Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019

Floor Speech

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Mr. LUJAN. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

In the face of this crisis, I have seen so many New Mexicans step up. They have gathered fabric scraps, distributed masks, checked in with their neighbors, and showed their resilience over and over. But so many people, small businesses, and communities continue to struggle.

Today, we approve $360 billion for small businesses, $75 billion for our hospitals and frontline workers who are doing heroic work to save lives, and $25 billion so that more people can be tested for this deadly virus.

But our work is not done. Everyone knows this is not enough, and due to Republican opposition, this package fails to provide necessary relief to our local, State, and Tribal governments. Mitch McConnell said local governments should file for bankruptcy to make themselves whole.

I had the honor this last week to participate in a townhall with the Navajo Nation, and I heard firsthand their struggles. They need resources, water, and testing. We need to do more for them, and we need to do more for the people of New Mexico and everyone living in the United States of America.

Small businesses must be prioritized by approving these loans and grants. The American people are counting on us. Let's act.

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