Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Leger Fernández (NM-03) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 10515, which failed to pass the House tonight by a vote of 174-235-1. 

“Democrats and Republicans negotiated a strong bipartisan deal to keep the government open, provide desperately needed disaster aid and emergency assistance, and move the country forward. Yesterday, Wannabe President Musk and Donald Trump derailed that deal via Tweet so they can give tax cuts to billionaires and the richest corporations,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández.

“Musk, Trump, and House Republicans have thrown our nation into chaos. Their new bill cuts the bipartisan child cancer research initiative, programs to improve maternal health, and workforce development funds. To give more tax breaks to billionaires, they’re hurting recovery programs for those suffering from addiction, cutting Medicare, and allowing insurance managers to keep denying patients the medicines they need.  It’s a disgrace,” she continued.

“Democrats stand ready to work on serious proposals to help farmers, families, children, seniors, and working-class Americans across the country—especially New Mexicans. House Republicans are betraying the American people by listening to billionaires over the needs of working families—I won’t do that,” she concluded.

Background:

On December 17, 2024, Congressional Democrats and Republicans reached an agreement to fund the government until March 2025 and provide disaster aid including for those hurt by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and Chaves County flooding. That agreement also increased the funding authorization for the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project, extended the Farm Bill, reauthorized health programs, and included provisions to help consumer protection. 

Soon after, House Republicans broke their word and the agreement. They introduced a new bill that eliminates several significant programs to support Americans. This bill also increases the debt limit for two years to allow the Republicans to pass tax cuts for the rich next year. 

The new Republican bill leaves out several critical provisions: 

• Payment increases for Medicare-participating physicians who face a payment cut of 2.8% in January 2025, further harming doctors and patients in rural and underserved areas
• Medicare coverage of multi-cancer early detection screening tests
• Maternal Health Programs including those that support prenatal and postnatal health research and children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
• Treatment and recovery programs for those suffering from substance use. This includes programs that support pregnant and postpartum women, peer support centers, and youth prevention. 
• Flexible child welfare funding, which includes family preservation services, foster care maintenance, and foster care training 
• Childhood cancer research programs including incentives to develop drugs for rare pediatric diseases
• Removes language on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that would help lower drug prices for Americans
• Increased funding and strengthening of workforce development programs
• Ban on junk fees by requiring upfront, all-in pricing for hotels, vacation rentals, and live-event tickets
• Mandates refunds for canceled events, bans speculative ticketing, and prohibits deceptive ticketing websites