Supporting Tribal Communities
Indigenous peoples have profoundly shaped New Mexico's history, culture and landscape. That's why Rep. Vasquez is honored to work alongside the Tribes and Pueblos in New Mexico to uplift indigenous communities and advocate for equitable policies across the district. With seven federally recognized tribes in his district, Vasquez stands with Native communities and will continue to be a partner to bring justice and prosperity, uphold treaties, and protect culture and tradition.
Here are some ways he has worked to support Indian Country:
Fighting for Equity for Tribes & Pueblos
- Introduced the Parity for Tribal Educators Act to address the teacher shortage in Indian Country and ensure teachers at Tribal schools have access to retirement benefits.
- Introduced a package of water rights settlements to support New Mexico’s Pueblos rights
- Led the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act to enhance public safety within Tribal communities.
- Advocated for the expansion of RECA to address historical injustices and provide support for individuals affected by radiation.
Protecting Tribal Sovereignty
- Member of the Congressional Native American Caucus, a bipartisan caucus to ensure that the priorities of Indian Country have a strong voice in Congress.
Securing Funding for Tribal Communities
- Led the Tribal HUD-VASH Act to provide housing assistance and support services for Native American veterans.
- Voted to extend the Special Diabetes Program for Indians to help address health disparities in Tribal communities.
- Championed the bipartisan Indian Programs Advance Appropriations Act to fulfill the US government's trust responsibility and provide full and consistent funding for IHS and BIE programs.
More on Supporting Tribal Communities
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On March 26, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) continued his fight for affordable housing and Tribal sovereignty by supporting the bipartisan Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination (NAHASDA) Modernization Act which renews and makes important updates to the primary law governing federal support and grants for housing in Indian Country.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On March 4, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) pushed to protect New Mexico’s Tribal gaming industry by calling for all types of bets on sports to be treated as sports betting. Congressman Vasquez proposed an amendment to the Farm Bill to ban prediction market companies from offering sports betting services.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On March 4, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced the re-introduction of his bipartisan Parity for Tribal Educators Act to address teacher shortages in Indian Country. The legislation would provide teachers at Tribally-controlled schools the same federal retirement benefits that teachers at Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools receive, ensuring Tribal students have equal access to educational opportunity.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On January 26, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced that he had secured $9.9 million in federal Community Project Funding for New Mexico under the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill. A total of eight additional projects tackling issues from water infrastructure to health and safety will be funded through this bill after years of Rep. Vasquez’s advocacy. In total, Rep.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On January 8, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) secured over $4.8 million in federal funding for direct investments in public safety and water infrastructure in New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a year marked by partisan gridlock and politics, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) managed to put common sense over D.C. dysfunction to deliver big, bipartisan wins for New Mexicans.
In 2025, seven of Rep. Vasquez’s bipartisan bills were signed into law by President Trump, including:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On December 18, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) released the following statement on his vote on the SPEED Act:
“I strongly believe in an all-of-the-above energy approach. Southeast New Mexico is blessed with an abundance of natural energy resources, and I will always support smart energy policies that cut red tape and ensure our district remains an American energy powerhouse.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 4, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) demanded the passage of pending Indian water settlements for Zuni, Acoma, and Laguna Pueblo along with other Tribal communities in New Mexico. In a bipartisan, bicameral letter to leadership and committees, Rep.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On August 19, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) launched a nearly 400-mile tour, visiting communities across the western part of his district to discuss the urgent needs facing rural New Mexico today. The Congressman made stops at Ramah Navajo Chapter, Fence Lake, and Quemado to discuss local residents’ and leaders’ top concerns, including funding for infrastructure, public safety, schools, and health care.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) joined bipartisan members of the Congressional Native American Caucus in urging House leadership to protect and strengthen federal funding for Tribal programs in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.