Fernandez, Teresa RSS Articles

Representative Leger Fernández, Attorney General Raúl Torrez Push New Legislation to Force DOJ to Release Remaining Epstein Files

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC — Attorney General Raúl Torrez today voiced support for the Epstein Files Transparency Act II, bipartisan legislation sponsored by U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-New Mexico) Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky), Ro Khanna (D-California) to amend the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The bill gives state attorneys general, district attorneys, and survivors the right to sue the U.S. Department of Justice for withholding or redacting records, bars the department from invoking privilege to justify withholding files, and creates criminal penalties for federal officials who conceal, destroy, or falsify records covered by the Act.

New Mexico has pursued records related to Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch property for months. The U.S. Department of Justice has not fully responded to the state's records requests, leaving New Mexico's investigation without access to files that bear directly on whether New Mexico laws were broken.

"Survivors have waited too long for answers, and my office has waited too long for the federal government to turn over the unredacted records we need to complete our criminal investigation," said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. "This legislation gives state law enforcement the access this investigation requires, and it gives survivors control over their own records. Every day of delay is another day survivors are denied the justice they are owed."

"Todd Blanche and the Department of Justice have refused to release as many as 3 million Epstein files: they are hiding the truth from the American people and creating even more injustice and trauma for survivors," said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. "When Trump’s administration does not comply with the law, there must be consequences. Attorney General Blanche is not fit to serve, should not be confirmed and should instead resign. In the meantime, we must pass this bill to put power where it belongs—with survivors. No administration, no Attorney General, and no Department of Justice is above the law."

Torrez and Leger Fernandez are leading the fight to hold the U.S. Department of Justice accountable for failing to comply with the bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act. Torrez said the enforcement gap this bill closes exists because the Department of Justice has chosen delay and obstruction over compliance with the law as written.

"The Department of Justice has had every opportunity to follow the law and has instead chosen stonewalling," said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. "This bill takes that choice away. Survivors deserve a process that works regardless of whether the Department of Justice decides to cooperate."

The Epstein Files Transparency Act II:

Creates a private right of action allowing State Attorneys General, district attorneys, other authorized State officials, and victims to sue the U.S. Attorney General for unlawfully withholding, redacting, delaying, concealing, removing, or failing to publish Epstein-related records.
Gives victims the right to obtain full, unredacted records concerning themselves or the harm they suffered, including relevant FBI FD-302 reports.
Enforces compliance with the existing law by subjecting DOJ and FBI officials to existing federal criminal penalties for knowingly concealing, destroying, falsifying, withholding, or misrepresenting files.
Requires the Department of Justice to provide State and local prosecutors with unredacted records needed for investigations, prosecutions, and judicial proceedings, including secure access to classified materials.
Explicitly prohibits the invocation of common law privileges, including deliberative process privileges, to evade disclosure requirements included in the original EFTA.

The text of the Epstein Files Transparency Act II is available here.

Leger Fernández, Heinrich Lead New Mexico & Texas Democrats to Introduce Legislation Reversing Rate Cuts for Veterans’ Essential Homecare Services

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) and U.S. led New Mexico and Texas congressional Democrats in introducing the Protecting Home-Based Care for Rural Veterans Act, legislation to reverse the Trump administration’s cuts to reimbursement rates for essential homecare services for veterans in New Mexico and Texas.

As of January 1, 2026, the reimbursement rate for veterans’ homecare services fell by nearly 20 percent in New Mexico and 43 percent in parts of Texas, which could result in homemaker and home health aide agency closures. Approximately 68,000 New Mexico veterans over the age of 65, in addition to many disabled veterans, rely on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare. Nationally, one in 10 of these veterans use at least one homecare service to maintain their independence and continue living in their own homes and communities.

The rate cuts come as the Trump administration is reportedly spending nearly $900 million a day on their war in Iran — putting their reckless war of choice above caring for veterans.

"Our veterans kept their promise to our country. We must keep ours to them. These reckless reimbursement cuts are making it harder for disabled veterans to receive the in-home care they rely on for everyday tasks like getting out of bed, bathing, getting dressed, or preparing meals. When home health providers can't afford to serve veterans, veterans pay a steep price. Our bill restores those cuts, brings transparency to how these rates are set, and makes sure the VA can never quietly pull the rug out from under veterans and their caregivers again," said Leger Fernández.

“Homecare services are not luxuries. They are earned benefits that allow disabled and elderly veterans to remain in their homes and live with dignity,” said Heinrich. “The Trump administration has repeatedly refused to reverse its cuts to VA homecare reimbursement rates in New Mexico — denying veterans the care they have earned. It is insulting to New Mexico’s veterans that VA Secretary Collins refuses to even talk with me and my colleagues to defend these cuts. Meanwhile, veterans are struggling to pay for gas and groceries because of Trump’s war with Iran. It's bullshit. That’s why I’m introducing my Protecting Home-Based Care for Rural Veterans Act to reverse Trump’s harmful cuts, ensure veterans get the care they are owed and need, and require the VA to be transparent about any future reductions.”

Specifically, the Protecting Home-Based Care for Rural Veterans Act will reverse the reimbursement rate reductions that occurred in 2026 and require the VA to notify Congress of any future rate reductions.

The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), Marc Veasey (D-Texas), Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas), Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), and Al Green (D-Texas).

“Our veterans and their families make the ultimate sacrifice to protect us – it’s our responsibility to make sure they’re cared for when they come home,” said Vasquez. “By cutting reimbursement rates for essential home healthcare services, this Administration is doing the opposite. These programs aren't a handout – they're earned. I’m proud to support this bill that would restore these benefits in New Mexico and make sure that our veterans get the support they need and deserve.”

“Our veterans in New Mexico have answered the call to serve, and we have a responsibility to ensure they receive the care they deserve,” said Stansbury. “Slashing reimbursements for home-based care while this administration spends billions on an endless war betrays our nations promises to our veterans. The Protecting Home-Based Care for Rural Veterans Act will reverse these harmful cuts and help ensure our veterans can live with the dignity, independence, and support they deserve."

“In South Texas, access to care means making sure veterans can receive the services they need where they live. Home-based care helps aging and disabled veterans stay safe, independent, and close to their families. This bill protects that care, supports the providers who deliver it, and ensures rural communities are not left behind,” said Cuellar.

"Home-based care is essential for disabled and elderly veterans in Texas's rural communities. Reversing the cuts to home health reimbursement will ensure that veterans with disabilities and serious health conditions can continue to receive the care they need. This is a necessity, not a luxury. Protecting these care options is crucial in making sure that our veteran communities can continue to live independently and with the support they deserve," said Veasey.

“Our military heroes deserve good healthcare no matter their zip code,” said Castro. “The Protecting Home-Based Care for Rural Veterans Act would help make sure veterans living in rural areas receive the high-quality medical care they deserve. Congress should be making it easier for veterans to stay healthy, not harder. This bill will make VA care more accessible and timely.”

“There are more than 50,000 veterans in South Texas, including 24,000 with service-connected disabilities; we need fewer barriers impeding access to health care, not more. Instead, this Administration does the opposite by hindering the VA’s ability to recruit and retain staff to operate rural homecare service programs and deliver our veterans the care they earned. With this bill, we will reverse a harmful one-size-fits-all approach that overlooks our smallest and most rural communities — and allow us to meet the individual needs of South Texas and beyond,” said Gonzalez.

The legislation is endorsed by the New Mexico Association for Home and Hospice Care, Texas Association for Home Care and Hospice, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

The full text of the bill is here.

Earlier this year, Leger Fernández, Vasquez, Stansbury, Heinrich, and Cuellar sent a letter urging VA Secretary Doug Collins to reverse the Trump administration’s cuts to reimbursement rates for essential home healthcare services for veterans. VA Secretary Collins responded to the lawmakers’ letter, where he refused to reverse the cuts and asserted that the rate reductions reflected an agency assessment that rates in New Mexico and rural Texas exceeded “prevailing market rates.” Heinrich released a statement condemning VA Secretary Collins’ refusal to reverse the cuts, where he stated, “This is the kind of DC talk I am sick of...This money should be going directly to their care, which is why I plan to introduce legislation that reverses Trump’s cuts to homecare reimbursement rates in New Mexico and ensures veterans get the care they are owed.”

Leger Fernandez Votes to Cut Offensive Military Aid To Israel

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Leger Fernandez voted for an amendment to the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations Act (H.R. 8595) introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) to prohibit funds appropriated by the Act from being used for Israel’s offensive weapons and activities.

“Peace cannot be built with more bombs.

Congress has a responsibility to make sure American taxpayer dollars reflect American laws, American values, and our commitment to human rights. When they do not, we have a duty to change course.

I voted for the amendment because the United States cannot continue writing blank checks for offensive military assistance to Netanyahu’s government as he causes such death and destruction for innocent Palestinian civilians, villagers in the West Bank, and disrupts a world order that values peace and respect.

The Israeli and Palestinian people both deserve to raise their children free from terror, violence, and fear. Israel has the right to exist and to live in security. Both sides deserve to practice their religion and faith. That’s why I continue to support defensive systems that protect civilian lives, which are not affected by this amendment,” said Leger Fernández.

The House passed H.R. 8595 by a vote of 217-209, with Congresswoman Leger Fernández voting against the bill’s final passage. The bill undermines American diplomacy, weakens our national security, and makes significant cuts to lifesaving humanitarian aid.

This bill also advances the Republican voter suppression bill called the SAVE America Act.

“The SAVE America Act will make it harder to register to vote, especially if you’re a woman, live in a rural community, serve in the military, or are a Tribal voter. If you’re wealthy enough to have a passport, you’re fine. But more than 21 million Americans don’t have one. Under the SAVE America Act, a REAL ID driver’s license in most states or other common forms of ID wouldn’t be enough to register. This isn’t about election security. It’s about making it harder for eligible Americans to vote. The only thing this bill is designed to save is Republicans’ electoral butts in November,” said Leger Fernández.

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N.M. Delegation Demands Answers After Reports of DEA Declining to Seize Massive Fentanyl Shipments, Calls for Immediate Reforms to Stop Deadly Fentanyl from Reaching New Mexico Communities

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) and U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) sent a letter demanding answers from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Terrance Cole on why the DEA allowed large quantities of fentanyl to circulate unseized in New Mexico communities.

Trafficking of fentanyl and other opioids poses one of the most severe — and often deadly — public health threats facing New Mexico and the nation. Illicit fentanyl, a Schedule I controlled substance, is an exceptionally potent synthetic opioid that can be fatal even in extremely small quantities. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl has been the primary driver of the overdose epidemic in the U.S.

Whistleblower complaints allege that Albuquerque-based DEA agents declined to interdict at least 1.8 million fentanyl pills between 2023 and 2025 in hopes of taking down a larger supply chain.

“We unequivocally assert that allowing fentanyl to go unseized creates an unconscionable risk to New Mexicans,” the lawmakers wrote to DEA Administrator Cole.

In 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and DEA established "Fentanyl Protocols" directing agents to "seize or otherwise prevent the distribution" of fentanyl "as soon as practicable" to protect public safety. In 2024, the DOJ revised those protocols to provide law enforcement with greater discretion, allowing agents to weigh public safety risks against "the benefits to be achieved through preserving the investigation." A 2024 DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) investigative summary further states that the U.S. Attorney's Office acted reasonably in allowing certain drugs to remain unseized and concluded that doing so posed no "specific danger to public health and safety."

“We adamantly disagree with this internal assessment, and we urge your agency to immediately revert fentanyl protocols to the 2017 standard of seize or otherwise prevent the distribution of fentanyl as soon as practicable,” the lawmakers underscored. “We will be taking all necessary actions in Congress to better ensure the safety of New Mexicans and expect that you will stand with us in those efforts.” The lawmakers concluded their letter by demanding responses to a request for written documentation on all instances where the DEA declined to interdict fentanyl, and the following questions on the DEA's fentanyl interdiction policies, investigative protocols, and enforcement practices:
Provide comprehensive written documentation of all individual instances, occurring in New Mexico since January 2017, including dates, locations and amount of suspected contraband, during which DEA has declined to interdict fentanyl in the course of a Title III or electronic surveillance investigation. Please also indicate the extent to which fentanyl involved in these investigations was ultimately recovered.
What are DEA’s current internal directives and guidelines dictating how federal agents manage active drug-trafficking investigations involving fentanyl? Specifically, what protocols instruct agents on whether to seize a shipment of fentanyl immediately or allow it to pass temporarily under surveillance?
What internal DOJ or DEA documentation determines, or may supersede, official fentanyl interdiction and operational protocols both as a matter of agency-wide policy and also with regards to individual drug-trafficking investigations? How are these changes to operational protocols communicated to agents in the field? Please provide all such documentation since January 2017.
Under what circumstances are DEA agents permitted to exercise discretion, abandoning any presumption of interdiction, allowing a fentanyl transaction to proceed without immediate seizure? What safeguards are in place to protect communities when fentanyl shipments are allowed to continue as part of an ongoing investigation?
Must agents possess a guaranteed, continuous ability to seize the substance immediately if the operational environment changes? How is the likelihood of losing operational surveillance, and the potential number of lives impacted if the substance enters the illicit supply chain, measured against the benefits of a successful investigation?
What circumstances mandate when fentanyl must be safely interdicted, or swapped for a controlled delivery with a substituted substance, before it is allowed to advance within the supply chain? What levels of approval within your command structure are required to bypass immediate interdiction?
What other tactics such as controlled deliveries, enhanced surveillance, contraband substitution are available to your agency to facilitate long-term, high-level investigations without an unacceptable risk to public safety? What resources can we provide to make these tactics of more common use to your agency?
What is the reassignment status of DEA personnel based in New Mexico to out-of-state enforcement efforts since January 2025? During the same period, have DEA agents in New Mexico maintained their primary focus on drug-trafficking investigations or have any participated in joint immigration enforcement operations not limited to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations?

For more information on the N.M. Delegation’s work to tackle the opioid crisis, click here.

The full text of the letter is here and below:

Dear Administrator Cole:

We write with urgent concern following investigative reporting revealing that U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents may have allowed large quantities of fentanyl to circulate unseized in New Mexico communities. These reports include whistleblower complaints alleging that Albuquerque-based agents declined to interdict at least 1.8 million fentanyl pills between 2023 and 2025 in hopes of taking down a larger supply chain. We unequivocally assert that allowing fentanyl to go unseized creates an unconscionable risk to New Mexicans. Furthermore, given the seriousness of these allegations and potential ongoing threats to public safety, we require immediate responses regarding your agency’s fentanyl interdiction and operational protocols.

Illicit fentanyl poses a uniquely severe, and often deadly, public health crisis in New Mexico and across the country. Pharmaceutical fentanyl, a schedule II substance, is an exceptionally potent synthetic opioid, posing a severe risk of fatality even in extremely small quantities. Its potency is estimated to be significantly higher than other opioids, approximately 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Because fentanyl is so powerful, even an extremely small amount — roughly equivalent to a few grains of salt — can be a lethal dose. The illegal diversion of pharmaceutical fentanyl most often occurs through supply chain theft, prescription fraud, and rogue actors within the medical system. Unlike pharmaceutical fentanyl, illicitly manufactured fentanyl is mainly produced in clandestine laboratories without approved precursor chemicals and is largely responsible for the overdose crisis in the U.S. Illicit fentanyl and its analogs, schedule I substances, are unregulated lab-made variations of pharmaceutical fentanyl often supplied by drug cartels. Illicit manufacturers frequently mix it into other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit pills. This means individuals are often unaware they are ingesting it, which significantly increases the risk of accidental overdose. Because of the variability in illegal drug manufacturing, the amount of synthetic opioid varies widely from pill to pill and, as acknowledged by your agency, a single pill can easily result in a fatal overdose.

Internal DEA documentation indicating shifting agency fentanyl interdiction and operational protocols, without necessary consultation with various Congressional oversight authorities, is of paramount importance to our inquiry. Public reporting has focused on U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and DEA “Fentanyl Protocols,” established in 2017, mandating that agents “seize or otherwise prevent the distribution” of fentanyl “as soon as practicable” to protect public safety. Subsequently, in 2024, reporting states that DOJ updated these protocols to give law enforcement more discretion, allowing agents to balance public safety risks against “the benefits to be achieved through preserving the investigation.” Confirmation of this posture is recorded in a DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) 2024 investigative summary, concluding that the U.S. Attorney's Office had made reasonable decisions by allowing drugs to go unseized and that their inaction posed no “specific danger to public health and safety.” We adamantly disagree with this internal assessment, and we urge your agency to immediately revert fentanyl protocols to the 2017 standard of seize or otherwise prevent the distribution of fentanyl as soon as practicable.

We appreciate that you recently asked DOJ’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) to begin an internal, independent investigation of the reported allegations. While we have no interest in interfering with the OIG’s progress, we require immediate responses to the following, no later than 10 days from your receipt of this letter, so that we may take appropriate legislative action to reign in any discretionary authority erroneously presumed.

Provide comprehensive written documentation of all individual instances, occurring in New Mexico since January 2017, including dates, locations and amount of suspected contraband, during which DEA has declined to interdict fentanyl in the course of a Title III or electronic surveillance investigation. Please also indicate the extent to which fentanyl involved in these investigations was ultimately recovered.
What are DEA’s current internal directives and guidelines dictating how federal agents manage active drug-trafficking investigations involving fentanyl? Specifically, what protocols instruct agents on whether to seize a shipment of fentanyl immediately or allow it to pass temporarily under surveillance?
What internal DOJ or DEA documentation determines, or may supersede, official fentanyl interdiction and operational protocols both as a matter of agency-wide policy and also with regards to individual drug-trafficking investigations? How are these changes to operational protocols communicated to agents in the field? Please provide all such documentation since January 2017.
Under what circumstances are DEA agents permitted to exercise discretion, abandoning any presumption of interdiction, allowing a fentanyl transaction to proceed without immediate seizure? What safeguards are in place to protect communities when fentanyl shipments are allowed to continue as part of an ongoing investigation?
Must agents possess a guaranteed, continuous ability to seize the substance immediately if the operational environment changes? How is the likelihood of losing operational surveillance, and the potential number of lives impacted if the substance enters the illicit supply chain, measured against the benefits of a successful investigation?
What circumstances mandate when fentanyl must be safely interdicted, or swapped for a controlled delivery with a substituted substance, before it is allowed to advance within the supply chain? What levels of approval within your command structure are required to bypass immediate interdiction?
What other tactics such as controlled deliveries, enhanced surveillance, contraband substitution are available to your agency to facilitate long-term, high-level investigations without an unacceptable risk to public safety? What resources can we provide to make these tactics of more common use to your agency?\
What is the reassignment status of DEA personnel based in New Mexico to out-of-state enforcement efforts since January 2025? During the same period, have DEA agents in New Mexico maintained their primary focus on drug-trafficking investigations or have any participated in joint immigration enforcement operations not limited to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations?
Please provide a detailed timeline regarding actions taken by the DEA since these whistleblower allegations came to your attention. Will DEA now direct all federal agents involved in drug-trafficking investigations to seize or otherwise prevent the distribution of fentanyl as soon as practicable?

This situation requires that your responses be compiled and returned with the same urgency with which we’ve submitted our inquiries. We will be taking all necessary actions in Congress to better ensure the safety of New Mexicans and expect that you will stand with us in those efforts.

Sincerely,

Leger Fernández Has Delivered More Than $6.7 Billion for New Mexico Communities, Water Infrastructure, Disaster Recovery Since Coming to Office

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Santa Fe, N.M. — Since taking office, Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández has helped deliver more than $6.74 billion in federal funding to strengthen New Mexico communities, invest in critical infrastructure, and help families recover from devastating natural disasters.

The funding includes:

$5.48 billion for disaster relief, including compensation and recovery efforts for survivors of the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and flooding in Chaves County.
$738.45 million for the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project, bringing reliable, clean drinking water to Navajo Nation, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, and northwestern New Mexico.
$398.75 million for the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System, securing long-term water access for about 73,000 people in Clovis, Portales, Texico, Elida and Cannon Air Force Base.
$124.4 million through Community Project Funding, supporting dozens of locally driven projects across New Mexico’s third Congressional District, including improvements for roads, water systems, fire fighters, sheriffs, housing, schools, community centers, health care facilities, tribal infrastructure, and economic development in our cities, rural and Tribal communities. See a full list of these projects here.

In total, these investments amount to $6,742,683,785 delivered for New Mexico.

"When I came to Congress, I promised to fight every day for New Mexico's families—and that's exactly what we've done,” said Leger Fernández. “We've delivered billions of dollars to help communities recover from devastating disasters, bring clean water to families who've gone too long without it, strengthen our rural communities, support Tribal Nations, improve public safety, and invest in the infrastructure our future depends on. These aren't just numbers on a page. They're safer communities, stronger local economies, and a better future for New Mexicans. We won’t stop fighting for New Mexico."

Reps Leger Fernández and Lieu Re-Introduce 21st Century Federal Writers’ Act

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) and Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) introduced the 21st Century Federal Writers’ Project Act, legislation to create a new grant program administered by the National Endowment for the Arts that will empower America's writers and journalists to capture and document the American experience.

As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, this legislation establishes a coordinated national effort to chronicle the full breadth of American life across all 56 states and territories. Modeled on the Federal Writers' Project (1935-1943), the 21st Century Federal Writers' Project Act will support writers in documenting the histories, communities, customs, and everyday experiences that define the country today. The bill also creates a nationally administered and searchable repository to preserve these books and other media, ensuring that the stories gathered during the semiquincentennial era remain accessible to future generations of Americans.

“Reporters, writers, and poets have always opened our eyes to the realities of the world around us. Today, their work is more important than ever. With this legislation, our writers will be able to apply for federal funds to continue documenting American life as it looks like now,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. “Representative Ted Lieu and I are reintroducing the 21st Century Federal Writers' Project to revive the 1935 program that gave us an inside look at how diverse the American experience is across the country. This project gives our storytellers the opportunity to shape how American history will remember the 21st century.”

“From the beaches of Los Angeles to the mountains of West Virginia, from the dairy farms of Wisconsin to the fishing vessels of Alaska, the American experience has a wide array of history, culture, customs, and communities. As we honor the 250th anniversary of the United States, let us celebrate what defines this great country – its people,” said Congressman Lieu. “The 21st Century Federal Writers’ Project Act will not only support writers and journalists – many of whom have lost their jobs in recent years – it will memorialize what it means to be American. The stories of today should not go untold.”

Here’s what endorsing organizations have to say about the bill:

"This is a brilliant idea. The new Federal Writers' Project will help us learn who we are, at a moment when such knowledge could not be more crucial. It recognizes that coming to know our country better through stories, told lovingly and specifically, by talented writers, is a wonderful way to repair our current partisan divide,” said George Saunders, MacArthur-winning author of Lincoln in the Bardo.

"As a college student from Teheran studying in Oklahoma, I first fell under the spell of the original Federal Writers Project and its guides to all the American states. Many of the great authors nurtured by the Writers' Project, from Zora Neale Hurston to Saul Bellow to Ralph Ellison, still console and inspire me to this day. I have seen firsthand what happens when a nation's people stop listening to each other and become strangers. Please, I implore you to pass the 21st-Century Federal Writers' Project Act, and help a new generation of American writers to spare my adopted country a similar fate,” said Azar Nafisi, author of Reading Lolita in Tehran.

“It's not every idea that wins support from both The Nation magazine and President Trump's NEA, but the 21st-Century Federal Writers' Project Act is just such an idea. Modeled on the Depression's original, beloved Writers' Project, the new initiative will hire talented, inquisitive, human writers to create print and multimedia guides to all 56 states and territories – ultimately helping reintroduce a divided America to itself,” said David Kipen, NEA Director of Literature under presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

"The 21st-Century Federal Writers' Project is urgently needed. It is an exercise in national cultural diplomacy that will build bridges from group to group and region to region. Our country is in a state of transformation on all levels, and this national portrait now will give future generations a detailed, state-by-state look at who we are,” said Colleen Jaurretche, UCLA Department of English and co-founder and director of the Libros Schmibros Lending Library.

“For nearly a century, the legacy of the Federal Writers' Project has demonstrated the power of writers to document history, strengthen civic understanding, and preserve the voices of everyday Americans. As communities across the country lose local news outlets and writers struggle to sustain their careers, the need for a modern version of that effort has never been greater. The Authors Guild strongly supports locating this program within the National Endowment for the Arts, whose longstanding commitment to preserving our shared cultural heritage makes it an ideal home for this initiative. By supporting writers in telling the stories of our time, Congress can help create an invaluable record of America for generations to come,” said Mary Rasenberger, CEO of The Authors Guild.

"The 1930s Writers' Project remains a rich source of stories, truths, and memories of the diverse, tumultuous, beautiful and challenging terrain of our country and its people. We need a new Writers' Project, to document, sing about, and remember the extraordinary people, places, and events of our time, now, and in the future,” said Susan D. Anderson, History Curator and Program Manager of the California African American Museum.

“In the 1930s, with our country battling the Great Depression, the Federal Writers' Project put emerging writers to work capturing American life. Across cities, towns, and rural communities nationwide, they documented the people, places, and stories that make up our country, helping to shape a generation of American storytellers, from Ralph Ellison and Studs Terkel to John Steinbeck. Today, Representative Lieu's bill will give our country the opportunity once again to empower emerging writers and protect the voices of America's present and future,” said William Ames, Portfolio Director of Philanthropy, Emerson Collective.

"Studs Terkel's 'working' was about all I found to read as a carpenter and laborer for two decades. It was through his work that I learned about the ‘30s Federal Workers Project and all the great stories and writers who joined and apprenticed through it. It was my dream work. Do it again now, and count me in still,” said Dagoberto Gilb, author of The Magic of Blood and A Passing West.

"To strengthen our story-telling culture while at the same time fostering a sense of common national cause: Now there is a great American idea,” said Richard Powers, Pulitzer- and National Book Award-winning author of The Overstory.

"According to the latest report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Arts & Culture generates $1.17 trillion dollars (4.2% of U.S. GDP), more than all of Agriculture and Mining, combined: the American Writer is central to this massive economic engine. At this unprecedented time of great economic hardship, the 21st Century Federal Writers' Project will create and multiply American jobs across 435 congressional districts, all while capturing the voice and very soul of America at the dawn of this new era,” said Matthew-Lee Erlbach, Playwright, Screenwriter, Co-Founder of Arts Workers United.

“Congressman Lieu's bill recognizes the central role played by writers in the full functioning of our democracy. The bill would serve the double purpose of collecting the stories of the United States' experience of the pandemic for use by future generations and also putting back to work many of the nation's most talented writers and researchers, whose careers have been devastated by the effects of the pandemic. Current-day students and researchers benefit from the work made possible by FDR's Federal Writers Project, and, with the passage of this bill, the same will be true for future generations,” said Paula M. Krebs, Executive Director of the Modern Language Association.

“In this time of rampant and destructive disinformation and divisiveness, we need the insights writers acquire when they listen to people and share their stories with respect, perspective, and understanding. The 21st-Century Federal Writers’ Project will enable us to freshly recognize the true wealth, strength, and wonder of America in all its vibrant variety,” said Donna Seaman of the American Library Association’s Booklist.

"As the inaugural Literary Director of the Library of Congress, former Editor-in-Chief of Book World at the Washington Post, and senior executive in two New York publishing houses, I'm very aware of the extraordinary influence that the original Federal Writers Project (1935-1943) had on this country's literary history. So many of our most illustrious writers—Ralph Ellison, Saul Bellow, Studs Terkel, Richard Wright, May Swenson, and many others—got their start documenting the Depression for the American Guide Series. One of the most valuable collections of the past century, the Slave Narratives, containing 2,300 first-person accounts of bondage and the families that endured it, was produced as a result. These papers and recordings are all housed at the Library of Congress for the world to see, hear, study, and use. The work has been invaluable. It enriched our country's cultural currency immeasurably. But it also supported indigent, out-of-work writers in a time of dire need.

We could use such a project again. Resuscitating this project now, in this era of COVID and conflagration, when there are so many stories to tell and so much information about this country's experiences to glean, promises to be a rewarding undertaking. I thoroughly endorse and support this effort and hope that the fruits of this project might be available in print as well as digital form. It will rescue unemployed writers, awaken nascent talent, and energize stalled careers, but it will also contribute greatly to the historical record of the country. And I am quite sure it will take its place as an extraordinary collection in the important archives of this land,” said Marie Arana, Founding Literary Director, Library of Congress.

This bill is supported by: Ken Burns, filmmaker, director of The American Revolution and The Civil War; Dana Gioia, poet, critic, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts from 2003 to 2009; John Glusman, Vice President and Executive Editor of W.W. Norton & Company; Joy Harjo, 23rd Poet Laureate of the United States; George Saunders, MacArthur-winning novelist and short-story writer; Richard Powers, National Book Award and Pulitzer-winning novelist; Azar Nafisi, author of Reading Lolita in Tehran and Read Dangerously: The Subversive Power of Literature in Troubled Times; Johanna Drucker, Distinguished Professor Emerita, Department of Information Studies, UCLA; Paul Vandeventer, President & CEO of Community Partners; Laura Zapiain, Senior Product and Privacy Counsel for the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative; David Kipen, NEA Director of Literature under presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama; Colleen Jaurretche, UCLA Department of English and co-founder and director of the Libros Schmibros Lending Library; Mary Rasenberger, CEO, The Authors Guild; Susan D. Anderson, History Curator and Program Manager, the California African American Museum; William Ames, Portfolio Director of Philanthropy, Emerson Collective; Dagoberto Gilb, author of The Magic of Blood and A Passing West; Matthew-Lee Erlbach, Playwright, Screenwriter, Writers Guild of America PAC Board Member, Co-Founder Arts Workers United ; Paula M. Krebs, Executive Director, Modern Language Association; Jill Lepore, New Yorker Staff Writer, Professor of American History at Harvard, author of the bestselling history of America These Truths; Philip J. Deloria, Harvard Professor of History; Steve Ross, Dean's Professor of History at USC, author of Hitler in Los Angeles: How Jews Foiled Nazi Plots Against Hollywood and America; Howard Rodman, author/screenwriter, Vice President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Past President of the Writers Guild of America West; Donna Seaman, Booklist; Summer Lopez, PEN America; Marie Arana, Founding Literary Director, Library of Congress.

READ FULL BILL TEXT HERE

Reps. Leger Fernández, Stansbury, Vasquez Investigate Federal Drug Enforcement Actions that Allowed Fentanyl on to New Mexico’s Streets

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), and Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) sent a letter to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administrator Terrance Cole demanding answers about reports that federal agents and prosecutors knowingly allowed hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to flood the streets of Albuquerque and other New Mexico communities. The practice, known as “walking,” is an investigative tactic where law enforcement agencies, like the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), deliberately allow illicit drugs to pass through supply chains and reach the streets. Rep. Leger Fernández and the New Mexico delegation pressed Administrator Cole for an immediate briefing on DEA policies and its actions in New Mexico with respect to the fentanyl crisis.

“New Mexico families have lost too many loved ones because of fentanyl,” said Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández. “Every pill that makes it into our communities puts lives at risk. The law enforcement technology and drug interdiction resources our delegation has supported for years are meant to stop fentanyl from reaching our families—not let it through. New Mexicans deserve answers.”

“New Mexicans are paying the price for a fentanyl epidemic that is tearing families apart and deserve answers. We are demanding answers as to whether federal agents knowingly allowed fentanyl to reach and harm our communities,” said Rep. Melanie Stansbury. “The DEA's own message is clear: one pill can kill. At a time when overdose deaths continue to devastate our state and communities, the DEA should be focused on stopping these drugs before they reach our streets—period.”

“Introducing high quantities of fentanyl into communities where drug abuse is prevalent is a highly dangerous and volatile approach,” said Rep. Vasquez. “I’m demanding answers from the DEA to understand exactly how this operation went down, who approved it, and what results, if any, it yielded. Fentanyl is a highly lethal drug that should be treated as such, as our hardworking members of local law enforcement work every day to eradicate this toxic substance from our streets, homes, and neighborhoods.”

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, even a small amount of fentanyl can provide a potentially lethal dose. Fentanyl is incredibly potent—about 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine—a deadly quantity is roughly equivalent in size to a few grains of salt.

New Mexico has now led the nation for two consecutive years in drug overdose deaths, and data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show our state’s overdose deaths rose nearly 23 percent over the past year while the national rate fell. Nonfatal suspected fentanyl overdoses treated in New Mexico emergency departments have reached their highest level since January 2023. These allegations also follow reports that DEA agents are being reassigned from drug trafficking cases to support the Administration’s mass deportation agenda.

This letter follows reporting from the Albuquerque Journal that the Drug Enforcement Administration may have allowed fentanyl to leak into Albuquerque and New Mexico streets.

You can find the full letter here.

Congresswoman Stansbury hosted a press call on this topic with New Mexico Speaker of the House, Javier Martinez. You can watch a recording of the press call here.

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Leger Fernández, Heinrich Introduce Bipartisan Defenders Of Bataan & Corregidor Congressional Gold Medal Act

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) and U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) reintroduced their bipartisan, bicameral Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Congressional Gold Medal Act to honor the heroic individuals who served honorably in defending Bataan, Corregidor, Guam, Wake Island, Midway Island, and Java.

The legislation would bestow a collective Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest and most distinguished civilian honor, to the individuals who fought for or with the United States in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After the fall of Bataan and Corregidor, many of these servicemembers endured one of the most harrowing war experiences in history: the Bataan Death March and the forced labor and torture at prisoner of war camps that followed. Bestowing these veterans with a Congressional Gold Medal would recognize their personal service and sacrifice.

“The American and Filipino defenders of Bataan and Corregidor endured an unimaginable level of abuse and responded with an equal amount of courage and strength,” said Leger Fernández. “The Bataan Death March was a horrific example of cruelty and inhumanity. As our Bataan veterans are passing, it's time we recognize the Bataan and Corregidor service members — including many New Mexican heroes — with the highest honor.”

“Nearly 2,000 New Mexico National Guardsmen fought alongside Allied forces in the Pacific Theater during World War II. These brave Americans endured the unimaginably harrowing Bataan Death March, and years of forced labor and torture in prisoner of war camps,” said Heinrich. “It was the courage and sacrifices of these brave Americans that ultimately made Allied victory possible. That’s why I'm so honored to re-introduce this legislation to recognize these heroic veterans with our nation’s highest and most distinguished honor.”

The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.).

“Thousands of servicemembers, including many New Mexicans, bravely defended the Bataan Peninsula during World War II before enduring the Bataan Death March and imprisonment as prisoners of war,” said Luján. “Our nation can never fully repay the debt we owe these veterans. Their courage, resilience, and sacrifice in the face of unimaginable hardship exemplify the very best of America. I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to ensure Congress properly recognizes and honors these heroes for their extraordinary service and sacrifice.”

“The defenders of Bataan, Corregidor, Guam, Wake Island, Midway, and Java displayed extraordinary courage in the face of impossible odds,” said Stansbury. “In New Mexico, their legacy remains deeply personal. 1,800 New Mexicans were taken prisoner and forced to endure the Bataan Death March. 829 guardsman never returned home. Their sacrifice helped change the course of the war, and it is long past time that these heroes receive the recognition they deserve. I am proud to help reintroduce this bipartisan legislation to honor their service with a Congressional Gold Medal.”

“New Mexico has a distinct history of proud military service, and during WWII, our state disproportionately answered the call of duty, sending more young people into battle than any other state per capita," said Vasquez."Among those brave young people who risked it all to protect their loved ones and our freedoms were 1,800 New Mexicans who were taken prisoner and forced to endure the Bataan Death March — less than half of whom would make it home. These American heroes put everything on the line for their country, and it is time for our country to honor and thank them with a Congressional Gold Medal.”

In the Senate, alongside Luján, the Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Congressional Gold Medal Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Angus King (I-Maine), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).

In the House, alongside Stansbury and Vasquez, the Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Congressional Gold Medal Act is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Brian Babin (R-Texas), Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.), Mike Carey (R-Ohio), Andre Carson (D-Ind.), John Carter (R-Texas), Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), Tom Cole (R-Okla.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Jason Crow (D-Colo.), Don Davis (D-N.C.), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Pat Fallon (R-Texas), Shomari Figures (D-Ala.), Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), Scott Franklin (R-Fla.), Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), Jared Golden (D-Maine), Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), Josh Harder (D-Calif.), Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.), Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.), Mike Kelly (D-Pa.), King-Hinds (R- M.P.), Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.), Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.), Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), Rich McCormick (R-Ga.), John McGuire (R-Va.), Grace Meng (D-N.Y.), Dave Min (D-Calif.), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.), Gary Palmer (R-Ala.), Deborah Ross (D-N.C.), Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.), Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.), Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), Dina Titus (D-Nev.), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), Bobby Scott (D-Va.), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), Jefferson Shreve (R-Ind.), Pete Stauber (R-Minn.), Eugene Vindman (D-Va.), Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), and Austin Scott (R-Ga.).

The Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Congressional Gold Medal Act is endorsed by The American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Memorial Society, the New Mexico National Guard, and the Bataan-Corregidor Memorial Foundation of New Mexico.

“The American POWs of Imperial Japan represent one of the most profound examples of courage in our history. Many endured years of brutality, and far too many never returned home. A Congressional Gold Medal would finally provide the national recognition their sacrifice deserves. We are grateful to Senator Heinrich and the co-sponsors for spearheading and supporting this bill,” said Jan Thompson, President of the American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Memorial Society.

A one-pager of the bill is here.

The full text of the bill is here.

Background:

On December 8, 1941, hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese bombers attacked U.S. military stations in the Philippines. Despite being cut off from supply lines and reinforcements, thousands of American and Filipino forces mounted a courageous, months-long defense of the Bataan Peninsula and then Corregidor Island in Manila Bay. This brave defense — alongside campaigns to defend the Midway Atoll, Wake Island, Guam, Java, and Mindanao – changed the momentum of the war, delaying the Japanese conquest of the Philippines and providing the Allied Forces with critical time to mount a campaign to liberate the Pacific.

On April 9, 1942, after the Battle of Bataan, approximately 75,000 troops from both the United States and the Philippines were taken prisoner by the Japanese. They were forced to endure a torturous march of more than 60 miles that came to be known as the “Bataan Death March” to prison camps throughout the Philippines. The marchers endured intense tropical heat without food, water, or medical care. An estimated 10,000 men — including thousands of Filipinos and hundreds of Americans — died from starvation, exhaustion, and abuse.

Survivors of the Bataan Death March were sent to Japanese prison camps for over three years, where they were subject to further torture, undernourishment, and forced labor. Others died when they were transported out of the Philippines, by way of unmarked Japanese Navy “hell ships” that were targeted by Allied Forces.

Out of the 1,816 New Mexico National Guardsmen in the 200th and 515th Coast Artillery who deployed to defend the Philippines in the fall of 1941, 829 never returned home.

Rep. Leger Fernández Introduces Bipartisan Solution to Protect America’s Herds From New World Screwworm

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 18, 2026 — following confirmed cases of the New World screwworm (NWS) in Texas and New Mexico — U.S. Representatives Leger Fernández and Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) introduced the Protecting America’s Herds Act, an innovative, bipartisan solution to combat the spread of the parasite, herd loss, and a jump in beef prices.

The bill — which has 13 cosponsors from both sides of the aisle, including Rep. Leger Fernández — helps ranchers fight NWS by funding local experts who can train inspectors, inspect livestock, educate producers, and provide the hands-on support needed to catch outbreaks early and stop them from spreading.

The bill has been endorsed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, New Mexico State University, the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, the Public Lands Council, and Rocky Mountain Farmers Union.

“The first confirmed case of New World screwworm in New Mexico is a reminder that we cannot take our agricultural security for granted. Ranchers, producers, veterinarians, and agricultural experts have been warning about this threat for months and calling for stronger preparation before it reached our communities,” said Leger Fernández. “Unfortunately, the federal response did not match the urgency of the moment. Now that screwworm has arrived, we have a responsibility to step up and give our producers the tools they need to protect their herds. The Protecting America’s Herds Act will help provide the training, technical assistance, and local support needed to identify outbreaks early, respond quickly, and limit the damage to livestock, rural economies, and the families who depend on them.”

“For New Mexicans, the New World screwworm is not a distant problem. It's here, right in our backyard. That's why I'm raising the alarm in Congress and leading a bipartisan effort to make sure lawmakers understand this isn't just a New Mexico or Southwest issue — it's a national threat to our food supply, our ranchers, and American families — and we need to respond now,” said Vasquez. “Our ranchers have already been hit by years of drought, rising input costs, and record-low cattle herds. The last thing we need is a flesh-eating parasite threatening their herds and driving up beef prices for American families. That's why I'm leading this bill and calling on USDA to ramp up staffing, speed the completion of the sterile fly production facility, and give producers the resources they need to detect and stop this outbreak before it gets worse.”

The NWS was eradicated from the U.S. in 1966, meaning many producers today have never encountered the pest. This bill provides the essential training and support they need to prevent the outbreak from spiraling into a crisis through early detection and rapid response efforts.

Specifically, the bill would equip the Cooperative Extension System to:

Train personnel and producers on New World screwworm identification, treatment, management, prevention, and reporting through workshops, direct technical assistance, field demonstrations, and outreach campaigns
Allow Extension agents to act as livestock inspectors and deputize them to train and hire additional livestock inspectors
Enhance coordination with USDA APHIS, veterinarians, state animal health officials, and Tribal agricultural programs
Prioritize funding for states and Tribal communities at elevated risk of NWS introduction or spread

Leger Fernández joined Vasquez to unveil his bill at a briefing and press conference they convened in Albuquerque today with agriculture and livestock experts from across New Mexico, as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In addition to introducing this new bipartisan solution, the representatives called on the USDA to expedite the completion of the sterile fly production facility in Texas — a vital project that he requested a status update on from Secretary Rollins back in mid-April ahead of the peak summer outbreak season.

During the briefing, livestock officials also noted they do not expect the NWS outbreak to materially impact beef prices and flagged for consumers that American beef products remain safe for consumption.

State and federal experts who attended today’s briefing and shared updates, insights, and recommendations included:

New Mexico Department of Agriculture
- Les Owen, Deputy Secretary
New Mexico Livestock Board
- Belinda Garland, Executive Director
- Samantha Holeck, State Veterinarian
Dairy Producers of New Mexico
- Beverly Idsinga, Executive Director
- New Mexico State University - Extension Office
- Tom Dean, Department Head for Cooperative Extension Service
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
- Stewart Liley, Chief of Wildlife Management
New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association
- Dr. Tom Paterson, President
New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau
- Larry Reagan, President
U.S. Department of Agriculture - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
- Dr. Sara Ahola, New World Screwworm National Incident Coordinator

Cosponsors of the Protecting America's Herds Act include Representatives Sharice Davids (KS-03), Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Josh Harder (CA-09), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Marc Veasey (TX-33), and Michael McCaul (TX-10).

“Protecting our livestock means protecting rural jobs and our economy,” said Rep. Veasey (TX-33). “The Protecting America’s Herds Act gives producers the resources they need to stay ahead of threats before they become costly crises and invests in the safeguards needed to keep destructive pests from reaching our livestock.”

“As the New World Screwworm has now been found in the United States, it’s critical that we take an all-hands on deck approach to identify and address new cases. Even in small states like Maine, a screwworm outbreak can have an outsized impact, especially at a time when families are already dealing with rising costs in every facet of their lives,” said Rep. Pingree (ME-01). “This commonsense legislation would give states the tools and people power they need to stop this outbreak in its tracks, while improving their ability to respond to future threats.”

"These parasitic swarms kill livestock, drive up milk and beef prices, and can even infect humans — we have to stop this outbreak before it spreads even more," said Rep. Harder (CA-09). "This bill jumpstarts detection and prevention efforts by giving dairies and ranchers the support they need to keep their livestock healthy. Passing this bill ASAP should be a no-brainer."

“A strong agricultural economy depends on giving producers the resources they need to prepare for challenges before they become crises. The New World screwworm is a threat we cannot ignore,” said Rep. Thompson (MS-02). “By strengthening Cooperative Extension Services, this legislation will help producers detect infestations early, protect their livestock, and improve our ability to respond before outbreaks become more widespread. Taking these steps now will help protect our agricultural economy, support rural communities, and strengthen our nation's food supply.”

Here’s what endorsing organizations have to say about the bill:

“I strongly support this important legislation to enhance our state’s preparedness and response to the New World screwworm. By investing in the training of Extension professionals, strengthening producer outreach, and equipping our local offices to serve as trusted resources, this bill ensures that New Mexicans have timely access to science-based information and assistance,” said Jon Boren, the Associate Dean and Director at New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. “This proactive approach will help protect animal health, safeguard our agricultural economy, and strengthen the resilience of communities across New Mexico. We appreciate this commitment to prevention, education, and rapid response.”

“Extension agents and their staff are among the most trusted agricultural professionals in many communities. They know our producers, understand local conditions, and can play a critical role in educating the public and helping detect New World screwworm in our livestock,” said Tom Paterson, President of the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association. “Congressman Vasquez is proposing a practical, common-sense approach that strengthens our frontline defenses against a devastating livestock pest. New Mexico Cattle Growers strongly supports this legislation and appreciates his leadership on this issue.”

“Rocky Mountain Farmers Union believes that expanding access to technical assistance for producers is a critical investment in the long-term health and resilience of the U.S. livestock industry,” said Chad Franke, President of Rocky Mountain Farmers Union. “Enhanced support helps safeguard our nation's cattle herd, strengthen rural economies, and provide producers with tools to help address emerging challenges. This is especially urgent as threats such as New World Screwworm continue to grow and the U.S. cattle herd is at a 75-year low.”

“Eradicating New World screwworm half a century ago required a full-court press, leveraging partnerships at the federal, state, and local levels. Eradicating the current outbreak in New Mexico and Texas will require the same level of investment. Mobilizing Cooperative Extension agents in the fight against this pest is a practical use of existing expertise and personnel on the ground,” said the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “We appreciate Congressman Vasquez’s focus on this urgent issue facing New Mexico ranchers.”

Leger Fernández Celebrates $562,500 Community Funding and Community Match Support for El Valle Community Center in Villanueva

Fri, 29 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

VILLANUEVA, N.M. — Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) joined community leaders, local families, and philanthropic partners in Villanueva, NM, to celebrate a $562,500 federal Community Project Funding investment for the El Valle Community Center and Library she secured. With music, food, and some big checks, the community celebrated the successful completion of matching funds that will help bring critical renovations and improvements to the historic center.

Leger Fernández secured the $562,500 investment through the FY24 Community Project Funding process. Since coming to Congress, she has delivered more than $124 million in Community Project Funding for projects across New Mexico.

“Being here, surrounded by music and laughter, among people who care about the community, gives me hope,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. “When we talk about rural New Mexico, we are really talking about home. Places like this are the beating hearts of Nuevo Mexico, where families gather to celebrate weddings and baptisms, share food, or play basketball, and where children discover new worlds through books. This investment is about more than fixing a building — it’s about protecting culture, preserving community, and building a brighter future for Villanueva. That’s why we had to bring this funding home. I also want to shout out the partners who made this funding possible. The Masons inspired our revolutionary leaders 250 years ago, and their ethics of altruism shine through today. The Las Vegas Community Foundation has shown up in times of disaster and celebration, and Pattern Energy is not just powering our energy future — they’re investing in the very communities where their turbines capture the wind. ”

The El Valle Community Center provides essential services for rural families, including literacy tutoring and library programming for local students, free computer and internet access, a community food pantry, yoga, art classes, a farmers market, and meeting spaces for residents across the region. If a community member has an idea, El Valle will turn it into a reality.

The total $750,000 project will fund major repairs and upgrades to the community center, including a roof replacement or refurbishment, accessibility improvements, insulation, window repairs, and infrastructure upgrades that will allow the center to continue serving families across the San Miguel del Vado Land Grant communities.

“Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández spent much of her childhood in the valley with her extended family. She understands the needs of this and other remote communities that lack access to basic needs services,” said Patricia M. Gallegos, Founder and Honorary Board Member of the El Valle Community Center. “She is passionate about community development, cultural preservation, and rural education. With this award, EVCC is able to help the center become an example of community self-sufficiency and a hub for the underprivileged remote community.”

To meet the required funding match, the center received support from several philanthropic organizations, including $30,000 from the Masonic Charity Foundation of New Mexico, $30,000 from the Las Vegas Community Foundation/Anchorum, and $141,680 from Pattern Energy.

“Pattern Energy is honored to support the El Valle Community Center and the meaningful work its team is doing in Villanueva,” said Jeremy Turner, Senior Director of New Mexico Development and Strategy for Pattern Energy. “We are grateful to build on that track record alongside Congresswoman Leger Fernández, whose leadership helped the Center unlock these additional funds, and we look forward to seeing it move into its next chapter.”

The El Valle Community Center has served the region since 1998 and operates out of the former Villanueva Elementary School building. The center serves residents from Villanueva, Ribera, San Miguel, El Pueblo, Sena, El Cerrito, Gonzalez Ranch, Leyba, and surrounding communities.

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