Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández  met with President Biden and requested his commitment to passing the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Assistance Act as well as additional resources for protecting the destroyed watershed.

Congresswoman Leger Fernández introduced this legislation to fully compensate those who suffered personal injury or loss of property, business or income. During his visit the President repeatedly expressed his support for the legislation.

At the briefing, Rep. Leger Fernandez also requested that President Biden direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture to pay the full cost of the Emergency Watershed Protection Program to protect and restore the damaged watershed. The program is an important resource to prevent erosion and flooding but requires a 10% match.  Much of Mora and San Miguel’s Counties burnt are in private ownership, and these ranchers, farmers and landowners do not have the resources for the match.

Congresswoman Leger Fernández invited Mr. Jerry Gomez to meet with President Biden with her. Mr. Gomez is a third-generation New Mexico rancher, farmer and business owner from her district. The fire destroyed his home, garage, and 90 percent of his property. Mr. Gomez built his home himself, and heard from his brother that it had burned. He also lost several cherished animals to the blaze. He said he plans to rebuild and make new memories with his ten grandchildren. “I won’t be sad about what I lost,” Mr. Gomez said. “Let’s make it so my kids and grandkids can enjoy this land because I’m not going anywhere.” 

“Today President Biden had the opportunity to hear some of the stories I’ve heard for the last two months – stories of sadness, grief, and sorrow from our families and communities.  They are stories that are repeated by hundreds of farmers, ranchers, and business owners who’ve lost their homes, lands, and livelihoods. Many have lived in these communities for generations. I’ve listened.  Today, I carried their pain, their hopes, and their voices to the President of the United States and urged him to support my legislation to fully compensate affected communities and provide additional resources for our gente.  The U.S. Forest Services started these fires and it is the federal government’s obligation to provide justice for our beloved communities,” said Leger Fernández.

“We are pleased that the President listened when we requested a 100% disaster relief cost share for our communities affected by the fires and approved our request.  The fire is still threatening our communities in the Pecos watershed.  But in Mora and the Gallinas watershed, we must begin the long process of rebuilding and healing.,” added Leger Fernández.

President Biden, Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández, the New Mexico Delegation, and other state and local officials met with several families impacted by the fires. The president was also briefed on the fires by state and federal officials.

The President also announced that the federal government would cover 100 percent of disaster relief costs from the fires, in a response to a direct request made by Rep. Leger Fernández and the New Mexico Congressional Delegation. 

Last week the Congresswoman sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office requesting an independent, federal investigation into the process that the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) uses to conduct prescribed burns. The Congresswoman requested that GAO provide recommendations to the USFS and Congress to reduce wildfire risk associated with prescribed burns. Additionally the Congresswoman requested answers from the USFS earlier last month.  A guide to fire recovery resources is available on the website: Fernandez.house.gov

###