As a natural resources professional who has spent over 20 years of my career working on land, water, and Tribal issues—I bring the knowledge and experience of having worked for years in multiple branches of government on these issues before the Committee, including the White House, United States Senate, New Mexico State Legislature, and of course here in the House of Representatives.

I also bring the lived experience of growing up in a low-income family in predominantly Hispano and Native American communities, who live on the front lines of our most significant battles and needs in natural resources, but who often are not centered in policymaking in Congress. My life's work at the forefront of land and water rights issues and climate justice is not just a job it is part of who I am and why I am here.

As America stands at a critical inflection point in the history of the United States, Congress must prepare for an unprecedented chapter that will likely bring many hardships for both our communities and the planet. And, as we get ready for the 119th Congress, we must meet the moment and be prepared for the attacks that will undoubtedly come to our climate, environment, and most vulnerable communities while continuing to find spaces to work with our colleagues across the aisle to get things done.

In this pursuit, I am deeply honored and humbled by this endorsement from the current Ranking Member, Rep. Raul Grijalva (AZ-07), whose historic tenure on the committee has kept Tribes, climate, and environmental justice at the forefront of our work. For more than 20 years, Ranking Member Grijalva has served the Committee with grit and grace. As the first Latino chairman, he leaves a legacy of change on a committee that historically did not always prioritize the communities it impacted. Rep. Grijalva has created space for everyone to have a seat at the table. It is to this end that he has passed the baton to me in supporting my run to be the next, and the first woman, to ever serve as Ranking Member of the Committee.

Here is some of the relevant legislation I've sponsored and co-sponsored in Congress:

Public and Community Lands

Promoting Accessibility on Federal Lands Act of 2023

America's Red Rock Wilderness Act

Buffalo Tract Protection Act

Rural Outdoor Investment Act

EXPLORE Act

Tribal Cultural Areas Protection Act

Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act

Water

Rio Grande Water Security Act

Colorado River Basin Conservation Act

Water Data Act

WaterSMART Access for Tribes Act

TAAP Act

Watershed Protection and Forest Recovery Act of 2024

Pecos Watershed Protection Act

Tribal Issues

San Felipe Land Into Trust Bill

Indian Health Service Provider Expansion Act

Advancing Tribal Parity on Public Lands Act

Save Oak Flat from Foreign Mining Act

Tribal Water Rights Settlements

Indian Water Rights Settlement Completion Fund

New Beginnings for Tribal Students Program

Remediating Unexploded Ordnances from the Lands of the Pueblo of Isleta

Environmental Justice Issues

Environmental Justice for All Act

Environmental Justice in Recreation Permitting Act

Outdoors For All Act

Every day, I am so deeply proud and honored to represent New Mexico and our communities on this committee and in Congress. It’s the honor of my life to represent you in Congress.

If I can assist you or your family, please do not hesitate to reach out to our District Office at (505) 346–6781! If you’d like to keep up to date on what I am working on in Washington, D.C., you can subscribe to our newsletter here and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and TikTok.

All my best,