Dear Friends, 

We’ve had a busy start to February! I have some exciting recaps for you.

State of the Union

Last week, President Biden delivered an inspiring State of the Union address to a joint session that described the hardships Americans have endured, and how we’ve come out stronger, together. 

My guest was Carrie-Leigh Cloutier, the CEO of Chaves County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). I visited that amazing CASA in Roswell last month and I must say it is one of the most innovative organizations advocating for abused and neglected children – children who have been trafficked and traumatized. At CASA, they find help and comfort as they work through the overburdened court process. 

Watch my video with Carrie-Leigh here. 

Carrie-Leigh is an inspirational example of leadership, compassion, community, and collaboration. Her work to serve abused and neglected kids makes a powerful difference for families in Roswell and across the Southeastern part of New Mexico.

I’m working to bring more federal resources to CASA’s work and to showcase Roswell’s amazing accomplishments as a model for the rest of the Nation. Learn more about her amazing story from the Roswell Daily Record here. 

President Biden’s speech reminded us how much we’ve accomplished together over the last two years. 

We placed caps on the cost of insulin and out-of-pocket prescription drug co-pays for seniors at the same time that and we reduced the deficit by $1.7 trillion by making the wealthiest and biggest corporations pay their fair share.

There is still more work to do. I will continue to push legislation to lower health care costs for New Mexicans, put college within reach for every aspiring student, make child care an economic priority, bring the child tax credit back, fight to protect and strengthen social security, and continue to create good-paying jobs for our communities. And protect this beautiful planet we love.

Committee Corner

I’d like to take a moment to update you on my committee assignments for the 118th Congress. I’ll bring New Mexico’s voices to my work in each of my committees.

I am humbled to serve New Mexicans on the powerful House Rules Committee. The Rules Committee determines what bills are considered and voted on by the full House of Representatives and what amendments may be made to those bills. As an example, last year, Rules had to approve adding my Hermit’s Peak Fire Assistance Bill to larger must-pass legislation. 

It’s an honor to return to the House Natural Resources Committee and to serve as the Ranking Member of its Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs. This subcommittee oversees all matters regarding American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and our insular areas (e.g. Puerto Rico, Guam, and other affiliated islands). 

As Ranking Member I will build on the momentum from the last Congress when I was chair of the subcommittee. We made historic investments in infrastructure, health and education. We passed my bill, the STOP Act to crack down on the trafficking of tribal cultural items. I will advocate to protect sacred land, uplift Native voices, and celebrate Indigenous cultures. 

I will continue my work on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce to fight for our students and our educators. As a member of the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development, I am committed to making the paths to higher education and workforce development equitably available across our district.

Regardless of whether a student chooses to go to college, university, or vocational school, quality education must be accessible and affordable to all.

Working for New Mexico

Reproductive rights are under attack. That’s why I am an original cosponsor of the EACH Act, which was recently reintroduced. It’s time for Congress to protect abortion coverage in federal law for everyone, no matter their income, insurance, or zip code.

A good education is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children. I signed a letter to President Biden to ask that affordable, high-quality child care and early childhood education be a top priority in the administration’s budget.  

Constituent Services 

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

Farm-to-Congress 2023

Every five years, Congress passes legislation that sets national agriculture, nutrition, conservation, and forestry policy, commonly referred to as the “Farm Bill.”  

I want to hear your ideas and proposals for the 2023 Farm Bill, as well as feedback about the 2018 Farm Bill. Submit your feedback here: Farm to Congress 2023. You may also hear more from me about this initiative in a video HERE. 

Affordable Connectivity Program

Reminder: the Affordable Connectivity Program can help you pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet. 

Find out if you qualify and how to apply at affordableconnectivity.gov.

Tax Rebates 

The Inflation Reduction Act offers tax credits and rebates that can help your family save on utility bills, and or buy electric vehicles and energy-saving appliances. Find out more about the programs HERE.

Follow me on Twitter @RepTeresaLF!