Luján Statement on House Passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation Clears Congress, Will Deliver Billions for New Mexico

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on the House passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act:

“This bipartisan infrastructure legislation marks the most significant investment in our nation’s infrastructure in generations. I was proud to vote to pass this legislation in August and secure key priorities for New Mexico – including improving broadband affordability, putting an end to drunk and impaired driving, plugging orphaned oil and gas wells, and investing in water and wastewater infrastructure.  

“For New Mexicans, this legislation will bring better roads and bridges, good-paying jobs, and more opportunities to stay competitive. I look forward to President Biden signing this legislation into law and continuing our efforts to pass the Build Back Better Act.”  

A full breakdown of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is available HERE.

Senator Luján secured the following provisions in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act:

To Improve Access to Affordable Internet

• Senator Luján fought to expand the Affordability Connectivity Benefit which will make internet access more affordable for more than 785,000 New Mexicans.

To Keep New Mexico’s Roads and Highways Safe:

• Senators Luján and Scott (R-Fla.) secured the inclusion of their legislation to prevent drunk driving and help save thousands of lives each year. The legislation promotes the research and development of advanced drunk and impaired driving technology and requires auto manufacturers to implement this technology in new car models.
  

To Put New Mexicans Back to Work and Safeguard the Environment:

• With the support of the Western Governors Association, Senators Luján and Cramer (R-N.D.) advanced their Revive Economic Growth and Reclaim Orphaned Wells (REGROW) Act to clean up orphaned oil and gas wells, which can leak methane, contaminate groundwater, and create community safety risks. 
  

To Support Small Businesses:

• Senator Luján strengthened an amendment to make the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) permanent by expanding the eligibility of the Rural Business Development Center Program to include all Minority-Serving Institutions.
  

To Invest in Water and Wastewater Infrastructure:

• Building off legislation introduced by Senators Luján, Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Sinema (Ariz.), the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes $3.5 billion for Indian Health Service (IHS) Sanitation Facilities Construction (SFC) water and wastewater projects.

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