Luján Statement on DHS Funding “NO” Vote, Announces Over $50 Million for New Mexico Projects

Washington, D.C.– U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after voting against a funding package that did not include needed reforms to rein in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE):
“Under the Trump administration, our nation has witnessed federal immigration agents kill two American citizens in Minneapolis, while the administration has responded with outright lies and escalation. With ICE operating out of control under Secretary Noem and Stephen Miller, I cannot support a funding package that does not include accountability and meaningful reforms to end this violence.
“Although ongoing bipartisan negotiations to reform ICE and protect our communities are a step in the right direction, these critical reforms must be enshrined in the law to earn my support. I’m hopeful that we will reach that point in the coming weeks when the Senate takes another vote. New Mexicans are demanding action and accountability, and that is what I am focused on getting done.”
Following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis, Senator Lujánannouncedthat he would oppose the Homeland Security funding bill without real accountability and demanded the resignation or firing of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Stephen Miller.
While opposing the funding package on the Senate floor that did not include reforms to DHS and ICE, Senator Luján worked through the appropriations process to deliver key wins for New Mexico:
“I’m proud to deliver over $50 million in federal funding to support critical projects that expand housing, strengthen health services, and boost infrastructure across our state,”said Senator Luján. “These investments will support projects that improve the lives of New Mexicans in every corner of our state. Throughout the appropriations process, I’ve fought to bring federal dollars back home.”
In the Senate-passed appropriations bills, Senator Luján secured $50,040,000 for local projects.
Additionally, in the Senate-passed appropriations bills, Senator Luján secured key health care provisions. Senator Luján’sHonor Our Living Donors Act, legislation to increase organ donations and save lives, was adopted as part of the passage of the appropriations bills. Further, Senator Luján secured key provisions advancing Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) reform that provides transparency and helps lower costs for patients.
In the Transportation, Housing and Urban Developmentappropriations bill, Senator Luján secured:
Programmatic Highlights:
In the Labor, Health and Human Services appropriations bill, Senator Luján secured:
Programmatic Highlights:
In the Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill, Senator Luján secured:
Senator Luján secured programmatic funding and language for New Mexico-based universities and companies in the Defense appropriations bill:
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