Meeting with Residents Affected by the Recent Fires and Flooding 

Earlier this month, we visited the burn scar of the South Fork and Salt Fires and the flooded areas in Ruidoso and Mescalero. It is critical that we hear first-hand from residents about the impact of these disasters so we can work together during recovery. We met with state, local, and Tribal leadership and our federal partners to coordinate our recovery efforts. Our communities are strong and resilient, but we must keep working every day to rebuild what was lost. FEMA has extended the deadline and there is still time to apply for disaster assistance. Make sure you apply at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ before October 19th! 

Celebrating with the Mescalero Apache Tribe 

Holding Meetings in Bernalillo, Valencia, Lincoln, and Torrance Counties 

My favorite part of the job is meeting all of you—listening to your hopes and dreams for NM-01. That’s why I’ve spent the last two weeks traveling across the district holding “Coffee with your Congresswoman” town halls in Carrizozo, Ruidoso, Albuquerque, Estancia, and Los Lunas. I take all of your ideas back with me to Washington and do my best to turn those ideas into policy. Our office is community-driven to ensure I’m working for you! 

Tackling the Lack of Housing Infrastructure 

I held a roundtable with some of New Mexico’s housing and homelessness experts so all housing partners and organizations are working together to address the crisis we see across the state. We know affordable housing is scarce in New Mexico, and families are struggling to find homes where they can plant roots. It’s going to take every agency at every level working together to fill the housing need. My office is committed to ensuring that federal, state, and local governments as well as grassroots organizations are working in tandem to deliver for the communities we serve.

Learning More About the Fentanyl Crisis 

We know the fentanyl crisis is impacting families across New Mexico. In fact, 56% of all drug overdoses in New Mexico involved fentanyl in 2021. I’ve been holding roundtables all summer with law enforcement and behavioral health experts to get a fuller picture of what we can do to stop this epidemic. I toured the New Mexico Drug and Information Center at UNM and Full Circle Recovery in Los Lunas to get more perspectives on what Congress can be doing to help. This is going to be a long battle, but our communities deserve to live free of the dangers of fentanyl.  

Fighting for Water for Our Communities 

In New Mexico, WATER IS LIFE! Access to water and critical infrastructure is essential for our communities to thrive. I am proud to have helped secure millions for NM-01 to sustain our rivers, acequias, and vital infrastructure to bring water to our communities. We know there is still much to do to protect our most precious resource. I also plan to re-introduce both the Water Data Act and the Rio Grande Water Security Act. The Water Data Act would establish a national water data framework for sharing, integrating, and utilizing water data and support the development of innovative water data technologies and tools, and the Rio Grande Water Security Act would bring vital coordination and resources to address water security needs across the Rio Grande Basin using the best available science, data, and local knowledge to improve water conservation. 

Supporting Our Farmers and Ranchers 

Farmers and ranchers are vital to New Mexico’s economy. They grow and raise the food we put on the table that feeds our families. I was so thrilled to visit Thomas Farms Fiesta Pinto Beans in McIntosh, so I could chat with them about all the ways Democrats are working for them. I am committed to passing the Farm Bill that will help farmers and ranchers across the county. In addition to those conversations, I also got a tour of the farm and got to see how pinto beans are harvested, as well as met some new furry friends! Trivia question: did you know New Mexico produces 85,000 pounds of pinto beans every year? 

Securing Housing for Veterans 

Veterans’ housing saves lives. Our Veterans have sacrificed so much to serve and protect, and we must ensure we serve them. I was incredibly honored to celebrate the opening of the new transitional housing facility at the Veterans Integration Center which was built from the ground up with help from $300,000 in Community Project Funding. This new facility will house veterans and their families who are experiencing homelessness. Thank you for your service!