Last week, I had to cut my district visit short and hop on a plane back to D.C. to vote on the debt ceiling bill before extremist Republicans caused a global economic crisis.

This bill is far from perfect, but the alternative of defaulting was not an option.

I want to be clear: There are things I disagree with in this bill that out-of-touch Republicans insisted on. Namely – making it harder for New Mexicans to put food on the table by restricting access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, limiting renewable energy development that would create jobs in our state, and giveaways to fossil fuel corporations.

At the end of the day, we were able to protect veterans' health care, Medicare, and Social Security from $130 billion in cuts that would have hurt countless working families if we didn’t reach a deal.

But D.C. must stop making policy this way. We shouldn’t have to be on the brink of disaster for Democrats and Republicans to work together.

I’m trying to show my colleagues there’s another way to lead. I’ve worked across the aisle to introduce bipartisan bills to address opioid trafficking at the border, increase investments in our regional airports, support ranchers who have lost cattle, and reform the H-2A visa so New Mexico farmers have employees and workers have fair wages and adequate housing conditions.

We can work together to deliver for our constituents. But it’s going to take a major culture shift in Congress — I’m pushing for change, but I could use your help. I’m up for re-election in 2024 in a TOSS UP race against a far-right extremist who doesn’t believe in bipartisanship. Can you help me protect this seat by donating today?

Thanks for listening, and for being the change you want to see in the world.

Sincerely,

Gabe Vasquez