N.M. Delegation Welcomes $5.5 Million To Tackle Crime, Keep Communities Safe

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) welcomed the U.S. Department of Justice disbursing $5,417,000 of federal resources the lawmakers secured to help New Mexico’s law enforcement agencies solve crime, support prosecutors and courts, survivor services, violence prevention, and keep communities safe. 

The N.M. Delegation secured these investments through Congressionally Directed Spending in the Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations Bills. The federal grants are being disbursed through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs.

“I fought for these investments to keep New Mexicans safe, help law enforcement hold dangerous criminals accountable, deliver justice and support for survivors, and make would-be criminals think twice before hurting their communities,” said Heinrich. “A safer New Mexico depends on ensuring that crimes are solved and survivors are supported, and I will keep fighting hard to deliver the resources we need for both.”

“I’m proud to have worked with the New Mexico Delegation to secure millions of dollars to improve public safety, keep our communities safe, and protect children and families across New Mexico. These investments build on our work to deliver for New Mexicans and equip communities with the resources that they need to succeed,” said Luján. “I will continue working with my colleagues to secure investments in every corner of New Mexico.” 

“The New Mexico delegation secured millions of dollars for the health, safety, and wellbeing of Nuevo Mexicano communities across the state.  In 2023, I invited Carrie-Leigh Cloutier, CEO of the Chaves County Court Appointed Special Advocates as my guest to the President’s State of the Union speech because of the incredible work she and her organization does to support abused and neglected children. Today, we secured funding for CASA to help even more children and other incredible organizations that will protect the most vulnerable and change lives,” said Leger Fernández.

"Securing support for the New Mexico Department of Public Safety's Forensic Laboratory's work means more non-violent cases where DNA analysis is needed will come to their conclusions faster than before," said Stansbury. "I am proud to have worked to secure funding for this project so police across the state receive answers quickly during their investigations - ensuring the public safety system in New Mexico continues to work smoothly."

“Keeping our communities safe is my top priority. I’m proud to welcome this funding to support law enforcement, public safety and protect New Mexico’s children,” said Vasquez. “From Las Cruces to the South Valley, these investments will ensure we have the tools and resources necessary to keep New Mexico safe.”

Below is a list of projects secured through Congressionally Directed Spending requested by the N.M. Delegation: 

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