Accomplishments

Press Release

Getting our Economy Back on Track

Ben Ray Luján voted for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which has created and saved jobs throughout New Mexico. Even though these are still difficult economic times, the Recovery Act has put people to work and kept teachers in the classroom, cops on the street, and firefighters in their communities. Luján has also fought for small businesses, voting for tax credits for businesses that hire unemployed workers.

Cutting Taxes for New Mexico Families

Ben Ray Luján voted to cut taxes for 95 percent of New Mexico families and thousands of small businesses. In 2009, the tax rate was the lowest since 1950.

Taking on Credit Card Companies

Ben Ray Luján cosponsored the Credit Card Holder's Bill of Rights, which was signed into law by the President. The legislation will level the playing field between credit card companies and consumers and increase protections against unfair and misleading credit card practices.

Taking on Wall Street and Ending Too Big to Fail

Ben Ray Luján supported Wall Street reform and included an amendment in the legislation that would help end too big to fail. His amendment would prevent banks from merging with nonbanks to unfairly dominate a market. The amendment passed the House.

Encouraging Energy Independence

Ben Ray Luján voted to invest in clean energy and move our country away from our dangerous dependence on foreign oil by supporting the American Clean Energy and Security Act.

Promoting Research at our National Labs

Ben Ray Luján authored legislation that will encourage more scientific research at Los Alamos National Laboratories and provide steady funding for this research. The bill has already passed the House.

Demanding Fiscal Responsibility

Ben Ray Luján cosponsored PAYGO legislation that requires legislation to be budget neutral. PAYGO was last in place in the 1990s and helped turn massive deficits into record surpluses. Luján voted against an automatic pay raise for members of Congress.

Preparing Workers for Clean Energy Jobs

Ben Ray Luján included language in the American Clean Energy and Security Act to promote job training for clean energy jobs.

Training Students for Clean Energy Jobs

Ben Ray Luján authored the Community College Energy Training Act to support the training of students to work in clean energy, including the wind, geothermal, solar, and biomass sectors.

Protecting Treasured Lands and Preserving our Culture

Ben Ray Luján introduced legislation to protect treasured land in New Mexico, including the Sabinoso Wildress and the Rio Grande del Norte conservation area. Rep. Lujan has also been instrumental in advocating for our Acequias and our Land Grants so that New Mexico's traditions are preserved.

Standing up for Veterans

Ben Ray Luján cosponsored the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act, authorizing Congress to approve advanced investments to the Department of Veterans Affairs. This will provide them with time to plan to deliver the best care for veterans. Luján opened his district offices to veterans to sign up for the new GI Bill, which provides opportunities for returning Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans to go to college.

Listening to the People of New Mexico

Through May, Ben Ray Luján has held 15 town halls, 23 open office hours and 54 Congress on Your Corners, and driven 23,700 miles around the district making himself available to the people of New Mexico. Since joining Congress, Luján has visited every county in the district at least twice.

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