Torres Small Week in Review
Washington, D.C. – This week, Rep. Torres Small fought for bipartisan solutions that address the challenges New Mexicans continue to face during the COVID-19 pandemic from introducing legislation that supports the restaurant industry to the Back on Your Feet Act, which would extend unemployment assistance and provide a benefit for those reentering the workforce. Torres Small also announced a major investment in border security technology at the Santa Teresa Port of Entry and successfully fought to pass landmark legislation to fully fund the Land Water Conservation Fund in addition to passing the yearly national defense bill. Check out some of the highlights from her week below.
Torres Small Announces Border Security Technology Investment at Santa Teresa Port of Entry -- Press Release (July 24, 2020)
Washington, D.C. –Yesterday, Representative Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM) announced U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will conduct a Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) technology demonstration project at the Santa Teresa Port of Entry starting Fiscal Year 2021. The demonstration is intended to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of NII systems, which CBP uses to scan vehicles in search for concealed drugs, humans, guns, illicit currency, and explosive materials. The announcement follows Torres Small’s support of NII technology as part of her efforts to enact strong, smart, and fair solutions to the country’s broken border security and immigration system.
Torres Small Cosponsors RESTAURANTS Act to Help Struggling NM Eateries -- Press Release (July 20, 2020)
Washington, D.C. –Today, Representative Xochitl Torres Small (NM-02) cosponsored the Real Economic Support That Acknowledges Unique Restaurant Assistance Needed to Survive (RESTAURANTS) Act to help meet the needs of New Mexico’s struggling independent restaurant owners and operators. The bill would create a $120 billion restaurant stabilization grant program to help independent restaurants manage the long-term challenges created by COVID-19. Reports have highlighted how COVID-19 business restrictions have hit local restaurants especially hard, and the RESTAURANTS Act takes into account the costs of acquiring masks, gloves, and other protective equipment for employees; cleaning materials; food; debt payments to suppliers; and other industry-specific needs as restaurants have been asked to operate at reduced capacity or temporarily close their doors.
Torres Small, Horsford Introduce Back on Your Feet Act -- Press Release (July 23, 2020)
Washington, DC – Today, Representative Xochitl Torres Small (NM-02) and Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04) introduced the Back on Your Feet Act, which would extend federal unemployment assistance and provide a benefit to those reentering the workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the legislation would provide a one-time federal payment, or “Back on Your Feet Pay” of $3,600 for workers who are able to return to work safely, to smooth their transition back to work and provide for basic needs until they get their first paychecks.
Torres Small Works with Bipartisan Coalition and President Trump to Pass Hallmark Public Lands Bill -- Press Release (July 22, 2020)
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Xochitl Torres Small’s (NM-02) bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act overwhelmingly passed the House by a vote of 310-107. The legislation will permanently and fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), and President Trump has signaled his support. The legislation will also address the deferred maintenance backlog across federal land management agencies in New Mexico and across the country. The Senate passed this legislation on June 17th, 2020, and the President is expected to sign the bill into law.
Torres Small Celebrates House Passage of Yearly Defense Bill -- Press Release (July 22, 2020)
Washington, D.C. –Today, Representative Xochitl Torres Small (NM-02), member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act with bipartisan support.
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