Press Releases
New Mexico Delegation Announces Over $6 Million in CARES Act Funding for Testing and Contact Tracing
Funding will be used to expand COVID-19 testing capacity and contact tracing, which helps limit disease spread by alerting those who have come into contact with infected individuals WASHINGTON-U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), along with U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Deb Haaland (D-N.M.)and Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.), announced that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is awarding New Mexico $6,638,183 through the Coronavirus … Continue Reading
April 27, 2020
Luján Holds Virtual Roundtables With Community Lenders and Credit Unions to Support New Mexico Small Businesses
Nambé, N.M. - Over the weekend, Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, held virtual roundtables with more than 20 New Mexico community lenders, credit unions, and experts from the House Small Business Committee and the Small Business Development Center to provide assistance to credit unions and community banks that are processing Paycheck Protection Program Loans for small businesses. Last week, Congressman Luján helped pass an interim … Continue Reading
April 23, 2020
Luján Statement on Passage of Interim Coronavirus Funding Package to Support Small Businesses and Frontline Workers
Washington, D.C. - U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on the passage of the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act - vital legislation to address the COVID-19 pandemic and support small businesses, hospitals and frontline workers, and bolster testing across the United States: "In a matter of weeks, the COVID-19 pandemic has touched the lives of each and every American. The passage of today's legislation is an … Continue Reading
April 23, 2020
Luján Remarks on Interim Coronavirus Funding Package
Washington, D.C. - U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) delivered remarks on the House floor in support of the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act to provide crucial funds for small businesses, hospitals and frontline workers, and testing. Video of Luján's full speech is available here. Luján's remarks, as prepared for delivery, are included below: Thank you, Madam Speaker, In the face of this crisis, I have seen so many New … Continue Reading
April 22, 2020
NM Delegation Hails $2 Million Grant to Bolster New Mexico State Behavioral Health Services
WASHINGTON-U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), along with U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) and Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.) announced a $2 million grant for the New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) to fund behavioral health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant, from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is part of the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act … Continue Reading
April 21, 2020
NM Delegation Announces Over $84 million in CARES Act Grants For NM Colleges and Universities and Students That Have Been Affected By The Coronavirus Pandemic
$62 million will go to 30 Higher Education Institutions to cover costs incurred due to the ongoing public health crisis and to provide direct emergency cash grants to students $22 million from the Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund will go towards ensuring education continues for students of all ages WASHINGTON- Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), along with U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) and Xochitl Torres … Continue Reading
April 21, 2020
Luján Announces “Community Champions” Initiative to Showcase New Mexicans Serving Their Communities
Nambé, N.M. - Today, Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, announced the "Community Champions" initiative to showcase New Mexicans who are bravely serving their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ongoing public health crisis has changed the lives of many, but New Mexicans remain strong, resilient, and driven by a commitment to the health and safety of their community. "The current crisis has created unique challenges for our families, … Continue Reading
April 17, 2020
Luján Supports Urgent Funding in Interim Emergency Coronavirus Relief Package
Nambé, N.M. - Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, issued the following statement calling for greater support of New Mexico families, small businesses, state, local and tribal governments, and frontline health care workers in an interim emergency COVID-19 relief package: "Congress passed the bipartisan CARES Act to deliver critical relief to our nation in this moment of crisis. It is clear, however, that we need to get more resources to our … Continue Reading
April 17, 2020
NM Delegation Applauds CARES Act Grant Funding for HIV/AIDS Treatment and Services During COVID-19 Pandemic
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 today that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $853,877 to the University of New Mexico, the New Mexico Department of Health and the Southwest C.A.R.E. Center, for the Ryan White HIV/Aids Program as a part of the COVID-19 CARES Act congressional response. The Ryan White HIV/Aids … Continue Reading
April 15, 2020
NM Delegation Announces Over $25.2 million in Grants to 50 Local Airports from Emergency Coronavirus Response Package
WASHINGTON-U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), along with U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) and Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.) announced that 50 local airports across New Mexico will receive over $25.2 million in federal grants to sustain critical operations and connect the state and rural communities to the resources they need. The funds are part of the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that … Continue Reading
April 15, 2020
Luján Announces 2020 Congressional Art Competition
Nambé, N.M. - Today, Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, announced details for the 2020 Congressional Art Competition. Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school art competition to recognize and showcase artistic talent in young people from each congressional district. The winning entry from New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District will be displayed as part of an exhibit in the United States Capitol for one … Continue Reading
April 14, 2020
N.M. Delegation Calls On Trump Admin To Quickly Remedy Faulty Implementation Of CARES Act Programs For Small Businesses, Nonprofits Impacted By Coronavirus
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.) are raising concerns with the U.S. Treasury Department and the Small Business Administration's (SBA) implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) process. The delegation is urging Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza to … Continue Reading
April 10, 2020
New Mexico Delegation Announces at Least $170 Million for State’s Frontline Health Care Providers in First Wave of COVID-19 Relief Funding
WASHINGTON-U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), along with U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) and Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.), announced that an estimated 1,793 New Mexico health care providers will receive more than $169,486,132 to aid in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The New Mexico funding is part of a first wave of funding from the $150 billion grant program included in the bipartisan CARES Act for direct aid to … Continue Reading
April 10, 2020
N.M. Delegation Seeks Immediate Accountability Of ICE Facilities After COVID-19 Cases Confirmed At Otero
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luján, Deb Haaland, and Xochitl Torres Small are raising concerns with Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Matthew T. Albence over reports that ICE detention facilities in New Mexico are not fully prepared to manage the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The letter comes after reports that both an employee and migrant have confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the … Continue Reading
April 10, 2020
NM Delegation Announces Over $15 Million in Funding to 16 Community Health Centers on the Front Lines of COVID-19 Pandemic Response in New Mexico
WASHINGTON-Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), along with U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) and Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released over $15 million in emergency grants to 16 community health centers, Pueblo health centers and Urban Indian Organizations on the front lines of New Mexico's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The $15,473,075 in funding, … Continue Reading
April 08, 2020
Luján Acts to Protect Americans from Price Gouging During COVID-19 Pandemic
Nambé, N.M. - Today, U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined colleagues on the House Energy and Commerce and Judiciary Committees to introduce legislation to protect families from price gouging during the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Price Gouging Prevention Act would prohibit the sale of consumer goods and services at unconscionably excessive rates during the COVID-19 public health emergency. "It's reprehensible that companies would look to profit off … Continue Reading
April 07, 2020
Luján Pushes for $250 Billion in Aid for Local Governments Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
Nambé, N.M. - Today, U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), along with Congressmembers Joe Neguse (D-CO), Andy Levin (D-MI), and Tom Malinowski (D-NJ), introduced the Coronavirus Community Relief Act - legislation to provide $250 billion in stabilization funds for local communities, towns, and cities across the United States that need relief amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, signed into law on March 27th, provided … Continue Reading
April 02, 2020
Luján Statement on Reports that Direct Payments May Take Months to Reach Americans
Nambé, N.M. - U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on reports from the IRS that some Americans may not receive their relief payments for up to five months: "New Mexicans need immediate economic relief - and cannot afford to wait five months for the Trump administration to provide the critical direct relief payments championed and passed into law by House Democrats. "Working individuals and families are most vulnerable to the … Continue Reading
April 02, 2020
Luján, Levin Lead Letter Calling for Future COVID-19 Relief Packages to Include Direct Funding for Small Localities
Nambé, N.M. - Today, Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, and Congressmembers Andy Levin (D-MI), Tom Malinowski (D-NJ) and Joe Neguse (D-CO) led a bipartisan letter signed by 128 House Members requesting that future COVID-19 response packages include stabilization funding specifically for localities with populations under 500,000. While the CARES Act that was signed by the president included a $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund, the legislation … Continue Reading
April 02, 2020
Luján Statement on House Democrats' Plan to Bolster Infrastructure Investments in Fourth Coronavirus Response Package
Nambé, N.M. - Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, issued the following statement on House Democrats' plan to bolster infrastructure investments and create new, good-paying jobs in a fourth legislative package to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The infrastructure plan is modeled on House Democrats' previously announced infrastructure priorities for the country. That package was estimated to create 10 million jobs by investing $760 billion over … Continue Reading