Dear Friends, 

Last Friday, the Supreme Court voted to strip away women’s liberties, end 50 years of abortion rights, and overturn Roe v. Wade. This is a historic and unprecedented dark moment in our history – the Supreme Court just ripped away our right to privacy in our bedrooms, marriages, and doctor’s offices. Congress must codify the right to choose under law as soon as possible.  I will not give up this fight.

Working for New Mexico

Since the VA’s recommendations to close five veterans' health clinics in our district, I’ve fought to make sure they stay open. I visited each of the clinics and listened to hundreds of veterans that would have been impacted by the proposed closures. 

I am happy to report, and applaud, the U.S. Senate’s decision to halt the commission that put forth the closure recommendations. The veterans health clinics in Raton, Las Vegas, Española, and Gallup will remain open! These closures would have put veterans’ health at risk and made it harder for them to receive essential health services. This is a huge victory for our veterans!

Last week I had the pleasure of joining my Congressional Hispanic Caucus colleagues, Dolores Huerta, and farmworker advocates to discuss the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. Farm workers put food on the table for millions of Americans across the country. This legislation would provide them with the protections and rights they deserve. 

Legislative Corner

I am excited to share with you that the House passed my bill, H.R. 6493, the Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act! This bill helps higher education institutions develop prevention and recovery programs to prevent alcohol and substance use and support students with substance use disorders.

I voted to pass and President Biden signed into law, S. 2938, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act which expands criminal background checks when purchasing guns and provides $15 billion in funding for mental health and school security. 

I also recently voted for, and the House passed:

• Enhancing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Through Campus Planning Act, to encourage institutions of higher education to develop and implement comprehensive campus mental health and suicide prevention plans.
• Strong Veterans Act to prevent veteran suicide and support veterans’ mental health and well-being.
• LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act to ensure that LGBTQI individuals are more accurately represented in federal population surveys so that the federal government can better address their needs and respond to disparities.

Around the District

I had a wonderful time meeting with stewards of our waters in Gallinas. Our gente are working every day to protect our lands from floods and fire. Agua es vida!

Photo Credit: Gallinas Water Master Chris Thornburg

Over two years after Emancipation, the news of freedom finally reached the last enslaved Americans in Texas. Juneteenth memorializes the atrocities of slavery, but it also reminds us that a better world is possible. In commemoration of Juneteenth, I met with constituents in Santa Fe at the annual NAACP and First Presbyterian Church of Santa Fe Juneteenth picnic.

Constituent Services

Debris removal for Mora and San Miguel Counties

A full-service debris removal program to collect all wildfire debris on residential property is now available in Mora and San Miguel Counties. Debris will be collected and properly disposed of with no cost to property owners. 

For more information and to apply, go to https://nmdhsem.org/2022-wildfires/ or call the state wildfire assistance hotline at 1-800-432-2080.

Casework

Remember, if you have any problems with a federal agency, my constituent services team may be able to help you. You may reach us at (505) 428-4680. 

Follow me on Twitter @RepTeresaLF!