Tom Udall: “today New Mexico and the Nation face a pandemic, the likes of which we have not seen in over 100 years, and today the…”

“today New Mexico and the Nation face a pandemic, the likes of which we have not seen in over 100 years, and today the Senate must act to pass the largest relief package for the American people in our history. First, I would like to extend my thoughts and prayers to everyone who is personally affected by this coronavirus pandemic. I thank the healthcare workers for working long hours and risking their own health to save lives. They are performing a national service. The numbers of infected individuals and the rapidly rising death toll are staggering. If we do not follow public health experts' advice, the tolls could be truly horrifying. In New Mexico, we have over 100 diagnosed cases, and today the first death in our State was reported. A senior citizen from Eddy County in the southeastern part of our State passed away on Sunday. All New Mexicans are facing new challenges--a threat to our health, a threat to our economy. My top priority is easing this hardship and making sure New Mexicans have what they need to stay healthy and to stay economically afloat.…”