Press Releases

September 27, 2023 - Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández passed two amendments late last night to increase funding for oversight of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) rural housing program and USDA Office of Tribal Relations. 

Watch Rep. Leger Fernández’s remarks HERE. 

In New Mexico, and all across the nation, the USDA Section 515 of Rural Multi Family Rental Housing Loan Program provides loans for the development or rehabilitation of rural multifamily rental housing for low-income individuals. This rural housing program is a lifeline for many families in small and remote communities who need a roof over their head.

However, USDA needs funds to adequately manage and inspect these properties to make sure they are safe and livable. At least three of these properties have experienced serious management and maintenance issues, leaving residents in dilapidated, unsafe conditions. One property was even condemned by the City of Española, New Mexico last November. It forced occupants out into the cold and sent numerous residents into homelessness.  Oversight by USDA is critical, and steps required in their own guidelines would have prevented the loss of these homes. A repeat of any further failures must be avoided.

Rep. Leger Fernández along with Senator Martin Heinrich and Senator Ben Ray Luján sent a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack this month requesting him to investigate the mismanagement of Section 515 properties in Española.

“My amendment increases funding for investigations of Section 515 properties to make sure that USDA enforces the requirements that these properties are livable and safe,” said Rep. Leger Fernandez.

“The underlying Agriculture Appropriations bill also cut funding to USDA’s Office of Tribal relations by over 57 percent. The USDA Office of Tribal Relations serves as the vital single point of contact for Tribal issues across the entire Department. This office makes sure relevant programs and policies are accessible to Tribes and developed in consultation with the Tribal communities they impact.” 

“I consistently hear from the Tribes and Pueblos in my district that they need more support and technical assistance from USDA, not less. My amendment brings funding levels for the USDA Office of Tribal Relations back up to the current levels of Fiscal Year 2023 and ensures Tribes don’t lose access to vital USDA programs,” concluded the Congresswoman.

The amendments will be included in the Agriculture Appropriations bill, which the House will vote on later this week.  

An excerpt from the Congresswoman’s remarks can be found below:

“I support the en bloc, which includes two of my amendments. 

The USDA Office of Tribal Relations serves as the vital single point of contact for Tribal issues across the entire Department.

My amendment #4 would restore funding levels for the USDA Office of Tribal Relations to FY23 levels so Tribes don’t lose access to USDA programs.

Separately, my amendment #25 would increase funding to USDA rural development by $7 million. USDA would use these funds to improve its oversight of the Section 515 of Rural Multi Family Rental Housing Loan Program.

Outrageously, in my district, three of these properties have experienced serious management and maintenance issues. The City of Española even condemned one property. 

This has left residents in unsafe conditions. USDA needs the necessary resources to make sure its properties are livable.

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