Luján Announces Committee Assignments for 117th Congress

Press Release

U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) announced that he will serve on five Senate committees during the 117th Congress: 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.

"Membership in these five committees will allow me to advocate for the issues that matter most to New Mexicans, including combating COVID-19, strengthening health care and nutrition assistance for our families, making strong investments in education and infrastructure, creating economic opportunities and good-paying jobs, and honoring America's trust responsibilities to Tribal Nations," said Luján. "I'm humbled to have been named to these important committees, and I look forward to working with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to pass commonsense solutions that help the people of New Mexico."

BACKGROUND:

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 burgeoning 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 Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, more commonly known as HELP, oversees the Department of Health and Human Services and has broad jurisdiction on matters related to K-12 and higher education, student loans, federal labor and employment laws, and private retirement plans. From the HELP Committee, Senator Luján will help lead the Senate's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, support New Mexico teachers and students, ensure New Mexico is a safe and healthy place for all children to thrive, and stand up for workers and retirees.

The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry oversees 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 issues impacting Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Natives, including Native American education, economic development, land management, trust responsibilities, and health care. As a member of Indian Affairs, Senator Luján will be able to advocate 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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