Luján Statement on National Security Supplemental Vote

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on voting for the national security supplemental package:

“Amid unrest around the world, there is an urgent need for a strong national security supplemental to aid our allies in Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific. The world is watching and the U.S. must make it clear that our support for democracy remains steadfast.

“I am extremely disappointed that Congress finds itself in a position where critical national security aid is now conditioned on changes to our immigration system. And even more troubling is that Republicans refuse to take yes for an answer. 

“While the immigration provisions in this supplemental are far from perfect — and I have consistently voiced concern over the lack of input from Hispanic and border-state lawmakers — I believe it is necessary for Congress to address the current situation at the border which is why I voted for this package. “I am concerned that Republicans, at the direction of the former president, blocked this deal for partisan political reasons. Republicans made it clear they are more focused on playing politics with the border rather than addressing national security.”