Heinrich Opposes DHS Funding Lacking Needed Reforms, While Securing Senate Passage of Over $67 Million for New Mexico, Bringing Total to $387 Million in FY26 Funding

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, voted against an extension of funding for the Department of Homeland Security that does not yet include needed reforms to address lawlessness by the agency, while also welcoming Senate passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Defense; Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), Education, and Related Agencies; Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Related Agencies; Financial Services and General Government; and State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Bills, as well as a package of health care legislation and Heinrich's repeal of the ‘Arctic Frost’ provision. Altogether, the five appropriations bills passed by the Senate today include $67 million Heinrich secured for New Mexico, including Congressionally Directed Spending for 56 local projects.

“As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I’ve worked hard to negotiate and pass strong, bipartisan appropriations bills that deliver for New Mexico. And I am extremely proud of what I secured for our communities in the five appropriations bills moving forward today,” said Heinrich. “But when it comes to the Department of Homeland Security, I meant what I said: Enough is enough. I cannot in good conscience vote to fund the lawlessness we’ve all seen in video after video – not for two weeks or even one more day. As we go forward, I am committed to doing everything I can to push for the reforms we need to rein in DHS and get them focused on cartels and human traffickers, and not jailing five-year-olds like Liam Ramos or killing folks like Alex Pretti and Renee Good.”

Heinrich continued, “Included in today's legislation was my bill to repeal the ‘Arctic Frost’ provision, which would have let a few Republican senators collect hundreds of thousands of dollars of taxpayer money for legally obtained phone records. Getting this done is a win for taxpayers and a rejection of an ill-conceived cash grab that would have taken money away from public safety and used it to line politician’s pockets.”

“Today we also passed several important health care provisions that will improve pediatric care, prevent maternal deaths, protect rural hospitals and ground ambulance medical services, safeguard access to affordable prescription drugs, and continue the ability of New Mexicans to use telehealth to access the care they need,” Heinrich concluded.

To date, Heinrich has secured $387 million for New Mexico in FY26 funding, including over $319,982,000 already signed into law earlier this month and in November 2025.

Successful Repeal of the ‘Arctic Frost’ Amendment

Heinrich-led legislation to repeal the ‘Arctic Frost’ provision was included in the Senate-passed legislation. The ‘Arctic Frost’ provision, which was passed within the FY26 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill over Heinrich’s objections, allowed a few specific Republican senators to collect $500,000 for every phone record that was previously, lawfully obtained.

This follows legislation Heinrich and U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) introduced last November, the Anti-Cash Grab Act, to repeal the ‘Arctic Frost’ provision, which Heinrich attempted to pass by unanimous consent in November and by amendment earlier this month.

FY26 Defense

Programmatic Highlights

Supporting Service Members and Families: Heinrich is a strong advocate of several provisions included in the bill to support service members and their families, including:

Fully funding a 3.8% pay raise for servicemembers, as well as the junior enlisted pay raise.

Fully funding a 1% pay raise for civilians that was not included in the President’s budget request.

$2.7 billion for defense medical research, including $1.27 billion for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP). This is an additional $1.7 billion above the President’s request and more than $770 million above fiscal year 2025.

An increase of $87.5 million for the National Guard Youth Challenge program, which operates in New Mexico.

And $53 million for the STARBASE educational STEM program that currently operates at Kirtland and Holloman Air Force Base and is launching at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico.

Military Readiness and Resilience: Heinrich successfully included key report language and $183 million for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program (REPI). This report language and funding builds on the success of REPI to improve resiliency at military installations such as Cannon Air Force Base and Melrose Air Force Range in Clovis, New Mexico. The success of the REPI program in Clovis led to Cannon, Melrose, and the surrounding 2.4 million acres of land being designated as the “Eastern New Mexico Sentinel Landscape.” The Eastern New Mexico Sentinel Landscape is one of five new landscapes designated by the Sentinel Landscapes Partnership — a coalition comprised of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Defense, and Department of the Interior with the aim of advancing sustainable land use practices and protecting vital water resources.

Space Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis Hub: Building on success from the Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Appropriations Bill, Heinrich successfully included funds to support the ongoing development of a Space Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (S-MS&A) hub that models and assesses the current and immediate future environments, potential activities, and responses, and facilitates discussion and understanding about today’s fight during and in pre-combat operations. Past appropriations to this program have supported the Air Force Research Lab’s Space Vehicles Directorate on Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Defense and Space Investments: Heinrich successfully included multiple funding increases, totaling $417 million, for the research and development of critical capabilities such as satellite maneuvering and operations, directed energy technologies, artificial intelligence satellite health monitoring capabilities, space domain awareness, creating Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility’s (SCIFs), and more. Past appropriations to this program have funded Defense projects at New Mexico-based companies, including BlueHalo, Verus Research, NewSpace Nexus, RS21, Roadrunner Venture Studios, and more.

Defense Research Partnership with Academia: Heinrich successfully included $20 million for the Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) to address Department of Defense mission needs. New Mexico State University and the University of New Mexico have both received competitive awards from this program in the past. Heinrich also secured $20 million for the Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU) Cohort Programs to support graduate recruitment, retention, and professional development through experimental and onsite learning with Department of Defense Laboratories. This funding will also help develop bridge programs that seamlessly tie Ph.D. completion with continued, extended post-doctoral research and conduct scholarly networking activities.

Small Business Development: Heinrich successfully included $38.2 million in funding for APEX Accelerators to support their network of dedicated professionals who provide one-on-one business counseling, online tools, and training webinars to small businesses to navigate the complex defense and broader government contracting markets. Heinrich also secured $17 million for the Department of Defense Indian Incentive Program to support their work creating opportunities for Native entity owned small businesses to sub-contract, partner with, and gain valuable contracting experience and performance with larger prime contractors.

PFAS Testing and Remediation: Heinrich successfully secured a $159 million program increase to the President’s budget request for PFAS testing and remediation. At least 700 military sites in the United States are known or suspected to have PFAS contamination from DoD activities — including six in New Mexico.

FY26 Labor, HHS, Education, and Related Agencies

Key Points and Highlights

Heinrich successfully included $14.519 million in investments for the following 14 projects in the bill:

$4,000,000 for Mesalands Community College to train skilled technicians for the energy workforce pipeline.

$2,677,000 for Dar a Luz Birth Center to expand its facilities to serve more patients.

$2,303,000 for the Pueblo of Pojoaque to expand its existing behavioral health facility.

$1,484,000 for the New Mexico Poison Control Center to expand its substance use disorder services and increase outreach to rural communities.

$1,200,000 for SMART Local Union No. 49 to enhance and expand specialized apprenticeship programs.

$500,000 for Future Focused Education to boost youth mental health support through Youth Mental Health and Peer Support internships.

$480,000 for New Mexico State University to provide professional development to K-12 teachers across New Mexico.

$331,000 for Taos Pueblo Health and Community Services to expand the Recovery Works! Program, a peer-led recovery program for Taos Pueblo Tribal members.

$321,000 for Dual Language Education of New Mexico to develop and implement professional development programs related to literacy and math education.

$300,000 for the National Alliance Mental Illness (NAMI) Albuquerque to hire additional staff to increase mental health and substance use treatment services.

$273,000 for the Early Childhood Center of Excellence at Santa Fe Community College to expand APRENDE to boost early childhood educators statewide.

$250,000 for New Mexico State University to develop best practices for a statewide bilingual education framework.

$250,000 for Three Rivers Education Foundation to provide early childhood literacy training and online resources for families.

$150,000 for the New Mexico Reentry Center to provide job training for individuals facing employment barriers due to past incarceration.

Additionally, Heinrich and U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) successfully included $5.377 million for the following 8 projects:

$1,135,000 for the Central New Mexico Community College to offer career and technical education courses and credentialing for jobs in the energy sector.

$1,135,000 for the New Mexico Chronic Disease Prevention Council to expand access to behavioral health and substance use treatment services for individuals experiencing homelessness.

$762,000 for New Mexico State University and the New Mexico Artificial Intelligence Education Alliance to develop K–12 AI curricula and professional development for educators across the state.

$750,000 for Gallup Community Health to expand its specialty care and behavioral health services.

$512,000 for the University of New Mexico to expand its teacher residency training.

$500,000 for the Hispano Roundtable of New Mexico, in partnership with Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum, to offer science and mathematics programs.

$333,000 for Las Cumbres Community Services to expand its Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program to serve families in northern New Mexico.

$250,000 for Explora to expand career-focused programming to prepare New Mexico youth for high-wage careers in science, technology, engineering, and skilled trades.

Programmatic Highlights

Strengthening the Health Care Workforce: Heinrich secured $1.4 billion for Health Workforce training, which included $40 million for the Substance Use Disorder Treatment Recovery (STAR) Loan Repayment Program. This investment provides loan repayment assistance to professionals in the substance use disorder workforce who provide direct care in either a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area or a county where the overdose death rate exceeds the national average.

Heinrich also secured $130 million for the National Health Service Corps to support competitive awards for health care clinicians dedicated to working in underserved communities in urban, rural, and Tribal areas. Funding for the National Health Service Corps was championed by Heinrich when he led six other Senators in a letter to Congressional leadership supporting robust funding for this crucial health workforce initiative last year.

And Heinrich secured $8 million for Certified Nurse Midwives within Advanced Nursing Education to increase the number of Certified Nurse Midwives and grow the maternal and perinatal nursing workforce by funding scholarships for students and registered nurses.

Improving Maternal and Child Health: Heinrich secured $1.2 billion for Maternal and Child Health programs, including $603,584,000 for the Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant to improve access to care for mothers, children, and their families; reduce infant mortality; provide pre- and post-natal care; support screening and health assessments for children; and provide systems of care for children with special health care needs.

Heinrich also secured $163,667,000 for special projects of regional and national significance in the Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant for targeted initiatives such as addressing fetal alcohol syndrome, providing for fetal infant and child death reviews, funding oral health, and implementing state maternal health innovation grants.

Heinrich included $5 million to continue Newborn Essentials Support Toolkits (NEST), a public-private partnership program to improve maternal mental health and decrease financial stress for new moms during the postpartum period. New Mexico was one of three states selected for this pilot program in 2021 to provide high-need parents with essentials such as diapers, wipes, baby clothes, baby blankets, baby thermometers, baby nail clippers, lotions, creams, perineal wash bottles, and postpartum pads prior to hospital discharge.

Supporting Rural Health Care: Heinrich secured $110,975,000 for the Rural Health Outreach Program to support projects that demonstrate new and innovative modes of outreach in rural areas, such as integration and coordination of health services. Heinrich also secured $145 million in continued funding for the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program. This comes after Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which enacted massive Medicaid cuts and is expected to devastate rural hospitals, potentially causing the closure of 6 to 8 rural hospitals in New Mexico.

Addressing the Opioid Epidemic and Infectious Disease: Heinrich secured $7.4 billion for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), of which $4.2 billion is allocated for substance use treatment services and State Opioid Response Grants. This comes shortly after the Trump Administration attempted to cancel approximately $2 billion in federal grants for mental health and substance use treatment.

Heinrich also secured over $1.3 billion to support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and Tuberculosis Prevention, of which $23 million is dedicated to activities to address infectious diseases and the opioid epidemic. The CDC’s Divisions for Opioid Related Infectious Disease Prevention works to combat infectious diseases commonly associated with injection drug use in areas most impacted by the opioid crisis. Heinrich’s fight for this funding rejects President Trump’s sweeping and devastating proposed cuts that would have halved the CDC’s budget and limited the agency’s lifesaving work.

Funding Medical Research: Heinrich was proud to support increased funding for groundbreaking science and medical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), rejecting President Trump’s 40% proposed cut. This bill included $47.2 billion for the NIH, money which will support advancements in cancer care and detection, rare diseases, pediatric care, and more.

Supporting Early Childhood Learning: Heinrich secured increased funding for federal early childhood programs that help make child care more affordable. This includes $8.8 billion in funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, an $85 million increase over fiscal year 2025 and $12.4 billion for Head Start, an $85 million increase over previous levels. This funding will bolster state efforts to expand access to child care for working families and defies the Trump Administration’s sustained effort to attack and dismantle Head Start across the country.

Protecting Public Education: Heinrich rejected President Trump’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education by helping secure language in the bill that bars the Department of Education from transferring its fundamental responsibilities to other agencies and increasing funding by $217 million above last year’s levels. It also requires the Department of Education to maintain staffing levels necessary to deliver for students, educators, and communities across the country.

Critically, Heinrich was proud to ensure that key federal funding streams for public schools were increased so that our students and educators have the resources they need for success. The bill increases funding for Title I-A grants by $20 million over previous year levels, which will benefit 87% of New Mexico’s schools. The bill also increases funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act by $20 million over fiscal year 2025. An estimated 16.5% of New Mexico students are on an individualized education plan (IEP) and receive services under this program. New Mexico receives $120 million per year in IDEA funding from the Department of Education.

Heinrich also successfully ensured the bill rejects the President’s attempted cuts within the Department of Education, including to the Office of Civil Rights, by maintaining level funding for this critical office that President Trump sought to slash by over a third.

Ensuring Affordability of Higher Education: Heinrich successfully protected programs that make higher education more affordable for students in New Mexico. This includes maintaining the maximum Pell Grant award at $7,395, funding TRIO at $1.2 billion, and providing GEAR UP with $388 million. These programs support first-generation and low-income students with the resources they need to get their degrees.

Heinrich also successfully ensured that his Postsecondary Student Success Grant maintained $45 million in funding. This program provides investments in evidence-based initiatives aimed at enhancing retention and completion rates for college students. President Trump sought to abolish this program completely.

FY26 Transportation, HUD, and Related Agencies

Key Points and Highlights

Heinrich successfully included $14.555 million in investments for the following 10 projects in the bill:

$4,000,000 for Homewise, Inc to help moderate-income, first-time homebuyers purchase entry-level homes.

$2,300,000 for the City of Socorro to replace aged and damaged waterlines.

$2,073,000 for the City of Raton to upgrade the Raton Municipal Airport.

$1,500,000 for DreamTree Projects, Inc to complete the final phase of renovations to the NEST building and purchase land for on-site permanent supportive housing.

$1,500,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of San Juan County to renovate a community center.

$1,000,000 for Serenity Mesa Youth Recovery Center to expand their facilities to support increased substance use crisis stabilization, treatment, and housing for adolescents and young adults.

$850,000 for the Albuquerque Housing Authority to invest in necessary upgrades at public housing properties.

$692,000 for the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area to conduct an affordable housing pilot project.

$440,000 for Deming Silver Linings to provide emergency temporary housing for unhoused individuals.

$200,000 for the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope to support individuals and families experiencing poverty and homelessness by providing affordable housing and wraparound services.

Additionally, Heinrich and Luján successfully included $16.31 million for the following 9 projects:

$3,000,000 for Agri-Cultura Cooperative Network and La Cosecha CSA to create a Food Hub at the Sacred Roots farm site to create economic development opportunity in the local food system, provide education to students and community members, and increase access to healthy foods.

$3,000,000 for Youth Development, Inc to build an Early Learning STEM Preschool to improve child development opportunities for children.

$2,500,000 for Santa Fe County to develop a Permanent Supportive Housing project designed to meet the urgent needs of the region’s unhoused population.

$1,800,000 for the Town of Mountainair to rebuild, repave, and upgrade approximately two miles of downtown Mountainair's roadways.

$1,600,000 for the City of Raton to conduct an interchange alignment study as part of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor Interstate Planning process.

$1,500,000 for Tierra Del Sol Housing Corporation to complete the first phase of construction for an affordable housing project in Vado, New Mexico.

$1,210,000 for City of Bloomfield to plan, design, and construct the expansion of East Blanco Boulevard in Bloomfield.

$1,000,000 for the Pueblo of Acoma Housing Authority to construct new single-family homes for low-to-moderate income families on the Housing Authority’s waiting list.

$700,000 for Cuidando Los Niños of Albuquerque to expand its facility to house early childhood education and family wraparound services.

Heinrich also partnered with Members of the New Mexican Delegation in the House of Representatives to deliver $11.912 million in investments for the following 6 projects in the bill:

$2,900,000 for the Pueblo of Acoma to repair housing for senior community members and provide ADA accommodations.

$2,500,000 for the Anthony Water and Sanitation District to repair and construct wastewater infrastructure.

$2,000,000 for the City of Albuquerque to establish a modular Shelter Stability site for seniors.

$2,000,000 for the City of Albuquerque Health, Housing and Homelessness Department to improve security and accessibility at the city’s largest homeless shelter.

$1,512,000 for the Pueblo of Jemez to demolish hazardous buildings within the Pueblo.

$1,000,000 for the Pueblo of Sandia to make improvements to the Middle Rio Grande Pueblos Irrigation and Acequia Infrastructure.

Programmatic Highlights

Protecting Rental Assistance: Heinrich successfully secured increased funding for the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (Housing Choice Voucher) and Project-Based Rental Assistance, despite the Trump Administration’s attempts to completely defund both programs. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program helps over 11,000 families in New Mexico afford rent. Heinrich also secured language urging HUD to expand resources to train public housing staff on how to use housing choice vouchers to make homeownership an attainable goal for residents of public housing.

Bolstering Tribal Transportation, Housing: Heinrich successfully included a $200 million increase in funding for the Tribal Transportation Program, which provides formula funding to Tribes for Tribal transportation projects. Heinrich also secured an increase of $10 million over FY24 funding for Tribal housing programs. These programs support affordable housing for Tribal communities, including rehabilitation and new housing construction, unique financing options mitigating the difficulties of purchasing a home on Tribal trust land, and rental assistance for Tribal veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Supporting Southwest Border Infrastructure Planning: Heinrich successfully included a $3 million investment in the Southwest Border Regional Commission (SBRC) for transportation infrastructure planning to support supply chain connectivity and economic development in southern New Mexico and along the southern border. This follows Heinrich’s long-term focus on standing up, funding, and expanding the Southwest Border Regional Commission.

Addressing Homelessness: Heinrich successfully secured an increase of $366 million over FY24 funding for grant programs that address homelessness through emergency shelter, transitional and supportive housing, rapid re-housing, rental assistance and prevention, and supportive services. This follows and rejects the Trump Administration’s attempts to make homelessness assistance funding inaccessible to service providers, including those in New Mexico, by imposing provider requirements designed to be overly burdensome and prevent participation.

Increasing Homebuilding and Homeownership: Heinrich secured $1.25 billion in funding for the HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), a critical program that helps New Mexicans build or rehabilitate homes. In 2025, Housing New Mexico leveraged HOME funds to contribute to the construction or rehabilitation of over 1,000 single-family and multi-family housing units. In New Mexico, HOME also provides gap funding for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit projects, which increase the supply of affordable rental units. Protection of this funding rejects the Trump Administration’s attempt to cut all funding for this program.

Protecting Amtrak Southwest Chief: Heinrich secured language that protects existing Amtrak Southwest Chief train service in New Mexico from cuts and closure. The Southwest Chief serves New Mexicans in and visiting Raton, Las Vegas, Lamy, Albuquerque, and Gallup. Heinrich has long supported the Southwest Chief and fought to protect its service in New Mexico.

Supporting Local Air Travel: Heinrich successfully secured $514 million, a $64 million increase, for Essential Air Service, which is crucial to ensuring New Mexicans living in rural communities can quickly, safely, and conveniently connect with the rest of the country. Heinrich also successfully secured $4.5 billion for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants to improve airport infrastructure and safety. Past AIP grants have delivered millions to New Mexico, including $21 million in September 2025.

Finally, Heinrich successfully secured $13.7 billion for FAA operations, which will allow the FAA to hire 2,500 air traffic controllers and 91 new aviation safety inspectors and engineers. This will help begin to address the nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers. One of 22 major FAA centers, the Albuquerque Air Route Traffic Control Center (ZAB), is located in New Mexico and manages over 1.7 million flights per year in New Mexico and neighboring states.

FY26 Financial Services and General Government Key Points and Highlights

Heinrich successfully included $2.013 million in investments for the following 6 projects in the bill:

$650,000 for the Women’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Team (WESST) to develop and deliver accelerator programming for entrepreneurs in the trades, childcare, and arts sector.

$375,000 for the San Juan County Partnership to utilize the Strategic Prevention Framework to focus on substance use prevention among youth.

$388,000 for the City of Albuquerque Economic Development Department to provide technical assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs.

$250,000 for Taos MainStreet’s Business Resource and Innovation Center to provide consulting services and technical assistance to start-up companies.

$200,000 for Capacity Builders Inc. to implement the Navajo Horse Journey program in San Juan and McKinley Counties to encourage substance use prevention among Native youth.

$150,000 for the Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association to provide training and partnerships for small businesses and entrepreneurs to foster business development in the Middle Rio Grande Valley region.

Additionally, Heinrich and Luján successfully included $1.8 million for the following 3 projects:

$1,000,000 for the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to provide critical spaces, technologies, and resources designed to help Native American entrepreneurs start and scale their businesses.

$633,000 for the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area to expand entrepreneurial training tailored to creative and agriculture businesses in northern New Mexico.

$167,000 for Vida Mejor Capital to build the capacity of small businesses in the food and agriculture industry.

Programmatic Highlights

Expanding Santa Teresa Port of Entry: Heinrich successfully secured $1.5 million for the next two phases of the Santa Teresa Port of Entry modernization and expansion, funding the Environmental Impact Statement and the Prospectus Development Study. When completed, the modernization project will help ensure the stability of our nation’s supply chain, enhance border security, and dramatically transform STPOE by adding as many as 25 new lanes for commercial and passenger traffic. This modernization project will be transformational for the southern New Mexico economy.

This follows more than a decade of Heinrich’s work to expand and invest in the Santa Teresa Port of Entry. In May 2024, Heinrich led a letter with Luján and U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) to the General Services Administration (GSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) commending the completion of the feasibility study Heinrich funded in FY2022 and urging both agencies to make this project a top priority. This letter came after a push from Heinrich in March 2024 for the agencies to promptly complete the feasibility study to expand and modernize the Santa Teresa Port of Entry. You can find more detailed information about Heinrich’s previous actions to secure forward-looking investments to modernize and expand the Santa Teresa Land Port of Entry HERE.

Bolstering Federal Defender Services: Heinrich secured $1.766 billion for Federal Defenders, a nearly 22%, or $315 million, increase above fiscal year 2025 in the bill. This critical new funding will reimburse Criminal Justice Act panel attorneys who make up 40% of the overall federal defender workforce. These attorneys play a vital role in upholding the Sixth Amendment’s guarantee to counsel in criminal proceedings.

Supporting Economic Development: Heinrich helped secure $324 million for the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, protecting current funding levels for the Fund and rejecting the 59% cut (-$190.9 million) sought by President Trump, as well as the 15% cut (-$47.4 million) proposed by House Republicans. This follows a sustained attack on the CDFI Fund by the Trump Administration, which Heinrich has consistently and vocally opposed. CDFI funding helps expand economic opportunity for underserved communities and supports the development of child care centers, affordable housing units, health care facilities, and small businesses in every part of the country.

FY26 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs

Programmatic Highlights

Protecting Life-Saving Nutrition: Heinrich successfully secured $300 million for American-made ready-to-use-therapeutic food (RUTF). RUTF is the single most effective treatment for child malnutrition, bringing children back from the brink of death in weeks. RUTF production in the United States supports farmers all over the country.

Preventing Wildlife Trafficking, Enhancing Ecological Security: Heinrich helped secure $100 million for the United States Foundation for National Security and Counterterrorism, $274 million for biodiversity, $89 million to combat wildlife trafficking, $132 million for land management and protection, and $150 million for the Global Environment Facility. These investments fund projects that counter illegal wildlife trafficking and deforestation, reduce disease spread, and protect wildlife and ecosystems around the world.

Supporting Global Health: Heinrich helped secure $9.4 billion for global health programs, funding work to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and polio; support maternal and child health; and carry out critical research and deployment of health research and vaccines.

Health Care Legislative Package

Heinrich successfully secured Senate passage of the following provisions included in the overall bill:

Averting Major Cuts to Safety Net Hospitals: Heinrich successfully blocked deep cuts to Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH) through fiscal year 2028. Without this provision, the DSH program would have seen an over $8 billion cut nationwide, severely impacting safety net hospitals like the University of New Mexico Health System, which provide a disproportionate share of unreimbursed care. DSH hospitals provide care to the most vulnerable populations and rely on supplemental funding in order to provide care for every patient who needs care.

Supporting Community Health Centers, Special Diabetes Program: Heinrich helped provide $1.8 billion in funding for Community Health Centers, to ensure they remain funded through the end of 2026. Community Health Centers in New Mexico provided over 790,000 medical visits in 2024. Heinrich also helped secure funding for the National Health Service Corps through the end of the year, teaching health centers that operate graduate medical education programs through 2029, and an extension for the Special Diabetes Program through 2026. Nearly 12% of New Mexicans have diagnosed diabetes and many suffer from complicated side effects and related illnesses. Heinrich continues to support legislation to reauthorize the Special Diabetes Program through 2027.

Improving Pediatric Health Care: Heinrich helped secure Senate passage of the Accelerating Kids Access to Care Act, which he cosponsors, to improve access to life-saving care for children with complex medical conditions by simplifying out-of-state Medicaid screening and enrollment processes for pediatric care providers while retaining key safeguards to preserve the integrity of the program.

Heinrich also helped secure Senate passage of the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act, landmark legislation, which he cosponsors, to accelerate pediatric cancer treatments and expand access to life-saving therapies for children battling rare diseases.

Expanding Cancer Detection: Heinrich helped secure Senate passage of the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act, which he cosponsors. This bill allows for Medicare coverage and payment for multi-cancer early detection screening tests, beginning in 2028, that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration and used to screen for cancer across many cancer types, as determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Strengthening Obstetric Care: Heinrich helped secure Senate passage of the Keep Obstetrics Local Act, which he cosponsors, which will provide emergency funding to help struggling obstetrics units, including by increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates for labor and delivery services for eligible rural and high-need hospitals. Between 2012 and 2022, approximately one-quarter of all rural hospitals stopped providing obstetrics services, impacting 267 communities nationally. In New Mexico, nearly 18% of women lack access to birthing hospitals within 30 minutes of where they live, nearly double the national average.

Preventing Maternal Deaths: Heinrich also helped secure reauthorization of state Maternal Mortality Review Committees (MMRCs) and provide MMRCs $10 million per fiscal year through 2030. MMRCs are state review boards that seek to improve maternal health outcomes, particularly by working to end preventable deaths of mothers and babies. In New Mexico, the MMRC consists of public health professionals, obstetrics and gynecology physicians, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, nurses, midwives, mental and behavioral health professionals, patient advocacy groups, and community-based organizations.

The United States has the highest rate of maternal mortality in the developed world, with women of color disproportionately impacted by this crisis. Tragically, nearly 78% of maternal deaths in New Mexico between 2015 and 2018 were deemed preventable. Reauthorizing MMRCs is an important step towards ending this crisis.

Protecting Ground Ambulance Services: Heinrich helped secure Senate passage of a bill he cosponsors to extend add-on payments for ground ambulance services to ensure emergency medical care remains accessible in rural parts of New Mexico.

Ensuring Access to Affordable Prescription Drugs: Heinrich helped secured Senate passage of provisions to improve oversight of pharmacy benefit managers and guarantee Medicare beneficiaries can access community pharmacies of their choice.

Extension of Telehealth Flexibilities: Heinrich helped secure Senate passage of legislation he cosponsors to maintain telehealth coverage for Medicare beneficiaries through 2027, and he continues to support solutions to make these flexibilities permanent.

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Hirono Statement on Government Funding Vote

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) released the following statement after voting to pass legislation to fund critical government agencies, avert a partial government shutdown, and give Congress a two-week opportunity to negotiate guardrails to rein in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP):

"The lawlessness of this regime is rampant and grows more dangerous by the day. Tonight, I voted to give Congress two weeks to negotiate immediate, common-sense guardrails to rein in the lawlessness of ICE and CBP, such as requiring officers to take off the masks and ending the roving patrols terrorizing our communities. Over the next two week, the onus will be on Republicans to agree to the serious reforms Democrats are demanding. I will continue my work fighting for other reforms, including giving people the ability to hold lawless government agents accountable."


Hoeven Secures North Dakota Defense, Housing & Transportation Priorities

Senator Worked Through Regular Order to Reduce Spending Below Last Year While Supporting National Defense & Accomplishing Vital ND Priorities

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed five additional annual appropriations bills for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The Senate has now approved 11 of the 12 appropriations bills, and reduced spending below last year, spending less than under a continuing resolution. At the same time, the legislation increases support for the military and key North Dakota priorities. The legislation, which now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration, includes the Defense; Labor, Health and Human Services and Education; Transportation, Housing and Urban Development; Financial Services and General Government; and National Security, State and Related Agencies funding bills.

“We’ve now passed 11 of the 12 appropriations bills through regular order to fund the government while finding savings and supporting our priorities. Importantly, we’ve spent less overall than last year, while providing more funding for defense and accomplishing vital North Dakota priorities. That includes funding for comprehensive flood protection in the Red River Valley and to advance the water supply project for eastern North Dakota passed earlier this month. The legislation passed today continues these efforts and will enhance our national defense and help strengthen our economy and quality of life,” said Hoeven. “Importantly, this legislation builds upon the historic investment we made into nuclear modernization with the One Big Beautiful Bill to keep modernization efforts in Minot on track. We also continue advancing the SDA’s LEO satellite mission in Grand Forks with funding and legislation to support the development of the transport layer. At the same time, these bills maintain support for programs North Dakota has relied upon to make important improvements across our state, from expanding our airports to building the affordable housing our communities need.”

“We’ll continue working to pass the final appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security, which funds FEMA, TSA and other national security needs while also funding equipment like bodycams and measures to improve officer safety and training.”

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven worked to advance key priorities for North Dakota as the legislative package was negotiated between the House and Senate. Among other priorities, Hoeven worked to ensure the legislation:

DEFENSE

Funds a nearly 4 percent pay raise for servicemembers.

Advances nuclear modernization, including at Minot Air Force Base. The bill provides:

$2.6 billion for the development of the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

This comes in addition to the $2.5 billion that Hoeven worked to secure for Sentinel in the One Big Beautiful Bill.

More than $1 billion for development and procurement of the B-52 upgrades.

Nearly $800 million for the Long Range Stand Off (LRSO) development and procurement.

$67 million for procurement of the MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopter.

Supports the Space Development Agency (SDA) low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite mission in Grand Forks.

This includes $50 million in additional funding that Hoeven worked to secure for the LEO transport layer of satellites, which will be operated by Grand Forks Air Force Base.

$98 million to develop a hybrid electric propulsion system for next-generation military unmanned aerial systems (UAS) platforms.

$43 million to bolster UAS and counter-UAS research, development and operations in the state, including:

$25 million to support UAS research and testing activities by eligible entities in North Dakota, including Ideal Aerosmith, the University of North Dakota, Q-Station, Space Dynamics Laboratory, Anno.Ai and Vidrovr.

$10 million and report language to advance the goal of conducting U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) MQ-9 operations to Grand Forks.

$8 million to develop military applications for UAS and counter-UAS technology through initiatives like Senator Hoeven’s Project ULTRA.

$22 million to support development of protective coatings for DoD equipment and vehicles, as well as training the workforce required to meet this need, through eligible entities including Technology Applications Group (TAG), NDSU and Elinor Coatings.

$18.5 million for research and development of hypersonic technology through eligible projects and entities in North Dakota, including Aerovironment, Stratolaunch, NDSU and a partnership between UND and Auriga.

$37.5 million for additional defense research and development projects in the Red River Valley:

$10 million in additional funding for battery research and manufacturing for the Navy through Packet Digital.

$8.5 million to support proposed research projects at UND and NDSU.

$7 million in additional funding for the development of fuel cell electric engines for the Army in conjunction with the Energy and Environmental Research Center at the University of North Dakota.

$7 million for the development of graphene applications, including the graphene-based firefighting foam developed by Vorbeck.

$5 million to evaluate technology for upgrading the PARCS Radar at Cavalier Space Force Station.

HOUSING

Includes a Hoeven-authored measure allowing the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to forgive or restructure Grand Forks Housing Authority’s $2 million loan for the LaGrave Place project.

Directs HUD to automatically renew expired and soon-to-expire Continuum of Care (CoC) grants, which enable local providers, like the YWCA in Fargo, to offer comprehensive support services and housing to homeless individuals and families.

Maintains funding for programs that have supported construction of affordable housing in the state, such as Monterey and Brighton Place in Fargo and Century View in Bismarck. These programs include the:

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).

Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME).

Housing Trust Fund (HTF).

Native American Housing Block Grants.

$10 million to help house and provide wrap around services for Native American veterans.

Provides an additional $366 million in funding to help local service providers assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This supports programs such as:

Continuum of Care.

Emergency Solutions Grants.

Youth Homeless Demonstration Programs.

TRANSPORTATION

Provides $3 million for UND’s Vets2Wings program, which expands and helps cover the costs of flight training for veterans.

Continues the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) exemption for livestock haulers.

Maintains funding for programs that support improvements to transportation infrastructure and services in North Dakota, including the:

Airport Improvement Program (AIP), to support the redevelopment and improvement of airports, including the Fargo Airport Terminal project.

Competitive Bridge Bundling grant program, to support the rehabilitation and reconstruction of bridges across the state.

Essential Air Service (EAS) program, to ensure continued air service to the communities of Jamestown, Devils Lake, and Dickinson.

Small Community Air Service Development program, to support new air service routes, including in Grand Forks.

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Federal bill signed by Trump funds Natchez State Street stormwater upgrades

Natchez will receive $1.17M in federal funds for State Street stormwater repairs after Trump signs H.R. 6935, targeting failing drainage under the heavily traveled corridor.

Jan Griffey, The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Mayor Dan Gibson said he received word Friday afternoon that the city will receive $1.17 million in funding for a Natchez drainage project.

"President Trump has signed into law H.R. 6935, an appropriations act that included funding for the Fine Avenue Stormwater Infrastructure Improvements Project," Gibson said.

Specifically, the funding will address failing drainage infrastructure that traverses underneath State Street near Fine Avenue.

"The funds are coming from the U.S. EPA, Interior, Environment and related agencies subcommittee," he said.

"The materials, design and technique of this current structure suggest late 1800s to early 1900s construction, " Gibson said.

State Street is heavily traveled and is a major travel corridor in Natchez from Downtown Natchez to U.S. 61 and Liberty Road. Emergency road closure would cause a major traffic disturbance and detour of approximately one mile, he said.

"Leadership in the City of Natchez commissioned a comprehensive drainage study that was completed in early 2023 that identified $57 million worth of needed stormwater infrastructure improvements in the city," Gibson said.

He and the Board of Aldermen have since prioritized finding solutions for these projects. The city committed much of its American Rescue Plan Act funds toward funds toward stormwater infrastructure improvements and has also received ARPA funds from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. This funding builds on other stormwater funding the city has received in recent years from the state legislature and federal government, he said.

"Words cannot express our excitement in receiving approval for this appropriation. Thousands of people travel across this area each day, unaware that below them is critical infrastructure both holding up State Street and allowing water to flow underneath in Hardings Bayou.

"While the large brick culvert is currently not a hazard, it is certainly showing its age — and an emergency closure and replacement would be detrimental to all who exit downtown Natchez by way of State Street.


Fischer, Klobuchar, Hinson, Pingree Celebrate Senate Passage of Resolution to Honor Women Ag Producers

News Release

Posted: January 30, 2026

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate passed a resolution last night celebrating the designation of 2026 as ‘International Year of the Woman Farmer.’ U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, introduced the resolution in the Senate. U.S. Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-IA2) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME1) introduced companion legislation in the House.

“Every day, women across America work to feed, fuel, and clothe our world – and they should receive credit for incredibly demanding jobs. That’s why I am proud to partner with Senator Klobuchar in introducing this resolution to ensure that female ag producers receive the recognition they deserve for their hard work,” Fischer said.

“We can’t have a strong rural economy without the contributions of the women farmers working every day to feed and fuel the world. By recognizing 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, we are celebrating the role of women in agriculture, encouraging women and girls to pursue careers in agriculture, and ensuring that women in agriculture have a seat at the table and supporting them once they’re there,” Klobuchar said.

“Agriculture is more than just the backbone of our economy—it is a way of life. Women have always been at the center of that story. Nearly one-third of farmers in my district are women, leading operations, balancing the books, and strengthening our rural communities, often while raising families. I’m proud to lead a resolution making 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer because it’s long past time we recognize the vital role women play in feeding, fueling, and sustaining America,” Hinson said.

“As a longtime farmer, I know both the opportunities and the challenges that women in agriculture face. I’m proud to come from the state of Maine, where more than 43 percent of farm operators are women. Designating 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer gives us a platform to highlight women’s leadership and create momentum that supports the next generation. This recognition is long overdue. Women have always been at the heart of agriculture although they have not always received equal support or visibility. It’s critical that we work together to remove barriers and build career pathways for women who want to farm, innovate, and lead,” Pingree said.

The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Barrasso (R-WY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), Chris Coons (D-CT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Justice (R-WV), Angus King (D-ME), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), James Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tim Scott (R-SC), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Todd Young (R-IN).

Women in ag:


Hank Reichle: Improving U.S. cotton demand as President and CEO of Staplcotn

By Becky Gillette

Henry N. “Hank” Reichle worked his way up through the ranks at Staplcotn, the nation’s largest and oldest cotton producer’s cooperative, for fourteen years before he was chosen to become President and CEO in 2018. He was hired in 2004 in a dual role in marketing and accounting when Staplcotn was handling the highest volume it ever had, selling 4 million bales of cotton per year.

Volume was up, but headwinds were building. The cotton producers who own Staplcotn were seeing their market change as the amount of cotton being used by spinners in the U.S. was shrinking as the textile industry continued offshoring.

“Staplcotn had to make a choice to either focus more on selling directly into the export market or rely on selling a significant portion of its production in the spot market to other cotton shippers,” says Reichle. “The greatest value for its members would come with a greater focus on exports, so that is what Staplcotn did.”

Within a year and a half, he was assigned full-time duties in marketing and was tasked with increasing the organization’s export sales.

“Selling Staplcotn was not hard,” says Reichle. “Executing export sales is more manual than domestic shipments. We grew our export sales rapidly, more than double in two years, but excellent management in our sales operations department and warehouse division meant we never missed a beat and became more broadly known around the world as a reliable supplier with good quality and volume.”

U.S. cotton production is lower now than it was when Reichle began his cotton career. Reichle says anybody who knows anything about agriculture right now, specifically row crops like soybeans, corn, cotton and rice, also knows all of the crops are a challenge for profitability right now.

Why is that? Reichle points to several factors: The cost of producing crops is much higher than just five years ago. The overall inflation experienced in the U.S. has been exacerbated in farming. At the same time, the price for row crop commodities has fallen. And production in other countries—particularly Brazil and Argentina–has seen a huge expansion at the same time that world demand is not growing as fast.

“China and other emerging market economies are not growing as fast as they were more than a decade or two ago,” says Reichle. “Worldwide supply has increased faster than demand. That is not specific to just one crop but soybeans, corn and cotton, in particular. Brazil has brought in thirty-seven million more soybean acres in just ten years. That is the equivalent to about three Iowas in terms of new production. Iowa is one of top producers of soybeans in the U.S. The vast majority of soybeans in Brazil come from areas where there are ‘safrinha’ (double crops). When they bring in a new soybean acre, they bring in other crops, too, mostly corn and cotton. Specifically for cotton, during those same ten years, the cotton acreage in Brazil increased 120 percent. Cotton acres more than doubled.”

Brazilian agriculture also has enjoyed the advantage of heavy investment to build the infrastructure to get crops to export markets easily.

As geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China have been growing, China has turned from the U.S. to purchase more commodities from Brazil. Brazil recognized that and increased the pace of new production to meet the opportunities they saw including in China.

“That puts us in a position across all U.S. agriculture to realize we are in a different supply and demand climate than we were over the past twenty years,” says Reichle. “Each ag commodity is going to have to figure out how it is going to compete when there is a less stable relationship with China and increased Southern Hemisphere supply. Hopefully that changes, but it is not very stable now because China has put tariffs on U.S. cotton in retaliation for the tariffs the U.S. has put on Chinese products.”

The solution is to channel more of the agricultural goods produced in the U.S. back into the country and with close trading allies. One prior, successful example of that is that about twenty years ago, the U.S. started encouraging ethanol production from corn. The ethanol that is mainly blended into gasoline creates a better market for corn while promoting energy independence.

“That policy leverages the collective consumer purchasing power of the largest economy in the world for its farmers and the environment benefits too,” says Reichle. “For U.S. cotton, we need to capture a greater share of our retail demand for apparel, home textiles, and consumer products. Unfortunately, the U.S. doesn’t have the ability today to fully assemble a lot of the finished apparel and textile products sold to U.S. consumers. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith has introduced the Buying American Cotton Act which would provide incentives for manufacturers in other countries to purchase U.S. raw cotton or U.S. cotton yarn and use it in products that are headed for retail back in the U.S. The handler of the final good that is ready for sale would receive the benefit. In order to take advantage of the benefit, they would ensure their supply chain uses U.S. cotton rather than just cotton from anywhere.”

The bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate and is expected to be introduced soon in the U.S. House.

“This is our industry’s number one priority and Staplcotn will do our part to try to bring this bill into law,” says Reichle. “There is still a lot of work to do, but I do think it will happen at some point. We are cautiously optimistic. It will be a game changer for Southern U.S. agriculture and textile manufacturing when it passes. In many places, cotton is the best crop to grow, and it is a good rotation crop, especially for peanuts. Cotton is very important to the entire Southern agronomic situation and our yarn-spinning mills who are under intense competitive pressures.”

Another thing the incentives could do is reduce the price gap between natural cotton and synthetic polyester. Polyester is cheaper now, but that difference would change with these incentives.

Stanford Medicine reports that public concerns over the health effects of microplastics are growing. “In the past year alone, headlines have sounded the alarm about particles in tea bags, seafood, meat and bottled water,” it stated. “Scientists have estimated that adults ingest the equivalent of one credit card per week in microplastics.”

“People are coming to realize we have a plastics’ issue in this world,” says Reichle. “Polyester is plastic. That is mainly what is on the store shelves. People are becoming more interested in natural, biodegradable products such as cotton.”

Reichle travels a lot to meet with producers, textile mill customers, industry advocacy groups and governmental officials in his job. While the work is challenging, he considers himself fortunate to do it. Reichle credits his predecessors in the current job, Woods Eastland and Meredith Allen, plus former Chairman of the Board Mike Sturdivant, with mentorship and giving him the opportunity to run Staplcotn.

Reichle was born and reared in Columbus. After graduating from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Accountancy degree, his first job as an auditor with Ernst & Young gave him exposure to a few companies that dealt with commodities. He found cotton trading very interesting. He then went to work with what was then a cotton trading startup, The Seam.

“I went there in 2001, worked there for a few years, gained a lot of exposure and was fortunate to work with a lot of smart people,” says Reichle. “After a few years, I talked to Staplcotn to see if there were any jobs in Greenwood. I was interested in living in a smaller town in Mississippi. At that time, Staplcotn was growing each year and needed another person.”

“Having a brain that works in numbers is a great asset in the cotton business,” says Eastland. “He was a CPA. When you are using the future’s market, it all boils down to numbers. Hank has a unique combination of personality and intelligence. It is very important to have that combination. That is in addition to his leadership personality that serves him well as head of Staplcotn. He has a great reputation with the industry. He works very hard at Staplcotn, which is very fortunate to have him.”

“Hank’s ability to lead Staplcotn in these very complex and rapidly changing times is unmatched,” says Allen. “Our farmers are very fortunate to have Hank at the helm of Staplcotn, as well as in leadership positions throughout the cotton industry. He is also well respected in Washington D.C. and is a great advocate for U.S. agriculture.”

Reichle says he is fortunate to work with a great team, and that he couldn’t do the job without the support of his board, executive team and staff. “I have a lot of help; a lot of people make me look good.” he says.

Another top Delta ag leader who admires Reichle’s work is Delta Council President, Clint Dunn. Dunn says, as CEO of Staplcotn, Reichle brings extensive experience from his long-standing career in the cotton industry.

“He manages the company with efficiency and effectiveness, guiding both his executive team and the organization in consistently prioritizing the interests of producers,” says Dunn. “Hank is dedicated to creating value for growers through participation in programs like the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, Regen-Agri, and the Better Cotton Initiative. By putting growers first, he offers crucial support during the cotton industry’s current challenges.

“As a leader in the industry and key proponent of the Buying American Cotton Act, Hank and his team have spent countless hours advocating on behalf of the industry,” says Dunn.


HYDE-SMITH SAYS SENATE-PASSED BILL INCLUDES BOOST FOR MISS. HEALTH, EDUCATION & JOB TRAINING PROJECTS

FY2026 Labor-HHS Appropriations Bill Takes Step Toward Final Passage with Help for Franklin County Hospital

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today outlined resources in the FY2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (Labor-HHS) Appropriations Bill that will promote maternal health, education, and job training in Mississippi.

Hyde-Smith serves on the Senate Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee that developed the FY2026 funding measure that the Senate passed (71-29) as part of a five-bill package (HR.7148). The legislation will be returned to the House of Representatives for final passage. From there, it would be sent to President Trump to be signed into law.

“This is an important appropriations bill to the country and our state. I appreciate the work we put into it to redirect funding away from some of the previous administration’s fringe policies and toward improving health outcomes, educational achievement, and job growth. This was my focus in advocating for Mississippi in this bill,” Hyde-Smith said. “I look forward to it becoming law.”

Significantly, the bill includes language requested by Hyde-Smith, U.S. Representative Michael Guest (R-Miss.), and others that is vital to the future of the Franklin County Hospital. The language reinstates the Meadville facility’s Critical Access Hospital (CAH) designation, which the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rescinded on January 15.

“I am extremely appreciative of the committee leadership for recognizing the importance of keeping essential rural hospitals like the Franklin County Hospital and others from closing without the vital Critical Access Hospital designation. This is a sensible solution to ensure continued access to quality rural healthcare,” said Hyde-Smith, who introduced legislation (S.3047) last October to protect the Mississippi hospital and others in the same situation.

The following are additional examples of projects Hyde-Smith worked on for Mississippi in the FY2026 Labor-HHS Appropriations Bill:

Labor

• $5.3 million for Advancements in Manufacturing Upskilling Program, Mississippi State University

• $700,000 for Digital Workforce Education, Mississippi Coding Academies

• $500,000 for Workforce Training Field School, Mississippi Department of Archives and History

Health and Human Services

• $4.5 million for the Cancer Research Lab, University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC)

• $2.5 million for Optimizing Maternal Outcomes, Mississippi Public Health Institute

• $1.7 million for Labor and Delivery Project, Memorial Health System, Gulfport

• $396,00 for Improving Hearing Health Care Access, University of Southern Mississippi

• $250,000 for Perinatal Training for Medical Residents, Mississippi Department of Health

• $305,000 for Telehealth-Based Mental Health, Copiah-Lincoln Community College

Education

• $5 Million for Excellence in Nursing Education, Mississippi Community College Board

• $1.75 million for Aerial Applicator Operations Career Pathway, Delta State University

• $1.5 Million for Aviation Training Expansion, Hinds Community College (HCC)

• $800,000 for Sunflower Promise, Delta Health Alliance

• $236,000 for Agriculture Instruction Technology Equipment, HCC

The Senate bill provides $5.0 million to continue the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Office of Rural Health, which was established through Hyde-Smith’s efforts during the FY2023 appropriations process. The CDC Office of Rural Health is charged with coordinating rural health efforts across CDC programs and developing a strategic plan for rural health.

With the passage of HR.7148, the Senate will have approved 11 of the 12 annual appropriations bills, a stark departure from the refusal of former Democratic leaders to bring annual appropriations bills to the Senate floor in the previous Congresses.

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HYDE-SMITH WELCOMES SENATE PASSAGE OF 2026 DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL WITH FUNDING FOR MISS.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today welcomed Senate passage of the FY2026 Defense Appropriations Bill, which includes funding she worked to secure to support national security activities conducted in Mississippi.

Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the bill supports President Trump’s Peace Through Strength agenda with increased funding for U.S. Department of Defense activities, support for service members and their families, and fortifying the defense industrial base.

“President Trump demands that national security be laser-focused on just that, national security. The Senate defense funding bill provides strong support for a mission that is focused on facing down known, new, and yet-to-be-revealed threats to our country,” Hyde-Smith said. “Mississippi plays an important role in this defense mission. As such, it includes significant funding for national security work performed by industries and our universities in our state.”

Senate approval of FY2026 Defense Appropriations Bill (71-29) clears it to be returned to the House of Representatives as part of a five-bill package (HR.7148) for final passage. From there, it would be sent to President Trump to be signed into law.

For Mississippi, the following are among the highlights in the Senate FY2026 Defense Appropriations Bill:

Shipbuilding: $27.15 billion, a $6.3 billion increase, which includes funding for DDG-51 Destroyers, two Virginia-class fast attack submarines, one Columbia-Class ballistic missile submarine, and $1.5 billion for the maritime industrial base, which is critical to maintaining U.S. maritime advantage. The bill also includes increased funding for Special Operations vessels built on the Gulf Coast.

Research, Development, and Innovation: Mississippi is at the forefront of innovation and national security, with its universities and companies playing a pivotal role in research and development for the Department of Defense. From the shipyards of the Gulf Coast to advanced research facilities in North Mississippi, the Magnolia State is at the forefront of cutting-edge defense innovation. The bill includes funding to support research and development activities conducted at the University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, the University of Southern Mississippi, and Jackson State University.

Taking Care of Service Members and their Families: $193.1 billion for the pay and benefits of service members and families, which fully funds both the 3.8 percent pay raise for all service members and the 10 percent additional pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers. The bill also provides $24 million to support the work of the United Service Organizations (USO).

National Guard: $800 million for the National Guard and Reserve modernization fund to address capability gaps and equipment shortfalls and increase the state partnership program. The bill also provides an increase for Armed Forces Trauma training to enable guardsmen and women to be ready at a moment’s notice. The measure also provides funding for Multi-Domain Operation training for guardsmen and women so they can train like they fight.

National Guard Counter-Drug School: $30 million for National Guard Counter-Drug School activities. Mississippi has one of the five National Guard Counter Drug Schoolhouses.

With the passage of HR.7148, the Senate will have approved 11 of the 12 annual appropriations bills, a stark departure from the refusal of former Democratic leaders to bring annual appropriations bills to the Senate floor in the previous Congresses.


Pro-Life Senator Introduces Bill to Stop Abortion Pills, Save Babies

By Steven Ertelt

Senate Pro-Life Caucus Chair Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) has reintroduced legislation aimed at rolling back Joe Biden’s Food and Drug Administration policies that expanded access to chemical abortion drugs, a move pro-life advocates say will protect unborn children and restore essential safety safeguards for women.

The Support and Value Expectant (SAVE) Moms and Babies Act seeks to reinstate longstanding in-person requirements for dispensing abortion pills such as mifepristone, prohibiting mail-order distribution and telemedicine prescriptions that became more permissive under prior federal changes.

“Today, I reintroduced the SAVE Moms and Babies Act to restore common-sense safety standards for abortion drugs and ensure real, in-person medical oversight,” Hyde-Smith said in a statement announcing the bill. “This legislation, and other pro-life policies like it, puts the health and well-being of mothers and their unborn babies first.”

The bill would restore previous safeguards, including a requirement that the drugs be dispensed in person by a medical professional, addressing concerns over the risks of chemical abortions performed without direct medical supervision.

While those fall short of an outright ban on abortion pills, they would save thousands of babies from abortions.

Hyde-Smith, who chairs the Senate Pro-Life Caucus, highlighted the measure amid ongoing pro-life momentum following the recent March for Life. She described it as part of broader efforts to prioritize the protection of unborn life after the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade.

Background data underscores the urgency for pro-life supporters: In 2023, an estimated 642,700 babies were killed with abortion pills, accounting for about 63 percent of all abortions in the United States, according to Guttmacher Institute figures cited by pro-life outlets.

Advocates argue that restricting chemical abortion access could prevent hundreds of thousands of such deaths annually.

The legislation has garnered support from fellow pro-life senators and aligns with calls to enforce measures that limit the spread of abortion pills, including through the mail. Hyde-Smith’s office emphasized that the bill focuses on protecting both mothers and unborn children by prioritizing medical oversight.


SENATE APPROVES FY2026 TRANSPORTATION, HUD APPROPRIATIONS BILL; HYDE-SMITH LED CRAFTING AS SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIR

Passage is Key Step Toward Sending President Trump a Bill that Benefits Nation & Mississippi

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today praised Senate passage of a FY2026 transportation and housing appropriations bill she worked to develop as chair of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee.

Senate approval of the FY2026 THUD Appropriations Bill (71-29) clears it to be returned to the House of Representatives as part of a five-bill package (HR.7148) for final passage. From there, it would be sent to President Trump to be signed into law.

“It’s important to have Senate passage of this bill to fund important national needs instead of relying on another continuing resolution that would lock in funding levels and policies from the previous Administration. Within our budget allocation, this Transportation, HUD Appropriations Bill adjusts resources to meet the challenges we face today to ensure better air traffic safety, improve transportation infrastructure, build up our communities, and care for those most in need,” Hyde-Smith said. “A lot of hard work has gone into this bill, which has strong bipartisan support. I now look forward to President Trump signing this bill into law as soon as possible.”

“I’ve also worked to see that our bill supports surface, airport, and rail transportation projects in Mississippi, with the same attention paid to programs related to housing, workforce development, and local economic growth,” Hyde-Smith added.

The bill fully supports the Trump administration’s request for $4 billion in funding to modernize the nation’s air traffic system and to hire 2,500 new air traffic controllers. It also continues funding for the Essential Air Service that supports several regional airports in Mississippi.

The bill continues funding for the Community Development Block Grant program, which helps state and local governments promote economic development and job creation. It also emphasizes HUD Self-Sufficiency Programs to improve financial literacy, increase access to job training and educational opportunities, and help families and individuals transition from relying on HUD or other welfare assistance.

Hyde-Smith indicated that Mississippi communities should also benefit from continued funding for priority programs, including the BUILD grants program, the competitive rural bridge repair and rehabilitation program under which Mississippi is eligible to receive up to $55 million, the Port Infrastructure Development Program, Small Shipyards grants, Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement Grants, grants for commercial motor vehicle parking projects, the Tribal Transportation program, and the National Scenic Byways Program.

The following are examples of projects Hyde-Smith worked to secure in the Senate THUD measure:

Transportation

• I-55/I-69 Widening, DeSoto County – $2,000,000

• Lake Okhissa Access Improvements – $2,000,000

• MS 19 Widening, Neshoba County – $2,000,000

• Natchez Canal Street Bridge Replacement – $2,000,000

• Brookhaven Lincoln County Airport Fixed Base Operator Facility – $2,500,000

• Hinds Community College Aviation Instruction Expansion (JVW) – $1,993,000

• City of Gulfport Dedeaux Road Widening – $1,500,000

• Meridian Regional Airport Construction – $1,000,000

• Greene County Regional Airport Development – $500,000

Housing and Urban Development

• Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence, Inc., Family Justice Center Expansion, Biloxi – $5,000,000

• Forrest County Agricultural High School Career and Technical Education Expansion – $5,000,000

• Vicksburg National Military Park Visitor Center – $3,000,000

• Vicksburg Floodwall Improvements – $3,000,000

• Mississippi Food Network Storage Capacity Enhancements – $3,000,000

• Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll Economic Development Foundation – $2,000,000

• East Central Community College Veteran Center Building – $800,000

• Mississippi’s Toughest Kids Facility Improvements, Copiah County – $775,000

• Town of Cary Fire Station Improvements – $600,000

With the passage of HR.7148, the Senate will have approved 11 of the 12 annual appropriations bills, a stark departure from the refusal of former Democratic leaders to bring annual appropriations bills to the Senate floor in the previous Congresses.

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Senate passes FY2026 Defense Appropriations Bill with key funding secured for Mississippi

By Magnolia State News

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) has announced the Senate’s passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Bill, which contains funding for national security efforts in Mississippi. Hyde-Smith, who is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, played a role in securing resources that support defense activities within her state.

According to Hyde-Smith, the bill aligns with President Trump’s “Peace Through Strength” approach by increasing funds for Department of Defense operations, supporting service members and their families, and strengthening the defense industrial base. “President Trump demands that national security be laser-focused on just that, national security. The Senate defense funding bill provides strong support for a mission that is focused on facing down known, new, and yet-to-be-revealed threats to our country,” Hyde-Smith said. “Mississippi plays an important role in this defense mission. As such, it includes significant funding for national security work performed by industries and our universities in our state.”

The bill passed with a 71-29 vote and will return to the House as part of a five-bill package (HR.7148) before being sent to President Trump for his signature.

Highlights relevant to Mississippi include $27.15 billion allocated for shipbuilding—an increase of $6.3 billion from previous levels—which covers DDG-51 Destroyers, two Virginia-class fast attack submarines, one Columbia-Class ballistic missile submarine, and $1.5 billion for maritime industrial base improvements. Additional funds are included for Special Operations vessels built on the Gulf Coast.

Research and development at Mississippi’s universities receive support under this legislation. Funding is provided for research conducted at institutions including the University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, the University of Southern Mississippi, and Jackson State University.

The measure also addresses compensation and benefits by allocating $193.1 billion to pay service members and their families. This fully funds both a 3.8 percent pay raise for all service members and an additional 10 percent pay raise specifically for junior enlisted personnel. There is also $24 million designated to assist United Service Organizations (USO) initiatives.

For National Guard programs, $800 million is set aside for modernization efforts aimed at addressing equipment shortfalls and enhancing training programs such as Multi-Domain Operation training and Armed Forces Trauma training.

Additionally, $30 million supports National Guard Counter-Drug School activities; Mississippi hosts one of only five such schoolhouses nationwide.


King Cosponsors Bill to Boost Organic Agriculture

WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is cosponsoring legislation to reduce the barriers to sustainable organic farming practices. The Opportunities in Organic Act would reduce the high costs associated with establishing and maintaining an organic farm by addressing high certification costs and improving technical assistance from existing United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs.

Organic agriculture has a wide array of environmental and health benefits, including enhancing soil fertility and structure, which can boost crop yield and help reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. By reducing the use of fossil fuel-based fertilizers and toxic pesticides, organic farms further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the health of farmers, farmworkers, and consumers who might otherwise be exposed to dangerous pesticides.

“While organic practices have tremendous health, environmental and economic benefits, producers face inefficient financial and logistical barriers to establishing organic farming practices,” said Senator King. “The Opportunities in Organic Act helps farmers with the high costs and hurdles associated with entering the organic business—a win-win for rural producers and consumers.”

The Opportunities in Organic Act helps mitigate challenges farmers and producers face when transitioning to organics by modernizing USDA’s reimbursements for organic certification and expanding the department’s available expertise for organic agriculture. Specifically, the bill would expand the existing National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program into a comprehensive Opportunities in Organic Program by:

Increasing USDA’s technical assistance for producers to advance organic practices;

Making organic practices more accessible for agricultural producers from socially disadvantaged groups and underserved regions by increasing cost-share payments for organic certification and granting USDA flexibility to exceed current cost-share caps; and

Providing additional support for non-governmental organizations working to help producers transition to organic practices.

King is joined on the legislation by U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Tina Smith (D-MN).

Senator King is a staunch advocate for the Maine agriculture industry. Last year, he introduced the American Grown Act , bipartisan legislation to prioritize domestic horticulturists and farmers, and strengthen the American floral industry. Senator King cosponsored the Honor Farmer Contracts Act which released withheld federal funding and allocated it back to farmers as Congress had intended. Additionally, he is an original sponsor of the bipartisan Dairy PRIDE Act which combats the mislabeling of non-dairy products and requires accurate labeling of dairy and non-dairy products as mislabeling is harmful to dairy farmers selling their products in a crowded marketplace. Senator King also cosponsored the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act to direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to give milk producers a greater voice in dairy pricing.

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Lee Introduces Terminate USADF Act as Senior Official Pleads Guilty to Fraud

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced legislation to terminate the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF), a fraudulent foreign aid agency made defunct by an Executive Order from President Trump. USADF’s Director of Financial Management Mathieu Zahui pled guilty today to corruption in awarding government contracts and accepting bribes. The Terminate Unaccountable Spending, Abuse, Deception, and Fraud (USADF) Act will permanently scrub the USADF from statutory law, supporting President Trump’s agenda to eliminate fraud and waste from the federal government.

“The USADF has shown a clear and corrupt pattern of fraud for which its Director of Financial Management has just pled guilty,” said Senator Mike Lee. “This sorry excuse for an agency misused taxpayer dollars to hand out government contracts and evaded DOGE to cover up the deceit. President Trump was right to shut this down, and the Terminate USADF Act will make its elimination permanent so that no further fraud can occur.”

Background

The USADF is currently under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice for severe misuse of funds. A timeline of the agency’s fraud and corruption is as follows:

2023: Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member James Risch sent a letter noting significant irregularities at the agency, including misuse of funds, inappropriate partnerships, conflicts of interest, mismanagement, etc.

2024: A management advisory from the Inspector General noted that disbursed funds were misused by grantees and that USADF utilized extremely poor practices.

2025: The Daily Wire published a four-part investigation detailing how USADF official Mathieu Zahui refused DOGE access because he had steered illicit contracts to friends in exchange for kickbacks. Senate Democrats initially defended the agency as taking a stand against DOGE, despite its corrupt motives.

2025: The cancellation of grants had to be announced online because USADF had no contact information for recipients other than their money wiring details.

2026: The U.S. Department of Justice is currently pursuing a criminal investigation of USADF.

2026: USADF Director of Financial Management Mathieu Zahui pled guilty today to corruptly handing out government contracts and accepting bribes.

Read the full text of the bill here.

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Senator Mike Lee Introduces SAVE America Act with Congressman Chip Roy

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the SAVE America Act with Congressman Chip Roy (R-TX) — an expanded version of their widely supported SAVE Act. The SAVE America Act requires Voter ID to vote in federal elections in addition to the original bill’s proof-of-citizenship requirement for voter registration.

“The SAVE America Act makes our original SAVE Act better. President Trump rightly believes we should include Voter ID in this bill as we make a renewed push to secure our elections and protect the rights of American voters,” said Senator Mike Lee and Congressman Chip Roy. “By requiring Voter ID and proof-of-citizenship, the SAVE America Act will ensure that our federal elections are decided by U.S. citizens—and U.S. citizens alone.”

The SAVE America Act would protect and preserve the right of American citizens to vote by:

Requiring individuals to present an eligible photo identification document before voting. (NEW provision)

Requiring states to obtain proof of citizenship – in person – when registering an individual to vote. (From original SAVE Act)

Requiring states to remove non-citizens from existing voter rolls. (From original SAVE Act)

Under the Biden-Harris administration, at least 10 million illegal aliens poured into communities nationwide. In many states, these illegal aliens are eligible for driver’s licenses and other benefits, providing ample opportunities to illegally register to vote in Federal elections. In some jurisdictions, non-citizens are even able to vote in local elections. While only U.S. citizens can legally vote in Federal elections, Federal law has generally preempted and undermined state laws requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote in such elections.

Read the full bill text here.


Graham Receives Commitment for Vote on Ending Sanctuary Cities Forever

Graham: “I will lift my hold and vote for the package.”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after receiving a commitment from Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) that he supports a vote on Graham’s legislation to end sanctuary cities forever.

Graham was also informed that in addition to the ongoing bipartisan work on Arctic Frost, Leader Thune supports, at a time to be determined, a vote on Graham’s amendment to give groups and private citizens – not members of Congress – who were harmed by the Biden DOJ’s Arctic Frost investigation led by Special Counsel Jack Smith their day in court.

“I very much appreciate Leader Thune going to bat for the cause of ending the lawlessness and chaos created by sanctuary city policies, and allowing groups and private citizens harmed by Jack Smith to have their day in court.

“He just informed me that he is supportive of my efforts to have a vote on my bill to end sanctuary city policies once and for all, by making it a federal crime for state and local officials to willfully violate federal immigration laws. The American people overwhelmingly support ending sanctuary city policies. In my view, sanctuary city policies are the root cause of the problems we face. I also applaud President Trump for trying to lower the temperature, but not abandoning his efforts to clean up the Biden immigration fiasco.

“Leader Thune also supports, at a time to be determined, a vote on creating the ability for groups and private citizens, not members of Congress, that may have been harmed by Jack Smith and the Biden DOJ to have their day in court. There are over 430 Republican-aligned groups and individuals caught up in the Biden DOJ dragnet. Jack Smith and his team issued more than 190 subpoenas in service of a politically motivated investigation. There has to be a remedy to this miscarriage of justice, and I will continue to seek one.

“Again, thank you to Leader Thune and his team for getting to the right outcome.

“I will lift my hold and vote for the package.”

Background on Graham’s legislative efforts to end sanctuary city policies and provide justice to those harmed by Special Counsel Jack Smith:

Ending sanctuary city policies: Graham introduced legislation this week to end sanctuary cities forever. More information on his bill is available HERE.

Justice for Republican groups and private citizens: Graham is seeking a vote on his legislation that:

Gives groups and private citizens – not members of Congress – who were harmed by Biden DOJ’s Arctic Frost and Special Counsel Jack Smith investigation the ability to have their day in court.

Requires members of Congress who are not under criminal investigation to be notified by phone carriers if their records are subpoenaed.


Heinrich, Luján, Leger Fernández Call on Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office Director to Resign, FEMA to Conduct Independent Review

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) issued the following joint statement:

“Jay Mitchell has lost the trust of Northern New Mexico. He must resign.

“As authors of the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act, we have been clear that the Claims Office must prioritize working with local communities to restore trust, communicate effectively, and get money out the door as soon as possible to those who suffered most.

“Under the Trump Administration, there has been a clear failure of leadership from the Claims Office marked by a lack of transparency and urgency. The Claims Office has failed to adequately communicate with the New Mexico Congressional Delegation or with the communities it is meant to serve.

“Our offices have repeatedly urged the Claims Office to prioritize total loss and burn scar claims, yet we continue to hear from constituents who are facing unnecessary delays and roadblocks.

“As such, we are calling on Director Mitchell to resign and for FEMA to take immediate steps to restore trust, accountability, and communication. As Members of Congress, we take our oversight responsibilities seriously and will continue pressing for answers and progress on behalf of constituents. There must now be an independent review of the Claims Office’s administrative management of the funding.

“Northern New Mexicans deserve total transparency, accountability, and a Director of the Claims Office that works for them — not against them.”

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Luján Announces DOJ Launch of RECA Online Claims Portal

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has launched a new online portal for Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) claims, implementing the recently extended and expanded program.

Prior to the launch of this online portal, Senator Luján and the New Mexico Delegation sent an open letter to New Mexico’s holders of health care records, birth and death records, tax records, school records and any other necessary records to request their full cooperation in delivering long overdue justice for New Mexicans exposed to radiation. Luján announced in August that he secured clear guidance to provide claimants the instructions they need to apply for and receive compensation through RECA.

“In New Mexico and across the country, thousands of Americans sacrificed in service to our national security and deserve justice,” said Senator Luján. “That’s why I’ve pushed the Department of Justice to provide clear guidance for New Mexicans to cut through the red tape and easily apply for and receive compensation. I’ll continue fighting to ensure RECA delivers for our families.”

“I remain grateful to the bipartisan coalition of lawmakers, survivors, and advocates who helped get RECA across the finish line,” continued Senator Luján. “Over the past decade working to advance this issue, I’ve been moved by the stories of families who became ill or lost loved ones, but who never gave up this fight.”

Since being elected to Congress, Senator Luján has played a leading role in advancing legislation to strengthen the RECA program, introducing RECA legislation in every Congress and twice passing it through the Senate.

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