U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) on Dec. 23 highlighted legislative victories, constituent services successes, and results he delivered for New Mexicans in 2024.

This year, Sen. Luján also completed his full tour of all 33 counties in New Mexico.

“Every day, it is an honor to represent New Mexico in the United States Senate,” Luján said. “From securing billions for the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon recovery and pushing FEMA to expedite relief, to passing RECA through the Senate for the second time, we made a lot of progress for New Mexico. There is still more work to be done, and I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, listen to the priorities of New Mexicans, and fight for our state in Washington.” 

“Serving New Mexicans and providing top-notch constituent services has always been a top priority for my office, and I am particularly proud of the work that we accomplished for New Mexicans,” Luján continued. “As always, I encourage New Mexicans to reach out to my office for assistance.”  

Helping New Mexicans in 2024

• In 2024, Luján saved constituents more than $20 million, helped close 1,654 constituents cases on issues ranging from Social Security to passports, and sent 221,937 letters to New Mexicans who contacted his office.  
• New Mexicans in need of assistance in navigating federal agencies and issues can contact his office here or by calling 575.252.6188 or 202.224.6621.

Delivering Legislative Victories 

• This year, Luján introduced 73 bills and 16 amendments and co-sponsored 450 bills and amendments to boost the quality of life for New Mexicans. Of the legislative work that Luján championed, the Senate passed 9 bills and amendments authored by Luján that President Biden signed or is expected to sign into law. 

Significant initiatives Luján championed this year include:

• Secured Senate passage of the bipartisan Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act, legislation to reauthorize and strengthen the RECA program. Luján remains committed to fighting for this bipartisan, bicameral legislation that Speaker Johnson blocked. 
• Welcomed an initial $98 million in federal funding made possible by Luján’s Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act to repair and replace the Las Vegas water treatment facilities to ensure the community has access to clean drinking water.  
• Authorization to continue work on the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project that would’ve come to a halt Dec. 31, 2024 without action by Luján.
• Fought for an additional $800,000 in initial funding to support disaster recovery in response to South Fork and Salt Fires in Lincoln, Chavez, and Rio Arriba Counties.
• Secured an additional $1.5 billion for the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon recovery in the Continuing Resolution. In total, Luján and the N.M. Delegation secured $5.45 billion for the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon recovery. 

Delivering Results on Committees 

• In the 118th Congress, Luján served on five committees: the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP); the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; the Committee on Indian Affairs; and the Committee on the Budget.
• Through Luján’s work on Senate committees, he was able to deliver results for New Mexicans, including leading an investigation that led to the largest inhaler manufacturers committing to cap the cost of inhalers to no more than $35.
• Luján also served as Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband and continued his work to bridge the digital divide. As chair, Luján convened two hearings this year, examining the future of broadband affordability and the safety and security of our communications networks.

Landmark Legislation and Judicial Confirmations  

• Under the Biden administration and Senate Democratic majority, Luján was able to secure millions in funding from legislation he helped pass into law during the Biden administration, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act.  
• Additionally, Luján voted to confirm President Biden’s judicial nominations, totaling 235 federal judges – confirmed by the Senate.

Looking Ahead Toward the 119th Congress 

• Since being elected to the Senate, Luján has developed extensive relationships with his House and Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get his legislation passed, and he will continue to do so while defending New Mexico values and priorities. 

“Luján will continue delivering for New Mexicans. He will stand up to protect New Mexicans’ health care and Social Security, preserve acequias and public lands, serve our veterans, honor our commitment to Tribal Nations, invest in National Laboratories, and create opportunities for all New Mexicans.”