Discussion · Senate
Ben Ray Lujan Democrat
“I want the Senate to pass this bill right now. It helps historic land grant communities in New Mexico work more easily with the federal government. It also makes sure federal agencies consider traditional uses of public lands.”
“Mr. President, I rise today to ask my colleagues to support the passage of my New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act. Land grant communities in New Mexico have cared for our lands, sustained our communities, and preserved our traditions that are deeply rooted in our State’s history and culture. But for too long these communities have faced unnecessary barriers when working with the Federal Government. My legislation is simple. It strengthens cooperation and coordination between land grant-merced communities and the Federal Government. It provides much needed clarity on Federal processes and ensures that historical and traditional uses are considered in Federal planning. This is about making sure the people who have cared for these lands for generations have a voice in the decisions that affect our communities, our livelihoods, and our traditions. This legislation has been years in the making and has earned bipartisan, bicameral support. It was among the last bills I passed as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives in December of 2020. It then passed the Senate in December 2022. In December of last year, it was reported unanimously out of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management have provided testimony in support of this legislation at recent committee hearings, and I am proud to have worked alongside New Mexico’s land grant communities and the New Mexico Land Grant Council on this effort. This legislation recognizes the important role that land grant-merced communities have played in New Mexico for hundreds of years and helps preserve the connection for generations to come. I urge my colleagues to once again support this legislation so we can finally get this done. Mr. President, notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 476, S. 1363.”
Mr. President, I rise today to ask my colleagues to support the passage of my New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act. Land grant communities in New Mexico have cared for our lands, sustained our communities, and preserved our traditions that are deeply rooted in our State’s history and culture. But for too long these communities have faced unnecessary barriers when working with the Federal Government. My legislation is simple. It strengthens cooperation and coordination between land grant-merced communities and the Federal Government. It provides much needed clarity on Federal processes and ensures that historical and traditional uses are considered in Federal planning. This is about making sure the people who have cared for these lands for generations have a voice in the decisions that affect our communities, our livelihoods, and our traditions. This legislation has been years in the making and has earned bipartisan, bicameral support. It was among the last bills I passed as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives in December of 2020. It then passed the Senate in December 2022. In December of last year, it was reported unanimously out of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management have provided testimony in support of this legislation at recent committee hearings, and I am proud to have worked alongside New Mexico’s land grant communities and the New Mexico Land Grant Council on this effort. This legislation recognizes the important role that land grant-merced communities have played in New Mexico for hundreds of years and helps preserve the connection for generations to come. I urge my colleagues to once again support this legislation so we can finally get this done. Mr. President, notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 476, S. 1363.