Dear Friends,

As the Oppenheimer movie generates buzz across the country, we must elevate the voices of New Mexicans who were impacted by atomic testing and uranium mining. 

More than 78 years after the Trinity Test, New Mexicans continue to live with the lasting effects of radiation exposure. Yet, they were left out of the government's program to compensate individuals exposed to radiation while working in uranium mines or living downwind from atomic weapons tests.

Watch today’s MSNBC segment about the Trinity Test downwinders HERE.

To provide justice for our communities, Senator Luján and I introduced the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2023. I will continue to fight for this legislation to pass in the House of Representatives. 

ATTENTION VETERANS: 
PACT Act Backdated Benefits 

It is not enough to simply thank our veterans for their service, we must provide them with the benefits they’ve earned. That’s why I worked hard to pass the PACT Act in Congress last year. The PACT Act recognizes that toxic exposure is a cost of war and provides exposed veterans with the compensation they deserve through expanded VA medical care, research, and services. 

The PACT Act includes VA health care eligibility expansion to Post-9/11 veterans, coverage expansion for Agent Orange-related illnesses, and the addition of 23 toxic-exposure and burn pit-related conditions to the VA’s list of service-connected presumptive illnesses.

Wednesday, August 9, 2023, is the deadline to apply for PACT Act benefits backdated to Aug 10, 2022. Don’t wait— learn more and apply at https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/. Or, you may call the VA at 800-698-2411. There is no deadline to apply for PACT Act benefits, but August 9th is your last chance to apply for backdated benefits.

I held an event with veterans in Santa Fe to discuss PACT Act benefits and the upcoming filing date. 

Around the District

One of the biggest hurdles for first-time home buyers is the down payment and money needed at closing. I was thrilled to present $750,000 in Community Project Funding for Homewise’s Homeownership Voucher Program. 

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) serves as a force for good, and as a reminder that we must uplift Latino voices every chance we get. This year, New Mexico proudly hosted LULAC’s National Convention and Exposition!

To kick off the school year, I joined the Española community for the Del Norte LOV Foundation’s Back to School Resource Event. It’s so important that our students have the tools and support they need to thrive in the classroom this year.

From prize-winning animals to quilts crafted with care to delicious food–Rio Arriba hosts a great County Fair! I enjoyed sharing this wonderful event with folks from across Rio Arriba County.

I celebrated the Fiesta de Truchas last weekend. Thank you for the warm welcome to your beautiful community, Truchas! ¡Que Viva! 

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.

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.