Santa Fe, NM — In addition to appointing members to traditional interim committees, the Legislative Council also created an entirely new committee: the Federal Infrastructure Funds and Stability Interim Committee. This committee is tasked with monitoring and preparing the state for potential federal funding cuts, which President Donald Trump has promised to impose should state and local governments block the enforcement of federal law and undermine current executive orders. 

 Senator Jim Townsend (R-Artesia) has issued the following statement in response: 

"While I am honored to be appointed to such an important and prestigious interim committee, I may be able to accomplish the committee's intended goals with some valuable advice to my fellow lawmakers and leaders across New Mexico:

Stop shielding cartels from law enforcement and putting the needs of illegal immigrants above those of hard-working New Mexicans. 

Put an end to allowing men to destroy women's athletics. 

Discontinue racist and counterproductive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in our educational institutions and state agencies. 

By taking these actions, our state will return to commonsense policy and face absolutely no federal funding cuts. It's that simple, no need for a new committee. We just need radical progressive leaders across our state to do their jobs and focus on the real issues facing the New Mexicans they serve. Instead, the governor and our legislature have been knowingly exposing New Mexicans to unnecessary risk in a selfish and misguided attempt to 'Trump proof' our state for cheap political points. If we continue down the path of out-of-touch policies, the ramifications will be devastating to hard-working New Mexicans, many of whom do not support this radical direction."