Rep. Gabe Vasquez Votes for Government Spending Bill to Prevent Shutdown, Ensure Critical Funding for Disaster Assistance

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) voted in favor of a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government and prevent a government shutdown, supporting New Mexico’s farmers, families and service members. Vasquez also emphasized that Congress should prioritize a stable budget process to provide long-term certainty for the American public and federal agencies.

“Today, I voted to avoid a government shutdown and stop the Republican chaos in favor of hard-working New Mexicans who would have been impacted by yet another manufactured crisis,” said Vasquez. “By voting in favor of the bill, I’m supporting farmers, communities devastated by natural disasters, service men and women and their families and many more. I’ll continue to be a champion for New Mexicans and support New Mexican values.”

The continuing resolution–which passed with bipartisan support–includes vital funding for wildfire recovery, disaster relief, economic development and key extensions for health care and social services. 

The continuing resolution extended the Farm Bill until September 30, 2025, ensuring critical farm programs do not lapse at the end of this year. In addition, $166 million was included for economic aid and disaster assistance for New Mexican farmers to help with crop losses due to drought and wildfires. However, Republicans did not include funding for reimbursements for people whose SNAP benefits were stolen or $14.5 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act for climate-smart agriculture initiatives that farmers rely on. On the House Agriculture Committee, Vasquez will continue to fight to pass a full five-year Farm Bill for New Mexico’s producers.

The bill also includes critical disaster assistance for New Mexico, such as $1.5 billion for the Hermit’s Peak and Calf Canyon Fire Fund to support wildfire recovery efforts in New Mexico and other impacted regions.

Vasquez applauded the bill’s support for rural patients and hospitals. The bill allows Medicaid patients to continue using telehealth options, which is critical for patients in rural communities who often face barriers to accessing care nearby. The bill also prevents cuts and keeps critical payments going to rural hospitals to ensure patients in rural areas can access the care they need.

Vasquez emphasized that while these provisions are essential, the CR is a temporary solution–not a permanent practice. The government’s reliance on CRs undermines effective budgeting and long-term planning, creating unnecessary uncertainty for federal agencies and Americans.

Vasquez remains committed to ensuring the government has the resources to function effectively while advocating for stability and certainty in the budget process.

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