""the sole beneficiaries of the LIT Act would be foreign companies positioned to flood American markets with low performance, low-quality, and potentially unsafe products.""

Rather than turning back the clock on progress, I had hoped this hearing would offer a chance to consider several bipartisan bills to help more families lower their energy bills through the popular weatherization assistance program.

I hope the Chair will work with me to advance weatherization legislation sponsored by Senators Reed, Murkowski, Collins, Shaheen, Coons, and Gallego in the very near term.

Lastly, I am disappointed that we do not have a witness present who can speak to S. 5048, the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act.

Intended to “streamline” hydropower project approvals by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the bill would significantly weaken Tribal protections.

Chairman Lee and I were copied on a letter from Tribal Nations and Tribal organizations opposed to this bill.

The letter details how the provisions of S. 5048 would strip protections from reservation lands and treaty resources, including fishing; threaten important cultural sites; undermine water quality for fish and people; and increase litigation.

I share the Tribes’ concerns, and if an appropriate witness from the Department of Interior or the Department of Commerce were present today, I would ask them to confirm that the bill would limit Tribal rights, including fishing rights and if the bill could lead to an increase in litigation.

But there is no one from these agencies today, and FERC only provided written testimony, so I will be submitting these questions for the record to FERC, and I expect to receive answers to them prior to this bill being included on a future business meeting agenda.

Thank you to all the witnesses who are here today, and I yield back the rest of my time.",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-backs-data-center-moratorium-grant-county-champions-two-bills,"Rep. Gabe Vasquez Backs Data Center Moratorium in Grant County, Champions Two Bills to Protect New Mexicans from Data Center Costs",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NM,Gabe Vasquez,V000136,vasquez.house.gov,vasquez,https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced a suite of new actions to address New Mexicans’ concerns about rapid data center development. He voiced his support for a data center moratorium in Grant County and championed two new bills — one of which passed out of the House on Wednesday — to stop developers from steamrolling their way into local communities by forcing working families to subsidize massive data center construction projects.

Vasquez released the following statement in support of a data center moratorium in Grant County:

“I’ve heard continuous and serious concerns from folks on both sides of the aisle in Grant and Hidalgo Counties about a large, out-of-state, private equity firm coming to town and trying to build a massive data center in their communities — all while failing to provide basic details to local residents and elected officials. These concerns are valid, and I share them.

The current proposal lacks basic transparency about how much water and electricity the facility would consume, and it raises real concerns about air pollution from its use of 32 natural gas-fueled generators. There are also concerns that this project would generate excessive light pollution, impact the Continental Divide Trail, and alter the rural landscape significantly — degrading qualities that make this part of New Mexico so special.

Grant and Hidalgo County residents deserve clear answers and a meaningful say before a project of this scale moves forward in their backyard. I stand with local residents and leaders in calling for a temporary moratorium on data centers in Grant County so the community has more time to understand the short- and long-term impacts of this proposal.”

The scant details the developer has provided about the proposed project in Grant County are quite concerning. The public notice estimates the facility could use roughly 2.3 million cubic feet of natural gas per hour, about the same amount needed to power 900 homes for an entire year, and its yearly carbon emissions could also equal the emissions produced by roughly 282,600 cars.

Vasquez also voted in support of the Ratepayer Protection Act, which passed out of the House on Wednesday with support from both Republicans and Democrats in Congress. The bill directs state utility regulators to consider protections that would ensure large data centers and other major electricity users cover the additional infrastructure costs needed to serve them, rather than shifting those costs onto families and small businesses.

Today, Vasquez also introduced the Reverse Big Ugly Tax Breaks for Data Centers Act, legislation he is leading to end two major tax breaks for large data centers included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Specifically, Vasquez’s bill would revoke tax breaks that made large data centers eligible for the 100 percent bonus depreciation deduction and Opportunity Zone tax benefits. These corporate tax breaks were paid for by sweeping cuts to healthcare and food assistance for working class Americans made under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the Republican tax law.

“Questionable data center developers are striking murky deals in rural communities across the country, locking in sweetheart deals without public input or transparency. They purposefully withhold information about their water use, emissions, and electricity costs — all while they actively get tax breaks passed by MAGA extremists’ in the Big Ugly Bill that were offset by cuts to healthcare and food assistance for hardworking Americans,” said Vasquez. “I’m proud to lead this bill to end these tax breaks. Wealthy data center developers and their backers shouldn’t be subsidized by taxpayers and ratepayers as New Mexicans struggle to make ends meet in a worsening economy.”

Vasquez’s work to protect New Mexico families from higher costs, pollution, and other data center harms includes:

A Victory in Socorro: Earlier this year, after residents on both sides of the aisle in Socorro County raised serious concerns about a proposal to build one of the largest data centers in the world in their backyard, Vasquez was the only statewide or federal official to stand with residents and publicly call for an end to the proposal.

In response to Vasquez’s public leadership, the foreign company behind the proposal pulled out, and Socorro County commissioners unanimously approved a one-year moratorium to give the community time to develop appropriate safeguards.

Vasquez is championing the FAIR Data Act and the Data Center Water and Energy Transparency Act to protect families and small businesses from higher utility bills and require data center developers to disclose how much water and electricity their projects consume.

Rep. Vasquez is an original cosponsor on the Energy Bills Relief Act, which includes a provision directing states to enact policies to protect consumers from utility rate increases stemming from data center energy demands.

Rep. Vasquez signed onto an appropriations letter during the FY27 appropriations process that requested the inclusion of report language directing the Department of Energy to develop a National Strategic Data Center Plan to guide the responsible growth of data center infrastructure across the United States.

###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-takes-action-curb-catastrophic-risks-posed-rapid-ai,Rep. Gabe Vasquez Takes Action to Curb Catastrophic Risks Posed by Rapid AI Development,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NM,Gabe Vasquez,V000136,vasquez.house.gov,vasquez,https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 16, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced his support for bipartisan legislation to combat the growing risks posed by advanced artificial intelligence systems — the FRONTIER Act — and called on Speaker Mike Johnson to keep the House at work in Washington until Congress advances “meaningful, bipartisan AI safeguards.”

These actions come amid a growing wave of warnings from researchers and executives at leading AI companies about the risks powerful AI systems pose to humankind. As the industry experts who know AI best are calling on Congress to quickly enact stronger safety measures, Speaker Mike Johnson is sending the House home for seven weeks, punting regulation of this rapidly advancing technology indefinitely and leaving the American people at risk.

In the letter sent Tuesday night to Speaker Johnson urging him to keep the House in session, Vasquez and 106 other lawmakers noted that when it comes to reigning in advanced AI systems, the risks of inaction are dire, including “... mass cybersecurity breaches and development of biological or chemical weapons.” The letter goes on to state that as evidence of the safety risks posed by advanced AI pile up, these disclosures “must not constitute yet another in a long series of ‘warning shots,’ but rather, a starting gun. Congress must act.”

“Congress must answer the urgent call for immediate action on AI regulation, and leaving Washington without addressing this matter would be reckless and irresponsible. It’s clear there is great risk in the continued development of super intelligence with no guardrails, and Speaker Johnson and the President refuse to act responsibly and decisively,” said Vasquez. “I have recently championed the bipartisan FRONTIER Act, one of several bills I’ve supported that merit debate and a vote on the House floor.”

As one immediate step, Vasquez is backing H.R. 9925, the bipartisan Frontier Risk Oversight, National Transparency, Independent Evaluation, and Reporting (FRONTIER) Act.

The FRONTIER Act would create a national, risk-based framework to oversee the most advanced AI systems, with stronger requirements for the largest developers.

It would require safety plans, independent audits, incident reporting, and ongoing assessments of catastrophic risks, including risks involving 50 or more deaths or serious injuries or at least $1 billion in property damage.

The bill would also give the federal government authority to step in when a frontier AI model poses a genuine catastrophic threat.

The bill also establishes an Under Secretary of Commerce for AI Security to oversee key requirements and authorizes the Commerce Secretary to suspend or restrict the development, deployment, or internal use of a frontier model if it presents an imminent catastrophic risk.

###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-heinrich-statement-commemorating-hispanic-heritage-month,Sen. Heinrich Statement Commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated from September 15 through October 15. Heinrich is a cosponsor of a bipartisan resolution recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month.

“As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the remarkable contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to our country and our communities. From Senator Dennis Chaves to María Dolores Gonzales to Eva Enciñias, the story of New Mexico is infused with the resilience, connectedness, and brilliance of incredible Hispanic leaders. Hispanic heritage is also embedded in the fabric of our everyday lives — from our traditions, values, and the querencia that connects us to our lands to the food we eat, the art we create, and the collaborative ways we innovate.

“Celebrating the richness of this cultural inheritance, in this moment, also must include standing up with Hispanic and Latino communities to protect their rights, dignity, and access to opportunities. Together, we can and must push back against the Trump administration as it continues trying to defund programs for bilingual students and Hispanic-owned small businesses, slashing healthcare and nutrition programs families rely on, and unlawfully targeting Hispanics and Latinos with out-of-control immigration enforcement tactics.

“New Mexico families work hard, look out for one another, and build a better future for the next generation together. Resilience and tenacity are who we are. But every family deserves the opportunity to feel secure in their community, provide for the people they love, and build a future here at home.

“This month and every month, I’ll continue working to protect the programs New Mexicans rely on, fight back against the Trump administration’s attack on programs that benefit Hispanic and Latino children and businesses, lift up the successes of Hispanic innovators and leaders, and push for the policies that give every family a fair shot at succeed.”

###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-lujan-defends-new-mexico-against-trumps-threats/,ICYMI: Luján Defends New Mexico Against Trump’s Threats,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"Santa Fe, N.M. – In Case You Missed It: Following Donald Trump’s threats to rename New Mexico, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) led the New Mexico Congressional Delegation in defending New Mexico’s name and making clear that the President does not have the authority to rename the state unilaterally.

Senator Luján led U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) in calling on Apple and Google to publicly commit to keeping New Mexico’s name on Apple Maps and Google Maps, regardless of pressure from President Trump.

The push to protect New Mexico’s name garnered national and local coverage. See what they’re saying:

Washington Post: New Mexico leaders ask Apple and Google not to use ‘New America’ on their maps

New Mexico congressional leaders asked Google and Apple on Thursday not to rename their state “New America” on the platforms’ maps should President Donald Trump demand it. The delegation’s five members, Sens. Ben Ray Luján and Martin Heinrich, and Reps. Melanie Stansbury, Teresa Leger Fernández and Gabe Vasquez, are all Democrats.

The Hill: New Mexico Democrats call on Apple, Google to keep state’s name on map

A group of Democratic lawmakers who represent New Mexico urged Apple and Google on Thursday not to adopt President Trump’s proposed renaming of the state to “New America” on their map platforms. The Democratic lawmakers behind this request included Sens. Ben Ray Luján and Martin Heinrich and Reps. Melanie Stansbury, Teresa Leger Fernández and Gabe Vasquez.

The Washington Sun: New Mexico Lawmakers Urge Apple, Google to Publicly Reject Trump’s ‘New America’ Name

New Mexico lawmakers are calling on Apple and Google to keep using New Mexico on their map applications rather than President Donald Trump’s suggested name for the state, “New America.” In a letter sent Thursday, Democratic Sens. Ben Ray Luján and Martin Heinrich and Reps. Teresa Leger Fernández, Melanie Stansbury and Gabe Vasquez urged the tech companies to “publicly commit” to keeping their state’s name unchanged by Sept. 18.

The Independent: New Mexico leaders beg Apple and Google not to rename their state on apps like Trump wants

Lawmakers from New Mexico have urged Apple and Google not to rename the state on their mapping apps after President Donald Trump suggested restyling it as “New America.” The state’s delegation includes Senators Ben Ray Luján and Martin Heinrich, and Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández, Melanie Stansbury and Gabe Vasquez.

Source NM: New Mexico congressional delegation asks Google, Apple to commit to keeping state’s name on maps

New Mexico’s congressional delegation on Thursday called upon major tech companies Apple and Google to commit to ensuring New Mexico retains its name on the companies’ maps. New Mexico state and federal officials swiftly rebuked Trump’s post, with U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), who leads the Thursday letter, writing on social media that, “It’s New Mexico, always has been and always will be. Just like how you’ll always be a sinvergüenza and corrupt.”

Santa Fe New Mexican: New Mexico lawmakers call on Apple, Google, not to change state to ‘New America’ on maps

New Mexico’s congressional delegation is seeking to ensure Apple and Google keep New Mexico New Mexico. In a letter sent Thursday, U.S. Sens. Ben Ray Luján and Martin Heinrich, along with U.S. Reps. Teresa Leger Fernández, Melanie Stansbury and Gabe Vasquez — all Democrats — called on the companies to commit to continuing to label the state as New Mexico on their popular online map services.

KVIA: NM delegates call on Apple, Google to keep New Mexico’s name on all mapping services

A group of New Mexico delegates sent a letter to the CEOs of Apple and Google to commit to keeping New Mexico’s name on their platforms mapping services. The request from U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Congressman Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernande (D-NM), and Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury stated, “Let us be clear: the President has no legal authority to rename New Mexico. Our state’s name belongs to the people of New Mexico and is rooted in our history and our Constitution, which clearly states that the ‘name of this state is New Mexico'”.

Albuquerque Journal: NM congressional delegation urges Google, Apple not to use ‘New America’ on maps

New Mexicans are used to national confusion about the state’s location and whether it’s actually part of the United States — or a foreign country. But members of the state’s congressional delegation don’t want any further mix-ups — or sovereignty slights — after President Donald Trump’s recent social media posts suggesting New Mexico be renamed “New America.” In a Thursday letter, members of the state’s all-Democratic delegation urged the chief executive officers of Google and Apple to publicly commit by next week that they would not change the name of New Mexico on their mapping services.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-the-news-lujan-hits-the-road-in-new-mexico-fighting-for-families-farmers-and-communities/,"IN THE NEWS: Luján Hits the Road in New Mexico, Fighting for Families, Farmers, and Communities",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"Santa Fe, N.M. – During the August and September state work period, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) traveled thousands of miles across New Mexico to hear directly from New Mexicans and highlight his work to lower costs, protect access to food and health care, support farmers and ranchers, strengthen consumer protections, and deliver for communities across the state.

His visits included Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos, Gallup, Grants, Las Cruces, Farmington, Derry, Tierra Amarilla, Las Vegas, and communities across New Mexico.

Senator Luján met with families, health care providers, farmers, local leaders, advocates, and small businesses to discuss the challenges facing New Mexicans and how he is working to address them in Washington.

See what New Mexico media are reporting on Senator Luján’s work across the state:

Source NM – New Mexico food banks describe significant increase in demand after federal food aid cuts

Officials from New Mexico food banks say recent changes to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, as well as rising grocery costs, have dramatically increased demand at community food distribution centers across the state. A leader of Roadrunner Food Bank, the largest food bank in New Mexico, told U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) during a roundtable Tuesday that demand increased 79% at the food bank between January 2025 and January 2026, which is the most-recent data available.

NM Political Report – Luján, hospital leaders talk Medicaid ‘headwinds’ and rural health gaps at Rio Rancho roundtable

U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján, a Democrat from New Mexico, told hospital administrators at Presbyterian Rust Medical Center that Republican-backed federal Medicaid cuts won’t just hurt New Mexicans enrolled in the program — they’ll raise care and insurance costs for everyone else, too.

Cibola Citizen – Luján Visits Grants Pantry as Local Families Brace for SNAP Changes

U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján visited the Grants Community Pantry Thursday, August 20, meeting with local families, food assistance workers and service providers as changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP, begin raising concerns across rural New Mexico. The visit came as Cibola County continues to struggle with high levels of poverty, particularly among children. Recent Census and KIDS COUNT data indicate approximately 41.6% of children in the county live below the federal poverty line – roughly four in every 10 children.

Los Alamos Daily Post – Luján Highlights Efforts To Strengthen Care For Seniors And Protect Nutrition Assistance For New Mexicans

Last week in Farmington and Grants, U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) held events highlighting his efforts to expand access to home and long-term care for older New Mexicans and people with disabilities and protect nutrition assistance for New Mexico families.

Gallup Sun – Luján Hosts Forum In Gallup To Raise Awareness Of Expanded Reca Compensation

U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., led a public outreach forum in Gallup Aug. 19 to raise awareness about expanded compensation available through the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act and help New Mexicans understand how they can apply for compensation. During the forum, Luján joined local leaders and advocates to provide information about expanded eligibility under RECA and the resources available to help New Mexicans apply for compensation.

KSJE – U.S. Senator “RECA, Public Lands, Stroke Survivors, & More!” : With Ben Ray Lujan, & Scott Michlin

The interview with Senator Ben Ray Luján focuses on healthcare, support for family caregivers, stroke research and rehabilitation, and the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). Luján discusses his personal experience surviving a stroke and explains his efforts to improve stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services.

Taos News – Ticket scammers on the rise Sen. Ben Ray Lujan helps spearhead effort to protect fans, artists and venues

It all comes down to consumer safety. That’s one of the reasons U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) got involved in a growing issue involving fraudulent ticket sales. Luján put together a group of representatives from the New Mexico entertainment industry for a roundtable conversation about the issue Monday (Aug. 31) at the Taos Mesa Brewing Mothership, west of El Prado. From venues, popular music artists, associations and even the Santa Fe Opera, the participants showed how wide-ranging the issue has affected their profession. Sen. Luján’s purpose for the meeting was to unveil newly introduced legislation to ban speculative ticketing and protect ticket buyers from scams and unfair practices, a statement from the senator’s office reads.

KFOX – Sen. Ben Ray Lujan hears Southern NM chile growers’ concerns over rising costs

Southern New Mexico chile farmers met with U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan on Tuesday to highlight the pressures facing one of the state’s signature crops. The New Mexico Democrat visited Sierra County on Tuesday, where organizers said the purpose of the visit was to hear directly from local chile producers about the challenges they face and the support they need. “In New Mexico we have a lot of what they call specialty crops, these are high-cost crops, like our chile,” Lujan said.

Albuquerque Journal – Domenici conference gathers policy experts, candidates

New Mexico State University’s Domenici Public Policy Conference returned after an eight-year hiatus this week, as a dozen presenters, including subject experts, past and present political officials and 2026 election candidates gave hourlong talks and took questions from NMSU students. U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., also upheld bipartisan collaboration in his Wednesday keynote address over lunch, rooting it in the legacy of New Mexico’s finest leaders as well as President Ronald Reagan and his friendship with Democratic House Speaker Thomas “Tip” O’Neill. “Bringing people together with different approaches creates a better outcome,” Luján said, arguing further that it would be key to solving difficult policy challenges, such as supporting utility-scale renewable energy production.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-capito-champion-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-ticket-buyers-from-ticket-scams/,"Luján, Capito Champion Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Ticket Buyers from Ticket Scams",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) introduced the Guaranteeing Honest Ownership in Secondary Ticketing (GHOST) Act, legislation to protect fans and concertgoers from deceptive ticket resale practices by prohibiting resellers from selling tickets they do not actually possess.

“I’m proud to introduce this legislation to protect ticket buyers because when New Mexicans spend their hard-earned money on a concert or event, they deserve to know the ticket they are buying actually exists,” said Senator Luján. “Too often, fans are misled into purchasing tickets from resellers who don’t even have them. That’s why I introduced the GHOST Act to protect consumers, hold bad actors accountable, and bring greater transparency and fairness to the ticket marketplace.”

“West Virginians who spend their hard-earned money on tickets to see their favorite artist, team, or event should be able to trust that the tickets they’re purchasing actually exist. Unfortunately, deceptive practices in the resale market can leave consumers paying inflated prices for tickets that sellers don’t even possess. I’m proud to support this legislation, which includes commonsense protections that will bring greater transparency and accountability to the ticket marketplace and ensure a fairer ticket-buying experience,” Senator Capito said.

Too often, consumers unknowingly purchase “speculative” or “ghost” tickets listed by resellers who do not actually have the tickets they are advertising. In some cases, buyers may not learn until shortly before an event that their tickets are unavailable, leaving them with little time to find legitimate replacements that may be sold out or significantly more expensive. Currently, there is no federal law specifically prohibiting speculative ticketing. The GHOST Act would establish nationwide protections to prevent resellers from advertising and selling tickets they do not possess.

Specifically, the GHOST Act would:

Ban ticket resellers from selling tickets they do not have actual possession of;

Empower the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to take action against violators and seek injunctive and monetary relief;

Require the FTC to establish a website where consumers can report potential violations of the GHOST Act and the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act of 2016; and

Allow state attorneys general to bring actions to enforce the law.

The legislation is supported by the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA).

Full bill text is available here.

###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-statement-on-partisan-republican-farm-bill/,Luján Statement on Partisan Republican Farm Bill,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"GOP No-Shows Previously Derailed Republican Farm Bill, Failed to Earn the Support of Committee Democrats

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, issued the following statement after Senate Republicans voted to advance the Republican Farm Bill in committee:

“For generations, the Farm Bil has been a bipartisan commitment to our nation’s farmers, ranchers, growers, rural communities, and every family that depends on them to put food on the table. Today, that bipartisan promise was abandoned by Senate Republicans who pushed through a partisan bill.

“Families are already struggling with President Trump’s trade war, tariffs, and skyrocketing costs. Farmers and ranchers are paying more to keep their operations running, and families are paying more at the grocery store. This bill does nothing to meet the urgency of this crisis.

“After Republicans gutted our nation’s food programs, this bill does nothing to reverse those devastating cuts or meet our responsibility to eliminate hunger in America. And at a time when farmers and ranchers are struggling, it fails to make the investments in agriculture that producers need.

“The Farm Bill should be a bipartisan process. It should bring together everyone – Republicans and Democrats – who want to support the people who grow our food, strengthen rural communities, and ensure families don’t go hungry. That is the Farm Bill that New Mexicans deserve, and that is the Farm Bill that I will continue fighting for.”

###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=661,Leger Fernández Tribal Water Settlement Bill Passes House Natural Resources Committee,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NM,Teresa Leger Fernandez,L000273,fernandez.house.gov,fernandez,https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WATCH HEARING COMMENTS BY REP. LEGER FERNÁNDEZ

WASHINGTON — Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources unanimously advanced Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández’s (NM-03) H.R. 4598, Technical Corrections to the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act, Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, and Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act.

The amended legislation would authorize additional funding to help the Navajo Nation, Taos Pueblo, and the Pueblos of Nambé, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, and Tesuque develop, operate, and maintain water infrastructure. The funding covers interest the Tribes’ water settlement funds should have earned when the settlements first became law.

“Agua es vida and water is key to Tribal sovereignty,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. “These Tribal nations agreed to settle their senior water rights, and the federal government has a responsibility to keep its word. Today’s bipartisan committee action moves us closer to helping them recover the interest their settlement funds should have earned and use it to build the water infrastructure their communities need. I am grateful to the Tribal leaders and communities who partnered with us on this legislation. The Senate has already acted. Now, let’s pass this bill through the House and send it to the President’s desk.”

Indian water rights settlements commonly allow the Secretary of the Interior to invest trust funds after the funds are appropriated. This provides Tribes with additional resources to support their water infrastructure.

However, some Indian water rights settlements enacted in 2009 and 2010 prohibited the Secretary from investing the trust funds prior to the respective settlement’s enforcement date. That included the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act (Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project/Navajo Nation Water Rights), the Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, and the Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act.

As a result, the affected Tribes lost out on interest that was or could have been earned from investing the trust funds between the date they were appropriated and the settlement enforcement date. This legislation provides a technical fix so that the affected Tribes can receive that interest.

The House Natural Resources Committee considered H.R. 4598 during its September 15 markup. The Senate passed the companion legislation, S. 640, by unanimous consent on December 11, 2025. H.R. 4598 now awaits consideration by the full House.

###",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=662,Leger Fernández Introduces First-Of-Its-Kind Bill to Establish Financial Relief for Epstein Survivors & Survivors of Sexual Violence,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NM,Teresa Leger Fernandez,L000273,fernandez.house.gov,fernandez,https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Bill Text | Bill Summary | Press Conference | Photos

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswomen Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM), alongside Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), and Deborah Ross (D-NC) introduced the Survivors’ Rights Restitution Act, first-of-its-kind legislation that would create a restitution fund in the judicial branch for survivors of sexual violence whose rights were violated by the federal government, including all survivors of abuse by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Congresswoman Leger Fernández announced this historic proposal alongside survivors and survivors’ rights advocates at a press conference on Capitol Hill.

The Survivors’ Rights Restitution Act would create a historic investment to support survivors of sexual violence and hold the federal government accountable when it fails to protect survivors’ rights under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act. The estimated lifetime cost of rape is $122,461 per victim. This legislation would address the burden survivors carry, including significant long-term economic and non-economic impacts of sexual violence, from lost income and medical costs to housing instability and enduring trauma.

“Survivors should never have to pay the price when our government fails to protect them,” said Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández. “For too long, survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s horrific abuse were denied justice while powerful people were protected. That failure has real costs: lost wages, medical bills, housing instability, and trauma that can last a lifetime. We cannot undo the harm, but we can make sure survivors are not left to carry the burden alone. The Survivors’ Rights Restitution Act gives survivors that path to restitution.”

“The financial, physical, and emotional trauma that survivors of sexual violence carry is a lifetime sentence,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “By no choice of their own, survivors can incur debilitating costs due to medical needs, lost income, housing instability, and mental health support. Far too often, the federal government has been complicit and failed to meet its moral and legal obligation to fight for accountability and relieve this economic burden—our bill would change that by holding our government, abusers, and their co-conspirators to account and helping our survivors get on a pathway to healing. The ignored burden that survivors carry is a stain in our legal system and must be addressed immediately.”

“Far too often, we have seen our government fail survivors of sexual violence who have risked everything to come forward,” said Congresswoman Deborah Ross. “Trauma is often just one part of the burden survivors carry, and it is often compounded by lost income, housing insecurity, and economic hardship. We have seen this play out in the administration’s treatment of survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s abuse, who have been dismissed and demonized. Now more than ever, we must ensure all survivors receive the justice they deserve. I am proud to introduce this bill to establish a first-of-its-kind economic relief fund for survivors of sexual violence.”

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, there are tens of thousands of rape and sexual assault victimizations annually, amounting to 23 violent victimizations for every 1,000 people in 2024. Despite its prevalence, approximately two out of three sexual assaults go unreported.

When a survivor takes action to report the crime, the Crime Victims’ Rights Act grants them specific protections, including the right to timely and accurate notice of any release of the accused. However, the Jeffrey Epstein sweetheart deal is proof that these rights are not always enforced. Furthermore, there is no relief for survivors when their victims’ rights are violated.

To support survivors of sexual violence and empower survivors who choose to come forward, the Survivors’ Rights Restitution Act would:

Establish the Survivors’ Rights Restitution Program to provide compensation to eligible victims for harm and losses.

Create an independent Office of Special Adjudicators for Survivors Restitution within the U.S. Court of Federal Claims to review petitions and determine awards through a streamlined, non-adversarial, and trauma-informed process.

Establish the Survivors Rights Restitution Fund within the Department of the Treasury to finance awards through federal forfeiture proceeds tied to trafficking and sexual exploitation offenses, voluntary contributions, and authorized appropriations.

The bill is cosponsored by: Reps. Yassamin Ansari, Becca Balint, Joyce Beatty, Wesley Bell, Brendan Boyle, Salud Carbajal, André Carson, Yvette Clarke, Lou Correa, Jim Costa, Madeleine Dean, Maxine Dexter, Debbie Dingell, Maxwell Frost, Robert Garcia, Jesús “Chuy” Garcia, Sylvia Garcia, Adelita Grijalva, Hank Johnson, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Summer Lee, Stephen Lynch, Sarah McBride, Jennifer McClellan, LaMonica McIver, Christian Menefee, Kweisi Mfume, Gwen Moore, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Chellie Pingree, Mike Quigley, Delia Ramirez, Emily Randall, Andrea Salinas, Lateefah Simon, Melanie Stansbury, Shri Thanedar, Rashida Tlaib, Paul Tonko, James Walkinshaw, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Frederica Wilson.

This bill is endorsed by: Democratic Women’s Caucus; World Without Exploitation; me too. International; Women’s HQ; UltraViolet Action; National Alliance to End Sexual Violence; Safe Exit Initiative; RIA, Inc.; National Alliance to End Sexual Violence; Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA); My Life My Choice; National Network to End Domestic Violence; National Women's Law Center Action Fund; Boston Area Rape Crisis Center; Survivor Justice Network; Equal Rights Advocates; Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA); Victim Rights Law Center; Them Apples Music; Justice for Migrant Women; Esperanza United; National Women's Political Caucus; Feminist Majority; Legal Momentum, the Women's Legal Defense & Education Fund; South Asian SOAR.

“Sex trafficking survivors are often asked to take enormous risks to report their abuse and cooperate with the justice system, only to find that the same institutions demanding their trust can fail to protect their rights,” said Becca Zipkin, Vice President of Policy and Programs, World Without Exploitation. “Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein experienced that failure in one of the most public cases imaginable, but they are far from alone. At World Without Exploitation, we work alongside survivors who know that justice must include changing the systems that allow exploitation to flourish and holding institutions accountable when they fail the people they are supposed to protect. The Survivors’ Rights Restitution Act is an important step toward that goal by giving survivors a meaningful path to redress when the federal government violates their rights. It also recognizes something survivors have long told us — economic justice is survivor justice.”

“As a survivor who has worked alongside thousands of survivors I’m clear that the full story of what it actually takes to survive is not often told. Alongside the mental, physical and emotional toll of the violence that we endured is the financial burden of untangling the web that the trauma creates to try and find our way back to ourselves - there is an actual cost to that work and it’s rare that we have support footing that bill. This country and our government has to ask itself what does it owe survivors? Rep. Pressley is doing her part to begin answering that question,” said Tarana Burke, Co-Founder and Chief Vision Officer, Me Too

“Survivors have been paying the price for their assault for far too long,” said Liz Speakman, Executive Director, Boston Area Rape Crisis Center. “We know that money is not what heals trauma but it goes a long way to providing the space, time and resources to make the path a little easier.”

“Survivors should not have to spend decades paying for crimes committed against us. When institutions fail us, that failure becomes generational trauma. We deserve privacy, dignity, and restitution—not someday, but now. Congresswoman Pressley’s bill gives survivors a path forward,” said Dani Bensky, survivor and advocate.

""As a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes, I am heartened by the introduction of the Survivors’ Rights Restitution Act of 2026. This vital legislation not only acknowledges our trauma but also provides a pathway to justice with meaningful compensation. It's time for Congress to act swiftly, reinforcing that survivors deserve to be heard, believed, and supported in our healing journey,” said Lara Blume McGee, Survivor and CEO of Team Up World.",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-leads-fight-to-protect-state-and-tribal-gaming-rights-votes-against-advancing-clarity-act,"Heinrich Leads Fight to Protect State & Tribal Gaming Rights, Votes Against Advancing CLARITY Act",2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Heinrich to introduce an amendment to protect Indian Gaming Regulatory Act & Tribal-state compacts & prohibit CFTC-registered entities from online sports betting & casino-style gaming

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement after voting against advancing the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (CLARITY Act), legislation that fails to protect state regulatory authority and Tribal gaming rights from prediction markets’ unlawful online sports and casino-style gaming.

“The legislation we voted on today undermines Tribal sovereignty and states’ police powers. And it directly threatens Tribes’ gaming revenues, which would mean less government services funding across Indian Country. That’s a lose-lose,” said Heinrich. “Giving prediction markets a free pass to sidestep existing law and Tribal sovereignty is wrong, in every conceivable way. That is not to say I oppose digital asset market structure legislation. But what that legislation absolutely must include is commonsense protections for state and Tribal gaming rights, including an Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and Tribal-state compact savings clause and a ban on prediction contracts that function like sports bets or casino games.”

Heinrich plans to introduce an amendment to the CLARITY Act that provides:

An Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and Tribal-state compacts savings clause; and

Prohibitions on Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)-registered entities from listing prediction contracts that resemble sports bets or casino-style gaming products.

The rapid expansion of sports event contracts and casino-style gaming through prediction markets threatens Tribal gaming revenues and the sovereignty of Tribal nations that rely on gaming to fund essential government services, including health care, public safety, education, housing, and social services. By offering products that function like sports bets while operating outside the regulatory framework governing gaming, prediction markets could divert a significant share of revenue away from Tribal governments.

Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1988, gaming on Tribal lands is subject to a carefully negotiated framework that protects Tribal sovereignty and establishes the roles of Tribal, state, and federal governments. Following the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association, Tribes also began entering the legal sports betting market through agreements with states.

Prediction markets are now attempting to offer sports betting nationwide by classifying sports and event contracts as financial products rather than gambling. These markets operate under the authority of the CFTC, which has asserted jurisdiction over prediction contracts and treated them as financial derivatives rather than sports wagers.

The CLARITY Act could further entrench this loophole. By creating exemptions from federal securities regulation for certain digital asset platforms and decentralized finance infrastructure, the bill could allow prediction markets to expand sports betting and casino-style gaming nationwide without complying with the state- and Tribal-based regulatory frameworks that govern legal gaming.

Without clear protections for Tribal and state gaming rights, prediction markets could compete directly with Tribal gaming while avoiding the laws and agreements designed to protect Tribal sovereignty. Congress should ensure that digital asset market structure legislation does not create a federal pathway for companies to circumvent IGRA, Tribal-state gaming compacts, or state gaming laws.

In addition to the amendment Heinrich plans to introduce, Heinrich cosponsored another amendment to the CLARITY Act that would stop stablecoin companies from offering rewards or interest like a bank does, which could hurt local banks, reduce the money they have available to lend to families and small businesses, and increase the amount of funds in stablecoin accounts that are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The amendment is led by U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Jack Reed (D-R.I.).

In July, Heinrich led a letter urging the leadership of the U.S. Senate Committees on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; and Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry to regulate prediction markets offering nationwide sports and event wagering. The letter is supported by the Indian Gaming Association (IGA), National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Santa Ana Pueblo, Sandia Pueblo, Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, Laguna Pueblo, San Felipe Pueblo, Kewa Pueblo, Cochiti Pueblo, Acoma Pueblo, Jemez Pueblo, Santa Clara Pueblo, Taos Pueblo, Tesuque Pueblo, Zia Pueblo, Isleta Pueblo, Pojoaque Pueblo, and Mescalero Apache Tribe.

###",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-meets-with-cadets-at-new-mexico-youth-challenge-academy-and-new-mexico-military-institute-tours-newly-renovated-health-science-center_expanded-nursing-program-at-eastern-nm-university-roswell,"Heinrich Meets with Cadets at New Mexico Youth Challenge Academy & New Mexico Military Institute, Tours Newly Renovated Health Science Center & Expanded Nursing Program at Eastern NM University-Roswell",2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"ROSWELL, N.M. — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, met with cadets at the New Mexico Youth Challenge Academy and the New Mexico Military Institute, and toured Eastern NM University-Roswell's (ENMU-R) newly renovated health science center, automotive and welding technology center, and expanded nursing program.

Heinrich toured the New Mexico Youth Challenge Academy campus and met with cadets enrolled at the academy. While there, he also discussed an $87.5 million increase in federal funding he secured for the academy and programs like it across the country to help students earn their high school diploma, while also receiving advanced workforce training in the skilled trades and industry-recognized certifications.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) meets with cadets at the New Mexico Youth Challenge Academy, September 8, 2026.

Heinrich also met with the leadership of the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) to discuss federal funding opportunities for the institute, military academy pathways for New Mexicans, and campus modernization needs. Heinrich also met with cadets enrolled at NMMI. Heinrich nominates New Mexicans to the Military Service Academies each year and provides an online informational session and application process for those interested.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) meets with cadets at the New Mexico Military Institute, September 8, 2026.

Additionally, Heinrich toured Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell's (ENMU-Roswell) newly renovated health science center, automotive and welding technology center, and expanded nursing program. ENMU-Roswell's nursing program is ranked first in New Mexico.

While there, Heinrich met with Rocio Rugelio from Las Cruces. Rocio participated in ENMU-Roswell's Adult Education Program before enrolling at ENMU-Roswell with the goal of earning a degree in Early Childhood Education and making a positive difference in the lives of young children and families.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) tours Eastern NM University-Roswell's newly renovated health science center and expanded nursing program, September 8, 2026.

Heinrich successfully protected programs that make higher education more affordable for students in New Mexico. This includes:

Maintaining the maximum Pell Grant award at $7,395;

Funding federal TRIO programs at $1.2 billion to serve low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities; and

Funding the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant program at $388 million to support first-generation and low-income students with the resources they need to get their high school and college degrees.

Heinrich also successfully ensured that the Postsecondary Student Success Grant maintained $45 million in funding. This program provides investments in evidence-based initiatives aimed at enhancing retention and completion rates for college students.

In 2020, Heinrich secured $1.5 million for ENMU-Roswell’s “Dream. Achieve. Succeed” program. The program partners the university with local school districts in Chaves and surrounding counties to improve college readiness and academic success for disadvantaged and low-income students.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Heinrich advocated for maintaining maximum Pell Grant awards and funding federal programs utilized by two-year and minority-serving community college systems in New Mexico.

###",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-lujan-introduce-privileged-resolution-seeking-answers-on-west-bank-violence,"Heinrich, Luján Introduce Privileged Resolution Seeking Answers on West Bank Violence",2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced a 502B privileged resolution requiring the U.S. Department of State to report to Congress on increasing violence in the West Bank, including the killings of Americans in the West Bank. Nine Americans have been killed in the West Bank in recent years – and more detained – and none have received accountability or justice from either the Israeli or U.S. Governments.

The resolution would require the State Department to provide information and assessments related to investigations of the killing of U.S. citizens by violent Israeli settlers or Israeli security forces in the West Bank, as well as an assessment of the human rights situation in the West Bank, specifically related to the detention of Palestinian children.

""The United States cannot look the other way when Americans are killed or when Palestinians are subjected to violence and displacement, and neither can Israel. We must send a clear message to the Trump administration and the Israeli government: New Mexicans will not stand by while U.S. citizens are killed by violent Israeli settlers and the Israeli military,” said Heinrich. ""We need to end the bloodshed and work toward lasting peace in the region. That starts with holding President Netanyahu accountable for the human rights abuses taking place in the West Bank and making clear that American taxpayers will not provide a blank check for the Israeli government to kill U.S. citizens and kill and displace Palestinians. This resolution will get us closer to real accountability from the Trump Administration and the Israeli Government.”

“We have a responsibility to protect Americans abroad and seek justice when Americans are killed,” said Luján. “The escalating violence in the West Bank and lack of accountability for the deaths of American citizens are deeply concerning. This resolution will help us get the answers we need, demand accountability, and ensure that we have a better assessment of the human rights situation in the West Bank.”

The resolution is led by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

Alongside Heinrich and Luján, the resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-N.J.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).

The full text of the resolution is available here.

###",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-demands-secretary-kennedy-protect-head-start-programs-new,Rep. Gabe Vasquez Demands Secretary Kennedy Protect Head Start Programs for New Mexico Children,2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NM,Gabe Vasquez,V000136,vasquez.house.gov,vasquez,https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy urging him to withdraw a proposed rule to cut Head Start funding, which would take away educational opportunities from New Mexico children. The “Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs,” rule would rescind over 1,400 regulations for Head Start. Educators warn that this rule would cut services, reduce program quality, and lead to large variations between states, leaving some children with less resources than others.

“Head Start is a critical lifeline for over 7,000 hardworking families in New Mexico,” said Vasquez. “But instead of working with parents and communities to make early childhood education and childcare more affordable and accessible, the Administration has spent two years attacking Head Start and taking money away from children. I’m calling on Secretary Kennedy to rescind this threat — our kids deserve better.”

“While Head Start needs improvements and additional investments, staffing, and capacity, the proposed rule does not effectively address these needs. Instead, it risks gutting the program and sowing chaos across the country at a time when hardworking families are struggling more than ever to cover the cost of childcare,” wrote Vasquez in the letter. “Your agency should be working hand-in-hand with Head Start providers and communities to improve the program, not causing additional concern, chaos, and confusion.”

You can read the full letter HERE.

Rep. Vasquez has consistently fought to secure funding for Head Start programs:

Visiting Isleta Pueblo Head Start to discuss the importance of early childhood education, language and cultural preservation, and securing a key report on effective ways to improve Tribal Head Start programs.

Sending a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services urging action to address the severe impacts of recent federal funding interruptions and the government shutdown risks on Head Start programs in New Mexico and across the country.

Pushing for a $14 billion investment dedicated to Head Start in the Fiscal Year 2027 government funding bill to strengthen early childhood education and expand access for families nationwide.

###",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-joins-roundtable-with-new-mexico-voices-for-children-and-wk-kellogg-foundation-tours-presbyterian-kaseman-hospitals-food-pharmacy-speaks-at-array-technologies-new-facility-ribbon-cutting-urges-new-mexicans-to-raise-their-voices-for-roadless-rule,"Heinrich Joins Roundtable with New Mexico Voices for Children and W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Tours Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital’s Food Pharmacy, Speaks at ARRAY Technologies’ New Facility Ribbon Cutting, Urges New Mexicans to Raise Their Voices for Roadless Rule",2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, participated in an event in Albuquerque on improving the well-being of children and families, toured Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital’s food pharmacy, joined a ribbon-cutting ceremony for ARRAY Technologies’ solar manufacturing facility, and spoke in support of protecting the Roadless Rule at a New Mexico Wild community event.

Heinrich began the day participating in a roundtable event hosted in partnership with New Mexico Voices for Children and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, along with representatives from the UNM School of Medicine, Changing Women Initiative, Future Focused Education, and Breath of My Heart, to discuss New Mexico Voices for Children’s Roadmap Report and policy solutions to improve the well-being of children and families in New Mexico.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) joins a roundtable to discuss policy solutions to improve the well-being of children and families in New Mexico, September 9, 2026.

“I got involved early in the conversation around universal pre-K and early childhood education in New Mexico because we need to invest in our greatest asset: the next generation,” said Heinrich, a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee. “Right now, we’re seeing the Trump administration walk away from investing in our children and families. We need to be thinking about the future. That’s why I’ve long championed legislation and funded programs that give our children a strong start and ensure they have access to high-quality care. We’ve done some incredible things here in New Mexico over the last few years, but we’re just getting started. I’ll keep pushing to make sure every child in our state has the opportunity to succeed.”

Notably, in 2014, Heinrich was the first member of the New Mexico Congressional Delegation to publicly support unlocking investments from the state’s Land Grant Permanent Fund to sustainably support early childhood education. After the New Mexico Legislature and voters in the state passed the necessary state constitutional amendment to unlock these investments, Heinrich successfully led the effort to secure Congressional authorization of the amendment through his New Mexico Education Enhancement Act, which passed in the Omnibus Appropriations Agreement for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23).

For more information on the efforts Heinrich has championed to bolster childhood education in New Mexico, click here.

Following the roundtable event, Heinrich toured Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital’s food pharmacy, hearing directly from families who receive the program’s food distribution services about the program’s impact.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) tours Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital’s food pharmacy, September 9, 2026.

While touring the food pharmacy, Heinrich highlighted the need to build on programs like Presbyterian’s that are making nutritious food more accessible to New Mexico families.

“It's time to rebuild our food system in a different way that really serves people's health,” said Heinrich. “We need to thoughtfully look at some of our food deserts in this state and find ways to make fruits and vegetables accessible in those places, while also supporting our local farmers. Presbyterian’s food pharmacy program proves how valuable a fresh fruit and vegetable kind of diet is for New Mexicans, and we should learn from that.”

Last month, Heinrich cosponsored the Accountable Produce is Medicine Act of 2026, which would require the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to test a new bundled-payment model that integrates Food is Medicine services into chronic disease care. Participating programs would provide eligible Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP patients with health assessments, care coordination, telehealth and remote monitoring, nutrition counseling, lifestyle support, and healthy, nutrient-dense foods.

In December of 2024, Heinrich introduced the FOOD for Health Act, which aimed to reduce nutrition-related chronic diseases and address food insecurity by supporting the production of nutritious food.

In 2018, Heinrich voted in favor of the 2018 Farm Bill, which established the first federal Produce Prescription Program under the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) program, which provides federal grants to increase the purchase and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables among low-income households.

Heinrich also joined a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open ARRAY Technologies’ Westside Albuquerque facility. The new $50 million facility will triple ARRAY’s solar tracker manufacturing capacity in New Mexico – shortening energy delivery times, lowering costs for consumers, and creating over 300 good-paying jobs in New Mexico.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, joins a ribbon-cutting ceremony for ARRAY Technologies’ Solar manufacturing facility, September 9, 2026.

“Array Technologies’ new $50 million facility on Albuquerque’s West Side is a testament to the strength of our workforce and New Mexico’s leadership in unlocking our country’s clean energy future,” said Heinrich, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “This new facility will employ more than 300 New Mexicans and create high-skilled jobs, from welders to tooling and die technicians. It’s proof that when we invest in American-made energy, we’re not just building the technologies that will power our future — we’re creating good-paying jobs, strengthening local economies, and helping lower electricity costs for families and small businesses. And this is just the beginning.”

Heinrich has long supported ARRAY Technologies and investments that have spurred solar development.

In April 2022, Heinrich met with New Mexico solar industry leaders, including ARRAY Technologies, to hear how a solar tariff petition filed with the Department of Commerce would severely harm the state’s solar industry and the hard-working New Mexicans who work in the industry, and later led the charge to prevent the Biden administration from moving forward with the tariffs.

In June 2022, Heinrich delivered keynote remarks at the American Solar Energy Society’s 51st Annual National Solar Conference, SOLAR 2022, hosted at the University of New Mexico, highlighting the importance of accelerating the deployment of residential and utility-scale solar across New Mexico and the nation.

In July 2022, Heinrich passed the CHIPS and Science Act, which invested in domestic solar manufacturing through tax credits and semiconductor funding.

In August 2022, Heinrich helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which included the 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit, to subsidize the production of five types of goods: solar energy components, wind energy components, battery components, inverters, and critical minerals.

In April 2024, Heinrich delivered keynote remarks during New Mexico’s first Business-to-Business Electrify New Mexico event, hosted by the Renewable Energy Industries Association of New Mexico, celebrating ARRAY Technologies’ expansion and growth in the state.

In April 2024, Heinrich welcomed U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm to New Mexico to highlight how investments from the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act created a manufacturing boom and helped position New Mexico as a national leader in an American-made clean energy future, touring ARRAY Technologies’ manufacturing plant in NE Albuquerque.

In June 2024, Heinrich, as Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee (JEC), hosted a hearing on how investments in clean energy have helped create an economic boom, uplifting ARRAY Technologies for expanding in New Mexico.

Heinrich ended the day speaking in support of the Roadless Rule at a New Mexico Wild community event, emphasizing the importance of fighting to preserve the Roadless Rule. The public now has until October 6 to submit comments on the Trump administration’s proposed plan to rescind the Roadless Rule.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, speaks at New Mexico Wild’s event on protecting the Roadless Rule, September 9, 2026.

“Public input makes for better governance. It gets all the facts on the table. It gets people’s opinions on the table, and generally the outcome benefits from that,” said Heinrich, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. ""We saw that during the public process that led to the Roadless Rule in the late 1990s, when there were tons of people in those hearings — and now, after more than 20 years of management under the Roadless Rule, the comments are 99 percent supportive. And yet, this Forest Service and this administration doesn’t have the decency to hold a single public hearing. Public process is at the heart of good democracy and good governance, and we won’t accept anything less than that.”

Last month, Heinrich released a statement reacting to the Trump administration’s announcement that the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has filed a proposed rule to rescind the Roadless Rule, calling roadless areas irreplaceable and criticizing the administration for its attack on public lands.

Earlier this summer, Heinrich hosted a press conference on Senate Republicans’ efforts to repeal the Roadless Rule and spoke out against the Trump administration’s efforts to rescind the Roadless Rule.

Additionally, Heinrich wrote an op-ed in Outside News about how the Roadless Rule helps conserve our public lands and prevent wildfires – and how it represents years of input from Americans who have made it clear they want the Roadless Rule to stay in place.

In May, Heinrich and the N.M. Congressional Delegation urged New Mexicans to voice their opposition to the looming Roadless Rule repeal.

In February, Heinrich attended the “Camo at the Capitol Day” rally in the Roundhouse where he stated, “It makes me incredibly proud to be a New Mexican. They’ll never take our public lands from our public hands.”

Last September, Heinrich and the N.M. Congressional Delegation sent a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins requesting that New Mexico be excluded from the Trump administration’s proposed repeal of the Roadless Rule.

During a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Public Lands, Forests, and Mining Subcommittee hearing to examine pending legislation, Heinrich brought attention to the Trump administration’s refusal to take public opinion into account prior to repealing the Roadless Rule.

In June 2025, Heinrich released a statement slamming USDA Secretary Rollins’ efforts to rescind the Roadless Rule.

###",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-the-25th-anniversary-of-the-september-11th-terrorist-attacks,Heinrich Statement on the 25th Anniversary of the September 11th Terrorist Attacks,2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) issued the following statement in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

“Today, we honor and mourn all those who lost their lives at the World Trade Center, in the Pentagon, and in the fields of Western Pennsylvania. We honor the first responders and countless others who risked their lives or made the ultimate sacrifice to help neighbors and strangers in a moment of unfathomable tragedy.

“We remember the way our country came together, through the grief, with determined, united resilience. And we honor the military service members who served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and around the world in the years that followed, and the allies and interpreters who supported their work. We know the sacrifices of our service members, their families, and our allies extended far beyond the battlefield.

“Now, 25 years following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, we say again: We will never forget. We must always strive to carry the spirit of service, unity, and compassion we witnessed in New York, Virginia, and the skies above Pennsylvania on that day and across the country in the weeks that followed. And we will remember the heavy cost of endless wars as we strive to ensure that future generations do not bear the same burdens.”

###",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-statement-on-the-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-terrorist-attacks/,Luján Statement on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Terrorist Attacks,2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"Santa Fe, N.M. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001:

“September 11, 2001, remains one of the most tragic days in our nation’s history. Twenty-five years later, we remember the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives and the families and loved ones whose lives were forever changed.

“In the face of unimaginable loss, Americans showed extraordinary courage, compassion, and bravery. First responders and ordinary citizens ran toward danger to save others, while communities across the country came together to support those who were grieving.

“Today and every day, we honor the memory of every person who never made it home. We will never forget.”

###",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-southern-new-mexico-lujan-delivers-keynote-at-domenici-public-policy-conference-highlights-support-for-new-mexico-chile-farmers/,"In Southern New Mexico, Luján Delivers Keynote at Domenici Public Policy Conference, Highlights Support for New Mexico Chile Farmers",2026-09-10,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO – This week, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) was in Southern New Mexico to engage with students and community leaders on the issues facing New Mexico and the country and highlight his continued support for New Mexico farmers.

Keynote Address at Domenici Public Policy Conference

At New Mexico State University on Wednesday, Senator Luján delivered the luncheon keynote address at the Domenici Public Policy Conference and took questions from students on issues impacting New Mexicans and Americans across the country. Senator Luján’s address focused on his work on behalf of New Mexicans and his continued commitment to deliver for communities across the state.

“It was an honor to deliver the keynote address at the Domenici Public Policy Conference and speak directly with students about the issues shaping New Mexico and our country,” said Senator Luján. “The Domenici Public Policy Conference exemplifies a commitment to public service and thoughtful debate, and I was proud to join students and community leaders who share a dedication to making life better for New Mexicans. I was especially grateful for the opportunity to hear from students and discuss the work ahead to build a stronger future for New Mexico.”

Supporting New Mexico’s Chile Producers

During his visit to Derry on Tuesday, Senator Luján visited Ogaz Farms to see firsthand the challenges chile producers are facing. Senator Luján heard directly from local producers about the stresses impacting their operations and discussed his efforts to support specialty crop producers across New Mexico. In June, Senator Luján introduced the Cultivating Horticultural Innovation in Local Economies (CHILE) Act, legislation to strengthen support for specialty crop producers, including New Mexico farmers who grow chile and other specialty crops that are vital to the state’s agricultural economy.

“This week in Derry, I had the honor of meeting with New Mexico chile producers at the height of harvest season,” said Senator Luján. “I heard directly from chile producers about the challenges they are facing and highlighted my efforts to ensure they get the assistance they need. New Mexico’s chile producers are an important part of our state’s culture and economy, and I’ll continue working to support our specialty crop producers and deliver the resources they need to succeed.”

###",1,2026-09-11T09:25:29Z,2026-09-11T09:27:08Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-n-m-delegation-call-on-apple-google-to-keep-new-mexicos-name-on-mapping-services/,"Luján, N.M. Delegation Call on Apple, Google to Keep New Mexico’s Name on Mapping Services",2026-09-10,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"N.M. Delegation Demands Commitment Following Trump’s Post to Rename New Mexico “New America”

Luján’s Reaction Following Trump’s Post: It’s New Mexico, always has been and always will be. Just like how you’ll always be a sinvergüenza and corrupt.

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) called on Apple and Google to publicly commit to keeping New Mexico’s name on their mapping services following President Trump’s threatening post that the state be renamed “New America.”

In a letter to Apple CEO John Ternus and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Senator Luján and the New Mexico Delegation clearly state that President Trump does not have the legal authority to unilaterally rename New Mexico and calls on the companies to commit to continuing to identify the state as New Mexico on Apple Maps and Google Maps, regardless of pressure from the Trump administration.

Over Labor Day weekend, President Trump published a series of erratic social media posts, including posts suggesting that New Mexico be renamed “New America.” President Trump has previously directed the federal government to use new names for geographic features, including the Gulf of Mexico, Denali, and Lake Ontario.

“Let us be clear: the President has no legal authority to rename New Mexico. Our state’s name belongs to the people of New Mexico and is rooted in our history and our Constitution, which clearly states that ‘the name of this state is New Mexico,’” wrote the lawmakers.

“We ask each of you to publicly commit that Apple Maps and Google Maps will continue to identify the State of New Mexico as New Mexico, regardless of what the President posts on social media, what executive order he attempts to issue, or what pressure he puts on your companies,” continued the lawmakers.

Full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Mr. Ternus and Mr. Pichai:

This weekend, rather than addressing the affordability crisis, ending his illegal war in Iran that has driven up gas prices, removing tariffs that are raising costs for American families, or honoring our nation’s workers, President Trump published more than a hundred posts to his Truth Social account. In several of them, the President suggested renaming our home state of New Mexico, “New America.”

Let us be clear: the President has no legal authority to rename New Mexico. Our state’s name belongs to the people of New Mexico and is rooted in our history and our Constitution, which clearly states that “the name of this state is New Mexico.” The United States Constitution does not give the President the power to unilaterally rename a state and an executive order cannot amend New Mexico’s Constitution or change the legal identity of our state. Changing New Mexico’s name would require changing our state Constitution through New Mexico’s own constitutional process.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time President Trump has attempted to unilaterally rename a place. In 2025, through an executive order, the President directed the federal government to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” and Denali to “Mount McKinley.” Most recently, the President ordered the federal government to refer to Lake Ontario as “Lake America.”

In each case, your companies soon updated your mapping services to reflect the President’s whims. According to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the President even reached out to Apple directly, pressuring the company to change Lake Ontario to “Lake America.”

This is disappointing but unsurprising. Both of your companies have significant business interests before the federal government. These include antitrust enforcement, tariffs, regulation of artificial intelligence and online platforms, and federal contracting opportunities. This is not the first time your companies have made concessions to this President and this Administration. For example, after the January 6 attack on the United States Capitol and our democracy, YouTube suspended President Trump from its platform. President Trump subsequently sued over that decision. Last year, Google agreed to pay $24.5 million to settle that lawsuit with $22 million directed toward the President’s new White House ballroom. In addition, both Google and Apple are among the corporations that have donated to the ballroom project – a project that has not been authorized by the United States Congress.

Because of this history, we ask each of you to publicly commit that Apple Maps and Google Maps will continue to identify the State of New Mexico as New Mexico, regardless of what the President posts on social media, what executive order he attempts to issue, or what pressure he puts on your companies.

Again, the name has belonged to the people of New Mexico since before the United States existed. It should not become a political football to be negotiated between an unhinged President and two of the most powerful technology companies in the world.

We ask for your public commitment to maintaining New Mexico’s name by September 18.

###",1,2026-09-11T09:25:29Z,2026-09-11T09:27:08Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/breaking-vasquez-releases-new-report-illustrating-how-administration-has-cost,"BREAKING: Vasquez Releases New Report Illustrating How Administration Has Cost New Mexico Families Over $3,000",2026-09-10,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NM,Gabe Vasquez,V000136,vasquez.house.gov,vasquez,https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 10, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) released a new report detailing how much prices have spiked under the Trump Administration, costing New Mexicans $3,100 on average.

“Since this Administration took office, reckless tariffs, the war of choice in Iran, and countless short-sighted policies have caused prices to soar for everything from gas, to groceries, to healthcare and more,” said Vasquez. “New Mexico families can’t take any more of this. In contrast, I’ve introduced an affordability agenda that would lower prices and help working New Mexicans. We must put an end to these economic policies and make New Mexico affordable again.”

Read the full report HERE.

In addition to this report, Rep. Vasquez released a report in April detailing how much energy prices have spiked since the Administration took control in January 2025:

Annual energy bills went up by an average of $70 per New Mexico family in 2025 compared to 2024.

New Mexico has consistently ranked among the top states nationally for highest gas price jumps since the war started.

Since introducing his Affordability Agenda to lower the high cost of living in New Mexico, the Congressman has:

Introduced the Tax Relief from Tariffs and High Costs Act to offer a fully refundable 10% tax credit to households making under $100,000 to offset rising prices — under this bill, a New Mexican making $70,000 could expect around $700 back in their pocket to offset higher prices caused by tariffs.

Cosponsored the Capping Prescription Costs Act, which caps annual prescription drug costs at $2,000 for individuals and $4,000 for families with private health insurance plans.

Cosponsored two bills — the Bipartisan Families First Housing Act and the Stop Wall Street Landlords Act — to address New Mexico’s housing affordability crisis by cracking down on greedy, corporate landlords to ensure hardworking New Mexicans have a fair shot at homeownership.

Has introduced legislation to roll back harmful cuts to food assistanceenacted under the Republican tax law, fighting to feed our veterans, seniors, children, and hardworking families.

Introduced the Energy Bills Relief Act to bring down utility bills for hardworking New Mexicans by cutting red tape, speeding up permitting processes to get more energy projects online, expanding the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and more.

Supported the Tipped Income Protection and Support (TIPS) Act to permanently end tax on tips for those making under $112,500.

Introduced the Boost the Middle Class Act to increase eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit, allowing more working New Mexican families to receive higher tax refunds each year.

Pushed for the passage of his Keep Mobile Homes Affordable Act, which would crack down on rent price gouging and utilities neglect by predatory investors who have purchased 2,500 or more manufactured housing units since 2015.

###",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-announces-another-milestone-over-76-million-returned-new-mexicans,Vasquez Announces Another Milestone: Over $7.6 Million Returned to New Mexicans,2026-09-09,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NM,Gabe Vasquez,V000136,vasquez.house.gov,vasquez,https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 9, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced that his office has returned more than $7.6 million to constituents in New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District through casework services, just over a month since announcing the $6 million milestone. Rep. Vasquez’s casework team helps constituents cut past red tape and resolve issues with federal agencies, including the IRS, Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, and more.

“I’m incredibly proud of this milestone for our office and most importantly, for the $7.6 million we’ve returned to our constituents,” said Vasquez. “My staff and I remain laser-focused on helping every constituent that walks through our door navigate the excessive red tape in federal agencies, resolve their issues, and get justice and the money they are owed. Our work for New Mexicans continues.”

“I retired from the military on 31-Dec-25. Working with DFAS and other Military agencies, I hadn’t received retirement payment or proper deductions for 8 months. I contacted Gabe Vasquez’s office and they spoke with DFAS and the Air Force on my behalf. Gabe Vasquez’s office had everything corrected within 10 business days of them starting their inquiry on my behalf,” said Jacob of Holloman AFB.

“I contacted Congressman Vasquez for help regarding the delay I was experiencing with the Social Security Administration in converting my spousal benefits to survivor benefits after my husband's death. I was quite frustrated for several months after I had made repeated calls to SSA to find out when they would make this adjustment. In just a week after contacting Congressman Vasquez I was delighted to receive my retroactive payments and notice that I would from now on receive my new monthly survivor benefits,” said Sara of Albuquerque.

“My 2025 tax return was set aside and not processed for an administrative reason, holding up my refund. [Vasquez’s Office] responded quickly to my request for help and was able to resolve the issue holding up the processing of my return and just as quickly I received my refund. Good government in action. I am deeply appreciative,” said Michael of Truth or Consequences.

Vasquez’s office also frequently holds Mobile Office Hours to assist constituents in rural communities and cities throughout New Mexico – from Belen, to Anthony, to Deming, you can find the office available to help. For more information on how to attend mobile office hours or visit the office for assistance, you can follow Rep. Vasquez on instagram and facebook.

###",1,2026-09-10T09:25:58Z,2026-09-10T09:27:09Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-oil-hits-100-a-barrel-heinrich-details-how-trumps-war-in-iran-will-continue-to-harm-working-families,"As Oil Hits $100 a Barrel, Heinrich Details How Trump’s War in Iran Will Continue to Harm Working Families",2026-09-09,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Report outlines how Trump’s war in Iran continues to strain the United States’ Strategic Petroleum Reserve, threatening to further hike gasoline prices

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released a report detailing how draining the United States’ oil reserves to historic lows as a result of President Trump’s ongoing war in Iran — a war that financially benefits him — will cause prices at the pump to continue to rise.

In the report, Heinrich spells out how the historically low U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) endangers critical energy infrastructure, risking the United States’ ability to release more oil from the SPR and threatening our energy security. As President Trump’s war with Iran continues, a depleted SPR could cause gasoline prices to potentially rise to $6 per gallon according to oil executives, putting a greater financial strain on working families. This report follows the Joint Economic Committee’s (JEC) August 2026 report, which found that Trump is financially benefitting from his ongoing war in Iran and has gained $15.5 million from oil and gas stocks.

“Instead of tackling rising energy prices or ending his war in Iran, President Trump is irresponsibly draining our fuel reserves. That's making things worse, not better. And working families could be forced to pay more at the pump as a result,” said Heinrich.

The SPR was created in 1975 to mitigate the impacts of global crises on consumers, protecting the economy from severe oil shortages and price surges. It’s designed to hold up to 713.5 million barrels of crude oil spread across 60 salt caverns in Texas and Louisiana and is the largest reported government-owned stockpile in the world.

In April 2026, the U.S. — at the direction of President Trump — released 172 million barrels of crude oil from the SPR. The decision to release oil came as Trump’s war with Iran caused gas prices to surge from $3 per gallon to over $5 per gallon in some parts of the country. The SPR is now at its lowest level since its inception.

In June 2026, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report warning that the SPR is at risk of failing to safeguard the U.S. from severe petroleum supply disruptions.

Read the spotlight report here.",1,2026-09-10T09:25:58Z,2026-09-10T09:27:09Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-celebrates-first-ever-permit-issued-under-his-good-samaritan-mine-cleanup-law,Heinrich Celebrates First-Ever Permit Issued Under His Good Samaritan Mine Cleanup Law,2026-09-09,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, today celebrated the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) issuance of the first-ever permit under the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Pilot Program — established by legislation he authored and championed alongside U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) to remove a longstanding legal barrier to cleaning up abandoned mines. The House companion legislation was led by U.S. Representatives Celeste Maloy (R-Utah), Mary Peltola (D-Alaska), and Susie Lee (D-Nev.).

The permit authorizes Trout Unlimited to move forward with the Bodie Mine Project in Okanogan County, Washington, marking the first time a Good Samaritan has received federal authorization under the pilot program created by Heinrich’s bipartisan Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act, which was signed into law in December 2024.

For decades, nonprofits, state and local governments, and other groups willing to clean up abandoned hardrock mines faced a major obstacle: under existing environmental liability laws, organizations could potentially become legally liable for pollution they did not create simply by attempting to remediate it. Heinrich’s legislation created a new permitting pathway that provides eligible Good Samaritans with protections from certain liability risks while they carry out approved cleanup projects.

“This is a landmark moment — and proof that our Good Samaritan law is working. After more than 25 years of hard work to break down the legal barriers standing in the way of abandoned mine cleanup, we are finally seeing volunteers get to work restoring polluted lands and waters without taking on liability for contamination they didn’t cause,” said Heinrich. “The first Good Samaritan permit has now been issued, and this is just the beginning. We can now use this new tool to clean up more abandoned mines, improve water quality, and make communities across New Mexico and the West safer and healthier.”

The Bodie Mine Project will address legacy mine contamination along approximately 400 feet of Toroda Creek. Under the permit, Trout Unlimited will excavate and remove up to 790 tons of contaminated soil and sediment, reconstruct and stabilize the streambank, and restore native vegetation. The project is expected to prevent approximately 104 tons of contaminated tailings from eroding into Toroda Creek each year. Just last week, Heinrich, Risch, Maloy, and Lee sent a bipartisan letter to EPA supporting the Bodie Mine Project and urging the agency to move forward with implementation of the new pilot program.

“This law simply does not happen without the bipartisan work of Senators Heinrich and Risch. Senator Heinrich, in particular, was a force of nature in his advocacy and effectiveness. Anyone who cares about clean water owes him a debt of gratitude,” said Chris Wood, President and CEO of Trout Unlimited.

The project demonstrates exactly the kind of collaborative conservation effort Heinrich’s legislation was designed to enable: a non-liable conservation organization to address pollution left behind by historic mining. As required by the law, the EPA completed an environmental assessment for the Bodie Mine Project.

Heinrich first introduced the Good Samaritan legislation with Risch in 2022 after years of bipartisan efforts to address the liability barriers preventing voluntary abandoned mine cleanups. The legislation passed the Senate unanimously before passing the House and being signed into law on December 17, 2024.

In 2021, Heinrich championed a provision in the Infrastructure Law to establish the first-ever abandoned hardrock mine reclamation program in the Department of the Interior. With the passage of the Good Samaritan legislation, public-private partnerships can use this program to jumpstart abandoned mine cleanups.

The United States has hundreds of thousands of abandoned hardrock mine features, with at least 33,000 posing environmental hazards, according to the Government Accountability Office. Heinrich’s law established a pilot permitting program specifically designed to help lower-risk projects move forward while maintaining federal oversight.",1,2026-09-10T09:25:58Z,2026-09-10T09:27:09Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/news-ballistics-technology-heinrich-secured-helps-law-enforcement-identify-suspect-in-roswell-murders,NEWS: Ballistics Technology Heinrich Secured Helps Law Enforcement Identify Suspect in Roswell Murders,2026-09-09,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Heinrich secured more than $1 million to expand NIBIN technology across New Mexico, including a new machine in Roswell that investigators used to connect ballistic evidence in multiple homicides

ROSWELL, N.M. — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) today highlighted the critical role that new ballistics testing machines he secured helped law enforcement identify and arrest a suspect accused of two murders in the community.

According to the New Mexico Department of Justice, the Roswell Police Department used the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) machine to identify a connection between ballistic evidence recovered in two of the homicides and a firearm recovered from the suspect’s home.

“This is exactly why I fought to bring this technology to communities like Roswell,” said Heinrich. “When someone commits a violent crime with a firearm, law enforcement needs every possible tool to identify that weapon, connect it to other crimes, and get a dangerous criminal off the streets before they can hurt anyone else. That is what these investments are designed to do — help law enforcement solve crimes faster and keep New Mexicans safe.”

In the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Appropriations process, Heinrich secured more than $1 million to purchase four new NIBIN machines for law enforcement agencies in Roswell, Las Cruces, Farmington, and Gallup. The investment expanded access to advanced ballistic intelligence beyond Albuquerque and Santa Fe and established a statewide network connecting local law enforcement agencies with the New Mexico Department of Justice’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center.

Before Heinrich secured the funding, New Mexico had only three NIBIN machines — two in Albuquerque and one in Santa Fe. The new Roswell machine has given law enforcement in southeastern New Mexico direct access to the technology, eliminating the need to transport evidence long distances for testing.

NIBIN machines use highly technical imaging to analyze the markings left on spent cartridge casings and determine whether they are associated with other firearms-related crimes. That information is shared with the New Mexico Department of Justice’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center, where trained analysts can identify connections between crimes, firearms, and suspects and provide intelligence back to local law enforcement.

The New Mexico Department of Justice has credited Heinrich’s federal investment with helping establish the statewide Crime Gun Intelligence Center, which uses forensic firearm evidence to find connections between crimes across New Mexico. The four new NIBIN machines are located in Roswell, Farmington, Gallup, and Doña Ana County. Since the machines were installed, the Crime Gun Intelligence Center has processed more than 2,000 ballistic acquisitions, generating leads in over 527 criminal incidents across New Mexico, with 41% resulting in an arrest.

Heinrich also secured language in the FY2024 Appropriations bills directing the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to expand access to NIBIN for state and local agencies in the Southwest Border region.

Background on Heinrich’s work to support law enforcement’s ability to solve violent crime and keep New Mexicans safe:

Heinrich has made securing resources for New Mexico law enforcement and first responders a priority on the Senate Appropriations Committee. Through the FY2022, FY2023, and FY2024 appropriations processes, Heinrich delivered $48.9 million for law enforcement and first responders across New Mexico.

In October 2024, Heinrich previously highlighted the machines as a critical tool for helping law enforcement “solve the crimes that happen before those same criminals can do more harm” in Las Cruces.

The New Mexico Department of Justice’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center now uses the network of NIBIN machines to connect firearm evidence from crimes across the state, helping investigators identify suspects, witnesses, and patterns that might otherwise go undetected.

###",1,2026-09-10T09:25:58Z,2026-09-10T09:27:09Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-lujan-n-m-delegation-call-on-doj-inspector-general-to-expand-investigation-into-dea-fentanyl-practices-in-new-mexico/,"ICYMI: Luján, N.M. Delegation Call on DOJ Inspector General to Expand Investigation into DEA Fentanyl Practices in New Mexico",2026-09-08,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"NEW MEXICO – In Case You Missed It: U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) called on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Inspector General (OIG) to expand its recently announced review of federal fentanyl investigations to examine Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) practices dating back before 2024, with a specific focus on the DEA’s fentanyl practices in New Mexico.

The Delegation’s request follows whistleblower complaints alleging that DEA agents allowed large quantities of fentanyl to reach New Mexico communities instead of seizing the drugs. On August 17th, the DOJ OIG announced a review of federal fentanyl investigations, including cases where investigators allowed fentanyl shipments to continue rather than seizing them. In the letter, the lawmakers point to whistleblower allegations that raise concerns that DEA’s practice of allowing fentanyl to “walk” may extend further than the OIG’s current two-year review period. Additionally, the lawmakers call on the DOJ OIG to examine whether the DEA’s decisions led to increased overdose deaths throughout New Mexico.

“One of the whistleblowers claims that the DEA surveilled a drug trafficker ‘who made repeated deliveries of fentanyl from Phoenix to Albuquerque between 2022 and 2023.’ There is reason to suspect that the DEA’s policies of allowing fentanyl to ‘walk’ stretches back before 2023. For that reason, we believe the OIG should expand its scope of review.” wrote the lawmakers.

“The people of New Mexico deserve answers as to why the agency charged with seizing drugs instead allowed deadly pills to flood their streets. We ask that the DOJ OIG conduct a full and thorough investigation to bring some measure of accountability to actions carried out by DEA,” continued the lawmakers.

In July, the New Mexico Delegation demanded answers from U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Terrance Cole on why the DEA allowed large quantities of fentanyl to circulate unseized in New Mexico communities.

The full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Inspector General Berthiaume:

We write regarding the Department of Justice’s Office of Inspector General’s (DOJ OIG) August 17, 2026’s announcement that it would review “investigations involving the trafficking of substances containing fentanyl… when federal investigators have knowledge, specific information, or probable cause to believe that fentanyl will be transported or distributed to or from, or stored at, a specified identifiable location.” While we are pleased to see OIG initiate this investigation we ask that the Office expand the scope of its review to investigations before 2024 with a specific focus on investigations undertaken by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) within New Mexico.

As you know, current and former DEA agents filed whistleblower complaints alleging that agents within the Agency allowed drug traffickers to deliver hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills onto the streets of New Mexico. One of the whistleblowers claims that the DEA surveilled a drug trafficker “who made repeated deliveries of fentanyl from Phoenix to Albuquerque between 2022 and 2023.” There is reason to suspect that the DEA’s policies of allowing fentanyl to “walk” stretches back before 2023. For that reason, we believe the OIG should expand its scope of review.

Sadly, New Mexico remains a hotbed of fentanyl trafficking and overdose deaths. Federal data show that overdose deaths fell throughout the country in 2025, yet, in New Mexico deaths rose by 21 percent. This increase correlates with the time period during which the DEA’s allowed traffickers to flood the streets with deadly fentanyl pills. Thus, we ask that the OIG examine whether the DEA’s decisions led to increased overdose deaths throughout the state.

The people of New Mexico deserve answers as to why the agency charged with seizing drugs instead allowed deadly pills to flood their streets. We ask that the DOJ OIG conduct a full and thorough investigation to bring some measure of accountability to actions carried out by DEA. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-09-09T09:27:09Z,2026-09-09T09:29:04Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-statement-on-celebration-of-labor-day/,Luján Statement on Celebration of Labor Day,2026-09-07,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"Santa Fe, N.M. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement recognizing New Mexico workers in honor of Labor Day:

“This Labor Day, we recognize the hardworking New Mexicans who keep our communities strong. We celebrate the generations of New Mexican workers who have fought for fair pay, safer workplaces, and better opportunity for working families.

“As the son of a union ironworker and a public school administrator, I understand the dignity of hard work, the importance of a good-paying job, and the necessity for a safe workplace. I remain committed to standing up to protect workers’ rights, expand opportunity, and ensure every New Mexican can build a better future for themselves.”

###",1,2026-09-08T09:24:24Z,2026-09-08T09:26:10Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-statement-honoring-labor-day,Heinrich Statement Honoring Labor Day,2026-09-07,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement honoring Labor Day.

“Today we honor the skilled workers who built our country and keep it running. We recognize all those, past and present, who have fought for labor protections and the right to organize. And we commit to creating an economy where hard work pays off.

“As the son of an IBEW lineman and a wheel factory worker, I know how hard my parents worked to provide for our family. And I know that it was my dad’s union job that gave us a ticket to the middle class.

“But even as union workers across New Mexico are building a future for their families and supporting our communities — lighting our homes, schools, and offices, and building the clean energy infrastructure that will power our economy for generations — too many others are working harder and falling further behind — asked to do more with far less.

“I am committed to delivering policies that bring costs down and support the folks working hard for our communities. And I will continue holding President Trump accountable for the rising prices caused by his tariffs, war with Iran, and other reckless economic policies.”

###",1,2026-09-09T09:27:09Z,2026-09-09T09:29:04Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-calls-total-ban-ice-usage-electric-gloves,Rep. Gabe Vasquez Calls for Total Ban on ICE Usage of Electric Gloves,2026-09-04,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NM,Gabe Vasquez,V000136,vasquez.house.gov,vasquez,https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) demanding the immediate cancellation of their wasteful $16.7 million contract to equip ICE agents with electric shock gloves and the total ban of abusive devices across all immigration enforcement and detention operations.

“This Administration’s mass deportation campaign isn’t just targeting the ‘worst of the worst,’ it is terrorizing our communities,” said Vasquez. “Now, they’re wasting taxpayer dollars to give untrained agents electric shock gloves – everything about this goes against our American values and puts American citizens at risk. We need reform and accountability, not untrained agents with more dangerous weapons.”

“Introducing low-visibility electric shock weapons into our immigration enforcement system is an unacceptable escalation that prioritizes physical intimidation and unaccountable force over human safety and administrative accountability,” wrote Vasquez in the letter. “We reiterate our demand that you immediately halt the acquisition and deployment of electric shock gloves, cancel the contract, and refocus the Department’s resources on accountability and humanitarian standards rather than expanding a paramilitary apparatus.”

The letter, joined by over 40 Members of Congress, highlights concerns about the use of electric shock devices like the G.L.O.V.E. by the UN Special Rapportuer on Torture, Amnesty International, Center for Victims of Torture, and Physicians for Human Rights. It also requests information regarding training and protocol for the G.L.O.V.E usage, and detailed documents regarding testing of the device.

You can read the full letter HERE.

Rep. Vasquez has consistently stood up against MAGA Republican’s mass deportation agenda and called for common-sense ICE reforms, protecting due process and human rights, and targeted, effective immigration enforcement. Some of his efforts include:

Introducing the New American Immigration Plan, a commonsense plan to secure our borders, boost local economies, and expand legal pathways — all in a humane, cost-effective way that lives up to our American values of fairness and law and order.

Voting against the Republican tax law, which granted DHS a $150 billion blank check to pay for mass detentions and deportations, including of American citizens

Standing firm in his calls for reforms at DHS and opposition handing ICE another blank check

Introducing the Humane Accountability Act, a bill that requires DHS to tell Congress and the public what it’s doing with taxpayer money — including data on detentions, deportations, and deaths in custody — so families know where their loved ones are and the public knows what its government is doing with taxpayer funds.

###",1,2026-09-05T08:49:07Z,2026-09-05T08:50:44Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-introduce-beef-act-protect-american-ranchers-and-lower-beef,Rep. Gabe Vasquez to Introduce BEEF Act to Protect American Ranchers and Lower Beef Prices,2026-09-04,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NM,Gabe Vasquez,V000136,vasquez.house.gov,vasquez,https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 4, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced that he will introduce the BEEF (Banning External Entry of Foreign Beef) Act, legislation to stop the Administration’s latest expansion of foreign beef imports and advance a long-term strategy to rebuild the American cattle herd, strengthen domestic beef production, and lower costs for consumers.

This bill is in response to the Administration’s announcement that it would import an additional 300,000 metric tons of foreign lean beef trimmings into the United States, hurting ranchers and raising prices for consumers. Vasquez has repeatedly opposed efforts by both Democratic and Republican administrations to increase foreign beef imports at the expense of American cattle producers.

“If we want more affordable beef, the answer is to grow American production, strengthen competition, and make it easier for the next generation of ranchers to stay in business – not make our country more dependent on un-vetted foreign imports,” said Vasquez. “Cattlegrowers in New Mexico and across the nation have made it clear – they want to reverse the President’s foreign beef imports and they need more time, and more tools, to grow their herds and fix the domestic supply chain. My BEEF Act does just that, and I hope that my colleagues from both sides of the aisle can join me in supporting American cattlegrowers and this commonsense proposal.”

The BEEF Act would:

Suspend the Administration’s latest expansion of foreign beef imports.

Require congressional approval before future presidential actions expanding beef imports can take effect.

Establish a four-year Beef Import and Domestic Supply Advisory Board within USDA and direct it to develop strategies to rebuild the American cattle herd and increase domestic beef production.

Advance policies to expand domestic processing capacity, improve livestock market competition, and lower beef costs for American families over the long term.

Rep. Vasquez has long been an ardent supporter of New Mexico’s ranchers and cattle growers. Some of his recent work to support them includes:

In June, he introduced the Protecting America’s Herds Act, an innovative, bipartisan solution to combat the spread of the New World Screwworm parasite, herd loss, and a jump in beef prices.

He was also integral in securing the necessary funding to build a sterile fly production and dispersal facility through the STOP Screwworms Act, legislation that required the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a New World Screwworm fly rearing facility to combat the spread of Screwworms.

On March 3, 2026, Rep. Vasquez secured unanimous, bipartisan support in the House Agriculture Committee for his Farm Bill amendment condemning the Administration’s push to prioritize Argentinian beef imports at the expense of our American cattle ranchers. The amendment ultimately passed out of the House in the Farm Bill.

In 2024, Vasquez adamantly opposed the Biden administration’s push to import beef from Paraguay. No matter the political party, Rep. Vasquez is fully committed to fighting for American ranchers.

###",1,2026-09-05T08:49:07Z,2026-09-05T08:50:44Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-nm-delegation-press-va-secretary-to-ensure-new-mexico-veterans-are-not-harmed-by-agency-reorganization,"Heinrich, N.M. Delegation Press VA Secretary to Ensure New Mexico Veterans Are Not Harmed by Agency Reorganization",2026-09-04,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and members of the N.M. Congressional Delegation, including U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), sent a letter pressing U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to ensure New Mexico veterans’ unique needs are not diminished in the agency’s planned reorganization of the Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN) structure into five regional networks under the VA RISE Initiative.

New Mexico is home to more than 125,000 veterans, many of whom live in rural communities where access to healthcare is already limited. Veterans across the state face unique challenges, including long distances to VA medical centers, shortages of specialty care providers, and limited broadband access for telehealth services. New Mexico also has a disproportionately high share of Native American, Hispanic, and Latino veterans, whose healthcare needs are best served through culturally competent care and strong partnerships with Tribal governments and the Indian Health Service (IHS). New Mexico also has a particular need for local decision-making and resources that reflect the unique needs of veterans in geographically isolated areas.

“While we appreciate the Department's efforts to modernize its healthcare delivery system, any restructuring must improve —not weaken — the quality, accessibility, and responsiveness of care for veterans living in rural communities,” the N.M. Congressional Delegation wrote to VA Secretary Collins.

While New Mexico was previously aligned under VISN 22 and 17, veterans and stakeholders repeatedly expressed concerns that the state's priorities were overshadowed by larger population centers within the VISN. Resource allocation, executive attention, and operational decision-making often favored larger facilities, leaving New Mexico veterans underrepresented despite facing some of the greatest barriers to care. Differences in geography, demographics, and healthcare infrastructure between New Mexico and the rest of the VISN complicated efforts to tailor services to the state's unique needs.

In the letter, the N.M. Congressional Delegation urged VA leadership to ensure that the unique needs of New Mexico’s veterans are addressed and that past hurdles to adequate healthcare do not persist as the agency establishes a new five-VISN structure.

“The success of this reorganization should ultimately be measured not by administrative efficiencies alone, but by whether veterans experience faster access to care, improved health outcomes, and greater confidence in the VA healthcare system. New Mexico's unique geography and veteran population require sustained attention and dedicated leadership to ensure that organizational changes do not unintentionally widen existing disparities in access to care,” the N.M. Congressional Delegation underscored.

The N.M. Congressional Delegation concluded the letter by requesting that the VA provide an overview of how New Mexico's unique healthcare needs will be incorporated into the new VISN structure, including what safeguards will be implemented to ensure the state receives equitable resources, leadership engagement, accessible community care, expanded telehealth and rural outreach, and stronger partnerships with Tribal governments and the IHS following the reorganization. The Delegation also requested that the VA prioritize recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals in rural communities and maintain transparent, New Mexico-specific metrics to ensure veterans receive timely, high-quality care.

The full text of the letter is here and below:

Dear Secretary Collins,

As the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) undertakes its planned reorganization of the Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN) structure into five regional networks under the VA RISE Initiative, I write to emphasize the importance of ensuring that the unique needs of New Mexico's veterans are not diminished within a larger organizational framework. While we appreciate the Department's efforts to modernize its healthcare delivery system, any restructuring must improve—not weaken—the quality, accessibility, and responsiveness of care for veterans living in rural communities.

New Mexico is home to more than 125,000 veterans, many of whom reside in geographically isolated areas where access to healthcare is already limited. Veterans in my state face unique challenges, including long travel distances to VA medical centers, shortages of specialty care providers, limited broadband access for telehealth services, and a disproportionately high percentage of Native American, Hispanic, and Latino veterans whose healthcare needs are best served through culturally competent care and strong partnerships with Tribal governments and the Indian Health Service. Additionally, New Mexico has one of the nation's highest concentrations of rural veterans, making local decision-making and resource allocation particularly important.

While New Mexico was previously aligned under VISN 22 and 17, veterans and stakeholders repeatedly expressed concerns that the state's priorities were overshadowed by larger population centers within the VISN. Resource allocation, executive attention, and operational decision-making often favored larger facilities, leaving New Mexico veterans feeling underrepresented despite facing some of the greatest barriers to care. Differences in geography, demographics, and healthcare infrastructure between New Mexico and the rest of the VISN complicated efforts to tailor services to the state's unique needs.

As the Department establishes a new five-VISN structure, I urge VA leadership to ensure that the unique needs of New Mexico’s veterans are prioritized and that past hurdles to adequate health care do not persist. Specifically, I request that the Department:

Establish dedicated regional leadership responsible for advocating exclusively for New Mexico's veterans and ensuring the state's healthcare priorities remain visible within the larger VISN structure.

Preserve and expand access to community care where VA facilities remain geographically inaccessible, while maintaining strong oversight to ensure timely, high-quality care.

Continue investments in telehealth infrastructure, mobile health care services, and rural outreach programs to better serve veterans in remote communities.

Strengthen partnerships with Tribal governments, Tribal health systems, and the Indian Health Service to improve coordination of care for Native American veterans.

Prioritize recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals in rural New Mexico facilities through targeted workforce initiatives.

Maintain transparent performance metrics specific to New Mexico, including appointment wait times, specialty care access, community care utilization, and veteran satisfaction, so Congress and veterans can evaluate whether the reorganization is producing meaningful improvements.

The success of this reorganization should ultimately be measured not by administrative efficiencies alone, but by whether veterans experience faster access to care, improved health outcomes, and greater confidence in the VA healthcare system. New Mexico's unique geography and veteran population require sustained attention and dedicated leadership to ensure that organizational changes do not unintentionally widen existing disparities in access to care.

We respectfully request that the Department provide an overview of how New Mexico's unique healthcare needs will be incorporated into the new VISN structure, including what safeguards will be implemented to ensure the state receives equitable resources, leadership engagement, and operational support following the reorganization.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your continued commitment to serving those who have worn our nation's uniform. We look forward to working with you to ensure that every New Mexico veteran receives the high-quality healthcare they have earned.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-09-05T08:49:07Z,2026-09-05T08:50:44Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-releases-fact-sheet-highlighting-how-clean-energy-is-keeping-the-lights-on-during-extreme-heat,Heinrich Releases Fact Sheet Highlighting How Clean Energy is Keeping the Lights on During Extreme Heat,2026-09-04,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released a new fact sheet detailing how clean energy and energy storage resources have lessened the likelihood of power outages this summer and strengthened the reliability of the nation’s electric grid.

This summer, as our grid is constrained the most due to increased energy usage, communities across the United States have faced dangerous, record-breaking heat, making reliable electricity a matter of public health and safety. During extreme heat, power outages can leave people without air conditioning for hours or even days, putting older adults, children, and other vulnerable Americans at serious risk.

Despite clean energy being the cheapest, fastest source to deploy, the Trump administration has continuously blocked clean energy projects from connecting to the grid. If those actions continue, over 90% of planned new electricity generation capacity could be prevented from coming online in the next several years, straining our energy grid even further and increasing the likelihood of power outages.

“Extreme heat is putting more pressure on our electric grid, and Americans need to know that when they flip the switch, the power will be there. Clean, American-made energy can help us meet growing demand, lower energy costs, strengthen the grid, and keep the lights and air conditioning on,” said Heinrich. “That is why it makes no sense that President Trump continues to block and stall new clean energy projects from connecting to the grid. Every summer, our grid faces an increase in demand, leaving communities across the country at risk of power outages that can be life-threatening. We should be building more reliable, affordable energy – not putting up more roadblocks.”

The fact sheet finds that clean energy resources are already helping meet growing electricity demand and improve grid reliability. Between June 2025 and May 2026, as more clean energy sources connected to the grid, these sources increased available energy capacity, reducing the likelihood of power outages in regions across the country.

Read the fact sheet here.",1,2026-09-05T08:49:07Z,2026-09-05T08:50:44Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-n-m-delegation-call-on-doj-inspector-general-to-expand-investigation-into-dea-fentanyl-practices-in-new-mexico/,"Luján, N.M. Delegation Call on DOJ Inspector General to Expand Investigation into DEA Fentanyl Practices in New Mexico",2026-09-04,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"NEW MEXICO – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) called on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Inspector General (OIG) to expand its recently announced review of federal fentanyl investigations to examine Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) practices dating back before 2024, with a specific focus on the DEA’s fentanyl practices in New Mexico.

The Delegation’s request follows whistleblower complaints alleging that DEA agents allowed large quantities of fentanyl to reach New Mexico communities instead of seizing the drugs. On August 17th, the DOJ OIG announced a review of federal fentanyl investigations, including cases where investigators allowed fentanyl shipments to continue rather than seizing them. In the letter, the lawmakers point to whistleblower allegations that raise concerns that DEA’s practice of allowing fentanyl to “walk” may extend further than the OIG’s current two-year review period. Additionally, the lawmakers call on the DOJ OIG to examine whether the DEA’s decisions led to increased overdose deaths throughout New Mexico.

“One of the whistleblowers claims that the DEA surveilled a drug trafficker ‘who made repeated deliveries of fentanyl from Phoenix to Albuquerque between 2022 and 2023.’ There is reason to suspect that the DEA’s policies of allowing fentanyl to ‘walk’ stretches back before 2023. For that reason, we believe the OIG should expand its scope of review.” wrote the lawmakers.

“The people of New Mexico deserve answers as to why the agency charged with seizing drugs instead allowed deadly pills to flood their streets. We ask that the DOJ OIG conduct a full and thorough investigation to bring some measure of accountability to actions carried out by DEA,” continued the lawmakers.

In July, the New Mexico Delegation demanded answers from U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Terrance Cole on why the DEA allowed large quantities of fentanyl to circulate unseized in New Mexico communities.

The full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Inspector General Berthiaume:

We write regarding the Department of Justice’s Office of Inspector General’s (DOJ OIG) August 17, 2026’s announcement that it would review “investigations involving the trafficking of substances containing fentanyl… when federal investigators have knowledge, specific information, or probable cause to believe that fentanyl will be transported or distributed to or from, or stored at, a specified identifiable location.” While we are pleased to see OIG initiate this investigation we ask that the Office expand the scope of its review to investigations before 2024 with a specific focus on investigations undertaken by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) within New Mexico.

As you know, current and former DEA agents filed whistleblower complaints alleging that agents within the Agency allowed drug traffickers to deliver hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills onto the streets of New Mexico. One of the whistleblowers claims that the DEA surveilled a drug trafficker “who made repeated deliveries of fentanyl from Phoenix to Albuquerque between 2022 and 2023.” There is reason to suspect that the DEA’s policies of allowing fentanyl to “walk” stretches back before 2023. For that reason, we believe the OIG should expand its scope of review.

Sadly, New Mexico remains a hotbed of fentanyl trafficking and overdose deaths. Federal data show that overdose deaths fell throughout the country in 2025, yet, in New Mexico deaths rose by 21 percent. This increase correlates with the time period during which the DEA’s allowed traffickers to flood the streets with deadly fentanyl pills. Thus, we ask that the OIG examine whether the DEA’s decisions led to increased overdose deaths throughout the state.

The people of New Mexico deserve answers as to why the agency charged with seizing drugs instead allowed deadly pills to flood their streets. We ask that the DOJ OIG conduct a full and thorough investigation to bring some measure of accountability to actions carried out by DEA. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-09-05T08:49:07Z,2026-09-05T08:50:44Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/n-m-delegation-presses-va-secretary-to-ensure-new-mexico-veterans-are-not-harmed-by-agency-reorganization/,N.M. Delegation Presses VA Secretary to Ensure New Mexico Veterans Are Not Harmed by Agency Reorganization,2026-09-04,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and members of the N.M. Congressional Delegation, including U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), sent a letter pressing U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to ensure New Mexico veterans’ unique needs are not diminished in the agency’s planned reorganization of the Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN) structure into five regional networks under the VA RISE Initiative.

New Mexico is home to more than 125,000 veterans, many of whom live in rural communities where access to healthcare is already limited. Veterans across the state face unique challenges, including long distances to VA medical centers, shortages of specialty care providers, and limited broadband access for telehealth services. New Mexico also has a disproportionately high share of Native American, Hispanic, and Latino veterans, whose healthcare needs are best served through culturally competent care and strong partnerships with Tribal governments and the Indian Health Service (IHS). New Mexico also has a particular need for local decision-making and resources that reflect the unique needs of veterans in geographically isolated areas.

“While we appreciate the Department’s efforts to modernize its healthcare delivery system, any restructuring must improve —not weaken — the quality, accessibility, and responsiveness of care for veterans living in rural communities,” the N.M. Congressional Delegation wrote to VA Secretary Collins.

While New Mexico was previously aligned under VISN 22 and 17, veterans and stakeholders repeatedly expressed concerns that the state’s priorities were overshadowed by larger population centers within the VISN. Resource allocation, executive attention, and operational decision-making often favored larger facilities, leaving New Mexico veterans underrepresented despite facing some of the greatest barriers to care. Differences in geography, demographics, and healthcare infrastructure between New Mexico and the rest of the VISN complicated efforts to tailor services to the state’s unique needs.

In the letter, the N.M. Congressional Delegation urged VA leadership to ensure that the unique needs of New Mexico’s veterans are addressed and that past hurdles to adequate healthcare do not persist as the agency establishes a new five-VISN structure.

“The success of this reorganization should ultimately be measured not by administrative efficiencies alone, but by whether veterans experience faster access to care, improved health outcomes, and greater confidence in the VA healthcare system. New Mexico’s unique geography and veteran population require sustained attention and dedicated leadership to ensure that organizational changes do not unintentionally widen existing disparities in access to care,” the N.M. Congressional Delegation underscored.

The N.M. Congressional Delegation concluded the letter by requesting that the VA provide an overview of how New Mexico’s unique healthcare needs will be incorporated into the new VISN structure, including what safeguards will be implemented to ensure the state receives equitable resources, leadership engagement, accessible community care, expanded telehealth and rural outreach, and stronger partnerships with Tribal governments and the IHS following the reorganization. The Delegation also requested that the VA prioritize recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals in rural communities and maintain transparent, New Mexico-specific metrics to ensure veterans receive timely, high-quality care.

The full text of the letter is here and below:

Dear Secretary Collins,

As the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) undertakes its planned reorganization of the Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN) structure into five regional networks under the VA RISE Initiative, I write to emphasize the importance of ensuring that the unique needs of New Mexico’s veterans are not diminished within a larger organizational framework. While we appreciate the Department’s efforts to modernize its healthcare delivery system, any restructuring must improve—not weaken—the quality, accessibility, and responsiveness of care for veterans living in rural communities.

New Mexico is home to more than 125,000 veterans, many of whom reside in geographically isolated areas where access to healthcare is already limited. Veterans in my state face unique challenges, including long travel distances to VA medical centers, shortages of specialty care providers, limited broadband access for telehealth services, and a disproportionately high percentage of Native American, Hispanic, and Latino veterans whose healthcare needs are best served through culturally competent care and strong partnerships with Tribal governments and the Indian Health Service. Additionally, New Mexico has one of the nation’s highest concentrations of rural veterans, making local decision-making and resource allocation particularly important.

While New Mexico was previously aligned under VISN 22 and 17, veterans and stakeholders repeatedly expressed concerns that the state’s priorities were overshadowed by larger population centers within the VISN. Resource allocation, executive attention, and operational decision-making often favored larger facilities, leaving New Mexico veterans feeling underrepresented despite facing some of the greatest barriers to care. Differences in geography, demographics, and healthcare infrastructure between New Mexico and the rest of the VISN complicated efforts to tailor services to the state’s unique needs.

As the Department establishes a new five-VISN structure, I urge VA leadership to ensure that the unique needs of New Mexico’s veterans are prioritized and that past hurdles to adequate health care do not persist. Specifically, I request that the Department:

Establish dedicated regional leadership responsible for advocating exclusively for New Mexico’s veterans and ensuring the state’s healthcare priorities remain visible within the larger VISN structure.

Preserve and expand access to community care where VA facilities remain geographically inaccessible, while maintaining strong oversight to ensure timely, high-quality care.

Continue investments in telehealth infrastructure, mobile health care services, and rural outreach programs to better serve veterans in remote communities.

Strengthen partnerships with Tribal governments, Tribal health systems, and the Indian Health Service to improve coordination of care for Native American veterans.

Prioritize recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals in rural New Mexico facilities through targeted workforce initiatives.

Maintain transparent performance metrics specific to New Mexico, including appointment wait times, specialty care access, community care utilization, and veteran satisfaction, so Congress and veterans can evaluate whether the reorganization is producing meaningful improvements.

The success of this reorganization should ultimately be measured not by administrative efficiencies alone, but by whether veterans experience faster access to care, improved health outcomes, and greater confidence in the VA healthcare system. New Mexico’s unique geography and veteran population require sustained attention and dedicated leadership to ensure that organizational changes do not unintentionally widen existing disparities in access to care.

We respectfully request that the Department provide an overview of how New Mexico’s unique healthcare needs will be incorporated into the new VISN structure, including what safeguards will be implemented to ensure the state receives equitable resources, leadership engagement, and operational support following the reorganization.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your continued commitment to serving those who have worn our nation’s uniform. We look forward to working with you to ensure that every New Mexico veteran receives the high-quality healthcare they have earned.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-09-05T08:49:07Z,2026-09-05T08:50:44Z
https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=660,"Leger Fernández, N.M. Delegation Call on DOJ Inspector General to Expand Investigation into DEA Fentanyl Practices in New Mexico",2026-09-04,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NM,Teresa Leger Fernandez,L000273,fernandez.house.gov,fernandez,https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"NEW MEXICO – Today, U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), and U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) called on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Inspector General (OIG) to expand its recently announced review of federal fentanyl investigations to examine Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) practices dating back before 2024, with a specific focus on the DEA’s fentanyl practices in New Mexico.

The Delegation’s request follows whistleblower complaints alleging that DEA agents allowed large quantities of fentanyl to reach New Mexico communities instead of seizing the drugs. On August 17th, the DOJ OIG announced a review of federal fentanyl investigations, including cases where investigators allowed fentanyl shipments to continue rather than seizing them. In the letter, the lawmakers point to whistleblower allegations that raise concerns that DEA’s practice of allowing fentanyl to “walk” may extend further than the OIG’s current two-year review period. Additionally, the lawmakers call on the DOJ OIG to examine whether the DEA’s decisions led to increased overdose deaths throughout New Mexico.

“One of the whistleblowers claims that the DEA surveilled a drug trafficker ‘who made repeated deliveries of fentanyl from Phoenix to Albuquerque between 2022 and 2023.’ There is reason to suspect that the DEA’s policies of allowing fentanyl to ‘walk’ stretches back before 2023. For that reason, we believe the OIG should expand its scope of review.” wrote the lawmakers.

“The people of New Mexico deserve answers as to why the agency charged with seizing drugs instead allowed deadly pills to flood their streets. We ask that the DOJ OIG conduct a full and thorough investigation to bring some measure of accountability to actions carried out by DEA,” continued the lawmakers.

In July, the New Mexico Delegation demanded answers from U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Terrance Cole on why the DEA allowed large quantities of fentanyl to circulate unseized in New Mexico communities.

The full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Inspector General Berthiaume:

We write regarding the Department of Justice’s Office of Inspector General’s (DOJ OIG) August 17, 2026’s announcement that it would review “investigations involving the trafficking of substances containing fentanyl… when federal investigators have knowledge, specific information, or probable cause to believe that fentanyl will be transported or distributed to or from, or stored at, a specified identifiable location.” While we are pleased to see OIG initiate this investigation we ask that the Office expand the scope of its review to investigations before 2023 with a specific focus on investigations undertaken by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) within New Mexico.

As you know, current and former DEA agents filed whistleblower complaints alleging that agents within the Agency allowed drug traffickers to deliver hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills onto the streets of New Mexico. One of the whistleblowers claims that the DEA surveilled a drug trafficker “who made repeated deliveries of fentanyl from Phoenix to Albuquerque between 2022 and 2023.” There is reason to suspect that the DEA’s policies of allowing fentanyl to “walk” stretches back before 2023. For that reason, we believe the OIG should expand its scope of review.

Sadly, New Mexico remains a hotbed of fentanyl trafficking and overdose deaths. Federal data show that overdose deaths fell throughout the country in 2025, yet, in New Mexico deaths rose by 21 percent. This increase correlates with the time period during which the DEA’s allowed traffickers to flood the streets with deadly fentanyl pills. Thus, we ask that the OIG examine whether the DEA’s decisions led to increased overdose deaths throughout the state.

The people of New Mexico deserve answers as to why the agency charged with seizing drugs instead allowed deadly pills to flood their streets. We ask that the DOJ OIG conduct a full and thorough investigation to bring some measure of accountability to actions carried out by DEA. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,",1,2026-09-09T09:27:09Z,2026-09-09T09:29:04Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-sends-bipartisan-demand-doj-release-critical-law-enforcement,Rep. Gabe Vasquez Sends Bipartisan Demand to DOJ to Release Critical Law Enforcement Funding,2026-09-03,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NM,Gabe Vasquez,V000136,vasquez.house.gov,vasquez,https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) partnered with Rep. David Kustoff (R-TN) and demanded the Department of Justice (DOJ) release funding for the Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS) Program immediately in a bipartisan letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche.

RISS funding goes towards law enforcement efforts to arrest violent criminals, get illegal drugs off our streets, resolve criminal investigations, and ensure officer and public safety. It has sustained strong bipartisan support in Congress because it is proven to work. Over the last ten years, officers leveraging RISS services reported more than $2.3 billion in narcotics, property, and currency seizures – a 500% return on federal investment – and aided in the arrest of more than 23,000 offenders.

“Congress included $44 million for the RISS program in the FY26 spending bill, however, these funds have yet to be distributed,” wrote Vasquez in the letter. “This funding is critical for local law enforcement agencies, particularly those in rural and small communities, and any delay puts public safety at risk.”

In 2025, RISS funding supported 94 criminal justice agencies and 5,464 sworn personnel throughout New Mexico, including the Cibola County Sheriff’s Office in a burglary investigation. The Sheriff’s office requested digital forensic examination from Rocky Mountain Information Network (RMIN), the regional RISS program for New Mexico. RMIN assisted the office with identifying a suspect of three burglaries spanning over 2 months, and accessing the suspect’s phone to gather critical data that allowed for Cibola County to bring the case to a jury trial before the suspect pled guilty.

""I strongly urge you to release the funding for the RISS program,” said Steve Hebbe, President of the New Mexico Association of Chiefs of Police. “This program is instrumental in helping smaller agencies address serious crimes in their communities. Any delays hurt public safety.""

Read the full letter HERE.

Rep. Vasquez has repeatedly led efforts to support local law enforcement and public safety in New Mexico’s 2nd district:

Reps. Vasquez and Kustoff led a bipartisan letter early in the year calling on the House Appropriations Committee to support $55 million in funding for the Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS) Program.

Rep. Vasquez has supported over $9 billion for state and local law enforcement, ensuring they have the resources they need to combat cartels and support crime victims.

Rep. Vasquez 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.

###",1,2026-09-04T09:19:37Z,2026-09-04T09:20:58Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-armstrong-introduce-legislation-to-give-tribes-more-flexibility-to-hire-qualified-native-language-educators-preserve-native-languages,"Heinrich, Armstrong Introduce Legislation to Give Tribes More Flexibility to Hire Qualified Native Language Educators, Preserve Native Languages",2026-09-03,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Alan Armstrong (R-Okla.) introduced the Native Language Educators in Classrooms Act, bipartisan legislation to give Tribal Head Start programs greater authority to determine how qualified educators can meet Head Start teaching requirements — helping Tribes hire more Native language educators and bring more fluent Native language speakers into the classroom. Tribal Head Start programs play a critical role in preserving and promoting Native languages, cultures, and traditions. But federal credentialing requirements can prevent Tribal programs from hiring qualified educators — particularly in communities with limited access to higher education.

“Preserving Native languages is essential to maintaining cultural identity,” said Heinrich. “But today, federal requirements can prevent Tribal Head Start programs from hiring the people best equipped to pass those languages, cultures, and traditions on to the next generation. My Native Language Educators in Classrooms Act will give Tribes more flexibility to determine who is qualified to teach in their own communities and create more pathways for fluent Native language speakers and other qualified educators to enter the classroom. This is about making sure Tribal communities have the authority and resources they need to keep their languages and cultures strong for generations to come.”

“Native languages are at the heart of Tribal culture, identity, and community. I’m proud to work across the aisle to strengthen Tribal Head Start programs and open more pathways for teachers to enter the classroom, helping Tribes preserve their languages and pass them on to the next generation,” said Armstrong.

According to a recent U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) study, nearly all Tribal Head Start programs report difficulty hiring and retaining staff. These staffing challenges can limit programs’ ability to enroll eligible children and provide Native language education.

New Mexico is at a critical junction when it comes to preserving Native languages. A Navajo Times study found that 93% of Navajo people were considered fluent in the language in 1980. By 2010, that figure had fallen to 53%, and projections estimate it could drop to just 30% by 2030.

Heinrich and Armstrong’s Native Language Educators in Classrooms Act helps address these challenges by giving Tribes flexibility in credentialing Tribal Head Start educators. This flexibility will allow Tribal Head Start programs to hire more Native language educators in Head Start classrooms while maintaining health, safety, and professional standards.

Under the Native Language Educators in Classrooms Act, Tribes could:

Waive certain degree requirements that fail to recognize the knowledge and language skills of elders and fluent Native language speakers.

Waive certain verification visit requirements that can be particularly difficult for educators and programs in remote Tribal communities.

Recognize early childhood education certificates as an alternative pathway to qualification, including certificates earned through institutions of higher education available in Tribal communities, such as Tribal colleges and universities. These certificates can exceed the qualifications of typical Head Start credentials without requiring a verification visit.

Create more pathways for qualified Tribal community members to enter the Head Start workforce, allowing educators to earn credentials and build their professional qualifications through institutions and programs that are accessible in their own communities.

The Native Language Educators in Classrooms Act is endorsed by the Pueblo of Isleta, Pueblo of Santo Domingo, National Indian Head Start Directors Association, National Indian Education Association, and American Indian Higher Education Consortium, National Congress of American Indians, and the National Head Start Association (NHSA).

""Our Head Start program is a vital resource for the Pueblo of Isleta. This critical legislation expands opportunities for Isleta tribal members to work with Head Start program here at home, while making it possible for youngest children to be taught by members of our community,” said Governor Jiron, Pueblo of Isleta.

“American Indians and Alaska Natives face unique challenges accessing higher education. Even when they do obtain credentials, they face further challenges returning to work in their Tribal communities, which may be unable to offer compensation competitive with opportunities outside the community,” said Governor Raymond Aguilar, Jr., Pueblo of Santo Domingo. “The Native Language Educators in Classrooms Act would create a unique credentialing framework designed to support Native educators in obtaining credentials through flexible and supportive pathways. The result will be Tribal Head Start classrooms staffed by Native educators who pass on our culture, traditions, core values, and language to our children and families. The Santo Domingo Pueblo supports Senator Heinrich and Senator Armstrong in this legislative effort.”

“Early childhood education is the foundation of healthy Tribal communities. But overly restrictive degree requirements are making it harder for the very people best equipped to teach Tribal children to become Head Start educators. The strongest teachers combine professional preparation with the language, culture, and community knowledge that Native children deserve. The Native Language Educators in Classrooms Act provides a commonsense, bipartisan solution, without compromising quality, by expanding the types of pathways early educators can take to include Early Childhood Education certificates, which can be earned from a Tribal College or University. NIHSDA applauds Senators Heinrich and Armstrong for their leadership in advancing legislation that will help Tribal programs recruit and retain educators, strengthen culturally grounded early childhood education, and ensure more Native children receive the strong start they deserve,” said the National Indian Head Start Directors Association.

“The National Indian Education Association strongly supports the Native Language Educators in Classrooms Act. Tribal communities know what their children need to thrive, and that includes educators who bring not only professional preparation, but also the language, culture, knowledge, and relationships that are essential to strong early learning. S. 5299 recognizes the realities facing Tribal Head Start programs by creating meaningful pathways for talented educators to enter the classroom, grow professionally, and earn credentials without asking communities to choose between cultural knowledge and academic preparation. This legislation strengthens the Native educator pipeline, supports Tribal self-determination, and helps ensure our youngest Native learners are surrounded by educators who know their communities, languages, and cultures,” said Kerry D. Bird, President of the National Indian Education Association.

“Head Start and Early Head Start programs, especially in the American Indian and Alaska Native communities, continually struggle to create a consistent workforce pool of degree-qualified educators. The Native Language Educators in Classrooms Act would not only address workforce shortages but also create a flexible pathway to obtain credentials for Head Start staff in Tribal communities, in particular by recognizing credentials issued by Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). These institutions provide targeted credential pathways for educators who incorporate their culture, customs, and language with the respective Tribal Nation to enhance lifelong learning and cultural preservation. Specifically, Head Start teachers and assistant teachers, and Early Head Start teachers would be able to enter the field more readily, gain advanced credentials over a period of time, and take advantage of long-term support toward attaining higher degrees,"" said Ahniwake Rose, President and CEO of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium. “AIHEC stands with Senators Heinrich and Armstrong in support of modernizing this legislation to recognize Early Childhood Education certifications and credentials offered by more than 50 percent of TCUs to help fill these workforce gaps.”

“The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) supports the Native Language Educators in Classrooms Act, which recognizes that Native languages and cultural knowledge are essential to the success of Native children enrolled in Tribal Head Start programs. By creating more flexible pathways for qualified Native language and cultural educators, this legislation will help remove barriers to employment that too often leave classrooms without the educators they need. Native youth are our future leaders and they deserve the ability to learn their Native languages and culture. NCAI urges Congress to advance this bipartisan legislation and provide Tribal communities with greater flexibility to recruit and retain the Native language and culture educators their children need,” said Larry Wright Jr., National Congress of American Indians Executive Director.

“The National Head Start Association (NHSA) supports the Native Language Educators in Classrooms Act as a bipartisan solution to the unique challenges faced by American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Head Start programs,” said National Head Start Association Executive Director Yasmina Vinci. “The legislation recognizes the unique language and cultural qualifications of AI/AN Head Start teachers and provides flexible paths to alternative credentialing that meet or exceed existing degree requirements. NHSA looks forward to supporting Sens. Heinrich and Armstrong to move this legislation forward.”

The full text of the bill is here.",1,2026-09-04T09:19:37Z,2026-09-04T09:20:58Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-tierra-amarilla-lujan-meets-with-local-leaders-to-fight-back-against-trump-administration-attacks-on-public-lands/,"In Tierra Amarilla, Luján Meets with Local Leaders to Fight Back Against Trump Administration Attacks on Public Lands",2026-09-03,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"Tierra Amarilla, N.M. – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) met with community leaders and public lands advocates in Tierra Amarilla to hear directly about the impact of the Trump administration’s attacks on New Mexico’s public lands and highlight his efforts to protect New Mexico’s public lands.

During the discussion, Senator Luján met with community leaders and public lands advocates from Northern Rio Arriba County to discuss their policy priorities and concerns regarding the Trump administration’s recent attacks on public lands, including concerns about efforts to increase oil, gas, and mining development on public lands. Senator Luján heard directly about how these changes could impact Northern New Mexico communities and shared updates on his work in the Senate to push back against policies that threaten New Mexico’s public lands.

“New Mexico’s public lands are central to our way of life,” said Senator Luján. “In Tierra Amarilla, I heard directly from local leaders and advocates about their concerns with the Trump administration’s attacks on our public lands. From drilling and mining proposals to the rollback of protections that New Mexicans depend on, we’ve seen this administration go after lands that have meant so much to generations of New Mexicans. I will continue fighting back against these attacks and working alongside our communities to protect New Mexico’s cherished lands and water for generations to come.”

Senator Luján has long fought to protect New Mexico’s public lands and cherished sites. Recently, Senator Luján introduced the Chama Basin Watershed Protection Act, legislation to permanently withdraw certain federal lands in the Rio Chama Watershed from mineral development. Additionally, Senator Luján has fought to establish permanent protections for Chaco Canyon.

###",1,2026-09-04T09:19:37Z,2026-09-04T09:20:58Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-bennet-hickenlooper-demand-trump-administration-comply-with-injunction-to-ensure-prompt-approvals-of-wind-and-solar-energy-projects/,"Luján, Bennet, Hickenlooper Demand Trump Administration Comply with Injunction to Ensure Prompt Approvals of Wind and Solar Energy Projects",2026-09-03,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"Santa Fe, N.M. — U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, joined U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee’s Rural Development and Energy Subcommittee, and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) in demanding Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and the Department of the Interior (DOI) comply with a preliminary injunction and ensure covered wind and solar permitting reviews are conducted promptly and without illegal bureaucratic roadblocks.

In July 2025, the DOI released an order requiring Secretary Burgum’s personal approval for routine wind and solar energy project permitting decisions, which led to massive delays in power projects across the West. In November 2025, Luján, Bennet, and Hickenlooper sent a letter demanding answers to the DOI’s order and highlighting its harmful effects to energy prices and reliability, but never received a response.

In April 2026, the U.S. District Court issued a preliminary injunction to prohibit the DOI and its officials from applying the July 2025 order and other internal DOI orders that make wind and solar permitting processes needlessly delayed and difficult while the court case proceeds. Since then, numerous wind and solar developers report that DOI personnel have illegally continued to force project applicants to repeatedly document and prove their eligibility for these court protections.

“[…] Applicants also report that DOI staff have received little or no internal guidance regarding implementation of the Court’s injunction. These reports are not isolated or short-lived: developers continue to describe these delays more than three months after the injunction took effect, indicating an ongoing pattern of noncompliance rather than a transitional implementation issue. DOI’s actions are creating severe regulatory uncertainty, threatening to permanently sideline projects at a time when Western families, farmers, and businesses are facing rising energy demand and higher costs,” wrote the senators.

“Western states depend on reliable and affordable energy to keep our grid secure and our economies competitive. Wind and solar are the least expensive and fastest-to-deploy sources of new electricity generation available. Dragging out permitting timelines in direct violation of a federal court order is not only illegal, but it also needlessly stalls private investment and drives up household energy costs. Furthermore, your recent testimony before the House Natural Resources Committee, where you reportedly rejected the premise of the ruling and called it “absurd” for a judge to dictate internal processes, raises concerns. While DOI has the right to appeal, it is legally obligated to comply with the injunction. Moreover, impeding the deployment of the lowest-cost energy sources directly undermines the administration’s stated goals of unleashing American energy and ensuring affordability,” continued the senators.

The text of the letter is available HERE and below.

Dear Secretary Burgum:

We write to express serious concerns regarding reports of the Department of Interior’s (DOI) failure to fully comply with the U.S. District Court’s April 21, 2026 preliminary injunction in Renew Northeast v. U.S. Department of the Interior, No. 1:25-cv-13961 (D. Mass.). In November 2025, we sent you a letter with questions regarding one of the DOI memos addressed in the case, but never received a response. While this injunction took immediate effect and remains in force, reports from industry participants raise serious questions regarding whether DOI has fully complied with the Court’s injunction.

As you know, the Court’s injunction explicitly prohibits DOI and its officials from applying the DOI Review Procedures Memorandum, the Wind and Solar Fish and Wildlife Service database Ban, Section 4 of the DOI Land Order, Section 4(c) of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memorandum, and M-Opinion 37086. The Court clearly intended for the covered wind and solar permitting reviews to proceed to timely decisions without these needless bureaucratic roadblocks. Yet, wind and solar developers continue to report that DOI personnel are forcing covered project applicants to repeatedly document and prove their eligibility for these protections, despite the fact that plaintiffs previously provided DOI with a list of covered members. Applicants also report that DOI staff have received little or no internal guidance regarding implementation of the Court’s injunction. These reports are not isolated or short-lived: developers continue to describe these delays more than three months after the injunction took effect, indicating an ongoing pattern of noncompliance rather than a transitional implementation issue. DOI’s actions are creating severe regulatory uncertainty, threatening to permanently sideline projects at a time when Western families, farmers, and businesses are facing rising energy demand and higher costs.

Western states depend on reliable and affordable energy to keep our grid secure and our economies competitive. Wind and solar are the least expensive and fastest-to-deploy sources of new electricity generation available. Dragging out permitting timelines in direct violation of a federal court order is not only illegal, but it also needlessly stalls private investment and drives up household energy costs. Furthermore, your recent testimony before the House Natural Resources Committee, where you reportedly rejected the premise of the ruling and called it “absurd” for a judge to dictate internal processes, raises concerns. While DOI has the right to appeal, it is legally obligated to comply with the injunction. Moreover, impeding the deployment of the lowest-cost energy sources directly undermines the administration’s stated goals of unleashing American energy and ensuring affordability.

To ensure compliance with the law and restore certainty to energy developers and Western stakeholders, we request answers to the following questions:

Internal Guidance – What types of written internal guidance or implementation instructions regarding compliance with the Court’s injunction has DOI provided to staff? Please provide copies of any implementation memoranda, directives, guidance documents, training materials, emails, or other instructions on this topic. If no such materials exist, explain what alternative measures DOI has taken to ensure consistent compliance throughout DOI;

Applicant Identification – What instructions has DOI provided staff for identifying plaintiffs and their members? Please provide communications to DOI staff and explain the steps that DOI is taking to minimize duplicative verification procedures.

Permitting Progress – What steps has DOI taken since the Court injunction to ensure that covered permitting reviews are proceeding to timely agency action? Please identify, by bureau or office where practicable, the number of covered permitting reviews that have advanced since entry of the Court’s injunction, including consultations completed, biological opinions issued, permits or other authorizations issued or denied.

Stalled Reviews – Which covered permitting reviews remain paused or materially delayed following entry of the Court’s injunction? Please provide a list and explain the specific reason for any such delay, including whether it is related to eligibility verification, lack of implementation guidance, application of one of the court-blocked policies, or some other basis. The lists from questions 3 and 4 should add up to the total number of permitting reviews under consideration by DOI between April 21 and now.

We respectfully request a written response to these questions no later than September 1, 2026. We urge you to follow the law and comply with federal court orders to ensure that federal permitting supports, rather than undermines, an affordable and secure energy future.

###",1,2026-09-04T09:19:37Z,2026-09-04T09:20:58Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-calls-hearing-protect-manufactured-housing-communities,Rep. Gabe Vasquez Calls for Hearing to Protect Manufactured Housing Communities from Private Equity,2026-09-02,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NM,Gabe Vasquez,V000136,vasquez.house.gov,vasquez,https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) called on the House Financial Services Committee to hold a hearing on institutional investors’ impact on Manufactured Housing Communities (MHCs) across the country. Congressman Vasquez led a letter to Chairman French Hill (R-AR) and Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-CA) — along with five other Members — urging the Committee to hold a hearing to address reports from MHC residents across the country who have said they have experienced price jacking, utilities neglect, and abuse in these communities after private equity firms purchased their communities.

“Congress recently passed a landmark housing bill with overwhelmingly bipartisan support to help Americans purchase homes and specifically targeted institutional investors' role in purchasing single family homes. But the bill did not include equitable protections to address private equity’s role in purchasing hundreds of thousands of lots across several manufactured housing communities,” wrote Vasquez. “There is still more work to be done.”

“The Land of Enchantment Manufactured Home Owners Alliance strongly endorses Representative Vasquez’s call for a House Financial Services Committee hearing on institutional investment and protections for manufactured homeowners,” said Joanne DeMichele, President, Land of Enchantment Manufactured Home Owners Alliance (LEMHOA). “Congress has recognized the damage institutional investors can cause in the single-family housing market through the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. Manufactured home communities deserve the same scrutiny. Homeowners in these communities own their homes but not the land beneath them, making them captive tenants when investors acquire that land and rapidly raise rents or neglect essential infrastructure. In Silver City, New Mexico, residents recently saw lot rents increase by 70% virtually overnight after investors purchased the land beneath their homes. This is exactly why Congress must examine private equity’s growing role in manufactured housing and ensure that affordable homeownership is protected, not exploited.”

Last year, local leaders and constituents in various communities across New Mexico raised alarm bells to Rep. Vasquez regarding an uptick in predatory pricing practices and property maintenance neglect in mobile and manufactured home communities owned by corporate landlords and private equity companies. They cited severe examples of landlord utility neglect for mobile home communities resulting in instances of elderly residents being forced to go without natural gas and hot water for months on end.

Unfortunately, these cases are not anomalies, and the scale of this problem nationwide is astounding. One in six homes in New Mexico are mobile homes. In 2020 and 2021, institutional investors accounted for 23 percent of all manufactured home purchases, up from 13 percent between 2017-2019.

“Manufactured housing is a critical pathway to stable, affordable housing for New Mexicans but private equity has continued to threaten this by failing to keep up their end of the deal in our communities,”said Vasquez. “Manufactured Housing Communities are often forgotten in the conversation to preserve affordable housing which is why Congress must look for every opportunity to fix this problem.”

Read the full letter HERE. This letter has been endorsed by the Land of Enchantment Manufactured Home Owner's Alliance and Private Equity Stakeholder Project.

“Congress must act with urgency to protect the dignity, safety, and security of the millions of Americans living in manufactured housing owned by private equity and other institutional investors,” said Chris Noble, Policy Director at the Private Equity Stakeholder Project. “Across the country, manufactured housing residents living in investor-owned communities are contending with extreme rent hikes, aggressive evictions, and cascading junk fees. In some communities, residents can't even count on having access to clean water. That is unacceptable and exactly why the Private Equity Stakeholder Project applauds Representative Vasquez’s efforts to uplift and center this issue as part of Congress’ housing affordability agenda.”

Rep. Vasquez has repeatedly led efforts to stop greedy, corporate landlords from jacking up New Mexicans’ rents and continues his long track record of championing solutions to make housing more affordable for every hardworking New Mexican.

Some of his most recent actions on this front include:

Hosting a Town Hall in Carlsbad focused on enacting solutions to address the housing affordability crisis in New Mexico.

Introducing the Keep Mobile Homes Affordable Act, a bill to ensure investors who purchase over 2,500 mobile homes or pads are not engaging in price gouging or failing to provide basic utilities to residents. This legislation was inspired by the Congressman’s conversations with mobile home residents in places like Alamogordo and Albuquerque who raised serious concerns about mobile home affordability.

Voting in favor of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, an overwhelmingly bipartisan bill that marked the most sweeping win for housing affordability in a generation and became law in July 2026.

Co-sponsoring the Bipartisan Families First Housing Act and the Stop Wall Street Landlords Act to crack down on greedy, corporate landlords and ensure hardworking New Mexicans have a fair shot at homeownership.

###",1,2026-09-03T09:29:33Z,2026-09-03T09:31:32Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-demands-action-expand-care-and-benefits-rural-new-mexico,Rep. Gabe Vasquez Demands Action to Expand Care and Benefits for Rural New Mexico Veterans,2026-09-02,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NM,Gabe Vasquez,V000136,vasquez.house.gov,vasquez,https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 2, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) called for immediate action to ensure veterans living in rural and southern New Mexico can access the healthcare, benefits, and assistance they put their lives on the line to earn. After a recent meeting with veterans in Socorro, Vasquez sent a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Douglas Collins demanding that the VA expand in-person assistance and outreach in rural communities, including by placing a full-time VA liaison in Socorro.

“New Mexico veterans – especially those living in rural areas – should never feel left behind by their government. We should be making it easier for them to access the benefits they have earned by serving our country, and I urge the VA to take meaningful action to expand access to services, benefits, and assistance to all veterans, starting by placing a full time liaison in Socorro and allowing veterans in southeast New Mexico to access service in El Paso,” said Vasquez in the letter.

In the letter, Vasquez goes on to lay out a clear solutions to barriers that have continued to block New Mexican veterans accessing their benefits:

Fix outdated VA regional boundaries that force veterans in Otero and Eddy counties to travel hours toward Albuquerque instead of accessing VA care closer to home in El Paso, building on Vasquez’s New Mexico Rural Veteran Health Care Access Act

Increase VA staffing and in-person assistance across New Mexico, including placing a full-time VA liaison in Socorro, and reversing VA staffing cuts

Vasquez also noted how the Administration’s cuts to VA funding and staffing have shortchanged New Mexico veterans, noting, “The recent restructuring and massive staffing cuts has exacerbated these issues, especially for our rural veterans who cannot easily access in-person resources. Existing VA staffing shortages are already causing delays for surgeries, making it hard to access mental health care, and devastating morale for providers, employees, and veterans. This Administration cut nearly 28,000 jobs including 2,700 nurses, over 1,000 medical officers, and more than 1,000 psychologists and social workers. In New Mexico, 172 Veterans Affairs staff were cut which was 4.7% of the NM VA workforce.”

Vasquez’s longstanding record of supporting New Mexico’s veterans includes:

Leading the New Mexico Rural Veteran Health Care Access Act, a bill to add Otero and Eddy county to the Veteran Integrated Service Network (VISN) 22, so that New Mexico veterans who live in these counties can be eligible to access care at the El Paso VA Medical Center which is far closer than many other VA healthcare facilities.

Introducing theVeteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act, bipartisan legislation to increase the yearly book and supply stipend for student veterans which hasn’t been updated since 2008. If passed, it would increase the stipend from $1,000 to $1,400 and adjust for inflation.

The Feed Our Veterans Act, legislation Vasquez introduced and fought for during the most recent Farm Bill markup, to combat food insecurity among veterans and protect them from new burdensome SNAP work requirements introduced under the Republican tax law last summer.

Signed a bipartisan discharge petition to require a House vote on the Major Richard Star Act, legislation that would allow combat-injured veterans to receive both their full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation.

Cosponsoredthe Rural Veterans Transportation to Care Act to improve rural veterans’ ability to access healthcare by expanding eligibility for the VA’s Highly Rural Transportation Grant Program and access to cost-free rides.

Championed the Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act of 2025 to expand telemedicine services for veterans by permanently authorizing VA healthcare professionals to use telemedicine for virtual appointments, including to prescribe drugs.

###",1,2026-09-03T09:29:33Z,2026-09-03T09:31:32Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-speaks-at-national-conference-of-tribal-historic-preservation-officers-visits-spiritus-pilot-facility-on-nambe-pueblo-meets-with-community-leaders-in-canjilon-to-protect-northern-new-mexico-from-uranium-mining,"Heinrich Speaks at National Conference of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, Visits Spiritus Pilot Facility on Nambé Pueblo, Meets with Community Leaders in Canjilon to Protect Northern New Mexico from Uranium Mining",2026-09-02,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"ALBUQUERQUE & ABIQUIÚ, N.M. — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) attended the 26th Annual Conference of the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (NATHPO), where he advocated for increased funding for Tribal Historic Preservation Offices and meaningful consultation; toured Spiritus Direct Air Capture pilot facility at Nambé Pueblo; and visited Canjilon in northern New Mexico to meet with community members opposed to a potential uranium mine.

On Tuesday, August 25, Heinrich joined U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) at the NATHPO Conference for a discussion moderated by Santo Domingo Pueblo Governor Raymond Aguilar, Jr., and Acoma Governor Charles Riley. The discussion focused on the need for greater federal investment in Tribal historic preservation, and the importance of meaningful Tribal consultation in federal decision-making. Heinrich highlighted Tribal Historic Preservation Officers’ role in protecting and preserving cultural, historical, archaeological, and traditional Tribal resources, and called for the Historic Preservation Fund to be made permanent, adequately funded, and expanded. He has previously introduced legislation establishing a goal of $300 million annually for the Fund and requiring at least 20 percent of funding for Tribal Historic Preservation Officers — providing at least $60 million annually for Tribal Historic Preservation Offices.

“We need to make the Historic Preservation Fund permanent. We need to adequately resource the fund as a whole. And we especially need to make sure that we're dedicating more of those funds to Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, so that you can expand your efforts and do the work that we all know has to get done,” said Heinrich.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) speaking with Acoma Governor Charles Riley, Santo Domingo Pueblo Governor Raymond Aguilar, Jr., and U.S. Representative Teresa Ledger Fernández (D-N.M.) at the Annual NATHPO Conference, August 25, 2026.

During the conversation, Heinrich also emphasized the need for bipartisan collaboration to make stronger federal protections for Tribal historic preservation durable over the long term.

“One of the things we really need is to build more Republican support. So having Tribes that are represented, in particular, by Republican senators, reach out. We need some champions on the other side of the aisle to be successful with this — we don't want to just be in a position where we're able to get this done when we're in complete control of the White House, the Senate, the House. We want this to be durable for the long term, and we need some good Republican partners,” said Heinrich.

Heinrich criticized the Advisory Council of History Preservation’s proposed revisions for Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), warning that the changes could undermine Tribal sovereignty and meaningful consultation.

“I don't know how to characterize the draft that we've seen as anything other than complete hostility to the government-to-government relationship and to meaningful consultation,” said Heinrich, stressing the importance of meaningful and effective Tribal consultation. “A comment period is not consultation. Full stop. These proposals are a way of cutting Tribes out of the conversation. And the irony is, that's not going to get projects built.”

On Thursday, August 27, Heinrich toured Spiritus, a Direct Air Capture pilot facility at Nambé Pueblo.

The facility builds on a Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) technology transfer and uses a new approach to capture carbon dioxide with less energy than previous methods. Spiritus’ partnership with the NPDC will bring sustainable, high-skill jobs to New Mexico and cement the state as a key player in the future of large-scale carbon sequestration.

Heinrich submitted a $1 million Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Congressionally Directed Spending request to improve Tova Muusa Poe, the road serving the Nambé Pueblo Development Corporation facility where Spiritus is a tenant.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) touring Spiritus Pilot Facility at Nambé Pueblo, August 27, 2026.

On Friday, August 28, Heinrich met with Rio Arriba County ranchers, acequia parciantes, and Land Grant heirs at the U.S. Forest Service’s Canjilon Ranger Station to speak out against uranium mining in Northern New Mexico and discuss the Mesa Arc Project, a uranium exploration project in the Upper Chama watershed.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) speaking with Rio Arriba County community members about protecting the Upper Chama watershed from proposed uranium mining, August 28, 2026.

Heinrich is fighting to protect communities in Northern New Mexico and the Chama Watershed from uranium mining and mineral development.

Earlier this month, Heinrich co-sponsored U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján’s (D-N.M.) Chama Basin Watershed Protection Act, legislation to permanently ban uranium mining on federal lands in Northern New Mexico’s Rio Chama Watershed.

In April, Heinrich, Luján, and Leger Fernández wrote to Carson National Forest Supervisor James Duran expressing strong opposition to a proposal to conduct uranium mining within the Carson National Forest.

###",1,2026-09-03T09:29:33Z,2026-09-03T09:31:32Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-las-vegas-lujan-meets-with-hospital-leaders-highlights-fight-to-protect-rural-health-care-for-new-mexicans/,"In Las Vegas, Luján Meets with Hospital Leaders, Highlights Fight to Protect Rural Health Care for New Mexicans",2026-09-02,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"Las Vegas, N.M. – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined hospital leaders from Northern New Mexico at Alta Vista Regional Hospital to hear directly about the challenges facing rural health care. During the visit, Senator Luján met with leaders from Alta Vista Regional Hospital, Union County General Hospital, New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute, and Miners Colfax Medical Center. Senator Luján and the hospital leaders discussed the state of rural health care in Northern New Mexico and examined how cuts to Medicaid and other critical health programs impact their ability to provide care to rural communities.

“New Mexicans in rural communities deserve ready access to quality, affordable health care, but Republican cuts to Medicaid and other critical health programs threaten the hospitals and services that families depend on,” said Senator Luján. “This week in Las Vegas, I heard directly from hospital leaders about the challenges they are facing and their concerns about what these cuts will mean for the patients and communities they serve. Rural hospitals are lifelines for communities across New Mexico, and I will continue fighting back against these devastating cuts and working to protect access to care across our state.”

During the conversation, Senator Luján also provided an update on his work in the Senate to protect access to health care and highlighted his continued efforts to fight back against cuts that threaten rural hospitals and the New Mexicans they serve. Following Republican cuts to critical health care programs, Senator Luján introduced legislation to reverse all of the Republican health care cuts.

###",1,2026-09-03T09:29:33Z,2026-09-03T09:31:32Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-takes-capitol-steps-demand-real-stock-trading-ban-gets-vote,Rep. Gabe Vasquez Takes to Capitol Steps to Demand Real Stock Trading Ban Gets a Vote to Crack Down on Corruption,2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NM,Gabe Vasquez,V000136,vasquez.house.gov,vasquez,https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 1, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) and U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02), and other Democratic members from across the country made it clear that the stock trading ban battle is far from over in the House, re-upping their demand that Speaker Johnson bring a stronger stock trading ban bill — the Restore Trust in Government Act — up for a vote immediately.

The Restore Trust in Government Act would prohibit presidents, vice presidents, Members of Congress, and their families and trustees from owning and trading individual stocks. It would also require Members of Congress to divest from all assets covered under the bill within six months of the bill becoming law.

During the press conference, Rep. Vasquez and others called out egregious examples of member trading from both sides of the aisle and outlined why the Stop Insider Trading Act, which is currently languishing in the Senate, is a sham bill that does not go far enough to truly clamp down on corruption in Congress.

Some of these examples include:

Since January 2025 alone, members of Congress have made millions off of insider trading on individual stocks — individual stocks whose values are directly tied to decisions made by Congress.

The top five offenders — which included a fair number of Democrats — traded $329.3 million worth of individual stocks this Congress alone.

The President: since January 2025, President Trump has traded an estimated $2.5 billion in individual stocks and securities — that’s more than all members of Congress combined.

“The American people are sick of the self-enrichment, the wheeling and dealing, and the billions of dollars being harvested in this Administration, as members of Congress and others abuse their power to make themselves wealthier,” said Vasquez in his remarks. “Yet, the hardworking men and women of this country still wake up every single day, make it to their job on time, and do an honest day’s work, often juggling two jobs just to get by in this rigged economy. They scrape by, only to get sick, injured, or fall behind on a car or mortgage payment, before they’re underwater and making choices no Americans should have to make — rationing their medicine, going without healthcare, buying less food, and going bankrupt.”

“I personally don’t own or trade individual stocks. I didn’t come to Congress rich. I am lucky to have what I have and I’ve worked damn hard for it. And I find it disgusting that while hardworking families in states like New Mexico are working paycheck to paycheck, members of Congress sit in this building, vote on laws that impact the stock market, and then turn around and trade the very companies and industries that they’re legislating,” added Vasquez. “The people have had enough. If you serve this body or this administration, you should make a choice to use your privilege and power to make Americans lives better, not make yourself wealthier. ”

Rep. Vasquez is one of the few members of Congress who does not own or trade individual stocks. This latest push to pass a real stock trading ban for Congress builds on Rep. Vasquez’s long record of working to hold Washington accountable and fight corruption:

Championed the TRUST in Congress Act and the Restore Trust in Congress Act to ban stock trading for Members of Congress.

Called for a vote on H.R. 1908, the End Congressional Stock Trading Act, a bill introduced by Rep. Luna (R-FL) to ban members, their spouse or dependent children from buying stocks and increasing notice requirements.

Cosponsored thePublic Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act to ban public officials and federal employees from insider trading on prediction markets.

###",1,2026-09-02T09:19:58Z,2026-09-02T09:20:51Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/trump-gains-155-million-from-oil-and-gas-stocks-amid-his-war-in-iran-meanwhile-new-mexicans-pay-526-million-more-for-gas,"Trump Gains $15.5 Million From Oil & Gas Stocks Amid His War in Iran, Meanwhile New Mexicans Pay $526 Million More for Gas",2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and a member and former Chairman of the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee, highlighted a new analysis finding that New Mexicans have spent an additional $526.2 million on gas since the start of President Trump’s Iran War — an average of $666 per New Mexico household.

Meanwhile, according to the Joint Economic Committee’s analysis, President Trump’s portfolio of $45.6 million in oil and gas stocks has gone up since the end of 2025 by up to $61.1 million. That’s due to the sky-high oil and gas profits and stock prices tied to Trump’s war in Iran. And in just the first three months of 2026 – a period that covers both the U.S. operation in Venezuela and the start of the Iran War – the Committee found that Trump bought as much as $3.6 million in additional oil and gas stocks.

“President Trump continues to put his personal financial interests and the interests of his ultrawealthy friends ahead of New Mexico families – folks who are already struggling with higher costs created by the President’s tariffs and reckless, illegal war in Iran,” said Heinrich. “New Mexicans shouldn’t have to pay more at the pump while Donald Trump and oil and gas executives rake in record returns.”

Heinrich continued, “When a President uses the power of his office to benefit himself and his wealthy friends while working families are left to foot the bill, that’s corruption — plain and simple. We need energy policies that actually lower costs for families, not actions that pad the pockets of the President and his friends and family.”

As detailed in the new Joint Economic Committee report, throughout his campaign and early in his term, Trump received millions in donations from oil company executives, and his administration began to enact favorable rules and regulations for the industry – including billions in tax giveaways. These companies have seen massive profits since the President launched his war with Iran. Recent estimates show that oil companies reported more than $125 billion in profits so far this year, including $12 billion for Chevron in the second quarter – its highest quarterly profits in six years – and a sky-high $14.7 billion for Exxon Mobil in that same period.

Heinrich has been working to hold President Trump and his administration accountable for putting the President’s personal projects and financial interests ahead of New Mexico families.

In August, Heinrich demanded accountability from the Department of the Interior (DOI) following reports that agency officials destroyed official records and used disappearing-message applications to avoid preserving government communications. He also called for a full Government Accountability Office (GAO) audit of President Trump’s ballroom project and demanded a GAO investigation into potential conflicts of interest and preferential treatment in the Trump administration’s use of taxpayer dollars to invest in private mining companies. Heinrich also joined a letter calling for an investigation into what DOI officials knew about engineering failures at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and whether Department employees withheld evidence from federal prosecutors.

In June, Heinrich led a letter demanding answers from DOI Secretary Doug Burgum regarding the Department’s rushed rehabilitation project of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. He also sent a letter with U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) pressing Burgum for answers about the Trump administration redirecting tens of millions of dollars from fees paid to the National Park Service — including fees collected at New Mexico sites such as Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Bandelier National Monument — to fund President Trump’s vanity projects in Washington, D.C.

In May, Heinrich successfully blocked Senate Republicans from funding Trump’s ballroom project with $1 billion in taxpayer dollars through their budget bill.

Read the Joint Economic Committee’s full report with state-by-state data here.

###",1,2026-09-02T09:19:58Z,2026-09-02T09:20:51Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-taos-lujan-hosts-roundtable-on-ticketing-marketplace-unveils-new-legislation-to-protect-ticket-buyers-from-ticket-scams/,"In Taos, Luján Hosts Roundtable on Ticketing Marketplace, Unveils New Legislation to Protect Ticket Buyers from Ticket Scams",2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"Taos, N.M. – On Monday, at Taos Mothership, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) unveiled the Guaranteeing Honest Ownership in Secondary Ticketing (GHOST) Act, legislation to protect fans and concertgoers from deceptive ticket resale practices by prohibiting resellers from selling tickets they do not actually possess.

During the event, Senator Luján held a roundtable conversation with nonprofit promoters, small venue leaders, artists, and community members to hear directly about the challenges they face in the ticketing marketplace. Senator Luján discussed speculative ticketing, local and federal ticketing issues, and his efforts to protect consumers while supporting artists and independent venues.

“This week in Taos, I was proud to announce my new legislation to protect ticket buyers because when New Mexicans spend their hard-earned money on a concert or event, they deserve to know the ticket they are buying actually exists,” said Senator Luján. “Too often, fans are misled into purchasing tickets from resellers who don’t even have them. I was grateful for the conversation and the opportunity to hear directly from local leaders about the challenges facing fans, artists, and venues. That’s why I introduced the GHOST Act to protect consumers, hold bad actors accountable, and bring greater transparency and fairness to the ticket marketplace.”

Too often, consumers unknowingly purchase “speculative” or “ghost” tickets listed by resellers who do not actually have the tickets they are advertising. In some cases, buyers may not learn until shortly before an event that their tickets are unavailable, leaving them with little time to find legitimate replacements that may be sold out or significantly more expensive. Currently, there is no federal law specifically prohibiting speculative ticketing. The GHOST Act would establish nationwide protections to prevent resellers from advertising and selling tickets they do not possess.

Specifically, the GHOST Act would:

Ban ticket resellers from selling tickets they do not have actual possession of;

Empower the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to take action against violators and seek injunctive and monetary relief;

Require the FTC to establish a website where consumers can report potential violations of the GHOST Act and the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act of 2016; and

Allow state attorneys general to bring actions to enforce the law.

The legislation is supported by the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA).

Full bill text is available here.

###",1,2026-09-02T09:19:58Z,2026-09-02T09:20:51Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-calls-congress-renew-bipartisan-patriotic-tradition,"Rep. Gabe Vasquez Calls on Congress to Renew Bipartisan, Patriotic Tradition of Protecting Public Lands",2026-08-31,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,NM,Gabe Vasquez,V000136,vasquez.house.gov,vasquez,https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On August 31, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), co-founder of the Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus, took to the House floor to make the case that protecting America’s public lands is an act of patriotism and called on lawmakers in both parties to revive Congress’ long tradition of bipartisan conservation.

Vasquez pointed to landmark conservation laws including the Wilderness Act, the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, and the Endangered Species Act — all of which passed Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support. He argued that the same spirit of cooperation is urgently needed today as public lands face growing threats of sell-offs to the highest bidder, development, and efforts to roll back longstanding conservation protections.

“Today, foreign companies have spread their tentacles and sprawl unto our forests, rivers and national monuments, all in search of a quick buck. Paired together with short-sighted proposals from this Administration that include threatening to undo the Roadless Rule, eliminating the Public Lands Rule, shrinking our national monuments, opening sensitive habitats to drilling in the Arctic Refuge, narrowing regulations of the Endangered Species Act, shrinking the US Forest Service, robbing crucial maintenance funds from the National Parks budget, and just recently, selling off part of Yosemite National Park to a private developer — we are in deep, deep trouble of losing what both Democrats and Republicans have long fought to conserve and protect,” said Vasquez.

Vasquez added, “The truth is, Americans love nature. Hunters, anglers, and families alike agree that public lands are patriotic. Let us renew these concepts of bipartisan cooperation and protect our shared patriotism, even if it means standing up to your own party, standing up to this Administration, in the wake of the largest wave of attacks we’ve seen to our public lands in our nation’s history. I know I’ll be doing my damnedest to protect the places we love in New Mexico, across the West, and this great nation. I hope my colleagues in this body can put partisanship aside and have the courage to do the same.”

WATCH THE FULL CLIP HERE

Full Remarks Transcript

Mr. Speaker,

I rise today to speak about patriotism and what it means to be a patriot in this great country.

The American experience is one that we all share. It bonds us together under one Constitution, and as lawmakers serving in these hallowed halls, we have the privilege of carrying forward one of the world’s greatest democratic ideas through one of its most deliberative bodies.

Fortunately for the American public, that experience includes over a century of bipartisan support for ANOTHER one of our nation’s GREATEST and BEST ideas: the creation, shared stewardship, and enjoyment of our nation’s public lands.

So that we may continue to hunt, to fish, to take our families camping, to discover America’s history, and to unravel the great mysteries and gifts that can only be found in our nation’s national forests, national parks, BLM lands, and wildlife refuges.

Long after the creation of the U.S. Forest Service in 1905 by Republican President and Conservationist Teddy Roosevelt, Americans of all political stripes have continued the legacy of conserving our public lands for all Americans, for multiple use — both for our enjoyment, and for the domestic production of natural resources — a careful balance that requires bipartisanship and local support.

Let me remind this body of the tremendous work of U.S. Senator Frank Church. The Senator’s impact on this nation’s Wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, and land and water conservation is to be celebrated. But in particular, he should be lauded for the way in which he went about passing many of our nation’s bedrock public lands laws that stand until this day.

You see, Senator Church was a quiet, careful workman who worked across the aisle to strike compromise and pass overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation such as the Wilderness Act of 1964, the Land & Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965, and the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act of 1968.

This was an unprecedented period of patriotism and public lands – where bipartisanship flourished and Congress worked as a unified body to protect our nation’s most precious resources.

In 1964, the Wilderness Act passed the House by a whopping 373-1 majority.

That same year, the Land & Water Conservation Fund Act passed by a voice vote in the House and a 92 to 1 vote in the Senate.

In 1973, the House passed the Endangered Species Act in a landslide 355-4 vote.

Even Nixon, not known as an environmentalist, in 1972, proclaimed that “What began as environmental awakening must mature finally into a new and higher environmental way of life.”

Believe it or not, there was a time in which this body crafted win-win models of public lands legislation.

That’s why I helped establish the first-ever bipartisan Public Lands Caucus with Former Interior Secretary and Montana Representative Ryan Zinke.

Because today, we have the potential to piece together the remnants of bipartisan political consensus and provide a powerful framework for modern conservation and public lands initiatives.

Working together under this patriotic caucus to achieve wider bipartisan agreement, I believe we can mediate conflicts between natural resource users and protection proponents, and demonstrate that economic development and conservation are not mutually exclusive objectives.

But today, foreign companies have spread their tentacles and sprawl unto our forests, rivers and national monuments, all in search of a quick buck.

Paired together with short-sighted proposals from this Administration that threaten to undo the Roadless Rule, the elimination of the Public Lands Rule, the shrinking of our national monuments, opening sensitive habitats to drilling in the Arctic Refuge, narrowing regulations of the Endangered Species Act, shrinking the US Forest Service, robbing crucial maintenance funds from the National Parks budget, and just recently, selling off part of Yosemite National Park to a private developer — we are in deep, deep trouble of losing what both Democrats and Republicans have long fought to conserve and protect.

Public lands improve every American’s quality of life. They provide abundance and liberty for all. We must fight to ensure access to the American dream and that includes access to public lands and a healthy environment.

The truth is, Americans love nature. Hunters, anglers and families alike agree that public lands are patriotic.

Let us renew these concepts of bipartisan cooperation and protect our shared patriotism, even if it means standing up to your own party, standing up to this Administration, in the wake of the largest wave of attacks we’ve seen to our public lands in our nation’s history.

I know I’ll be doing my damnedest to protect the places we love in New Mexico, across the West, and this great nation. I hope my colleagues in this body can put partisanship aside and have the courage to do the same.

Thank you Mr. Speaker, I yield back.

###",1,2026-09-01T09:48:49Z,2026-09-01T09:49:51Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-joins-grand-opening-of-dreamtrees-new-resource-center-and-housing-shelter-in-taos-made-possible-with-15-million-he-secured,"Heinrich Joins Grand Opening of DreamTree’s New Resource Center & Housing Shelter in Taos, Made Possible with $1.5 Million He Secured",2026-08-31,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"PHOTOS

TAOS, N.M. — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, joined a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of DreamTree’s NEST Resource Center, a new space in Taos dedicated to helping New Mexicans access emergency housing, basic necessities and internet access, employment opportunities, connections to healthcare providers, case management services, and help navigating federal and state benefits.

Heinrich secured a $1.5 million Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) grant in Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) appropriations funding for DreamTree to complete the final phase of renovations to the NEST Resource Center and purchase land for future on-site permanent supportive housing.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, joins a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of DreamTree’s NEST Resource Center, August 28, 2026.

“This economy has been pretty tough. A lot of folks are having a hard time, and they're having to make some really difficult decisions here in Taos and around the country. And that is where an incredible organization like DreamTree comes in – by breaking the stigma of receiving support in the first place. Through a culture of care and compassion, DreamTree is taking care of hundreds of Taoseños and helping them find clean clothing and warm food, and, most importantly, a pathway to stability,” said Heinrich.

Heinrich continued, “Throughout my career, I've always advocated for funding to address housing and homelessness. It's because I truly believe that as a society, that we should be judged by how we treat those who are most in need, and I believe that every person deserves dignity and a real shot at a stable life, including the basics like food and shelter.”

Heinrich continues to lead efforts to lower housing costs, help New Mexico families become first-time homeowners, and expand housing options for New Mexicans experiencing homelessness:

Last month, Heinrich announced that the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is now law. Heinrich supported this bipartisan legislation as it made its way through Congress. Provisions specifically championed by Heinrich will expand access to affordable housing, streamline the construction of new homes, and preserve affordable housing in rural communities. The legislation will make it easier for families to access Housing Choice Vouchers, strengthen federal investments in affordable housing and homeownership, cut red tape for rural housing development, and protect affordable rental units in small towns and rural communities. For more information on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, click here.

Heinrich has highlighted how the housing crisis has been exacerbated by Wall Street landlords artificially decreasing the housing supply and driving up home prices and rents, and President Trump’s broad, cost raising tariffs on critical homebuilding materials.

For more background on Heinrich’s actions to lower housing costs, address homelessness, and build more housing for New Mexico working families, click here.

###",1,2026-09-01T09:48:49Z,2026-09-01T09:49:51Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-wyden-klobuchar-demand-answers-from-trump-official-who-diverted-federal-firefighting-resources-to-private-ranch,"Heinrich, Wyden, Klobuchar Demand Answers from Trump Official Who Diverted Federal Firefighting Resources to Private Ranch",2026-08-31,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Amid record wildfire season in Western U.S., top Trump official at USDA diverted scarce firefighting resources to a 7 acre fire near his private ranch in Idaho

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, joined U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins demanding answers from the Trump administration following reports that USDA Undersecretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment Michael Boren diverted federal firefighting resources away from active wildfires, in order to fight a seven acre fire near his personal ranch in Idaho.

“Mr. Boren’s actions constitute potentially a misuse of taxpayer funds and put American families at further risk by diverting scarce resources from high-priority wildfires threatening communities elsewhere in the region and country,” the Senators wrote. “We request a full investigation into the nature and extent of Boren’s involvement in response to the Cabin Creek Fire and a detailed accounting of the safeguards the agency has implemented or plans to implement to prevent political interference and conflicts of interest in wildfire response.”

Earlier this month, it was reported that Mr. Boren used his position to pressure U.S. Forest Service personnel to divert already scarce firefighting resources away from other fires to suppress a small fire near his 480-acre ranch in the Sawtooth National Forest.

Nine aircraft were reportedly assigned to the fire, an extremely high number for a fire of this size. Western states are already facing a shortage of firefighting personnel and resources as a direct result of the Trump administration’s staffing and funding cuts. During this record setting fire season, fires of much larger size threatening American lives and homes have not received even a fraction of the same commitment of resources.

In their letter, the Senators requested details on how the Department would prevent similar interference by administration officials for personal gain in the future and requested the findings of a Department investigation of the incident be provided to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Read the full text of the letter here and below.

Secretary Rollins:

We write to express serious concern regarding reports that Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment Michael Boren used his position to remove firefighting personnel and resources from active fires elsewhere to suppress a fire near his private ranch in Idaho. We request a full investigation into the nature and extent of Boren’s involvement in response to the Cabin Creek Fire and a detailed accounting of the safeguards the agency has implemented or plans to implement to prevent political interference and conflicts of interest in wildfire response.

Earlier this month, The Washington Post reported that Mr. Boren used his position to pressure U.S. Forest Service personnel to divert much-needed resources away from other fires to instead suppress a fire near his own property. The Cabin Creek Fire began on July 12, 2026, near Mr. Boren’s 480-acre ranch on the Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho. The fire burned seven acres before it was fully contained. During that time, nine aircraft were reportedly assigned to the fire, an extremely high number for a fire of this size. Mr. Boren reportedly called Forest Service officials multiple times – questioning why more aircrafts were not deployed to fight the fire and asking when more assets would arrive at the scene. One official quoted in the Post’s report described Boren’s interactions as “putting pressure on [staff] to throw more resources” to fight the fire.

During this record setting fire season, fires of much larger size have not received even a fraction of the same commitment of resources. For example, the Grasshopper Fire on the Mt. Hood National Forest is over 90,000 acres and less than 50% contained with a similar number of aviation resources assigned to it. The personal interests of political employees should not be a factor that influences the allocation of wildfire resources to communities threatened with devastation. Most states are already lacking the sufficient personnel and resources needed for this historic fire season due to the Trump administration’s own budget and staffing cuts and illconceived reorganization plans. Mr. Boren’s actions constitute potentially a misuse of taxpayer funds and put American families at further risk by diverting scarce resources from high-priority wildfires threatening communities elsewhere in the region and country.

As Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment, Mr. Boren’s duties include overseeing the Forest Service. His history of conflict with the agency is well documented and came up during the pendency of his nomination before the Senate. In fact, Mr. Boren was pointedly asked during the nomination process whether he would commit to recusing himself from matters involving his properties. Those concerns now appear to be validated by this incident. It has been nearly a year since Mr. Boren was confirmed by the Senate to serve in his current role. We must ask what, if any, safeguards have the administration put in place to ensure against this type of reported abuse of power. Political interference in wildfire response jeopardizes lives, property and federal resources.

We request that you respond by Thursday, September 10th detailing how the Department will prevent this type of inappropriate interference, or even the appearance of it, in wildfire response going forward. Additionally, we request transparent communication of the findings of the investigation to all members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this serious matter.

Sincerely

###",1,2026-09-01T09:48:49Z,2026-09-01T09:49:51Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-colleagues-oppose-ice-rollout-of-electric-shock-gloves/,"Luján, Colleagues Oppose ICE Rollout of Electric Shock Gloves",2026-08-28,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"Santa Fe, N.M. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and 14 Senate colleagues in calling on the Trump Administration to abandon its reckless plan to outfit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers with gloves that deliver painful electric shocks. Their letter also demands that if ICE proceeds with this purchase, it first provide Congress with answers and documentation for over 30 questions about how these devices will be used, the protocol for using them, safety guardrails, and accountability measures.

On August 10, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice concerning ICE’s planned acquisition of the CTG-5 G.L.O.V.E., a glove designed to deliver a painful electric shock. The notice estimates the potential value of the acquisition between $10 million and $20 million.

“We write to express deep concern about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to spend up to $20 million on gloves that deliver electric shocks,” the Senators began. “…The blatant and tragic misuse of force in Los Angeles, Chicago, Minneapolis, Houston, Maine, and other locations around the country raises significant skepticism about the agency’s professional capability to safely deploy a new tool that could be used to harm Americans without cause. Therefore, we urge ICE to cancel the contract and reconsider the purchase.”

“The proposed acquisition raises serious questions about necessity, proportionality, medical safety, training, accountability, and constitutional rights,” the Senators continued. “Those questions are particularly important given the significant public scrutiny surrounding ICE’s excessive use of force. A device capable of delivering an electrical shock through direct contact with an individual presents substantial risks if deployed during civil arrests – even more so if it is deployed without clear limits, appropriate training, and comprehensive oversight.”

“At a time when the American people have demanded de-escalation in immigration enforcement, it is not clear why existing tools and tactics are insufficient for the agency,” the Senators wrote. “In the past year, DHS has repeatedly spent millions of taxpayer dollars on purchases it ends up not using, including $464 million for airplanes, $700 million on warehouses, and more than $2.25 million for SUVs wrapped with ICE branding. Many of these ICE transactions, including the planned electric-shock glove purchase, are completed through no-bid contracts that circumvent the normal competitive procurement process without a sufficient rationale.”

“If ICE proceeds with purchasing $20 million worth of electric-shock gloves, Congress needs a clear understanding of the device’s safety and authorized uses,” the Senators concluded.

In addition to Senators Luján and Cortez Masto, the letter was signed by Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).

The full text of the letter, including the demands from the Senators should ICE proceed with this plan, can be found HERE.

###",1,2026-08-28T17:11:49Z,2026-08-28T17:13:14Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-colleagues-urge-blm-to-stop-rollback-of-waste-prevention-rule,"Heinrich, Colleagues Urge BLM to Stop Rollback of Waste Prevention Rule",2026-08-28,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, joined U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, in opposing BLM’s proposal to overturn the 2024 Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation rule (the 2024 Waste Prevention Rule).

The BLM’s reversal of this commonsense rule will increase pollution on public lands, reduce domestic energy supply, expose nearby communities to avoidable health risks, and waste publicly owned natural gas, costing Americans tens of millions in foregone revenue.

“Reversing these common-sense standards will waste publicly owned natural gas, cost the American people tens of millions in foregone revenue, and increase pollution on our public lands,” the lawmakers wrote.

“We strongly urge BLM to reject this proposed rescission and maintain the 2024 Waste Prevention rule. The oil and gas resources on these lands belong to the American public and Tribal nations, and they deserve to benefit from the full value and benefits of responsible resource stewardship,” the lawmakers continued.

Read the full text of the letter HERE and below.

Dear Secretary Burgum and Director Pearce,

We write to express our strong opposition to the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) proposed rule to overturn the 2024 Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation rule (the “2024 Waste Prevention Rule”). Reversing these common-sense standards will waste publicly owned natural gas, cost the American people tens of millions in foregone revenue, and increase pollution on our public lands.

Between 2012 and 2021, operators lost an estimated 300 billion cubic feet of natural gas on federal lands to flaring and venting, valued at nearly $950 million, and resulting in a loss of between $76 and $135 million in potential taxpayer revenue. Routine venting and flaring of natural gas is unnecessary and harmful, turning natural gas into a waste product instead of a valuable energy commodity.

In addition to creating this financial loss, rolling back the 2024 Waste Prevention Rule would reduce our domestic energy supply and expose nearby communities to avoidable health risks. Methane is a greenhouse gas over 20 times as powerful as carbon dioxide. In addition to methane, the primary component of natural gas, venting and flaring releases volatile organic compounds that are carcinogenic, increase ground-level ozone, and lead directly to illness for both individuals and communities exposed.

Many states across the country have already demonstrated that limiting venting and flaring is compatible with robust energy production. Colorado adopted regulations in 2020 and New Mexico in 2021 that ended almost all venting and flaring. In addition, many major oil and gas producers have voluntarily agreed to avoid routine flaring on new wells by 2030. Furthermore, cost-effective technologies to detect and reduce methane waste, such as satellite monitoring, drones, and infrared cameras, are widely used across the oil and gas industry. Reversing the 2024 Waste Prevention Rule would prolong years of regulatory uncertainty, penalizing proactive operators that have invested in efficient operations while rewarding those that have not.

We strongly urge BLM to reject this proposed rescission and maintain the 2024 Waste Prevention rule. The oil and gas resources on these lands belong to the American public and Tribal nations, and they deserve to benefit from the full value and benefits of responsible resource stewardship.

Sincerely,",1,2026-08-29T11:31:28Z,2026-08-29T11:32:37Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-visits-boundary-waters-canoe-area-wilderness-meets-with-local-nonprofits-advocates-and-tribal-leaders-vows-to-continue-to-fight-to-protect-public-lands,"Heinrich Visits Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Meets with Local Nonprofits, Advocates, and Tribal Leaders, Vows to Continue to Fight to Protect Public Lands",2026-08-28,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"PHOTOS HERE

ELY, MINN. — Last week, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, visited gateway communities to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), where he met with local advocates, volunteers, non-profit leaders, and the Three Chippewa Bands, on how Senate Republicans and President Trump’s plan to allow sulfide-ore copper mining near the BWCAW will open up the pristine wilderness to permanent pollution, harming Tribes, local communities, and businesses in the area. Heinrich saw the proposed mining sites firsthand and observed how the mining pollution would affect the community and the watershed.

Heinrich’s visit comes as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced that his administration is taking steps to constrain future sulfide-ore copper mining development in the Rainy River Headwaters, slowing Twin Metals’ path forward to mine near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

“I come from a mining family. I'm not against every mine everywhere. My dad worked for Anaconda Copper, and my grandfather was a gold miner. But I learned, negotiating with big companies over natural resource damages, that there are smart places to put mines — and there are places where they really don't belong. And you don't know which is which unless you get out on the landscape and see it. I think it's really hard to look at maps and listen to rhetoric in Washington, D.C., and make a good decision,” said Heinrich.

Heinrich continued, “To put a mine where we went this week just seems insane to me. It would put at risk one of the last great wilderness areas in North America — not just the Boundary Waters, but the Boundary Waters, Quetico and Voyageurs. This is one of those last great landscapes in North America. I don't think these battles are ever won in one fell swoop. It takes decades. But I can tell from the passion of people on the ground, the polling I’m seeing in Minnesota, and the elected leaders who have stepped up and staked out a position that this is on a trajectory where I believe that the watershed is going to be protected. I want to say, from the bottom of my heart, as somebody who truly believes in the value and the importance of public lands and wilderness: thank you all for protecting this very special place.”

In April, President Trump signed into law H. J. Res 140, rolling back protections for the watershed, allowing for mining and mineral extraction in the headwaters of the wilderness area.

Heinrich has consistently pushed to protect the Boundary Waters from mining. In February, Heinrich called on Americans to use their voices and oppose H.J. Res. 140. In April, Heinrich delivered remarks on the Senate floor, urging his colleagues to oppose H.J. 140. When the resolution passed the Senate, Heinrich delivered remarks, blasting his colleagues for gutting protections for the Boundary Waters.

In his April remarks, Heinrich emphasized that the Boundary Waters are not simply a Minnesota issue, but an issue for the entire country, calling the area part of our “shared inheritance.” He also argued that there are many places where mining can be done responsibly, but that the Boundary Waters is not one of them.

Heinrich began his trip with a boat tour through Birch Lake and the proposed Twin Metals mining sites, where he spoke with staff from Voyageur Outward Bound School (VOBS), a nonprofit outdoor education organization that has been operating adjacent to the proposed sulfide-ore copper site since 1964, underscoring how mining in the area will adversely impact its operations.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, speaks to local nonprofit staff on how mining in the Boundary Waters will impact their operations, Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

Additionally, Heinrich toured YMCA Camp Widjiwagan, which provides wilderness experiences for youth, and met with the camp’s Executive Director, Ben Hoffman, to discuss the camp’s history and the extensive outdoor education opportunities that rely on the Boundary Waters.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, tours YMCA Camp Widjiwagan and speaks with camp Executive Director Ben Hoffman, Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

Next, Heinrich met with Tribal officials from the Three Chippewa Bands to discuss how mining in the Boundary Waters will threaten their treaty rights to hunt, fish, and gather in their ancestral homeland.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, meets with the Three Chippewa Bands about how mining in the Boundary Waters threatens Tribes and their ancestral homeland, Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

Following his meeting with Tribal leaders, Heinrich spoke at a dinner at Ely Folk School, a community center that provides learning experiences that celebrate the heritage, art, history, and culture of northern Minnesota, and thanked advocates for fighting to protect the Boundary Waters.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, speaks at dinner, thanking advocates for fighting to protect Boundary Waters, Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

After his visits on Wednesday, the Senator launched into the Boundary Waters from Snowbank Lake to Ima Lake, spending the next two days exploring the local ecosystem, hunting and fishing culture, and native history before paddling to Ensign Lake on Saturday.",1,2026-08-29T11:31:28Z,2026-08-29T11:32:37Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-visits-frijoles-fire-command-center-meets-with-firefighters-and-incident-commanders,"Heinrich Visits Frijoles Fire Command Center, Meets with Firefighters and Incident Commanders",2026-08-28,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"PHOTOS and VIDEOS

SANTA FE, N.M. — This week, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, visited the Frijoles Fire Command Center to receive a briefing on the operations and status of the fire and meet with Incident Commanders, firefighters, first responders, and support staff working to contain the blaze. The Frijoles Fire has burned 15,333 acres and is 59% contained, with 803 personnel currently engaged in the firefighting effort.

“I’m grateful to the firefighters, Incident Commanders, and support and medical crews who are working around the clock to protect New Mexico communities from the Frijoles Fire,” said Heinrich. “I also want to extend my deepest condolences to the family of Randy Lupe, who tragically lost his life supporting the response. Everyone who responds to wildfires puts themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities safe, and we have a responsibility to make sure they have the resources, equipment, and support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.”

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, meets with firefighters and emergency responders at the Frijoles Fire Incident Command Center, August 27, 2026.

During the visit, Heinrich received a briefing from the Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 4, which is managing the firefighting operations, and met with crews and support staff.

BACKGROUND:

Heinrich has led efforts to strengthen the nation’s wildland firefighting workforce, improve wildfire preparedness and response, and ensure New Mexico communities have the federal resources they need in wildfire emergencies.

Last month, Heinrich sent a letter urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure that communities in New Mexico and nationwide receive the federal resources they need to respond to and prevent wildfires, including by promptly approving and distributing Fire Management Assistance Grant and post-fire mitigation funding.

In June, Heinrich introduced legislation to support the development of next-generation, PFAS-free protective gear to better protect firefighters from the dangers of their work.

In May, Heinrich criticized the Trump Administration’s cuts to the Forest Service workforce and its plans to reorganize federal firefighting efforts during wildfire season. He warned that losing staff who support incident command teams and wildfire response undermines the nation’s ability to prepare for and fight fires.

In February, Heinrich urged U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Doug Burgum to halt efforts to create the Department’s new U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS), citing potential life-or-death consequences that could come as a result of decoupling wildfire management from land management agencies, and emphasizing a number of concerns related to recent reductions in staffing, combined with improperly severing wildfire management from land stewardship.

In February, Heinrich pressed Associate Chief of the U.S. Forest Service Christopher French about the impact of workforce cuts on wildfire preparedness and asked whether federal firefighters are paid enough. Heinrich pointedly asked French if firefighters were being paid enough; French acknowledged that they are not, citing longer fire seasons and growing demands on firefighters and their families.

Last December, Heinrich led his colleagues in demanding answers from the Forest Service about staffing cuts that had left the agency approximately 38% behind on hazardous fuels reduction work compared with recent years, warning that the decline posed serious risks to public safety and wildfire prevention.

Last September, Heinrich cosponsored the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, bipartisan legislation that will expand health care coverage and benefits for first responders who become permanently disabled from service-related cancers and the families of those who pass away from these cancers.

Last August, Heinrich secured $1.1 million for Rio Arriba County to purchase radios and repeater towers for Rio Arriba County Volunteer Fire Departments to facilitate communications when firefighters are on duty.

Last July, Heinrich sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins and DOI Secretary Doug Burgum following reports that staff reductions have required the deployment of fire personnel to fill administrative gaps, leaving fire crews understaffed and overwhelmed. In the letter, Heinrich urged the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior to provide adequate resources and support to wildland firefighters. .

In June of 2025, Heinrich’s Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025, legislation to strengthen the aerial wildfire suppression fleet and better combat the year-round threat of catastrophic wildfire, was signed into law after passing the U.S. Senate in April.

In September 2023, Heinrich cosponsored the bipartisan Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act, legislation to permanently increase wildland firefighter pay and establish incident response premium pay to account for the 24/7 nature of the work.

In June 2022, Heinrich helped secure a temporary pay increase for the wildland firefighter workforce, funded by $600 million from the Infrastructure Law. He led calls for the administration to implement the pay increase, which ultimately raised federal wildland firefighter pay by up to $20,000 or 50% of base salary, whichever was less.

In May 2022, Heinrich secured over $15 million to improve wildfire response capabilities at Kirtland Air Force Base to upgrade facilities to allow the use of Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs) to fight wildfires throughout the state and region.",1,2026-08-29T11:31:28Z,2026-08-29T11:32:37Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-demands-answers-true-cost-iran-war-new-mexican-families,Rep. Gabe Vasquez Demands Answers on True Cost of Iran War for New Mexican Families,2026-08-27,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,NM,Gabe Vasquez,V000136,vasquez.house.gov,vasquez,https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) sent a letter to President Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanding a full public accounting of the economic costs of their cost-raising war of choice with Iran as prices continue to skyrocket for American families.

""What was billed as a two-week operation is now a full-scale war that has lasted for over 150 days, cost at least $37 billion, and claimed the lives of 18 servicemembers. At the same time, prices across the country have gone up significantly, placing the burden of this conflict on American families.” wrote Vasquez. “This uncertainty, and the months of higher costs have taken a toll, impacting Americans’ ability to budget, plan, and save for the future. These costs are untenable, and the American people deserve better.""

“The President lied to the American people about no more forever wars. It’s clear there is no exit plan or any sense of a coherent strategy while prices surge at the gas pump and the grocery store, deeply hurting everyday Americans,” said Vasquez. “This war is costing taxpayers billions, skyrocketing our national debt, depleting our critical munitions stockpile, and putting our servicemen and women in continued danger. Americans deserve to know the true cost of this war, and I can already tell you, it’s too damn much.”

The letter demands for information on the cost of military operations, changes in the oil and energy markets, and larger economic impacts. The request follows the Department of Defense’s supplemental request for tens of billions more to fund the ongoing war in Iran and concerns about the risks for American military personnel.

Read the full letter HERE.

Rep. Vasquez has led the charge to hold the Administration accountable for the war in Iran and bring down prices for New Mexicans:

Pressed Pentagon officials on the Iran War cost, strategy and lack of exit plan.

Calling for answers from the Administration on how the war is spiking gas prices in New Mexico.

Pushing his Affordability Agenda to lower costs for hardworking New Mexico families.

###",1,2026-08-28T17:11:49Z,2026-08-28T17:13:14Z
https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=659,Leger Fernández Leads 18 Members Demanding Answers on Trump Administration’s Rush to Strip Chaco Canyon Protections,2026-08-26,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,NM,Teresa Leger Fernandez,L000273,fernandez.house.gov,fernandez,https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs, and Congressman Jared Huffman (CA-02), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee led 18 members of Congress in demanding answers from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum about the Trump Administration’s rushed effort to revoke protections for lands surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

The Department of the Interior is proposing to revoke Public Land Order No. 7923, which established a 10-mile mineral withdrawal surrounding Chaco Canyon. Revoking the order would reopen these culturally significant public lands to oil and gas leasing and mining activities.

“Chaco Canyon is not just a historical site; it’s a living cultural landscape,” the lawmakers wrote. “The Department’s current fast-tracked efforts to overturn the withdrawal area do not respect the historical, cultural, and spiritual value of Chaco Canyon.”

“The Department’s rushed review undermined the Department’s trust responsibility to Tribal nations and the Tribal consultation process under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act,” they continued.

The lawmakers’ letter raises serious concerns that the Department failed to fulfill its trust responsibility to Tribal nations and honor Burgum’s public commitment to meaningful consultation. During a June 2025 House Natural Resources Committee hearing, Burgum committed to Leger Fernández to send an official with decision-making authority to conduct individual, in-person consultations with every Tribe with an interest in Chaco Canyon. However, Interior’s own draft Environmental Assessment indicates that the Department moved forward before completing all requested consultations. Several Tribes received only “informational meetings,” while requests to meet with a decision-maker remained unmet.

The Department also provided only 21 days for public comment and held no public meetings before advancing its proposal. Despite that abbreviated process, the public submitted an estimated 300,000 comments.

By contrast, the existing protections were finalized in 2023 following 150 days of public comment, eight public meetings, and years of advocacy by Tribal nations. An archaeological study identified more than 4,730 cultural sites within the protected area.

The lawmakers are asking Burgum to disclose:

● How many Tribal consultations included an Interior official with decision-making authority;

● Why the Department failed to honor Tribal requests to meet with a decision-maker;

● Why Interior published its draft proposal before completing Tribal consultation;

● Whether all requested consultations will occur before the Department completes its review; and

● Why Interior conducted a limited Environmental Assessment instead of a more comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement.

The lawmakers requested answers by Friday, August 28.

The letter was signed by Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández, Jared Huffman, Melanie Stansbury, Gabe Vasquez, Sharice Davids, Betty McCollum, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Mark DeSaulnier, Val Hoyle, Donald Beyer Jr., Judy Chu, Dina Titus, Jesús “Chuy” García, Sylvia Garcia, Rashida Tlaib, Diana DeGette, Julia Brownley, and Raja Krishnamoorthi.",1,2026-08-27T16:10:01Z,2026-08-27T16:10:50Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-demands-accountability-data-center-developers-reiterates-new,"Rep. Gabe Vasquez Demands Accountability from Data Center Developers, Reiterates New Mexicans Must Have Final Say on Our Land, Air, Water, and Way of Life",2026-08-25,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,NM,Gabe Vasquez,V000136,vasquez.house.gov,vasquez,https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced his support for two new bills to hold massive data center developers accountable, protect New Mexico families from higher electricity costs, and give communities the information they need to weigh the costs and benefits and decide whether to allow these projects to move forward.

“New Mexico’s water, air, and resources belong to us, not to billionaires from coastal states who see an opportunity to extract profit from our land. I’ve been appalled at the backroom deals, silencing of dissenting voices, shady NDAs and shell companies, and the overall lack of transparency from those who seek to do business in our state,” said Vasquez. “New Mexico should absolutely compete for the jobs and technology of the future, but we are not going to sell out our water, our clean air, or our way of life to do it. If you want to do business here, you need to be transparent, listen to local residents, and most importantly, prove to New Mexicans that projects will serve, not steal from, our communities.”

Vasquez announced that he is championing the following legislation to put new guardrails in place around data center proposals:

The FAIR Data Act (H.R. 9655), which would stop data center projects from driving up energy bills for families and small businesses.

The bill would force large corporate electricity users to pay their own way, protecting residential customers and small businesses from being forced to foot the bill for costs related to massive data centers, including increased rates and electric grid upgrades needed to serve massive data centers.

The Data Center Water and Energy Transparency Act (H.R. 9825), which requires data center developers to transparently disclose their energy and water usage.

The bill would force developers to make information regarding data center energy and water consumption available to state and local governments that have or are considering new data center projects in their communities and force noncompliant data centers to pay fines up to $20,000 per day.

A Victory in Socorro: Vasquez has already demonstrated his willingness to stand up to data center developers when communities are not being heard and respected. Earlier this year, after residents on both sides of the aisle in Socorro County raised serious concerns about a proposal to build one of the largest data centers in the world in their backyard, Vasquez was the only statewide or federal official to stand with residents and publicly call for an end to the proposal. In response to Vasquez’s public leadership, the foreign company behind the proposal pulled out, and Socorro County commissioners unanimously approved a one-year moratorium to give the community time to develop appropriate safeguards.

Mostly recently, Vasquez condemned the use of force to stifle local opposition at a community meeting in Doña Ana County on Project Jupiter.

Vasquez’s support of the legislation announced today builds on his ongoing work to hold data center developers accountable to local communities, which includes:

Leading the Energy Bills Relief Act, which includes a provision directing states to enact policies to protect consumers from utility rate increases stemming from data center energy demands.

Championing bill language during the FY27 appropriations process that requested the inclusion of report language directing the Department of Energy to develop a National Strategic Data Center Plan to guide the responsible growth of data center infrastructure across the United States.

###",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-leads-35-members-demanding-speaker-johnson-bring-stock,Rep. Gabe Vasquez Leads 35 Members Demanding Speaker Johnson Bring Stock Trading Ban Bill to the Floor for a Vote,2026-08-25,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,NM,Gabe Vasquez,V000136,vasquez.house.gov,vasquez,https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) demanded House Speaker Mike Johnson bring H.R. 6731, the Restore Trust in Government Act, to the House floor for a vote in a letter he led along with 35 of his House colleagues. The bill would prohibit presidents, vice presidents, Members of Congress, and their families and trustees from owning and trading individual stocks. It would also require Members of Congress to divest from all assets covered under the bill within 180 days of the bill becoming law.

“We urge you to bring H.R. 6731, the Restore Trust in Government Act to the floor immediately for a vote when the House of Representatives returns from the August recess”, wrote Vasquez. “The American people deserve a real stock trading ban for politicians in Washington, to end the corruption that lets politicians get rich off of inside information while working people struggle,”

“The American people are sick of the corruption in Washington. They are sick of paying more for gas, groceries, and healthcare, and Congress doing nothing about it because politicians get rich by profiting from the industries and corporations that keep prices high,” the letter continues. “They want to end the corruption and we have a responsibility to deliver on that.”

Speaker Johnson previously held a sham vote on a bill pretending to prevent stock trading which received bipartisan opposition. This political ploy included massive loopholes allowing members to keep the stocks they own and continue buying private stocks and profiting off of cryptocurrency. Additionally, Johnson added unrelated provisions to the bill that would erode voting rights for eligible voters, disenfranchise Tribal voters, and erode privacy rights by requiring some voters to mail a copy of their driver’s license, passport or Social Security information in order to cast a ballot.

“Speaker Johnson should stop playing politics and holding show-votes on weak, watered-down bills that do nothing to stop corruption in Washington,” said Vasquez. “The Restore Trust in Government Act has strong support, includes real reforms that apply to both Congress and the President, and will show the American people that we are here to work for them.”

Read the full letter HERE.

Rep. Vasquez is one of the few members of Congress who does not own or trade individual stocks. This latest push builds on Rep. Vasquez’s long record of working to hold Washington accountable and fight corruption:

Introduced the TRUST in Congress Act and the Restore Trust in Congress Act to ban stock trading for Members of Congress.

Called for a vote on H.R. 1908, the End Congressional Stock Trading Act, a bill introduced by Rep. Luna (R-FL) to ban members, their spouse or dependent children from buying stocks and increasing notice requirements.

Cosponsored thePublic Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act to ban public officials and federal employees from insider trading on prediction markets.

###",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-cosponsors-bipartisan-legislation-to-advance-responsible-international-nuclear-energy-cooperation,"Heinrich Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Advance Responsible, International Nuclear Energy Cooperation",2026-08-25,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, along with Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Ted Budd (R-N.C.), introduced the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) Act to codify the U.S. State Department’s FIRST program advocating for the responsible deployment of civil nuclear energy around the world.

“Nuclear energy is an important part of our clean energy future, and the United States should lead in advancing its safe and responsible deployment around the world. By working with our allies and partners through the FIRST program, we can strengthen energy security, support American innovation, and promote the highest standards for nuclear safety and nonproliferation,” said Heinrich.

“Nuclear energy is a source of clean and abundant power, and its growth in the U.S. and around the world will lower costs for consumers and combat climate change,” said Coons. “Right now, too many nations that want to embrace nuclear power need to buy Chinese and Russian technology at huge cost, trapping them in debt. The United States should offer an alternative that keeps us on the cutting edge, strengthens our relationships around the world and keeps Americans safe.”

“The responsible development of civil nuclear energy, on an international scale, contributes to U.S. national security and bolsters our economy. The FIRST program has been a productive way for our nation to partner with good-faith actors who are building their nuclear arsenals, and continuing to leverage these public and private partnerships will help us advance our own energy dominance. Since North Carolina is a leader in next-generation nuclear technology, I am proud to partner with Senator Coons to bring this bipartisan solution forward and codify this program that will expand markets for our great innovators into law,” said Budd.

Launched in 2019, the FIRST program has worked to leverage U.S. public-private partnerships and expand our nuclear energy programs to bolster the United States’ position as a nuclear energy industry leader with partner countries. Currently, the State Department’s FIRST program partners with over 50 countries that are working towards exploring civil nuclear energy solutions and looking to achieve energy security through small modular reactors. The program also helps establish sustainable financial partnerships that support reactor financing to avoid debt-trap influence. This bill will solidify the goals of the FIRST program as a priority for the Department of State to build a better, safer, and cleaner infrastructure for nuclear energy.

The FIRST ACT would:

Promote responsible deployment of civil nuclear energy internationally

Advocate bilateral and multilateral diplomatic engagements and forums for civil nuclear energy projects

Engage in diplomacy with partner governments prioritizing the highest safety, security, and nonproliferation standards

Provide consultation to partner countries regarding best practices of licensing, legal, and regulatory frameworks

Supply early-stage commercial project development support critical to launching United States commercial civil nuclear projects abroad

Cooperate with partner countries in the areas of training programs, technical resource sharing, and potential coordination of codes and standards

The legislation is led by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Ted Budd (R-N.C.). Alongside Heinrich, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.).

The FIRST Act is endorsed by the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), ClearPath, Breakthrough Institute (BTI), and Third Way.

The full text of the bill here.

Additional Background on Heinrich’s Efforts to Develop Nuclear Energy Responsibly:

Heinrich has long championed policies that develop nuclear energy responsibly, modernize and improve facilities that handle nuclear waste, and provide compensation and support for communities and workers harmed by radiation exposure.

In April, Heinrich pressed National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) officials on addressing the housing shortage around Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), accelerating cleanup of the hexavalent chromium plume near the Lab, strengthening public-private partnerships to advance America's fusion capabilities, and modernizing critical nuclear security infrastructure at Sandia National Laboratories.

In April, Heinrich cosponsored legislation to amend the WIPP Land Withdrawal Act to ensure sustained, inflation-adjusted funding for New Mexico communities to maintain vital infrastructure projects, such as road maintenance and repairs, for the duration of WIPP’s operation.

In January, Heinrich secured $10 million in the FY2026 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill to improve roads leading to and from WIPP through recommended payments from the DOE to the State of New Mexico. This investment was the first time that funds had been appropriated for this purpose since 2014.

Last November, Heinrich introduced the No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act, legislation to ensure that no president can unilaterally resume explosive nuclear testing in response to President Trump announcing that the United States would resume testing nuclear weapons, a practice that the U.S. abandoned in 1992.

Last November, Heinrich and U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) led Senate Democrats in urging President Trump to reverse course on resuming explosive nuclear weapons testing, warning that restarting tests would endanger public health, undermine global nonproliferation efforts, and needlessly increase national security risks.

After more than a decade of advocacy, Heinrich helped secure the expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) into law last July, finally providing compensation to New Mexico's Trinity Downwinders, uranium workers, and other communities harmed by radiation exposure. Heinrich reintroduced legislation to extend and expand RECA since his first Senate term, starting in 2013.",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-joins-colleagues-in-fight-against-rescission-of-key-energy-leasing-that-will-harm-access-to-americas-public-lands,Heinrich Joins Colleagues in Fight Against Rescission of Key Energy Leasing That Will Harm Access to America’s Public Lands,2026-08-25,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, joined U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, in denouncing the BLM’s proposal to rescind the 2024 Fluid Mineral Leases and Leasing Process rule (the 2024 Onshore Leasing Rule). The recission, if approved, will harm public lands, reduce community input, increase pollution, and raise taxpayer costs.

The 2024 Onshore Leasing Rule ensured that the concerns of states, Tribes, and local communities were included in decision-making and was a long-overdue correction to decades of BLM policies that favored oil and gas development over other uses and led to tens of thousands of dangerous abandoned wells that became the financial responsibility of taxpayers instead of the oil and gas companies. This rule had immense public support and established a balanced framework that saved taxpayer money, ensured multi-use management of public lands, and protected cultural resources and rural communities that depend on public lands.

In this letter, the lawmakers ask that the administration specifically reconsider oil and gas bonding requirements; public participation, Tribal consultation, and landowner involvement; and leasing preference criteria.

“We write to express our strong opposition to the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) proposal to rescind the 2024 Fluid Mineral Leases and Leasing Process rule (“2024 Leasing Rule”). The proposed replacement undermines the agency’s multiple-use mandate, promotes irresponsible oil and gas leasing, and fails to protect American taxpayers and private landowners,” the lawmakers began.

“[…] BLM’s newly proposed rule threatens to dismantle this common-sense progress. We are deeply concerned that the proposed changes shift cleanup liabilities back to the public, restrict community and private landowner participation, and distort the balance required to manage America’s public lands responsibly,” the lawmakers continued.

Read the full text of the letter HERE and below.

Dear Secretary Burgum and Director Pearce,

We write to express our strong opposition to the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) proposal to rescind the 2024 Fluid Mineral Leases and Leasing Process rule (“2024 Leasing Rule”). The proposed replacement undermines the agency’s multiple-use mandate, promotes irresponsible oil and gas leasing, and fails to protect American taxpayers and private landowners.

Our public lands support diverse economies rooted in fishing, hunting, livestock grazing, energy development, and outdoor recreation. For decades, as documented in the Department of Interior’s 2021 Report on the Federal Oil and Gas Leasing Program, BLM’s policies and management favored oil and gas development at the expense of other multiple uses. The 2024 Leasing Rule provided a long-overdue correction by directly addressing Government Accountability Office findings showing that BLM’s outdated leasing practices shortchanged the American public, invited speculation, and left taxpayers to foot the bill for cleaning up toxic, dangerous orphaned wells.

As the first comprehensive update to the onshore oil and gas program in nearly forty years, the 2024 Leasing Rule was finalized after robust public engagement, with 99 percent of the 260,000 public comments in support. It established a balanced framework that saves taxpayer dollars, ensures multi-use management, and protects cultural resources and rural communities that depend on public lands.

By contrast, BLM’s newly proposed rule threatens to dismantle this common-sense progress. We are deeply concerned that the proposed changes shift cleanup liabilities back to the public, restrict community and private landowner participation, and distort the balance required to manage America’s public lands responsibly. In particular, we request that you reconsider the following provisions:

Oil and Gas Bonding Requirements

The bonding requirements in the 2024 Leasing Rule represent a pragmatic, responsible approach to public land stewardship. Modernizing individual and statewide lease bonds is a fiscal necessity to ensure the “complete” and “timely” reclamation of federal well sites, as required by the Mineral Leasing Act (MLA). Reverting to outdated 1950s-era bonding levels is fiscally irresponsible, going against the wishes of Western states, many of which are increasing bonding rates for state lands, not decreasing them. Lowering bonding levels could also allow companies to abandon wells and shift hundreds of millions of dollars in clean-up costs to the American public. Furthermore, reinstating nationwide bonds allows operators to cover vast, multi-state liabilities, potentially up to thousands of wells, with a single, inadequate financial assurance. We urge BLM not to reauthorize nationwide bonding.

Over 89% of Westerners believe that energy developers, not taxpayers, should pay to clean up their own drilling sites. Weakening these federal bonding requirements ignores this overwhelming majority and the potential $753 billion in clean-up liability across 200 million acres of federal lands that would shift to taxpayers.

Public Participation, Tribal Consultation, & Landowner Involvement

Public participation and meaningful consultation with states, Tribes, and local stakeholders enables the agency to produce better, more thoughtful leasing decisions. Truncating public notice and comment periods unnecessarily and unfairly sidelines the Tribes, rural communities, hunters, anglers, and local business owners who know these lands best. Restricting public input does not streamline operations. It reduces transparency and degrades the quality of land-use decisions.

Further, it is illegal, as federal courts have specifically rejected efforts to cut the public out of the oil and gas leasing decision-making process. We urge BLM to maintain robust public comment and Tribal consultation periods.

In addition, there are over 57 million acres across the country of “split-estate” lands, where the federal government owns oil and gas resources, but the surface lands are privately owned. Since 2009 BLM has required oil and gas companies to identify the owners of split-estate lands prior to leasing, a requirement based on a recommendation from the George W. Bush administration. This proposed rule eliminates the long-standing notification requirements for private landowners, stripping ranchers, farmers, and homeowners of their ability to negotiate on how developers access and use their land while leaving them vulnerable to the permanent surface disruptions of industrial drilling.

Leasing Preference Criteria

The leasing preference criteria, adopted to ensure BLM’s multi-use mandate, have been highly effective at proactively directing leasing away from critical wildlife habitats and high-value recreation and livestock management areas, providing certainty to local communities, energy developers, ranchers, and local businesses. Erasing these clear criteria will inevitably revive conflicts between users, leading to costly litigation and regulatory uncertainty. A predictable leasing framework benefits everyone, and abandoning it is a step backwards.

For these reasons, we strongly oppose BLM’s proposal to rescind the 2024 Leasing Rule and urge BLM to maintain and continue to implement the current, balanced regulations. The 2024 Leasing Rule brought much-needed fiscal responsibility and balance for federal land management. The proposed rollbacks would jeopardize Western economies, abandon fiscal discipline, and undermine BLM’s multi-use mandate.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-joins-ribbon-cutting-for-new-blackve-headquarters-and-manufacturing-facility-highlights-job-training-for-new-mexicans-living-with-disabilities-joins-groundbreaking-celebration-for-new-pacific-fusion-facility_leads-panel-with-former-google-ceo-on-unlocking-americas-clean-energy-future,"Heinrich Joins Ribbon-Cutting for New BlackVe Headquarters & Manufacturing Facility, Highlights Job Training for New Mexicans Living with Disabilities, Joins Groundbreaking Celebration for New Pacific Fusion Facility & Leads Panel with Former Google CEO on Unlocking America’s Clean Energy Future",2026-08-25,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, joined events in Albuquerque celebrating BlackVe’s new 30,000-square-foot headquarters and satellite manufacturing facility at MaxQ and Pacific Fusion’s new $1 billion state-of-the-art facility that positions New Mexico at the forefront of the emerging fusion energy industry.

Heinrich began the day at BlackVe’s new facility, which will support the rapid design, production, integration, and operation of next-generation spacecraft — creating 200 high-quality jobs and strengthening New Mexico’s leadership in the space industry.

ABOVE: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) attends a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open BlackVe’s new 30,000-square-foot headquarters and satellite manufacturing facility, August 25, 2026. Additional pictures here.

|“BlackVe is a homegrown company committed to staying, building, and growing right here in New Mexico. Its brand-new manufacturing facility in Albuquerque will produce satellites and defense technology that will help keep our country safe, while creating more than 200 high-quality jobs New Mexicans can build their families around,” said Heinrich. “As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I’ll continue working to bring more investments to New Mexico that strengthen our leadership in space and defense technologies, grow our local workforce and businesses, and give the next generation the opportunity to build their careers right here at home.”

Heinrich’s support of BlackVe includes continued funding for U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) satellite and space technology at Kirtland Air Force Base, helping the company expand local manufacturing in New Mexico, and meetingwith BlackVe workers.

Prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Heinrich joined students from the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy (ASLA) to highlight a $300,000 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) grant he secured to develop the Adult Workforce Training Program Hub. The funding helped ASLA refurbish a trolley into a coffee bar to bolster career opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing students and students with disabilities.

ABOVE: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) joins students from the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy to discuss a $300,000 CDS grant he secured to bolster career opportunities for deaf, hard of hearing, and students with disabilities, August 25, 2026. Additional pictures here.

Heinrich also joined a groundbreaking celebration for Pacific Fusion’s new $1 billion state-of-the-art facility that cements New Mexico’s role as a national leader in advanced energy innovation. At the groundbreaking, Heinrich led a panel discussion with former Google CEO, Eric Schmidt, on fusion energy’s potential to strengthen America’s national security and unlock our clean energy future. The panel was moderated by Pacific Fusion Co-Founder and CEO, Eric Lander. The full video of the panel discussion led by Heinrich and Schmidt is here.

“Pacific Fusion’s $1 billion investment in New Mexico is a testament to the strength of our state’s workforce and national labs. This high-yield, high-gain fusion facility will advance our understanding of what it will take to bring fusion power to the grid, while supporting Albuquerque’s economy, creating 200 permanent jobs, and cementing New Mexico’s leadership in energy innovation,”said Heinrich, Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and founder of the Senate Fusion Caucus.“Fusion has the potential to transform how we power our economy, in addition to its role in strengthening our national security. I’m excited to see Pacific Fusion and New Mexico leading the way in turning that potential into reality.”

Heinrich helped Pacific Fusion choose New Mexico as the new home for its state-of-the-art fusion facility.",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-releases-statement-on-110th-anniversary-of-the-national-park-service-celebrates-national-park-week,"Heinrich Releases Statement on 110th Anniversary of the National Park Service, Celebrates National Park Week",2026-08-25,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement celebrating the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service (NPS) today, August 25, 2026, during National Park Week, which runs from August 22 to August 30 this year. All entrance fees to national parks are waived for U.S. citizens and residents today, August 25, 2026.

“110 years ago, President Woodrow Wilson signed the law creating the National Park Service to protect some of the most treasured places in our country and ensure they belong to all Americans.

“Our national parks and public lands are part of our shared identity. They are literally the anvil on which our collective identity was forged. They preserve the stories of generations who came before us, give everyone a place to explore and connect with the outdoors, and serve as an economic engine for communities across the country. In 2024 alone, visitors to our national parks spent $29 billion in communities near parks, supporting 340,000 jobs and generating more than $56 billion in economic activity.

“But as the National Park Service celebrates 110 years, our parks face a $24 billion maintenance backlog and severe staffing shortages. The Trump administration has forced out thousands of employees, proposed deep cuts to the agency, and taken steps to erase history at our parks.

“Instead of working to address these maintenance needs and keep visitors safe and our parks accessible, the administration is making hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars available for the President’s vanity projects. That’s bullshit. We should be investing in the national parks that belong to all of us – not a golden ballroom for the President.

“This week, I encourage every American to get outside, enjoy a national park or public land, and help protect these national treasures for generations to come.”

As Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Heinrich is leading the fight in Congress to protect our public lands, expand access to national parks, and hold the Trump administration accountable for its attacks on these treasured places — from efforts to erase history in our national parks and divert funding to Trump’s vanity projects, to the President’s proposed golden White House ballroom, his botched Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool rehabilitation project, and his actions that make our national parks less safe for visitors.

This month, Heinrich joined top Senate Democrats in sending a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Acting Comptroller General Orice Williams Brown to audit and assess the full scope and cost of the White House ballroom project.

Also, this month, Heinrich sent a letter requesting that the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Deputy Inspector General Caryl Brzymialkiewicz investigate what Department officials knew – and when they knew it – about engineering failures at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and whether DOI employees withheld evidence from federal prosecutors.

In July, Heinrich criticized legislation that removes protections for public lands, emphasizing the need for bipartisan collaboration within the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Heinrich additionally fact-checked Trump administration actions that undo protections for the Chaco Canyon Cultural Protection Zone. You can read about Heinrich’s actions to protect Chaco Canyon here and here.

In July, Heinrich sent a letter to DOI Secretary Doug Burgum and U.S Park Chief of Police Scott Brecht demanding answers and transparency about the U.S. Park Police’s new vehicle pursuit policy following news reports that an innocent bystander, Nolberto Armando Sanabria Meza, a 46-year-old food delivery driver, was hit and tragically killed in D.C. by a driver being chased by U.S. Park Police.

In June, Heinrich helped advance the America the Beautiful Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Angus King (I-Maine) to reauthorize the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund, out of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

In June, Heinrich sent a letter demanding answers from DOI Secretary Doug Burgum about the Trump administration redirecting tens of millions of dollars from fees paid to the NPS to fund President Trump’s vanity projects in Washington, D.C. – including redirecting funds collected at New Mexico sites such as Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Bandelier National Monument.

In April, during a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing to examine the Trump administration’s Budget Request for the DOI Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27), Heinrich grilled DOI Secretary Doug Burgum about the Department’s draconian staff cuts at the NPS.

In March, Heinrich joined lawmakers in filing an amicus brief that would put a stop to President Trump’s plan to construct a commemorative arch on federal property. The amicus brief argues that the President’s plan is illegal unless Congress authorizes it.

In March, Heinrich led his colleagues in delivering remarks on the Senate floor in condemning and drawing attention to the Trump administration’s efforts to erase American history from public lands.

In March, Heinrich sent a letter to DOI demanding answers from the NPS following reports that NPS staff across the country are removing signage from national parks about slavery, Tribal history, and climate change.

In February, Heinrich led his colleagues in calling on DOI Secretary Doug Burgum to halt efforts to create the Department’s new U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS), citing potential life-or-death consequences that could come as a result of decoupling wildfire management from land management agencies, and emphasizing concerns related to recent reductions in staffing, combined with improperly severing wildfire management from land stewardship.

Last December, during a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks hearing to consider 26 pending bills, Heinrich criticized the Trump administration for removing fee-free admission on Juneteenth and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Last October, Heinrich delivered remarks on the Senate floor, criticizing Republicans for pushing forward Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions of disapproval targeting Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Resource Management Plans (RMPs) that would undo protections for national parks, including the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve.

Last October, during the government shutdown, Heinrich urged the DOI Secretary Doug Burgum to classify the Department’s staff as essential during the Republican government shutdown to maintain the health and safety of Americans who visit public lands, wildlife refuges, and national park sites.

In June of 2025, Heinrich successfully fought Senate Republican provisions to sell off public lands in the Big Bad Bill, lead an amendment to prevent the privatization of our public lands, hosted a roundtable and sounded the alarm about New Mexico public lands that were at risk of being sold off by Republicans, continuously uplifted New Mexicans’ voices who called his office to raise their concern with Republicans’ plan to sell off these lands, and released a statement immediately criticizing Senate Republicans’ plan to sell off public lands following the release of the reconciliation text.

In June of 2025, Heinrich blasted the Trump administration for its plans to transfer national park units to state control, criticizing the administration for “cutting off our access to public lands and devastating state economies in the process, overwhelming state budgets and dismantling the systems that keep public lands running.”

In June of 2025, Heinrich grilled the DOI Secretary Doug Burgum over the Trump administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget request for the Department, which slashes funding for national parks and guts staffing for the agency.

In May of 2025, Heinrich sent a letter to DOI Secretary Doug Burgum, demanding answers from the Trump administration regarding its plans to transfer National Park System units from federal management. The letter follows Heinrich’s questioning of Secretary Burgum during a Senate Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, where Burgum failed to provide sufficient answers on the Trump administration’s plan to transfer hundreds of sites managed by the NPS to the states.

In January of 2025, Heinrich’s Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation (SOAR) Act and Every Kid Outdoors Extension Act, which extends free access to national parks and other public lands to all American fourth grade students and their families through 2031 — were signed into law as part of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act. The broader bipartisan package bolsters outdoor recreation and promotes public lands in New Mexico and across the United States.",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-demands-answers-project-jupiters-water-use-new-mexico-supreme,Rep. Stansbury Demands Answers on Project Jupiter’s Water Use as New Mexico Supreme Court Issues Emergency Orders,2026-08-24,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,NM,Melanie A. Stansbury,S001218,stansbury.house.gov,stansbury,https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"ALBUQUERQUE — Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) is requesting answers from New Mexico state officials regarding the water use, water rights, permitting, quality, and compact compliance associated with Project Jupiter, a 1,400-acre artificial intelligence data center campus under construction near Santa Teresa in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. Stansbury’s calls for answers come as the New Mexico Supreme Court issued two emergency orders Sunday night regarding the project’s emergency well permit, used for construction of the project, and a proposed air quality permit.

Stansbury is directing the public request for information by close of business this Friday, August 28, as the Court has ordered the parties to respond to its orders by Wednesday of next week. Stansbury’s letter, addressed to the New Mexico Attorney General, the State Engineer, the State Environment Secretary, and the Chair and Director of the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, requests information about the project’s proposed water use, analysis of potential impacts, and compliance requirements under the Rio Grande Compact.

The request comes as New Mexico confronts unprecedented water challenges and works to meet its obligations under a court-supervised settlement following litigation with Texas over the Rio Grande Compact. Under the settlement, New Mexico must reduce groundwater pumping in the Lower Rio Grande Basin by 18,200 acre-feet annually by 2036.

Project Jupiter is expected to become a significant industrial water user in the basin, with estimates putting its water use at over a million gallons a day. Stansbury is asking the Office of the State Engineer (OSE) and others to provide a clear public accounting of how the project’s water needs will be met and what water rights and permits support those needs.

""In New Mexico we know water is life and our communities are facing a historic water crisis,” Rep. Stansbury said. ""Every new major water use deserves a transparent accounting of where its water is coming from and how that use fits within our state’s obligations to our tribes and Pueblos, acequias, farmers and ranchers, the communities who already depend on these waters, and our surrounding neighbors. New Mexicans demand and deserve to know how their water is being used, how those rights may be obtained or transferred, and what permits the State has approved. This is about transparency, accountability, and protecting New Mexico’s water future.""

In her letter to the OSE, Stansbury requests information on four key areas:

Project Jupiter’s water use: Estimated and reported daily and annual water consumption during construction and future operations, including the intended end uses of the water, such as cooling, power generation, and domestic use, and potential consumptive use and return flows.

Project Jupiter’s water rights: The water rights currently associated with the project, their origin—including whether they derive from prior agricultural use—and the legal process through which any transfer or change of use was reviewed and approved. The request also asks whether any new groundwater appropriations have been sought or granted.

Project Jupiter’s permits and applications: A complete list of applications and permits filed with or issued by OSE, including filing dates, current status, and any protests or objections submitted.

Analyses Conducted on Project Jupiter’s Water Impacts: Any analysis performed of the project’s proposed water use or discharge on state water supplies, water quality, other users, and compliance with in-state, interstate, and international laws, agreements, and management requirements on the Rio Grande.

“The scale of Project Jupiter makes this an important test case for how New Mexico evaluates major industrial water users in a water-scarce future,” Stansbury said. “The public should have a clear accounting of what water resources are being proposed for this project, the process by which those decisions are being made, and must have a say on how water in New Mexico is used.”

This request follows two unanimous orders from the New Mexico Supreme Court on August 23rd, 2026, pausing Project Jupiter proceedings. One order temporarily halts a scheduled September 14th air quality permit hearing at the New Mexico Environment Department on Project Jupiter’s proposed natural gas fuel cell system. The second order directs the Office of the State Engineer to pause an emergency permit for a specific well being used for the data center’s construction. These orders follow concerns from environmental groups alleging a lack of due process in the state's permitting processes. The New Mexico Supreme Court gave the parties involved until September 2, 2026, to respond to their orders.

Find a recording of the press call on this topic here.

Find a copy of the letter here or read the full letter below:

Dear Attorney General Torrez, State Engineer Anderson, Secretary Kenney, Chair Sanchez, and Director Riseley-White:

I am writing to urgently request information from applicable state agencies regarding the water usage, water rights, water permitting, and potential impacts to water quality and interstate river compact compliance associated with Project Jupiter, a 1,400-acre artificial intelligence data center campus under construction near Santa Teresa in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. While the New Mexico Supreme Court has stayed the administrative proceeding on the project’s air quality permit and the use of its emergency water-well authorization this week, we remain deeply concerned about the proposed water usage by this facility. Specifically, we are concerned about whether it has obtained the proper water rights and/or permits to operate in compliance with New Mexico water law and the state's obligations under the Rio Grande Compact and interstate agreements.

This request comes at a critical moment for New Mexico’s water future. As you know, the state is currently experiencing one of its worst water years on record: water curtailments have hit users and farmers statewide following record-low snowpack, Elephant Butte Reservoir has fallen to its lowest storage level since 1971, and the Rio Grande has now run dry through the middle reach for more than three months—one of the longest such stretches on record. While we are hopeful that weather conditions will improve this year to provide increased precipitation, we understand that these conditions represent a longer-term trend and shift in our water supplies due to climate change—which raise significant concerns about the impacts of this project.

With increasing constraints on our water supply, New Mexico is already experiencing significant pressures to restrict and reduce existing uses. Following litigation with Texas over the Rio Grande Compact, New Mexico is now under a binding, court-supervised settlement requiring a reduction in groundwater pumping of 18,200 acre-feet annually in the Lower Rio Grande Basin by 2036—the very basin from which Project Jupiter draws its water. Given New Mexico’s record-breaking drought and ongoing water availability crisis, your agencies’ decisions governing the allocation, permitting, and oversight of our limited water resources deserve the utmost public accountability and transparency. This is especially true when the State is legally obligated to bring into balance a large new industrial water user entering the basin—one that is currently reported to require over a million gallons of water a day.

The questions Project Jupiter has raised matter to and affect New Mexicans statewide. Given the size of this project and the precedent it may set for how similar large-scale industrial water developments will be reviewed in the future, the public deserves a clear and complete record of the water resources at stake and how water rights and permitting determinations will be made.

This request follows significant public concern raised regarding the project’s water requirements at several local proceedings. At the Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners meeting in September 2025, commissioners voted to approve $165 billion in industrial revenue bonds for Project Jupiter. That meeting drew several hundred residents, many of whom requested that the vote be delayed, to allow more time for questions about water and other impacts to be answered. Subsequently, on October 29, 2025, the New Mexico Legislature’s Water and Natural Resources Committee met in Artesia and received a briefing on Project Jupiter, during which committee members raised concerns regarding water use and the availability of information about the project to the public.[4] Similar concerns were also raised in recent public listening sessions held by New Mexico lawmakers over the last several weeks and have been raised by federal state, tribal, and local leaders across New Mexico.

At this time, a full accounting of Project Jupiter’s proposed water usage, permits and water rights has not been made publicly available nor has any analysis of its potential impacts on New Mexico’s water supply, water quality, and compliance with interstate compacts, agreements, and court orders been made public. To shed light on these issues we are respectfully requesting that each of your agencies provide the following information as it pertains to your agency, office, or commission and any relevant information your office may have on the matter:

Project Jupiter’s estimated and reported water usage, in daily and annual volumes, for both the construction phase and ongoing/future operations, including the intended end uses of that water (e.g., cooling, power generation), potential consumptive use, and potential return flows.

Any proposed or confirmed water rights or permits currently associated with Project Jupiter, including their origin (e.g., prior agricultural use) and the legal and/or administrative processes by which any transfer or change of use was reviewed and approved—and whether any new groundwater appropriations have been sought or granted for the project, including quantities, places of use, and relevant dates of administrative action.

A list of all permits and applications filed with or issued by OSE for Project Jupiter, including dates and status of each and any protests or objections filed against them.

Any analysis performed of the project’s proposed water use or discharge on state water supplies, water quality, other users, and compliance with in-state, interstate and international laws, agreements, and management requirements on the Rio Grande.

Given the level of public concern regarding this project and its potential water impacts, and considering imminent court decisions regarding project completion, we request your responses in writing to my office no later than close of business Friday, August 28. We also request that your office make all non-privileged information available to the public.

Thank you for your attention to this request.

###",1,2026-08-25T05:31:37Z,2026-08-25T05:33:09Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-northwest-new-mexico-lujan-highlights-efforts-to-strengthen-care-for-seniors-and-protect-nutrition-assistance-for-new-mexicans/,"In Northwest New Mexico, Luján Highlights Efforts to Strengthen Care for Seniors and Protect Nutrition Assistance for New Mexicans",2026-08-24,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"NORTHWEST NEW MEXICO – Last week in Farmington and Grants, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) held events highlighting his efforts to expand access to home and long-term care for older New Mexicans and people with disabilities and protect nutrition assistance for New Mexico families.

“Whether it’s making sure our parents and grandparents can receive care in the place they call home or ensuring families have enough food on the table, New Mexicans deserve the support they need to live healthy lives with dignity,” said Senator Luján. “Last week, I heard directly from local leaders and providers about the challenges facing families in Northwest New Mexico. I’ll continue fighting to strengthen home-based care, support caregivers, and protect SNAP from attacks that would make it harder for families to get the food they need.”

Supporting Care for Older New Mexicans in Farmington

In Farmington at the Native American Disability Law Center, Senator Luján met with local leaders and providers to learn more about their work providing home- and community-based care in San Juan County. Senator Luján heard directly from providers about the challenges facing rural and Tribal communities and discussed how his recently introduced Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Access Act would expand access to long-term care for older adults and people with disabilities.

Fighting to Protect Nutrition Assistance in Grants

In Grants at the Grants Community Pantry, Senator Luján met with local food and nutrition leaders to discuss the impact of Republican cuts to SNAP on families and communities in Northwest New Mexico. During the event, Senator Luján heard directly about the challenges facing SNAP recipients and the local organizations that serve them. Senator Luján also highlighted his efforts to fight back against cuts to nutrition assistance and protect SNAP for New Mexico families, including families in rural and Tribal communities.

###",1,2026-08-25T05:31:37Z,2026-08-25T05:33:09Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-ranking-member-heinrich-on-supreme-court-allowing-continued-construction-for-president-trumps-ballroom,ICYMI: Ranking Member Heinrich on Supreme Court Allowing Continued Construction 	for President Trump’s Ballroom,2026-08-24,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"MEMORANDUM

To: Reporters and Editors

From: Caty Payette, Office of U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.)

Date: August 24, 2026

Re: ICYMI: Ranking Member Heinrich on Supreme Court Allowing Continued Construction for President Trump’s Ballroom

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, published the following post online, reacting to the news that the Supreme Court has allowed President Trump to continue construction for his $400 million ballroom:

“This doesn’t change the fact that Congress never authorized spending YOUR hard-earned taxpayer dollars on Trump’s golden ballroom.

“I’ll keep fighting to ensure taxpayers aren’t footing the bill for Trump’s vanity projects while the cost of everyday expenses continues to soar.”

Ranking Member Heinrich has led the fight to prevent taxpayer dollars from being used to fund President Trump’s ballroom.

Earlier this month, Heinrich sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Acting Comptroller General Orice Williams Brown, calling for the GAO to audit and assess the full scope and cost of the White House ballroom project.

In June, Heinrich sent a letter demanding answers from U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on the Trump administration redirecting tens of millions of dollars from fees paid to the National Park Service (NPS) to fund President Trump’s vanity projects in Washington, D.C. – including redirecting funds collected at New Mexico sites such as Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Bandelier National Monument.

In May, Heinrich?successfully blocked Senate Republicans from funding Trump’s ballroom project through their partisan reconciliation budget bill, arguing it violated the Byrd Rule — a Senate rule designed to prevent unrelated policy provisions from being jammed into reconciliation bills that can pass with a simple majority instead of the usual 60-vote threshold.

Last October, Heinrich demanded that President Trump follow the rule of law and for Congress to have oversight over the demolition of the East Wing of the White House and the ongoing construction of the ballroom in its place.",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=657,"On Fourth Anniversary of Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Containment, Leger Fernández Demands Answers on Toxic Metals in Fire Retardants",2026-08-21,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,NM,Teresa Leger Fernandez,L000273,fernandez.house.gov,fernandez,https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"SANTA FE, N.M. — Four years after the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire was finally contained, U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) is demanding greater accountability for the federal government’s use of wildfire retardants that may contain toxic metals.

Leger Fernández and House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) led a letter asking the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate the prevalence and potential effects of toxic metals in fire retardants used by the U.S. Forest Service and Department of the Interior. The letter was also signed by Representatives Judy Chu, Adelita Grijalva, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Pablo José Hernández, Lateefah Simon and Sara Jacobs.

“Four years ago, the flames finally stopped. But for the families of Mora and San Miguel counties, this disaster did not end when the smoke cleared,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. “It lives in contaminated wells, flood-scarred fields, empty foundations and the endless paperwork of survivors still waiting for FEMA to do its job. The federal government started this fire, and the federal government has a responsibility to answer every question about the harm it caused. We do not yet know whether fire retardants contributed to the heavy metals found in northern New Mexico’s groundwater. Our families should not have to wonder whether the water coming from their tap is safe to drink. Accountability means following the evidence, telling the truth and fixing what was broken.”

Federal agencies used 48.6 million gallons of fire retardant in wildfire operations in 2024 alone. One academic study estimated that aerial wildfire retardants released approximately 380,000 kilograms of toxic metals into the environment nationwide between 2009 and 2021.

Following the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, testing found elevated levels of heavy metals in groundwater in parts of northern New Mexico. The lawmakers’ letter does not draw a conclusion about the source of that contamination. Instead, it asks GAO to determine whether fire retardants could pose risks to communities, watersheds and wildland firefighters.

Specifically, the lawmakers ask GAO to examine:

The prevalence of metals such as arsenic, antimony, lead, chromium and cadmium in fire retardants used by federal agencies;

Potential health and environmental effects when retardants are deployed near watersheds and groundwater;

Potential health risks for nearby communities and wildland firefighters;

Safer alternatives that could reduce the introduction of toxic metals into the environment; and

Best practices federal agencies should follow to protect human health and the environment.

The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire began with two U.S. Forest Service prescribed burns that escaped control and merged. It became the largest wildfire in New Mexico’s recorded history, burning more than 340,000 acres before reaching full containment on August 21, 2022.

Leger Fernández’s Work for Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Survivors

Since the fire, Congresswoman Leger Fernández has:",1,2026-08-22T05:24:59Z,2026-08-22T05:26:16Z
https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gabe-vasquez-tours-albuquerques-veterans-integration-center-reaffirms,"Rep. Gabe Vasquez Tours Albuquerque’s Veterans Integration Center, Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Veterans",2026-08-20,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,NM,Gabe Vasquez,V000136,vasquez.house.gov,vasquez,https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On August 19, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) toured the Veterans Integration Center (VIC) of Albuquerque to discuss expanding VA benefits and opportunities with veterans and VIC leaders. The VIC is dedicated to providing stable housing, financial security, and community for veterans and their families.

During the event, Rep. Vasquez spoke with VIC CEO Brock Wolf and Claudia Risner, a Board Member at the Veterans Integration Center and Previous Chair of the Veterans and Military Families Caucus.

“Places like the VIC are serving our veterans with outstanding care, compassion and respect,” said Vasquez. “Folks who raise their hand to serve and protect our freedom deserve to have an opportunity to reintegrate into society. But too many of our veterans suffer from trauma and end up on the streets - that’s why resources like the VIC are so important. I’m going to continue fighting so that our federal budget reflects the true cost of care for our veterans – from healthcare and housing, to education and workforce training.”

Rep. Vasquez’s advocacy reflects his ongoing commitment to supporting veterans and active-duty servicemembers. His previous work includes:

Spearheading the TRICARE Travel Improvement Act, which Vasquez led and got passed into law with bipartisan support through the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act. The bill lowers the mileage requirement for TRICARE travel reimbursement from 100 miles to 75 miles — helping military families in rural communities more easily access medical care.

Leading the New Mexico Rural Veteran Health Care Access Act, a bill to add Otero and Eddy county to the Veteran Integrated Service Network (VISN) 22, so that New Mexico veterans who live in these counties can be eligible to access care at the El Paso VA Medical Center which is far closer than many other VA healthcare facilities.

Introducing the Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act, bipartisan legislation to increase the yearly book and supply stipend for student veterans which hasn’t been updated since 2008. If passed, it would increase the stipend from $1,000 to $1,400 and adjust for inflation.

The Feed Our Veterans Act, legislation Vasquez introduced and fought for during the most recent Farm Bill markup, to combat food insecurity among veterans and protect them from new burdensome SNAP work requirements introduced under the Republican tax law last summer.

Signed a bipartisan discharge petition to require a House vote on the Major Richard Star Act, legislation that would allow combat-injured veterans to receive both their full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation.

Voted in support of the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act to obtain critical funding that would improve the quality of life for veterans and make substantial investments in infrastructure to support the readiness of active-duty servicemembers in New Mexico.

###",1,2026-08-21T05:30:57Z,2026-08-21T05:32:22Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-cosponsors-legislation-to-combat-maternal-health-crisis,Heinrich Cosponsors Legislation to Combat Maternal Health Crisis,2026-08-20,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M) joined U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), alongside U.S. Representatives Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Alma Adams (D-N.C.), Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.), and Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) in reintroducing the Mamas First Act, legislation that would address the maternal mortality crisis by expanding Medicaid coverage to include prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care provided by doulas, midwives, Tribal midwives, and lactation support providers. These services have been proven to reduce C-sections, decrease maternal anxiety, and improve communication between pregnant women and their health care providers.

""By expanding access to trusted providers like doulas, midwives, Tribal midwives, and lactation support professionals, this legislation can help make sure mothers get the care they need. That’s especially important in New Mexico, where more than half of all births are covered by Medicaid,” said Heinrich.“The Mamas First Act will particularly help mothers in rural and Tribal communities to access quality care before, during, and after childbirth – because every mother deserves the support she needs to have a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery.”

“Instead of slashing healthcare for millions of Americans like Republicans in Congress are hellbent on doing, we should be expanding access to care to protect every momma and baby,” said Warren. “It’s unthinkable that the richest country in the world would also have one of the highest maternal mortality rates. The Mamas First Act will help fix this crisis by improving access to high-quality care and rooting out the deep disparities and systemic racism in our health care system.”

“The Mamas First Act meets a crisis that is costing mothers their lives—especially Black and Indigenous women who walk into delivery rooms carrying risks no family should bear,” said Booker. “By ensuring Medicaid reimburses doulas, midwives, tribal midwives, and lactation support professionals, this bill delivers the trusted care that keeps mothers safe and babies alive. Congress must act now.”

Specifically, the Mamas First Act would:

Amend the Social Security Act to allow doulas, midwives, Tribal midwives, and lactation support providers to be reimbursed by Medicaid.

Improve access to care before, during and after delivery for underserved and under-resourced communities.

Connect mothers and babies to culturally competent and patient-centered care to facilitate better health outcomes.

In addition to Heinrich, Warren, and Booker, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).

In addition to Moore, Dingell, Adams, Underwood, and Pressley, the bill is cosponsored by Representatives Eleanor Homes Norton (D-D.C), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), Al Green (D-Texas), Adelita Grijalva (D- Ariz.), and Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.).

It is endorsed by Ujima, The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community, the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice, the National Health Law Program, Health Connect One, BMMA Inc. (Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Incorporated), Futures Without Violence, Every Mother Counts, the American Association of Birth Centers, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda, the National Partnership for Women and Families, Birth Center Equity, Families USA, and the What to Expect Project.

“The Mamas First act will help address our country’s devastating maternal health crisis, which is causing vast, disproportionate harm to Black and Indigenous mothers and newborns, by ensuring that Medicaid reimburses doulas, midwives, and other birthing care workers for vitally important care they provide,”said Esta Soler, President and Founder of Futures Without Violence. “We thank Senator Warren and Representative Moore for championing this legislation, which will ensure these critical providers can continue providing quality care to the millions of people who rely on Medicaid for coverage. We urge leaders in both the House and the Senate to prioritize its passage.”

“The Mamas First Act recognizes a simple but important truth: better support leads to better outcomes for mothers and babies,” said Anthony Wright, Executive Director of Families USA. “By expanding access to trusted community-based providers, including doulas, midwives, tribal midwives, and lactation support professionals, this legislation will help ensure that more families receive the high-quality, culturally congruent care they deserve during a time of immense change, vulnerability and excitement. Families USA is proud to endorse it.”

To read a one pager on the bill, click here.

To read the full text of the bill, click here.

###",1,2026-08-21T05:30:57Z,2026-08-21T05:32:22Z
https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-gallup-lujan-holds-forum-to-raise-awareness-of-expanded-reca-compensation-for-new-mexicans/,"In Gallup, Luján Holds Forum to Raise Awareness of Expanded RECA Compensation for New Mexicans",2026-08-20,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,NM,Ben Ray Luján,L000570,www.lujan.senate.gov,lujan,https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"Gallup, N.M. – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) led a public outreach forum in Gallup to raise awareness about expanded compensation available through the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) and help New Mexicans understand how they can apply for the compensation they deserve.

During the forum, Senator Luján joined local leaders and advocates to provide information about expanded eligibility under RECA and the resources available to help New Mexicans apply for compensation. The forum included a presentation on how eligible individuals can submit claims through the U.S. Department of Justice and access resources to assist with the application process.

“For generations, New Mexicans have carried the burden of our nation’s nuclear legacy, and for far too long, many were denied the recognition and compensation they deserved,” said Senator Luján. “After fighting alongside survivors, uranium workers, and their families, we secured a historic expansion of RECA to finally deliver justice to more New Mexicans. Now, we have to make sure every eligible New Mexican has the resources they need to apply. I will continue working to ensure no New Mexican who sacrificed for our national security is left behind.”

More information regarding RECA eligibility and the application process can be found here.

Since being elected to Congress, Senator Luján has played a leading role in advancing legislation to strengthen the RECA program, introducing RECA legislation in every Congress and twice passing it through the Senate.

In January, Senator Luján announced that DOJ launched a new online portal for RECA claims. In September of last year, Senator Luján and the New Mexico Delegation sent an open letter to New Mexico’s holders of health care records, birth and death records, tax records, school records and any other necessary records to request their full cooperation in delivering long overdue justice for New Mexicans exposed to radiation. Last year, Senator Luján announced that he secured clear guidance to provide claimants the instructions they need to apply for and receive compensation through RECA.

###",1,2026-08-21T05:30:57Z,2026-08-21T05:32:22Z
https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stansbury-announces-76-million-affordable-housing-programs-and-passage,Rep. Stansbury Announces $7.6 million in Affordable Housing Programs and Passage of the Most Significant Housing Legislation in Decades,2026-08-20,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,NM,Melanie A. Stansbury,S001218,stansbury.house.gov,stansbury,https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"ALBUQUERQUE – Today, Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) held a press conference with local organizations that she helped secure federal funding for through Community Project Funding. These projects work to expand the affordable housing supply and support seniors, families, and young people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity across New Mexico.

Rep. Stansbury also celebrated the enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (H.R. 6644) as one of the most significant bipartisan housing bills to pass Congress in the last 30 years. The bill became law on July 11th without the President’s signature after Congress passed the legislation to dramatically increase the building of affordable housing, cut red tape, expand access to capital, modernize programs, and restrict private equity and institutional investors from buying family homes.

Through Community Project Funding, the Congresswoman has secured more than $7.6 million for seven projects, including:

$4.5 million for the City of Albuquerque for a homeless youth center to provide our first dedicated facility for young people experiencing homelessness, including a safe, transitional environment, secured in FY23 and FY24.

$300,000 for the Veterans Integration Center for the first veterans transitional housing campus in New Mexico to provide transitional housing and programs for Veterans and their families experiencing housing insecurity, secured in FY23.

$994,950 for Saranam for transitional housing for families experiencing homelessness - for construction of a new transitional housing project to serve unhoused families in Albuquerque’s west side and provide wrap-around services as families get back on their feet, secured in FY24.

$500,000 for YDI to provide a transitional housing facility for at-risk youth in Albuquerque, secured in FY24.

$850,000 for the City of Albuquerque to provide a senior stability shelter in Albuquerque to provide permanent supportive housing for seniors experiencing homelessness, secured in FY26.

$250,000 for Bernalillo County to expand affordable housing by providing affordable housing for low- and moderate-income seniors and families in Downtown Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, secured in FY26.

$250,000 for Housing New Mexico to expand transitional housing for families in Albuquerque experiencing crisis, secured in FY26.

“Housing is a human right. Every person in our communities deserves a safe, affordable place they can call home,” Rep. Stansbury said. “With the rising cost of living—from groceries, gas, and rent—it is imperative we put in the work to ensure our families, young people, seniors, and veterans get the support they need when experiencing a housing crisis. That’s why I am so proud to have secured millions for housing projects across NM-01. But it’s going to take work from every level—federal, state, and local—to make this a reality. I am grateful to be in this fight with community partners who are dedicated to making New Mexico a better place.”

“Gateway Young Adult exists because federal investment made it possible, and because this community decided that young people facing homelessness deserved more than just a bed,” Gilbert Ramírez, Director of the Department of Health, Housing & Homelessness at the City of Albuquerque, said. “We built this center around what young people actually told us they needed: a place that feels safe, services that meet them where they are, and a team that believes in their potential. Gateway Young Adult is just one piece of a broader system. From emergency shelter and medical sobering to permanent housing and home rehabilitation, the Department of Health, Housing & Homelessness meets people at every stage. Federal funding flowing to local organizations is what gives us the capacity to do this impactful work.”

“Thanks to Congresswoman Stansbury’s support, we’re strengthening Bernalillo County’s home rehab program so families can stay safely housed,” Cindy Chavez, Bernalillo County Manager, said. “When all levels of government and non-profits work together, we are able to expand housing options for all.”

“We are grateful for Rep. Stansbury’s support of Community Project Funding and for taking the time to meet the families at the heart of our work,” Tracy Weaver, Saranam Executive Director, said. “This investment matters because it strengthens Saranam’sability to provide New Mexico families facing homelessness with stable housing, education, and a supportive community. It gives families the tools and opportunities to build stability, move out of poverty and create lasting change across generations.”

“The Veterans Integration Centers recently opened a new, state-of-the-art campus serving veterans and their families,” Brock Wolff, CEO of the Veterans Integration Center, said. “The campus provides transitional housing, supportive services, suicide-prevention programming, and a food pantry. Thanks to Congresswoman Stansbury’s support in securing funding for furniture, fixtures, and equipment at our new campus, VIC is better equipped to provide safe, dignified, and effective services to veterans and their families. This investment is helping us improve outcomes and change lives for the men and women who have served our nation and are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We are also grateful for Congresswoman Stansbury’s leadership in advancing $800,000 for a future statewide transportation initiative. When funding becomes available, this initiative will help veterans—particularly those in rural and underserved communities—reach medical care, benefits, and other essential services.”

“Empowering Homeless Youth is about far more than providing a safe place to stay, it is about giving young people the stability, support, and opportunities they need to build a stronger future,” Robert Chavez, CEO of YDI, said. “From education and employment to therapeutic care and independent living skills, our goal is to ensure every young person leaves with greater confidence, resilience, and hope for what comes next.”

“As the state housing finance agency and the pass-through entity of these important federal resources, Housing New Mexico sees firsthand the impact of the work being accomplished to support New Mexico families,” Kellie Tillerson, Community Development Director of Housing New Mexico, said. “This funding will support the stability of New Mexico’s First Congressional District’s most vulnerable residents. By creating stable housing opportunities, these families will be positioned to live more prosperous lives and contribute positively to the District 1 community. We are grateful to Congresswoman Stansbury for her ongoing support of families with children who are struggling with housing and thank her for making $250,000 available for transitional housing for families in Albuquerque. Housing New Mexico is proud to partner with providers statewide to deliver services at the local level.”

In addition to securing Community Project Funding for the projects above, Congresswoman Stansbury has submitted Community Project Funding requests for FY27 for four more housing projects in NM-01:

$25,868,600 requested for the Mescalero Apache Nation for the Windy Point Housing Development to support the development of the Windy Point Housing Development and address critical housing needs across the Mescalero Apache Nation.

$2,500,000 requested for the City of Albuquerque’s young adult housing expansion to support the expansion of housing for young adults and provide stable living environments and supportive services for vulnerable young adults and youth.

$2,000,000 requested for the City of Albuquerque’s affordable housing acquisition to support land acquisition by the City of Albuquerque’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency to advance affordable housing development and expand housing opportunities for Albuquerque residents.

$2,000,000 to Bernalillo County for the homelessness prevention and housing stabilization program to support homelessness prevention and housing stabilization services and help vulnerable residents remain housed and avoid homelessness across Bernalillo County.

Community Project Funding (CPF) grants are congressionally directed spending grants that fund a variety of projects nationwide, such as housing, homelessness prevention, workforce training, public facilities, parks, resilience planning, and other critical infrastructure and services.

To watch a video of the press conference, click here.

###",1,2026-08-25T05:31:37Z,2026-08-25T05:33:09Z
https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=656,Leger Fernández Joins National Coalition for Expanded RECA Legislation,2026-08-19,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,NM,Teresa Leger Fernandez,L000273,fernandez.house.gov,fernandez,https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"SANTA FE, NM — Congresswoman Leger Fernández is co-leading the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act of 2026 (RECRA), bipartisan legislation that builds upon her work to compensate New Mexicans affected by radiation exposure from the Trinity and other nuclear tests. Congressman James Moylan (R-Guam) introduced the legislation. The Congresswoman has worked alongside Congressman Moylan to make sure communities harmed by the nation's nuclear testing receive the compensation and recognition they deserve.

Congresswoman Leger Fernández introduced the RECA Amendments Act in 2021. She led the U.S. House of Representatives effort to expand RECA to cover New Mexico downwinders and post '71 uranium miners alongside Senator Ben Ray Lujan, the New Mexico congressional delegation, and New Mexico advocates. This latest proposal seeks to address the remaining gaps left after Congress partially expanded RECA in 2025.

The legislation would expand eligibility to additional impacted communities, extends the filing deadline by fifteen years, increases compensation, authorizes reimbursement of medical expenses, broadens the list of eligible diseases, streamlines the claims process through the use of affidavits where records are unavailable, and establishes a process for adding future classes of eligible individuals without requiring additional acts of Congress.

The bill also recognizes the unique challenges faced by many rural, Tribal, Native, and territorial communities, expands eligibility for atomic cleanup veterans, and directs a comprehensive study into the long-term and multi-generational health effects of radiation exposure.

""For generations, New Mexico's downwinders and uranium workers have carried the cost of our nation's nuclear legacy in their bodies, their families, and their communities,” said Rep. Leger Fernández (D-New Mexico). “Last year, after years of bipartisan work and relentless advocacy from survivors, advocates, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, we finally expanded RECA. That was a historic victory, but our work is not finished. This legislation recognizes a simple truth: more people were harmed than our laws have acknowledged. It expands access to compensation, extends the deadline so families have the time they need to come forward, and provides medical benefits because surviving radiation exposure should not mean facing the cost of care alone. It also recognizes the reality that many records have been lost to time by allowing affidavits to help prove work history and physical presence. New Mexicans deserve justice.""

""This legislation brings together a strong bipartisan coalition of Members of Congress, survivors, advocates, and communities who have refused to give up this fight,” said Congressman Moylan. “Together, our voices are stronger, and together, we will keep fighting until every American harmed by radiation exposure receives the justice they have been denied. I’m not backing down until we get this across the finish line for the people of Guam who were impacted and all those still left behind.”

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act of 2026 (RECRA) is backed by a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers. Co-leads include Representatives Wesley Bell (D-MO) and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), while additional members have signed on as cosponsors in support of their communities affected by radiation exposure.

""Long before I got to Congress, I heard from St. Louisans who endured decades of health crises, economic struggles, and neglect after radioactive contamination from the Manhattan Project upended their lives. Families from across my district have suffered from terrible cancers, thyroid issues, and even death because of the improper storage of this deadly waste,” said Congressman Wesley Bell (D-Missouri). ""While no legislation can truly rectify that harm, this expansion of compensable diseases and increase in RECA benefits from $50,000 to $150,000, in addition to covering medical expenses, is a huge step in the right direction. Nothing can fully right this wrong, but this effort tips the scales toward justice — for everyone from St. Louis to Guam.”

“For too long, Coloradans have been impacted by radiation from U.S. nuclear weapons production, testing, and uranium mining at Rocky Flats and Cotter Mill without the compensation they deserve. This bipartisan legislation could finally offer some relief for communities that have suffered without federal support despite decades of documented exposure,” said Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-Colorado). “I'm going to continue to do all I can to push not only to extend RECA, but to expand it so that everyone who has been affected by these radioactive sites in my district and across the country gets the care they deserve.”

""I stand with the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium and all those that refuse to let the world forget what happened at the Trinity Site in July 1945. It is past time the U.S. government took full responsibility for the harm it has wrought on our Downwinder and other impacted communities, and this bill marks a major step in the right direction toward the compensation and recognition they deserve,"" said Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-New Mexico). ""By cutting red tape for claimants, extending the filing period by 15 years, covering additional diseases caused by radiation, and so much more, this bill will make a meaningful difference in the lives of Downwinder communities in New Mexico and beyond, and I am proud to support it.""

“For decades, Pacific communities have lived with unanswered questions about the long-term consequences of America’s nuclear weapons program,” said Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-CNMI). “The Northern Mariana Islands deserves answers too. This issue was recently raised with me by members of our community who asked whether radioactive fallout from nuclear testing in the Pacific may have reached the Northern Mariana Islands and what that exposure could have meant for the health of our people. I want to give them credit for raising an important question that deserves to be examined. My responsibility as your Delegate is to listen when concerns are brought to me, look at the facts, and then determine what we can do about them. That is what we did here. We began examining the issue, brought the CNMI’s concerns to our federal partners, and now this legislation calls for research into radiation exposure and its potential impacts on the Northern Mariana Islands, while also expanding compensation and improving access to health resources for communities affected by America’s nuclear testing program.

I am grateful to Congressman James Moylan for his partnership and for working with me to ensure the CNMI was included in this legislation. We should not presume what the science will tell us. But our people deserve to have the question asked, the history examined, and the research done. This is how representative government should work: our community raises a concern, we listen, and then we get to work finding answers.”

“Communities in my district have lived with the devastating legacy of radioactive contamination for far too long,” said Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-Illinois). “Since my first term in Congress, I’ve fought to ensure these families receive the compensation and support they deserve. They shouldn’t have to wait a second longer. This legislation is about righting that wrong by not only expanding access to compensation to the Metro East but also increasing the support available to those who were harmed. I am proud to lead this bill with Congressman Moylan to ensure impacted families and communities finally receive the relief and resources they deserve.”

""Nevadans are still paying the price for decades of nuclear testing, with families across our state facing cancer, disease, and the loss of loved ones to radiation exposure,"" said Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nevada). ""For too long, these families have had to fight just to be recognized and receive the compensation they are owed. Expanding RECA eligibility means more Nevadans will finally have access to that support. We cannot give families back the years they lost or the loved ones taken from them, but we can make sure they are not forgotten. I will keep fighting until every Nevadan harmed by this testing gets the recognition and compensation they deserve.""",1,2026-08-20T05:28:41Z,2026-08-20T05:29:58Z
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-statement-condemning-trump-administration-proposal-to-repeal-the-roadless-rule-remove-protections-for-millions-of-acres-of-public-lands,"Heinrich Statement Condemning Trump Administration Proposal to Repeal the Roadless Rule, Remove Protections for Millions of Acres of Public Lands",2026-08-19,2026,2026-08,Democrat,Senate,NM,Martin Heinrich,H001046,www.heinrich.senate.gov,heinrich,https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement reacting to the Trump administration’s announcement that the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has filed a proposed rule to rescind the Roadless Rule.

Established more than 20 years ago, the Roadless Rule protects nearly 45 million acres of public lands administered by the USFS. The Trump administration is proposing to repeal the Roadless Rule, which would increase the risk of wildfires in these areas, carve up wildlife habitat, degrade opportunities for recreation, and threaten the headwaters that communities across the country rely on for clean drinking water.

The public has until September 21 to submit comments on the Trump administration’s proposed rule. This comment period is the last chance for Americans to voice their opposition to the Trump administration’s proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule before it is enacted, and help keep millions of acres of public lands in public hands.

""Hunters, anglers, and public land lovers of all stripes will not take the Trump administration’s assault on the Roadless Rule sitting down. These are our backcountry campsites, our wild trout streams, and the security habitat where we chase elk in the fall,” said Heinrich. “These roadless areas are irreplaceable, and the Roadless Rule is what protects them. Americans have been clear – repeatedly and across party lines – that we don’t want President Trump screwing with our public lands. Someone needs to tell him to get out of his golf cart and touch some grass.”

As Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Heinrich is leading the fight in Congress to protect the Roadless Rule and keep public lands in public hands.

Earlier this summer, Heinrich hosted a press conference on Senate Republicans’ efforts to repeal the Roadless Rule and spoke out against the Trump administration’s efforts to rescind the Roadless Rule.

Additionally, Heinrich wrote an op-ed in Outside News about how the Roadless Rule helps conserve our public lands and prevent wildfires – and how it represents years of input from Americans who have made it clear they want the Roadless Rule to stay in place.

In May, Heinrich and the N.M. congressional delegation urged New Mexicans to voice their opposition to the looming Roadless Rule repeal.

In February, Heinrich attended the “Camo at the Capitol Day” rally in the Roundhouse where he stated, “It makes me incredibly proud to be a New Mexican. They’ll never take our public lands from our public hands.”

Last September, Heinrich and the N.M. congressional delegation sent a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins requesting that New Mexico be excluded from the Trump administration’s proposed repeal of the Roadless Rule.

During a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Public Lands, Forests, and Mining Subcommittee hearing to examine pending legislation, Heinrich brought attention to the Trump administration’s refusal to take public opinion into account prior to repealing the Roadless Rule.

In June 2025, Heinrich released a statement slamming USDA Secretary Rollins’ efforts to rescind the roadless rule.",1,2026-08-20T05:28:41Z,2026-08-20T05:29:58Z