Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to deliver a message on behalf of Native American youth. As the Representative of New Mexico's Second District with seven sovereign nations, I have heard from leaders from the Center for Native American Youth who are deeply troubled about their future. They are asking for Congress to be good relatives. Failing to pass an agreement means that over 30,000 Native parents and caregivers who are Federal workers are at risk of being unable to provide for their families. It means over 70,000 Native students in Head Start, BIE schools, and Tribal colleges and universities are at risk of a disruption in their education, harm to their mental health, and food security. I proudly represent Zuni, Acoma, Isleta, and Laguna Pueblos, and the Mescalero, Fort Sill Apache, and Navajo Nations. A government shutdown is a failure to uphold the Federal trust responsibility with real-life consequences that disproportionately impact Native youth and their families. Native youth from across the country are asking Congress to do what is right. Find an agreement. Be good relatives, not just in New Mexico, but across the country. ____________________”