Saludos John, it’s Gabe. In honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day today, I wanted to reach out personally to share with you the important work my office is doing for our sovereign nations.

In Congress, I’m privileged to represent seven federally recognized tribes in NM-02, including the Acoma, Isleta, Laguna, and Zuni Pueblos, along with Mescalero, Ft. Sill Apache, and the Navajo Nation. I am committed to championing tribal sovereignty and upholding the government-to-government relationship between tribal leaders and the federal government.

Additionally, I am working to ensure the United States upholds its trust and responsibility to Indian Country by respecting its sovereignty, funding the Indian Health Service, and protecting Native lands, water, and sacred resources.

Supporting Tribal Education – I introduced the Parity for Tribal Educators Act which would provide federal retirement benefits to teachers at Tribally-controlled schools, putting them on equal footing as BIE teachers and helping solve the teacher shortage in Indian Country.

Carcieri Fix – I am a cosponsor of the bipartisan H.R. 1208, which ensures that existing tribal lands will continue to be held in trust by the federal government, reaffirms the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for Indian Tribes, and removes the uncertainty and ambiguities inherent within the Carcieri v. Salazar opinion.

Advanced Appropriations – I am an original cosponsor of the bipartisan Indian Programs Advance Appropriations Act which would ensure sustained and secure funding for critical federal programs used by Indian Country.

Health Care – I am a cosponsor of the bipartisan Special Diabetes Program for Indians Reauthorization Act, which would support one of the most successful federal programs for improving health outcomes in Indian County.

Native Veterans – I am a cosponsor of the bipartisan Tribal HUD-VASH Act which would help reduce native veteran homelessness by codifying the vital program that helps connect tribal veterans with housing and casework support.

Water Rights – I am fighting for New Mexico’s Pueblos as an original cosponsor of the Rio San Jose and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act, which would support these tribes’ water rights in New Mexico.

Indian Child Welfare Act – I am a cosponsor of the bipartisan Strengthen Tribal Families Act, which would help uphold the Indian Child Welfare Act and keep native children within their communities.

I will never stop striving to protect Tribes and Pueblos in Congress. I extend my sincerest thanks to you for allowing me the privilege of representing our first Americans, our sovereign nations.

Gracias, John, and I wish you a wonderful celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day today.

Gabe