Rep. Vasquez Brings Secretary Pete Buttigieg And Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair To New Mexico To Discuss Infrastructure Investments

U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) hosted Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Wednesday, April 5, in New Mexico’s second congressional district.

After calling on Secretary Buttigieg in February to improve New Mexico’s rail safety, the Representative successfully secured the visit of the first-ever Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary to Deming.  Rep. Vasquez was proud to announce$45 million – the largest district investment from the DOT’s Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Program.

“During my first floor speech, I made it clear that I am going to fight for New Mexico’s fair share, especially for our rural communities. After hosting the U.S. Agriculture Secretary Vilsack earlier this week in the South Valley and the U.S. Transportation Secretary Buttigieg in Deming and Las Cruces yesterday, I am delivering on that commitment,” Rep. Vasquez said. “Strong, sustainable and safe infrastructure is essential to the economic development of our rural communities. Whether it’s farmers trying to export their crops to feed the nation’s families or New Mexicans who are driving back and forth to work, we cannot take our transportation infrastructure for granted. Bringing Secretary Buttigieg and members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus is just the first step to ensure NM-02 is not forgotten.”

In the morning, Secretary Pete Buttigieg and CHC Chairwoman Nanette Barragán joined Rep. Vasquez and Sen. Luján in Las Cruces to tour a site that would benefit from the Department of Energy’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) historic $196 million in grants across 19 states.

Sen. Luján, Rep. Vasquez, Rep. Barragán and Sec. Buttigieg joined Las Cruces city officials including Mayor Miyagishima, Mayor Pro-Tem Gandara and Councilor Abeyta. Courtesy/Rep. Vasquez

In Deming, Sec. Buttigieg, Rep.Vasquez, Sen. Luján, and Rep. Nanette Barragán joined Mayor Benny Jasso for a bipartisan conversation about the importance of the federal government prioritizing rural communities.

Sec.Buttigieg, Rep. Vasquez, and Deming Mayor Benny Jasso. Courtesy/Rep. Vasquez

During the morning press conference, Secretary Buttigieg highlighted the Administration’s commitment to bringing federal investments to rural communities, such as parts of Southern New Mexico. Rep. Vasquez is proud of the investments, but remains committed to holding Washington accountable and continuing to fight for more federal investments for every part of the district.

Sen. Luján, Rep. Vasquez, Mayor Jasso and Rep. Barragán. Courtesy/Rep. Vasquez

At New Mexico State University (NMSU), Rep. Vasquez hosted a panel conversation with NMSU students, CHC Chairwoman Barragán and Secretary Buttigieg to discuss what is being done to modernize transportation, increase access to transit and create good-paying jobs for rural and underserved communities.

Rep. Barragán, Sec. Buttigieg and Rep. Vasquez with NMSU students. Courtesy/Rep. Vasquez

“As both the representative for NM-02 and an alum of NMSU, I’m continually impressed by the students’ dedication to learn and to excel. Completing a college degree is challenging enough without having to stress about how to get to and from school,” Rep. Vasquez said. “Our students deserve better and hearing about their transportation priorities is deeply important to me. I’m looking forward to working with Secretary Buttigieg and CHC members to brainstorm solutions to these issues so that no student is unable to complete their degree because they could not get to class.”

Secretary Buttigieg concluded his remarks by sharing, “the last thing I want to mention, you are well served in New Mexico by a very energetic New Mexico delegation who are definitely making sure that I pay attention to there being a fair share for New Mexico.” 

As of July 2022, $1.1 billion in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was heading to New Mexico, investing in critical infrastructure such as roads and bridges, with over $60 million going towards clean water. Rep. Vasquez’s support of these critical bills will prioritize rebuilding the economy.