Dear Friends,

It was a joy to see and meet so many of you throughout the district  the last few weeks! One of the highlights of this district work period was highlighting the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law at work in New Mexico! 

I joined White House Infrastructure Advisor Mitch Landrieu last week to welcome a $675 million broadband grant to New Mexico. This funding from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program will help us close the digital divide for rural communities and provide high-speed internet throughout the state.

We announced $70 million in grant funding for Santo Domingo Pueblo and Santa Fe Indian School’s Pueblo Education Network. 

Reliable broadband is part of basic infrastructure and this funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help us more New Mexicans access high-speed internet and stay connected. 

Legislative Corner

To provide justice for so many of our communities, I recently introduced the bipartisan RECA Amendments of 2023. If enacted, this bill will compensate individuals exposed to radiation while working in uranium mines or living downwind from atomic weapons tests. It will also extend the program so it does not expire in July 2024.

I also introduced the Women in Agriculture Act to provide recognition, resources, and representation for the women farmers and ranchers working our precious lands. Specifically, this bill would create a Women Farmers and Ranchers Liaison at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), establish a research priority for agriculture machinery and equipment designed to be used by women, and create a funding set aside for childcare facilities in rural areas.

Our servicemembers and their family should have access to the medical care they need, this is why I joined my New Mexico Congressional Delegation colleagues in sending a letter to the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to express our concerns about the quality of medical care at Cannon Air Force base. 

We requested DHA to place highly-needed medical specialty providers at Cannon Air Force Base and to conduct a review to better address the health care needs for our service members, their families, and the community.

Around the District

Each year, global artists share a part of their cultures and traditions with Santa Fe at the annual International Folk Art Market. It was wonderful to join the community to dance, listen to live music, and see beautiful art.

I met with Mayor Linda Calhoun and first responders in Red River to discuss safety. I’m grateful for their service and devotion.

Constituent Services

Remember, if you have any problems with a federal agency, my constituent services team may be able to help you. You can reach us at (505) 428-4680.

Are you enrolled in Medicaid or SNAP?

It’s important that you renew your enrollment so that you don’t lose these benefits. Make sure your contact information is correct and up to date to receive important Medicaid and SNAP renewal notices. 

Learn more about how to renew or chat with the Human Services Department to update your information here: Renew NM.

Have a tax problem you haven’t been able to resolve with the IRS?

The independent Taxpayer Advocate Service will help taxpayers at its problem-solving day on July 25th.

Call 505-737-6308 by July 21st to make a telephone appointment.

Affordable Connectivity Program

Reminder: the Affordable Connectivity Program can help you pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet. 

Find out if you qualify and how to apply at affordableconnectivity.gov.

Passport Services 

Planning an international trip? Apply for your passport ahead of time or check your passport to make sure it’s still valid. Also, don’t forget to research your destination for any additional requirements! 

You can  learn how to apply for a passport and find other  important international travel information here.

Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office

Visit your local claims office in Mora, Santa Fe, or Las Vegas to get trusted assistance from FEMA.

Follow me on Twitter @RepTeresaLF!

Watch me discuss the SCOTUS Affirmative Action ruling here.