Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to address the dire consequences of the Federal funding freezes and mass firings that are devastating communities across the country, including in my home State of New Mexico. Over the past few weeks, I have spoken with New Mexicans who have been impacted by these reckless decisions. Their stories are heartbreaking. Their families are suffering. Rural communities are reeling, and they deserve to be heard. The funding freeze is crippling essential programs in our State, programs that provide wildfire prevention, conserve rangelands, grasslands, and forests, provide services to veterans, and fund public safety services. Rural communities and food producers are left vulnerable. Our national parks and forests are in disarray, and our local economies are suffering. At the same time, mass firings are stripping thousands of dedicated Federal workers of their livelihoods. They are Americans--parents, veterans, and public servants--who have spent years serving their communities. More than 2,400 employees have been dismissed from the Department of Veterans Affairs, undermining care for those who have served our country. The U.S. Forest Service is losing the very employees that provide Americans access to our national treasures and public lands. These cuts also threaten wildfire prevention as our State enters another critical fire season.…”