Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández represents New Mexico’s 3rd Congressional District. In Washington, she holds a leadership role with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus as Freshman Representative. Congresswoman Leger Fernández serves as chair of the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States for the 117th Congress. She has also been appointed to the House Committee on Education and Labor, the House Committee on Natural Resources, and the Committee on House Administration and Subcommittee & Elections.
It’s not enough to thank veterans for their service. We need to provide veterans with the services they have earned. During my time in Congress I have worked to expand access to health care, including mental health and suicide prevention resources.
I have cosponsored legislation like the Honoring our PACT Act to compensate veterans suffering from exposure to toxic burn pits. I also cosponsored the Alexander Lofgren Veterans in Parks (VIP) Act to provide free lifetime passes to enter national parks for veterans and Gold Star Families.
I’ve had the privilege of delivering for veterans in my district. Immediately after the Veterans Affairs Administration announced its recommendation to close veterans health clinics in Espanola, Gallup, Las Vegas, and Raton, I pushed back and fought for veterans in Nuevo Mexico. I visited all the clinics to meet with veterans and listen to their stories. I brought those stories with me to Congress and was able to keep veterans’ clinics open.
The fight is not over. That is why I voted for the American Rescue Plan to increase resources for veterans housing and job training. I am committed to increasing care at the facilities, including by expanding the numbers of doctors and nurses.