What New Mexico lawmakers have to say about the Senate's Ukraine aid package

The Senate passed a $95 billion military aid package for Ukraine and Israel on Tuesday. New Mexico’s senators, both Democrats, voted in favor of the aid package.

“The United States holds a responsibility as a global power to support our allies in the fight for democracy and to deliver critical humanitarian aid to civilians,” Sen. Ben Ray Luján said in a statement. “This sends a strong message to Putin and our adversaries that we will stand up against aggression.

“Additionally, this legislation includes critical provisions to address the surge of fentanyl into communities across America. This is a measure that I have long supported to save lives and put an end to this crisis.”

The legislation includes the bipartisan FEND Off Fentanyl Act, a measure to impose sanctions on criminal organizations trafficking fentanyl, which Sen. Martin Heinrich co-sponsored along with almost 70 senators.

“I am pleased the Senate has finally passed bipartisan legislation that will support Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to defend their democracy against Vladimir Putin’s war and deliver aid to Israel and innocent civilians in Gaza,” Heinrich said in a statement. “Supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom and standing with our democratic allies in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific is in America’s national security interests. That’s why Democrats have continued to push for this crucial funding.”

The legislation has been sent on to the House, although Republican House leadership may not bring it to the floor.

New Mexico’s House representatives weigh in

Two of New Mexico’s three House representatives, all Democrats also, said they are in support of the bill. Rep. Gabe Vasquez did not respond to a request for comment by press time Tuesday.

“In a moment when national and global security and democracy are on the line, we must support our allies and those who are suffering. I will vote yes on the bipartisan foreign aid package when it comes to the House floor and support efforts to ensure it is called up for passage,” Rep. Melanie Stansbury said in a statement. “It is crucial that we provide funding to our allies in Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and Middle East and vital humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. It is up to the U.S. and Congress to ensure we are sending a clear and unequivocal message to the world that we are committed to our NATO allies and global democracy and security.”

Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández said the Senate did the right thing in passing the national security bill and urged her Republican colleagues in the House to bring it for a vote.

“The crucial aid to Ukraine included in this bill is critical in the fight for democracy and against Putin’s ambition to wage war against democratic values everywhere,” Leger Fernández said in a statement. “Putin’s ambitions threaten a World War III and put American soldiers’ and citizens’ lives at risk. This bill also provides close to $10 billion for desperately needed humanitarian aid for civilians in conflict zones like Gaza and aid for our only democratic ally in the (Middle East), Israel.”