Ben Ray Luján: “Thank you, Chairman Schatz, Vice Chair Murkowski, for your thoughtfulness and for bringing us to this hearing today.”

Senator Ben Ray Luján helped shape the Fix Our Forests Act through the Senate Agriculture Committee, securing provisions reflecting New Mexico priorities.

On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we recognize and honor the accomplishments, contributions, and strength of Tribal Nations across New Mexico and the country.

I strongly oppose these efforts to weaken these vital standards and will continue working to protect New Mexicans’ health, our environment, and energy needs.

I’ve long fought for Indigenous Peoples’ Day to be recognized as a federal holiday and will continue pushing to honor the Native people who have played a vital role in our communities and in shaping our nation’s history.