Historic investments in New Mexico

PHOTO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (fourth from left) joins President Joe Biden at the White House for a signing ceremony for the Omnibus Appropriations Agreement, March 15, 2022, Photo Credit: Patrick Semansky, AP.

Dear Friend,

This week, I had the honor of joining President Biden at the White House as he held a signing ceremony for the history the bipartisan Omnibus Appropriations Agreement, which included many significant priorities for New Mexico and our nation as a whole. In my first congress serving on the Senate Appropriations Committee, I worked hard to make sure this agreement delivered forward-looking investments for New Mexico’s families and communities.

As part of the Congressionally Directed Spending process within the overall agreement, I took a proactive approach to seek out local projects that will truly have an impact on New Mexicans’ lives—everything from roads, emergency services, waste and water infrastructure for Tribal communities, support for small businesses, education opportunities, and more. I hope you can take a moment to read more information about all of the 75 community-driven projects in New Mexico that I was proud to secure nearly $160 million to support.

This agreement includes historic investments for New Mexico’s national labs and military bases and strengthens our commitment to vital education, health care, housing, public safety, and veterans services. It will also fund efforts to mitigate and adapt to the threat of climate change and help us implement the game changing Infrastructure Law that is already repairing roads and bridges, building new clean water infrastructure, improving public transit systems, and expanding broadband internet service, particularly in rural and Tribal communities.

It also contained $13.6 billion in urgently needed emergency assistance to help Ukraine and our NATO allies contend with Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified war atrocities. We also passed a strong reauthorization of the landmark Violence Against Women Act, which delivers resources to courts, prosecutors, and law enforcement to hold abusers accountable and to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence so they can access critical health care, safe housing, and supportive services.

By making strategic investments and empowering our resilient communities to succeed, we will help our country emerge from this moment in a stronger competitive position than ever before. I will keep doing everything in my power to make sure all New Mexicans have an opportunity to succeed and become a driving force in a great American comeback story.

Sincerely,

MARTIN HEINRICH
United States Senator