VIDEO – Rep. Vasquez’s Response to State of the Union Address

VIDEO LINK: Watch Rep. Vasquez’s full remarks here.

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez released his response to the State of the Union on Tuesday, February 7, 2023.

Rep. Vasquez’s full remarks, as delivered, are below:

During President Biden’s State of the Union address, he made it clear that our economy is stronger than ever with lower gas prices, declining unemployment rates and slowing down inflation. However, we’ve got a lot more work to do to help New Mexicans.

We know that one in five New Mexicans live in poverty – the third highest rate in the country. That rate is even higher for New Mexico’s children: one in four who live in poverty and one in five children who go to bed hungry. So, while some parts of our country are making progress, there is much, much more work to do. We’re facing historically high utility bills, ballooning grocery costs, and we’re trying to make do with stagnating wages. We need to do better, and we need to do more. Plain and simple.

I am committed to bringing down the cost of living, securing more federal investments for New Mexico that create jobs, and working with you to create a future where all of our kids and families can thrive. As a member of the Agriculture Committee, I will work hard to address the high food costs by supporting producers, farm workers and our supply chain in the Farm Bill this year. This must include supporting our small businesses and our farm workers, so many who come to this country looking for a better life and are now helping feed American families nationwide.

But folks, we cannot have a conversation about agriculture without talking seriously about what’s impacting our food systems and climate. Climate change is real, and we need real solutions to match the severity of the issue. We must conserve our natural resources and mitigate the impacts of record wildfires. We’re experiencing historic rising temperatures, increased drought, water shortages and wildfires that are impacting our air quality and public health. Count on me to fight for federal investments that tackle climate action.

Keeping our community safe is also a top priority of mine. As the only New Mexican serving on an Armed Services Committee, I’m making sure our military installations, research facilities and training centers are well-funded. To strengthen the security of my district is to strengthen the security of our nation. 

Above all, I’m here to make sure New Mexico has a voice in Washington. We all know there is more to our country than California and New York. New Mexico can’t be left behind any longer. I’m here to make sure that happens.

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