OPINION: My work for NM remains the same as the power shifts in DC

In the quiet hours I get to spend doing chores back home in New Mexico, I’m reminded of what brings New Mexicans together — the love of our land and the traditions handed down to us, generation after generation, that make us who we are and make our future worth fighting for.

That same spirit carries me in Congress as New Mexico’s U.S. senator, guided by doing what’s right for our state and protecting our people and values. The people of New Mexico are central to every decision and action I take.

As the power shifts in Washington, my work for New Mexico and standing up for our families remains the same. I’m hopeful we can find common ground to build on the progress made, regardless of the political party in charge.

I am planning to attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday, as I have every inauguration since being elected to Congress. The peaceful transition of power is sacred, and a cornerstone of our democracy that I take seriously.

I strongly disagree with the incoming administration on many critical issues and how these decisions may impact New Mexicans, and I’ve never been afraid to speak up about them. But when it comes to advancing New Mexico’s priorities, I’ll work with anyone willing to deliver results for our state. And over these next four years, I’ll be a strong voice for New Mexico.

I’m proud of the legislation I’ve brought across the finish line like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and major landmark laws that benefit New Mexicans here at home.

I will continue to focus on taking on the challenges that directly impact New Mexicans, like connecting every household to fast, affordable and reliable internet, and implementing my impaired driving prevention law that will deploy advanced drunk driving prevention technology to save 10,000 lives a year.

As a new member of the Senate Finance Committee, I will bring the perspective of the son of a union ironworker and public school administrator, who was born and raised in New Mexico, to this powerful committee that impacts every aspect of American life.

I’ll fight for lower health care prices so that filling your prescriptions or having an unexpected trip to the hospital doesn’t break the bank, and strengthen and extend programs like Medicaid, Medicare, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, Social Security, and the Affordable Care Act so that every New Mexican can have a better future.

For New Mexicans impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, I will raise this issue with the incoming administration to make sure New Mexico’s recovery remains a priority. This is an issue I’ve championed, securing $5.45 billion for New Mexicans and consistently pushing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to expedite relief.

I will help drive more investments and opportunities to every corner of our state, from small businesses and national labs to tribes and pueblos. And for our veterans, I will fight for the care and benefits they’ve earned.

As I’ve traveled across all 33 counties in New Mexico, I’ve seen the great progress we’ve accomplished, the challenges that still exist, and I know there is still more work to get done.

I have a proven track record of working with Democrats and Republicans to get things done for our state. Disagreements will arise, but I remain focused on making progress for New Mexico. The future might have its challenges, but I know that New Mexico has prepared me for the fight.

I’m ready to get to work.

Sen. Ben Ray Luján is a Democrat in the U.S. Senate and former assistant speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. He is the only member of New Mexico’s five-person, all-Democrat congressional delegation expected to attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday.