New Mexico Congressional Bills

in committee · New Mexico · House May 20, 2026

HR 8096: Duplication Scoring Act of 2026

This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to analyze new federal legislation for potential duplication with existing programs, offices, or initiatives. When the GAO identifies such overlaps, it must report the findings to the Congressional Budget Office Director and the committee that introduced the bill, and publish the information on its website. The bill aims to improve government efficiency by flagging redundant spending before new programs are fully implemented, affecting the GAO, budget officials, and legislative committees.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · New Mexico · House May 20, 2026

HR 8044: Get Justice-Involved Veterans BACK HOME Act

This bill establishes a pilot program to provide mental health care to incarcerated veterans with service-connected disabilities related to PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma, focusing on five facilities across different settings. It requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer telemental health services or mobile mental health units without charging copayments, while also creating a dedicated hub of VA health care providers for these veterans. Additionally, the bill mandates that federal prisons establish separate housing units for veterans where feasible and automatically resume VA compensation payments upon a veteran's release from incarceration. The legislation also requires the Bureau of Prisons to submit annual reports to Congress on data regarding incarcerated veterans.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

in committee · New Mexico · House May 20, 2026

HR 7080: Waste Heat to Wattage Act of 2026

The Waste Heat to Wattage Act of 2026 amends the definition of renewable energy under the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to include "waste energy recovery." Specifically, it adds waste energy recovery - defined as heat or pressure from industrial processes that would otherwise be wasted - to the list of eligible renewable energy sources. This change directly affects industrial facilities that capture waste heat or pressure to generate electricity through systems like waste heat to power. The bill updates existing law to recognize this technology as renewable energy, without creating new programs or funding.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · New Mexico · House May 20, 2026

HR 6966: Nutrition Administration Assistance Act of 2026

This bill provides additional funding to state agencies managing federal nutrition programs. It allocates 70% of new funds for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, 20% for the Emergency Food Assistance Program, and 10% for the Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program to cover their administrative costs. The bill authorizes $1 million annually from 2026 through 2030 for these specific administrative expenses. It does not change program eligibility or benefits but ensures states have dedicated resources to operate existing nutrition assistance programs.

in committee · New Mexico · House May 20, 2026

HR 5203: To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update directives of the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding the management of acute sexual assault, and for other purposes.

HR 5203 requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to update its policies for managing acute sexual assault cases involving veterans within 72 hours of the incident at VA facilities. It mandates that VA medical facilities must have access to certified sexual assault forensic examiners (SAFE/SANE providers), maintain rape kits, offer preventive care for STIs and pregnancy, and provide mental health referrals. The bill also requires annual staff training on these protocols and clear guidelines for VA police regarding reporting to local law enforcement while protecting veteran confidentiality. This directly affects veterans seeking care at VA facilities for recent sexual assault, ensuring standardized, trauma-informed care.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

in committee · New Mexico · House May 20, 2026

HR 4114: EVEST Act

HR 4114, the EVEST Act, automatically enrolls recently separated veterans into the VA healthcare system. It requires the VA to enroll eligible veterans (discharged or separated on or after 90 days before the bill's enactment) within 60 days of receiving discharge information from the military. The VA must provide notice via mail and electronic methods (including texts) with clear opt-out instructions and instructions for later enrollment. By August 2026, veterans must also be able to access an electronic certificate of eligibility and opt-out mechanism online. The bill also mandates reports on implementation challenges and best practices for notice delivery.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

in committee · New Mexico · House May 20, 2026

HR 3183: SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025

HR 3183, the SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025, establishes a new Office of Falls Prevention within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to coordinate and improve falls prevention efforts for veterans. The bill mandates that VA healthcare facilities conduct annual falls risk assessments and provide fall prevention services by licensed physical or occupational therapists for veterans at risk, and requires biennial staff training on safe patient handling techniques. It also creates a pilot program to test home modifications for fall prevention and directs the VA to report on current falls prevention practices, including screening methods, home modification grants, and medication management risks. This legislation directly affects veterans at risk of falls, VA healthcare facilities, and providers delivering care under VA programs.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

in committee · New Mexico · House May 20, 2026

HR 210: Dental Care for Veterans Act

Dental Care for Veterans Act This bill expands eligibility for veterans for dental care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, the bill makes all veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system eligible for VA-provided dental services. Currently, only veterans who have a service-connected dental issue or meet other narrow criteria are eligible for certain dental services. The bill phases in eligibility over four years based upon existing eligibility, degree of service-connected disability or other disability, prisoner of war status, award of a Purple Heart, financial need, or VA health care eligibility.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Julia Brownley (D) · 113 co-sponsors

passed · New Mexico · Senate May 19, 2026

SRES 739: A resolution honoring the life and legacy of John Seymour, the late Senator for the State of California.

This resolution honors the life and legacy of John Seymour, a late U.S. Senator from California, by formally acknowledging his public service and contributions. The document details his career highlights, including his roles as Mayor of Anaheim, his work in securing the relocation of the Los Angeles Rams, and his legislative achievements such as passing a major transportation bill. It also lists his committee assignments and advocacy for issues like special education, women's rights, and environmental protection. Finally, the resolution requests that the Senate Secretary communicate this tribute to the House of Representatives and send a copy to Seymour's family.

Alex Padilla (D) · 99 co-sponsors

in committee · New Mexico · Senate May 19, 2026

S 4567: Loan Forgiveness for Educators Act of 2026

The Loan Forgiveness for Educators Act of 2026 expands existing federal programs to offer debt relief for teachers and early childhood educators who work in high-need schools or specific early education programs. To qualify for full cancellation of their student loans, eligible educators must complete five years of service, which can be consecutive or non-consecutive, in designated schools serving at least 30% low-income students or in Head Start and other qualifying early childhood settings. The bill also introduces a monthly payment assistance feature that covers a portion of loan obligations during the service period and allows parents to receive forgiveness if their children or they themselves are qualifying educators. Verification of service is handled by school administrators or program directors, with simplified self-certification options available for family child care providers, and the law ensures that educators who leave their positions early are not required to repay any forgiven amounts.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Mexico · House May 19, 2026

HR 8910: SLUSH FUND Act of 2026

This bill creates a new federal tax on money received by former U.S. presidents, their immediate family members, or their controlled businesses from civil lawsuits against the government. Under the law, any settlement or verdict awarded to these individuals would be subject to a 100 percent tax, and the payments would not be counted as taxable income for other purposes. To enforce this, the bill requires trustees and administrators to file public reports detailing these payments and imposes a $10,000 penalty for failing to do so. These rules would apply to any funds received on or after May 20, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

Mike Thompson (D) · 48 co-sponsors

in committee · New Mexico · House May 19, 2026

HR 8907: IMPACT to Save Moms Act

The IMPACT to Save Moms Act directs the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to run a five-year demonstration project from 2027 to 2031, allowing states to test new payment models for maternity care under Medicaid and state child health plans. This initiative aims to improve health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum individuals, with a specific focus on reducing disparities among groups that experience higher rates of maternal mortality and severe complications. To achieve these goals, the project requires states to consider alternative payment structures that account for pregnancy risk levels, include diverse care teams with training on bias, and address social factors affecting health. The bill also mandates that the federal government evaluate the project's impact on health outcomes and spending, and submit a final report to Congress with recommendations on whether to expand the program nationwide.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

New Mexico Congressional Bills

Bill results