Ben Ray Luján
DICE is terrorizing our communities, making people afraid to go to work or even step outside. This is just the latest example. This isn’t making our communities safer. Republicans wrote ICE a blank check, enabling reckless thugs to terrorize our neighbors. They own the chaos and fear they’ve unleashed across America. https://t.co/swamtiVLTj
20 days left until Election Day, and early voting is already underway! You can vote early in person at your County Clerk’s office right now. Visit https://t.co/TyUU758KJH for all the info you need to cast your ballot. https://t.co/pMLf3Mn4YV
I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I’m ready to keep fighting to protect every New Mexican’s health care, keep our communities safe, and build a stronger, more affordable future for our state. https://t.co/JeSIpDSkOE
After decades of fighting for the victims of the Trinity Test and uranium workers, Congress passed my legislation to extend and expand RECA for thousands of New Mexicans. For too long, these communities were denied the recognition and compensation they deserved. It’s been incredible to see survivors and their families be able to finally submit applications for the justice they deserve. Apply here: https://t.co/hwtjKctX2m
Come work on my team! My office is now accepting internship applications for this spring. For more information about the internship program, please visit: https://t.co/Std3srYt6O https://t.co/aGgZMc1xCr
The Senators call for release of all documentation related to the decision to air the self-promoting, federally-funded ads, as well as reimbursement Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) led Senate Democrats in a letter to American broadcasters demanding the release of all documentation on the decision to air Donald Trump’s self-promoting, federally-funded campaign ads. The letter asserts, by allowing Trump’s publicly funded campaign ads to air, broadcasters failed to follow the law and have an obligation to reimburse taxpayers. Despite committing to pay for future campaign ads through his super PAC, Trump refused to reimburse the Treasury for the more than 10 million in taxpayer dollars already spent. The Senators wrote: “Under the law, President Trump’s ads might plausibly fall into two categories: the ads are either produced by a ‘legally qualified candidate’ and therefore broadcasters are limited in their ability to censor the ads’ content, or President Trump’s ads are ‘public service announcements’ (PSAs) which would require broadcasters generally to follow all associated rules around the publication of PSAs. In either scenario, broadcasters appear to have failed in their duty to adhere to the spirit and letter of the law.” In the letter, the Senators made the political nature of Trump’s ads clear, while pointing out the criminal consequences of using federal funds to air them: “These ads are instead a campaign ad designed to bolster the image of an unpopular president and to boost the electoral chances of the slate of Republican congressional candidates. But liability protection for broadcasters does not extend to non-candidates. Furthermore, broadcasters can still refuse to air campaign ads if they violate federal laws. In this case, there are several federal criminal provisions implicated by these ads. They include, but are not limited to, the Anti-Deficiency Act (ADA), the Hatch Act, and several appropriations provisions involving the use of taxpayer funds for propaganda and notably the purpose statute. Lastly, if they were campaign ads, the ads certainly could not be paid for with taxpayer funds, which should have been obvious to any first-year law student.” Dismissing Trump’s ludicrous claim that these ads were ‘public service announcements,’ the Senators continued: “To most reasonable people, an ad that solely features the President covering the President’s alleged successes, choreographed to a musical performance and aired immediately before an election is undoubtedly a campaign ad. It’s ridiculous to assert otherwise. Furthermore, if these ads are considered PSAs, as the President asserts, they raise several legal and liability questions for broadcasters. The Senators concluded: “We ask that you voluntarily release all communications with the President, any federal agency, or White House official about the ads to ensure transparency for the American public and clarify which funds you received, from which federal agency, and release the terms of the contract as soon as possible. Additionally, you should recognize these ads are not PSAs, and reimburse the Treasury.” In addition to Luján and Murphy, Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) also joined the letter. The full letter is available here and below: Broadcasters based in the United States: We write today about the unprecedented self-promoting, taxpayer-funded ads starring President Donald Trump that ran across broadcast networks and online earlier this month. These bizarre ads prominently featured President Trump in a cinematic style with a soundtrack that begged Americans to love him. On October 5, 2026, after facing intense public backlash, the President announced that going forward he would pay for the ad using his super PAC.1 Given the unusual nature of these ads, we write to ask that you ensure the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) rules are followed. Specifically, we request that you voluntarily make any records related to these ads publicly available for inspection and reimburse the Treasury for the ads funded with taxpayer dollars. Under the law, President Trump’s ads might plausibly fall into two categories: the ads are either produced by a ‘legally qualified candidate’ and therefore broadcasters are limited in their ability to censor the ads’ content, or President Trump’s ads are “public service announcements” (PSAs) which would require broadcasters generally to follow all associated rules around the publication of PSAs. In either scenario, broadcasters appear to have failed in their duty to adhere to the spirit and letter of the law. Regarding the first category, Trump is not a candidate. These ads are instead a campaign ad designed to bolster the image of an unpopular president and to boost the electoral chances of the slate of Republican congressional candidates. But liability protection for broadcasters does not extend to non-candidates. Furthermore, broadcasters can still refuse to air campaign ads if they violate federal laws. In this case, there are several federal criminal provisions implicated by these ads. They include, but are not limited to, the Anti-Deficiency Act (ADA), the Hatch Act, and several appropriations provisions involving the use of taxpayer funds for propaganda and notably the purpose statute. Lastly, if they were campaign ads, the ads certainly could not be paid for with taxpayer funds, which should have been obvious to any first-year law student. Regarding the second category, to most reasonable people, an ad that solely features the President covering the President’s alleged successes, choreographed to a musical performance and aired immediately before an election is undoubtedly a campaign ad. It’s ridiculous to assert otherwise. Furthermore, if these ads are considered PSAs, as the President asserts, they raise several legal and liability questions for broadcasters. A Public Service Announcement (PSA) has been defined by the FCC as “one for which no charge is made and which promotes programs, activities, or services of Federal, State or local governments (e.g., recruiting, sales of U.S. Savings Bonds, etc.) or the programs, activities or services of nonprofit organizations (e.g., UGF, Red Cross Blood Donations, etc.) or any other announcements regarded as serving community interests. PSAs are by definition, “announcements that are made for the good of the people.” In other words, PSAs are generally required to be ads that inform the public. The ‘love me’ ad does not promote a program or a service of the federal government; it promotes alleged successes of the President and public reporting suggests broadcasters might already have taken millions in federal funds. As such, broadcasters have a duty to ensure that PSAs comply with applicable rules and could have easily refused to air the ads as PSAs. In sum, we ask that you voluntarily release all communications with the President, any federal agency, or White House official about the ads to ensure transparency for the American public and clarify which funds you received, from which federal agency, and release the terms of the contract as soon as possible. Additionally, you should recognize these ads are not PSAs and reimburse the Treasury. ###
On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we recognize and honor the accomplishments, contributions, and strength of Tribal Nations across New Mexico and the country. This day is also an important reminder of the generations of injustice endured by Native communities and our responsibility to confront that history. Let us celebrate our Indigenous brothers and sisters and remind ourselves of the work ahead to fulfill the federal government’s responsibilities to Tribes and Pueblos across the United States.
Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day! New Mexico is home to 23 Tribes and Pueblos whose cultures and contributions have shaped our state. It is an honor to represent New Mexico, work alongside our Tribal communities, and ensure their voices are heard in Congress. https://t.co/CT3kY1LVpK
Santa Fe, N.M. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement in commemoration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day: “On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we recognize and honor the accomplishments, contributions, and strength of Tribal Nations across New Mexico and the country. This day is also an important reminder of the generations of injustice endured by Native communities and our responsibility to confront that history. “I’ve long fought for Indigenous Peoples’ Day to be recognized as a federal holiday and will continue pushing to honor the Native people who have played a vital role in our communities and in shaping our nation’s history. “Let this day serve as a celebration of Tribal Nations and a reminder of the work ahead to fulfill the federal government’s responsibilities to Tribes and Pueblos across the United States.” ###
All good things must come to an end! Thank you to the organizers, pilots, vendors, photographers, and visitors who made this year’s Balloon Fiesta so special. Until next year, Albuquerque! https://t.co/NrOmeE5X3V
Nothing like New Mexico in the fall 🍂 https://t.co/w1vn7CC6hM
Coffee prices have only gone up since President Trump started a reckless and unnecessary trade war. New Mexicans have been paying higher grocery bills and as much as a couple of dollars more on their daily coffees. It adds up! I was honored to be welcomed by @NMPinonCoffee to discuss the business impact of Trump’s tariffs and their mission to continue serving New Mexicans no matter what.
Albuquerque, N.M. – This week, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) visited New Mexico Piñon Coffee in Albuquerque to tour the company’s roastery and hear directly from staff about how tariffs are impacting the local business, increasing operating costs, and raising prices for consumers. During the visit, Senator Luján toured the facility and met with staff to discuss the impact of tariffs on coffee imports and the challenges that increased costs create for New Mexico businesses. Senator Luján also heard concerns about the uncertainty that future tariffs create for businesses trying to plan, invest, and keep costs down for their customers. “New Mexico small businesses, like New Mexico Piñon Coffee, are the backbone of our communities and help drive our local economies,” said Senator Luján. “This week, I had the honor of visiting and hearing directly from the folks at New Mexico Piñon Coffee about how these increased costs are impacting their operations and customers. New Mexico businesses and families should not have to bear the cost of Trump’s policies that make it more expensive to keep the doors open and buy everyday goods. I’ll continue working to lower costs and support small businesses across New Mexico.” “We were honored to welcome Senator Luján and his team to New Mexico Piñon Coffee and share firsthand what it takes to grow a business right here in New Mexico. Since 1994, we’ve grown from a small local coffee company into a regional brand, and we’re incredibly proud of the jobs we’ve created and the opportunities ahead. Like many manufacturers and small businesses, we continue to navigate rising costs, tariffs, and the challenges that come with growth. We appreciate the opportunity to have an open conversation about these realities and the importance of supporting businesses that are investing in New Mexico’s future,” said Matthew Bregar, President of New Mexico Piñon Coffee. In March, Senator Luján called on the Trump administration to put in place an automatic tariff refund process. In February, Senator Luján introduced the Tariff Refund Act of 2026, legislation to require full refunds of President Trump’s illegal tariffs. In June of 2025, Senator Luján hosted a forum that examined how President Trump’s tariff policies fuel economic instability, raise costs on working families, harm the travel and tourism sector, and benefit special interests. ###
I’m proud to have earned an A from Defend The Vote Action Fund for my record of fighting corruption, protecting voting rights, and standing up for the voice and vote of New Mexicans. The costs of corruption are real – from higher prices to access to health care to public safety. We need a government that puts regular people first, holds powerful interests accountable, and protects our democracy.
Luján, Leaders Schumer & Jeffries, Senators Sanders and Warnock, Representatives Scott, Bonamici and Budzinski Lead Bicameral Group of Lawmakers in Demanding Trump Administration Halt Planned Gutting of Head Start Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), one of two Head Start graduates to serve in the U.S. Senate, joined colleagues in leading nearly one hundred ninety Members of Congress in demanding that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) withdraw its proposal to remove more than 90 percent of Head Start’s standards that ensure children receive a high-quality early education. Under the proposed rule, nearly one in ten children currently enrolled in Head Start could become ineligible overnight. In the Senate, the letter is led by Senator Luján, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Ranking Member Sanders (I-VT), and Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA). In the House, the letter is led by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08), Education and Workforce Committee Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), Early Childhood and Elementary and Secondary Education Subcommittee Ranking Member Bonamici (D-OR-01), and Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13). The Members are concerned that the proposed rule would illegally modify and weaken the services required by the Head Start Act. Specifically, the rule would eliminate federal quality standards for Head Start classrooms, including safety standards, staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications, and standards for teaching. Additionally, the rule would erode critical services Head Start provides children and families, including health services. It would also shorten Head Start operating hours, eliminate enrollment protections for children with disabilities, and undermine services for dual language learners. “This proposed rule is a brazen attempt to dismantle Head Start without regard for the hundreds of thousands of young children and working-class families who depend on these programs and services every year. Under your proposal, Head Start children could be subject to corporal punishment; left unsupervised; have larger class sizes; have less qualified teachers; and no longer receive preventative and continuous health services, including oral health and mental health services,” wrote the Members. “We strongly urge you to withdraw the proposed rule, obey the law, and protect the legacy of Head Start.” Since the beginning of the second Trump Administration, HHS has repeatedly attempted to undermine and disrupt Head Start programs with an aggressive deregulation agenda, illegally withholding funding, firing federal staff, and threats to eliminate the program entirely. These actions serve the Trump Administration’s goal to end the Head Start program as laid out on page 482 of Project 2025. In the Senate, in addition to Senator Luján, the letter was signed by: Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Christopher Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Richard Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Timothy Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). In the House, the letter was signed by: House Democratic LeaderHakeem S. Jeffries (NY-08) and Representatives Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Donald S. Beyer (VA-08), Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Everton Blair (GA-13), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Shontel M. Brown (OH-11), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Salud O. Carbajal (CA-24), Andre Carson (IN-07), Troy A. Carter (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Ed Case (HI-01), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gilbert R. Cisneros Jr. (CA-31), Katherine M. Clark (MA-05), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Jim Costa (CA-21), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Jason Crow (CO-06), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Donald G. Davis (NC-01), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-03), Suzan K. DelBene (WA-01), Christopher R. Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-3), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Sarah Elfreth (MD-3), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dwight Evans (PA-3), Bill Foster (IL-11), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-8), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Adelita S. Grijalva (AZ-07), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Pablo José Hernández (PR-AL), James A. Himes (CT-04), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Summer L. Lee (PA-12), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), John W. Mannion (NY-22), Doris O. Matsui (CA-07), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Sarah McBride (DE-AL), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Jennifer L. McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Grace Meng (NY-06), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Frank J. Mrvan (IN-01), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Richard E. Neal (MA-01), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Johnny Olszewski Jr. (MD-02), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Scott H. Peters (CA-50), Brittany Petterson (CO-07), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Jamie B. Raskin (MD-08), Josh Riley (NY-19), Deborah K. Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda T. Sanchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Janice D. Schakowsky (IL-09), Bradley Scott Schneider (IL-10), Hillary J. Scholten (MI-03), Terri A. Sewell (AL-07), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Darren Soto (FL-09), Melanie A. Stansbury (NM-01), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Haley M. Stevens (MI-11), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Mark Takano (CA-39), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Norma J. Torres (CA-35), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Derek Tran (CA-45), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), James Walkinshaw (VA-11), Debbie Wasserman Shultz (FL-25), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), George Whitesides (CA-27), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). To read the full letter, click here. ###
Thank you, Bernadette, for your courage to come forward so those involved can be prosecuted to the fullest extent. No one should be subjected to the kind of violence you experienced while out in your own community. I’m praying for you and every person who has been in your shoes.
Three years ago today, over a thousand young people were murdered by Hamas terrorists at the Re’im music festival, and hundreds were taken hostage. Today and always, I’ll remember the victims and honor their memories by standing up to antisemitism and prejudice, as well as targeted violence against any group of people for who they are or what they believe. Today, we must renew our commitment to brokering peace in the Middle East and ending the suffering of innocent Israelis and Palestinians.
Santa Fe, N.M. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after the Trump administration announced plans to weaken critical methane rules finalized in 2024: “New Mexico has shown that strong methane protections can support our energy industry while protecting public health, creating jobs, and preventing valuable energy from going to waste. “The Trump administration’s move to weaken federal methane standards is a step that puts public health, our environment, and our energy security at risk. When families are concerned about energy costs, we should be keeping more natural gas in pipelines and harmful pollution out of our air, not rolling back commonsense protections. “I strongly oppose these efforts to weaken these vital standards and will continue working to protect New Mexicans’ health, our environment, and energy needs.” ###
Santa Fe, N.M. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, U.S. Representative Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), and U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) to introduce the Stop Orphaned Wells Act, legislation that would prevent oil and gas companies from abandoning oil wells on public lands, a practice that shifts well cleanup costs from oil and gas companies to the American taxpayer. “In New Mexico and across the country, abandoned wells pose serious environmental harm and threaten the health of our communities,” said Senator Luján. “We must ensure that oil and gas companies are held accountable and that taxpayers are not on the hook for the cost of cleanup. I’ve long fought to address abandoned wells, including championing the REGROW Act that was passed into law, and continue to work to ensure we identify and plug the thousands of abandoned wells nationwide. That’s why I’m cosponsoring this legislation to prevent companies from abandoning their wells and help reduce the number of abandoned wells in New Mexico and across the country.” “For too long, taxpayers have footed the bill to clean up abandoned wells after companies walk away from their responsibilities,” said Senator Bennet. “As the Trump administration moves to weaken the safeguards that hold companies accountable, Congress must protect taxpayers and the public lands that power Colorado’s outdoor economy, while making sure oil and gas companies pay the cost of cleanup, rather than Colorado’s future generations.” “Trump asked oil and gas executives to bankroll his campaign with a $1 billion contribution in exchange for a big payback. Meanwhile, Americans are left footing the bill for the damage they leave behind,” said Representative Ansari. “Orphaned wells threaten our water, wildlife, and air. I’m proud to lead the effort alongside Senator Bennet to make the oil and gas industry clean up its own mess. Our bill would ensure oil and gas companies pay to clean up the wells they abandon.” Until 2024 when the Biden administration added agency rules, oil and gas fiscal assurance requirements were minimal, leading companies to abandon wells instead of remediating the land after drilling. The Trump administration is now rolling back these essential protections for public lands and American taxpayers. Nationwide, there are currently over 140,000 documented orphaned wells, including more than 15,000 on federal lands, and hundreds of thousands more that may be orphaned. Additionally, the number of documented orphaned wells in the United States has more than doubled since 2020. These sites are not only a significant liability for taxpayers and a growing threat to water resources, air quality, wildlife habitat, and private lands, but also jeopardize public health, ecosystems, grazing lands, outdoor recreation sites, and cultural resources that are at high risk from contamination. The Stop Orphaned Wells Act would ensure operators, not taxpayers, pay for cleanups and aligns directly with the interests of Western voters, nearly 9 in 10 of whom believe oil and gas companies should cover reclamation costs once drilling ends. “Across California, there are over 5,000 orphaned oil wells that pose a threat to the health and safety of our communities and the environment,” said Senator Padilla. “When wells are left abandoned, drinking water is polluted, greenhouse gases are emitted, and the climate crisis is accelerated. This bill will help ensure orphaned oil and gas wells are plugged so Californians and communities across the country are protected from toxic emissions and contaminated air and water.” “Abandoned wells put Colorado communities in danger,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “As Governor, we capped as many of these wells as we could, and that work continues here in the Senate, where we’re protecting taxpayers from getting stuck with the bill. Capping wells creates jobs and lowers pollution. It’s a win-win.” “Oil companies can’t just walk away from abandoned oil and gas wells and leave taxpayers to bear the cleanup costs,” said Senator Schiff. “I’m joining Senator Bennet and other colleagues to make sure that Big Oil is responsible for cleaning up their messes. Americans should not have to deal with the consequences of an oil company’s negligence.” “When an oil and gas company goes bankrupt, New Mexicans shouldn’t be the ones left to pick up the tab for cleanup costs,” said Senator Heinrich. “Right now, the Trump administration is making it easier for these companies to walk away without enough money set aside to clean up their wells. The Stop Orphaned Wells Act ensures that companies set aside money to meet their cleanup responsibilities, so taxpayers aren’t left paying the bill.” Senator Luján has long fought to identify and remediate abandoned gas and oil wells. Senators Luján’s REGROW Act was adopted in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and put skilled energy workers back to work to plug abandoned wells. Additionally, Senator Luján has introduced the bipartisan Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act (AWRRDA) to identify and remediate abandoned gas and oil wells, which can leak methane, contaminate groundwater, and create community safety risks. This legislation is supported by 20 organizations, including Earthjustice Action, Colorado Fiscal Institute, Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship, Conservation Colorado, Montana Wildlife Federation, National Parks Conservation Association, Natural Resources Defense Council, Nevada Wildlife Federation, New Mexico Wildlife Federation, Public Land Solutions, Rocky Mountain Wild, San Juan Citizen’s Alliance, Sierra Club, Taxpayers for Common Sense, Trout Unlimited, Western Colorado Alliance, Western Organization of Resource Councils, Western Resilience Center, Wild Montana, Wilderness Workshop, and The Wilderness Society. In addition, this legislation was endorsed by U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The text of the bill is available HERE. A summary of the bill is available HERE. ###
This is not normal. This is sick, dangerous behavior that needs to be called out by every public servant who swore an oath to protect our Constitution and Americans from harm.
Washington, D.C. – In case you missed it, during the final weeks of the September Senate session, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) successfully championed several key pieces of legislation through the Senate, delivering progress on priorities for New Mexico and communities across the country. Senator Luján also continued standing up for New Mexico families and pushing back against actions from the Trump administration that would harm New Mexicans. Delivering for New Mexico’s Land Grant Communities and Traditional Uses: Senator Luján led the unanimous Senate passage of the New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act, legislation to strengthen cooperation between the federal government and land grant communities. Passing Legislation to Make the Tax System Fairer: Senator Luján, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, successfully secured the inclusion of several provisions in the bipartisan Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act to improve transparency, strengthen taxpayer protections, and help ensure the IRS works more efficiently. The legislation unanimously passed the Senate. Securing America’s Satellite Systems: The Senate unanimously passed the Secure Space Act, bipartisan legislation led by Senator Luján, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, to protect America’s satellite systems from foreign threats and strengthen national security. Calling on States to Stop Data Centers from Passing Rising Costs on to Ratepayers: Senator Luján led several colleagues and called on the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners to protect residential and small-business ratepayers from the cost of serving large data centers. Pushing for a Bipartisan AI Committee: Senator Luján urged Senate leadership to establish a bipartisan Senate Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence to ensure that Congress can meet the unprecedented pace, scale, and rapidly advancing challenges associated with AI. Standing up for New Mexico Workers: Senator Luján voted against the confirmation of Keith Sonderling to be Labor Secretary. Fighting for New Mexico Families: Senator Luján spoke out against the Trump administration’s illegal “pocket rescission” that would strip nearly $1 billion in funds meant to support American families. ###
Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) wrote to Postmaster General David Steiner demanding that the United States Postal Service (USPS) reconsider the proposed permanent closure of the Mule Creek Post Office in Grant County, New Mexico, and to keep postal service in the community it has served for more than 100 years. The Mule Creek Post Office opened on January 16, 1916, and has served ranchers, veterans, seniors, families, and small businesses for generations. In 2024, the facility was damaged, and repairs were never made. The U.S. Postal Service set up a mobile unit as a temporary fix, but more than two years later, residents still have no permanent post office. Now, instead of restoring service, USPS has proposed permanently closing the Mule Creek Post Office. “We are deeply concerned about the impact this proposed permanent closure would have on the residents of Mule Creek and the surrounding rural service area. We strongly urge that the United States Postal Service (USPS) reconsider the proposed closure and maintain postal service in Mule Creek,” the lawmakers wrote. “The Mule Creek Post Office has served the community since 1916. It’s more than one hundred years of service reflects its longstanding role in the life of the community. We request that USPS reconsider the proposed closure and undertake a comprehensive, community-specific review before proceeding with any final decision,” the lawmakers concluded. Read the full letter here and below: Dear Postmaster General Steiner, We write as a delegation regarding the proposed permanent closure of the Mule Creek Post Office in Grant County, New Mexico. We are deeply concerned about the impact this proposed permanent closure would have on the residents of Mule Creek and the surrounding rural service area. We strongly urge that the United States Postal Service (USPS) reconsider the proposed closure and maintain postal service in Mule Creek. The Mule Creek Post Office has served the community since January 16th, 1916—more than 110 years. For generations, it has provided essential postal services to residents, ranchers, veterans, senior citizens, families, and small businesses. In 2024, the Mule Creek postal facility was damaged, and the landlord subsequently declined to make the necessary repairs. As a result, USPS was required to locate a new property from which to continue permanent operations. While USPS quickly established a mobile postal unit to provide interim service, what was intended to be a temporary solution has now become a two-year challenge. Mule Creek residents continue to lack a permanent post office and must rely on a mobile unit that provides reduced hours and services. Currently, residents can access the mobile unit only from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on weekdays. These limited hours create significant accessibility challenges for residents and further underscore the importance of finding a permanent solution rather than allowing temporary arrangements to become the basis for permanent closure. It has now been more than two years since the original facility was damaged, and residents continue to wait for USPS to establish a permanent postal facility in Mule Creek. The prolonged absence of a permanent facility, combined with reduced hours and services, has created uncertainty for the community and raised serious concerns about the future of the post office. The consequences of this closure are particularly devastating because Mule Creek residents do not have universal residential mail delivery. Many residents would have to travel substantially far to retrieve letters, packages, prescriptions, government correspondence and other essential items. We understand that USPS has identified Buckhorn as a potential alternative location. Buckhorn is approximately 18 miles from the current Mule Creek Post Office, requiring a resident traveling between the two locations to make an approximately thirty-six-mile round trip. For residents living in the more remote service area, the total round-trip distance to an alternative post office can range from approximately forty-five to seventy-five miles. These distances could create a significant burden for residents who rely on local postal services. We are concerned about the effect of closure on senior citizens, veterans, individuals with disabilities, residents with medical needs and individuals without reliable transportation. The potential consequences extend to the timely receipt and shipment of prescription medications, medical correspondence, government documents, business materials, packages, and other time sensitive items. Requiring residents to travel substantially greater distances for routine postal needs would impose recurring costs in fuel, vehicle maintenance, mileage, and travel time. We respectfully request that USPS consider the importance of the Mule Creek Post Office to the residents and community of Mule Creek. This local post office serves a purpose that extends beyond the processing and delivery of mail. It provides an important point of contact for residents who may otherwise have limited opportunities to interact with neighbors, exchange information and maintain essential community relationships. After more than a century of continuous service, the Mule Creek Post Office has become an established and valued institution within the community. We recognize USPS’s responsibility to operate efficiently and to evaluate its facilities and services. At the same time, decisions concerning rural postal facilities should account for the unique circumstances of communities where geographic isolation and the absence of universal residential delivery can make access to an alternative facility substantially more difficult. To that end, we respectfully request that the Postal Service undertake a comprehensive review of the proposed closure and specifically: Suspend and reconsider the proposed closure of the Mule Creek Post Office pending further review; Conduct a thorough assessment of the actual distances, driving times, and transportation requirements residents would face in accessing alternative postal facilities; Consider the absence of universal residential mail delivery within the Mule Creek servicearea and the resulting importance of local access to postal services; Evaluate the specific effects of closure on senior citizens, veterans, individuals with disabilities, residents with medical needs, and those without reliable transportation; Assess the economic consequences for ranchers, home-based businesses, agricultural operations, and other local enterprises that rely on dependable postal services; Consider the cumulative fuel, vehicle, and transportation costs that would be imposed upon residents required to travel greater distances; Evaluate the potential consequences for the timely receipt and shipment of prescription medications, medical correspondence, business materials, and other time-sensitive items; Engage directly with the Mule Creek community and local stakeholders to explore alternatives that would preserve meaningful, reliable, and accessible postal service. The Mule Creek Post Office has served the community since 1916. It’s more than one hundred years of service reflects its longstanding role in the life of the community. We request that USPS reconsider the proposed closure and undertake a comprehensive, community-specific review before proceeding with any final decision. We appreciate your attention to this critical issue affecting our constituents and urge USPS to provide a timely and detailed response outlining the steps it will take to fulfill its obligations to the residents of Mule Creek.
In the final weeks of session, I was proud to deliver on several New Mexican priorities in the Senate: 🌳 I led the unanimous Senate passage of legislation strengthening cooperation with New Mexico’s Land Grant communities and protecting traditional uses. 📄 I helped secure bipartisan tax reforms to improve transparency, strengthen taxpayer protections, and make the IRS work more efficiently. ⚡️ I called on state regulators to protect families and small businesses from having to shoulder the rising costs of serving large data centers. 🏡 I spoke out against the administration’s “pocket rescission” that would strip nearly $1 billion in funding meant to support New Mexican families.
New Mexicans shouldn’t be forced to foot the bill for data centers. As a former utility commissioner, I urged the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners to protect families from higher utility bills driven by data centers’ massive energy demands. I’ll continue leading this effort in Congress to protect New Mexicans from rising costs. https://t.co/k9TJlVAhxv
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced the Arts Education for All Act, legislation to expand access to arts education and programming for young learners across the country. The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.) leads the legislation in the House of Representatives. The Arts Education for All Act would support and expand arts education and programming for early learners, K-12 students, and youth and adults involved in the justice system. The legislation would also strengthen research into arts education to help educators and policymakers better understand how the arts can support students and improve elementary and secondary education. “Arts education gives students the opportunity to learn, express themselves, and discover new talents, but too many young people lack access to these opportunities,” said Senator Luján. “All students, no matter where they live or their background, deserve the opportunity to experience the arts. That’s why I’m introducing the Arts Education for All Act to expand access to arts programming and help ensure that the arts remain an important part of educating and supporting the next generation.” “Arts and creative expression are fundamental to a well-rounded education,” said Senator Hirono. “Art education programs provide our students with the unique opportunity to express themselves and exposes them to diverse array of topics and disciplines. But these programs are often the first to be cut and the last to be funded, and its high time for a fundamental shift in the way we value those courses. I’m proud to sponsor the Arts Education for All Act to expand arts programing to make art more accessible to students across the country.” Specifically, the Arts Education for All Act would: Strengthen the ability to use Child Care and Development Block Grant funding for arts programming; Expand Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) plan provisions to include descriptions of how states would support and encourage arts education staff, instruction, and partnerships to improve student achievement across subjects; Require state report cards under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to include information on arts courses and incorporate arts education as an element of K-12 school improvement; Increase opportunities for local educational agencies to support professional development for arts teachers and the integration of the arts; Strengthen the integration of arts and arts education through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program by maximizing partnerships with community and arts-focused organizations to increase arts education and creative youth development in after-school and summer learning programs; Allow states to document how they will coordinate juvenile justice and delinquency prevention services and activities with state and local arts agencies and organizations, using arts education to improve reentry efforts and reduce recidivism; Enhance research activities at the Institute of Education Sciences through a focus on arts and arts education research; and Direct the National Assessment Governing Board to reinstate arts assessments. The Arts Education for All Act has been endorsed by 132 national, state, and local organizations and individuals, including Americans for the Arts, the American Art Therapy Association, Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning, Grantmakers in the Arts, and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). Full list of endorsements can be found here. Supporting quotes can be found here. Full bill text is available here. ###