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With the U.S. government on the brink of a shutdown, New Mexico lawmakers are raising alarms about the potential impact on residents. Although the House of Representatives has passed a bill to prevent the shutdown, it still awaits Senate approval before the midnight deadline.
A significant concern among lawmakers is the potential disruption to disaster relief efforts for communities affected by the Roswell floods and Ruidoso fires, as well as water access funding through the farm bill. “Now we’ve suffered from some of the most catastrophic wildfires and droughts in our state’s history over the last four to five years. These events have impacted farmers, ranchers, and the families who depend on their products,” said Representative Gabe Vasquez (D).
Vasquez emphasized that federal funding is critical to a large portion of his district, where one-third of residents depend on it, including federal employees and service members. A government shutdown would result in federal employees being furloughed or working without pay. Additionally, agencies like the TSA have warned of longer wait times during the busy holiday travel season if the shutdown persists. Residents who rely on SNAP and WIC benefits could also face disruptions in accessing essential services.
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“A government shutdown would be absolutely devastating for New Mexico,” said Representative Melanie Stansbury (D). “My district, New Mexico’s First Congressional District, has almost 30,000 federal employees. This includes active-duty military, law enforcement, and other federal agencies. Sending people home without paychecks just before the holidays is unconscionable.”
Stansbury added that her priorities include securing farm bill funding and disaster relief for affected communities. She assured residents that Social Security checks and Medicaid or Medicare benefits would remain unaffected.
The government shutdown will occur if a deal is not reached by 9:59 p.m. Mountain Time on Friday.
