I joined the Senate Appropriations Committee because it put me in position to fight for many of New Mexico's priorities. From funding for the national labs, energy initiatives, and water resources to our Air Force bases, White Sands Missile Range, and health care for our veterans, I am proud to fight for our state. And I was proud to defend critical New Mexico programs last year when our national labs and other critical areas were slated for budget cuts.
This year, we're beginning the process of planning funding for 2015 by holding Congressional hearings, and I wanted to give you an update on my work so far on several issues that have a direct impact on New Mexico communities.
On the Interior and Environment Subcommittee , I'm working to:
- Secure full funding for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT), a key program that helps New Mexico counties provide services like schools, roads and emergency response.
- Approve funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which helps conserve our public lands, provides critical recreational access, and connects youth to the outdoors.
- Expand two successful BLM offices in Carlsbad and Farmington to support New Mexico's energy industry through oil and gas permitting and environmental oversight.
On the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee , I got an update from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs about the VA's plans to improve care for New Mexico veterans, including:
- Plans to continue reducing the claims backlog, cut down on wait times and improve staff retention at VA health clinics.
- Expanding access to mental heath treatment, as I have called for in my Rural Veterans Improvement Act .
- Improving efforts to incentivize and train doctors to serve in rural VA clinics.
- Promoting telehealth services so veterans can get care in their communities.
On the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee , I'm working on an issue critical to many New Mexicans - affordable housing. I'm pushing the subcommittee and HUD officials to:
- Increase funding for the Community Development Block Grant program and expand the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, two key tools that make homes more affordable.
- Expand the VA Supportive Housing Program to help New Mexican veterans who experience homelessness get back on their feet.
- Coordinate resources with HUD, USDA and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to improve housing conditions in Indian Country.
I'm proud to stand up for New Mexico priorities in Washington, and I'll continue fighting for the investments our state needs to help strengthen our communities.
