NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – From tariffs to federal cuts, New Mexico’s congressional delegation is outraged by the changes they’re seeing under the Trump administration. “Nothing going on in Washington, D.C. right now and nothing with this president is normal,” said Sen. Martin Heinrich, (D) New Mexico.
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New Mexico’s Congressional delegation showed their opposition to the decisions President Donald Trump has made in his first 43 days in office.
Rep. Melanie Stansbury was seen holding a sign that read, “This is not normal”, as Trump entered the Capitol to address Congress in a joint session.
“I think that the reality is millions of Americans are afraid,” said Rep. Melanie Stansbury, (D) New Mexico.
One of Trump’s decisions pushing New Mexico’s leadership to speak out is recent federal funding cuts.
“He is tearing up the constitution, and we are calling that out because it is hurting our communities,” said Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, (D).
But New Mexico’s Republican Party Chairwoman Amy Barela argued, “What he is doing is bringing back money to the United States, which will help our economy.”
During the address, Trump also defended the controversial tariffs placed on Canada, Mexico, and China.
Rep. Gabe Vasquez worries how the tariffs will impact his district. “The quality of life for New Mexicans has not gotten better. Costs have not gone down and that’s a harsh reality. That this administration is going to have to face,” said Rep. Gabe Vasquez, (D) New Mexico.
But the Republican Party of New Mexico believes the tariffs are only fair as Canada is responding in kind.
“I really enjoyed his comment about equal tariff. If we’re tariffed a 25% charge, so were they. Why is that unfair?” said Barela.
One of New Mexico’s senators chose not to attend the address altogether.
“I’ve never missed a joint address with the president, but I thought it was really important to send the message that I’m not going to normalize the extreme things that this president is doing right now,” said Sen. Heinrich.
The Republican Party of New Mexico also expressed support for Trump’s push to bring back oil and gas production and his efforts to enhance border safety.