Press Releases
Luján Statement on Passing of John Lewis
Nambé, N.M. - U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on the passing of John Lewis: "The passing of civil rights icon John Lewis is an unfathomable loss for our nation. An original Freedom Rider, John Lewis was the Conscience of the United States Congress and statesman whose leadership helped usher in the civil rights era. He played a pivotal role in our nation's history fighting for equality and justice - and his legacy will be … Continue Reading
July 17, 2020
House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Luján Legislation to Spur Innovation and Leverage National Laboratories
Nambé, N.M. - Today, Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, participated in a remote hearing of the Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Energy focused on the importance of promoting clean energy and building a strong and resilient economy. The hearing considered three bills led by Congressman Luján to spur innovation and promote entrepreneurship and small business partnerships with National Laboratories. "While all of us … Continue Reading
July 16, 2020
Luján, New Mexico Delegation Applaud Over $400,000 for Community Health Clinics in New Mexico
Nambé, N.M. - Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, alongside U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) and Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.), applauded grants totaling $439,864 awarded to Southwest C.A.R.E. Center and El Pueblo Health Services. These clinics are classified as Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) look-alikes, which provide health care for underserved populations but … Continue Reading
July 16, 2020
Luján Marks 75th Anniversary of Trinity Test
Nambé, N.M. - Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, issued the following statement marking the 75th anniversary of the Trinity Test, the first test of a nuclear bomb as part of the Manhattan Project. "On this day, 75 years ago, rural New Mexico became ground zero for the detonation of the first nuclear bomb. While this ushered in the nuclear era, it also marked the beginning of sickness and suffering for generations of New Mexicans in the … Continue Reading
July 16, 2020
NM Delegation Celebrates EPA Grants for Valle de Oro and Taos Valley Acequia Association
WASHINGTON-U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) and Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.) announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $60,000 to the Friends of Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge Project and the Taos Valley Acequia Association. The grants will provide resources for these organizations to conduct research, provide education and training, and develop … Continue Reading
July 10, 2020
Luján Joins Gallup ‘Veterans Helping Veterans’ for Discussion on Health Care, COVID-19 Relief
Nambé, N.M. - Today, Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, participated in a call with the Gallup 'Veterans Helping Veterans' group to discuss health care access, the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and resources available for New Mexico veterans. "America owes our veterans a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. But we can make sure veterans have the full support of the federal government, especially now that we're faced with … Continue Reading
July 09, 2020
Luján Announces Plans to Introduce Bill Combating Threat of COVID-19 Scams
Nambé, N.M. - During a remote hearing of the House Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, announced plans to introduce legislation to address the growing threat of COVID-19 scams by empowering the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general to hold bad actors accountable. Citing shocking statistics on the pervasiveness of COVID-19 scams, Congressman Luján explained: "These … Continue Reading
July 08, 2020
Luján Calls for Action to Address Inequities Facing Tribal Nations Worsened by COVID-19
Nambé, N.M. - During a remote hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Committee focused on addressing the urgent needs of Tribal communities, Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, called for action to address the inequities facing Tribal nations that have been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. Congressman Luján pointed to bridging the digital divide, adequately funding the Indian Health Service, investing in infrastructure, and expanding … Continue Reading
July 08, 2020
Luján Statement on Supreme Court Decision Allowing Birth Control Exemptions
Nambé, N.M. - U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled to exempt employers from the Affordable Care Act's no-cost birth control requirement based on religious objections: "The Supreme Court's ruling is a disappointing setback for reproductive rights and the result of President Trump's longstanding efforts to limit women's access to reproductive care. Up to 126,000 women across America could lose their free … Continue Reading
July 07, 2020
NM Delegation Applauds $550,000 in Grants to 11 Arts Organizations Across the State
WASHINGTON-U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) and Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.) announced that the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has awarded $550,000 in grant funding to 11 organizations across New Mexico. The grants, part of the $75 million for NEA appropriated through the CARES Act, will be used to support staff salaries, fees for artists or contractual personnel, and facilities … Continue Reading
July 06, 2020
Luján Applauds Reopening of Paycheck Protection Program
Nambé, N.M. - Today, Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, applauded the reopening of the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program, which had initially ended on June 30. Last week, with Congressman Luján's support, the program was extended through August 8. "The Paycheck Protection Program has served as a lifeline for thousands of small businesses in New Mexico. When the program ended last week, it still had $130 billion … Continue Reading
July 01, 2020
Luján Applauds Passage of Moving Forward Act
Washington, D.C. - Today, Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) applauded the passage of the Moving Forward Act, which includes key provisions secured by the congressman to bolster broadband access, create economic opportunities, and safeguard the health and wellbeing of New Mexicans. "COVID-19 continues to pose a threat to our economy as well as our health. Now is not the moment to take our foot off the gas when it comes to supporting struggling workers and families. The Moving … Continue Reading
July 01, 2020
Luján Secures Amendment Supporting National Labs in House Infrastructure Package
Washington, D.C. - U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after the House approved his amendment supporting America's National Labs as part of the Moving Forward Act. Congressman Luján's amendment invests $6 billion to modernize the infrastructure of national laboratories and create good-paying jobs. "As America faces the greatest public health crisis in modern history, our National Labs have lent their expertise and state-of-the-art … Continue Reading
June 30, 2020
Luján, House Democrats Unveil Climate Action Plan to Create Green Jobs and Support National Laboratories
Washington, D.C. - Today, Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis to unveil a comprehensive Climate Crisis Action Plan to address climate change and put the nation on a path toward net-zero carbon pollution by 2050 or sooner. The climate action framework includes vital provisions to build a clean energy economy and a healthy, just America. As a member of the Select Committee, Assistant Speaker Luján secured measures to … Continue Reading
June 30, 2020
Luján Statement on Passing of Literary Giant Rudolfo Anaya
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, issued the following statement on the passing of renowned Chicano author Rudolfo Anaya: "New Mexico is mourning the loss of our beloved friend and brother, Rudolfo Anaya, whose work touched the lives of countless Americans. Mr. Anaya left an indelible mark on Chicano literature and on New Mexico - and his work reflected his love for New Mexico's cultures and traditions. I'm honored to own a … Continue Reading
June 29, 2020
Luján Votes for Legislation to Expand and Improve Health Care
Washington, D.C. - U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after voting to pass the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act. "Millions of Americans struggle to pay for health care, and the Trump administration has only made it harder to afford. Now, as America faces an unprecedented health care crisis, President Trump is asking the Supreme Court to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. "Fighting for quality, affordable health … Continue Reading
June 29, 2020
Luján Statement on Supreme Court Decision in June Medical Services v. Russo
Washington, D.C. - U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Louisiana law that would have closed all but one abortion clinic in the state. "The Court's ruling reaffirms women's reproductive rights, and it sends the message that laws like the one passed in Louisiana infringe on those rights by limiting access to safe abortions. While this will certainly not be the last time that extremist legislators … Continue Reading
June 26, 2020
Luján Statement on Passage of George Floyd Justice in Policing Act
Washington, D.C. - U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on the House passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to address police brutality: "Millions of Americans are demanding change and action to address systemic racism and police violence against Black Americans, and I hear their calls. I was proud to vote for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to provide justice for George Floyd and other victims of police brutality. … Continue Reading
June 23, 2020
Luján Calls Out Trump Administration for Failed COVID-19 Response
Nambé, N.M. - During a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing, Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, questioned top public health officials about the Trump administration's failure to bolster COVID-19 testing or develop a national testing strategy to address the pandemic. "The Trump administration failed to bring COVID-19 testing to scale in the early months of the pandemic. Even now, five months later, testing capacity is nowhere near where … Continue Reading
June 23, 2020
Luján Secures Major Broadband and Environmental Investments for New Mexico in Infrastructure Package
Nambé, N.M. - This week, House Democrats released the Moving Forward Act to rebuild and modernize America's infrastructure and create new, good-paying jobs for Americans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislative package includes key initiatives championed by Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, to bolster broadband access for rural and Tribal communities and clean up orphaned oil and gas wells in New Mexico. "The Moving Forward Act is an … Continue Reading