Dear Friend,

On day 24 of the Republican government shutdown, I’ve been home in New Mexico connecting with families, workers, and community leaders across our state. While House Republicans continue to refuse to come to the table to reopen the government and protect our health care, I’ve been hard at work making sure New Mexicans are supported during this crisis. 

Over the past week, my team and I: 

• Distributed food to families in need through the lifesaving programs at the New Mexico Storehouse.

• Delivered care packages to federal workers—currently working without pay—at Social Security offices across the state.

• Held town halls in Rio Rancho and Albuquerque and connected virtually with thousands of New Mexicans across the country.

• Met with TSA officers and other federal employees who continue to keep us safe without pay.

• Worked with more than a dozen bipartisan local leaders to ensure communities continue receiving essential services despite the shutdown.

• Spoke with Tribal Pueblo Governors about the shutdown’s devastating impact on critical tribal programs.

• Hosted furloughed federal workers at a local watering hole to thank them for their service and connect them with available resources.

• Introduced two bills to protect and expand Tribal housing programs.

• After hearing from so many families with fears about SNAP and WIC cuts, I will be introducing legislation requiring the Trump Administration to continue funding SNAP and WIC programs during the shutdown. 

• Toured the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico, which helps New Mexicans in need find basic needs like Housing, Employment, and access to Health Care.

• Cut the ribbon on a new Childhood Development Center at Sandia Pueblo, built with Community Project Funding I secured in Congress. 

This week, I heard countless stories from New Mexicans about how this Republican shutdown is hurting families—from federal workers going without paychecks to parents struggling to put food on the table. The fear and uncertainty around losing SNAP benefits and access to food is overwhelming. That’s why I got to work immediately on legislation to protect SNAP and keep families from going hungry. I also heard from families terrified that their health insurance premiums will skyrocket next year unless Democrats keep fighting to protect affordable care. 

As I head back to Washington next week, I’m carrying a clear message: Democrats are showing up and fighting for the people. Health care, food security, and our economy are on the line—and lives literally depend on it. 

We’ll keep working every day to make sure New Mexicans get the support they need. If you or someone you know needs help during the shutdown, please reach out to my office at (505) 346-6781.

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