Luján Announces Committee Assignments for 119th Congress, New Finance Appointment

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) announced his appointment to the United States Senate Committee on Finance, along with retaining key positions from the previous Congress, including: the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; the Committee on Indian Affairs; and the Committee on the Budget.

“I am honored to continue serving New Mexico through my committee work in the Senate and am humbled to be appointed to the Committee on Finance,” said Senator Luján. “As a member of the Finance Committee, I will continue my efforts to protect New Mexicans’ access to health care and to lower prescription drug costs. I will fight to protect Social Security so that our seniors can retire in dignity, and push for a fair tax code that provides middle-class New Mexicans with tax relief. I will also work to advance and promote policies that create opportunities for New Mexican businesses and workers.” 

Luján continued, “Looking ahead to a new Congress and a power shift in the Senate, I am still laser-focused on working with all of my colleagues to make things better for my home state of New Mexico and all Americans.” 

Through committee work during his time in the Senate and House of Representatives, Senator Luján has worked hard to make sure New Mexican voices are heard in Washington. As a member of Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Senator Luján has made it possible for more New Mexicans to get connected to high-speed internet options that don’t break the bank, has given students more opportunities to get online to finish their homework, and will continue to work to make sure that folks living in rural and Tribal areas get the same opportunities to join the digital world. Through his role on the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, Senator Luján has and will continue to fight to make sure New Mexican farmers, ranchers, and producers are better taken care of in the next Farm Bill. And, as a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Senator Luján will continue to proudly represent and fight for New Mexico’s 23 Tribes and Pueblos.

BACKGROUND:

The Senate Committee on Finance convenes over matters relating to taxation and other revenue measures generally, and those relating to the insular possessions; bonded debt of the United States; customs, collection districts, and ports of entry and delivery; reciprocal trade agreements; tariff and import quotas, and related matters thereto; the transportation of dutiable goods; deposit of public moneys; general revenue sharing; health programs under the Social Security Act, including Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and other health and human services programs financed by a specific tax or trust fund; and national social security. Senator Luján will look out for all Americans’ financial well-being and advocate for a fair tax code and tax cuts that uplifts American families to succeed financially. As a member of a small, farming community in Northern New Mexico, Senator Luján is uniquely positioned with in-depth knowledge and experience advocating for financial justice. From ensuring every New Mexican has access to affordable, quality health care by protecting and strengthening Medicaid, Medicare and the Affordable Care Act to ensuring no child is left without health insurance by renewing the Children’s Health Insurance Program, Senator Luján has already committed himself to creating an affordable and healthier future for everyone. As a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Luján will continue working on behalf of all families who are trying to get ahead and secure better financial future for themselves and their families. 

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation oversees interstate commerce, transportation and safety, communications, and science and technology policy. As member of this committee, Senator Luján can support New Mexico’s growing science and tech industries, expand access to broadband in rural communities, and advocate for investing in New Mexico’s infrastructure while creating good-paying jobs.

The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestryoversees America’s agriculture industry, federal nutrition programs, forestry and logging, and rural development. From this committee, Senator Luján will be able to support New Mexico’s farmers and ranchers, strengthen food programs for struggling New Mexicans, including school-aged children, protect the rights of traditional farmers and ranchers, and advocate for investments in New Mexico’s rural communities. 

The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs oversees federal programs and policies impacting federally recognized Tribes and Native American, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native communities, including safety and justice, voting rights, education, economic development, water rights and land management, trust responsibilities, and health care. As a member of Indian Affairs, Senator Luján will continue advocating directly for New Mexico’s 23 Tribal Nations and Pueblos.

The Senate Committee on the Budget is responsible for developing and enforcing the budget resolution, a framework for congressional action on spending, revenue, and debt-limit legislation. As a member of the Budget Committee, Senator Luján will help set the tone for government spending and ensure the voices of New Mexicans are heard in the budget process.

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