From the Office of U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) announced more than $202 million in federal funding secured for New Mexico in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill and Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Bill.

In both appropriations bills that were signed into law, Sen. Luján successfully secured $202,188,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for 13 critical New Mexico projects. In the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Bill, Senator Luján secured $195,250,000 for New Mexico projects. In the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, Sen. Luján secured $6,938,000 for New Mexico projects.

“From strengthening our military’s capabilities to improving emergency services, these critical appropriations bills that were signed into law will deliver meaningful support to communities across New Mexico,” Sen. Luján said. “New Mexicans deserve stronger infrastructure, safer communities, and greater opportunities for the next generation. That’s why I fought for this funding, and I’m proud that over $202 million in federal funding will now be available for New Mexico.”

Sen. Luján continued, “While I’m grateful to have secured these funds, the process by which these bills passed was deeply frustrating. With costs so high, we must do more to ensure life remains affordable for New Mexico families. I remain committed to extending the ACA tax credits and preventing insurance premiums from skyrocketing.”

Bill summaries of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies funding bill and Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Related Agencies funding bill are available here.

Sen. Luján Delivered More than $202 Million for the Following Local Projects:

Strengthening New Mexico’s Air Force Bases: 

• $80,000,000 for Cannon Air Force Base to construct a 192-bed dormitory. Secured by Senator Luján and Senator Heinrich.
• $8,100,000 for Cannon Air Force Base to make infrastructure for the ADAL Security Forces Facility. Secured by Senator Luján and Senator Heinrich.
• $700,000 for Holloman Air Force Base to make infrastructure upgrades specifically designed for the Holloman High Speed Test Track. Secured by Senator Luján and Senator Heinrich.
• $83,000,000 for Kirtland Air Force Base to construct a Space Rapid Capabilities Office. Secured by Senator Luján and Senator Heinrich.
• $18,250,000 for Kirtland Air Force Base to construct a new Explosive Operations Building. Supported by Senator Luján and secured by Senator Heinrich.
• $3,200,000 for Kirtland Air Force Base to construct a Child Development Center. Supported by Senator Luján and secured by Senator Heinrich.
• $2,000,000 for Kirtland Air Force Base to make infrastructure upgrades, specifically designed for the Wyoming Gate Project. Secured by Sen. Luján and Sen. Heinrich.

Fire and Emergency Response in Northern New Mexico:

• $1,100,000 for Rio Arriba County to modernize and upgrade firefighting communications equipment, including radios and repeater towers, to ensure timely emergency responses. Secured by Sen. Luján and Sen. Heinrich.
• $750,000 for the Truchas Volunteer Fire Department to enhance the department’s ability to respond to emergencies. Secured by Sen. Luján and Sen. Heinrich.
• $1,000,000 for San Juan County to purchase a new fire ladder truck. Secured by Sen. Luján, Sen. Heinrich, and Rep. Leger Fernández.

Community Infrastructure in Central and Southern New Mexico:

• $1,513,000 for the Town of Estancia to renovate its town hall and community center. Secured by Sen. Luján and Rep. Stansbury.
• $1,000,000 for the Town of Mesilla to renovate its town hall complex. Secured by Sen. Luján, Sen. Heinrich, and Rep. Vasquez.

Early Childhood Education in Southwestern New Mexico:

• $1,575,000 for HELP New Mexico, Inc. to expand their early childhood education campus in Luna County. Secured by Sen. Luján and Sen. Heinrich.