Deb Haaland: “If we think back to the beginning of this Congress, we started the first 100 days under an unnecessary government…”

“If we think back to the beginning of this Congress, we started the first 100 days under an unnecessary government shutdown. I met with constituents, Federal workers, and businessowners in my district who were forced to suffer for the President's frivolous campaign promise. At the end of the day, we funded the government and made sure Federal workers received back pay. All the while, we were setting up a path to work for the people, making our communities a priority, not just the wealthy and well connected, but people who suffer when they lose a paycheck and need to rely on accessible healthcare. We are in a special moment in history, a moment when our freshman class of House Members look more like the people we represent, and our experiences reflect the experiences of everyday Americans. I am a single mother. I often had to piece together healthcare for my daughter and I, and I am still paying off my student loans. This class of freshman lawmakers know the struggles that many are going through, and, with our new majority, it is clear we are working for the people. {time} 1845 We passed the bill that would ensure everyone has an opportunity to participate in our democracy, while taking steps to end corruption. The most significant land legislation of our time made it across the finish line, including provisions of my first bill, to designate land for everyone to have access to public lands in New Mexico.…”