Ben Ray Luján

This legislation would have a profoundly negative impact on Americans.

Congress plans to advance a long overdue infrastructure package, and it must include meaningful investments in broadband.

Access to broadband, as we know, is a critical resource for all Americans today.

Thank you, Mr. Lujan. Two questions for the panel: what should the Federal Government do to assist in development to smart communities?

Let me begin by noting my appreciation for the title of today's hearing: 'Smart Communities.'

These types of advancements improve quality of life, save money, and help policymakers make better decisions.

In a State like my home of New Mexico it really is about building smart communities.

We must act to prevent the development of a new digital divide by helping communities of all sizes adopt smart infrastructure and solutions.

I want to thank all my colleagues here today for demonstrating the importance of this work at the Federal level.

It is a pleasure to sit next to you today for the hearing in the Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection Subcommittee on Smart Communities.

I believe that this committee and the Congress has the responsibility to work together to ensure that every corner of America benefits from the infrastructure of tomorrow.

I think it is important that when we are having these hearings about how to improve the Affordable Care Act it shouldn't be about repealing the Affordable Care Act.

For 7 years, over 60 times my Republican colleagues have voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

Now I believe that access to affordable and quality health care is a right for all, not a privilege for some.

Gutting Medicaid would be a disaster for 74 million Americans including nearly a million New Mexicans.

I have to believe this comes down to the fact that the leaders of the Grand Old Party don't think that some people are grand enough to deserve health care.

Hypocrisy isn't a term that I use lightly. Unfortunately today hypocrisy is the word that readily comes to mind.

I thank my colleague and friend, Congressman Joe Kennedy, for his efforts to build on his family's legacy.

In New Mexico, right now, we have an issue before us where the State of New Mexico under Governor Susana Martinez unnecessarily suspended payments to 15 behavioral health providers.

There is absolutely a connection between lack of addressing mental health and substance use services and deterioration of other health conditions.

We have seen really catastrophic effects for people. Their conditions get much worse.

We have grave concern and we are looking for some support.

I applaud all the work that Congressman Kennedy is doing in this space to continue much of the work that has been done by the Kennedy family.

I think everyone on this panel would support full funding of that legislation.

The way I understand perpetuity, that is forever, right? That is perpetuity.