Heinrich, Luján Support Senate Passage Of Stopgap Government Spending Bill That Includes $2.5 Billion For New Mexicans Impacted By Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fires

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) voted for the Senate passage of a Continuing Resolution to keep the federal government funded until December 16, 2022. The spending legislation includes the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act and $2.5 billion for FEMA to establish and carry out the requirements of the bill.

The spending legislation now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act is led by Senator Luján and Representative Leger Fernández, and co-sponsored by Senator Heinrich and Representative Stansbury.

“The Hermit’s Peak-Calf Canyon Fire destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses, and it displaced thousands of New Mexicans for weeks and months on end. When I have visited impacted communities throughout this year, I have met personally with residents who were forced to flee their homes and with local leaders, volunteers, and firefighter crews. Their incredible resilience and willingness to serve their neighbors in such a difficult time embodies the best of what it means to be New Mexican,” said Heinrich. “That’s why I have done everything in my power to have their back. The federal government has a responsibility to provide compensation and assistance to New Mexicans whose lives and livelihoods have been upended by this fire. Senator Luján and I talked to every single senator who would listen to make sure we would have the votes to deliver the resources that New Mexicans need to rebuild in the aftermath of the worst fire in our state’s history. I know that passing this funding is just the start of this process. I remain determined to leave no stone unturned in making sure that we restore the health of our forests and watershed and that New Mexico families and communities are made whole.”

“Today, the Senate made clear that the federal government has a moral obligation to do right by New Mexicans by passing my bill, the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act. While our work is not finished yet, this bill is expected to deliver $2.5 billion in relief to New Mexico,” said Luján. “I’ve looked New Mexicans in the eyes who have lost everything. From their irreplaceable family heirlooms, to their cherished land and livestock, to the food in the refrigerator. Their heritage, their stories, their livelihoods—all upended by a fire started by the federal government and the flooding that followed. I will continue working with my colleagues to get this across the finish line and to the President’s desk for signature.”

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