Born and raised in New Mexico, Yvette Herrell represents the state’s largest congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. She is a member of Committee on Natural Resources and Committee on Oversight and Reform. On Natural Resources, Herrell serves on the National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Subcommittee and as Vice Ranking Member of the Energy and Minerals Development Subcommittee. On Oversight, she serves on both the Environment and Government Operations Subcommittees. Herrell is a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus and Republican Study Committee.
Agriculture is one of New Mexico’s oldest and most important industries. Farmers and ranchers across the state are vital to our economy and provide food for our country and the world. We must support the agriculture industry by reducing the burdensome rules and regulations that make it more difficult for farmers and ranchers to do their jobs. Further, we should make commonsense changes to our tax code so family farms and ranches can be passed on to future generations.
Rural communities are the heart of our nation and have too often been overlooked by Washington elites. New Mexicans deserve the same access to federal resources as any other state, which is why I will continue fighting to ensure commonsense investments are made in our communities.
The United States military is the most elite and powerful fighting force on the land, and in the sea, air, and space. To equip, train, and maintain our military, we must invest in it. Former President Donald Trump made historic investments in our Armed Forces and established the United States Space Force, the first-ever independent space force.
In a dangerous world, the military must be able to protect our country, our people, and our interests. It is also imperative our servicemembers have the best technology, training, and protection we can give them if we want to maintain a strong national defense and put America first. Unfortunately, President Biden has already put forward proposals that would weaken the military. Rest assured, I will continue to oppose reckless proposals that would put our military and national defense at risk.
Letters related the Armed Services and Foreign Affairs
January 24, 2022 - Letter to Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield Regarding the Investigation of Israel's conduct leading to the War of Palestinian Terrorist Aggression
October 15, 2021 - Letter to Secretary of Department of Defense Regarding Vaccine Screening for Military and Civilian Contractors
June 7, 2021 - Letter to President Biden Regarding Sanctions on Nord Stream 2 Pipeline
May 28, 2021 - Letter to Speaker Pelosi Regarding Origins of the COVID-19 Virus
May 4, 2021 - Letter to White House Regarding John Kerry Security Clearance
April 27, 2021 - Letter to President Biden Regarding Climate Envoy John Kerry
March 17, 2021 - Letter to Department of Justice Regarding FARA Violations by Iranian Nationals
March 4, 2021 - Letter to Secretary of the Army Regarding National Guard Per Diems
March 3, 2021 - Letter to Speaker Pelosi Opposing Appointment of Lt General Honore to the January 6 Commission
March 1, 2021 - Letter to Chancellor Merkel Regarding Energy Cooperation with the United States
February 5, 2021 - Letter to President Biden Regarding the United Nations Human Rights Council
February 4, 2021 - Letter to Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Regarding Chinese Government Population Control and Human Rights Abuses in Xinjiang
February 3, 2021 - Letter to State Department Supporting Jerusalem Embassy
February 2, 2021 - Letter to President Biden Regarding the Location of the U.S. Space Command Headquarters
For far too long Washington has borrowed against our children and grandchildren’s futures instead of showing the leadership needed to get federal spending under control. With more than $20 trillion in debt, we cannot afford to ignore the serious threat posed by the Washington establishment’s inability to curb their spending addiction. We must implement fiscally responsible policies, reduce wasteful government spending programs, eliminate earmarks, and balance the budget – and we must do these things now.
Under former President Donald Trump’s leadership, Congress acted to lower taxes for hardworking middle-class families. Instead of acting to make this tax relief permanent so Americans can keep more of what they earn, President Biden would rather raise taxes to help pay for his radical Leftist agenda. The last thing we need as we work to rebuild the prosperous economy built by the Trump administration is higher taxes and more reckless government spending. New Mexicans deserve better, which is why I will fight to lower taxes, cut spending, and get our country’s fiscal house back in order.
Sponsored Legislation
H.R.6711 - Stop Funding Our Adversaries Act of 2022- This legislation would bar any federal spending from funding research by or connected to the People's Republic of China (PRC) or the Chinese Communist America's position in the world, legitimize the CCP, and fails to hold the CCP accountable for imposing health and economic harms to the United States and other countries around the world.
Co-Sponsored Legislation
H.R.5586 - Prohibiting IRS Financial Surveillance Act
H.R.5451 - Protecting Financial Privacy Act of 2021
Letters related Budget, Taxes, and Spending
October 21, 2021 - Letter to Secretary Yellen Regarding Our Financial System
September 13, 2021 - Letter to Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Neal, Secretary Yellen and Commissioner Retting on Unnecessary IRS Data Collection for Closing the "Tax Gap"
August 30, 2021 - Letter to Advocate to Not Let The Debt Ceiling Raise
June 25, 2021 - Letter to IRS Commissioner Regarding Targeting of Christian Businesses
June 16, 2021 - Letter to Chair Maloney Regarding IRS Leaks
June 2, 2021 - Letter to NEC Regarding Inflation
May 13, 2021 - Letter to Speaker Pelosi Regarding Oil and Gas Tax
March 18, 2021 - Letter to Speaker Pelosi Regarding Earmarks
March 17, 2021 - Letter to Treasury Secretary Yellen Regarding the American Rescue Plan
March 10, 2021 - Letter to House and Senate Appropriators Regarding Earmarks
February 4, 2021 - Letter to President Biden Regarding Fiscally Responsible COVID Relief
The skyrocketing cost of health care has hurt New Mexican families. Obamacare only increased costs for Americans who were told if we liked our health coverage, we could keep it. We know now that was a lie. Congress can and should work to bring transparency to the health care system. Doing so will result in lower costs for patients – from what they pay for health insurance to what they pay at the pharmacy counter. We must also ensure that where you live does not automatically put you at a disadvantage when seeking care by bringing quality health care services to rural areas across our state.
New Mexico currently ranks last in public education. Instead of working with state leaders and the Congressional delegation to improve education in our state, President Joe Biden is pushing proposals that would gut New Mexico’s education system. In addition to ensuring every student has access to a quality education, we must also look at workforce training programs so students can also have the opportunity to learn trades and skills that will allow them to enter the workforce directly upon graduation. Additionally, for those who choose to attend college or university, colleges and universities should be providing degrees that are marketable to employers without charging exorbitant tuition and fees so that graduates are not beginning their careers saddled with debt.
Sponsored Legislation
The CRT Transparency Act - This legislation would solve this problem by requiring school districts to post their school’s curriculum online so parents can see what their children are being taught.
The PAL Act - This legislation requires the Food and Drug Administration to produce a report and recommendations on regulatory barriers to domestic manufacturing of medical products, including the active pharmaceutical ingredient of finished drug products, that are critical to public health during a public health emergency.
Co-Sponsored Legislation
H.Con.Res.57 - Celebrating the first anniversary of the coalition of signatory countries to the Geneva Consensus Declaration on Promoting Women's Health and Strengthening the Family.
H.R.5450 - Blocking Joseph Robinette Biden’s Overreaching Vaccine Mandates Act
Letters related Health and Education
July 18, 2022 - Letter to Under Secretary Cisneros on establishing the (DoD) STARBASE Education program at Holloman Air Force Base
July 15, 2022 - Letter to NIH about Research in Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
May 11, 2022 - Letter to President Biden on the Nationwide Shortage of Baby Formula
March 2, 2022 - Letter to Speaker Pelosi and Minority Leader McCarthy on Extending RECA
October 15, 2021 - Letter to Secretary of Department of Defense Regarding Vaccine Screening for Military and Civilian Contractors
October 7, 2021 - Letter to Attorney General Garland in Regards to CRT Theory-Based Indoctrination and Specious Mask Mandates for Students
July 19, 2021 - Letter to Governor Grisham on State Fair Vaccine Mandate
July 14, 2021 - Letter to Secretary Becerra on the Shortages of PPE
July 13, 2021 - Letter to HHS Opposing Title X Funding for Abortion Providers
July 9, 2021 - Letter to President Biden Regarding Vaccine Coercion
July 1, 2021 - Letter to HHS Regarding Abortion
June 15, 2021 - Letter to VA Secretary Regarding Abortion
May 28, 2021 - Letter to Speaker Pelosi Regarding Origins of the COVID-19 Virus
May 19, 2021 - Letter to Department of Education Regarding Critical Race Theory
May 11, 2021 - Letter to CDC Regarding Political Influence in Reopening Schools
March 8, 2021 - Letter to DHS Regarding Title 42
February 26, 2021 - Letter to HHS Regarding the 340B Drug Discount Program
February 25, 2021 - Letter to Chair Maloney Regarding School Reopening
February 24, 2021 - Letter to Congressional Leaders Regarding the Hyde Amendment
February 23, 2021 - Letter to President Biden Regarding the Nation's Schools
February 22, 2021 - Letter to President Biden Regarding Pandemic-Related Health Crisis at the Border
February 22, 2021 - Letter to President Biden Regarding the Nomination of Xavier Becerra for HHS
February 19, 2021 - Letter to DHS Regarding Border Health Crisis
February 10, 2021 - Letter to President Biden Urging Science-based Reopening of the Nation's Schools
January 28, 2021 - Letter to President Biden Regarding Mexico City Policy
January 26, 2021 - Letter to Congressional Leaders Regarding the Hyde Amendment
Legal immigration has played an important part in our nation’s history. We have welcomed those who seek to be a part of this great American experiment as long as they respect our culture and laws. Ultimately, however, the purpose of our nation’s immigration system is to benefit the citizens of our country and I will only support immigration policies that benefit Americans as a whole.
However, a nation of law and order cannot allow individuals to bypass its borders or abuse the system to remain in the country. We need to secure our southern border, stand with Border Patrol, and protect the families and communities who call the border region home. President Biden’s executive orders will weaken protections at our southern border, inviting more illegal immigration and empowering the cartels by allowing the free flow of drugs across our border.
In addition to a physical border wall, we should utilize the most advanced technology to assist Border Patrol agents in their effort to keep our nation secure. We also need to invest in expanding the immigration judicial system to allow for more judges to handle the increased cases at the border. Congress must take action to fix our worker visa programs, so they put the interests of Americans first.
Sponsored Legislation
Protecting Americans from Unnecessary Spread Upon Entry (PAUSE) Act – The PAUSE Act would keep Title 42 border health protections in place until all COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
Protecting Americans from Foreign Criminals Act – This legislation would require comprehensive background checks for all illegal aliens who are detained in the U.S., and would prevent the release of any alien prior to the completion of their immigration case if they have any criminal convictions, terrorism, cartel or gang ties, or cannot be properly vetted.
Repaying the Rural Borderlands Act – This legislation would reimburse ranchers, farmers, homeowners, small businesses, and other property owners for the cost of damage or personal harm caused by illegal immigrants on or to their property. The bill would also compensate state and local governments for the cost of feeding, housing, and transporting aliens upon release from federal custody.
Defending Our Defenders Act – This legislation would make the murder of a state or local law enforcement officer a federal crime punishable by life in prison or the death penalty.
Securing the Homeland from International Entrants with Life-threatening Diseases (SHIELD) Act – This legislation would preserve America's ability to enforce health protections and prevent a surge of COVID-19 from illegal crossings at our southern border.
Co-Sponsored Legislation
H.R.5759 - To include sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence in the definition of aggravated felonies under the Immigration and Nationality Act in order to expedite the removal of aliens convicted of such crimes.
Letters related Immigration and Homeland Security
May 3, 2022 - Letter to Secretary Mayorkas on the Ongoing Synthetic Opioid Epidemic
October 8, 2021 - Letter to President Biden on the Recent Surge of Illegal Aliens entering the United States
September 8, 2021 - Letter to President Biden on Vetting the Afghan Refugees
September 2, 2021 - Letter to Secretary Mayorkas on the Afghan Nationals Hurried Evacuation
August 3, 2021 - Letter to Governor Grisham in Deploying the National Guard
July 30, 2021 - Letter to Secretary Mayorkas Handling COVID-19 on the Border
July 28, 2021 - Letter to President Biden on the Southern Border Wall
July 28, 2021 - Letter to Acting Commissioner Miller to Prioritize Santa Teresa POE
July 26, 2021 - Letter to Secretary Mayorkas Regarding Fake Information on SEVIS
June 24, 2021 - Letter to CDC and DHS Regarding Title 42
June 22, 2021 - Letter to Vice President Harris
June 16, 2021 - Letter to HHS Regarding Border Crisis
June 3, 2021 - Letter to Senate Opposing President Biden's Nominees
June 2, 2021 - Letter to Chair Maloney Regarding Border Crisis
May 24, 2021 - Letter to VP Harris Regarding Border Security
May 13, 2021 - Letter to DHS Regarding Foreign Student and Exchange Visitor Program
May 4, 2021 - Letter to White House Regarding John Kerry Security Clearance
April 19, 2021 - Letter to DHS Regarding Border Crisis
April 15, 2021 - Letter to Secretaries Mayorkas and Becerra regarding the destinations of illegal aliens taken into custody
April 9, 2021 - Letter to Governor Lujan Grisham Requesting National Guard Troops for Border Security
March 25, 2021 - Letter to Chair Maloney Regarding Escalating Border Crisis
March 10, 2021 - Follow-Up Letter to DHS Regarding Border Crisis
March 8, 2021 - Letter to Department of Homeland Security Regarding Title 42
March 4, 2021 - Letter to Chairwoman Maloney Requesting Oversight Hearing on UACs and the Border Crisis
March 2, 2021 - Letter to Secretary Mayorkas Regarding Comprehensive Background Checks and COVID Testing
February 24, 2021 - Letter to President Biden Regarding Title 42 Border Health Protections
February 22, 2021 - Letter to President Biden Regarding Pandemic-Related Health Crisis at the Border
February 19, 2021 - Letter to DHS Regarding Border Health Crisis
February 19, 2021 - Letter to Department of Homeland Security Regarding UACs at the Border
February 4, 2021 - Letter to Department of Homeland Security Regarding Border Wall Construction
Congress must support those who uphold the rule of law in our society day in and day out. America’s law enforcement officers at the federal, state, and local level serve and protect us, and we must continue to support them.
We also must protect every-law abiding American’s right to self-protection and self-preservation. “Shall not be infringed,’ as written in the Second Amendment is not a suggestion but the guarantee of a God-given right. Additionally, hunting and shooting sports are New Mexico traditions that should be protected and passed along to the next generation. We must teach our children about the importance of the Second Amendment.
Sponsored Legislation
They Had Our Back We Have Theirs Act of 2022 - To amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide for certain minimal levels of educational assistance to the dependents of public safety officers, and for other purposes.
Defending Our Defenders Act – This legislation would make the murder of a state or local law enforcement officer a federal crime punishable by life in prison or the death penalty.
Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act - The bipartisan bill would extend the ability of qualified law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms in the interest of public safety.
Empowering Law Enforcement Act of 2021 - This legislation will provide for enhanced Federal enforcement of, and State and local assistance in the enforcement of, the immigration laws of the United States, and for other purposes.
Law Enforcement Officer Recreation Pass Act - This bill directs the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior to make the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass available, without charge and for the lifetime of the passholder, to law enforcement officers.
LEOSA Reform Act - This bill broadens the authority for certain law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms across state lines. Specifically, the bill allows qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms and ammunition (including magazines) in school zones; in national parks; on state, local, or private property that is open to the public; and in certain federal facilities that are open to the public. Further, the bill permits states to reduce the frequency with which retired law enforcement officers must meet certain qualification standards.
H.R.7100 - To amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide for certain minimal levels of educational assistance to the dependents of public safety officers, and for other purposes.
I have always been, and always will be, a strong defender of the right to life from conception to natural death. Additionally, I am a firm believer that federal taxpayer money should not be allocated to organizations like Planned Parenthood and I am a supporter of the Mexico City policy, which prohibits federal funding for non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) that provide abortions or advocate for abortions domestically or internationally.
Letters related to the Right to Life and the Constitution
Co-Sponsored Legislation
H.Res.738 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the First Amendment rights of parents at school board meetings shall not be infringed.
H.R. 619 - This bill establishes requirements for the degree of care a health care practitioner must provide in the case of a child born alive following an abortion or attempted abortion.
H.R. 1011 - This bill declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being at all stages of life, including the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual comes into being.
H.R. 606 - This bill denies a tax exclusion for the interest paid on state and local bonds that are used to provide a facility owned or used (for any purpose) by an abortion provider for more than 30 days during a year in which interest is paid on the bonds.
Letters related Life and the Constitution
March 18, 2022 - Letter to Acting Director Richardson demanding to stop the effort to curtail fundamental Second Amendment rights
November 1, 2021 - Letter to President Biden Opposing reopen the U.S. Consulate General in Israel's Eternal Capital
September 22, 2021 - Letter to Google Regarding Pro-Life Ads
Congress serves an essential oversight role in our system of government. As a member of the Oversight and Reform Committee, the responsibility of holding officials accountable, rooting out corruption, and reducing waste is among my top priorities.
Letters related Oversight and Congress
April 1, 2022 - Letter to House Sergeant at Arms on CVC and Capitol Tours
February 23, 2022 - Letter to Administrator Dickson and Manager Bond regarding the Balloon Fiesta
February 9, 2022 - Letter to President Biden regarding his nomination of Sarah Bloom Raskin to serve as Vice Chair for Supervision at the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
December 16, 2021 - Letter to Acting Assistant Secretary Remaley on NTIA
December 16, 2021 - Letter to Secretary McDonough on granting access to Arlington National Cemetery to lay wreaths at gravesites in honor of our nation's fallen heroes.
October 20, 2021 - Letter to President Biden Regarding Supply Chain Crisis
October 15, 2021 - Letter to Secretary of Department of Defense Regarding Vaccine Screening for Military and Civilian Contractors
October 15, 2021 - Letter to Attorney General Garland Concerning the DOJ Trial of Kaveh Afrasiabi
October 7, 2021 - Letter to Administrator Brooks-LaSure Regarding More Than $144.26 Billion in Improper Payments by Medicaid
October 1, 2021 - Letter to General Berger on the Release of Colonel Stuart Scheller Jr.
August 30, 2021 - Letter to Nancy Pelosi on Impeachment of President Biden
August 24, 2021 - Letter to Dr. Fauci on Taxpayer-funded Experiments on Dogs Commissioned by NIAID
August 10, 2021 - Letter to Chairwoman Maloney Regarding Title 42
July 13, 2021 - Letter to DOE Regarding Kelly Speakes-Backman's Potential Conflicts of Interest
June 23, 2021 - Letter to Chair Maloney Regarding Resumption of In-Person Hearings
June 16, 2021 - Letter to Chair Maloney Regarding IRS Leaks
June 11, 2021 - Letter to Speaker Pelosi Regarding Congresswoman Omar
June 2, 2021 - Letter to Chair Maloney Regarding Border Crisis
June 2, 2021 - Letter to NEC Regarding Inflation
May 11, 2021 - Letter to CDC Regarding Political Influence in Reopening Schools
May 6, 2021 - Letter to National Archivist Regarding NPRC Backlog
May 4, 2021 - Letter to White House Regarding John Kerry Security Clearance
April 30, 2021 - Letter to Secretary Raimondo Regarding Census Accuracy
April 22, 2021- Letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee referring David Chipman
April 22, 2021 - Letter to Postmaster General Regarding Spying on Online Activity
April 21, 2021 - Letter to Secretary Becerra Regarding Family Endeavors Inc
April 19, 2021 - Letter to DHS Regarding Border Crisis
March 25, 2021 - Letter to Chair Maloney Regarding Escalating Border Crisis
March 23, 2021- Letter to Speaker Pelosi Regarding Iowa's Second Congressional District
March 19, 2021 - Letter to Postmaster General DeJoy Regarding USPS Business Plan
March 17, 2021 - Letter to Treasury Regarding Restrictions on State Tax Cuts
March 10, 2021 - Follow-Up Letter to DHS Regarding Border Crisis
March 4, 2021 - Letter to Acting Secretary of the Army and National Guard Chief Regarding Per Diems for Troops in DC
March 4, 2021 - Letter to Chair Maloney Regarding UAC's
March 3, 2021 - Letter to Speaker Pelosi Regarding Lt. General Honore
February 25, 2021 - Letter to Speaker Pelosi Regarding Capitol Security Fencing and National Guard
February 25, 2021 - Letter to Chair Maloney Requesting Oversight Hearing on School Reopening Policies
February 24, 2021 - Letter to Chair Maloney Requesting she Subpoena New York Governor Cuomo
February 19, 2021 - Letter to DHS Regarding Border Health Crisis
February 4, 2021 - Letter to Speaker Pelosi Regarding Capitol Security Fencing
February 4, 2021 - Letter to Speaker Pelosi Regarding Big Tech Censorship
February 4, 2021 - Letter to DHS Regarding Border Wall
A lifelong New Mexican, I know the importance of protecting the dozens of gorgeous National and State Parks across our state. These parks are not only treasured lands; they contribute to our local economies, and we should preserve them for future generations. However, we must ensure efforts to conserve and preserve these natural lands do not unfairly punish law abiding citizens or restrict access for hikers, hunters, fishermen or other recreationalists.
I also believe we can safely extract natural resources from public lands, especially in New Mexico. In our state over 100,000 people are employed by the oil and gas industry and nearly 40% of our state budget comes from oil and gas royalty payments. In addition, New Mexico is the third largest oil-producing state and one of the top 10 natural gas producing states, its vital that we protect these industries.
Unfortunately, President Joe Biden, caving to pressure from radical Left, has acted to effectively end the leases that pave the way for extraction on public lands, a decision that would devastate New Mexico’s economy. As a member of the Natural Resources Committee, I will continue to fight to protect the New Mexicans whose jobs and livelihoods rely on these leases.
Sponsored Legislation
Protecting Our Wealth of Energy Resources (POWER) Act – The POWER Act would block President Biden's ability to ban new energy leases on federal lands without the approval of Congress.
Protecting New Mexico's Jobs and Public Education System Act – This legislation would exempt oil and gas development on federal lands in the State of New Mexico from President Joe Biden's moratorium.
Biochar Innovations and Opportunities for Conservation, Health, and Advancements in Research (BIOCHAR) Act – This legislation would lay the groundwork for biochar to reach its full environmental and agricultural potential by setting up research projects and providing valuable funding.
Co-Sponsored Legislation
H.Res.754 - Expressing that the House of Representatives opposes punitive natural gas taxes on United States businesses, families, and workers.
Letters related Resources, Energy, and Environment
August 23, 2022 -RESPONSE to Letter to Administrator Regan on the EPA recent announcement on worsening inflationary pressures and high energy prices for consumers.
July 14, 2022 - Letter to Administrator Regan on the EPA recent announcement on worsening inflationary pressures and high energy prices for consumers.
May 4, 2022 - Letter to President Biden on the Major Disaster Declaration for NM Wildfires
March 17 2022 - Letter to President Biden Encouraging him to carry out a interagency review to boost LNG Exports to Europe.
March 3 2022 - Letter to President Biden Urging him to End his Anti-American Energy Agenda
November 19, 2021 - Letter to President Biden and Secretary Granholm on considering tapping into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR)
November 1, 2021 - Letter to Supervisor of Lincoln National Forest Concerning the Draft Forest Plan
October 20, 2021 - Letter to President Biden Regarding Supply Chain Crisis
July 12, 2021 - Letter to EPA Regarding Navigable Waters Protection Rule
June 28, 2021 - Letter to Senate Natural Resources Committee Opposing Tracy Stone-Manning
June 24, 2021 - Letter to DOI Regarding Leasing Ban Injunction
June 16, 2021 - Letter to DOI Regarding the Lesser Prairie Chicken
June 10, 2021 - Letter to Bureau of Reclamation Regarding Elephant Butte
May 13, 2021 - Letter to Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer Regarding Oil and Gas Tax
March 30, 2021 - Letter to Commissioner Richard regarding Federal Actions Taken by Biden Administration
January 26, 2021 - Letter to President Biden Regarding Oil and Gas Policies
January 25, 2021 - Letter to Governor Lujan Grisham Regarding Federal Oil and Gas Leasing
Internet access is an important part of life in the 21st century. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only highlighted the necessity of broadband access but also the need to improve our infrastructure to reach underserved and unserved areas. While the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) most recent broadband deployment report shows that rural Americans are more connected than ever, there is more work to be done. We need to continue to incentivize private sector innovation and progress in building out infrastructure into New Mexico’s rural areas, and support programs such as the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund which recently awarded $9.2 billion to broadband companies to bring service to millions of Americans in rural areas over the next 10 years.
Freedom of speech is a fundamental right guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. I am troubled by big tech companies such as Facebook and Twitter that have been engaging in unfair and arbitrary censorship of conservative voices. We live in an age where information is accessed easily at our fingertips through the internet, and it is imperative these companies facilitate and foster civil discourse and the free transmission of thoughts on digital platforms. I have cosponsored House Resolution 142, which condemns big tech’s actions on this matter. They must be held accountable for their policies.
Additionally, there have been increasing calls for the reform or repeal of Section 230, a provision of law passed as part of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, that gives companies certain liability protections. It is clear these protections should be reviewed and revised to ensure that companies are not abusing their protections and acting as an editorial entity by arbitrarily censoring or moderating speech.
Letters related the Telecommunications and Consumer Protection
October 21, 2021 - Letter to Chairwoman Rosenworcel on Requesting Information on the Status of Rural Internet Service.
April 22, 2021 - Letter to Postmaster General Regarding Spying on Online Activity
February 4, 2021 - Letter to Speaker Pelosi Regarding Big Tech Censorship
Transportation and infrastructure are critical components of our economy and we must ensure they are maintained adequately. In New Mexico, we need to collaborate with state leaders to invest heavily into expanding the Permian Basin’s road network. While it is important that we invest in maintaining our existing infrastructure and make smart investments to expand it, I will always reject massive spending proposals disguised as infrastructure bills that will only result in more government overreach and frivolous regulations.
Sponsored Legislation
Pausing Unrelenting Markups on Petroleum (PUMP) Act – The PUMP Act would temporarily suspend collection of the 18.4 cent federal gas tax.
Letters Related to Transportation and Infrastructure
October 20, 2021 - Letter to President Biden Regarding Supply Chain Crisis
June 7, 2021 - Letter to President Biden Regarding Sanctions on Nord Stream 2 Pipeline
Our nation owes a great debt of gratitude to the men and women who served our nation. Those who put their lives on the line for our country deserve the best support and care. I am troubled to see reports again and again that veterans are not receiving the care and benefits they have earned from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This is unacceptable. Our nation needs to live up to the promise we have made to our servicemembers and their families, and I will fight to make sure the reforms signed into law by former President Donald Trump – VA accountability, the MISSION Act and the Forever GI Bill – are fully and properly implemented.
Sponsored Legislation
H.R.8705 - To strengthen United States leadership through the recruitment and hiring of veterans of the United States Armed Forces to civil service positions, and for other purposes.
H.R.5929 - Las Cruces Bataan Memorial Clinic Act - To name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Las Cruces, New Mexico, as the “Las Cruces Bataan Memorial Clinic”.
H.R.5928 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit report annually to Congress on the average time to provide a veteran to a service dog or a guide dog, and for other purposes.
H.Res.783 - Recognizing military spouses of the United States of America.
Letters related Veterans
June 8, 2022 - Letter to Chairwoman DeLauro on Supporting Healing Americas Heroes
June 1, 2022 - Letter to VA on Mortgage Loans
April 11, 2022 - Letter to Secretary Haaland reqesting that DOI Provide the Honor Flight Network to Veterans
January 24, 2022 - Letter to David Ferriero on Opening NRPC
December 16, 2021 - Letter to Secretary McDonough on granting access to Arlington National Cemetery to lay wreaths at gravesites in honor of our nation's fallen heroes
June 15, 2021 - Letter to VA Secretary Regarding Abortion
June 14, 2021 - Letter to AG Garland Regarding ATF
June 14, 2021 - Letter to AG Garland Regarding Stabilizing Braces
May 6, 2021 - Letter to National Archivist Regarding NPRC Backlog
May 4, 2021 - Bill - Affordable Housing for Homeless Veterans Act of 2021
May 4, 2021 - Bill - Veterans Health Care Freedom Act
April 22, 2021 - Bill - WINGMAN Act
March 1, 2021 - Bill - Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers for Veterans Therapy Act
Legal immigration has played an important part in our nation’s history. We have welcomed those who seek to be a part of this great American experiment as long as they respect our culture and laws. Ultimately, however, the purpose of our nation’s immigration system is to benefit the citizens of our country and I will only support immigration policies that benefit Americans as a whole.
However, a nation of law and order cannot allow individuals to bypass its borders or abuse the system to remain in the country. We need to secure our southern border, stand with Border Patrol, and protect the families and communities who call the border region home. President Biden’s executive orders will weaken protections at our southern border, inviting more illegal immigration and empowering the cartels by allowing the free flow of drugs across our border.
In addition to a physical border wall, we should utilize the most advanced technology to assist Border Patrol agents in their effort to keep our nation secure. We also need to invest in expanding the immigration judicial system to allow for more judges to handle the increased cases at the border. Congress must take action to fix our worker visa programs, so they put the interests of Americans first.